Tiger Newspaper February 2020 by Tiger Newspaper

Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913

VOLUME 106 ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

IN THE NEWS

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

Talent Show

Winter Arts Crawl

Boys Basketball

The annual SPHS Talent Show will take the auditorium stage next week on Feb. 13.

South Pasadena will host its Winter Arts Crawl for a night of art and music on Feb. 15.

Boys basketball will face off against Dunn for its first round of CIF on Feb. 14.

Gym construction underway

STORY SOFIA ALVA & ZOE SCHLAAK PHOTOS OSCAR WALSH

PUSD’s multi-million dollar athletics and gym site construction project is in the final stages of the demolition process. The district broke ground on the renovation in November 2019, which will focus on refurbishing the main gym and practice gym, construction of a new field house and visitor bleachers, and new basketball and tennis courts. The project will replace and modernize the main gym’s floors, locker rooms, bathrooms and bleachers. The gym’s color scheme and main components, like the Alma Mater sign and scoreboard, will remain the same. SPEF also plans to auction off historic parts of the main gym to South Pasadena residents, including the center court floorboard medallion that was installed when the gym first opened in September 1955. Outside of the gym, the project will replace the visitor grandstands as well as a new field house next to the gym. The grandstands will become permanent stands for visitors, unlike the previous leased ones. The field house will include a training room, a film room for team and sports medicine use, and storage space for athletic equipment.

Currently, the construction team is finishing up demolition of the tennis courts and gym and are moving on to surveying the land. The slab foundation of the basketball courts has also been completed and certified, while an outline of the location for the fieldhouse has been drawn outside of the main gym. The district contracted Balfour Beatty for the project. The team is led by project superintendent Mike Webber, who specializes in the renovation and construction for high school athletic facilities. Most recently, the team renovated Chino Hills High School’s baseball fields, Great Oaks High School’s pool building, and SPHS’ STEM building. “We had to dig down to the bottom of the hardest dirt (5-8 feet down) [for the tennis courts] and build up from there,” Webber said. The gym hasn’t been remodeled since the 1950s, so while demolishing the interior, the team encountered several obstacles. Asbestos, a commonly used insulation when the gym was built, was found in the ceiling of the gym. Due to the hazardous nature of the substance, special containers were needed to isolate it on the construction site. The team is about 90 percent completed with demolition and construction and it is estimated that the team will complete the project by the end of August 2020.

ENGLISH CLASSES

LAUREL CANYON

English curriculum at SPHS fails to provide a holistic, expansive approach to teaching that truly takes advantage of modern-day literature. Page 5

Tiger explores Laurel Canyon, one of the few remaining vestiges of late-60’s Californian artistry, immortalized by Jim Morrison and his contemporaries. Page 13

TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM

KOBE BRYANT

The world lost Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. Tiger reflects on Bryant’s impact on youth and fans across the nation. Page 14

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

NEWS

Rialto Theatre’s long-planned renovation set in motion

South Pasadena to participate in hometown exchange with Colorado STORY LILIAN ZHU PHOTO COURTESY OF CURTIS CRONN

South Pasadena announced its participation in its first ever two-week domestic exchange program with sister city Windsor, Colorado. Participants will host a student from Windsor for half the duration of the program, then travel to Colorado to live with their family for the second week. Two students will be selected to participate in the program and will be offered a scholarship that covers the entire trip. The exchange program mirrors international exchange programs, but instead of exploring cultural differences between races, the program aims to focus on the polarization of cultural and political barriers in the country. South Pasadena students will mountain hike and tour Windsor’s wind farm factories, while students from Windsor will attend field trips throughout Los Angeles and complete a service project with Holy Family Church. A close sister city to South Pasadena, Windsor was chosen for its similar background and political differences. Both cities share identical populations of 25,000, a small town atmosphere and a major focus on education and sports. However, there is a large ethnic and political disparity between the two sister cities, with Windsor’s population being primarily white and conservative. The exchange program was founded by South Pasadena resident Jonathan Eisenberg following the 2016 presidential election, where he noticed increasing tension between the respective parties. This motivated Eisenberg to start the program in hopes of helping youth see different political viewpoints in a new environment. “We are thrilled American Field Service (ASF) is working with us since we are just a small nonprofit in South Pasadena,” Eisenberg said. “We hope this expands from South Pas and in the future with more students from South Pas and Windsor. Two other communities will also pair up in the same way.” Junior Sydney Abundo is interested in the upcoming program and sees it as a valuable opportunity. “I know in South Pas most of us are liberal and we judge conservative people just because of their views,” Abundo said. “I think it’d be a really cool experience to see people our age and their views. I feel like everyone [assumes] conservatives have the same views as Trump.” Applications for the two-week program will be open until Mar. 31 on the ASF website.

THE HISTORIC RIALTO THEATRE will receive both an exterior and interior renovation, basing the new design on the theatre’s original floor plan when it opened in 1925. STORY LILIAN ZHU PHOTO JAYDEN EDEN

xterior renovation on the Rialto began on Wednesday, Jan. 15, with hopes of opening its doors to community members after being closed for 13 years. Multiple construction projects are underway to bring the theater back to its original design and atmosphere.

The exterior of the theater is being scraped, primed, and repainted to match the same yellow and beige color scheme as 1925.

Friends of the Rialto, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Rialto theatre, is coordinating with the owners and tenants to get the theater back into operation.

Beyond the physical renovations to the theater, Escott Norton, founder of Friends of the Rialto, hopes to bring the entire community together to encapsulate the nostalgic sentiment of South Pasadena’s historic theater.

The theater’s current tenant, the Mosaic church group, is renovating the interior while the owners are working on the exterior of the building.

Norton aims to bring back what the Rialto was originally used for: live theater, music, and movies.

“80-90 years ago, [teenagers] would go to the Rialto more than once a week and it was where everyone got together and socialized,” Norton said. “[The Rialto] had shows for younger kids and organized giveaway items like bicycles. Parents would drop their kids off and they would spend the entire afternoon there.” Presently, the Mosaic church group uses the theater to hold its weekly Sunday services. The Rialto has also been prominently featured in scenes in movies such as La La Land in recent years. The exterior paint job is estimated to be completed within one to two months, while the interior renovation’s projected end date is still uncertain.

Class of 2024 tours SPHS at Eighth Grade Night

Nearly 300 middle schoolers and parents toured the campus STORY CLOE MAURER PHOTO ELLA JAYASEKERA

SPHS opened its gates to eighthgraders and their parents for the annual Eighth Grade Night on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Students and teachers gave introductory tours and presentations about activities and elective opportunities at SPHS. Drumline kicked off the event in the auditorium and SPHSs principal Janet Anderson welcomed the rising freshman class of 2024 and their families. Anderson spoke about the multitude of creative outlets at SPHS for students to explore before dividing the students into 13 tour groups for each class stop. Each group went through a five-minute overview of the numerous programs on campus, such as drama, band, and the choir program. Current students gave presentations on school publications and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs to eighth-graders and their families.

WINDSOR, COLORADO’S antique shops and small town aesthetic mirror South Pasadena, yet the two lie on opposing ends of the political spectrum.

The inside of the theater is undergoing major structural improvements, such as constructing a handicap accessible bathroom in the lobby, in place of the current manager’s office. This floorplan replicates the Rialto’s original layout.

Students from Copa de Oro and Tiger presented in room 615, going over the publication process and encouraging eighth-graders to apply to its programs.

VIRTUAL BUSINESS introduced tour groups to the Virtual Business program and their personal experiences in the class. Members of the varsity Virtual Business team ARCH and the CEO of the junior varsity team Glo spoke about the program and sold mugs and pins in room 614. Students from the elementary ed class talked about their program, also in room 614. SkillsUSA members gave students and their families an introduction to the preprofessional program in room 613. Students displayed their work in the woodworking class in room 612.

“Eighth Grade Night was very successful. We had one of the largest turnouts we’ve ever had,” Speck said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy hearing from the teachers, but especially the students in the classrooms that were bragging about and promoting their programs, so I believe it was an overall success.” SPHS counselors will discuss scheduling during part two of Eighth Grade Night on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

NEWS

City General Plan adds new focus on sustainability The General Plan will now incorporate sustainability through its housing plan STORY AUDREY ERNST PHOTOS SARAH LEE

outh Pasadena city planners congregated in the City Council chambers, updating residents on changes made to the 2017 General Plan, on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 1. The General Plan has been revised to focus on sustainability in all aspects, including infrastructure, environmental issues, and transportation. Contemporary issues, including climate change and environmental sustainability, formed the crux of the General Plan’s revisions, as both were not included in the original plan when it was originally formulated. Woodie Tescher, a hired planner from PlaceWorks, noticed South Pasadena’s recent focus on conservation and sustainability and made the steps made to change the General Plan accordingly by planning new reinvestments in the Downtown area, Ostrich Farm, and areas along Huntington Drive. The General Plan will also incorporate its stance on sustainability into its housing plan, encouraging the reuse of existing commercial buildings for residential purposes. Although the plan previously supported implementing diverse residential structures, it will continue to focus on instituting affordable housing units throughout the city. Along with clarifying language in residential acts, South Pasadena is committing to emphasize the importance of walking and biking as an alternative to using cars in order to take steps to make the city more environmentally sustainable. Such strategies include designing networks of complete streets for

biking and walking to help lessen motor congestion rather than simply adding new lanes. Additionally, the plan will focus on various issues including a street clarification map which simplifies cycling, walking, and public transportation methods that are important to the city. Changes from the 2017 plan will include an emphasis on clarification, transportation, flexibility in changing budget or legislation, and revisions with statutory requirements. Tescher specified the past interpertations of the statutory requirements, noting the plan’s focus on using clearer language, but also describing its flexibility in being “living and breathing plans and not concrete plans.” Residents expressed their concerns with the city and possible future changes during both General Plan meetings. Some community members voiced their issues with the number of nail salons and massage parlors. Among other issues, citizens criticized plan’s inclusion of twostory buildings in the downtown area, wanting to keep South Pasadena’s small town feel.

CITY PLANNER WOODY TESCHER led the city general plan update meetings, noting the focus on sustainability in the plan.

The General Plan has not been amended since the 1990s, marking the meetings as the first times residents could give feedback on the plan in nearly 30 years. “There are far and few opportunities where one singular voice can change governmental decision making,” SPHS alumnus Brandon Yung said. Public comment on the General Plan will be open online on the South Pasadena government’s website until Feb. 12.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER MARGRET LIN responded to resident concerns during public comment.

TIGER

4 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

NEWS

The Truth Behind AP Classes South Pasadena’s competitive academic culture has made AP (Advanced Placement) courses seem like an essential for student success in high school and beyond. Tiger looks at colleges’ and SPHS’ perception on the value of AP courses. STORY KIMBERLY HSUEH, HAELEE KIM, CAROLINE KIMBEL, & NOAH KUHN

PAGE DESIGN TALULLA CHOW & MADDIE YOO

College Value of APs

GRAPHICS CHARLOTTE COHEN

Campus Perspectives

Most American high school students apply to a wide selection of colleges and universities, ranging from public to private and rural to metropolitan. At its inception in the 1950s, the Advanced Placement program was designed to offer high-achieving students the opportunity to earn college credit prematurely, thus allowing them to graduate from college faster in the future.

SPHS’ competitive academic environment has greatly impacted students’ motives to take AP courses, with many under the impression that they are necessary to be competitive for college admission or facing peer pressure to take AP classes. “I never really thought about not taking [AP courses]. I don’t really know why, maybe its the pressure,” senior Sam Clark said. “I chose almost all my APs [to be] with my friends, not based on succeeding.”

Things have changed nowadays. According to the College Board, about 40 percent of the class of 2018 took at least one AP class, compared to just 25 percent in 2008. This significant growth signifies that AP classes are not necessarily a metric of intellect, with them having become the natural endgame in the standard trajectory of academic courses.

This competitive environment has also caused many students to take multiple AP courses at once in order to stand out in the college admissions process. However, former AP Language teacher Jennifer Cutler has noticed students often go overboard with APs, creating an unhealthy amount of stress. “There’s too much pressure around APs. I don’t know if this is coming from family, or just my friends are taking all these APs so I need to… I don’t think it’s healthy,” Cutler said.

The number of students taking AP classes has increased significantly, but now universities and colleges may or may not accept AP courses as prerequisites or for credit. For example, universities in California schools offer students college credit if they score a four or five on their AP test. On the other hand, private schools and Ivy Leagues, such as Dartmouth, Columbia, and Harvard, disregard these courses for college credit.

Additionally, many students feel obligated to follow SPHS’ career pathways, with some taking AP math courses in the math pathway, even if they aren’t invested in STEM. “I realized it’s not healthy for me just to take an AP just because it’s the track I’m supposed to take,” junior Andrea Zarazua said. “I decided not to [take AP Calculus because] I realized [that] I don’t like math that much. It was the best decision of my life taking regular calculus because I am stress-free in math.” The SPHS faculty have emphasized that high schoolers should only take AP courses that they are passionate about. Moreover, they have highlighted that APs do not hold exceptional leverage in college admissions. During SPHS’s annual AP night, counselor Tracy Ishimaru asserted that students who take six APs have been admitted to colleges that applicants with 12 APs have not.

Some schools assert that AP courses are not as rigorous as college courses, so students might perform poorly when they skip from the prerequisite to the next level of the subject. Hence, the AP scores can be used for placement, but not as substitutes for courses.

“

IT’S NOT HEALTHY FOR ME JUST TO TAKE AN AP JUST BECAUSE IT’S THE TRACK I’M SUPPOSED TO TAKE

”

Despite this, Zarazua believes there is value in AP courses, providing learning advantages compared to non-AP courses.

According to a statement from Dartmouth spokesman Justin Anderson, “we want a Dartmouth education to take place at Dartmouth.” Many schools like Dartmouth want the students to take advantage of the courses available, while also paying more tuition. For those who desire to pursue higher education at prestigious schools, they must understand that not all AP courses are accepted and that they must pay the extra costs for the courses in college.

Student Body Survey Results According to a Tiger survey of 162 SPHS students, 81.5 percent of students have taken or would take AP classes to “look good on college applications.” This percentage is higher than the 59.4 percent who want AP classes on their transcript for college credit or for earlier college graduation. This reflects the recent trends of universities who may not accept AP scores, a development that has trickled down to the high school student body to place more importance on taking AP courses just for the sake of bolstering résumés and appearing qualified in the eyes of college admission officers. 91.3 percent of the poll takers selected 3, 4, or 5 (on a scale of 1, lowest, to 5, highest) when asked how much they believe that the teacher affects personal success in an AP class. Student perception of how teachers teach AP curriculum is shown to be one of the biggest factors in how students pick their classes. With many students placing high value on teachers, some students may choose whether or not to take an AP class solely because of who teaches it. RESULTS COMPRISED OF RESPONSES FROM 162 STUDENTS

“[In] honors and regular classes you learn the information, spit it out, and then don’t really remember it,” Zarazua said. “[But in AP] Bio… you actually have to reason about how each factor affects each other… I’ve never had to understand something so deeply and apply it.”

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

THE TIGER ESTABLISHED 1913

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2020 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2019 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2018 CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017 CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016

STA F F ED IT OR IA L

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESTON SHARKEY

OPINION

MANAGING EDITORS CAROLINE KIMBEL, Print DOMINIC MARZIALI, Online NEWS ADAM KWOH, Editor NOAH KUHN, Associate OPINION CAT FLORES, Editor NICOLAS LIU, Editor HAELEE KIM, Associate FEATURE LUYANG ZHANG, Editor CLOE MAURER, Associate SPORTS MATTHEW TSAI, Editor ELLIE CAMPBELL, Associate DESIGN TALULLA CHOW, Editor MADDIE YOO, Editor DAVID SOHN, Associate PHOTOGRAPHY OSCAR WALSH, Editor ELLA JAYASEKERA, Associate COPY CHRISTINE MAO, Editor PETER WANG, Editor SENIOR STAFF WRITER AANJI SIN STAFF WRITERS SOFIA ALVA, AMBER CHEN, AUDREY ERNST, KATHARINE FLORENCE, KIMBERLY HSUEH, ZOE SCHLAAK, LILIAN ZHU PHOTOGRAPHERS JAYDEN EDEN, KATELYN HERNANDEZ, SEAN JIN, SARAH LEE ILLUSTRATORS NICHOLAS FORMAN, ALICIA ZHANG GRAPHIC DESIGNER CHARLOTTE COHEN BUSINESS & ADS HYUN KIM, Business Manager JOSEPH LEE, Ads Manager WEBMASTER & VIDEOGRAPHER ALEX PARRA FACULTY ADVISOR MIKE HOGAN VOL. 106 NO. 5 DISTRIBUTED ON FEBRUARY 7, 2020. DISTRIBUTION: 1429 STUDENTS; 70 COMMUNITY. 1600 COPIES PRINTED. DISTRIBUTED BY TIGER STAFF FREE OF CHARGE.

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It is time to bury the “dead white men”

Without the incorporation of more contemporary literature, English courses at SPHS are becoming both outdated and disjointed

In 1999, Harper’s Bazaar magazine published the essay I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Sing by reporter and essayist Francine Prose, a critique of the quality of high school required reading. Prose argued that in high schools, a book’s status as a classic will often override the substance and relevance of the book. The essay has aged remarkably well, but the subject it is based on has remained largely unchanged. “Traditionally, the love of reading has been born and nurtured in high school English class. High school — more so than college — is where literary tastes and allegiances are formed: what we read in adolescence is imprinted on our brains as the dreary notions of childhood crystallize into hard data,” Prose wrote.

The operating word is “traditionally.” Tradition, with regards to high school English, currently acts as the absolute antithesis to Prose’s point. It is not often enough that students question reading material, and even less frequently that student voices are acknowledged by teachers and administration. Perhaps the most frequently complained-about required reading is Shakespeare. Students read Shakespeare in English classes for all four years, indulging in a wide variety from Romeo and Juliet to Macbeth to Othello. The dated Elizabethan language is impossible to understand, and the “decoded” left-hand side just reveals that many of the stories are actually quite boring. Not inspired to venture into the plot, students Sparknotes their way through all the reading quizzes, essay, and tests. Teachers are rarely able to give students a satisfactory explanation for why they’re assigned so much Shakespeare other than bolstering vocabulary and developing reading comprehension skills. Neither reason has substance if students don’t read the books, or more concerningly, aren’t interested in reading the books. Though, the biggest problem with the English reading list

lies in its long term effects on reading habits students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. When students are forced into reading difficult and uninteresting works, reading as a whole becomes unappealing. This goes against the heart of what English classes are trying to achieve; it is more than just grammar courses and the bare minimum of writing instruction. Teachers should strive to foster an interest in their subject. This is not to say that SPHS hasn’t made efforts to modernize and diversify its English curriculum with classes like Multicultural English and works like True Diary of A Part Time Indian, read in 10th grade English. However, classes cannot go into depth with these young adult works because they simply do not correspond with a high school student’s level of comprehension — they are too easy. The capacity for complex analysis required to digest classics has been sacrificed for the sake of providing more relevant and diverse subject matter. SPHS is essentially using nontraditional titles as a blanket to cover up this issue. However, it is entirely reasonable to demand both depth and diversity. Misguided attempts to adjust how high school English is taught are just as dangerous as not adjusting the current curriculum. Assigning frustratingly dense archaisisms or their polar opposite — insultingly easy-to-read young adult novels — accomplishes the exact same thing. It discourages interest in not only in-school reading, but extracurricular reading and books in general. It is supposed to set students up with the tools to grow into well read, well informed, critical adults. However, to do that students must be given a baseline standard for literature. The books we read in school shouldn’t be supplemental, the books we read on our own should be. SPHS’ reading lists should be altered to reflect this.

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

BRAVOS

BOO to the police for arresting our favorite rapper #freedayway.

BRAVO to the Year of the Rat for bringing us harmony, prosperity, and a plague.

BOO to seniors not being allowed to go to the Metro assembly. Watching cartoon people getting run over by trains is way better than two hours of Stats.

BRAVO to the Iowa Caucus for falling flat on their face. I can’t believe Pete Buttigieg is the next president.

BOO to people who hate Valentine’s Day solely because “it’s a capitalist scam.” Just say you’re sick of being single and get out.

BRAVO to little-shirt-big-pant girls. Hope y’all are doing well in this weather.

TIGER

6 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

OPINION

Sustainability demands conscious shopping The simplicity of online shopping blinds buyers to the environmental implications of their purchases STORY HAELEE KIM ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG

ertain American shopping habits have become increasingly commonplace as new, more desirable products flood the market every day. Specifically, many people have begun browsing online in the comfort of their own homes as opposed to shopping in person clicking one “buy” button to complete a purchase rather than physically showing up to shops and businesses. Shopping behind a screen is deceptive. In a store, payment is physically exchanged, so a consumer registers that they are making a purchase. Online, however, everything is automatic. There is a reduced sense of accountability whenever a purchase is made because money is wired electronically, out of sight and mind. This is only emphasized by the delay of actually receiving that item. These trends reflect a growing attitude of nonchalance when it comes to environmental degradation. The immediate transaction does not magically place the product in a buyer’s hands, compared to leaving a store with the item they bought. This is an incomplete process that, when delayed cognitively, makes one more susceptible to making impulsive purchases at the environment’s expense. Huge conglomerates like Amazon have built their empires with Prime shipping, so

it is difficult to reconcile the price of their projected successes and highly effective growth models. But even the seemingly inconsequential decision of choosing between same-day delivery or regular shipping has a profound effect on the environment. Warehouses that rush to deliver express orders rarely take into consideration that trucks are filled to the brim before setting out. Transportation has already become one of the top carbon dioxide emitters in the United States, and this development would guarantee that more trucks will be sent out to satisfy demand and emit additional carbon. Free return policies mean that problems involving sustainability do not end there. People often buy clothing in multiple sizes only to return the ones that do not fit, needlessly creating more waste by creating inconsistency between supply and demand. Companies must adopt more sustainable approaches in their business conduct and everyday policies, but consumers also have to acknowledge that something as trivialsounding as online shopping can have massive environmental blowback. Developed countries like the United States must be collectively judged for their daily habits and unsustainable practices because of their tremendous environmental impacts in comparison to the rest of the world.

Overprotection is counterproductive STORY AMBER CHEN ILLUSTRATION NICHOLAS FORMAN SPHS students grapple with difficult academic and social pressures on a daily basis. Parental pressures – specifically the control they establish – only exacerbate student stress. Students regularly complain about this behavior; parents and guardians are obsessive about their children’s grades, text messages, location, and phone use. It is not inherently wrong to take a child’s phone away if they have been procrastinating on their homework, or to see where they are when safety is concerned. But it is when these activities become incessant and invasive, they cross the line into detrimental overprotection. Parents can act in this manner when children are of early elementary age and in need of such regimented guidance. However, parents today are refusing to loosen their grip as kids grow older and are simply changing their tactics. This obsessive mentality, although rooted in good intentions, impairs trust, independence, and self-esteem. Parents can now micromanage even without their children’s knowledge until inevitable confrontation. Technology has been an enabler of this covert control; apps such as Life360 constantly monitor a person's every move. Now, unlike before, parents have access to their children’s social lives, which frequently play out online. It is still crucial to understand that parents aren’t perfect. Instances of micromanagement

are a part of the learning process. Micromanagement only becomes problematic when it is a recurring pattern. “We parents need to respect our kids and allow them to make mistakes and fail. I think parents are so busy these days, we all live very harried lives. We don’t take the time to connect with our children,” an anonymous parent said. “Micromanagement is a shortcut, it’s not looking at the long term bigger picture in the future, it’s trying to solve small problems as you go.” Micromanagement is essentially parenting out of fear. These parents have a very good idea of who they want their children to be and they are afraid that their children won’t achieve that standard. No matter how well-intended these fear-driven actions may be, they still have consequential outcomes. Constant obsession debilitates trust in the parent-child relationship, which ruins healthy dialogue and induces paranoia and excess stress. “There is a lot of pressure on me because we always talk about how bad I did on an assignment or test,” an anonymous student said. “It tests my mental toughness because there is this constant pressure for me. I have to always feed my mind with positive thoughts so I won’t break down and lose it all.” The only solution for this growing issue is for parents to make a conscious effort to stop micromanaging. An imbalance in the power dynamic between parent and child means that change can only happen if the higher power obliges. Only after doing this can a healthy child-parent relationship thrive.

OPPOSITE OVER HYPOTENUSE | AANJI SIN

"Drinking water" isn't proper self-care The concept of self-care has become a trending topic over the past decade. People are obsessed with the idea of “treating themselves” by indulging in things they usually would feel guilty about in order to improve their mental state. I’m extremely guilty of this: a Netflix break, ice cream in bed, skipping first period to finish a college app due that day. While some methods of self-care are genuinely helpful, it’s easy to abuse it to the point where “self-care” is just selfish indulgence. Social media often promotes a lifestyle of self-care. “Drink water” is possibly the most overused phrase

on Twitter, and my Instagram feed is loaded with content about loving yourself and living your best life. The self-care advertised here is very superficial; substantial self-care is far more complex than just expensive products, exercise, and staying positive. Many of these materialistic solutions also aren’t permanent. When I eat an entire pint of Chunky Monkey instead of studying for a quiz, it might be enjoyable in the moment, but the sleepiness or insane sugar rush that follows definitely contradicts the goal of self-care. Though not always the case, excessive participation in any guilty pleasure is just cleverly-disguised self-sabotage.

This behavior is especially dangerous when someone is coping with something much more serious than a bad day at school. A face mask cannot treat a panic attack, and a bubble bath does not make up for three consecutive meals missed. In the end, the only help for mental or physical strain is actual medical care — no amount of oil diffusers or breathing exercises can change that. Self-care is an important practice, but it’s not as simple as the internet says it is. Walking the line between proper self-care and self-sabotage is difficult, but it’s important for people to find their own version of what helps them and draw a line for their guilty pleasures.

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

OPINION

Reassessing the VPA requirement Forcing students to take VPAs creates widespread scheduling problems and reduces their creative value STORY NOAH KUHN ILLUSTRATION NICHOLAS FORMAN

rts are integral to humanity as an avenue for self-expression. Unfortunately, forcing art on those who are not enthusiastic about it strips many of its celebrated benefits. The UC system currently mandates that all applicants take one year of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). This manifests in the F section of the A-G requirements at SPHS, which includes dance, drama, music, interdisciplinary arts, and visual arts. Students are obligated to take a class specifically designed for those passionate about art, turning what should be a fun elective into a waste of time. UC admissions should broaden the VPA requirement because it currently burdens students’ schedules and is counterproductive towards its intended goal of enriching education. SPHS students are well versed in the UC’s A-G requirements, as they are indoctrinated by college admissions mania and the scheduling process. Among the South Pasadena youth, it is a common practice to take a VPA in freshman year. “I think that VPA is definitely more of a requirement than it is an opportunity for people,” sophomore Sadie Metcalfe said. “A lot of high schoolers look at it as, ‘I have to get it over with,’ rather than, ‘I want to do a VPA.’”

The inclusion of VPA classes is critical because it offers a less traditional outlet in school for artistic pursuits. However, the arts category does not cover as many electives as it should. Just as some students are invigorated by acting or painting, others are excited by speech and debate, journalism, or business. All electives should fulfill the VPA requirement so that high schoolers do not have to choose between interest and necessity. This decision has forced some students to use time outside of the traditional school day to get the UC requirement done. Many high schoolers take other core classes outside of the school year to make room for art in their schedule, but those summer courses are costly. Public high school students should not have to pay for any portion of their education. “Getting the VPA done required more work than I would have wanted to,” Metcalfe explained. “I had to take history over the summer, which obviously wasn’t as fulfilling as full-year history.” The UC guidelines should expand the art mandate for applicants in order to relieve their scheduling stress and ensure that everyone can take classes that spark their interest. This would create an environment where everyone is motivated to learn and teachers can instruct students who genuinely want to be in their classes. VPAs play a critical role in many students’ lives, but they should not be restricted to a narrow definition that is forced upon everyone.

Tardiness is not a personality trait STORY KATHARINE FLORENCE ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG Today's social behavior is centered around impressions. When people are late, they give the impression that they are disrespectful and unreliable. Arguably, it is one of the worst qualities a person can have, as it impacts the lives of others. While it may seem like a quirky characteristic to some, it is a blatantly rude shortcoming that must be corrected. The issue begins when lateness becomes a habit. Being intentionally late communicates to others that their time is not valued. It truly is – whether the person is aware of it or not – an action fueled by selfishness, essentially saying, “you and your time aren't as important as I am.” At the least, it is inconvenient scheduling-wise, though the act itself is consistently insulting. It becomes especially rude when perpetrators lazily attribute their lateness to their personality. Rather than understanding the source of resentment, they become incredibly defensive. Objectively, being late is not quirky – it’s disrespectful. Society has perpetuated this behavior, coming to tolerate and even accept it. There are also people who act like they cannot help it. They claim that no matter how hard they try, they are always late, when in reality, it is the product of their own choices. People make the choice to keep working, to stop

for coffee along the way, or to not account for traffic or parking when it comes time to leave. These choices are all controllable. Those who are always late need to stop pretending as if it is an unhackable issue, when every other considerate human being has it figured. It is worth mentioning that there are always incidents where “something happens”: the freeway has a few closed lanes, the dog ran out the front door, a pipe burst, etc. These uncontrollable factors are the occasions when running late is understandable. This is not meant to point out the occasional tardy, but more so the people who are routinely late or never on time. Being late becomes rude when it happens so often that people begin to expect it. Timeliness shows the most basic level of respect. Parents should be modeling this behavior for their kids because it sets them up for success both professionally and socially. In addition to respecting others, learning the importance of punctuality is an essential skill, whether it means getting to work on time or arriving at the airport to catch a flight. Not only is being late discourteous, but it also sends a message: that the person is irresponsible or untrustworthy. Despite its intuitiveness, people need to not only be aware of how their actions can affect themselves but other people as well. It is as simple as being self-aware and considerate.

Stop romanticizing stalkers STORY AUDREY ERNST ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG Romantic movies are idolized because of their happy endings and grand, romantic gestures. However, these grand gestures are often inappropriate, romanticized versions of stalking. These kinds of movies mask dangerously invasive behavior with charming characters and dialogue. One such movie is Say Anything, which features a scene where a boy waits outside a girl’s home with a boombox and won’t leave until she comes out to greet him. In Love Actually, a male character waits outside his love interest's door and professes his love after secretly filming her. In both cases, the relationship was one-sided and neither woman had consented to a relationship with the male aggressor.

YOU is the latest TV series to glorify stalking, but it takes this dangerous behavior much further. The “hero” is Joe Goldberg, a bookstore employee who grows obsessed with writer Guinevere Beck. Joe’s violation begins when he steals Beck’s phone, logs onto her iCloud, and impersonates her on social media. The stalking then escalates when he watches her through her apartment window, and kills her boyfriend and best friend. Despite these despicable

actions, his character is portrayed in sympathetic light. His crimes are seemingly justified solely based on his overwhelming passion, as if murder can be excused by infatuation or “true love.”

YOU takes the romantic, attractive side of stalkers like John Cusak in Say Anything, and blends them with the terrifying stalkers like the ones seen in horror movies. This disturbing combination makes for the worst kind of stalker: one who kills, yet is beloved by fans because of the mask of romantic gestures conveying their humanity. Normalizing harassment and stalking on television can lead to those behaviors in relationships. In reality, if a man modeled stalking behavior seen in a romantic comedy, he would be arrested. But only if the woman called the police – which she might not do considering that she has received the same message from television that this behavior is both normal and unavoidable. Portraying the actions of a stalker as reasonable expressions of love is endangering and problematic. The entertainment industry has an obligation to be more thoughtful in its portrayal of inappropriate and threatening behaviour in movies and television.

TIGER FEBRUARY 11,2020

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

WINTER FORMAL

IN BETWEEN SONGS, students snacked on various types of candy displayed in jars along the dance floor.

SOFIA JOY AND PORTER CALVA danced between the museum exhibits during a slow song with joy in their eyes.

SENIOR BOYS dance in the midst of a large crowd of excited teenagers dressed in formal attire. In the center of the dance circle is Commissioner Evan Kowal and varsity basketball player Rodney Ortega.

WINTER FORMAL DAWN OF THE DECADE 2020 STORY SOFIA ALVA, AMBER CHEN, CAROLINE KIMBEL, & AANJI SIN PAGE DESIGN TALULLA CHOW & MADDIE YOO

PHOTOS JAYDEN EDEN & OSCAR WALSH

his year’s Winter Formal dance transported students back in time 65 million years to dance with dinosaurs on Saturday, Feb. 1. Hosted at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, the venue appropriately reflected the dance’s theme: “Dawn of the Decade”. Students marveled at the skeletons of the dueling dinosaurs and danced among the mammals of North America in the diorama halls. The dance offered drinks and pastries as refreshments, and students took home memories of the night in pictures from the photo booth. The night was a financial success for the ASB Commission, with a reported 425 people that attended the dance, exceeding their projected total of 400. “I was really proud of ASB and all the work that went into this event,” said California Association of Student Councils (CASC) representative senior Britney Wu. “The reception of the dance was really positive and it was one of the best dances we’ve had in the past couple years.” This month, Tiger highlights some of the night’s unforgettable moments. AN ARRAY OF DESSERTS were spread out across the lobby for students to enjoy.

AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE WINTER FORMAL at the Natural History Museum stood 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops dinosaur fossils.

FRESHMAN HENRY FOGEL did not let his crutches hold him back as he danced the night away with his friends in a cowboy hat.

TIGER

10 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

FEATURE

Green beans for dinner CAROLINE KIMBEL

Powerpuff is outdated I have never been good at sports. Regardless of my countless efforts growing up to join soccer, lacrosse, and basketball, competitive sports were never my forte. Subsequently, I have never felt the need to participate in our school’s Powerpuff program. Don’t get me wrong — the program seems fun — but aside from my lack of athleticism, something about the idea of Powerpuff has always rubbed me the wrong way. Upon more reflection, I’ve come to realize that Powerpuff perpetuates sexist, outdated ideas. Quite frankly, I’m shocked that the game is still emblazoned on this campus.

ROTATING MONTHLY THEMES like “Vegandulgence” introduce customers to unusual flavors like Toasted Oat Milk & Cookies and Lemon Cheesecake Crumble.

Salt & Straw loses authenticity through overcomplication The Old Town Pasadena location is recently opened in November 2019 STORY AUDREY ERNST PHOTO KATELYN HERNANDEZ

ardamom Black Pepper & Port Truffle probably isn’t the first flavor that comes to mind when thinking about ice cream, but at Salt & Straw, it’s an option in its wide variety of eccentric flavors. The Portland-based ice cream shop opened in Old Town Pasadena last November, bringing with it unusual — and, admittedly, bizarre — flavors such as Dandelion Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies & Cream, Honey Lavender, and Chocolate Rose. However, Salt & Straw is excessive in its attempts to set itself apart from other ice cream shops and falls into the trap of developing wildly unorthodox flavors. The store brings unnecessary elements into their ice cream, depriving their tastier, tried-and-true takes on classic ice cream flavors of the public attention they deserve. The Pasadena store incorporates aged elements in a contemporary design, mixing all of the warmth and nostalgia of an old-timey ice cream parlor with a sleek, trendy feel that stays in touch with a modern theme. The walls of the ice cream shop are made of aged wood, bearing branded novelty items and snacks for the road available for purchase, as well as spotlights on a set of flavors that rotates monthly. The January theme was “Vegandulgence,” so the store’s ice cream highlights were entirely vegan, featuring flavors such as Toasted Oat Milk & Cookies and Lemon Cheesecake Crumble. The Black Olive Brittle and Goat Cheese is a long-time staple flavor offered at Salt & Straw. A scoop of this flavor has the cold, creamy texture of a delicious traditional ice cream, but is accented with rich goat cheese, striking an unfamiliar, but

not entirely unwelcome, combination of sweet and savory. However, the pleasant taste of the ice cream was made inedible by the addition of olive butter brittle: the olive flavor completely overpowered the subtle goat cheese and turned an otherwise interesting ice cream into a bitter mess. In fact, the brittle was so strong that it seemed like more of an afterthought, added simply for the sake of having another unusual flavor to market. Along with atypical flavors, Salt & Straw also offers more conventional flavors. These are the flavors that the artisan ice cream shop has elevated into something unique and delicious, while managing to remain in true to simple and clean flavor profiles. Traditional ice cream flavors — vanilla, chocolate, and mint — were converted into delicious interpretations like the Double Fold Vanilla and Chocolate Gooey Brownie, which tastefully added new ingredients — marshmallow bits and pieces of brownie — transforming the well-loved (if slightly boring) flavors into the highlights of the menu. Salt & Straw is commendable for their bold experimentation and willingness to develop unusual and exciting flavors. Although some of these experiments were unsuccessful, there’s no doubt that Salt & Straw can cater well both to people looking for a little bit of adventure with their dessert and those who simply want an elegant play on a personal favorite classic — that is, if these customers pay a higher price and take a small risk in each flavor they pick. Address: 39 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 Hours: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Monday-Sunday Price: $$

Last year, SPHS changed the name from “Powderpuff” to “Powerpuff.” “Powderpuff” refers to a delicate pad used to apply face powder, which gave the program a fragile connotation — that girls are not tough enough to play real football. While the name change was a progressive upgrade, it doesn’t mean that the game has suddenly lost its patriarchal undertone. The cheerleaders at the flag football game are called “manleaders,” insinuating how a boy would never be considered feminine enough to actually join pep. This form of crossdressing also has an extreme transphobic connotation. The strict separation between the two programs also reinforces the gender binary, leaving no clear space for genderqueer or transitioning students. The biggest problem I have with Powerpuff is the culture it creates around female athleticism. The fall football team is supposed to be co-ed, yet there exists an entire program for girls to play an easier version of the sport. This emphasizes the idea that no girl would ever be physically capable enough to play “real” football. Also, more people attend the Powerpuff game than any other girls sports game aside from CIF. Basically, the student body finds it more entertaining for girls to play an easier version of football rather than watching them play full-season sports that they spend a lot more time practicing. This articulates how, even now in 2020, female athletes are not taken as seriously as their male counterparts. I’m going to attend the Powerpuff game to support my many friends and peers who will play in it, but that doesn’t mean I support it. I think a much better use of Powerpuff funding would be to provide intramural club teams for people who don’t have the time or skill to play on one of the school’s sports teams. My overtly athletic sister didn’t play on a league team in college because of lack of time, but intramural sports allowed her to continue practicing the games she always loved. Powerpuff may be fun for those who participate, but at the end of the day, it reinforces patriarchal values that this school should’ve abandoned long ago. It’s time to cast this out-of-date tradition aside.

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

FEATURE

PERSONALITY PROFILES MR. G: UNRAVELING THE ENIGMA UNDER THE COWBOY HAT STORY KIMBERLY HSUEH PHOTO SEAN JIN

any people view Mr. G — Megerdich Baghram Gregor — as just a staff member on campus, unaware of the captivating stories hidden under his cowboy hat and sunglasses. Students, intimidated by his poker face and aloofness, often walk past Gregor. Little do they know about his adventures, the roads he has taken, and the intricacy of his past. In the early 70s, Gregor moved from Iran to Germany to seek higher education. During these years, he took time to travel from France to Spain, Italy, Slovakia, and Austria. With a sense of exhilaration racing through his blood, he became culturally immersed and connected with the world around him. “Learning the language, people, culture, food, scenery, and roads allows you to be more culturally aware and gain an understanding of people,” Gregor said. “This journey has allowed me to understand that this is their living style, learning about and respecting them.” Now, taking on the role as campus supervisor at SPHS, Gregor recalls his journeys, sharing his experiences of exploration, open-mindedness, and conscientiousness. America is Gergor’s third home country, and he is familiar with seven different languages, along with the cultures of his previous homes. This exposure has made it easy to embrace people from different backgrounds and accept them regardless of appearance. Gergor’s retained memories of these cultures have become pieces of a puzzle that contribute to his perspective of diversity. Along with sharing cultural awareness with his adventurous tales, Gregor shares stories and

lessons from his past, usually originating from the daring experiences from his childhood in Iran. To students acquainted with him, he often relates his time in high school to their experiences, reminding them that their actions have large consequences and can play a very large role in their lives. “As I was 17 and in school, we were doing what guys usually do behind the school. My friends would sneak to the back of the school and smoke cigarettes. So one day, I tried it and I had a bad experience, vomiting. From that day, I said no thank you to cigarettes and hoped to tell students about the consequences.” His other stories focus on his struggles in college and the message that Europe was not just a place of adventure, but also a place to pursue his goal of higher education. Gregor realized that education was an important stepping stone in life; finding his true passion in administrative science enabled him to develop life long skills including persistence. As students approach him about his past, he makes sure to tell them about his experience with education as well as its benefits. “In your life, you have to stay on the road, even if the road is winding up or down. That means don’t lose your target, if there are a lot of obstacles. In this school, put in time and effort to finish it. Education is the jumping board to other things in life, it opens the door to pursuing higher education or getting a job.” Although he was unable to work in the field of his choice, he still has no regrets in becoming a campus supervisor. With his adventures around the world, Gregor is able to piece together adventure, culture, and education and share them with students, relieving them of both their curiosity of Gregor and of the world beyond South Pasadena.

NEVER WITHOUT WITH AN ANECDOTE or a piece of advice, Mr. G has found his passion in working with students after years of traveling abroad.

MARK AFRAM: TEACHING WITH AN OPEN MIND STORY KATHARINE FLORENCE PHOTO ELLA JAYASEKERA

ark Afram and his students covertly snuck into former SPHS teacher Mr. Stahl’s classroom to pull off a prank. In reference to Afram’s Egyptian heritage, the group stacked the desks into a pyramid. Of course, Stahl’s students retaliated, and over a weekend session, turned all of Afram’s furniture upside down, after which both teachers called a truce. This anecdote, as silly as it is, reveals a lot about Afram’s personality and teaching style. His friendliness, good nature, and genuine concern for his students is the primary reason he is such a beloved and admired teacher, earning the nickname “Brother Afram” among his students. It’s common to hear students express that Afram inspires them to do their best because his principles have helped him create a desirable environment both academically and personally, by virtue of his engaging style. Afram holds his students to higher expectations in regards to behavior or inclass discussions, which gives students an opportunity to learn and express themselves in a tolerant and open-minded setting. As a result, students feel heard and respected in the classroom. Afram has been known to call his students “brother” or “sister,” establishing a sense of camaraderie.

CONSTANTLY SEEKING CONNECTION with his students, Afram is known across campus for referring to his students as “brothers” and “sisters.”

Afram studied English at UC: Berkeley, and despite his unique ability to connect with his students, he didn’t always want to be a teacher. After graduation, Afram stumbled upon a love for teaching by way of substitute teaching — a temporary side job he had taken on to support himself.

“It’s typically not a great job because the students don’t respect you or there are behavior issues, but I loved it. I had so much fun substitute teaching and I thought, ‘this is a really good sign if I enjoy this job.’” So far, SPHS has proven to be the perfect complement to his disposition. Amiable and welcoming, Afram comes across as somewhat extroverted, but not in the loud, abrasive or boisterous sense. Rather, he’s confident, accessible, and interested in forming real connections. He’s known for his willingness to open up to his students and doesn’t shy away from discussing politics. By treating students as adults with his expectations of mature behavior in class, Afram’s students are able to reach an unmatched depth of authenticity during discussions about social and political issues. “I don’t do students any service by hiding my views or not allowing them to share theirs,” Afram said. “It’s no secret that I’m a bleeding heart liberal but I hope that my conservative students can share their ideas, not feel threatened, and know it’s a respectful space.” However, he wasn’t always been that open, formerly opting to keep his views under wraps in fear of unduly influencing students. “I don’t believe that’s true now. I believe students can make their own decisions and I give them the freedom to make decisions.” A generation of students has been defined by Afram’s one-of-a-kind personality that stresses open-mindedness. While it wasn’t necessarily his intention to find himself in a teaching job, his revelation has led to the addition of a unique and inspiring style of teaching at SPHS.

TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

FEATURE

REFLECTING ON THE 2020 OSCARS STORY SOFIA ALVA, AMBER CHEN, DOMINIC MARZIALI, & MATTHEW TSAI

PAGE & GRAPHICS DAVID SOHN

Although the Academy surprisingly and rightfully awarded Parasite its Best Picture honor, the Oscars still missed the mark in multiple major categories, with actors receiving statuettes for their legacy rather than performance. Tiger analyzes the results and compares the 2020 Oscar winners with its predictions.

BEST

PICTURE PARASITE

For the first time in three blue moons, the Academy truly selected the best picture of the year. Parasite, resonates on numerous levels. Writer-director Bong Joon-ho blends comedy, thriller, and horror to craft a gripping narrative about Korea’s social immobility. The technical aspects are

BEST

ACTOR JOAQUIN PHOENIX Joker is the emotional journey of a troubled man wrestling with his inner demons and the injustices of life in Gotham City. Joaquin Phoenix, who won the award, was by far the best leading actor this year. Unlike previous iterations of the character, Phoenix’s performance allowed audiences to both sympathize and despise him for his cruel and manic actions throughout the film. From his cackling laugh to haunting mannerisms and grotesque expressions, Phoenix’s portrayal of the iconic villain completely outshined the other actors in this category and was fully deserving of the award.

BEST SUPPORTING

solid: the production crew built the Kim’s mansion solely for the film, while the editing is essential to comedic beats. The Oscars has finally recognized a foreign film as its Best Picture and Parasite’s win hopefully marks the beginning of a new era of diversity in the Academy Awards.

BEST

ACTRESS

RENÉE ZELLWEGER After sweeping most major award shows, Renée Zellweger predictably claimed the Best Actress statuette for her biopic role in Judy. Coming out of a six-year acting hiatus, Zellweger plays an emotionally raw Judy Garland and elicits a heart-gripping reaction from the audience. Her performance authentically encapsulates Garland’s charm and doesn’t come off as an impersonation that often exists in the biography genre. On top of that, Renée Zellweger’s singing perfectly mimicked an iconic performer, making for a performance that is in every aspect worthy of the Oscar win.

BEST SUPPORTING

ACTOR

ACTRESS

BRAD PITT

LAURA DERN

Brad Pitt’s victory represents the Academy’s notorious stagnation, symbolic of the last vestiges of a vocal, establishment minority clinging to ideals from decades gone by. Though the Academy took notable and meaningful progressive steps, Pitt’s win comes from an Academy that lacks imagination and appreciation for a broader emotional spectrum than its own. Pitt, an actor only capable of playing himself (the white American macho male of an era bygone), somehow beats out Tom Hanks (a man capable of portraying more than two emotions) and a slew of actors playing far more complex and deep roles than his own. Hanks’ uncannily accurate reenactment of Fred Rogers deserved the Oscar more than any other performance in that pool.

Laura Dern (Marriage Story) won Best Supporting Actress, however, Florence’s performance as Amy March in Greta Gerwigs’s adaptation of Little Women was more noteworthy. Pugh’s extensive range and ability to communicate complicated yet universal emotions such as jealousy, inadequacy, and desire further enhances the depth of her character. Her actions are given purpose and her character grows, helping here become the intelligent, stubborn, humanly flawed sister that was originally only epitomized in Jo March. Pugh’s portrayal of March is the common thread that ties Little Women’s multiple storylines and subplots together. Without Pugh as the glue to keep the film’s plot together, Little Women would have fallen apart.

BEST

CINEMATOGRAPHY

DIRECTOR

1917

The Academy made the correct, no-brainer selection: 1917 was easily the best shot film of 2019. Sam Mendes’ World War I epic, which follows two British soldiers who race across enemy territory to save 1,600 comrades, is edited to appear as one continuous take. The effortlessly smooth shots provide the scenic medium necessary to showcase the grim effects of war. The cinematography is critical to 1917’s perspective on war’s horrors and the movie’s definitive condemnation of war — an idea not regularly portrayed in modern cinema. With Birdman winning for the same technique in 2015, cinematographer Roger Deakins fully deserved his second Oscar in fifteen nominations.

BONG JOON-HO

The Best Director nominations were a disappointment even before Sunday. With multiple snubbed female directors, including Lulu Wang (The Farewell) and Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) ended up claiming the award in an all-male nominee pool. Among the nominees, Joon-ho was well deserving of the award, but Todd Phillips’ direction was a stronger contender. His cinematic vision for Joker turned the story into a deep and complex character study rather than a typical comic-book theme park. Phillips’ calculated mental picture for the film took an everyday, ho-hum supervillain movie and elevated it to a consequential and strong social commentary.

TIGER 13 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

FEATURE

TAAGLAA: Exploring Laurel Canyon TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA STORY CLOE MAURER PHOTOS SEAN JIN

cho in the Canyon is a lauded 2019 documentary from director Andrew Slater and Jacob Dylan (son of folk legend Bob Dylan). Last summer, I went to a screening followed by a question and answer session with Slater and Dylan, which attracted longtime residents of Laurel Canyon. One woman recalled growing up in the canyon and running up and down the steep hilly streets with her sister. Their classmate’s parents were musicians and she vouched for the interviewees; the doors were in fact always open. Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was released a few months later. While it wasn’t a documentary, it touched on the same meditation Echo in the Canyon did. Perhaps Eve’s Hollywood, Joan Didion’s star studded dinner parties, and Laurel Canyon’s open doors are no longer evidence of a living, breathing history, but artifacts documenting an era expired. The best way to explore this, as someone born decades after the rockstars, folkies, and ladies of the Canyon left, was to go back and see for myself what Laurel Canyon looks like now. Our — myself and Sean Jin’s — first stop was the Canyon Country Store. A colorful banner strung across the terracotta orange storefront read “Love. We are Laurel Canyon’’ in groovy hand painted font. We had seen this same design on yard signs and smaller banners planted in front of houses and tacked onto fences on our way in. Turquoise awnings shaded hand-painted picnic tables, and the chalkboard menu on a cash only coffee cart offered Hawat lattes.

street, immortalized in The Doors’ song of the same name. Rothdell Trail branches off the side of the street. Halfway up the trail, we could see a sliver of the city below us. We crossed a busy intersection into another hilly neighborhood in search of a clearer view. The streets were a hike but there was shade and the houses were quaint. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the bohemian community of six decades ago, but new development, nice cars, and a quick Google search revealing a median house price of $1.25 million made it clear that this is no longer a stopping place for troubadours and musical free spirits, hippies and nomads. As the Canyon old timers leave, millenials move in and paint the houses black and white. During our visit, it was apparent that Laurel Canyon is changing. Now, only loud hippie banners and peace sign decorations continue to preserve its history. Without them, the Canyon wouldn’t look much different than any other neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. I doubt that Laurel Canyon will return to the days of Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, or the Mamas and the Papas, but it’s still a beautiful place to reflect.

LAUREL CANYON’S LEGACY was cemented in the 60s as the home of several top bands and musicians.

The whole store was a glaringly obvious nod to a hippie past, but if one were to strip away the historical frills and old photographs of Jim Morrison and Laurel Canyon paraphernalia hung on the walls, the Country Store would just be another bodega style grocery. Sean asked the cashier what there was to do around here and she said she wasn’t sure. Luckily, as soon as we crossed the street, we stumbled across another historical landmark: Love Street, Morrison’s old

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TIGER

14 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

SPORTS

IN REMEMBRANCE OF KOBE STORY MATTHEW TSAI

CONTRIBUTION PRESTON SHARKEY

I didn’t believe the news. I was about to eat lunch with some family friends when my phone buzzed: “Breaking: Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash.” In the following seconds, my phone flooded with texts, messages, and notifications. “Is this real?” “I don’t trust TMZ.” “I don’t see anything on Twitter or the news.” But it was real. Everyone was shocked. Everyone thought it was a joke. I sat down for about six minutes, food untouched, before I stumbled to the bathroom and burst into tears. I spent the next two hours sobbing on the toilet. Growing up in L.A., Kobe was king. Everyone grew up idolizing the Mamba and rooting for the Lakers. Despite my parents’ protests, I’d stick my tongue out and chew on my shirts. I’d walk around with paper taped around my arms, pretending it was an arm sleeve or an elbow band. I never wanted braces to correct my underbite because I believed it made me resemble Kobe. As a basketball player, Kobe Bean Bryant was to me and other 2000’s babies what Michael Jordan (M.J.) was to kids growing up in the 90’s. From his trademark fadeaway to his jersey biting habit, everyone grew up imitating his signature movements in our backyards. I didn’t want to be the next M.J. I wanted to be the next Kobe. Kobe was a complete scorer and a dogged defender on the court. His explosive athleticism brought highlight poster jams and his perfectly-honed skills wowed the crowds with impossibe contested midrange jumpers. The fourth leading scorer of all time, five-time NBA champ, 15-time All-NBA player, and 18-time All-Star, Kobe Bryant was a Hall of Famer years before he even retired. Still, Kobe was no stranger to backlash. Basketball analysts criticized Kobe’s high volume scoring and ball hog play style. His no nonsense, “I’m going to rip your heart out” mentality, wasn’t well received from fans who wanted a superstar with

ILLUSTRATION NICHOLAS FORMAN

PAGE MATTHEW TSAI

Jordan’s charisma and smile. Most of all, his illustrious career was and will continue to be tainted by his 2003 sexual assault case, complicating Kobe’s legacy and creating an ugly split between his image as a player and a person. Nevertheless, Los Angeles always had Kobe’s back. This city watched him grow up from a scrawny 17-year-old to one of the greatest athletes of all time; he was L.A.’s biggest and most adored star. While journalists and commentators would point to statistics or analytics and claim that LeBron James or M.J. are better players, Laker fans never failed to immediately jump to Bryant’s defense. What makes Bryant’s death so difficult to comprehend is that even after his retirement, he was still so alive and present in the eyes of basketball fans until his final hours. His newest endeavor into filmmaking kept him in the spotlight of national media, while his Mamba Sports Academy and involvement with youth girls’ basketball pushed him and his daughter Gigi onto the social media feeds of basketball fans everywhere. The global mourning in the days following Kobe’s death showed the far reaching impact he made on people around the world. Tributes popped up everywhere, from memorials in Asia, to players warming up in the number 24 or 8 before NBA games, and even moments of silence before European soccer matches. Everyone from celebrities on afternoon talk shows to Angelinos outside of the Staples Center shared their own stories about the Black Mamba and expressed their sadness. Kobe’s impact on people around the world went beyond just his amazing play on the hardwood. He was a global icon, and inspired millions of athletes and normal people alike with his tireless work ethic and “Mamba Mentality”.

On the court, L.A. has found its successor with LeBron. James may be the better player, Bryant will always have a “Championships come and go. But if you really want to but special place in the world’s heart. Whenever anyone crumples create something that lasts generations, you have to a ball of paper, aims for the help inspire the next generation.” furthest trash can, and flick their wrists, there’s only one -Kobe Bryant name they will scream: Kobe!

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TIGER FEBRUARY 11, 2020

SPORTS

The decline of multisport athletes STORY NOAH KUHN ILLUSTRATION ALICIA ZHANG

ports have always played a major role at South Pasadena High School. They are a source of school pride, exercise, and community connection. However, despite a plethora of programs in three different seasons, more and more students find themselves limited to playing a single sport throughout high school. This rapid decline of multisport athletes is vastly altering the dynamic of high school sports.

Sophomore Sadie Metcalfe, a member of the SPHS swim team, began to notice something off about her period in March. Despite having a developed regular period since she was 14, there was no sign of menstruation for several months. “Nobody really ever talks about how normal it is to lose your period because of a sport, so when I did, it was really scary,” Metcalfe said. “I had no clue what was happening to my body.” Metcalfe was experiencing a health phenomenon known as amenorrhea — the absence of menstruation. It is a common health problem in females that deprives the body of estrogen, weakening bones and allowing them to become more susceptible to injuries.

Furthermore, preseason practices often begin months before the season games are even underway. Student athletes who participate in consecutive seasons struggle to attend preseason training, preventing them from being successful or even making the team.

Concurrently, students’ academic lives have increased as the pressure of college admissions looms over high school campuses. Many teenagers believe that universities value applicants who stick with one activity for all four years, incentivizing them to dedicate all their time to one sport. This pressure only increases when the possibility of a scholarship hangs within reach. To achieve that opportunity, athletes must completely focus on that one sport or otherwise risk an injury that might put their scholarship in jeopardy. “When you’re a multisport athlete, you can’t really focus on one thing,” senior triple jumper and Columbia commit Tianhao Wei said. “Sooner or later there’s going to be a conflict, whether that is in an injury or losing some skills you’ve developed because you were playing another sport. I couldn’t truly spend my time appreciating [track] without sacrificing [soccer].” Club sports also play a major role in the dynamic of high school athletics. Students who join private teams at a young age invest years of time and money into that sport, escalating their possibility of specialization in high school. While most kids begin playing in the AYSO or YMCA, many soon move to private athletics programs to rise to the next competitive level.

SPHS must address its amenorrhea problem STORY LILIAN ZHU

Each sport dictates high schoolers’ lives for that particular season. Students’ schedules are overloaded with practices five days a week, in addition to weekend tournaments and non-league matches.

“[Missing preseason] impacted the way I was seen by my coaches in terms of my commitment,” senior basketball player Megan Yee said. “I didn’t get to start any preseason games and wasn’t able to accurately demonstrate my skill to the coaches.”

By the time high school rolls around, these athletes have been playing together for multiple years and easily make up the majority of the varsity team. This increases competition between schools whose athletes might participate in the same club circuits; competitors’ training intensifies, making it even harder for them to partake in more than one sport. Additionally, athletes who have played together in club sports form strong bonds that equate to team success, compelling them to stick with the same sport. That dynamic often leads to the formation of cliques, which makes it hard to find a niche in the team and improve one’s skills. Less experienced students are thus discouraged from trying new sports, and those currently participating in a certain program struggle to improve because they are solely playing at school. “Playing club soccer has been something I absolutely love to do,” senior soccer player Jessica Lat said. “But it has come along with some sacrifices: only being able to participate in cross country over the summer [and] not doing track because of soccer practices happening at the same time.” While it has created a more competitive athletics program, specialization also dissuades athletes from experimenting with different sports. High school is a time for students to explore their passions and find their identity, and the decline of multi-sport athletes is inhibiting that.

Many female athletes in high cardio sports such as cross country and soccer are at an increased risk of developing amenorrhea. Despite the dangers it creates, most athletes have accepted amenorrhea as a normal circumstance. “My sister and I both had [amenorrhea] and we would just kid that I was 10 months pregnant,” alumna Elizabeth Bock said. This develops a culture of insensitivity that discourages girls from visiting doctors and seeking proper treatment. As a result, they decide to ignore the problem and amenorrhea remains hidden in the shadows, unbeknownst to some coaches and many fellow student-athletes. On top of that, there is a stigma against girls who let their period affect their athletic performance. Most high school boys are uneducated about periods, creating a lack of empathy for the physical adversities female athletes face. “Boys take their biological advantages for granted a lot of the time and don’t realize how hard it is to be a [female] athlete,” junior cross country and track runner Lindsay Michels said. “Girls have to push through hormonal issues, periods, and weaker bones with little to no recognition.” If health concerns such as concussions are followed up by mandatory meetings, amenorrhea should be as well. Schools need to address amenorrhea as a serious health concern and take similar measures to inform athletes and the student body.

Liam and Grace Markus: the sibling water polo duo “Liam plays with great poise,” water polo coach Michael Gonzales said. “He’s never too amped up, and knows how to play in the tightest situations.” This year, Grace followed suit and has shone as one of the girls varsity team’s top players. Grace scored 17 goals in eight league games, while providing stingy defense for the Tigers. “Grace is very imposing with her combination of length, strength, and speed,” Gonzales said. “She has a natural tenacity in how she approaches the game.” Despite the skills they share in the pool, Grace and Liam couldn’t be more different. Liam is dedicated. His “work hard, play harder” mentality allows him to accomplish anything he sets his mind on. Meanwhile, Grace is easygoing and independent. Her free spirit and vibrant personality are contagious, helping her easily connect and build trust with everyone around her.

WHILE THEY BOTH SHARE A NATURAL FEEL FOR WATER POLO, junior Liam and freshman Grace Markus are polar opposites outside of the pool. STORY SOFIA ALVA PHOTO OSCAR WALSH Liam and Grace Markus huddled around the living room TV. The siblings anxiously watched the 2012 Summer Olympics gold medal water polo match. When Croatia blocked Italy’s final shot and the clock ticked down to zero, the Markus family erupted in roaring cheers, celebrating their country’s success. Being of Croatian and Hungarian descent, Liam and Grace grew up as diehard water polo fans and witnessed

the two countries dominate the sport. Inspired by the exciting water polo games, the siblings began playing at early ages. The junior and freshman sibling duo have both enjoyed water polo success at every level, culminating in star status at SPHS. In his freshman year, Liam earned a starting varsity spot as goalkeeper and helped lead the boys team to a Division IV CIF semifinal finish. A top 10 goalkeeper in the nation in his class, Liam has caught the attention of top universities such as UCLA, Harvard, and Brown.

Liam’s drive has paid off in everything he does, from earning his black belt in taekwondo at age nine to his water polo successes. Now, he sets his eyes on becoming a trauma surgeon and has already begun studying for the MCAT. On the other hand, Grace hopes to enter a creative field. Markus has modeled and acted for just as long as she’s played water polo and participated in multiple musical theatre productions through the Upstage Theatre School and SPEF. Although the siblings are set on different paths, their love for water polo will always bind Liam and Grace Markus together. “We support one another academically and athletically,” Liam said. “And we push each other to play better.”

TIGER

16 FEBRUARY 11, 2020

SPORTS Winter sports: end of the regular season power rankings STORY AMBER CHEN, KIMBERLY HSUEH, HAELEE KIM, NOAH KUHN, ZOE SCHLAAK, & AANJI SIN PHOTOS JAYDEN EDEN & SEAN JIN

he Rio Hondo League (RHL) has ended and, compared to the fall season, which earned South Pas two league titles, the winter teams have struggled. Tiger ranks the six sports heading into CIF competition. All information is accurate as of print time. 1. Girls basketball: Girls basketball clinched a second place finish in the Rio Hondo League this season with a 6-2 record. This year has brought more of the same outcomes: consistent losses to La Cañada, but crushing victories over every other team in the RHL. Sophomore star Allysan Tse has stood out as the Tigers’ leading player, scoring more than a third of the team’s total points this season. After last year’s disappointing loss in the first round of CIF, the Tigers are looking to redeem themselves this playoff season. 2. Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team had a season full of close games, with most matches being decided by less than 10 points. Senior Billy Reed III has led the Tiger offense, scoring double-digit points in every league game. Since going 4-2 in the first part of league, the Tigers have come up short in their last three games. Still, boys basketball expects to qualify for the playoffs and hopes to make a deep CIF run. 3. Boys soccer: After a solid 14-4-1 record in 2019, the boys soccer team has experienced a rough up-anddown season. The South Pas defensive line struggled to contain the opposition’s attacks in the beginning of the Rio Hondo League, conceding 10 goals in the opening three matches. The team’s defense improved as the year progressed, but wasn’t able to muster up enough offense to win many games. The Tigers complete the season in fourth place with a 5-4-1 record and may miss the CIF playoffs for the first time since 2016.

IN A SEASON OF STRUGGLE, girls soccer ended league winless in eight games.

4. Wrestling: Numerous injuries debilitated the wrestling team throughout the year and the lack of a consistent lineup across the league duels contributed to only one win. Junior Devin Peries (160 lb) shined in his duels, regularly placing high on the podium and winning points in the cumulative team totals. Fellow junior Roxanne Lynch (132 lb) was another strong presence in the team. Lynch displayed a steady growth throughout the season, often the sole female competitor in the male-dominated lineup. After excelling in the Rio Hondo League finals, the team will move on to CIF competition. 5. Girls water polo: This year, girls water polo was far from the team that reached CIF last season. The Tigers have fallen to all but one of their opponents, the San Marino Titans. Starting the season with only four returners, the new players only had preseason to familiarize themselves with the team and fast varsitylevel style of play. With a lack of experience, South Pas’ offense has struggled when pressured and rarely been able to generate consistent offense for a full game.

AVERAGING OVER 20 POINTS A GAME, senior Billy Reed III has led boys basketball to CIF.

However, several players flashed potential, saving an otherwise disappointing season. While junior Gloria Gray led defense as a goalkeeper, blocking powerful strikes, junior Amanda Kanaly and freshman Grace Markus guided offense, securing half of the total number of goals scored with skip shots and high tosses. 6. Girls Soccer: Girls soccer has had a lackluster season, losing its first seven games in the RHL. South Pas’ back line suffered from a lack of experience, conceding 18 goals. The players are skilled individually, but have failed to work as a unit. The defensive, midfield, and forward lines struggled to connect with weak passing quality throughout. The Tigers’ attack barely finished any scoring opportunities, only netting six goals in the league season.

BY THE NUMBERS - Winter sports lost all nine league meetings with La Cañada - Senior Billy Reed III topped 40 points twice this season with 47 against San Marino and 43 versus Blair - In six league victories, girls basketball has won by a 30.4 point average margin - Junior Amanda Kanaly led girls water polo with 19 league goals - Boys soccer assisted on 39 of their 43 season goals

Senior Braden Wong appointed Athletic Commissioner STORY AMBER CHEN PHOTO ELLA JAYASEKERA Senior Braden Wong was named Commissioner of Athletics on Friday, Jan. 17. Wong will step into the position following former commissioner Tearay Taylor’s December transfer to Victorville. Wong, also the soccer and track captain, applied and interviewed with ASB Advisor Mr. Casey Shotwell and a Commissioner panel; two other candidates also applied for the position. Wong has played soccer for 13 years, including three years on varsity, and is a four-year track athlete. Due to his longtime participation, sports have become family for him — an environment that he strives to foster for his fellow South Pas students.

A FOUR-YEAR ATHLETE, senior Braden Wong hopes to build a strong foundation for future Athletic Commissioners.

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“For soccer, I grew up playing with the majority of the [SPHS] team. We have grown to trust each other and they are a family that I can always rely on. They are really my brothers and we show up for each other,” Wong said. “The community that I found in SPHS athletics is something I hope others can also gain.”

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Holding experience in photography and graphic design, Wong brings a variety of skills beyond sports, a rarity for the position. As an intern for the Good Citizens Media Group, Wong participated in professional shoots, applying his post-production knowledge to Copa de Oro as a staff photographer. Once appointed, Wong immediately utilized his experience on the SPHS athletics Instagram page. He has created numerous promotional posts featuring digitally edited photos of athletes. “I thought it was helpful for students to see a familiar face on an advertisement [for a game,]” senior Ian McLane said. “I think it could improve attendance, which is something SPHS notoriously lacks.” However, Wong isn’t set on only supporting and promoting student athletes. His passion for athletics extends to non-athletes. “I want to encourage more students to get involved in [fitness],” Wong said. “Even if it’s just exercising for 30 minutes, being active definitely has a positive impact on mental health and wellness.”

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