Verde Volume 22 Issue 1

V. Time for change It’s our future on the ballot

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 1

2 OCTOBER 2020

VERDE MAGAZINE October 2020 Volume 22 Issue 1

ON THE COVER Palo Alto High School senior Wumi Ogunlade holds up a hand-painted cardboard sign with the word “vote.” Ogunlade is one of many student activists at Paly, but her distinct experiences including her move from Nigeria and her time on Speech and Debate have given her a unique voice. To encourage people to vote, Ogunlade works with the nonprofit organization IGNITE to educate, register and mobilize Generation Z voters through social media. Photo Director Audrey Joachim captures Ogunlade’s powerful gaze from behind a mask.

COVID-19 Photo Precautions In all photo shoots, Photo Director Audrey Joachim wore a mask and adhered to social distancing guidelines. Additionally, photos were taken outdoors (with the exception of “A love for butter”).

Publication Policy Verde Magazine, a news and features magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Magazine Journalism class, is a designated open forum for student expression and discussion of issues of concern to its readership. Verde is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost.

Letters to the Editors The staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Send all letters to verde.eics@gmail.com or 50 Embarcadero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Advertising The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with Verde, please contact business managers Olivia Milne and Anya Mondragon at verdebusiness5@gmail.com.

Printing & Distribution Verde is printed five times a year in October, December, February, April and May by Folger Graphics in Hayward, California. The Paly Parent Teacher Student Association mails Verde to every student’s home. All Verde work is available at verdemagazine.com

Editors-in-Chief Avery Hanna Laura Malagrino Antonia Mou (digital) Ishani Raha (digital) Myra Xu Managing Editors and Statisticians Allison Chang Katherine Cheng Features Editors Mia Baldonado Tim Hung

Copy Editors Naomi Boneh Andie Tetzlaff Multimedia Manager Naomi Boneh Business Managers Michelle Kim Olivia Milne Anya Mondragon Ryan Seto Social Media Manager Akhil Joondeph

Profiles Editor Andie Tetzlaff

Art Director Samantha Ho

Culture Editor Tara Kothari

Photo Director Audrey Joachim

Perspectives Editor Ryan Seto Editorials Editor Michelle Kim News Editors Paisley Annes Sadie Ibbotson-Brown Launch Editors Sofia Antebi Emily Yao Design Editor Kylie Mies

Webmaster Zander Leong Staff Writers Abimbola Bolarinwa Sebastian Bonnard Sasha Boudtchenko Jerry Fang Audrey Kernick Aanya Kumar Dominique Lashley Merwa Marof Sophie Matlof Adviser Paul Kandell

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In this issue Foreword

6 Editorials 8 Launch 10 News

Features

13 18 20 22 24

2020 voter guide 19th Amendment Adapting the arts Verde and the Third Wave Social media activism

Profiles

WUMI OGUNLADE pg. 30

28 30 32 35 36 38

En Garde Wumi Ogunlade Survivor’s shelter Road cycling Emma Joing Birds Aren’t Real

ulture C 40 Open space review 42 Halloween during COVID-19 43 Female rappers 44 Launching lunch 45 Love for Butter 46 Remi Wolf

Perspectives

OPEN SPACE REVIEW pg. 40 4 OCTOBER 2020

47 48 49 50 51

Connection to Asian media Follow the guidelines Senior year Racism within Palo Alto Social minus media

EN GARDE pg. 28

SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM pg. 24 EMMA JOING pg. 36

A LOVE FOR BUTTER pg. 45

ROAD CYCLING pg. 35

FROM THE EDITORS

A better world is possible

A rainbow sign, a chanting face and a sliver of hope in the words “A better world is possible.” That photo of the protest following President Donald Trump’s election graced the cover of Volume 18 Issue 2 four years ago, and we now have the chance to steer America toward the better world we’ve been longing for. Time and time again, from walkouts for climate action and gun control, to current Black Lives Matter protests, we see Palo Alto High School students take a stand. Whether it be through posting on their phones or protesting on the streets, we find a way to make our voices heard.

This fall, the most direct way to enact change is to show up at the polls — either through mail or in person — and vote. We implore those who have that privilege to use it and to use it wisely. In one of the most turbulent elections of our lifetime, we trust that those who can cast a ballot will use the opportunity to participate in our democracy.

For this issue, to assist newly-eligible Paly voters and the wider community of Palo Altans, Antonia and Ishani wrote short descriptions for each of the City Council and school board candidates, as well as three local measures in Verde’s “Vote your future” voter guide. We hope that our readers will also consider our candidate recommendations in the editorial “Verde’s endorsements.”

One critical issue at the forefront of our local elections is police funding and reform. In the editorial “‘8 Can’t Wait’ is not enough,” we examine our City Council’s efforts to mitigate racial bias and brutality issues in the Palo Alto Police Department amid calls for reform. Speak-

ing with city officials, we explore the roots of the problems and advocate for improved policing policies.

This year, we have also seen an increasing number of students advocating for change through informative social media posts. In “The rise of social media activism,” staff PHOTO: REBECCA YAO writers Dominique Lashley and Sasha Boudtchenko discuss the role of social media in recent movements, touching on concepts of performative activism, the spread of misinformation and the intense polarization that comes with it.

This polarization plagues our current political climate — an issue that staff writer Jerry Fang, Social Media Manager Akhil Joondeph and Managing Editor Katherine Cheng explore as they revisit an iconic Verde story from four years ago in “Third Wave: Tides of tension.” With retrospection from former reporters to those involved in the original Third Wave experiment, this story offers a peek behind the curtain into a Verde classic and reflects upon the political significance of the experiment.

Reflecting on the 2016 election, we hope that this upcoming election will bring with it a renewed hope for our country and our community as we continue to push — whether through protests or votes — for a better world.

—AVERY, MYRA, LAURA, ISHANI, ANTONIA

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the verdicts Verde's endorsements: city council, school board, presidential candidates

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ITH THE FALL 2020 elections just around the corner and the future of our country at stake, it is more crucial than ever to participate in democracy through voting in both local and national elections. After thorough research and deliberation, Verde Magazine is excited to announce our endorsement of Raven Malone and Cari Templeton for Palo Alto City Council, and Jennifer DiBrienza and Katie Causey for the Palo Alto Board of Education. We also endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the presidential election with the hope that these candidates will work towards a brighter future. v Raven Malone Engineer and social justice activist Raven Malone is the young, progressive candidate we need in Palo Alto to push for change, especially with her vision for reforming the local police force, increasing public transportation and adapting streets to be safer for Palo Alto residents.

As a renter with roommates, Malone is tenacious in her push for affordable housing and stands firmly against exclusionary planning and zoning in Palo Alto. This is necessary for the creation of affordable housing and will benefit our community by making the city accessible to young professionals and lower-income families new to the area.

Photo: Kate Skogen

Cari Templeton Current Planning and Transportation Commission Chair Cari Templeton's experience in planning and zoning will aid in the development of infrastructure and affordable housing policies. She prioritizes the need to reduce urban sprawl and to build more housing near transit, and her detailed proposal for fare-free student and senior public transit along with expanding shuttle service areas, incentivizing household gas-to-electric appliance upgrades and reducing permit fees for electric vehicles aligns with our hope that Palo Alto will become a leader in clean energy.

Photo: Vivian Cromwell

Jennifer DiBrienza Over her past four years on the Board, incumbent Jennifer DiBrienza has worked to create the PAUSD Title IX office, increase consent education and close the opportunity gap, which mirrors our priorities for the district as students.

DiBrienza’s unique position as both a former teacher and current district parent allows her to empathize with school staff members and parents to form a more complex perspective on school board issues. We hope that our readers reelect DiBrienza, whose open communication strategy with students brings a crucial lens of transparency to the Board’s operations.

Photo: Dana Underwood

Katie Causey Katie Causey's urgent push for improved mental health resources, stemming from her observations as a former PAUSD student, means she will prioritize student wellbeing both during and after the pandemic. She is also a fierce proponent for increasing student accessibility to Title IX resources and tackling sexual assault and harrassment culture in the district head on. Causey’s strong focus on the PAUSD Promise and District Equity Scorecard, as well as examining systemic inequality within communities and schools, will help every student succeed.

Photo: Katie Causey

Joe Biden & Kamala Harris Verde unanimously endorses former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris for the 2020 presidential election. From economic recovery past the COVID-19 pandemic to healthcare, climate action and racial equity plans that will affect our generation for years to come, Biden prioritizes the issues that matter most to our staff and has the political experience to make beneficial decisions for all Americans. In an election that will drastically impact our future, now is the time to unite and vote for a presidential candidate who will lead the nation forward.

6 OCTOBER 2020

The Verdicts editorial section expresses the collective opinion of the Verde Magazine staff.

'8 Can’t Wait' is not enough

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OLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST people of color is not a new issue to America, nor to Palo Alto. The Palo Alto Police Department is currently being investigated by the FBI for violence against unarmed Julio Arevalo, in addition to a “decades-long pattern” of violence, according to a June article from Palo Alto Online. These incidents include the violent arrests of unarmed residents Albert Hopkins and Tyler Harney in 2003 and 2011, respectively, among other incidents of racial bias.

While the PAPD has worked to implement policies to address this issue, and we appreciate the efforts of officers to keep our community safe, it is clear that Palo Alto is not doing enough in this fight.

"8 Can’t Wait" According to the City of Palo Alto website, the PAPD is currently implementing a series of eight steps called “8 Can’t Wait,” created by Campaign Zero, to restrict the use of force by police. These steps included measures to ban chokeholds, shooting at vehicles and other violent tactics.

While “8 Can’t Wait” is a good start, further reform is necessary; the PAPD and the City of Palo Alto must replace armed officers with a skilled unarmed response team in nonviolent scenarios, increase and change the training regimen, and reallocate police funding to mental health, education, housing, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Unarmed response In a recent report by the City of Palo Alto, fewer than 5% of crimes in Palo Alto in 2019 were violent. These numbers do not include drug or traffic violations, which account for many more nonviolent police interactions.

According to findings from the Stanford Open Policing Project, police require less suspicion to search Black and Hispanic drivers than white drivers. When cops are sent to these traffic stops armed, police

violence can often become the result of the interaction.

“I sometimes wonder, ‘Why do we send an armed officer on a traffic patrol to pull somebody over for speeding?’” Mayor Adrian Fine said. “‘Is that not just setting us up for a potentially bad incident?’”

By sending an unarmed response team to nonviolent and low-risk scenarios, the possibility of violent interactions incited by the police could be decreased.

Additional training According to the California Police Academy website, the minimum training requirement to become an active police officer in the state is only six months. While the PAPD also requires a series of interviews and background checks, their website states that they do not require additional training.

We believe the PAPD should implement additional racial bias and profiling training with an emphasis on equity, and require more than the minimum six months to become an officer.

“A lot of the training they do is really for the worst case scenario,” Fine said. “The training needs to be aligned more with what a typical police day looks like in Palo Alto or Santa Clara County.”

Lee said. “We need to invest in minority and low-income communities in providing human services which help these communities and address some of these systemic issues earlier in the pipeline.”

Help create change in November We believe that in addition to “8 Can’t Wait,” the PAPD must adopt measures to replace armed officers in nonviolent scenarios, require additional training, and reallocate funding to mental health and domestic violence services. One of the best ways to ensure these changes are made in our community is to vote in November.

While the presidential election garners the most attention, real change in our city begins at the local level. Candidates like Raven Malone and Cari Templeton are fighting for progressive police reform in Palo Alto, and supporting them is what will create real change in our community.

“We need to seize the polls at this time,” HRC Chair Kaloma Smith said.

“Unless we organize and vote, we don’t get to address the policies at the speed and the pace that we need to.” v Art by Faustine Wang

Defunding the police According to the City of Palo Alto website, in 2020, the PAPD received $43.8 million from the city, more than any other department in the city.

To better protect at-risk communities, the PAPD needs to redirect some of these funds to services like mental health and housing resources. This would not mean completely getting rid of police in Palo Alto, but merely supporting alternative response and protection strategies to minimize the use of armed officers.

“It would be reallocating funding and re-imagining public safety to be more efficient,” Human Relations Commission member Steven

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launch Student Businesses Paly is full of entrepreneurs who share their passions through having a business. Here are two student-run businesses to check out to support the community and the charities they donate to.

Eclectic Outlet

Tig Biddy Bakery

Junior Willow Schmidt sells resin jewelry, dishes and more and has a following on Instagram, TikTok and Depop. Eclectic Outlet began when Schmidt explored resin over the summer. “I started and got really good at it, which is awesome because I had fun doing it and other people also really liked it,” Schmidt said. 20% of her profits are donated to the Environmental Defense Fund. Photos: Willow Schmidt

Tig Biddy Bakery offers a selection of pastries and more – most available in gluten-free or vegan options. Sophomore Alisha Bernatzki opened her business over quarantine after realizing she could use her passion to benefit the world.

“If I like baking so much, why don’t I just start selling my goods?” she said. Each month, Bernatzki chooses a charity to donate 20% of her profits to. Photos: Alisha Bernatzki

depop.com/w1llow6 @eclectic_outlet

www.tigbiddybakery.com @tigbiddybakery

Rating Trader Joe’s Seasonal Snacks Trader Joe’s, Paly’s beloved neighbor, carries popular seasonal treats. We tried some to let you know which to reach for when browsing the aisles! (Note: this doesn’t include all of the seasonal items available)

Art by Xiaohan Li

Verde’s Halloween Playlist Scan this code to access the full playlist on Spotify!

Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies Like the Pink and white cookies but pumpkin! 10/10 Boo Chips Trader Joe’s Halloween staple, a perfect light snack. 9.5/10 Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn Not super maple-y, but still yummy. 9/10

Monster Mash

Bobby “Boris” Pippit

Pumpkin Spice Batons Crunchy and flavorful 9/10

Toxic

Halloween Joe Joe’s A classic. 8/10

No One’s Home

Maple Leaf Cookies Strong maple presence, a little too sweet. 7/10

Calling All the Monsters

Apple Cider Cookies Tastes like apple cinnamon oatmeal, would pair well with your favorite fall tea. 5/10

Dracula

Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins Safeway cupcakes in disguise. 4.5/10

This is Halloween

8 OCTOBER 2020

Britney Spears StrangeBird

China Anne McClain Elizza

The Nightmare Before Christmas

... ... ... ... ... ...

Text by SOFIA ANTEBI and EMILY YAO

ASB ANSWERS

How has starting high school online been for freshmen?

“I was surprised how well the system is working. I’m really proud of all the staff and teachers for making sure we have the best experience.”

— Lachlan Kirby

“I’m feeling pretty stressed because when I’m staring at a screen and I’m online for so much of the day, it can give me headaches, and I just want to log off and take a nap.”

— Anna Van Riesen

WITH FRESHMAN PRESIDENT SHAMSHEER SINGH What are your plans for the freshman class?

I want to have as many online bonding experiences as possible, because it’s hard to have that aspect through Zoom. I want to balance it because people are spending so many hours a day on their computer.

“I really liked that I could go at my own pace with the homework as long as I got it in by the due dates.”

— Kyle Vetter “Being stuck in a breakout room with a bunch of strangers isn’t really the same as sitting at a table with them in real life.”

— Carissa Tsui Art by Samantha Ho

Any specific events in mind?

We’re trying to plan Kahoots and Netflix movie nights, as well as other competitions that have social interactions. Some of the things we are doing are online Spirit Week, Game Pigeon tournaments and many other online spirit activities.

What will Spirit Week look like this year?

We have a series of different online challenges and video submissions following different themes based on the day. We can’t wait for you guys to participate!

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news PSAT canceled on campus this October

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he PSAT, which juniors typically take in October, is cancelled this school year at Palo Alto High School due to current COVID-19 regulations.

Due to current Santa Clara County restrictions, Paly is prohibited from administering the PSAT test in October, according to Assistant Principal Margaret Reynolds.

However, improving conditions could mean that testing will be a possibility in the coming months.

“PSAT is offering a test in January that we might be able to give, should restrictions be lessened or lifted,” Reynolds said.

This year’s pandemic has left students with limited options regarding standardized testing, which changes the process of college admissions. The PSAT is the benchmark for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious academic competition for scholarships.

However, many students think of the PSAT as a “practice” test rather than an important one to prepare for. Among these is junior Bill Xia. “I think it would be pretty helpful [with] … understanding how the test works and … having hands-on experience,” Xia said.

Juniors often have their hands full studying for bigger tests like the SAT and ACT, and the PSAT is considered an afterthought for many students. “[The] PSAT doesn’t seem as necessary,” junior Aaron Yuan said.

Regardless, administrators are still hoping for an opportunity to offer the PSAT this year.

by JERRY FANG

10 OCTOBER 2020

VOTE TO RETURN — The Palo Alto Unified School District board members deliberated for over four hours on Sept.29 whether to approve a plan to return to school . “I do think we have a responsibility to open for the many, many families that have been waiting for this and are ready for it,” board member Jennifer DiBrienza said. Photo: PAUSD

Teachers oppose board’s decision to reopen schools

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HE PALO ALTO UNIFIED School District board authorized the reopening of schools on Sept.29, despite the teachers ‘resistance.

The school board unanimously approved the plan to return to schools after over 100 teachers voiced their concerns.

While the board members took these worries into account, according to school board member Jennifer DiBrienza, they ultimately decided they had a duty to reopen schools as soon as it was declared safe by the county health officials.

In California and across the country, schools that have begun reopening have reported that despite initial reluctance to return, students and teachers become more comfortable with hybrid learning, and are happy with the switch.

“I don’t regret the decision, I regret that we don’t have the faith of the teachers yet.” DiBrienza said. “And I am hopeful that what happens here is what happened everywhere else.”

Walter Hays Elementary School teacher Jessica Tolerba, explained at the board

meeting why she was not in support of the plan to reopen schools in October.

“The hybrid model puts all staff at a high level of stress that is unnecessary,” Tolerba said. “Teachers want what is best for our students, our families and we don’t want to be first, we want to be safe.”

According to Superintendent Don Austin, the teacher’s union and the school board are in agreement on every element of the plan that has been brought forward, but, according to a letter from the teacher’s union, this is false.

“What have we not done that would sway the percentage [of teachers against returning to schools]?” Austin said. “And the answer I was given [from the teacher’s union] was nothing. So if there’s nothing left that would sway the number, I don’t know how to respond to that.”

Secondary schools are set to return to school in January, but a plan detailing what that will look like has not yet been made public.

by PAISLEY ANNES

PAUSD+ offers students additional help

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AUSD+, AN INITIATIVE created by the Palo Alto Unified School District, works to improve student outcomes for those particularly affected by the pandemic.

The program officially began on Sept. 8 for students in PAUSD secondary schools, and offers workspaces and individualized support to students.

“The program is designed to reduce the impact of school closures on our families during distance learning,” Superintendent Don Austin wrote in a September Superintendent’s Update.

Students in PAUSD+ have access to homework and technology support, a safe and quiet place to work, free internet access and tutoring services. The goal is to prevent any long-term academic fallout for students who are disproportionately affected by the

pandemic or have a situation at home that is not optimal for learning.

Students are separated into cohorts of 14 and complete a COVID-19 screening every morning before in-person learning.

“Physical distancing between children in the same cohort will be balanced with developmental and socio‐emotional needs of the age group,” the Superintendent’s Update stated.

Finding the students who would best utilize the program has been one of the greatest challenges, according to Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson.

“Students who may not have a need now, could have one later,” Berkson said.

by ANYA MONDRAGON and SOPHIE MATLOF

COMMUNITY BUILDING — One of Palo Alto’s local student bands, Good Fast Cheap, holds a socially distanced concert in a band member’s backyard. The response to the band’s performance was overwhelmingly positive. “I think seeing other people happy and full of life sort of induces that in yourself as well,” Paly senior Alex Washburn said. Photo: Anna Oft (Paly Class of `19)

Sports games to start in December

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fficial school sports practices will begin on Dec. 14, and competitions will start two weeks after each sport’s first practice, according to a Central Coast Section sports calendar.

Instead of the usual fall, winter and spring seasons, most fall sports are forming “Season 1,” and winter and spring sports have been consolidated into “Season 2.”

Currently, Season 1 sports are hosting socially distanced workouts in cohorts of 14 to prepare for the official season’s start.

These workouts are not mandatory, and the Paly Athletics Department is providing free access to Volt, an app that provides remote workout plans catered to specific sports and activities for those who choose not to attend the in-person practices.

This year, the Athletics Department has partnered with ASB as part of an effort to make the department completely student-run.

“Before, the budget was set by the coaches, Sports Boosters and the athletics department; now in ASB, students have to be involved,” Athletics Director Nelson Gifford said.

by SEBASTIAN BONNARD

Student bands perform outdoor concerts

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OCAL TEEN BANDS Good Fast Cheap and Metro are holding socially distanced concerts during quarantine to unite the community.

In May, six Palo Alto High School students and alumni decided to assemble a small band and play music for others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Good Fast Cheap has played over 10 socially distanced concerts in driveways and in downtown Palo Alto.

To attend these quarantine concerts,

audience members must wear a mask at all times and sit six feet apart.

Good Fast Cheap continues to hold concerts every other week to make live music accessible for community members.

Metro, an acclaimed local teen band in Palo Alto has also hosted concerts since the beginning of shelter-in-place orders, and are planning a bigger socially distanced concert soon.

JUST JUMPING — Football athletes leap across the field at one of their first pre-season workouts. “I’m glad that we are still able to do sports this year, and I’m excited to see all my teammates,” junior Agnes Mar said. Photo: Emma Wu

by OLIVIA MILNE

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Pandemic creates poll worker shortage STUDENTS SIGN UP TO WORK THE POLLS

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UE TO COVID-19 RISKS, old- COVID-19 complications. They are also er poll workers are participating the demographic that historically makes in lower numbers than usual, but up the majority of workers at polling Palo Alto High School students are step- places. The U.S. Election Administration and Voting Survey found that “more than ping up to help fill the shortage. two-thirds [of elecPaly students such tion workers] were as junior John Bard have turned to social media as It [poll working] is not 61 years or olda platform to inform their hard at all. I can’t vote er.” As a result, peers of the opportunity many older, experito be a poll worker and yet, so I might as well poll workers bring attention to the curhelp people who can.” enced are choosing to stay rent shortage. home this Novem“I knew a lot of peo— BRADEN LEUNG, junior ber. Their absence ple knew it was an issue, has created an unbut I don’t think they realized that they could help directly,” Bard precedented demand.

Paly junior Braden Leung is working said.

The COVID-19 case numbers contin- at a nearby voting center in November to ue to grow, showing no signs of stopping help fill this demand.

“It [poll working] is not hard at all,” before the November elections.

Older people are at higher risk of Leung said. “I can’t vote yet, so I might as

“

well help people who can.”

Additionally, Bard urged his extended family members in other areas of the United States to sign up.

“It’s just a good way to help out — especially in areas with a lot of low-income people, it helps to have more workers so there are shorter lines,” Bard said. “Then they don’t have to take as much time off work.”

While being a worker serves the community, the opportunity also brings benefits to the worker.

“I think it will be a fun learning experience,” Leung said. “I’ll probably also get paid a lot or a lot of service hours too.”

According to the California Secretary of State, students can choose between receiving service hours or a stipend that generally ranges between $65 and $150, depending on the county.

by EMILY YAO

Paly’s positions on upcoming elections

by ZANDER LEONG The data presented here comes from an opt-in Verde Magazine survey of 290 Palo Alto high school students through all four grades. Verde conducted the survey from Sept. 19 to Sept. 24 through a digital form published on school social media and Schoology pages. Responses were anonymous and participation for all questions was optional.

Who would Paly vote for?

What are Paly’s party affiliations?

What are Paly’s top priorities for: School board?

City council?

National government?

Mental health and wellness

Environmental sustainability

Climate change and sustainability

Closing the opportunity gap

COVID-19 financial recovery

Racial justice

Title IX and sexual assault

Affordable housing/urban development

Healthcare and social security

12 OCTOBER 2020

Text by ANTONIA MOU and ISHANI RAHA

Art by SELENA CAO

VOTE YOUR FUTURE A GUIDE TO GRASP THIS FALL'S LOCAL BALLOT

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S THIS NOVEMBER'S ELECTION draws nearer, the overwhelming number of issues and candidates on the ballot can be anxiety-inducing for first-time high school voters and seasoned voters alike. In this guide, Verde Magazine has compiled short biographies on the 10 candidates vying for four open spots on the Palo Alto City Council, and the six candidates battling it out for three seats on the Palo Alto Board of Education. The three measures covered in this voter guide will require a two-thirds majority vote to pass. v

CITY COUNCIL AJIT VARMA:

CARI TEMPLETON:

A Palo Alto resident since 1999, Varma has lived through the tech boom and worked for prominent companies like Square, Google and Facebook. One of Varma’s top priorities is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through rapid testing, improved contact tracing, rules for social distancing and protective equipment, and vaccine distribution. Other main focuses for Varma include helping small businesses recover from the pandemic and maintaining job and business opportunities in Palo Alto.

Varma hopes to achieve this without bureaucratic barriers like office space caps, slow approval processes like zoning changes, as well as head taxes and annual fees.

Templeton, a former program manager at Google, has set her sights on three main priorities as a candidate: community wellness through the pandemic, climate action with housing and transportation plans, and modernizing Palo Alto’s infrastructure and public safety programs. She hopes to increase free COVID-19 testing and protective equipment, provide housing stability for residents and financial support for businesses, as well as expand programs for mental health during the pandemic. Templeton is advocating for farefree public transportation for students and seniors, as well as reduction of urban sprawling by building housing near transit.

ED LAUING:

GREER STONE:

In his 33 years of living in Palo Alto, Lauing served on city commissions for 10 of those years. Lauing’s priorities include increasing the number of homes being built and providing low- and middle-income citizens a place to live by evaluating the funding for below-market rate homes. In addition, he hopes to revise and reform safety services, especially the Palo Alto Police Department, in light of the nation’s racial crisis. He also emphasizes a budget that prioritizes public safety, essential services and amenities, including implementing parking programs in neighborhoods and affordable pricing for parking lots and garages.

As a former attorney and a member of various human rights commissions, Stone is a longtime advocate for social justice.

One of Stone’s main priorities as a candidate is to bolster economic recovery in response to the pandemic. He hopes to increase affordable housing by rebalancing the jobs to housing ratio and targeting zoning incentives for projects that create more than the minimum mandated affordable units.

The current Paly student activities director is also focused on reducing traffic in Palo Alto to create a more environmentally sustainable city and promotes telecommuting — working from home — beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Product management director, parent

Planning & Transportation Commission Chair

Planning & Transportation Commission Chair

Chair of SCC Justice Review Committee

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GREG TANAKA:

LYDIA KOU:

Tanaka is seeking reelection with a platform of strong fiscal responsibility, which he champions as especially critical with the COVID-19 economic crisis. He hopes to focus the city budget on community services facing cuts, such as city libraries and parks. As the former City Council Finance Committee Chair, Tanaka advocated for eliminating excessive spending on staff raises and city manager expenses, and worked to minimize city tax and fee increases. He also emphasizes providing financial support to local businesses amid the pandemic.

A former member of the Palo Alto Neighborhoods Emergency Preparedness Committee, Kou is no stranger to city initiatives and politics. Her main priority is to slow the rate of city growth, as she believes in preserving existing housing rather than building more. As part of the Council’s slow growth bloc, Kou hopes to update employee density codes as the number of employees increases.

She also emphasizes protecting community-serving businesses and encouraging financial stability as a community, as well as prioritizing transportation demand management.

PAT BURT:

RAVEN MALONE:

The former two-term council member and planning commissioner is focused on restructuring the city budget to direct more money to public safety, youth, family and senior services, and programs for marginalized community members. Additionally, one of Burt’s top priorities as an environmental leader is to make Palo Alto a model of climate protection with low-cost, 100% clean energy. In the past, he has led the city’s efforts on emergency preparedness and flood protection. He supports taxing big businesses and developers for traffic relief and transit funds.

Malone, a Palo Alto newcomer and social justice activist, has been involved in the local Black Lives Matter movement by organizing protests and calling for holistic emergency responses in a community-led approach to public safety.

Malone’s priorities are to end exclusionary zoning, increase affordable and safe housing, and invest in community resources. In her plan to create sustainable infrastructure, Malone has proposed city-wide fiber optic connections, protected bike lanes, better shuttles and flood protection — a callback to her time assisting Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

REBECCA EISENBERG:

STEVEN LEE:

From attending Stanford University to reporting for Bay Area publications on the latest business and technology trends, Eisenberg has deep ties in Palo Alto. If elected, Eisenberg would shift tax burdens from residents to corporations through business taxes and end reliance on parcel taxes to fund schools. Additionally, she supports opening Foothills Park to nonresidents, as well as defunding the police force. She highlights the need to push for environmental sustainability through protected bike lanes and electric shuttles.

“It’s time for bold, progressive and responsive leadership.”

Lee’s campaign slogan reflects his aggressive pushes for social change in Palo Alto. One of the most vocal critics of the PAPD in the HRC, Lee believes that the 8 Can’t Wait policies are a bare minimum to police reform and supports a citizen’s oversight committee for the PAPD. Additionally, Lee has expressed the importance of implementing a Palo Alto Green New Deal and providing incentives for residents, students and workers to adapt to sustainable transportation.

Incumbent, Tech founder & CEO

Former mayor, Retired CEO

Attorney, district parent

14 OCTOBER 2020

Incumbent, Realtor, Small business owner

Activist, Systems engineer

Human Relations Commissioner, Attorney

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SCHOOL BOARD KATIE CAUSEY:

TODD COLLINS:

Causey, a PAUSD alumna, is focused on the wellbeing of students during and after the pandemic above all else. Amid COVID-19, Causey hopes to adapt CDC principles on trauma-informed approaches to education and collaborate with public health professionals about decisions in the district. She also emphasizes the urgency of developing an annual District Equity Scorecard to expand upon the PAUSD Promise to help close the opportunity gap for historically underrepresented students, and wants to implement a PAUSD alumni network.

As the school board president, Collins has taken action on pressing issues such as identifying the negative impact of the Stanford General Use Permit on the district’s finances.

One of Collins’ top priorities is strengthening trust between parents, teachers and the community by following through on commitments. He also emphasizes looking at kids as individuals to close the achievement gap for low-income and minority students and would like to focus on strong fiscal management by cutting expenses and protecting key programs.

JENNIFER DIBRIENZA:

JESSE LADOMIRAK:

As an incumbent, for the past four years, DiBrienza has worked towards creating a Title IX office and increasing education for students and staff about consent. She plans to continue advocating for an alignment in workload, assessments and grading practices across courses, and remains a strong voice for educational justice and addressing systemic racism. DiBrienza’s unique position as a former teacher and current district parent allows her to empathize with many community members, whether it be teachers, parents or administrators.

Ladomirak, a PAUSD alumna, hopes to use her two decades of fiscal experience running a small business to ensure that PAUSD’s expenditures reflect its stated priorities through principled budgeting. She also prioritizes wellness through creating a school environment that nurtures the social-emotional well-being of all students. Ladomirak aims to increase interpersonal connection in the midst of COVID-19 through regular, ongoing outreach to all students. She wants to invest in equity audit tools and data analysis to identify areas of inequity.

MATT NAGLE:

KARNA NISEWANER:

Former PAUSD principal Nagle is running on a platform of educational equity, focusing on the academic success of Latino, Black, low-income and Special Education students throughout the pandemic. He is also a big proponent of anti-racist training for board members, administrators and teachers. Uniquely, Nagle is not asking for campaign donations –– just your vote –– and is directing potential donors to three organizations: East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring program, Dolores Huerta Foundation and Daraja Academy for Girls.

Nisewaner intends to use her experience in management and creative thinking from her 20 years of being a lawyer to boost educational outcomes for all students in the district. As Chair of Palo Alto Community Childcare, Nisewaner took on financial planning while balancing the care for children, teacher recruitment and economic sustainability. Additionally, as a mother of two Addison Elementary School students, she believes that communicating transparently and building trust with parents should be one of the Board’s top priorities.

Community advocate, Nonprofit fundraiser

Incumbent, Educator, district parent

Former PAUSD Principal, district parent

Incumbent, former district parent

Small business owner, district parent

Attorney, district parent

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MEASURE O: PAUSD PARCEL TAX Measure O will renew a parcel tax for Palo Alto schools, beginning July l and increasing annually by 2% for six years.

According to the Measure, the parcel tax will raise approximately $16 million per year with citizens taxed $836 per parcel.

In favor

Rebuttal

Proponents say funding will attract and retain qualified teachers, support technology for distance learning and preserve the quality of math, science, reading, writing, arts and music programs. Additionally, the parcel tax would add support staff to help at-risk students, maintain teaching specialists and help keep class sizes small.

Those against this measure claim that significant taxpayer money can be saved by decreasing school funding due to school closures caused by COVID-19. Many are also concerned that California is already under a large tax burden, and funding schools that likely won’t open soon is not a priority when spending taxpayer money.

MEASURE RR: CALTRAIN FUNDING If passed with a two-thirds majority vote across Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco counties, Measure RR would levy a 30-year one-eighth cent sales tax, raising approximately $100 million annually for the Caltrain service.

In favor

Rebuttal

Supporters say funding would save Caltrain from shutdown and preserve the service for thousands of essential workers. Additionally, money generated by the tax would provide roughly $60–70 million per year for Caltrain to develop infrastructure that will reduce traffic congestion.

It would also allow Caltrain to invest in cleaner and quieter electric trains and increase train frequency and capacity.

Opponents are concerned that Caltrain ridership will not recover after the pandemic due to a heightened risk of transmission. Also, even though a majority of Caltrain riders are higher income, the extra 30-year sales tax will be most detrimental for many low- and middle-income individuals, especially for those who are still recovering from the financial burden of COVID-19.

MEASURE S: WATER DISTRICT TAX Measure S is the renewal of a parcel tax to fund the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The tax averages $0.006 per square foot annually and is estimated to raise $45.5 million every year.

In favor

Rebuttal

Supporters claim that the measure does not add a new tax and simply renews an old tax, meaning that there is no new tax burden to citizens. Measure S also works to help the environment, which includes creek restoration, shoreline protection, environmental cleanup and habitat restoration.

Opponents say that the pay-as-you-go system of funding has resulted in delays for the project, creating the need to borrow money and causing over $331 million in debt.

Additionally, if passed, the parcel tax would have no sunset provision ­— no definitive end date — as opposed to the 15-year sunset on the 2012 parcel tax up for renewal.

16 OCTOBER 2020

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VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 17

A Century of Women Voting

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT Text by PAISLEY ANNES, MERWA MAROF and ABIMBOLA BOLARINWA

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Art by LAUREN YAN

AVING LARGE AMERICAN FLAGS, women celebrate with homemade megaphones and smiling faces. The photo captures the moment when the ratification of the 19th Amendment was announced. Their spirit was echoed by many across the United States.

While the ratification of the 19th amendment was a big step forward for women’s rights, women of color were largely excluded from this milestone. African American women were barred from the polls — especially in areas where Jim Crow laws were prominent — and many were unable to cast a vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“We still have areas in America that have struggled to find their way to vote because they have strategically been violated by not being able to get to a voting location to vote, and these are often communities of color,” said Nancy Shepherd, president of the Palo Alto League of Women Voters.

Over the past century, women’s impacts in politics can be seen in numerous milestones — such as the first female governor being elected into office, the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice swearing in and a woman coming closer to becoming president than ever before. These women and their drive to pursue careers in politics even when all odds are stacked against them must be celebrated and admired as we, 100 years later, continue the fight for women’s equality. v

1923

Equal Rights Amendment introduced

1973

Roe v. Wade

After being granted the right to vote, Alice Paul, a suffragist, feminist and women’s rights activist, announced her campaign to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Women needed to be constitutionally equal to men on all counts.

The ERA would secure women’s rights under the Constitution, declaring that no rights should be denied on the basis of sex.

Congress voted on the amendment and passed it to the states for the ratification process in 1972 — to become an amendment, the ERA required ratification from 38 states. An initial deadline of seven years was placed and then extended to 10 years. Just short of three states, the ERA failed to pass.

The efforts to ratify are not over. Activist groups are still rallying in the remaining states to ratify the amendment. If Congress extends the time limit and the three remaining states vote in favor of the amendment, a possible 28th Amendment could be added to the U.S. Constitution.

With the resurgence of the women’s movement came the issue of abortion rights in the case of Roe v. Wade. The case secured the right to abortion with a majority vote among the Supreme Court of 7-2 in 1973.

Norma McCorvey brought federal action against the district attorney of Dallas County after being denied the right to obtain a safe abortion in her own home. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of McCorvey according to the fundamental right to privacy found in the Ninth Amendment.

Other cases limiting the scope of Roe v. Wade followed, and the topic has fluctuated in and out of the political limelight ever since.

While the Supreme Court does not have any cases threatening to overturn Roe v. Wade in the upcoming term, abortion activists on both sides are still relentless in their fights. Pro-Choice America is hosting many virtual gatherings, including the Silicon Valley Peninsula Power Of Choice event, to spread awareness about their cause.

18 OCTOBER 2020

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1981

Supreme Court of the United States gains first female justice

2016

Hillary Clinton becomes first woman to win presidential nomination

2020

Kamala Harris becomes the 2020 vice-presidential nominee

Former Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Conner was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981 by Ronald Reagan, and became the first female Supreme Court justice.

While serving as a judge, O’Connor was considered a moderate conservative and was a swing vote in many decisive cases.

One such case was Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which upheld the right to abortion decision of Roe v. Wade. This was the first Supreme Court case in which a woman was involved in a decision about a woman’s body, and O’Connor continued to defend women’s rights throughout her career.

Since O’Connor, there have been three more female Supreme Court justices, including feminist icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg was a part of many monumental cases, including Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. which gave women and men equal pay. If President Donald Trump appoints a new justice, Republicans will have appointed six out of the nine supreme court seats, leaving women’s rights activists concerned whether Ginsburg’s hard work will be overturned.

In the 2016 presidential election, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be the presidential nominee of a major party, marking a historic moment in U.S. history. While she lost in the electoral college, she won the popular vote by about three million ballots, making her the most successful female presidential candidate to date.

Compared to other developed countries, the U.S. is behind. Britain, France and Australia are just a few of the dozens of other countries that have had female presidents or prime ministers. However, Clinton’s relative success inspired to many. According to the American Center for Women and Politics, 431 women ran for the House in the record-breaking 2018 midterms, compared to the 212 women who ran in 2016.

Moving forward into the presidential election, it’s important to consider that the fight for women’s representation is not nearly close to complete. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, while women only make up 24% of Congress, 67% of right-leaning adults believe there are enough women in politics.

On Aug. 19, California Sen. Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first Black and South Asian woman to be a major party’s vice-presidential nominee.

While Harris is part of a new age of diversity within the government, there remains unfinished work. The 116th Congress is the most racially and ethnically diverse, but women of color hold just 8% of the seats in Congress.

There have only been 78 women of color who have served in the U.S. Congress out of the 12,348 total people. Out of those 78, 48 of them currently serve in Congress.

As it stands, the diversity in government fails to represent the diversity of our nation.

The results of the upcoming election will determine whether or not 2021 will be the year the first female vice president is elected. However, this is just the start. Women, especially women of color, are not equally represented in our government, even after 100 years of fighting.

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 19

ADAPTING CLASSES FIND NEW WAYS TO CREATE

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HIRTY STUDENTS’ FACES completed masterpiece comes into view. pop up on a black screen, each This year, visual art classes mostly operate in their respective rooms with the same way, only with a more hands-off an instrument in hand. After a approach. Students generally check into moment filled with the plucking of strings Zoom for attendance and then sign off to to find starting notes, and the sound of air work on their projects, whether it be on conditioners and passing cars, the angel- kitchen tables, converted desks or outdoor ic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” floats work stations. Compare this with the colthrough the speakers. This is Palo Alto orful crowd that once filled the art rooms, High School’s “Spring ‘Virtual’ Concert and it’s definitely a different atmosphere. and Senior Celebration 2020,” and perhaps Junior April Wu, who is currently takwhat most performances will look like in ing AP Studio Art 2D Design, misses the the school year. frequent progress check-ins with her teachAcross all departments, COVID-19 er but finds that the new format has providand the resulting campus closure have ed her with other opportunities. caused extreme shifts “It’s kind of nice in the student exhaving freedom in a perience. However, It’s kind of nice having way, because then I can few classes have been freedom in a way, bekind of do things my hit as hard as the own way and see where Visual and Perform- cause then I can kind I would go without ing Arts programs. of do things my own supervision,” Wu said.

Classes like theater, “It’s more of an exploband and sculpture way and see where I ration kind of thing.” rely on a close sense would go without suSubjects such as of community, along ceramics, painting and with materials and pervision.” glassblowing heavily equipment provided rely on physical ma— APRIL WU, junior

by Paly. Despite these terials and tools, as difficulties, VAPA well as an appropriate teachers and students are determined to workspace. Yet with supply cabinets locked make this year valuable. up and classrooms collecting dust, teachers “We just made a decision this year that and students are searching for creative al[no matter what], no way we were not go- ternatives. ing to teach,” said Kate McKenzie, the AdTake, for example, Paly’s celebrated vanced Painting & Drawing and AP Studio glassblowing program, which has been disArt 2D Drawing & Design teacher. continued while students remain at home.

To carry on their craft, according to senior The visual arts vision Andrew Guillet, some glassblowers go to The whisk of a brush. A finishing Public Glass, a glassblowing studio in San touch. Stepping away from the canvas, the Francisco. However, the commute and re-

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20 OCTOBER 2020

strictive time slots make the process inconvenient and less enjoyable.

Despite these immediate challenges that come with online learning, some unexpected and interesting changes have surfaced. To McKenzie, recent student work has gained a new depth due to newfound struggles and stories.

“The work that I saw coming in was so emotional and so strong,” McKenzie said. “That does come out in really powerful ways in art that I don’t get in the classroom.”

Straying from the stage A final sob. Thunderous applause.

With a bow, the curtains close on another successful show. Students, staff and families have long enjoyed numerous onstage performances, ranging from the serious “Tartuffe” to the silly “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Due to distance learning, however, Paly’s plays and theater classes have changed dramatically.

Theater students are currently focusing on voice work, which includes creating character voices, dialects and accents — skills that can be easily developed over Zoom. It’s also less challenging to learn about history and playwriting when computers — which usually aren’t available in theater rooms — are guaranteed in front of every student, according to Sarah Thermond, the Theater and Stage Technologies and Design teacher.

However, as senior Kristen Liu puts it, theater is an art that relies on physical interaction, so the in-person experience is almost impossible to emulate.

“It’s so weird because we’re not standing up and seeing each other, we’re just sit-

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THE ARTS Text by MIA BALDONADO and ZANDER LEONG Art by SAMANTHA HO

ting and reading the script,” Liu said. “You just don’t get the full effect.”

Although this aspect of theater is diminished, Thermond is working to maintain the sense of community that guides the performing arts.

“I like doing a lot of warm up activities and improv exercises because those tend to generate laughter,” Thermond said.

“I think once you’ve been in a class where you’ve laughed with your peers and they’ve laughed with you, you tend to feel closer to them.”

Always vital to the theater process, Stage Technologies and Design students coordinate key elements such as lighting, sound, backdrops and props to create settings for each show. Now, rather than managing this separately, the students will work with actors to transform their homes — a task that has new opportunities with Zoom.

“In a way I get to experience more jobs, I get to see more things because it’s

very easy to tune in to something now,” junior Olivia Gee said. “You don’t have to be there physically, so if you want to be at a rehearsal you can just pop in.”

No matter the direction they take, theater is bound to be new and exciting with the upcoming virtual “Mystery, Murder, & Monsters” show, which includes three performances from Nov. 6–13.

thing to hear it as you’re doing it and to be able to adjust and feel the music,” senior and choir student Ben Norton said. “I think it really does make a difference in the musical decisions you make and the final product.”

Across the district, teachers are finding ways to encourage more involvement; students are learning to use apps to create their own music videos, and in choir, students Music moves to media have the options to learn about vocal health Bows fly off strings. The audience holds and the history of vocal music. its breath. As the conductor signals the last Jeffrey Willner, the Instrumental Munote, resolving harmonies ring through the sic teacher, has explored technology more hall. Like theater, the band, orchestra and due to the shift to online learning. In parchoir programs cannot have their regular ticular, he plans on using Smart Music — stage performances. Unfortunately, Zoom software that aids in creating and evaluating performances aren’t a students’ recordings viable option for them — even when classeither due to audio lag, It’s going to be crazy. es transition back to as musicians cannot in-person.

It’s going to be weird. play in time with each “I’m a boomer, other. Music ensembles And we’re going to big time, you know,” and technology usually Willner said. “And have to adapt.” don’t mesh well, acso it’s forced a lot of cording to senior and — JONATHAN SNEH, senior us older people way orchestra student Noah into using this tech Holbrook. more than we did “You have like 50 students and they [before].” all have to get on to these new platforms,” As music students learn to apply techHolbrook said. “Invariably you know, nology, visual arts classes look for workthrough no fault of their own, someone’s spaces and materials while theater prepares tech won’t cooperate.” to perform online. The arts may be drastiWhen the only functional way to cally different and may not live up to the make music is with click-tracks — audio classes they were before, but for now, stuused to synchronize players — and piecing dents and teachers will have to get creative together individual recordings, students in finding ways to create. miss out on the feeling of playing together “We don’t know exactly how things in an ensemble. are gonna go,” senior Jonathan Sneh said.

“It’s one thing to hear a bunch of re- “It’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be weird. cordings all put together, and it’s another And we’re going to have to adapt.” v

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Text by AKHIL JOONDEPH, JERRY FANG and KATHERINE CHENG Art by SAMANTHA HO

THE THIRD WAVE: TIDES OF TENSION

A 2016 STORY AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY

22 OCTOBER 2020

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RESENTED WITH A RAW The Third Wave story idea and much to be uncovAfter facing difficulty conveying the ered, Verde Magazine staff writers way Adolf Hitler gained power after World Emma Cockerell and Stephanie War I to his students, Cubberley High Lee had little idea as to what they were get- School teacher Jones created a simulation ting themselves into when presented with in his class to mimic Hitler’s regime. a unique story idea weeks before the 2016 He began by engaging in simple activielection. The editors at the time wanted ties with his students like creating an offito publish a story on a social experiment cial salute to build discipline and commuknown as the Third Wave, conducted by nity. When Jones returned the next day, he Palo Alto teacher Ron was surprised to see his Jones 50 years prior. The students continuing to student journalists were You could see the play their experimental prepared to reflect and striking similarities roles, and decided to report on the anniversacontinue the experiry of this monumental [between] the kinds ment for the remainder event, but quickly real- of tactics that Jones of the week. ized that the tale they Over the next four were enlisted to tell was ... and Trump were days, the experiment far more than just a nar- employing.” spiraled out of control; rative about a classroom Jones’ students started — EMMA COCKERELL, writer simulation gone rogue. to turn against each As Cockerell and Lee other under the guise began their process of researching and re- of loyalty to the wave, and Jones himself porting, they became fascinated not only began to enjoy his new power so much that by the experiment itself, but also by its he was afraid of ending the experiment and connections to the election. letting go.

Now, four years later on the eve of the This turn of events gave both Jones and next election, our nation stands even more his students a clear picture of the influence divided. The consequences of the polar- of authoritarianism. ization caused by what Jones describes as a government moving towards authoritar- The Third Wave at 50 ianism are more evident than ever While a story about a 1960s social exbefore. periment modeling an event of the 1930s may seem disconnected from the present, the writers began to see parallels between the Third Wave and the political climate of 2016.

“You could see the striking similarities [between] the kinds of tactics that Jones was employing and the rhetoric that Trump was employing on the campaign trail,” Cockerell recently said.

During an intimate interview in Jones’ San Francisco home,

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profiles the writers gained incredible insights into found that the partisan gap is wider than the minds of politicians through the teach- it has been in 20 years. A different study, er’s experience at the head of an authoritar- also from the Pew Research Center in ian movement.

2019, found that 72% of American Re“He had a lot to say that he’d held back publicans believe Islam is more likely than for so long, but he [Jones] really felt a moral other religions to encourage violence, a beimperative to speak against some dangerous lief that has shown a steady increase since trends in Trump’s behavior,” Cockerell said. 2016. Muslims are just one group targeted Unfortunately, the story did not ulti- with hateful rhetoric by the Trump adminmately draw as much attention from the istration, and the effects of this as well as press as the magazine had hoped, apart a strong message of political animosity is from a video of their interview with Jones evident. that gained 5,000 views overnight. HowevWhile a sense of belonging and unier, both Cockerell and Lee found that the ty has historically been a key value of process of researching and writing this story American democracy, Mark Hancock, was not just important from a journalistic one of Jones’s standpoint, but fundamentally changed students and a them as writers and people. participant in For Lee, it helped her understand the the original Third necessity of keeping her point of view sep- Wave experiment arate from her rebelieves porting in order Community is one that events and tension in to write an unbithe past few years have tarof the most profound ased story. nished this feeling.

“It [the sto- things that we all chase “America in the last ry] forced me four years has gotten away to confront my as human beings. We from that sense of commubiases,” Lee said. all want to be a part of nity that has been so good “It made me refor this country,” Hancock alize the need to something.” said. “I would love to see keep my personal — RON JONES, creator of the Third Wave more people talk about feelings and policoming together and [fewtics out of reporter] people trying to pick ing.” on other people.”

Cockerell shared her own perspective on Jones reinforced the importance of comhow writing the story affected her mindset munity in our nation. towards journalism.

“I think community is one of the most “[I learned about] the idea that there is profound things that we all chase as human no objective truth, and all that you write beings,” Jones said. “We all want to be a is…the accumulation of a lot of other peo- part of something.” ple’s thoughts and opinions,” she said. “It According to Jones, despite the polarizwas a challenge to separate and disentangle ing impact the current administration has his [Jones’] personal beliefs from a more had on our country, the recent rise of proobjective truth.” tests in response to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many more has The Third Wave at 54 united people from across the nation in the The current political climate is tense for fight for justice. many Americans of all political affiliations.

“When I look on the streets and see peoThough the current race is different to that ple protesting peacefully, I see it [America] of four years ago, the strategies of fear mon- has potential,” Jones said. “These are big gering and ostracizing minority groups shifts taking place right in front of us.” are still a prominent political Through his experience in the Third tactic.

Wave, Hancock realized the importance of A 2019 Pew Re- critical thinking and curiosity — concepts search Cen- he continues to value today. ter study “You’ve got to have the curiosity to ask

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questions and look behind all that [political rhetoric], and not just take it at face value,” Hancock said. “Standing up and getting involved is so important.”

As we wrapped up our recent interview with Jones, he concluded our meeting with a poem that he wrote, which he sang to us before saying goodbye. v

THERE IS A MOMENT There is a moment Moment in time that comes to everyone This moment in time, it’s not expected Something is wrong Injustice, right in front of you What will you do this moment that is here today Will you speak out loud or pray it away This moment, a choice you must make of silence and fear or risk that will take you to freedom Freedom What will you do There is a moment — Ron Jones

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the rise of

SOCIAL

MEDIA

activism

STUDENT VOICES REACH GLOBAL PLATFORMS Text by DOMINIQUE LASHLEY and SASHA BOUDTCHENKO

T

HE VIDEO FLICKERS TO life, revealing senior Ryan Yeung standing center screen and solemn-faced amid a wall of blue and orange text boxes. He wastes no time in recounting the story of a teen boy who saved hundreds during the Parkland School Shooting, illuminating the actions of this unknown hero with nothing more than blocks of text accompanied by the melancholy chorus of The Fray’s iconic “How to Save a Life.”

Yeung is one of countless students us-

24 OCTOBER 2020

ing social media to spread awareness and advocate for change. His activism-based TikTok account, theforgottenstories.project, has gained a large presence on the platform with a goal to spread the word of lesser-known social justice cases and stories.

Social media activism The increased momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement, sparked by the death of George Floyd, a victim of police brutality, fueled the recent growth in social media activism. Almost overnight, feeds

Art by XIAOHAN LI

that previously documented daily life overflowed with video clips of Floyd’s arrest and petition links to bring justice to his case.

“It’s insane how many people I’ve never heard talk about social issues or BLM suddenly started posting about it everywhere,” junior Cate Barett said.

According to an opt-in Verde survey of 269 students conducted in September, 53.9% of students participated in social media activism this spring.

Students reposted informational posts on racism, linked resources for others to

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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER— This past summer, numerous BLM protests were organized on social media and held across the Bay Area, including the Oakland rally depicted here. “While [posting on social media] is a step in the right direction ... people really need to take the next step of organizing in their community,” said Juliana Griswold, co-president of Paly’s Leftist club. Photo: Audrey Joachim

learn more and take action, and organized said. “It is a lot easier to press a few buttons and publicized protests through their social and act like you care than spend genuine media accounts, bringing many people out time on the cause.” of their homes and onto the streets.

Activists worry that the recent exploOver the course of a few months, users sion of social media activism promotes began focusing on other issues such as the posting and reposting as forms of battling Yemen crisis and the systemic inequality, explosion in Lebanon. I would say there are resulting in less in“It’s definitely centive to actively way more people helped me gain new work towards reresources and websites reposting than getting form. to help donate for a “While it [postinvolved.” cause or support a peing on social media] — RYAN YEUNG, senior tition,” junior Arohi is a step in the right Bhattacharya said. direction to making Since the rise of BLM, social media has people care about what’s happening, people increased in popularity, becoming a corner- really need to take the next step of organizstone of activism and forever changing the ing in their community,” said Juliana Grisstandards for digital content. wold, co-president of Paly’s Leftist club.

“Systemic change won’t come from social Performative activism media posts and likes.”

As the prominence of the BLM moveOnline, it can be difficult to determine ment and other social justice movements where active participation ends and trend continue to skyrocket on platforms such as seeking begins. As BLM and other human Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, more users rights topics sweep the media, a simple reare questioning if the number of students post of these issues rewards little effort with reposting these issues online accurately maximum gratification. reflects the number of those dedicated to “So many people have begun to treat these causes. human rights like a trend,” Barrett said.

“I would say there are way more peo- “They commodify the movement for likes, ple reposting than getting involved,” Yeung followers and social capital.”

“

As social justice issues are rendered hashtags and retweets online, students and activists worry that social media’s trend-obsessed culture undermines the strength of causes they advocate for.

Blackout Tuesday is a frequently cited example. The global movement in May sent millions flocking to social media, each posting a single black square in protest of racial inequality and police brutality. However, the trend quickly received backlash for clogging the BLM hashtag with a sea of black tiles, preventing users from finding useful resources on the topic. Furthermore, the bandwagon nature of the movement was widely characterized as shallow and performative. Hundreds of users jumped on the trend to share their black tile without contributing any further efforts to advocate for the BLM movement.

“A lot of people did it because everyone else did, maybe without realizing the real purpose or meaning,” senior Emma Wu said.

“But it was also cool to see that level of

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solidarity, and hopefully people spent the Polarization online day learning about Black culture, history It’s no secret that in recent years, the and experiences from Black voices.” political climate both on social media and As social justice advocacy continues across the country has become increasto dominate the media, students grapple ingly polarized and fraught with tension. with subsequent questions that begin to The wide variety of opinions among soarise: does online circulation of social jus- cial media users contributes to a diversity tice posts qualify as activism? Is social me- of ideas online, but conversations on these dia advocacy fueled platforms are often by a desire to validate more talking than ourselves or to spark Systemic change won’t listening. Threads real change? Are online come from social of heated political movements being utidebates turned perlized to initiate reform media posts and likes.” sonal attacks are ofor to earn a few quick ten difficult to avoid — JULIANA GRISWOLD, senior followers? when navigating the “I think that the waters of social megeneral viewpoint [of students] is support- dia activism. Student activists describe freive of social activism, but I think that it’ll quent occurences of threats and hate speech take more than a week or month for real online as a result of their political opinions. change,” Wu said. “We’ll have to see how “I have gotten hate and judgment people really feel especially when social ac- from others,” Yeung said. “I’ve been called tivism isn’t trending.” many racial slurs in comments, personal messages and when going live on TikTok.” Widespread misinformation Despite the negativity often targeting Those who use social media are like- activists on social media, many believe the ly familiar with the numerous educational importance of their causes outweighs these posts that provide information about an risks. issue. However, it is difficult to catch the “I’ve been able to see a lot of the imfalsehoods in a constant flood of informa- pact I have made through personal messagtional posts. es of how they learned so much from my A big risk that comes with social me- account, and how they learn more from my dia activism is the widespread circulation of videos than their history or English class,” misinformation. A well-known example of Yeung said. “These experiences make all this concerned the lack of Palestine’s label the work my organization and I put in exon Google Maps in July. tremely rewarding.”

Uproar ensued as users accused Google Despite the risks of performatism and Maps of removing Palestine from the map conflict online, social media platforms when it was never there to begin with. Ac- continue to provide one of this generacording to Express.co.uk, the United States tion’s most widespread tools for advocacy, does not recognize Palestine as an indepen- enabling students to organize movements dent state, so Google, an American compa- and rallies pushing for reform. Although ny, does not recognize it either. the new era of social media activism poses When people repost information with- unforseen challenges for student activists, out doing the appropriate fact checking, it has clearly played an important role in they end up spreading false information raising awareness for human rights issues, rather than educating people. With the and continues to create opportunities for perpetual flow of new information, it is movement builders to spread initiatives for important to check the facts before taking change. v action.

“I don’t generally use the specific re*Source: The data presented here comes from sources that people provide on social me- an opt-in Verde Magazine survey of 290 Palo dia but rather use it as a base for myself to Alto High School students through all four do research on the topic and find reliable grades. Verde conducted the survey from Sept. sources and petitions to sign and advocate 19 to Sept. 24 through a digital form published on school social media and Schoology pages. for myself,” Bhattacharya stated in a mes- Responses were anonymous and participation sage. for all questions was optional.

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26 OCTOBER 2020

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FOILING THE COMPETITION Text by MIA BALDONADO and RYAN SETO

A

FTER A BRIEF PAUSE TO size up her opponent, Palo Alto High School senior Evelyn Cheng launches forward. Her actions blur together as her speedy crossover footwork forces her opponent to the back end of the fencing strip. Her rival attempts to parry the attack, but Cheng disengages around her blade — within a mere second, Cheng strikes her opponent and the point is over.

This eight-second clip from the 2020 Fencing Junior Olympics displays a sliver of Cheng’s talents as a world-class fencer. She ranks eighth in the world for her age group and participates in both national and international competitions almost every month. In the past, she has traveled to places such as Manchester, England; Cabrières, France; Mödling, Austria; and Rome, Italy for fencing. However, due to COVID-19, Cheng is now unable to travel.

“I really miss the competitions — like once a month being able to travel to some random state in the U.S. and see my friends from other states and just competing with them,” Cheng said. “It would just be one weekend; I FIERY FENCING — Senior Evelyn Cheng wears the U.S. fencing mask, which is given to members of the cadet world team. “It’s an honor to represent the USA at the world championships as it has always been one of my dreams,” Cheng said. Photo: Audrey Joachim

28 OCTOBER 2020

GARDE would just fly there, compete and then just fly back.”

Practices remain somewhat similar to what they were before COVID-19, as fencers already wear fencing masks and gloves while fencing, according to Cheng. Her club lets players practice in small groups during a three week period before rotating. However, practices carry less weight since there are no competitions to train for.

The most significant change brought about by COVID-19 affected Cheng’s future plans. Ever since her brother committed to Stanford University as a fencer, Cheng’s dream has been to follow in his footsteps.

Her early commitment to recruitment to Stanford meant that she had to decline offers from other schools.

However, Stanford decided to cut 11 varsity sports including fencing, due to recent financial difficulties. In spite of all of this, Cheng is excited about her future, as she recently committed to a different Division 1 school for fencing.

“It was just frustrating because I already turned down other Division 1 offers just so I could go to Stanford,” Cheng said. “But over time, I moved on from the situation, and I’m really grateful to be recruited by a different university.”

COVID-19 is just one of many challenges that have been thrown in Cheng’s path — her journey to fencing dominance took years of dedication and hard work, but also an unwavering belief in herself.

How it began

Cheng began fencing in fifth grade when she wanted to join her older brother in the sport. She went

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Art by Mia Baldonado

to tournaments with the intention of game, which she initially struggled supporting him instead of focusing on with. Given that it is such a high-inher own matches. tensity sport, “I used to be fencers must Now that I have won his biggest cheermaintain their leader,” Cheng [the Junior Olympics], composure in said. “When I was order to achieve it just makes me think really bad I’d honsolid results. In estly just go to I can achieve more moments where competitions and panics, than what I previously Cheng I’d be so happy to Murugin helps to cheer for him.” calm her nerves. thought I could.”

Her brother “He’s defi— EVELYN CHENG, senior nitely my favorite not only had a role in bringing her into one [coach] bethe sport, but he also inspired her to cause he’s the most dedicated,” Cheng perform better in competitions. said. “He believed in me when no oth“A lot of people say that me and er coach did, and he put so much efmy brother fence really similar. So fort into helping me.” in terms of just fencing-wise and my style, he was a role model,” Cheng Looking forward said. “And he got really good results Cheng made her way to the Juand so I wanted to match up to that nior Olympics last year, participating as well.” in the cadet women’s foil event and placing 66th. In February, Cheng won Finding the right fit the national competition, earning her According to Cheng, she initial- a spot on the world team and raising ly struggled to keep up with the elite her national ranking from 22nd to fencers in her class; however, her tran- third in her event. sition to Silicon Valley Fencing Center “It felt really good because I’d has drastically improved her skill in never won a national competition,” large part due to her new coach Alek- Cheng said. “Last year at that event, sei Murugin.

I did really poorly so to get first the After watching Cheng fence at the next year really shows how much I imclub, Murugin saw her fencing poten- proved.” tial and promising style right away — Looking forward, Cheng aspires he chose to coach her and has worked to achieve greater levels of success. to foster her growth ever since.

While she made the cadet World “Initially it was her fencing style Team, which is 17 and under, Cheng’s that caught my attention,” Murugin goal in the upcoming years is to make said. “I noticed her because of her it to the Junior Team, which is 20 and dynamic footwork, blade work and a under. brave attitude. She was fun to watch.”

“Now that I have won [the Junior The two of them work together Olympics], it just makes me think I not only on Cheng’s techniques but can achieve more than what I previalso on the emotional aspect of the ously thought I could,” Cheng said. v

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VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 29

Text by SADIE IBBOTSON-BROWN and EMILY YAO

Art by ZANDER LEONG

FINDING HER VOICE

SPEAKING UP THROUGH DEBATE AND ACTIVISM

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EAD HELD HIGH, Wumi Ogunlade delivers her debate case to the panel of squares in front of her on her screen.

“Democracy means rule by the people,” she says. She doesn’t back down, and looks the camera straight in the eye.

Ogunlade has traveled across the globe, experiencing more than her fair share of change, but speech and debate has helped her find a voice to speak out for what she believes in.

From Nigeria to America Ogunlade grew up in Ibadan, Nigeria,

30 OCTOBER 2020

where she attended a private international school. She was first exposed to speech and debate at the age of eight.

“When I was little, I loved proving people wrong,” Ogunlade says. “I always wanted to be a lawyer.”

As a way of getting out of the house and pursuing that goal, Ogunlade joined her school’s debate club.

In December 2017, Ogunlade and her family moved from Nigeria to San Jose, where she struggled to adjust to a new school and community.

“The transition from being a regular Nigerian to an African American was cra-

zy,” Ogunlade says. “People would come to me and say, ‘What’s it like in Nigeria?

Are there a lot of poor people there?’ Once someone asked me, ‘Do you guys live with lions?’ I told them that I lived in Nigeria, not in the jungle.”

At her high school in San Jose, Ogunlade continued to participate in speech and debate as an extracurricular to continue her passion and build new friendships. Debate in America, however, was different from what she had previously learned.

“It was the total opposite [from Nigeria],” Ogunlade says. “I had to learn everything from scratch.”

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tremely difficult to jump from platform to to join IGNITE, a non-partisan organizaplatform, because they are so different from tion created to address the lack of women each other.” in politics. Over the summer, Ogunlade Ogunlade spent months taking on became one of its ambassadors, using soan entirely new form of debate: Lin- cial media to refer people to Sofia, an oncoln-Douglas. This form involves one line chatbot created by IGNITE that walks debater affirming the topic and the other users through the process of registering to negating. Lincoln-Douglas debaters have a vote, or creating a plan if they are not yet total of 13 minutes of speaking time dis- eligible to vote. tributed in two to three speeches.

As a strong advocate for civic engageWithout the support of a team mem- ment, Ogunlade has also worked relentlessber, Ogunlade was forced to rethink her ly to mail postcards encouraging people to debating strategy as she dove headfirst into vote in the upcoming election. Working learning the new and unfamiliar style. alongside other youth to create change is Despite Ogunlade’s perseverance, most inspiring, in her eyes. there were plenty of debate matches that “I feel like my generation is going to be ended in a loss. Her losses further drove her a game changer,” Ogunlade says. “We are desire to succeed, and she was determined all much more enlightened and more peoto learn something new from every defeat. ple are going to school.”

“When you lose, the coach focuses As well as being an advocate for voters, more on you,” Ogunlade says. “They show Ogunlade is a member of Paly’s Black Stuyou what to do differently.” dent Union, and she uses her poetry as both This philosophy is something the Paly a creative outlet and a platform to speak Speech and Debate team emphasizes. about the injustices the Black community “Losing forces you to examine how faces in America. Ogunlade wrote a poem you can be better,” Savaddressing the Black age says. “That’s the part Lives Movement to where you get not only People should get the highlight racial inintellectual growth but respect they deserve, justice that exists in personal growth.” her community.

Ogunlade signs up not the respect society After gradufor every practice de- thinks they deserve.” ating from high bate she can, working to school, Ogunlade — WUMI OGUNLADE, senior plans to continue hone her skills.

“I definitely want advocating for social to be a great debater, but change; her dream is you have to start from somewhere,” Ogun- to return to Nigeria after college to educate lade says. “ I definitely won’t stop, because even more people about women’s equality debate is something that helped me a lot in and the importance of speaking and particmy public speaking, in my confidence — ipating in government. everything.”

“I know that in the future I want to start my own non-profit [in Nigeria],” Making a change Ogunlade says. “The government needs to After moving to Palo Alto, Ogunlade do a lot more in Nigeria — they don’t inalso became an active member of multiple volve themselves at all with the people.” community activist groups.

Whether it’s through debate or her Gaining confidence through speech activism, Ogunlade strives to be the best and debate, she felt the urge to speak up she can be, no matter the obstacles that are about social issues she’d witnessed while thrown her way.. growing up in Nigeria.

Though her journey to find her voice “If my mom gives people money, in- took years, she now uses it to fight for the stead of saying ‘Thank you, madam,’ they many injustices she notices in her commugo to my dad and say ‘Thank you, sir’ in- nities. stead,” Ogunlade says. “They believe that “People should get the respect they whatever money she got is from the men. deserve, not the respect that society thinks They just don’t see women high up.” they deserve,” Ogunlade says. “All people These injustices motivated Ogunlade are equal.” v

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SPEAKING HER MIND — As a part of Verde’s Black Lives Matter submissions, Wumi Ogunlade wrote a poem using the refrain “I Can’t Breathe” after the murder of George Floyd.

Drawn on the background of a portrait of Ogunlade, the poem is an example of how she uses her voice for change. “I would like a government that ... sees everyone as equal,” Ogunlade says. Photo: Audrey Joachim

A new challenge Due to her family’s move from Nigeria to San Jose, and then later to Palo Alto, Ogunlade has been forced to adapt to different debate styles depending on what each school had to offer. Over the course of her debating career, she has learned three types of debate.

According to Jennie Savage, Paly’s Speech and Debate coach, debaters often learn one of the five forms of debate and spend years mastering it.

“What Wumi did was difficult,” Savage says. “She made the transition from the hardest form of debate there is. It’s ex-

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 31

Text by ALLISON CHANG and EMILY YAO

Survivor's Shelter

Art by SAMANTHA HO

SUPPORTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

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PENING UP the front door of the shelter, the familiar sight of the colorful mural flowers welcomes her home.

There, the painting of roses, tulips, sunflowers and daisies scattered across a white picket fence symbolizes rebirth, power and longevity. Shelter coordinator Sonya Valles describes through a phone call the faint rumbling of a laundry machine, heard from the middle of the courtyard.

Located in San Jose, California, the YWCA agency is one of many shelters in Santa Clara County that houses victims of sexual abuse, sex trafficking and domestic violence.

To an ordinary person, the shelter is just another apartment, yet to the victims seeking refuge, the shelter is their everything — their protection and support, a promise of a new start. Within these walls, a close-knit team of staff and volunteers from the Crisis, Housing and Social Justice Departments work together to give domestic violence victims a

32 OCTOBER 2020

chance to build their futures.

Forensic fears When COVID-19 hit the U.S. earlier this spring, the virus created uneasiness throughout domestic violence survivors and shelters across the county.

“There is a lot of fear on every level,” Valles says.

In particular, fear of visiting hospitals has shown to be one of the most severe consequences of COVID-19 on domestic violence victims. Although YWCA hotlines saw a significant increase in reported domestic violence cases, the number of domestic violence survivors who are reporting to hospitals for a forensic examination has dramatically decreased, according to Jennifer Thuresson, a volunteer on YWCA’s sexual assault response team.

The forensic examination, which collects biological and photographic evidence, medical history and data on men-

tal state, is crucial for law enforcement and domestic violence agencies alike.

After the examination, the information is passed to agencies like YWCA to support and care for these victims. Without the forensic examination, Thuresson worries that survivors are not receiving proper medical care or the ability to prosecute the perpetrator for their crime.

A victim’s journey As an all-inclusive shelter, YWCA provides services to everyone regardless of gender, race or age. When domestic violence survivors call into the 24-hour hotline, they complete a questionnaire and will be accepted if beds are available.

At YWCA, survivors will stay for up to 30 days and be provided with basic necessities and services, including therapy, physical and mental well-being examinations, legal referrals and housing support.

Thuresson acts as the first responder in a domestic violence case. According to Thuresson, once a case of sexual assault is reported, the victim is paired with a YWCA volunteer and is given the choice to undergo a forensic medical exam. Although the state requires minors under 18 to get approval from their guardians, for domestic violence cases, children over 12 have the ability to consent to a physical exam. As she primarily works on pediatric cases — her youngest being a 1-year-old — her role as an advocate is

profiles “It’s a really hard to inform clients of their legal rights, as choice someone has well as to provide emotional support.

“The most important thing as an to make,” Valles says. advocate is to give power back,” Thures- “That [leaving] is the son says. “In these really vulnerable situ- hardest choice. I reations, a lot of power is taken away. We mind people of that just want to be there to remind them that when they don’t know what to do. I’m like, they [survivors] still have the power.”

Because she is a volunteer, Thures- ‘Hey, you already made son’s work with a client ends once the cli- the hardest choice. ent steps foot out of the hospital, which You’ve already decidoften occurs over the span of a couple of ed to leave. And you hours in a single day. As Thuresson leaves should feel really proud the client’s side, other YWCA workers are about that.’” quick to step in.

Each client is paired with a case Response to COVID In accordance with manager, a person who works closely with the survivors and connects them to public health guideappropriate services. Case managers be- lines, many shelters come an advocate, supporter and friend have decided to reduce services, restrict admitduring a survivor’s stay at YWCA. “When people leave from a situa- tance or close entirely due to COVID-19 tion, sometimes they leave with noth- risk. While changes have been impleing,” says Valles, a former case manager. mented, YWCA continues to take in new “Sometimes the people that we are work- domestic violence clients and provide ing with are people that, because of the counseling, housing and legal services.

These changes include reducing the situation they were in, were not able to work, were not able to have financial in- capacity of their 16-bed shelter. Despite dependence or were not able to have an living together under one roof, the shelter enforces social distancing and saneducation.” itary regulations within Though the final the living quarters. Cligoal is for clients to There is fear on ents can no longer share gain independence, rooms — individual clisome will find them- every level.” ents and family units that selves returning to — SONYA VALLES, could previously share the the shelter. When case YWCA Shelter Coordinater living space are required managers see clients to spread out. they have worked with This reduction of housing capacity in the past returning to YWCA for support, they welcome them back into that coupled with the surge of domestic visafe space, understanding that recovery olence cases, has led to the number of survivors waiting to be placed outnumtakes time.

According to Valles, it may take bering the spots available at YWCA’s eight or nine tries for a victim to leave emergency shelter.

“Especially now during COVID, if their abuser for good.

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we notice somebody is not there [at the shelter] and we have not seen them in a day or two, we just clean up their space, turn it around and offer it to somebody else,” Valles says. “We just can’t wait for them, and they understand because it is hard to get in shelters right now.”

That doesn’t stop YWCA from pushing forward with the mission of supporting victims throughout their journey to recovery. In fact, many — if not all — of its services have continued in some variation, socially distanced or online.

Though transitioning services online has its limitations, it has also brought the organization unexpected benefits, especially by providing clients with more flexible meeting times with therapists and legal advisors.

Count me in Though staff, volunteers and victims can provide insight, one will never truly understand the experiences of domestic

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 33

violence victims unless they too are faced with the same situation.

“We can’t be so naive or blinded to think that ‘This won’t happen to me,’ ‘I shouldn’t care about this because I don’t know anyone,’ or ‘I’ve never had to deal with this,’” Valles says. “Chances are, you will meet someone that this has happened to or that is dealing with it because domestic violence is happening everywhere.”

Because statistics show that anyone could be a victim of domestic violence, educating young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships is a way of preventing relationships from becoming abusive. This results in clubs and organizations, like One Love, whose mission is to educate the community and empower

them to identify abusive relationships.

Zoë Wong-VanHaren, a graduated president of Paly’s One Love club, says, “Even before entering a relationship, I’ve been more cautious of those red flags.”

Learning about domestic violence is the first step in showing support for a victim.

“It’s not our decision to make those decisions for someone else, unless they’re in danger or they’re a danger to themselves,” Valles says. “So the best thing to do is give them those tools and support them. Just say, ‘Hey, I’m here to support you. Here are the resources.’ And check in on them.”

Though there are many organizations like YWCA across the nation and globe, Thuresson believes that change

Sources: YWCA and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

34 OCTOBER 2020

begins with action from an individual. In the domestic violence community, the pool of volunteers is small: there are few people filling multiple roles instead of many people taking on small roles.

“As little as we are as one human, we’re still really powerful,” Thuresson says. “We just need more people to get into this world.” v

Hidden Shelter Since its acquisition in the late 80’s, the YWCA emergency shelter, like many other domestic violence shelters, has chosen to keep its location a secret.

According to Sonya Valles, the shelter coordinator, confidentiality is one of the shelter’s top priorities; individuals must not disclose the address of the shelter for the safety and security of others there. Many tasks are prohibited, such as ordering food delivery, dropping off items or calling an Uber directly to the shelter, and instead, designated drop off locations near the shelter are used.

“We just can’t take any risk,” Valles says. “We do not know who is delivering it and if the person is an abusive person. If someone was looking for them [survivors], whether it be their abuser or not, we unfortunately have to ask them [the survivors] to leave.”

Despite the inconveniences of the confidentiality policy, YWCA is known in the community to be a shelter that gives a lot of independence to its residents. Unlike traditional shelters, the YWCA has flexible guidelines that accommodates the situation of the individual. Instead of curfews and schedules, clients are given the freedom to come and go from the shelter.

“We are very unique compared to other shelters because we trust that people know what to do,” Valles says. “We trust that they know how to clean up after themselves and that we’re there to support them.”

profiles Text by SEBASTIAN BONNARD and OLIVIA MILNE

ROAD CYCLING

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Photos by OLIVIA MILNE

A QUARANTINE TREND REVIVES A PALY CLUB

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HIZZING DOWN A HILL in Pescadero with aching legs and an immense sense of pride building in his chest, Palo Alto High School senior James Fetter completes the Everest Challenge after what feels like an interminable 14 hours. This endurance challenge, often attempted by professional bikers, requires one to cycle up and down a mountain as many times as it takes to reach the combined elevation of Mount Everest — approximately 29,000 feet.

“At 6 a.m. I started riding, and I didn’t finish until 8:30 p.m.,” Fetter said. “It felt super good to complete a huge challenge A NEWFOUND PASSION — Junior Sebastian Acceta chooses long like that.” distance cycling as his quarantine exercise. Additionally, there has been Although few Paly students engage in such strenuous rides, a spike of Paly riders looking to go outside and enjoy nature. “I really got road cycling has dramatically increased in popularity over the past into it during the first week of quarantine,” Acceta said. “It’s so relaxing and a great way to get out of the house.” few months due to the limited exercise options with COVID-19 regulations.

“I was hoping we could just bike there [Cañada Road], and Not only do these cyclists benefit from the workout, but get to know each other while enjoying our shared interest,” Fetter also from the socialization and natural tranquility that their rides said. provide.

Northern California is home to numerous scenic bike rides At the start of this school year, Fetter and senior Alex Selwyn varying in difficulty and length, many of which are frequented by decided to recharter the Paly Biking Club, founded in 2018 by students.

Kevin Cox (Class of 2019), after seeing the recent increase of “Santa Cruz, San Gregorio State Beach and the vast Portola interest in the activity over the summer.

Valley are some of the most popular locations for rides among Members of the club include athletes of various sports who experienced students while developing riders can enjoy the picked up cycling as a result of canceled accessibility of Arastradero and Foothills,” practices, from runners like Fetter and junior Ben Antonow said.

Selwyn, to swimmers, water polo players, It [road cycling] is a Although the rides’ difficulty and and volleyball players. location may differ, most riders use the app perfect way to exercise Motivated by the sport’s accessibility Strava to monitor their trips. The app helps and her love for the outdoors, senior and and take advantage of bikers track distance traveled, maximum club member Catherine Reller began cycling the amazing nature and average speed, as well as heart rate. over the summer.

“Strava is almost like a social media “I really like the outdoors in general around us.” platform, where you can post your activities and throughout quarantine I used my dad’s and see a map of what you’ve done,” — BEN ANTONOW, junior Antonow said. “It is a really useful feature old bike to go on rides,” Reller said. “That’s when I really picked up road cycling as a to see where you have ridden and how far method to exercise and hobby.” you’ve gone.”

New bikers also discovered similarities to running in As many riders plan to continue this activity past quarantine, the aerobic effort exerted while biking, as well as a whole new members of the Paly Biking Club hope that other students take up dimension of leisure while exercising. cycling as an opportunity to safely go outside during quarantine “Biking is more relaxed and less competitive [than running], and appreciate the great outdoors. it also helps you bond with others,” said Jimmy Miller, a junior on “The Paly [Biking] Club is new, but we hope its recency won’t the cross country team. take from its ability to attract new members,” Antonow said. “It The club is planning on meeting every other Sunday to go [road cycling] is a perfect way to exercise and take advantage of the on group rides on Cañada Road, with 25 students involved so far. amazing nature around us.” v

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VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 35

Text by ANYA MONDRAGON and SOPHIE MATLOF

KNOWS THE ROPES

CLIMBER PERSISTS IN PANDEMIC

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PANDEMIC CLIMBING — Joing scales a homemade rock climbing wall in the backyard of her friend’s house in Sunnyvale.“I have to be ready to commit to things because there’s some moves that you have to jump and stuff, and that’s really stressful,” Joing said. Photo: Audrey Joachim

Joing brings her can-do attitude to her LINGING TO THE CURVED who are all so good,” Joing said. “All the job at Planet Granite. On top of three-hour wall of the climbing gym with stress leaves and I just remember why I like practices three days a week and indepenthe tips of her chalk-dusted fin- climbing so much.” dent workouts, Joing works as a climbing In 2014, the same year that she began gers on two blue holds, Palo Alto coach for the beginner rock climbing team.

High School junior Emma Joing is careful rock climbing, Joing underwent knee sur“I got to foster their love for climbing to take her time — the holds are all that gery due to her hip dysplasia and dislocated and show them the ropes literally and figuknee cap. anchor her against a plummet to the floor. ratively,” Joing said.

Because of her physical limitations, With effortless grace, as seen in the vidThe COVID-19 eo of Joing at the 2017 Reno Competition, Joing adapted innopandemic has shutshe swings her legs up to perch her feet vative strategies for All the stress just tered climbing gyms onto a blue rock in line with her hands. She climbing. leaves and I remember across the country, in“I climb differentpauses and shifts her position to shake out cluding the Bay Area. her fingers, keeping her eyes on the final ly than my friends do why I like climbing so However, the setback because they can mablue hold marked with the number 25. much.” has not deterred Jo“It’s funny because when people ask me neuver their hips more — EMMA JOING, junior ing from pursuing her what a climbing competition looks like, than I can,” Joing said. passion. She continues the first thing that they think of is that it’s “So I try to be creative to practice on her own or socially distanced speed,” Joing said. “But that’s actually com- in the way I do climbs.” with a select few teammates either in her Joing believes that creativity is just as pletely false.” garage or at her friend’s mini rock climbing As the video continues, she uses her crucial as strength training for winning wall in Sunnyvale. arms, conditioned from hours of weekly competitions.

“I have these people that I’m not as con“Rock climbing needs mental strength, rock climbing practices, to leap up and grab nected to anymore because I don’t see them not just physical,” the final hold, receiving as often,” Joing said.

Joing said. “It’s enthusiastic cheers from It’s about climbing Joing has maintained a passion for about climbing the audience. smart versus climbing climbing her whole life, and she plans to smart versus just Joing is one of 10 continue the sport through college. Alclimbing strong.” high school students on strong.” though she takes her time on climbs, it took Joing’s positive — EMMA JOING, junior her competitive rock her no time at all to realize that she would mindset is apparclimbing team at Planlove the sport forever. ent to those around et Granite in Sunnyvale “When I started doing it, I couldn’t and has qualified for the United States her, including her Planet Granite teammate believe people did rock climbing as a sport Youth Nationals Climbing Competition Alexandra Merrem. and that I could just do this every single “Emma is super supportive, really cheertwice. day,” Joing said. “Now I have an outlet for “I see all these girls from all over the ful all the time,” Merrem said. “She will althis joy that I have.” v country [at the Nationals Competition], ways be there ready to work hard.”

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36 OCTOBER 2020

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Text by ISHANI RAHA and SOFIA ANTEBI

Birdwatching MOVEMENT OR CONSPIRACY?

around the idea that between 1959 and 1971, the CIA took out 12 billion birds and replaced them with avian-like robots designed to surveil the American population. It has amassed an estimated 276,000 LL OF THE BIRDS DIED followers across Instagram and Twitter, in 1986 due to Reagan kill- most of whom are teens. ing them and replacing “It [Birds Aren’t Real picked up] probthem with spies that are ably around 2017, when some of our flynow watching us. The birds work for the ers began making the rounds on Reddit,” bourgeoisie.”

McIndoe says. “It was part of our moveThis iconic line is recognizable to ment’s strategy to ‘weaponize virality’ in an hundreds of thousands of effort to get past people. From circulating government cenaround Reddit, Instagram, Sometimes I see a bird sorship tactics.

TikTok and ironically, and it’s like, are you The thought was Twitter, this peculiar ideol— how can they ogy has won over the hearts real?” censor some— MARINA BUENDIA, senior of teens and young adults thing viral?” alike with its seemingly abAlong with surd nature. government cenThe Birds Aren’t Real movement was sorship on the Birds Aren’t Real movement technically created in 2017 by college stu- — however crazy that might sound — dent Peter McIndoe, but he likes to say what makes the movement stand out is that otherwise. it doesn’t even make an attempt to sound “I did not start Birds Aren’t Real,” plausible. For many teens, the absurd and McIndoe says. “The movement has existed far-fetched humor is what draws them in. since 1976, I am simply a representative!”

Most recently, in a message released on The ideology of the movement centers the movement’s Instagram account in Sep-

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tember, McIndoe announced Birds Aren’t Real’s candidacy for president — as a whole movement.

“If you consider yourself to be a bird truther or part of the movement, you are now running for president of the United States,” McIndoe proudly says.

Spreading the feathered gospel Though it started as a social media movement, Birds Aren’t Real rapidly expanded into both a comical pop culture reference and an online clothing brand.

From its large social media platform to its “Bird Brigade” — a group of “bird truthers” tasked to spread the message of the movement through social media and other means — the conspiracy has become a token of the Gen Z population.

For Palo Alto High School senior Andrew Toteda, discovering the movement was as simple as scrolling through his favorite Reddit pages. Though Toteda frequents the site to stay updated on his hobbies and world news, he sometimes stumbles upon the latest in meme humor.

“It [the movement] was one of the many satirical conspiracies that redditors like to discuss, because often many reddi-

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Art by SAMANTHA HO

goes both ways tors haven’t heard the joke before,” Toteda says. “It quickly became a thing where all of those ‘in the know’ would discuss robotic birds in the comment section like they were real.”

Another tactic the Birds Aren’t Real movement uses to spread the message is through having their own merchandise: though it’s not a common occurrence to see a person in Birds Aren’t Real apparel, its popularity among Paly students is growing.

Senior Marina Buendia discovered the movement through an Instagram meme page she followed, immediately noting connections to other more “legitimate” conspiracies.

“I follow this one [Instagram account] called ‘The Moon is Fake,’” Buendia says.

“I feel like there’s a genre of conspiracies, and one of them was probably created first.

Then, someone else says, ‘If the moon is faked, what if birds weren’t real?’ The ideas just borrow off of each other.”

Satire, or something deeper?

“Sometimes I see a bird and it’s like, are you real?” Buendia says. “Sometimes they seem a little bit sketchy to me, especially going to New York, and you see the

amount of birds, and pigeons specifically. I gave the government more surveillance think that if any of them [the birds] were power and the ability to collect citizen into be fake, it would probably be pigeons.” formation if necessary.

According to Buendia, the movement “I think the part that makes the Birds wasn’t designed to be believable at all. How- Aren’t Real thing funny to many young ever, as with most movements with con- people is that I don’t think anyone would spiracy origins, there’s be surprised if it a diehard follower base. Every day it seems like turned out the CIA “I feel like Birds was actually experithis science-fiction Aren’t Real doesn’t take menting with birditself as seriously and meme edges a little like surveillance it’s because it’s a pretty drones,” Toteda says. closer to reality.” crazy statement to me,” Today, acBuendia says. “But I cording to the Pew — ANDREW TOTEDA, senior think that behind all Research Center, the silly ones, there’s three-quarters of definitely a very real cult following … I Americans say that their fellow citizens’ would not be surprised if there was an ac- trust in the federal government has been tual group that thought birds still aren’t real steadily decreasing. With a heightened misand the government is watching us.” trust of the government, especially in the Though the idea that birds aren’t real digital age, it’s not hard at all to believe that may seem unbelievable, Toteda believes the there might be a morsel of truth to this wild roots of the movement might be more sig- conspiracy. nificant.

“The idea that birds are just robotic “I think that at a deeper level, a lot of spy drones is absurd,” Toteda says. “But younger Americans are jaded by former and what makes it funny, and for some, even a current government policies surrounding bit scary, is that every day it seems like this privacy,” Toteda says, referencing the USA science-fiction meme edges a little closer to PATRIOT Act, a reaction to 9/11 which reality.” v

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Text by SADIE IBBOTSON-BROWN and SEBASTIAN BONNARD

Photo by AUDREY JOACHIM

A

guide

to Bay Area

parks

EXPLORING PALO ALTO’S NATURAL SIDE

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T THE VERY TOP of a particularly difficult climb at the Dish, you’re greeted with a wide view of the whole city, filled with miniscule buildings and clusters of trees. The wind sends the golden grasses dancing, a rare moment of peace amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

While Silicon Valley is known for being a hub of technology and infrastructure, nearby open space preserves showcase the natural beauty of the Bay Area, each offering unique trails and amenities. After months of lockdown, more Palo Alto residents are returning to their favorite parks — while adhering to COVID-19 rules and regulations — for a perfect escape from computer screens. v

Foothills Park Perhaps Palo Alto’s most well known open space preserve, Foothills Park reopened on Aug. 31 to the public, attracting those looking to hike, bike and generally enjoy the second-largest park in the city.

The plethora of wildlife and trails make this park an ideal destination to get some fresh air.

After showing proof of residency at the park’s entrance, visitors can expect to spot wild turkeys, hawks and herons roaming across the park grounds; at less frequented hours, one can even see deer and coyotes.

Two of the most popular of Foothills’ many trails are Los Trancos and Toyon, suitable for hikers with a wide range of experience. At 7.3 miles long, the former is for the adventurous who want to get their blood flowing, and the latter for those who wish to experience Foothills’ beauty at a shorter distance of 1.4 miles.

Enid Pearson is the former Palo Alto City Council member responsible for the expansion and preservation of many municipal parks and the namesake of the Pearson-Arastradero preserve.

“It [Foothills Park] is full of trails; you can hike for hours up to the top and see the skyline,” Pearson said. “You can look out at the whole Bay Area up there.”

Since the park’s municipal establishment in the early 1960s, entrance to Foothills has been restricted to Palo Alto residents and their guests — a recent topic of debate that has prompted a lawsuit from the ACLU. Still, while the views of the Bay Area are certainly impressive, ROLLING HILLS — The sunny California skies perhaps Foothills’ most distinguishable trait is its limited number are on prominent display at Foothills park. The preserve remains a peaceful spot even in the of visitors –– a disadvantage to those excluded –– and a benefit to midst of a pandemic with its sweeping treeline the many residents who enjoy its tranquility. and gentle hills. Photo: Laura Malagrino

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Don Edwards Wildlife Reserve

AUTUMNAL NATURE — A creek catches the evening light at Don Edwards Nature Wildlife Preserve. Visitors at this park can view a vast array of birds and other wildlife. Photo: Audrey Joachim

It only takes 20 minutes to drive to Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, and the trip is worth it. Surrounded by the San Francisco Bay and lined with rolling hills, Don Edwards is a popular spot among birdwatchers and photographers alike.

Its most notable feature is an expansive boardwalk that extends out into the Bay. The whole preserve is a photographer’s dream: full of shapes, shadows and nature that create an excellent composition. A little red house with peeling paint and rustic wood makes the perfect spot for a sunset photo shoot.

The small, lilting hills serve as a great place to walk your dog or to get out of the house for a change of scenery, though you won’t find strenuous hikes like you would at Foothills or Arastradero. At Don Edwards, the cool breeze and rippling water of the boardwalk makes for a very peaceful experience.

The Stanford Dish Only a few miles away from Palo Alto High School is the Stanford Dish. With a smooth, paved trail that winds around a 3.8 mile loop, it’s a great place to spend a weekend morning or an afternoon study break.

The Dish is frequented by Paly’s hiking club, the Hiking Vikings, and with the preserve’s recent reopening, many of its members are beginning to return to the trail.

“I’ve gone hiking less since quarantine started because I haven’t really had the motivation to do it, but I want to start doing that again,” club member and senior Jenna Tetzlaff said. “I really like being outside, getting to see things you don’t see every day.”

Dotted with wildflowers and animals, the Dish’s twisting path makes for an excellent trail for both beginners and experienced hikers. And nothing feels better than the sense of accomplishment as you reach the top of one of the preserve’s many hills.

OPEN SKY — Beautiful landscapes like these are a prime example of what visitors will encounter at the Stanford Dish. Photo: Sadie Ibbotson-Brown

Pearson-Arastredero Preserve

WINDING ROAD — A twisting pathway curves across hills at PearsonArastredero Preserve. The park is named after City Council member Enid Pearson. Photo: Sebastian Bonnard

Tucked behind I-280, the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a favorite among visitors hoping to enjoy nature without actually leaving Palo Alto. Like Foothills, it officially reopened on Aug. 31, allowing many to experience its diverse landscapes and various wildlife.

Surrounded by rolling hills on the outskirts of Palo Alto, parkgoers fall in love with the preserve’s towering trees, golden grass and cattle. Unlike Foothills, it has more relaxed hikes, with most ranging between 0.6 and 1.5 miles. However, the preserve isn’t very hiker friendly as poison oak, snakes, ticks and other critters are fairly common.

Despite its small size, the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve offers a motley of different landscapes and trails for visitors to enjoy. Its close location makes it an ideal park in the eyes of many Bay Area residents who want an accessible and convenient break from the suburban lifestyle.

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Text by NAOMI BONEH and TARA KOTHARI

Art by SELENA CAO

Halloween, reanimated HOLIDAY FACES SPOOKY DISTORTIONS

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HROUDED BY ROLLING fog, “Fall is our busiest time of the year a man dances with a skeleton next for all the businesses here, especially visto witches and other costumed itor businesses,” Beeman says. “Whether partygoers as pounding EDM you’re an independent artist, a musician, plays in the background. The excited one of the community organizations that spectators — Palo Alto residents — move raises money — all of these groups rely on to visit various makeshift booths with on the festival for revenue generation. It mini-exhibits, passing by lanky towers [the cancellation] is going to have a maof jack-o-lanterns and festive attendants jor impact on the full economy here.” handing out giant candy bars.

Many are devastated that the memThese festivities, paired with the im- orable events at the festival — in particmensely long lines, make up the typical ular, the Great Pumpkin Parade and 10k Halloween scene in front of former Apple Pumpkin Run — as well as the worldCEO Steve Jobs’ house. Every year, the class art displays, music and food will performances, displays and lavish good- cease. However, Beeman says that the ies draw crowds of Palo Alto residents on festival’s board of directors is actively Halloween night to Jobs’ and other Sil- fundraising to donate to nonprofits and icon Valley figures’ make up for part of houses. the revenue lost.

However, due to I'm just hoping that ...

COVID-19 regula- we can give them [the Spooky at school tions, children and For children in other Halloween kids] something they elementary school, enthusiasts will be can remember.”

Halloween represents missing out on these a particularly thrill— BRIAN CARILLI, Palo Alto resident traditional dazzling ing opportunity to celebrations. Health ofshow off costumes and ficials in the Bay Area stated in mid-Sep- devour candy to their heart’s content — tember that trick-or-treating is “strongly and to their arteries’ dismay. One of the discouraged,” citing difficulties with so- many schools with special Halloween cial distancing and the increased like- celebrations is El Carmelo Elementary lihood of large gatherings. Halloween School, where students excitedly gather events, including carnivals and parties, for a schoolwide parade. will also be prohibited.

“The kids are all really excited, and so it’s very much a huge celebration,” Canceled festivities says Lori Beasley, a second grade teacher Among many celebrations that were at El Carmelo. “And afterwards we come canceled this year, one that has affected back into the classroom and we get into several people in the Bay Area is the Half a circle, and everybody has a chance to Moon Bay Pumpkin and Art Festival, stand up and go into the middle of the one of California’s largest local festivals. circle and tell us who they are. And then According to Tim Beeman, spokes- they spin around so we can see the whole person for Miramar Events — an event costume.” management company that organizes To maintain classroom traditions multiple local festivals — the Half Moon this year, Beasley plans to send her many Bay Pumpkin and Art Festival draws Halloween books home to her students families from all around Northern Cal- so that they can still read and listen to ifornia and raises half a million dollars scary stories throughout October. As the every year for nonprofits. plan approved by the school board means

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elementary school teachers and students will be back in the classroom in cohorts on Oct. 26, younger children will likely be able to celebrate in person the week of Halloween — which will take place on a Saturday this year.

In addition, Halloween enthusiast and Palo Alto resident Brian Carilli still plans to celebrate this year, and is preparing for a unique Halloween filled with safe and entertaining surprises.

“I got this train … And my hope is that I'll have a little cart I'll design that will tip the candy into their bag,” Carilli says. “So it would be socially distanced and I'll have the sidewalk marked out to try to keep them [the kids] so that they don't bunch around … but I am not expecting the 500 kids we usually get.”

Carilli is aware that his traditionally elaborate Halloween plans will be even more difficult to pull off this year, but he says at the end of the day, making the kids happy is worth all the hard work.

“My biggest kick is to see the little ones when they see what's going on — it’s the big wide eyes that are my payoff,” Carilli says. “When I'm setting it up I always wonder ‘Why the heck am I doing this?’ ... But once I see all the little kids running around and having a good time, it makes it worth putting all the time into getting it set up. I'm just hoping that even though it's going to be socially distanced, we can give them [the kids] something they can remember.” v

culture Text by AANYA KUMAR Additional reporting by AUDREY KERNICK

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Art by FAUSTINE WANG

WO MEN AGAINST PATRIARCHY

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DEFINING THEIR OWN SEXUALITY

OAKING WET and dancing ankle vagina, it’s the end of the world?”

Empowerment through music deep in a pool, Cardi B and Megan Many listeners, including Palo Alto Some women might find their sexualiThee Stallion are surrounded by High School junior Jaelyn Mitchell, note ty to be something that they are ashamed of backup dancers — each wearing that this inequality is evident beyond because negative depictions of female sexa black leather two-piece set and fishnet “WAP” and is endemic in the rap indus- uality are common in mainstream media. stockings. The deep try. Women receive Being able to dance or sing along to a bass of their song a disproportionate song uncensored in sexual content is em“WAP” pounds in the It might not seem imamount of criticism powering to women who feel constantly background. than they deserve on scrutinized by the standards set upon them portant, but it is beWhen the song the basis of their gen- by modern society. was released on Aug. 7, cause it normalizes der.

Paly junior Marilyn Yin enjoys listenthe world stopped for female sexuality and “Men demon- ing to female rappers because their songs a second. Raking up ize Black women give a voice to women, allowing them to 93 million streams in allows for other girls to constantly in their celebrate their sexuality and break from the its first week, Cardi B feel comfortable.” songs,” Mitchell sense of shame cultural norms have imand Megan Thee Stalsaid. “People hate on posed upon them.

— MARILYN YIN, junior Black women all the lion captured sexuality, “It [music from female rappers] might empowerment, confitime … that’s why as not seem important, but it is because it dence and opulence in three minutes and a Black woman you can’t seem aggressive at normalizes female sexuality and allows for seven seconds. It’s safe to say the world was all because you don’t other girls to feel comlistening, but amid the love for an empow- wanna be perceived fortable,” Yin said. ering anthem was a problem Black women that way. Any note of Any note of confiWhile Megan in rap always face: blatant misogyny. confidence or power dence or power is Thee Stallion, Cardi B is seen as aggression and Nicki Minaj have Backlash in the industry and anger to society.” seen as aggression become household The worldwide popularity of “WAP” One hater of the and anger to society.” names, women are still shined a light on the way women who song is James Bradley, fighting to be heard — JAELYN MITCHELL, junior and respected within proudly present their sexuality are received a Republican running poorly by the public. However, this is noth- for the House in Calrap, as well as in the ing new — double standards are prevalent ifornia’s 33rd District. Bradley tweeted, broader music industry. within the entire music business and espe- “Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion are what “You got all these guy rappers out here cially within the rap industry. happens when children are raised without who ain’t really talking about a lot, but we “A man can talk about how he’s about God and without a strong father figure. all would commend them, as many as they to do all of these drugs and then come and Their new ‘song’ The #WAP (which i heard come,” Megan Thee Stallion said in an inshoot your house up,” Megan Thee Stal- accidentally) made me want to pour holy terview with Billboard Magazine. “So I was lion said in an interview with Marie Claire. water in my ears and I feel sorry for future really excited that a lot of women got their “But as soon as I say something about my girls if this is their role model!” shine this year.” v

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Art by LAUREN YAN

Text by SOFIA ANTEBI and OLIVIA MILNE

Launching Lunch

BREAK TIME REIMAGINED FOR GOING ONLINE

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MBARCADERO ROAD, walk sign on the cross.” As the lunch bell rings, a wave of chatting students floods the narrow crosswalk into Town & Country Village, on the hunt for a midday meal. This scene, once so common to Palo Alto High School students, is a fleeting memory as schools have transitioned to distance learning this fall.

For most, lunch now consists of signing off the computer and migrating to the kitchen, a brief break before the next Zoom call. The spirited lunchtimes that shaped the typical Paly experience have dramatically shifted with online school.

Town & Country Village Palycculture is significantly influenced by the school’s proximity to Town & Country. On any average afternoon, hundreds of Paly students stampede across Embarcadero Road, heading from the Paly campus to the establishments across the street.

“It’s exciting to walk around and see a lot of people you know and I’m just really comfortable there [Town & Country] cause I know it so

44 OCTOBER 2020

well,” junior Natalie Chueh said. first club meeting] actually went better The shopping center welcomes hun- than I thought, more people engaged with dreds of Paly students for lunch, and many me than I expected,” Anisha Gandhi, Bulplaces even offer a special discount for stu- let Journaling Club President, said. “It was dents. Now, these businesses are taking a just nice for people to have a new place to hit from the loss of their usual lunchtime make friends online.” crowd.

When it comes to planning activities, “You guys [Paly students] were a big club leaders have had to think outside of revenue stream,” Genthe box. Senior Aieral Manager of Howleen Wu, co-presie’s Pizza Mike Kelly Sometimes I feel suident of Paly Eco said. “Business has per low during online club, is planning been pretty quiet since to cultivate a fun the start of everything.” school but when I and engaging atThe atmosphere of FaceTime my friends mosphere, even on Town & Country, once Zoom. lively and bustling, is and talk to others it “We definitely now reduced to your always makes me feel don’t want to limaverage, quiet shopit ourselves to just better.” ping center. being informational — BRIGHID BAKER, junior “You guys defipresentations like nitely brought the enyou’re in class,” Wu ergy — with music playing and just gen- said. eral banter and crowd noise,” Kelly said.

One benefit of online clubs is apply“I would say it’s a negative effect definitely ing new skills that relate to being at home not having you here.” as opposed to remaining at school.

“Usually, in person, we are more foClubs adapt cused on sustainability on campus, but in With distance learning measures, Paly our club meetings we’re doing things like clubs had to adapt to a digital environ- DIYs or other things that would improve ment. sustainability in each student’s home,” Wu The virtual club experience has said. “I think that’s something that we made many activities more wouldn’t have done if we met in person.” difficult, but ultimately, it provides students with Making the most of lunchtime a means to connect with A survey conducted in September others. concluded that 62.7% of students prefer “ I t lunch at school, and 37.3% of students [the prefer being at home. Although most students prefer to eat at school with friends, there are still lots of different ways to connect with the community.

“Sometimes I feel super low during online school but when I FaceTime my friends and talk to others it always makes me feel better,” junior Brighid Baker said. v

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Text by JERRY FANG

Art by SAMANTHA HO

A Love for butter LOCAL BAKER SETS UP SHOP AT ZOLA

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ARGE GLASS WINDOWS frame rows of wine bottles atop tables. Flanked by navy walls, a tall rolling kitchen cart stands behind the counter, holding trays full of assorted pastries. Outside, there is no shortage of enthusiastic customers as the line stretches around the corner. The reward at the end of this wait is nothing more than an unassuming cardboard box, but from within comes a warm, sweet and savory aroma: the unmistakable smell of fresh baked goods.

Operating out of Zola restaurant in downtown Palo Alto, Love for Butter is a pop-up bakery offering a collection of classic and contemporary pastries. It is exclusively open on Sundays for online preorder pickup and walk-ins.

John Shelsta, the heart and soul of Love for Butter, grew up in Menlo Park, and fell in love with baking when he found himself working in the restaurant industry up and down the Peninsula. Shelsta opened up his first pop-up bakery in the summer of 2013, and has since gained a considerable following while running pop-ups on and off.

“I would do them [pop-ups] basically whenever I had extra time,” Shelsta said. “I do them for a few months, maybe once a month, and then I just wouldn’t do one for a year.”

Shelsta partly attributes his journey in baking to the croissant, his favorite pastry, which has been a longtime staple in his

PASTRY PREP — John Shelsta, the owner and baker behind Love for Butter, preps the dough for his iconic pastries as he continues to run his passion project during the pandemic.

He loves to share his creations and see others happy. “As I’ve realized … over the last few months, it [baking] brings happiness to people,” Shelsta said. Photo: Audrey Joachim

menus. Over the course of his many popups, he has been perfecting the recipe to acquire a particular flavor, color and size.

“It still is constantly being tweaked and small changes are being made to only try and create an even better and better croissant,” Shelsta said.

When the pandemic first started, Shelsta found himself stuck at home in the Bay Area, but under these unexpected circumstances, he started up his passion project again.

“At the start of the pandemic, I wasn’t really planning on baking, but a few longtime customers knew I was back in the area and asked if I would be willing to make some stuff for them,” Shelsta said.

Despite the uncertain future, Shelsta has his eyes on the horizon with plans such as possibly opening a bakery of his own sometime soon. Intrigued by his passion, Verde tried some of his creations. v

Croissant ($4) This classic pastry is large and encased in a golden-brown, glossy exterior. The crispy outside contrasts the buttery, soft and airy inside of slightly sweet dough.

Chocolate Candied Orange Sourdough Epi ($4) Despite its sweet-sounding name, this pastry is actually savory. Topped with chocolate chunks, it hides bright candied orange pieces inside. The sourdough combined with the bitterness of the chocolate and orange produces a natural, balanced flavor.

Kouign Amann ($4.25) This pastry is instantly recognizable by its irregular shape. The sugar coated shell hides layers upon layers of puffy dough inside with a pure sugar filling. This was my personal favorite and is definitely a must try for those with a sweet tooth.

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REMI Text by ANDIE TETZLAFF and MERWA MAROF

Art by SAMANTHA HO

WoLF LOCAL ARTIST RISING ON BILLBOARDS

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XPLODING WITH AN ARRAY of colors and sounds, a music video blasts out electric melodies. Palo Alto High School alumna and singer-songwriter Remi Wolf appears on a computer screen, singing along to one of her most recent hits, “Disco Man.” The video begins with Wolf, clad head to toe in cheetah print, standing atop a large yellow cylinder, surrounded by dozens of tiny puppets of herself bouncing around robotically in the background, and ends with miniature Wolfs popping up all over the screen encircled by large bright clouds. Her bright personality leaves no space for a dull moment.

Wolf is making her way up the charts with unique and groovy hits, having released EPs, multiple singles and collaborated with other artists. She currently boasts over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Born and raised in Palo Alto, Wolf has been performing since her childhood — whether it be in a band with her friends during high school or at a drive-in benefit concert a couple of years later.

Wolf ’s second EP, “I’m Allergic to Dogs!” was released over the summer and showcased her multifaceted personality and youthful character with just five songs, putting her own individual spin on love and romantic music. The vibes emanating from Wolf ’s songs are magnetic and not for the faint of heart, practically oozing coolness that keeps you dancing along.

The album starts off strong with “Down The Line,” a head-bopping beat accompanied by inviting lyrics that transport you straight to your best friend’s house during the peak

46 OCTOBER 2020

of summer.

Next on Wolf ’s most recent album is an incredibly pumpedup song, “Woo!” which immediately captivates the listener with heartfelt lyrics pulsing with emotion. The song bounces around from topic to topic, diverting your attention every minute. “Woo!” is an ADHD explosion of sounds and ideas.

“Hello Hello Hello,” reflects on Wolf being on the fence about a relationship. Despite the more somber and mellow tone of the lyrics, the beat of the song makes “Hello Hello Hello” superb for singing along.

The next track in the album is “Photo ID,” by far the most energetic. Wolf heightens her pitch to provide happy-go-lucky feelings of confidence and self-assuredness, surprising listeners with a breezy song that projects an aura of pure glee.

Wolf ’s fifth and final song in the album is “Disco Man.” Saving the best for last, this song cements her idiosyncratic sound in the world of funky pop. “Disco Man” perfectly wraps up the EP, with the same zany lyrics that transport listeners into a daydream filled with Wolf ’s technicolor kingdom of music and entertainment. “Disco Man” ends the EP with a bang.

One thing is for sure: There is no drab moment while jumping around to Wolf ’s eccentric music or being entranced by her flamboyant music videos. Wolf has her sights set on the future, aiming to expand her audience by creating more music, continuing to collaborate with popular artists and performing drive-in shows. She released her most recent single, "Monte Carlo," in August, and we hope for more bizarre and whimsical songs to come. v

perspectives Art by SAMANTHA HO

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Text by KYLIE MIES

Connection to Culture EMBRACING MYSELF THROUGH ASIAN MEDIA

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N MIDDLE SCHOOL, WHEN MY MOOD WAS UNpredictable and my insecurities were through the roof, I struggled with my identity more than anything else. When I entered sixth grade, it had only been a year since I moved to the United States from Tokyo. Although I was half Japanese and half white, I didn’t think I could fit in with the Palo Alto community.

After hearing the topic of Lake Tahoe circulate around my fifth grade classroom in the winter, I went home to ask my Japanese mom what it was. She replied, “I don’t know, an amusement park?”

I would hear the kids who have grown up their whole lives in Palo Alto talking about their weekend barbecues or their bike rides to the ice cream shop, and compare it to my sushi nights or Japanese shaved ice — known as kakigori — parties with my family.

As I settled into Palo Alto, I started watching anime. It replaced the connection I had lost with my life back in Japan, and it made me appreciate my culture immensely.

It was the perfect balance of artistic expression and creative storylines. It was exciting and innovative compared to the repetitive live-action TV shows that dominated television. Anime led me to take interest in other forms of Asian culture, the predominant one being K-pop.

Throughout seventh grade, right when I got home, I caught up on the latest season of Sailor Moon and cheered when she defeated the evil kingdom. I watched concert stages of my favorite K-pop artists and utterly failed at copying their dance moves, or I tuned in on the latest gossip in the K-pop media. I felt out of place and upset due to the fact that I couldn’t relate with my fellow classmates.

That all came to a screeching halt as I entered high school and left anime and K-pop behind.

While it could have been me outgrowing a phase, upon reflection I would say the primary reason was my desire to be seen as fully white and to have interests that were traditionally “white.” I sacrificed my passions because I wanted to be someone who fit into the Palo Alto demographic — to be the girl who spends her weekends shopping at Stanford shopping center, going to the beach with family and watching

classic TV shows like “Gossip Girl.”

Looking back, I realize how naive and disrespectful I was to drop my interests just because of my desire to fit in. Don’t get me wrong, I still love shopping and watching corny teen TV shows, but thinking that I couldn’t be a girl who spent time at the mall and also watch anime built a false dichotomy between my Japanese self and my American self.

The reality is that I am just as Japanese as I am American, and trying to push away my Japanese side was not only harmful to my mental health but also to my family members who pride themselves on being Asian.

Being both Japanese and American is a major part of who I am today and who I want to be. I love celebrating my Japanese heritage with my mother and still being able to have a classic American high school experience.

Looking at Western media today, K-pop music is climbing the charts. Most recently, the 7-member K-pop group BTS’s hit song “Dynamite,” topped the Billboard Hot 100. They were the first all South Korean act to have reached the spot, exemplifying the massive popularity of K-pop in the West. Additionally, the 4-member K-pop group Blackpink has gathered global attention because of their cool girl concept, catchy pop sound and their many collaborations with Western pop icons like Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa.

Anime has grown in popularity due to the realization that the genre’s shows cover many complex and mature topics.

Much of this recognition can be accredited to Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli which created the movies “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

With beautiful craftsmanship, these movies evoke deeper emotions and move us in ways that a live action movie cannot.

Seeing the massive amounts of attention that Asian culture has received in Western media has driven me to reconnect and rekindle my love for anime and K-pop. I wish that I never rejected my culture, but recognizing my mistake now gives me an even greater appreciation of my multiculturalism. v

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Text and art by MICHELLE KIM

SELFISH ACTIONS RUIN COMMUNITY EFFORTS

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S THE SUN SHINES through my window and I scroll through my social media feed, post after post shows groups of smiling teens gathered at a beach or having a picnic. Perfectly normal during the peak of summer — until I remember that we are in the midst of a pandemic.

Even as health officials are strongly advising everyone to stay home, especially in initial virus hotspots such as Santa Clara County, many teens both at Palo Alto High School and across the country have refused to follow social distancing guidelines.

Though a large majority of people are taking precautions by limiting contact with others, these efforts ultimately become futile as long as there remain individuals who act irresponsibly.

According to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, there have been nearly 22,000 cases and over 340 coronavirus deaths in the county — which amounts to a death rate of roughly 1.5%.

48 OCTOBER 2020

Though social distancing guidelines parents kept me home, it still hurts that I allow for nonessential excursions, students and many others who limited our excurshould remind themselves that just because sions are forced to stay at home longer due they can engage in in-person activities to the irresponsibility of other teens — the with others often does same people we are not mean that they trying to protect from should; those who do I was disappointed to catching the virus. not need to go outside see that many students able Itthatis understandshould be staying at self-quaranhome as much as pos- ... missed the note that tining is difficult at sible to reduce com- going to the beach ... times — remaining in munity transmission. one place for months While watching does not count as an on end with only a digthe compilation of essential trip. ital connection to the seniors’ summer vacaoutside world is both tion clips during the mentally and physicalfirst week of school at the Paly Welcome, I ly draining. was disappointed to see that many students Many students were cautious about I knew seemed to have missed the note that putting themselves and others at increased going to the beach in large groups does not risk for COVID-19 exposure towards the count as an essential trip. beginning of the summer, but with no end In contrast, I can count on one hand to the pandemic in sight, it has been diffithe number of times I have gone outside cult to keep up hope for recovery and fight over the summer — twice for dentist ap- the unceasing feeling of fatigue. pointments, once to pick up textUnfortunately, the virus is just as deadbooks and once more to get a shirt ly as it was six months ago, especially with on Senior Swag Day. the upcoming Halloween season that has Even then, Senior Swag Day traditionally been a time for large gatherings brought together hordes of students and parties. Now, it is more important than who took their masks off to take pic- ever to remind ourselves that community tures with one another, failing to do wellbeing takes precedence over our convethe bare minimum requested by Paly nience and temporary fun. administrators to keep people safe.

Because the coronavirus has an overI spent the first 102 days of quar- all death rate of 1.5% and even lower for antine without leaving the house younger people, it may seem logical to think at all, eating cake alone on my that we won’t catch the virus or easily surbirthday in the middle of July vive even if we do. However, we must stop and waving to friends through reducing people to numbers and begin to a window as they dropped off empathize by thinking about the fact that cards and gifts. The first time our friends, family or at-risk relatives could I stepped out for a walk, I be part of that 1.5%. had almost forgotten the Disregarding the safety and health of feeling of wind blowing others who remain at home detracts from on my face and hearing our efforts to get back to school and reguleaves crunch as I stepped lar life as fast as possible, and only prolongs over them. online school.

Though in retroFollow the guidelines, please, so that spect I am grateful my our efforts don’t go to waste. v

perspectives Text by RYAN SETO

v

Art by SAMANTHA HO

Senior Traditions REFLECTING ON AN ONLINE SENIOR YEAR

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S THE END OF OCTOBER approach- for the second semester. es, leaves are piled on the vacant bleachers, The senior year I had once envisioned was one the senior deck remains deserted and our of after-school Spikeball and a severe case of seniorsports facilities collect dust. Meanwhile, I itis. sit at home, trapped in a digital box on the days that Now, with college apps and online classes, the I should be laughing with my friends on the senior most interesting thing I can do is change the backdeck, or building our float and ground of my Zoom screen and preparing for our Spirit Dance. the farthest place I can venture As the younger sibling of two The most interesting out to is my own backyard.

Palo Alto High School gradualways looked at sething I can do is change nior I’ve ates, I saw my brothers in full year as the end goal, the camo on their first day of school the background of year that I’d finally get to relax and dressed up in togas for before I go off to college, leave my Zoom screen and Spirit Week. I was excited this bubble and find out what at the prospect of finally the farthest place I the real world is like. winning Spirit Week and mentality may seem can venture out is my like aThis having one last chance to fast track to catching sebackyard. dress up with my friends. nioritis, but It seemed like alto me it’s tramost every senior dition. I went in the years ahead of me participat- through three years of hard work ed in building the float or perfect- and stress to finally submit my college ing their spirit dance. Now, the apps, and now it feels like I did all of the football field is filled with an work to receive none of the benefits. eerie quietness, and the quad is I know this may be something I would completely deserted. The cars in call “a first world problem” because there are the auto shop slowly rust with- so many larger issues around the world, but out any students to tend to them. it bothers me that we’re missing out on so many When school was initially can- memories that previous generations of Paly alumni celed, I had mixed feelings; I was excited have made. that I would be able to take my tests and quizAnd while my feelings on this subject are still zes in the comfort of my home, and I felt pessimistic, a small part of me holds onto the begrateful that I wasn’t a senior since they had lief that come January, we’ll be back in school and to miss out on their second semester. I was everything will have a chance at being normal blissfully unaware as to how long the school again. shutdown would last.

Even if this thinking comes off as illogical, It’s overwhelming to realize that I am it’s important that we focus on the future so that missing out on memories that every “typ- we can figure out how to get out of this together ical” high school student has had before — the outcome of this year will be representative us. The traditions that I took for granted of the steps we take to make the most of what are now either canceled or up in the air we have. v

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 49

Text by ABIMBOLA BOLARINWA

Art by SELENA CAO

GROWING UP BLACK MY EXPERIENCES WITH RACISM IN PALO ALTO

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HILE PEOPLE DRUM IT UP AS DIVERSE, My teacher turned towards me to repeat the question, and I liberal, peaceful and tolerant, Palo Alto isn’t as in- felt the entire classroom’s eyes on my face as I struggled to answer, clusive as it seems. That’s because people of color “Why do Black people call each other the N-word?” here, including myself, continue to face the chalI didn’t want to say something stupid, but I didn’t have a relenges of covert racism through microaggressions and stereotypes. sponse. How was I expected to answer for all Black people?

When I attended Ohlone Elementary School, I didn’t really In this day and age, these issues should be a thing of a past. The acknowledge the fact that I was usually the only Black student in citizens of Palo Alto, who pride themselves on being progressive, my class. However, I still grasped that no one should use their privilege to support their in my class looked like me; almost everyone minority and marginalized neighbors. This I still grasped that no else was white or Asian. can be anything from having a difficult conAs I got older, I noticed that people treat- one in my class looked versation with family members to creating a ed me differently. I had classmates who asked safe place for your friends to communicate if they could touch my hair because they had like me; almost everytheir struggles to supporting Black-owned never seen anyone with my hair type before. one else was white or businesses.

I would receive comments like “Wow, it’s so For my fellow classmates and students, Asian. puffy,” or “It feels so soft.” don’t just look the other way; be an ally, be Their actions reinforced that I wasn’t like an upstander, call out your racist friends, and them, and they made me feel less human as they pet my head like be intentional, not performative, in your activism. one might pet a dog. Teachers and other students would often misI encourage you to further educate yourself on how to be an take me for another Black student at my school, even though our ally by reading current and historical news articles about racial jussimilarities extended only so far as the color of our skin. tice movements, listening to speeches from Black, Indigenous and In eighth grade I attended Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle people of color as well as watching anti-racism films. If you could School, a predominately white and Asian school with very few go to protests all summer long, then you can extend that allyship Black students. One day in English class, as I watched the clock into the year by making space for Black, Indigenous and people of slowly tick towards 3:30 p.m., the words “Frederick Douglass,” color in class discussions and making them feel like their voices are “Black Americans” and “reparations” drifted to my ears, but my being heard. mind was too focused on my after school plans. I quickAlthough Palo Alto is far from perfect in its journey ly snapped back to reality when a classmate raised their to address and end racism, it is still my hometown, and I hand and asked, “Why do Black people call each other know the members of our community have the power to the N-word?” make our city a more accepting and anti-racist place. v

50 OCTOBER 2020

perspectives

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Text and art by ZANDER LEONG

Social minus media

CONNECTING TO FRIENDS WITHOUT THE APPS

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WIPE LEFT. HALF SWIPE. cantly more effort to find that connection. cause I reinforce those strong friendships.

Since then, instead of bumping into But at the same time, I’m missing out on Swipe up. To many teens, this may seem like a common language, a se- someone on the Quad, I’m waiting for a meeting new people, on getting to know ries of flicks and taps to navigate the time when we’re both available to Zoom. the super welcoming classmates or friends world of social media. But like a percentage What was once chatting in person has of friends that I’ve always wanted to know of the population, it’s a language I never shifted to messaging a classmate as we sit better.

Yet it’s not all learned. A learned behavior, my science in the Zoom waiting teacher might say, not innate. Like birds room. I get work done About 10.8% of Paly hopeless. As the with friends on Zoom, year continweaving nests in the branches. students don’t use school ues, those breakout So how does a bird who can’t build or play card games on Zoom. Zoom to Zoom find its place in the world? social media. room silences are getting shorter. The chat Like an architecturally doomed bird, to Zoom. The only exbox is becoming more not using social media is an abnormality in ception is when I scrape our society. In fact, at Paly, only 10.8% of myself off my chair and actually go outside and more friendly. I’m starting to connect students don’t use social media, according to bring our dog to her friends — social- with my classmates, perhaps in a slightly to an opt-in online survey of 290 students ly distanced, of course. But even then, it’s more personal way than before while we all conducted by Verde in September. Of those just not the same, whether in person and in struggle together. Despite everything, we’re who do, 84.3% of students use it to stay masks or on Zoom. I miss out on that casu- making it work, and I think that says a lot al community I took about our resilience as a community. connected with friends Maybe I will sign up on Instagram one and family.

I mostly relied on for granted.

And that’s what day. Maybe I won’t. But no matter what, Even before the seeing friends in class social media is so there are still ways to stay connected. I miss pandemic forced us to shelter in place, the and at lunchtime to great at, that ambi- seeing people in person and not-so-patientconnection that’s ly await the moment we can safely return world used Instagram, connect with them. ent subtle yet strong. to campus, and I’m slowly growing sick of Twitter and even TikWith it, you can “Sign in to join Zoom” and “Your internet Tok to communicate across borders. And especially now, due to share what you’re doing and peek into the connection is unstable.” But if it means fewer in-person interactions, many have lives of others in a smooth, broadcast-type catching up with my friends, I’ll gladly hop on some more video calls. Even if a bird turned to social media. As with many style. Without it, you’re on your own.

I’ve found that my method of connect- can’t build, maybe it doesn’t need to. It’s things, from the necessity of healthcare to our love for travel, the pandemic has am- ing with friends is more direct: I message found its home in the world. v plified its importance: what was once an- them directly, or call them directly. In some other way to stay connected is now one of ways, that’s nice bethe only windows to a wider, more social world. Or so I imagine. I wouldn’t know, because like I said, I’m not on social media.

Okay, so social media connects people.

How do I stay connected without it? Well, it involves tireless training, elite mental prowess and just a little bit of dark magic.

To be honest, I’m not the most social, outgoing person. Back in the olden days, when I would actually crawl out of bed before 8 a.m. and pedal myself to school, I mostly relied on seeing friends in class and at lunchtime to connect with them.

So when campus closed and we all shut our doors, I had to put in signifi-

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