Verde Volume 25 Issue 2

V. HEARTS WITH MIDDLE EAST 7,435 miles away, pg. 14 VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 1

2 NOVEMBER 2023

VERDE MAGAZINE November 2023 Volume 25 Issue 2

ON THE COVER Retired Stanford staff member Becky Fischbach advocates for the de-escalation of hostilities following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the retaliatory bombing of Gaza at the Embarcadero Road crossing in a picture taken by photographer Kensie Pao. Members of the Peninsula/ Palo Alto branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and others gather Fridays at noon at the corner of Embarcadero and El Camino Real in Palo Alto to advocate for peace and other human rights issues.

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.

Editors-in-Chief Felicia Buchholz Austin Eng Asha Kulkarni Nadia Soberg Anna Van Riesen

Copy Editors Lia Cardwell Lizzy Williams

Features Editor Lizzy Williams

Social Media Managers Sophie Mies Chloe Huang

Profiles Editors Lia Cardwell Otto Kiss Meyerfreund Culture Editors Divya Gandhi Cate Graney Perspectives Editor Vit Do News Editor Alma Bendavid Launch Editor Ella Hwang

Business Manager Maya Rajbhandari

Art Director Jeslyn Chen Photographer Kensie Pao Staff Writers Eva Chang Augustus Soedarmono Adviser Paul Kandell Guest Artists Talia Boneh Sasha Kapadia Sophie Pan Charlie Wang

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 our business manager at verdebusiness5@ gmail.com.

Printing & distribution Verde is printed five times a year in September, November, 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

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PEACE VIGIL pg. 20

FROM THE EDITORS

HEARTS WITH MIDDLE EAST Years from now, will we all still remember how we reacted when we heard the news of Oct. 7? Did we gasp at social media posts? Did we stare at the TV in horror? For some of us, did our thoughts immediately leap to loved ones on another continent?

The attack and the ensuing events remind the Palo Alto High School student body and our wider community that our connections stretch across the globe. Many students attend school daily while their focus is on their family and friends abroad — in the Middle East, the Far East, Latin America and beyond.

In “7,435 miles away,” Culture Editor Divya Gandhi and Social Media Manager Chloe Huang chronicle the stories of local community members who are being personally affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

In our editorial, we write about our gratitude for our school

board members who have done their best to respond to the impacts here at home.

Although the conflict in the Middle East has sparked divisiveness in our local community, moments of unity shine through, both in the school board and elsewhere. Huang and Editor-in-Chief Asha Kulkarni showcase one such moment — a multifaith vigil promoting peace — in the photo essay “Candlelit community.”

As editors, we believe that this conflict, with its deep historical roots and wide-reaching impact, cannot be ignored. The effects carry emotional weight and trauma for many. While this issue is complex and polarizing, we felt that as student journalists working to support our community, we had to address it. And for all of you who have been impacted, know our hearts are with you.

—FELICIA, AUSTIN, ASHA, NADIA, ANNA 4 NOVEMBER 2023

In this issue Foreword

Launch 6 Editorial 8 News 10

Cover

Israel-Hamas war Peace vigil

14 20

Features

Mountain View journalism

22

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR pg. 14

Profiles

Jeannet Kiessling 26 Grant Morgenfeld 28 Speech and debate 30

Culture

Cloud9 Coffee Sex Education Women in film industry “For All the Dogs” album

32 36 38 40

Perspectives

Country of origin 44 Catholic school 46 Going to school sick 48 Babysitting column 50

GRANT MORGENFELD pg. 28

CLOUD9 COFFEE pg. 32 VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 5

the verdicts

STUDENTS FIGHT CENSORSHIP — The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson and former adviser Carla Gomez converse with Student Press Law Center Executive Director Gary Green. “I hope that there can be some acknowledgment of the censorship,” Olson said. Photo: Nadia Soberg

Defend student press at Mountain View HS

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AST SPRING, REPORTERS at Mountain View High School’s The Oracle newspaper began reporting on students’ experiences with digital sexual harassment. After Oracle reporters reached out to administrators for interviews, MVHS principal Kip Glazer asked for prior review of the article and for specific changes to be made.

The article was published in print in April, though its writers told Verde the published version was watered down due to fear of retaliation from Glazer. Later that month, Glazer announced the removal of The Oracle adviser Carla Gomez due to her lack of Career Technical Education credential and the cancellation of the Introduction to Journalism course.

To uphold the rights of our fellow student journalists at MVHS, the MVHS administration must immediately begin to make amends for their censorship of The Oracle. In September, Gomez and The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson threatened legal action against school and district officials, alleging that Glazer’s actions were retaliation for the publication of the article, which Glazer had opposed.The MVHS administration’s actions violate California’s Education Code 48907, which gives Cali-

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fornia student journalists the right to free speech at school so long as it is not libelous, slanderous or obscene. The code also protects advisers from being “dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a pupil engaged in the conduct authorized under this section.”

Glazer’s actions are not only illegal, they are dangerous, as they have put the future of The Oracle, MVHS’s only student news publication, at risk. Previously, new staffers would have joined The Oracle having already received training through a prerequisite course. Now, Oracle leadership is left responsible for providing such training.

Olson said Glazer’s censorship has damaged the relationship between The Oracle staff and its administration.

“I feel as though our class has lost some of the trust in [our] administration,” Olson said. “When you’re trying to do things in the present, it’s really hard when you don’t even know how to deal with what happened in the past and what the future is going to look like.”

Glazer’s efforts to censor The Oracle undermine the rights of its reporters to work independently of administrators. As student journalists, our job is to provide a

voice for students and our communities.

Student press is vital to keep students informed, shed light on relevant issues and hold leaders accountable. Glazer has undercut The Oracle’s ability to provide comprehensive reporting for MVHS and the greater Mountain View community.

In a guest essay for the Student Press Law Center, The Oracle Print In-Depth Editor and writer of the sexual harassment article Myesha Pukhan wrote, “We published this story to uplift survivors of sexual harassment and their voices. The administration’s actions countered a part of that impact.”

We agree. The MVHS administration must reinstate the Introduction to Journalism course and Gomez as adviser. As California student journalists, we are lucky to have broad student press laws that allow us to serve our communities to the fullest extent possible. We must be vigilant in holding those who attempt to undermine our rights accountable so that our rights are preserved. v *Editor’s note: Due to his engagement with the events at MVHS outside of his work at Verde, our adviser did not read or comment on this editorial before its publication. See page 22 for full feature story.

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

School board resolutions appreciated

T

HE OCT. 7 ATTACK ON Israel and the subsequent events unfolding in the Middle East have affected many in our community in broad and deeply personal ways.

At both the Oct. 24 and Oct. 27 meetings of the Palo Alto Unified School District board, many of those community members spoke about the personal pain and fear they and their families are feeling as a result.

At the Oct. 27 special board meeting, the board passed two resolutions in response to feedback from community members.

These resolutions included denunciations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and a reiteration of the district’s commitment to fostering a safe environment for all.

We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of our school board to honor the needs of students and community members affected by the attack and ensuing events in the Middle East.

The initial board meeting after the attack took place on Oct. 10, too soon for the

board to respond.

PAUSD families because it’s not our job to While some community members insert ourselves in geopolitics,” Ladomirak were upset that the resolutions came three said. “With these resolutions, we are openweeks after the initial attacks, it was im- ing ourselves up, I believe, to legitimate portant that the criticism in the fuboard took the ture that we pick and time to ensure The effect the Israchoose which people that the concerns to care about and el-Hamas war has had and voices of whose lives to value.” community mem- on our community — inWhile we recbers from differognize Ladomirak’s cluding students — is too concerns about the ent backgrounds significant to ignore. were heard. potential precedent The passage these resolutions set of these resolufor the board, the eftions was historic fect the Israel-Hamas for the board, as it was the first time, at least war has had on our community — includin recent memory, that the board had taken ing students — is too significant to ignore, action on an international event. especially as it has raised concerns about the Board Vice President Jesse Ladomirak, safety of some students on our campuses. who voted for both resolutions, expressed We hope that passing these resolutions reservations about the potential implica- will pave the way for future action from the tions of this at the Oct. 27 meeting. board to further support students impacted “War and terror and humanitarian cri- by the Israel-Hamas war and continue to ses unfortunately happen constantly across fight antisemitism and Islamophobia in our our globe and this board stays silent even schools. v when there are significant local impacts on

Recognizing Berkson’s campus contributions

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OR OVER 16 YEARS, Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson has overseen almost every renovation and construction project on Palo Alto High School’s campus.

Under Berkson’s supervision, the Media Arts Center, 800 building, the Performing Arts Center and the 1700 building (and the science building extension) all rose from the ground up.

Additionally, the Library, Haymarket Theater, 200, 300, 400, 700 buildings, Viking Stadium, lacrosse field, main parking lot, and baseball field all underwent significant renovations.

Now, the crown jewel of the renewed Paly campus — the renovation of Paly’s landmark Tower Building — is nearing its completion. It seemed an appropriate time to recognize someone who has been inte-

gral to campus construction.

In a district where administrators often come and go after just a few years, Paly has been lucky to have an assistant principal who has stuck around managing facilities for so long.

While Berkson didn’t do any sawing or bricklaying, we appreciate the myriad odd jobs he took care of, such as communicating with contractors.

Berkson has had a hand in creating the Paly campus as we know it today, and for that, we thank him. v LONGTIME LEGACY — Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson stands in front of the construction site of the Palo Alto High School Tower Building. Berkson commented on his involvement in the renovation, “I’m mostly the liaison between construction people and district people,” Berkson said. Photo: Kensie Pao

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launch ASB Answers with Junior Vice President Kennedy Do

Spotify Wrapped

Every December, Spotify releases a recap for each listeners’ statistics for the year. Many people post their Spotify Wrapped to social media, so Verde asked Palo Alto High School Students if they change their listening habits based on Spotify Wrapped.

Q: Are there any events being planned for finals week?

A: We collaborate with PTSA to provide finals wellness activities, as well as snacks. Typically in past years we’ve done free pizza and free snacks if you stay in the library for a specific amount of time. We also provide hot chocolate sometimes on the quad as a little surprise for everybody. Additionally, most classes have their own separate events for bonding.

“Sometimes I do, yeah. I definitely have in the past, but last year I did not because I really liked what it [Spotify Wrapped] said. ... I feel like in general people do [change their listening habits based on Spotify Wrapped] because they’re always trying to be on the trends and see how they compare to their friends, and they’ll change it if they’re not super happy with what it says.”

— Avni Shah, senior

Holiday Treat Review

Starbucks Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop — $3.25 This bite-size holiday special from Starbucks is a brownie cake pop covered in white chocolate with peppermint sprinkes on the outside. A bite of the Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop is like stepping into a winter wonderland when you taste the peppermint flavors that are prominent but not overpowering.

8 NOVEMBER 2023

“Not really until the last month or two months before when I realize it’s coming around. But before that I usually just listen pretty freely ... I think other people definitely change their listening habits for Wrapped like using private sessions because a lot of people like to post, and sometimes when your Wrapped comes out and it’s embarrassing, people don’t want to post that.”

— Dexter Cleveringa, junior

Text, design and photos by ELLA HWANG

Verde’s 2023 Recap Playlist

VERDOODLE: JUMPING RIGHT INTO WINTER BREAK AFTER FINALS

Art by Sophie Pan

Mr. Foug’s Schoology Blog Posts Here are a few of history teacher Stephen Foug’s Schoology blog posts: I wish there was a “Sophomore Cut Day” That’s it.

When Life Gives You Lemons . . . . .

Blame the nearest teenager. It’s probably their fault.

I just took a peek at who is in my PRIME today . . .

It is a cast of idiots. Why God, why?

Is Arby’s Hiring?

Just wondering.....

I Love My Job! Did I also mention that it’s “opposite day”?

How many teenagers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

I don’t know, nor do I want to know. They’re too annoying.

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 9

news

City works to prevent winter flooding

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HE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS taking steps to prevent rain damage and flooding following severe storms last winter.

Much of last winter’s flooding was caused by flooding at the San Francisquito Creek, where many preventative measures are being put in place.

Margaret Bruce, the executive director

of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, an organization that aims to reduce flood risk around the creek, said that the cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto are working to avoid future flooding.

“East Palo Alto and Palo Alto have large equipment stationed at or nearby bridges,” Bruce said. “If there is vegetation and debris that pile up against the bridge head-

RAINY CAMPUS — Students roam around a rainy Palo Alto High School campus. Following severe rain last year, there are concerns of a similar event this yeare. “The chances of that [severe rain] happening in any given year is still a crystal ball exercise,” said Margaret Bruce, executive Director of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority. Photo: Ajin Jeong

walls, they can just use excavators to pick that large floating debris material out of the creek.”

Following last years’ severe storms, Palo Alto streets and homes were flooded in addition to the San Francisquito Creek.

This was in part due to effects of drought, causing weakening in the trees that line the creek and prevent flooding.

“There are trees and plants that grow in and along the banks,” Bruce said. “After 10 years of drought, there were a lot of very weak trees that were hit pretty hard last winter.”

Bruce also stressed the importance of education and preparedness among residents in the case of a flood.

“All citizens, every resident of any community where flooding is a potential, should prepare themselves,” Bruce said.

“Have an evacuation plan, and have a go bag. Understand where your property is with relation to the floodplain. If you either live in a floodplain or have to cross a potentially flooded area to get to school to get to work, understand where else you can go to avoid that flooded area.”

by LIZZY WILLIAMS

New Magical Bridge playground success at El Carmelo

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NEW MAGICAL BRIDGE playground is receiving attention at El Carmelo Elementary School after opening Oct. 18 with the goal of having an all-inclusive playground for kids.Nicole Maculi, PTA President at El Carmelo, said she has noticed how the playground has gained popularity within the school’s commnity.

“We’ve never had as many people come and just enjoy it [the playground],” Maculi said. “Parents are definitely very excited about it and really happy and grateful that we got the opportunity to have it at our school.”

According to Villarreal Magical Bridge playgrounds aim to create a place where

10 NOVEMBER 2023

people, regardless of factors like age and ability, can all come and be able to have fun.

“We believe that regardless of what that child needs, if they need a quiet space, if they need movement, if they need imagination, they should have that as an option,” Villarreal said.

The Magical Bridge Foundation, was created to make an “organic reimagination of a public playground” all for children with and without disabilities and special needs.

“I realized our public parks were not as inclusive as they advertised to be,” Villarreal said. “All parks are inclusive, but they’re not the kind you’re looking for.”

Maculi said that the parents appreciate the school having a playground that offers

new opportunities to kids.

“We can make sure everybody’s included and feels like they’re part of our community,” Maculi said. “Especially with special ed kids, you know, it’s amazing that there’s things that all kids can enjoy.”

In the future, El Carmelo hopes to partner with Magical Bridge again.

This collaboration has been a goal for Magical Bridge, as they hope to eventually create these playgrounds in all Palo Alto elementary schools.

“I would like Palo Alto to show their commitment to all students by agreeing to make all the playgrounds inclusive,” Villarreal said.

by DIVYA GANDHI

Edited and designed by ALMA BENDAVID

Cubberly to be renovated

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HE PALO ALTO CITY councill is making plans to renovate Cubberley Community Center, located in the south side of Palo Alto.

Today, Cubberley is a popular place in Palo Alto, especially for sporting events and practices, and also for the use of the classrooms. This October, the city of Palo Alto has endorsed a proposal to renovate the community center due to aging buildings and future utility.

“Because the buildings are at the end of their useful life, we really are at a point where we need to move forward with a plan to really redevelop the site or look at the vision for our site in the future,” said Community Services Director Kristen O’Kane.

SOCCER PRACTICE — At the Cubberley fields, a youth boy’s soccer team practices in the afternoons. This is one of the many uses of the soon-to-be-renovated Cubberley Community Center.

“The step that we’re taking right now is to work between the city and PAUSD to establish responsibility for the site,” said Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada. Photo: Kensie Pao

Ethnic Studies course in development

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ALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL is currently developing an Ethnic Studies course to educate about and uplift minority ethnic groups.

The course will be a graduation requierment for the class of 2029. The Paly curriculum is currently being worked on by the Social Studies team and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025.

“This committee [of PAUSD teachers and administration] got together four times, five times to start planning the outline of the course,” Social Studies Instructional Lead Mary Sano said. “But as far as the nitty gritty curriculum, that part is not yet in place.”

Students will have the option to take the course outside of school to fulfill the graduation requirement.

According to Chapter 3 of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum issued by the California Department of Education in 2023, the goal is to introduce high school

students to a subject that they would not otherwise learn until college.

The mandate comes from a 2021 bill signed by Gavin Newsom requiring California schools to make Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement by the 2025-26 school year.

The material taught within classes, however, will be left up to schools.

Rebecca Fakatou, president of Paly’s Polynesian Club, is excited for the new curriculum, and believes that the mandatory one semester course will be beneficial in expanding people’s views.

“I think it [Ethnic Studies] could definitely benefit underrepresented minorities because a lot of people don’t know about what Polynesians are,” Fakatou said. “I think it’s so cool that we have the opportunity to … learn about our cultures because it just broadens people’s perspectives.”

Text by ELLA HWANG Graphics by ESTHER XU

1956

CUBBERLY HIGH SCHOOL OPENED

1979

CUBBERLY BECOMES A COMMUNITY CENTER

1990

CITY OF PALO ALTO TAKES OVER ALL OPERATIONS

2023

CITY OF PALO ALTO PLANS RENOVATIONS

by EVA CHANG

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Country Sun to close

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OUNTRY SUN NATURAL foods, a supermarket on California Avenue that specializes in organic food, will shut down by the end of the year due to a decline in business.

According to Scott Otte, general manager and CEO of Country Sun Natural Foods, due to a shift in Palo Alto’s community regarding grocery shopping after the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a decline in sales and the market never recovered. The grocery store will shut down by Dec. 24, 2023.

Along with Country Sun, many other California Avenue businesses have closed down after the pandemic, including Antonio’s Nut House,Chicago Pizza, Bank of the West, and branches of Subway, The Counter and Starbucks.

Kevin Wright, an employee who worked at Country Sun for the last two years, says that the pandemic has played a big role in the closing of these stores.

“It’s the pandemic,” Wright said.

“Rent’s are going up, prices of items are going up, it’s a mix of a lot of different things.”

Amelia Hawkins, Country Sun customer and Stanford student, says that even though smaller businesses tend to be more expensive, it is important to support these businesses.

“I feel like it’s kinda sad that people are neglecting the stores that need their patronage the most in favor of what’s most convenient to them,” Hawkins said. “Even though places like Country Sun are more expensive, part of it is that it’s a pillar of the community.”

Another Country Sun customer, Rebecca Glasberg, says that one possible factor that causes smaller grocery stores like Country Sun to close is due to the alternative of food delivery.

“I wonder about is the shift in pandemic to ordering groceries online and not going out and how that’s also played a role,” Glasberg said.

by SOPHIE MIES

12 NOVEMBER 2023

New street safety initative

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HE CITY OF PALO ALTO is trying to increase street safety starting by releasing two upcoming comprehensive initiatives aimed at revamping the way residents navigate the city’s streets.

The first initiative involves updating the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, set to conclude in the fall of 2025.

This update focuses on community engagement, progress review from the last plan update, safety data analysis, and planning for expanded cycling and walking.

“The last time the city updated its bike and ped plan was in 2012 — over 10 years ago,” Project Manager and Senior Transportation Planner Ozzy Arce said. “So it’s good timing that we’re updating this document now.”

The second initiative, the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, seeks to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and life-changing injuries on local streets. It applies the Safe System Approach, emphasizes safety in investment decisions, and encourages collaboration among stakeholders.

“Safe systems is a contemporary approach to active transportation and goes beyond looking at just bikes and peds [pedestrians],” Arce said. “It expands the view, focusing on all mobility and includes a vehicle collision analysis as well.”

Both initiatives prioritize safety for all road users, make streets accessible and incorporate sustainability. The project is currently in its first phase, so Arce encourages the community to participate by sharing feedback through an online survey and interactive map, ensuring that the transportation network reflects community needs in addition to aligning with the city’s comprehensive and sustainability plans.

“I encourage the community to take the survey, visit the interactive maps, [and add] any comments before the end of the [November] month,” Arce said. “Follow us along on these efforts to update the city’s bike and ped plan and develop a safe systems for all action plan.”

by VIT DO

BIKING HOME — Junior Evan Chang rides his bike on his way out of school. He reflects on current bike safety in Palo Alto. “I think changes would always be beneficial,” Chang said. “There’s always things to improve upon with the biking system.” Photo: Kensie Pao

PAUSD grapples with mideast conflict

IMPACTED STUDENTS — Many students went to a PAUSD board meeting on Oct. 27 to express their feelings on the current Israel-Hamas conflict. Weeks after the board passed resolutions on the issue, students are still feeling pain from conflict.” I know I tried to be fine at school and talk to my friends and not make a huge deal out of it especially because I know it’s not affecting everyone here at Paly, but it’s really hard for me,” Palo Alto High School sophomore Ella Segev said. Photo: Kensie Pao.

Board suspends commentary at Zoom meetings

T

HE PALO ALTO UNIFIED School District school board has just a few weeks left in the temporary suspension of online public commentary at their meetings caused by anti semitic comments made at a Palo Alto City Council meeting.

After the Oct. 16 Palo Alto City Council meeting, the PAUSD board members decided to bar members of the community from speaking via Zoom after several antisemitic comments were made.

The suspension is set to end on Dec. 12 unless the board chooses to renew it.

The board members voted on the suspension during a special meeting on Oct. 20, which ended in a three-to-one majority.

Ever since the pandemic, the board has used Zoom to allow members of the community to participate in public meetings from their own homes.

According to Paly Student Board Representative Karthi Gottipatti, the decision to close public commentary on Zoom may limit the presence of student voices because the meetings primarily take place on weekday evenings.

“We should take all reasonable action to

avoid a repeat of the events at the city council meeting,” Gottipati said. “However, I do not believe that the right path is in limiting speech and the accessibility of a platform.”

In a public message on the superintendent’s update from Oct. 20, school board President Jennifer DiBrienza announced that the board will be creating an ad hoc committee to discuss future practices for when virtual commentary returns.

by LIA CARDWELL

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Text by DIVYA GANDHI and CHLOE HUANG

STANFORD SIT-IN — As of Nov. 3, Stanford University students have held in a sit-in at White Plaza for 14 days. The students are committed to non-violence and will continue the sit-in until the administration complies with demands to take action and address harassment of Palestinian, Muslim and Arab students. Photo: Arjun Jindal

7,435 I MILES

AWAY

COMMUNITY REACTS TO MIDEAST WAR

14 NOVEMBER 2023

T WAS 1 A.M. ON OCT. 8. Palo soldiers and paramedics share their experiAlto High School sophomore Ella ences. For the Segev family, the news was Segev had just come home from the personal. Ido Segev, Ella’s father, was born homecoming dance when her dad in Israel and lived there until he was 35, pulled her aside and told her what had hap- attending university, getting married and pened in Israel that day. serving in the military there. Ella was raised “I didn’t realize how bad it really was there and her extended family on her dad’s until the next day, where I woke up and the side still lives there, with Ido’s brothers curfirst thing my dad said was ‘Look, come rently serving in the military. right now,’” Segev said. “My whole family “We pray every night that they [the was sitting in the living room watching the family in Israel] will be safe with no harm,” news … It was just Ido said. “My brothers one of the most horthat are in the army rific things I’ve ever It was just one of the have wives and kids seen.” waiting for them to remost horrific things What the famiturn back home and be ly was watching was I’ve ever seen.” okay.”

Hamas’s attack on Ella’s cousin and Israel, wherein an esbest friend Noa lives — ELLA SEGEV, sophomore timated 1,200 Israelis in northern Israel and were killed and 242 according to Ella, has were taken hostage, according to the New been living in constant fear since the war York Times. Since Oct. 7, only four hostag- began. For Noa, alarms notifying people es have been released and one rescued. to go into bomb shelters now sound up to The family was alarmed by watching three times a day. In a phone call with Ella,

“

cover v

STUDENTS TAKE A STAND — At the Oct. 27 special school board meeting, Palo Alto Unified School District students hold up signs for the school board to see. The school board passed two resolutions condemning antisemitism and Islamaphobia at this meeting. Photo: Kensie Pao

Noa described one of these incidents.

“I was scared for my life,” Ella recalls her cousin telling her. “I don’t think I’ve ever run that fast in my life, Ella. The bomb that we heard wasn’t near us, but this is the reality we live in.”

However, the Segev family is just one of many living in Palo Alto with personal connections to the Middle East. When the news of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel hit, we knew that some members of our community would have their lives changed forever. The Israel-Hamas war has inflicted unbelievable trauma on people from various backgrounds in our local community.

Since then, Verde has reached out to local families and organizations directly affected by the war to shed light on their experiences.

Emotional impact Heartbreak and terror. That was what Paly alumnus Sofia said she felt when she first heard about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

As the conflict went on and the violence

grew, Sofia, whose name has been changed Sofia holds a personal connection to to protect her identity, said she started to Palestine: Her husband is from Palestine become more affected by it. and much of his family lives in Jerusalem.

“I felt the impact as the days went on,” Additionally, as a Muslim, she feels a deep Sofia said. “It [the connection to Palesconflict and violence] It definitely has made tine, a majority-Musjust became more lim country. and more severe and an impact ... on my “I’ve grown up at the same time, the relationships with with being best friends way I felt about it bewith Palestinians,” Socame more and more colleagues.” fia said. “I feel like I felt emotional.” that [connection with — SOFIA, anonymous Paly alumnus Palestine] personally in Sofia said she is aware of the history that level as well.” and context that has led up to this conContrasting opinions on the Israflict and though she is appalled, she is not el-Hamas war have caused issues between shocked at the way events have been play- Sofia and her colleagues. Sofia said she has ing out. seen people take sides on this topic without “As someone who has seen what Pal- really knowing why or understanding the estinians have gone through and has seen implications of their position. their exilation and the massacres imposed “It [the conflict] definitely has made on them since the creation of Israel, it really an impact … on my relationships with wasn’t surprising to me that at one point colleagues in medical school and even with there would be backlash against an occupy- [medical school] administration, who are ing force,” Sofia said. very one-sided about this issue and refuse

“

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 15

to really speak about what Palestinians are going through,” Sofia said.

Students with connections to both Israel and Palestine have expressed the emotional toll this war has taken on them. Paly senior Alma Samet, who is an Israeli Jew, has a close cousin who has been called to serve in the Israeli military.

“His name could be on one of the news headlines about hostages or casualties, so that’s kind of scary,” Samet said. “It’s really a scary situation to always be frightened for your family and not knowing if they’re going to be okay.”

Sofia said the Israel-Hamas war has caused her and all the people around her to be in a constant state of distress.

History of IsraelPalestine relations

Sources: Council on Foreign Relations, ABC News, New York Times

16 NOVEMBER 2023

“I’ve had friends who’ve lost family members who’ve had their family members killed … I am worrying about my family, or my husband’s family in Palestine,” Sofia said. “Just waking up and knowing that this is going on and that people are being massacred right and left, it’s obviously … taken a huge toll on my mental health.”

Sofia said she believes that U.S. citizens are under the impression that this violence is only an issue in the Middle East and that the U.S. is too far away from it to be affected.

According to Sofia, the most important thing that individuals can do is educate themselves and speak out against oppression. Sofia finds people keeping silent or

ignoring the violence in Palestine to be very disheartening. Sofia said that because the Israel-Hamas war has conjured up a lot of hate, spreading the right information is key.

“If people want to post about the issues of antisemitism, for example, or Islamophobia, I think that it’s necessary to talk about the valid facts, rather than just spewing hate with no basis,” Sofia said.

Community vigil As a response to the Israel-Hamas war, Palo Alto organization Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice hosted a vigil at King Plaza on Nov. 11 to stand with creating peace and to mourn those who have died in the war. Samina Sundas, a Muslim commit-

1947

1948 - 1949

1967 - 1979

The United Nations adopts a resolution to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. Palestinians refuse to recognize the resolution.

Israel declares independence, starting the Israeli-Arab war. The war ends in Israeli victory, with 750,000 Palestinians displaced.

The territory is split into three parts: the state of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

War erupts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, displacing about 300,000 Palestinians. Israel captures territory from Syria, Egypt and Jordan. To regain territory, Egypt and Syria start a war in 1973. Egypt and Israel sign a peace treaty in 1979.

tee member of Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice, said that she has felt horrified and devastated watching the violence unfold overseas.

“It’s just very painful,” Sundas said.

“Very raw, very painful. We pray five times a day and I cry at least five times.”

Sundas said she has chosen to work with the community to cultivate peace.

“After 9/11, there was so much hate against Muslims,” she said. “I decided that I’m not going to hate anybody. The best thing I can do is just free people and bring them together and say, ‘Let’s sow the seeds of friendship.’”

Farha Andrabi, president and co-founder of the Mountain View-Palo

Alto Musalla (a space apart from a mosque, munity,” she said. “We’re not the stamps mainly used for prayer in Islam), said she is and stereotypes that have been imposed on horrified by the events. us. We’re just like any ordinary American.

“What’s happening, it’s just horrif- We just as much hope for peace and our ic,” Andrabi said. “Even thinking about it family. We share our common humanity [the war] makes me with everyone else.” feel constricted, that Very raw, very painNaiel Chaudry, a I cannot read properly freshman at Mountain when thinking about ful. We pray five View High School it. But I believe in times a day and I cry who sang at the vigil, hope through God. It also said the emotiongives me great peace.” at least five times.” al impact of the war Andrabi said that has been difficult. she hopes events such —SAMINA SUNDAS, committee member “Lots of our famof Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice as the vigil can help ily members are Palescombat Islamophobia. tinian,” Chaudry said.

“We [Muslims] are not a violent com- “I remember one of our close family

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1987 - 1993

2000 - 2005

2006 - 2007

Palestinians begin an intifada, against Israel, resolved in 1993 with the Oslo Accords which give Palestinians the right to govern themselves in the West Bank and Gaza.

A second Palestine intifada begins, ending in 2005 and killing over 1,000 Israelis and over 3,000 Palestinians. This leads to Palestinians controlling the West Bank and Gaza.

Hamas wins Palestinian elections, expelling the Palestinian Liberation Organization from Gaza. 6,400 Palestinians and 300 Israelis die in Israel-Hamas fighting over the next 15 years.

PRAY FOR PEACE (LEFT) — A vigil attendee’s sign calls for help for Gazans.

Photo: Kensie Pao PROTESTING (MIDDLE) — Paly alumnus Sofia attends a protest in San Francisco in 2021 supporting Palestine. Photo courtesy of anonymous source Sofia.

COMMUNITY CONVENES (RIGHT) — Attendees of the vigil stand together and mourn lives lost. Photo: Kensie Pao

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STRIKING SIGNS — An attendee of the school board meeting on Oct. 27 holds out a sign containing information about the kidnapping of Israeli children. Photo: Asha Kulkarni

COMFORTING COMMUNITY — Two attendees of the school board meeting on Oct 27. comfort each other as they hold signs of kidnapped Israelis. Photo: Asha Kulkarni

friends, she said just yesterday, she had bers fear for their communities in the lost 100 of her family members in Pales- Middle East, but many fear for their safety tine. Every day it just keeps adding more where they live. and more.”

“These days I The events in would not feel comThe only difference the Middle East have fortable to put an Isbeen difficult to watch between now and raeli flag on my porch for Chaudry’s family. facing the street be1930s Germany for “Since Oct. 7 … cause I have concerns all of that just made our families is you [the that someone may everyone in our famdecide to hurt us and school board].” ily really emotional that’s not okay,” Ido and really sad, espesaid. He also expressed — Zack Bodner, CEO of the Oshman his concerns for the cially whenever we Family JCC in Palo Alto hear on the news or safety of his three kids on social media platin the Palo Alto Uniforms,” Chaudry said. fied School District.

Diana Gibson, convener for Multifaith Despite the large Israeli community in Voices for Peace and Justice, said the mes- Palo Alto, Ido said that his kids don’t always sage of unity at the vigil was powerful. feel free to voice their opinions at school. “[The most difficult thing for the “They [his kids] walk in school and event] was to find … the strength of what people go up to them, shouting horrible we could all say together,” she said. “I think things at them, so of course this is antisemthat’s where the seeds of peace are. We all itism,” Ido said. care about our children. We all love them Sarah Benson, an Israeli citizen and deeply. … So we had to find that common mother of two kids attending PAUSD, said place.” she also worries for her children.

Not only do many community mem“My community is under threat,” she

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18 NOVEMBER 2023

said. “We’ve been experiencing a lot of increase in antisemitism and that’s something that has alarmed me as part of my concern for the safety of my children.”

At an Oct. 27 PAUSD board meeting, Zack Bodner, the CEO of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, encouraged the school board to condemn antisemitism.

“One Israeli woman is having her daughter wear a cross because she’s scared,” he said. “The only difference between now and 1930s Germany for our families is you [the school board].”

At the meeting, the board passed two resolutions condemning Islamophobia and antisemitism and calling for unity. PAUSD parent and teaching assistant Soumaya Arfi said she hopes the resolutions will improve student safety.

“I think people felt they needed to hear something from the school board to bring safety to their families or to feel safe,” Arfi said. “I hope that … what’s to come is things the district can do to bring healing and to bring in communication and conversation for students so that they can learn how to navigate these types of situations.”

SPEAKING OUT — Retired Stanford staff member Becky Fischbach stands out at Town and Country holding a sign calling for peace and unity. Photo: Kensie Pao

Media According to a Paly junior who will be referred to as Nick, there have been violent threats posted on social media, usually directed towards supporters of Palestinians.

“There’s people on Instagram posting stories saying that if you support Palestine you’re a terrorist and you support the killings of innocent civilians,” Nick said.

Samet said she believes that people should feel no obligation to post, considering the false information being put out into the media.

“I also believe that people shouldn’t feel pressured into posting about activism on social media, especially when they’re not educated about topics,” Samet said.

According to Nick, who is of Middle Eastern descent, he and his family are both very distraught over how this conflict has been portrayed. He said he thinks the U.S. media tends to skew more in Israel’s favor.

“People will show statistics about what’s going on in Israel right now, but then not say anything about the context,” Nick said. “So they won’t talk about the 70 years of history of Israel discriminating against the Palestinian people.”

Nick said he believes that this is misinThe feeling of uncertainty has been unformation and is rooted in racism towards bearable for her family.

Palestinian people. Nick compares the me“My mom would see stuff [the news] dia’s support of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on TV and she wouldn’t stop crying,” Ella compared to the Israsaid. “Seeing your el-Hamas war.

It’s scary to think how parents that raise “It seems like one you and protect you of the biggest differ- those ... being murstart crying because ences [in the level of dered and kidnapped of something on the support] is just the news is a different color of their skin and could be my family.” feeling.” the connotations of the Ido and Ella — ELLA SEGEV, sophomore have funneled their Middle East and the people who live there,” feelings into activism.

Nick said.

Ella has created an online fundraiser for the Israeli charitable organization American Taking action Friends of Magen David Adom and hosted The Segev family, according to Ella, information nights to educate people about fears for the safety of close family and the conflict through the B’nai B’rith Youth friends. Ella said she has no way to contact Organization, a Jewish organization she is some of her friends in the military. part of. Ido has gone to protests and spo“We can’t text them because the signal ken at events hosted by Jewish community on their phone can show the opposing forc- groups. es where they are,” she said. “This is crazy Ella said: “I care so much about Israhow this is happening to people I know. It’s el, so when it’s in danger I’m going to do scary to think about how those that are be- everything in my power as a 15-year-old ing murdered and kidnapped could be my student at Palo Alto High School to help family.” from here.” v

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VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 19

Text by CHLOE HUANG and ASHA KULKARNI

CANDLELIT COMMUNITY MULTIFAITH VIGIL FOR PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST

O

N NOV. 11, the Palo Alto organization Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice held a vigil at King Plaza to mourn lives lost in the Israel-Hamas war and stand in solidarity with communities who have been impacted by those events.

For Farha Andrabi, the president and co-founder of the Mountain View-Palo Alto Musalla, the vigil felt hopeful.

“Ever since 9/11, programs like these have allowed Muslims to represent themselves, speak for themselves, that we are a community that believes in peace,” Andrabi said.

Unitarian Universalist minister Tovis Page said the event was a refuge from divisiveness.

“The message of uniting around our common humanity is what I’ve been yearning deeply for — to come to a place where we aren’t forced to take sides,” Page said. v

20 NOVEMBER 2023

Photos by KENSIE PAO

BRIGHT BANNER (TOP) — A sign proclaims the purpose of the event.

HOLDING THE FLAME (LEFT) — A vigil attendee holds a candle while watching the event.

CLOSE TO THE HEART (BOTTOM LEFT) — Unitarian Universalist minister Tovis Page reads a pamphlet. “The music, the different languages, the simplicity of it [the vigil] ... was important,” Page said.

PEACE SIGN (BOTTOM) — A sign holds a message promoting peace.

HOPEFUL HUG (LEFT, PREVIOUS PAGE) — Two vigil attendees embrace each other.

LOOKING FORWARD (RIGHT, PREVIOUS PAGE) — Farha Andrabi, president and co-founder of the Mountain View-Palo Alto Musalla, holds a candle. “I hope that the feeling that existed here will spread out,” Andrabi said. “I’m hoping that it will cover the rest of the world.”

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Text by CATE GRANEY and SOPHIE MIES

Photos by CATE GRANEY

JOURNALISTS SEEK

JUSTICE

22 NOVEMBER 2023

features v

and Gomez.

STUDENTS students “She talked about how many schools dents’ experiences with sexual harassment.

“Within the community, everyone for don’t have journalism programs anymore the most part was proud of how we took and how we [The Oracle] are really lucky FIGHT FOR to still have one as a school,” Phukan said. a difficult topic — and one that’s unfortume, personally, it felt a little bit like a nately all too common, especially in high FREEDOM OF “To school — and wrote an investigative article threat.”

According to Olson, Glazer contin- on it.” Phukan said. having meetings with writers saying PRESS ued that, as the school newspaper, they need- Removal as retribution see the school newspaper acknowledge stu-

T

HEATENING A LAWSUIT against her school district was not what Hanna Olson, Editor-in-Chief of Mountain View High School’s newspaper, The Oracle, had in mind for her senior year.

Olson and The Oracle’s former adviser Carla Gomez are threatening to sue the Mountain View Los Altos school district.

They claim Principal Dr. Kip Glazer’s involvement with an article about digital sexual harassment before its publication violated their First Amendment rights and California Education Code 48907. Additionally, Olson and Gomez claim that the removal of Gomez and the Introduction to Journalism class constitutes illegal censorship and a violation of that same California law.

Story censorship In March, Print In-Depth Editor Myesha Phukan, a junior, as well as three other staff members of The Oracle, started to write an article about students’ experiences with sexual harassment online.

“We first sourced survivors … before we went to any administration,” Phukan said. “When we were interviewing the administration, [the conversations were] mostly with the principal, our [Mountain View-Los Altos] district wellness coordinator and one of our vice principals to basically get a sense of what the school’s policies are regarding Title IX [a law that prohibits sexual harassment at school].”

According to Phukan, Glazer became highly involved in the article and visited the journalism class over three times to speak to HALTED HEADLINES — The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson and In-Depth editors Myesha Phukan and Renuka Mungee pose for a photo with censored article. After learning about the censorship, I was completely in support of sending the letter and potentially having to file a suit if it comes to that, because I believe that these changes were harmful to The Oracle,” Olson said.

“

According to ed to “uplift” the Olson, the staff school and how of The Oracle was publishing this I remember a lot of the shocked when Glazarticle would do people we interviewed er announced that the opposite.

Gomez would be re“[We were] DM-ing me and saying, moved as the adviser told this article ‘Thank you so much for in April and replaced could have catby Pancho Morris, astrophic conse- telling my story.’ That was the school’s drama quences [and] a really gratifying to hear.” teacher. negative impact “[Gomez] really on our commu- — MYESHA PHUKAN, The Oracle In-Depth Editor knew all the ins and nity,” Olson said. outs of the business “Because I was being told that by our principal, someone side, the publication side, the printing and who’s regarded within the community as a all of that,” Phukan said. “Our current adfigure of authority, I too was fearful about viser, Mr. Morris, was put in a very difficult what would happen if the article was pub- position and he’s trying to do the best with what he has.” lished in its full version.”

Through the Student Press Law Center According to Olson and Phukan, the writers felt pressured to cut down their (SPLC), a non-profit group that works to writing even though Section D of the defend press freedom rights of high school California Education Code 48907 states, and college journalists, Jean-Paul Jassy was “There shall be no prior restraint of mate- appointed as an attorney to represent Olson rial prepared for official school publications and Gomez in court.

According to Jassy, Glazer said that except insofar as it violates this section.”

Obscene, libelous and slanderous language Gomez was removed because she did not are all examples of content that would vio- have the Career Tech Education credits to late the section, which The Oracle’s article be a journalism adviser and was not willing did not have. This Education Code stops to get these credits. However, according to administrators from cutting down or stop- Olson, there are no CTE credits required ping the publishing of stories. The writers for journalism advisers at MVLA schools were told to remove details including a stu- and according to Jassy, Gomez is in the prodent’s experience with being stalked and in- cess of getting CTE certification now.

SPLC lawyer Mike Hiestand said he appropriate language like “masturbation.”

Although Glazer was concerned about thinks it was unjust to remove Gomez and negative reactions to the article, Phukan the introductory journalism class.

“It was surprising that the principal said the community was supportive.

“We had a really positive reaction went as far as she did in transferring the [from the school community] to [the ar- veteran adviser who had been there for a ticle],” Phukan said. “I remember a lot of while,” Hiestand said. “The adviser hadn’t the people we interviewed DMing me and really had any negative reviews or evaluasaying, ‘Thank you so much for telling my tions or anything like that, and then they canceled the introductory journalism class story.’ That was really gratifying to hear.”

Phukan said that with the pub- and I think that was because it was being a lishing of this article, people in the com- pain in their [administrators] butt.”

Acoording to Phukan, Gomez had munity felt more seen and were proud to

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2021-2022 school year and students had become comfortable with her as a teacher. Now that she is no longer advising The Oracle, staff members said there is missing support for the staffers.

“I know [I], as well as all of the students in our class, really loved her,” Phukan said. “She wasn’t just our adviser, she was more of a friend and I know for a lot of people she was a teacher that everyone felt comfortable talking to about whatever — it didn’t even have to relate to The Oracle.”

I don’t think we should let what happened last year just go completely unacknowledged,” Olson said. “That would be doing a disservice to Ms. Gomez, … to the people who worked on that article and honestly to the entire community. If nothing had been done, if no action had been taken, I would feel on a personal level like I hadn’t been doing enough to support The Oracle and to support my classmates and support the program and support Ms Gomez.”

At a standstill The Oracle’s advocate According to Jassy and Olson, the Olson said she expected the whole district has acknowledged their demands situation to dissipate over the summer. but there have been no moves to comply Through SPLC, Jassy reached out to Ol- with them. son (through her mother Sara Kopit-Ol“We received a response [from a son) saying that he had been working district representative] … saying that with Gomez and he was willing to rep- the district denies there was censorship resent Olson as her attorney pro bono. because not enough was removed from “It seemed like a situation that was the article to constitute censorship,” Olhonestly ideal,” Olson said. “I was com- son said. “That is the allegation which pletely in support doesn’t match up of sending the letwith what we see or ter [of demands] “The district is outright what Myesha and and potentially denying that there was Renuka [the writhaving to file a ers of the article suit if it comes censorship; the response on digital sexual to that, just be- we received is just not harassment] would cause I believe that say happened last these changes were satisfactory for us right year.” harmful to The now. ” Because the Oracle.”

MVLA district — HANNA OLSON, The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Jassy sent five thinks not enough demands to the was removed from MVLA school disthe article to contrict, including that the school adminis- stitute censorship, Jassy is considering trators must acknowledgeand apologize steps that can be taken. for censoring the article, Gomez must “There’s a real possibility that we’re be reemployed as an adviser. Addition- going to need to move forward with some ally, the administrators must promise type of a claim, some type of litigation,” to never censor a student article in the Jassy said. “I don’t know for sure that’s future and must agree in writing to re- going to happen, but we are seriously instate the Introduction to journalism considering it.” class for at least one academic year. FiOlson said that she aims to forge a nally, the school must provide to Olson mutual understanding between her and and Gomez all communications about the district. the article, Gomez, the newspaper and “My hope is that this can go to some journalism program under the Public kind of mediation, because obviously Records Act. nobody wants to sue,” Olson said. “The Olson says she is glad Jassy can rep- district is outright denying that there resent her and Gomez in court. was censorship; the response we received “There needed to be justice and is just not satisfactory for us right now. there needed to be some kind of repara- We’re still kind of in the talking stages of tion, some kind of reconciliation because what is going to be the next step.” v

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24 NOVEMBER 2023

CENSORSHIP CLASH — The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson and In-Depth editors Myesha Phukan and Renuka Mungee recall their experience meeting with Principal Dr. Kip Glazer. “She was saying the article would ruin the perception of the school in people’s eyes,” Olson said.

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 25

Text by EVA CHANG and MAYA RAJBHANDARI

Photo by KENSIE PAO

BRIDGING needed to do this myself.” ly cared for once they are out of harm’s way.

SUPPORTING ized IKiessling has since moved to Palo “$125,000 couldn’t buy real aid if Alto. After Russia invaded Ukraine in you speak in terms of the Red Cross, but Kiessling connected kleine herzen in terms of just getting people out and takTHE PEOPLE 2022, with Neighbors Abroad, an organization ing care of them, it’s been effective,” Burin Palo Alto gess said. “It OF UKRAINE based that strives to crehas had a low

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We always get big ‘thank budget but OR OVER A DECADE, Jeannet ate understanding between nations great personal Kiessling has poured time and you’s’, but that was never impact.” effort into aiding the people of through exchanges important to us ...

What was and projects with In the Ukraine. sister cities around past 12 years, When Russia invaded Ukraine in early important to us was what Kiessling and 2022, Kiessling knew she had to increase the world. As the the children say.” vice president of her team at her efforts. Within a week of Russia’s inNeighbors Abroad’s kleine herzen vasion, she helped launch the Neighbors European Sister assist— JEANNET KIESSLING, founder of kleine herzen have Abroad Ukrainian Emergency Children’s City Committee, ed most of Relief Fund. Kiessling later received the Kiessling organized Ukraine.

With Sister Cities International 2023 Volunteer of the Year award in July for her leadership people in Palo Alto’s sister city, Heidelberg, Russia seizing more and more Ukrainian Germany, to support children in Ukraine territory, Kiessling has partnered with orgain this program.

Part of Keissling’s quick response was through volunteer contributions and part- nizations such as Save Ukraine to transport her experience with kleine herzen Deutsch- nerships with organizations sharing similar children, the elderly, and disabled people away from conflict zones. land e.V. (Little Hearts Germany), which goals.

“When the war broke out, we [the “These are amazing people on the she founded in 2013 with a goal to help Neighbors Abroad team] were of course ground: Ukrainians who helped get as orphaned children and disabled people in all shocked,” Kiessling said.

“I said, ‘Well, many children out of Ukraine at the beginRussia and Ukraine. maybe I can help. …W Why don’t we use ning of the war, which was very, very danBefore founding kleine herzen our sister city connections and people who gerous,” Kiessling said. “And now you’re Deutschland, Kiessling had quit her job want to donate [to Ukrainians] can donate taking out all the children in Ukraine that as vice president of corporate communito Neighbors Abroad.’” have been taken across the border to Russia cations at the German media company According … and taking them back [to Ukraine].”

Bertelsmann and to Kiessling, Kiessling said she also hopes to provide planned to donate It [the Neigbors Abroad once the funds the children with as much “normalcy” as the separation pay are donated possible by providing necessities and comto a charitable or- Ukrainian Emergency Chilto Neighbors fort items such as clothing, reading material ganization. Howdren’s Relief Fund] has had Abroad, they and toys. ever, she found are issued to “The idea is that you give it [a backherself dissatisfied a low budget but great perkleine herzen pack] to children who sometimes [have] as with the managesonal impact.” to determine little notice as a couple of minutes [to] just ment of the availhow to spend get up from their beds and go,” Kiessling able programs. the money. said.

“In this little backpack, there’s every— SARAH BURGESS, president of Neighbors Abroad “I couldn’t According thing they need for the first couple of days find one that gave to Sarah Buruntil they get somewhere where they can those funds 100 gess, the president of Neighbors Abroad, get help.” percent to the cause that I had picked,” Kiessling oversees projects with Palo Kiessling said. “They all printed brochures $125,000 has been donated to the cause from Palo Alto and the surrounding areas.

Alto’s four European partner cities: Albi, and spent a lot of money on their employThese funds have been used to relocate France; Heidelberg, Germany; Linköping, ees, and I didn’t want that, so I was looking Ukrainians and ensure that they are properSweden; and Enschede, Netherlands. for something else. … That’s when I real-

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26 NOVEMBER 2023

profiles v

BORDERS Now, the Palo Alto City Council is looking to form a potential friendship city somewhere in Ukraine.

“We’ve received thanks from the general consul of Ukraine in San Francisco and outreach from them in terms of whether or not we could create a sister city with Ukraine,” Burgess said. “The consul described to us how much help this person-to-person … mission is because they’re in war and they need to feel that there are people who care.”

Both Kiessling and kleine herzen have received much appreciation for their work, but Kiessling says that the recognition isn’t what counts.

“We always got big ‘thank you’s’, but that was never important to us,” Kiessling said. “What was important to us was what the children say. If you ever see a little child that has been living in dirt on the street, when he or she gets their first stuffed animal, or just some attention from someone, it’s just amazing. I think that’s enough; that’s all we need.” v A HELPING HAND — Jeannet Kiessling, the founder of kleine herzen, explains the importance of the work done by the Neighbors Abroad Ukrainian Emergency Children’s Relief Fund. “The war should have never happened,” Kiessling said.

“And ... it’s about 200 people that we now care for and have been caring for since the war.”

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Text by AUGUSTUS SOEDARMONO

Running Records

said. “But I’ve tried to stay with- who had his back.

TRACK STAR genfeld in myself and I know if I just keep focus“I could kind of speak my mind ing on practice, it’s all going to come.” a little more freely and kind of get difMorgenfeld said a major reason for ferent perspectives and stuff like that,” REFLECTS ON his running success is his work ethic.

Morgenfeld said. “Everyone was really “It [my work ethic] is just about supportive in that [commitment/runMEMORABLE putting in the time and the hours and I ning] process.” feel like I’ve done that [by] staying disciSenior Tony McKenna, a long-time plined … going to sleep at the same time, friend and teammate of Morgenfeld’s, CAREER getting enough sleep, going to the gym only had positive things to say about

F

OUR MINUTES AND 10 seconds.

That’s the time it takes Palo Alto High School senior Grant Morgenfeld to run a single mile — breaking a school record that previously lasted for 40 years.

Coming into freshman year, Morgenfeld joined the track and field team as a fun way to hang out with friends.

However, in his junior year, he broke the one-mile and two-mile Paly records and won first at the Central Coast Section championship.

However, a stress fracture in his shin prevented him from running competitively in his final cross-country season.

“I had a big injury coming off the track season junior year,” Morgenfeld said. “The comeback right now this cross country season has been a little rough.”

This injury caused some doubts among college coaches on whether he could stay healthy at the college level.

“Most people definitely had expectations for me and they didn’t know what was going on [with the injury],” Mor-

28 NOVEMBER 2023

“

when I needed to go him. to the gym and really I didn’t want just the “He [Morgenworking hard when I feld] never fails brand. I wanted to go need to,” he said. to remain humM o r g e n f e l d ’s somewhere where I ble and continue commitment to runto encourage his ning garnered offers knew I was going to be teammates despite to run for several happy.” how he may be Division 1 teams in running ahead of — GRANT MORGENFELD, senior college in his junior everybody else,” year.

McKenna said.

After much de“The last seven liberation, he committed to Wake Forest, years with you [Morgenfeld] have been a highly ranked Division 1 track team, in the greatest of my life and I hope to keep August. in touch with you as you spend your time “I think from an outside perspec- in Wake Forest.” tive, there are other schools on that list Morgenfeld said he is grateful for that are more prestigious, more academ- all the positive experiences he has shared ically renowned and have a better brand with his peers and coaches. for sure,” Morgenfeld said. “But for me, “I’ve really enjoyed my time in I didn’t want just the brand. I wanted to high school with them [teammates and go somewhere where I knew I was going friends] and I’ve really grown as a perto be happy and I knew I was going to be son and as an athlete,” Morgenfeld said. motivated to run and to really work hard “I feel like the coaches have really been at school.” a positive impact on all of us [track athThrough all the stress Morgenfeld letes] and it’s been a really great experifaced, he said there was always someone ence all around.” v

RUNNING AHEAD — Palo Alto High School senior Grant Morgenfeld runs during practice to rehab his stress fracture on his shin. “The comeback right now this cross country season has been a little rough,” Morgenfeld said. Photo: Kensie Pao

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 29

Text by EVA CHANG and VIT DO

Speaki ng STUDENT GROUP PROMOTES SPEECH AND DEBATE

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HEN LOOKING Speech and debate has long been at the 2023 Nation- a popular extracurricular, with over al Speech and Debate 140,000 students joining the National participation roster Speech and Debate Association annually. there’s a clear, common trend: Private However, according to the Los Angeles schools and wealthy Times, barpublic schools domiriers such as nate with numerous I was seeing students of inadequate entries for every a very, very small subresourcing event. have presection of society.” vented students from — MIHIR MENON, SWAP poorer areas president and co-founder from participating in this activity. Speech and debate is an expensive extracurricular, combining tournament fees, traveling costs and more.

Last year, local students formed a nonprofit to tackle this issue.

Palo Alto High School senior Mihir Menon and then student Philip Chu founded the speech and debate organization Speak With A Purpose (SWAP) in the summer of 2022 to provide a means for disadvantaged and low-income students to participate in speech and debate. Chu has since graduated, though Menon continues to run the program.

SWAP offers free, on-demand five-10 minute videos about how to succeed in various debate events. These videos are created by nationally recognized student instructors all over the Bay Area and can be found on the front page of SWAP’s website or on their YouTube channel.

“I think this [speech and debate] is something that all students should have an opportunity to try,” said Palo Alto High School junior and SWAP Social Media

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Art by SASHA KAPADIA

with A purPOSE

87%

and Marketing Manager Emma Yang. “I right now,” Menon said. “We’re still at think it really does benefit your day-to- the early stages. … so currently, we have day life a lot.” videos in five debate events, none in Menon said that he was first in- speech yet. And these videos are, right spired to create SWAP after seeing how now, more of the early levels of the aclittle diversity there was among students tivity.” attending speech and debate events.

According to Menon, SWAP is less of high school speech “I was seeing students of a very, oriented toward becoming its own speech and debate participants very small subsection of society,” Me- and debate program than it is focused on non said. “There wasn’t much diversity enhancing and equipping high school showed improvement in in the tournaments. And then when I’ve speech and debate programs through its their analytical skills. competed on a videos. Any assisnational level, I tance provided I think this [speech and have seen the exto the schools is act same thing. debate] is something that entirely free of So [this] wasn’t all students should have an charge. just isolated to “My goal opportunity to try.” my area.” was to not step Menon reon anything they — EMMA YANG, SWAP social media and [school alized that he speech of high school speech marketing manager and debate proneeded a new and debate participants approach to imgrams] already saw an increase in their pact his designated audience. To achieve did,” Menon said. “It was to fill in a hole his vision, he compiled a team of people that these urban debate leagues needed reading test scores. from different schools across the Bay to have filled … They [UDLs] don’t really Source: Noah Webster Area. have a source of video content, … [and] Educational Foundation “We’re often competing against each it’s pretty hard to learn with pure texts. other in tournaments, but we’re able to … We thought it [video instruction] was come together for a common goal that the best way to make an impact as quick- get [from students],” Menon said. … [crosses] the boundaries of competi- ly as possible.”

Menon hopes that SWAP will evention,” Menon said.

With more than 1,000 students and tually have a national impact and will Menon partners with local urban 21 schools currently participating in continue to unite different schools with debate leagues, or UDLs , high school SWAP’s program, Menon and his team a common purpose debate teams that typically focus on mi- work hard to ensure that the material and “I think for students that are maynority students. These include the Bay videos produced be coming from Area Urban Debate League and the Sil- are easy to access disadvantaged I really want to make this icon Valley Urban Debate League, which for students. backgrounds, distribute SWAP’s videos on a larger The SWAP as national ... I want to create a without scale by providing understaffed and un- team is constantmuch access to derfunded schools with the necessary ly creating, edit- community that these these the same opporresources. ing and releasing tunities that we students can access.”

Menon hopes to implement the new videos on [at Paly] have, SWAP curriculum into more Bay Area their website and speech and de— MIHIR MENON, SWAP president and co-founder bate can prohigh schools to provide a comprehensive YouTube channel. set of videos for students to start from “I have regvide a leveling the most essential activities to the most ular meetings with these urban debate factor in terms of giving them the skills advanced levels in each speech and de- leagues’ directors just to talk about how they need to advocate for themselves bate event. our videos are working, what’s happen- when maybe the rest of society is not ad“Our curriculum is ever-growing ing and the overarching feedback that I vocating for them,” Menon said. v

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Text by AUSTIN ENG and AUGUSTUS SOEDARMONO

Photos by AUSTIN ENG

LOCAL BAYLANDS CAFE TAKES OFF

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BEHIND THE COUNTER (left) — Amid the busy Saturday morning coffee rush, Cloud9 Coffee co-owners Hanna Joo and Elizabeth Kim laugh as they crack jokes to each other. “I hope [people] find a place where they can rest and enjoy good coffee and good food that’s not too far from home,” Joo said.

COZY CERAMICS (top right) — Handmade ceramic mugs lay upside-down on display ready to be filled with hot drinks.

“We try to serve (drinks in ceramics) as much as possible,” Joo said. “We try to do everything that feels homey and crafty.”

COMFORTING CAPPUCCINO (bottom right) — A cappuccino sits on a wooden tray, served in a handmade ceramic mug.

“I grew up in France and I wanted to keep that traditional coffee culture,” Joo said.

N

ESTLED IN A CORNER “We [Joo’s family] spend our time hikof a strip mall between the ing here [the Baylands] and we’re always Palo Alto Airport and the looking for a place to drink coffee,” Joo Baylands Golf Links, Cloud9 said.

Coffee, a small, woman-owned cafe opens With Joo’s background as an interior at the crack of dawn. Handcrafted pottery designer and Kim’s skill in ceramics and neatly lines the walls leading to the kitch- flower arrangement, the combination of en which fills the shop with the aroma of both their talents allowed for the creation freshly pressed croffles (croissant waffles). of a warm and homey atmosphere.

Peering through the “We tried to large window panes, remodel it [Cloud9 This is Silicon Valley; the Baylands wildlife Coffee] into a peacecan be seen towards everyone is busy doing ful, serene atmothe horizon as flocks of sphere that fits the something, so this a geese fly above the golf environment here,” course and bees polli- place where they can Joo said. “My partner nate the nearby flower [Kim] makes most of rest and restore.” garden. As the crisp the ceramics that we morning air fades with have here and we also — HANNA JOO, Cloud9 Coffee co-owner the rising sun, customhave other merchaners start trickling in. dise that we think is Good friends and co-owners Hanna aesthetically pleasing for our shop.”

Joo and Elizabeth Kim took advantage of an As avid coffee people, both Joo and open lease last year to start Cloud9 Coffee Kim put a lot of effort into perfecting the after the former deli vacated the space. Soft consistency of their coffee by starting with opening on Sep. 1, Cloud9 Coffee opened the local sourcing of their ingredients. its doors to the Palo Alto community, serv“We try to do local [ingredient sourcing a variety of coffee, tea and non caffein- ing] as much as possible,” Joo said. “We ated drinks, as well as croffles and featured found one [coffee roaster] in Mountain bakery items from Mountain View’s Mid- View and we really like their blends wife and the Baker. Additionally, various and their coffees because they have tartines (open-faced sandwiches) and salads an Italian style.” complete the menu’s savory options.

In addition to the usual food

“

and drink items, Cloud9 Coffee also offers various workshops for the customers to take part in. Joo said they rent out the space for a variety of events such as bridal showers, birthday parties or corporate celebrations.

“We try to do monthly events,” Joo said. “We started with flower arrangements and we’re going to do jewelry-making next.”

Joo said her hope for Cloud9 Coffee is to provide a space for customers to either work or relax.

“We want people to come and rest and enjoy,” Joo said. “This is Silicon Valley; everyone is busy doing something so this is a place where they can rest and restore.”

Verde took a visit to Cloud9 Coffee and reviewed a handful of food and beverages personally recommended by the owners. v

VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 33

Cloudy - $6 The Cloudy features their classic iced latte beautifully complimented with a splash of their housemade vanilla syrup — extracted from the bean itself — and topped with a light and airy layer of cream. The perfect execution of such a staple drink is noticeable through the first sip, a testament to the care given at each step of the process.

Butterscotch Latte - $6 With delightfully crafted butterscotch foam and syrup, the Butterscotch Latte is a step up from the typical caramel latte. Both housemade elements elevate the latte, iced or hot. The syrup rounds out the brew while the butterscotch foam top partners exceptionally with the latte, resulting in an even smoother taste.

Strawberry Matcha Croffle - $7.50 Previously upon request only, the Strawberry Matcha Croffle is now listed on the main menu. Matcha whipped cream and fresh-cut strawberries lay on the croffle, topped with crumbles of Biscoff cookies and dash of powdered sugar. The classic whipped cream and fresh fruit combination makes for a delightful morning treat.

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Text and art by JESLYN CHEN

SEX EDUCATiON NETFLIX TEEN SEX SHOW RELEASES

S

TDS, LEAKED NUDES AND the consequences of Viagra are just a few of the topics explored in Netflix’s British coming-of-age show “Sex Education.” Set in the fictional town of Moordale, England, the show centers around high school student Otis Milburn, whose mother, Dr. Jean Milburn, is a sex therapist. Since season one, Otis learns information about sexuality and sexual health through his mother’s job and utilizes it in a sex clinic at school.

“Sex Education” ran for four seasons starting in 2019 and the final season finds the characters entering their final term at Cavendish College after their old school, Moordale High, shut down in season three.

Unfortunately, the comedic show once filled with interesting character plotlines in the first few seasons has been diluted into a storyline with too many characters to keep up with and has artificial diversity in the final season.

At the start of the final season, Otis’s girlfriend Maeve Wiley is studying in America to pursue her dream of becoming a writer but struggles to keep her relationship with Otis afloat.

Otis has always felt like an ill-written character because he never really changes. At the start of the show, he’s selfish and thinks everyone should please him. However, he acts the same at the end of season four.

His main conflict during season four is his petty competition with Cavendish’s sex therapist, O. Otis believes that since he’s the

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“original sex therapist,” O should quit and give him the position. His whole arc during this season revolves around him being an immature brat who has never been told “no.”

Additionally, Otis still overexaggerates that his mom is always out to ruin his life, he never improves his communication skills with his friends and girlfriend and he wants people to prioritize his wants over their happiness. For example, he wants Maeve to stay in Moordale for him instead of pursuing her career in America.

Too many times we see in the media that people, especially young adults, choose their significant others over their education or career and regret it afterward. Most times high school relationships do not last, but an education does.

After Maeve went back to Moordale for her mother’s funeral, she chose to go back to America, leading to her break up with Otis because they decided that long distance would be too difficult.

By contrast, Otis’s and Maeve’s breakup was realistic, which is more important than purely satisfying the Otis-Maeve shippers. Furthermore, Maeve following her dreams and breaking the cycle of drug abuse in her family depicts an important message that there is hope for those in similar situations to her.

Additionally, the arc of character Adam and his father, Michael’s, relationship is by far the best in season four. It is touching, realistic and relatable.

The writers did well by writing scenes in which Adam and Michael finally open up to each other. We get to see both perspectives and many viewers would likely empathize with the strained family dynamic.

Adam’s choice of not continuing school and instead finding his passion through an untraditional path seemed very

fourth SEASON LAST SEASON WITH MIXED REVIEWS in-character for him. This demonstrates to tizes a lot of difficult topics, like the plotline viewers that school doesn’t have to be for about Maeve getting an abortion,” Ho said. everyone and there are other options.

“I don’t think it glamorizes anything that’s Eric’s arc about his conflict between problematic and offers a realistic depiction his sexuality and religion was a great idea of teens’ attitudes and emotions surroundon paper. It’s not a common issue shown in ing friendships, drama and anxiety about the media, but it definitely exists. having sexual intercourse.”

However, the scenes where Eric was One online critic complained that the having hallucinatory show is too sexualized spiritual visions and I think the explicit and should be more personally met and about teenagers bespoke to God were so scenes kind of add to ing teenagers. Howunbelievably bizarre. the awkwardness of ever, in addition to The style of the show the blunt title of the completely changed, actual teenage expeshow, having plots which was quite jar- riences with sex.” centered around ring. sexuality also allows — CATARINA CARBONE, sophomore Adding more for underreptypes of storytelling is resented fine, but changing it the egregious amount sexualities and experiences to that the writers did, especially in the last be portrayed in the media. season of the show, is a risky move.

Paly sophomore CataFurthermore, the students at Caven- rina Carbone said that the dish are extremely irritating and seem like explicit scenes are true to a parody of a “perfect liberal school.” Ev- life. eryone’s queer, open-minded, doesn’t gossip “I think the explicit and is eco-friendly. scenes kind of add to the While queer diversity in shows is defi- awkwardness of actual teennitely important, I think season four over- age experiences with sex,” does it to the extreme. Most new LGBTQ Carbone said. “I don’t think characters are very one-dimensional and it’s something we should shy seem to only exist to add more diversity, away from.” such as the new characters Abbi, Roman “Sex Education’s” initial and Aisha. They barely have any backstory premise of depicting common or character development. teenage sexual issues through “Sex Education” has mostly positive character plotlines is fascinating. reviews. One review website, Rotten Toma- However, the writing of the later toes, scores the show 94 percent. Other on- seasons unfortunately veers away line reviews have said that the show focused from the original idea. There are too much on sexual plots and unnecessary too many characters to write deeper explicit scenes. stories about, which results in flat, Palo Alto High School senior Rachel boring episodes.

Ho says that she enjoys the show because The show should have ended it’s realistic. earlier. Maybe then, it would’ve “I think [“Sex Education”] destigma- preserved its original spark. v

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where are Text by LIZZY WILLIAMS

a volunteer-run nonprofit, has sought stand up for themselves in the workplace.

COMMUNITY Area, to tackle this issue since 2001. Carol Hall, “Because #MeToo happened a few the organization’s volunteer chairperson years ago, women are not taking that kind treasurer, said that the organization of stuff [workplace abuse] anymore,” Hall REFLECTS ON and was created to address issues unique to said. “They are trying to be able to advance and non-binary people in the film in their careers and not have to worry about INEQUALITY women industry and allow more opportunities for somebody asking them for favors.” connection and networking.

“Historically, women have been sec- Shaping the Stanford scene FACED IN THE ond-class citizens in the film and media Locally, the Stanford documentary industry,” Hall said. “It [WIFSFBA] start- filmmaking program is taking steps to feaFILM INDUSTRY ed as a result of women not being able to ture female voic-

C

have the same opportunities as men. es in its work.

The women [members] Shirley He, a come togethStanford maser to support ter’s student in each other, to documentary help each othfilmmaking, is er in their cain a six-student reers and it just cohort of docprovides a safe umentary filmEnsure that your voice is place for wommakers. When heard. The story that you en and non-biHe started nary people to her studies, think is important matget together she found the ters.” and … get way she was advice on how perceived as a — SHIRLEY HE, Stanford documentary student to make their woman in the work better.” film industry was Hall said that significantly differrecent advancements have helped women ent than her male peers. According to He, find a stronger place in the film industry women in her field often doubt the quality and feel more empowered. According to of their work and ideas compared to that of Hall, #MeToo, a movement in which many their male coworkers. women came forward about their experi“There’s this inherent unbalanced genences with sexual harassment and assault, der hierarchy between men and women, Welcome to WIFSFBA Women in Film San Francisco Bay played a role in allowing more women to traditionally,” He said. “Historically, men ONSIDERING MOST moviegoers are women, why are they deprived of representation in front of and behind the camera?

Only 7% of movies in the United States in 2021 featured more female than male characters, according to research by Martha M. Lauzen, founder and executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film. However, in America, women make up a larger share of moviegoers than men, with 2 million and 1.7 million weekly theater admissions respectively, according to a study from Vertigo Entertainment Marketing Research.

Men dominate the film industry on and off screen. Even though 51% of the United States population are women, they only make up 31% and 20% of behindthe-scenes workers members on film and television crews, respectively, according to Women in Film, an advocacy organization .

“ “

51% 31% 20%

Share of the United States population that are women

Source: Women in Film annual report 2019

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Behind-the-scenes positions in the television industry that are held by women

Behind-the-scenes positions in the film industry that are held by women

women?

Art by JESLYN CHEN

the

are dominating figures in filmmaking and film industry. One thing that affects me the most is inherently feeling that my voice doesn’t matter as much as someone else’s, particularly that of the white, male peer.”

He said that she believes that the issue of underrepresentation of women in film is not talked about enough.

“Here in America, there should be continued conversation around gender imbalance and hierarchy,” He said.

Film at Paly Palo Alto High School senior Eloise Dumas, who plans to work in the film industry, said that the lack of well-developed female characters impacts her enjoyment of a movie.

“It’s so weird that there are still so many male-centric storylines,” Dumas said. “I feel like I lose interest in movies that are just all men all the time and then there’s a woman for five seconds, but she’s either the love interest or a mother and she doesn’t really do things.”

Paly Film Club seeks to create an environment in which Paly film lovers can come together and discuss elements of their favorite films. Co-president Kaliope Hendershot said that the club makes an effort to incorporate films from a diverse range of directors.

“We [the co-presidents] realized how little representation there is in the [film] industry,” Hendershot said. “We try to focus on underrepresented peoples and movies as much

as we can.”

Hendershot said she hopes to shed light on more female directors during club meetings in the future.

“It would be interesting to center the conversation around what movies we enjoyed by female directors,” Hendershot said.

As more opportunities begin to open up for women in traditionally male-dominated creative fields, He thinks that it is important to let younger students know that they should stay strong in their beliefs.

“Be confident in your voice and what you want to say and don’t be discouraged by what you are trying to tell yourself,” He said. “Ensure that your voice is heard. The story that you think is important matters.” v

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the All For Dogs Text by MAYA RAJBHANDARI

Art by TALIA BONEH

DRAKE’S EIGHTH STUDIO ALBUM LEAVES FANS WANTING MORE

“M

ONEY FOR FUN!” squeaks Aubrey Drake Graham, known as Drake, on his song “IDGAF” with collaborator Noah Olivier Smith, or Yeat.

The seventh song on Drake’s newest album, “For All the Dogs,” introduces a bass-heavy, infectious and repetitive beat style. The beat is one familiar to newer rappers like Yeat and Playboi Carti, but clearly a style new to Drake.

“For all the Dogs,” was released on Oct. 6 and Drake promised fans that the album would pay tribute to ‘the old Drake.’

While the album delves deep into a fusion of styles like R&B, trap and even reggaeton, it is hard to say it lives up to Drake’s older albums like “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” or “Nothing Was the Same.”

While there are occasional moments of brilliance, the music struggles to flow together as a cohesive unit and ultimately lacks the storytelling ability that launched Drake’s career.

fans to decide how and why the album fell short.

Album review Drake often raps about his own life, including his struggles, successes and personal relationships, which allows listeners to connect with his music on a personal level. But on “For All the Dogs” the lyrics on most songs are more random than they are meaningful.

It seems as though Drake rarely has anything interesting to say and the focus remains unclear for the majority of the album.

For instance, on “Rich Baby Daddy,” he tells a woman that he “still got some love deep inside of me” and to “please drag it out of me.” He then goes on to say that she “just might get that G-Wagon out of me” if her attempts at sparking a connection are successful.

On “Bahamas Promises,” he sings about broken pinky promisDrake’s influence es and how his past lover put the “no in ‘monogamy.”

Drake is often recognized for changing the sound of rap by On a majority of the tracks, it seems as though the artist is connecting both, the singing and rapping elements of music, a singing about heartbreak. But the corny and dramatically emphastyle that has influenced younger generations. sized lyrics make it hard to take the album seriously.

“I think Drake has had an influence on our generation just On the other hand, Drake kicks off “For All the Dogs” with because of who he is and his influence on the “Virginia Beach” which includes a feature from music industry as we grew up,” said Kaitlyn It seems as though Frank Ocean’s 2012 song “Wiseman,” a signifiGonzalez, a junior at Palo Alto High School. cant addition since Ocean hasn’t produced mu“I think that he is definitely a comforting Drake rarely has sic since his 2016 album Blonde. artist. I know a lot of Paly students, at least anything interesting The opening track is a clear standout in juniors, who listen to Drake and I see a lot of terms of production, lyrics and Drake’s passionto say.

Drake songs on study playlists.” ate vocal performance.

Drake’s heavy influence may also be due “For All the Dogs” progresses with an into the fact that he’s never really taken a break from the music in- credible lineup of features from 21 Savage, SZA, J. Cole, Yeat, dustry.

Chief Keef, Bad Bunny, Sexyy Red, Lil Yachty and PartyNextDoor.

Hardly two years ever go by without a major Drake release.

Some argue that the features are Drake’s strongest point of the However, it seems as though his recent outputs have strayed a lot album, while others argue that his features outshined him, weakenfrom what fans consider a “classic Drake record,” which contrib- ing his contribution to his own album. utes to why each new Drake album serves as an opportunity for “I feel like Drake ruined the song “IDGAF,”” junior Ramses

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VERDEMAGAZINE.COM 41

Luna said. “When he said ‘money for fun’ it kind of ruined the vibe it,” junior Cynthia Molina said. “Drake didn’t really take any risks.” and the intro [from a sample of “The Tunnel” (1977) by Azimuth] However, others say that “For all the Dogs” was Drake’s way was way too long and had nothing to do with the song. I feel like of branching out. This is evident in the way he embraces styles of Yeat’s part was really good, but Drake is not meant to be on that music throughout the album that are not typically associated with type of beat.” his brand of music, a risk in and of itself and a reflection of Drake’s Other moments fall flat including Adonis’s (Drake’s son) cute musical journey, showcasing his evolution as an artist. but oddly positioned verse at the end of “Daylight,” Chief Keef ’s “At first I wasn’t a huge fan, but then it really grew on me – I sample of “Don’t Like” in “7969 Santa” and Drake’s awful Spanish feel like it is one of his better albums,” sophomore Anja Nilsen in “Gently.” said. “I think he could have added more vaBut with a 23-song tracklist and an like a lot of the beats sounded pretty How can the artist push riety, hour-and-a-half listen, there are undoubtsimilar, but I think the features added to the the envelope when he’s edly highlights as well. album.”

“First Person Shooter” featuring J. constantly being told to Cole introduces a measure of energy when The old Drake stick to what he knows? the album badly needs it.

Drake should take more steps to exJessica Domingo’s beautiful vocals in pand stylistically and lyrically in future al“Rich Baby Daddy” are arguably the best feature on the album, bums, as “For All the Dogs” was lacking in that sense. However, while SZA and Sexyy Red’s verses are a close second. how can the artist push the envelope when he’s constantly being ‘Old Drake’ shines through in songs like “Bahamas Promises,” told to stick to what he knows?

“Tried Our Best” and “Amen”, as he leans into R&B roots and an “I feel like I’m always being compared to my old self,” Drake overall smoother beat that blends his melodic style of rapping and told Rolling Stone in 2014. “People are always saying that I’m not singing. the same artist that I used to be. But I’m a different person now.

I’ve grown and matured. My music has evolved with me. I’m not Public opinion trying to make the same music that I made when I was 17 years A main argument for why the album fell short is that it isn’t as old.” innovative as Drake’s previous work. Drake is known for pushing While nostalgia for Drake’s earlier work is understandable, the boundaries of the hip-hop/rap genre, but “For All the Dogs” fans and the music industry should allow Drake the freedom to feels relatively safe and predictable. evolve and explore as an artist, as artistic growth comes from push“I thought the Drake album was very underwhelming, espe- ing boundaries and embracing change. v cially with how much hype the internet was giving

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17 Text and art by SOPHIE MIES

hours ahead

me was just excited to see a wild squir- we all spoke English to each other.

CONNECTING old rel on the street, something I’d never seen My mother, who is fluent in both in Japan. As I Japanese and look back on never TO MY HOME this flattened I have also questioned if I have English, made a conI real- done enough to maintain my scious effort to COUNTRY squirrel, ize moving to a mother’s culture while here in talk to me in

T

different counJapanese. But HE SUMMER BEFORE I don’t blame first grade, my family and I try was just like Palo Alto or what I should be her, because moved from Tokyo to Palo Alto, that memory: doing to accomplish that. exciting. my usual rea city I’d never heard of.

However, sponse to her As we drove up to our new home, I remember seeing a flattened, brown squir- on my first day of first grade, I didn't have occasional efforts to speak Japanese to me rel that had been run over by a car. Even any homesick tears or feelings that I didn’t was, “Huh?” fit in. As a result, Looking back now, it seems as though some might I was confused as though moving to a different country have seen this as a to why my two wasn’t a big adjustment due to how young I bad sign, six-year- Not only am I comparing myself to other people, I am older sisters came was when I moved here. home crying.

Despite that, the seven years I spent comparing myself to someWhen I in Japan taught me transformative lessons lived in Tokyo, about my identity. Through Japanese sweet one I once was.

I attended the potato picking in the autumn, I discovered American School my hatred of getting dirty. In winter, it was in Japan, or ASIJ, which made efforts to while mochi pounding that I found my share Japanese culture with Japanese-Amer- love for chewy rice cake, doused in salty soy ican children living in Japan. sauce and wrapped in seaweed. At the end At ASIJ, most of my teachers were of kindergarten, I experienced sumo for the elderly white women who only spoke En- first time and learned the proper routine of glish during class. Most of my friends were a sumo wrestler. like me, half Japanese and half white, and In recent years, I have reflected on what

44 NOVEMBER 2023

my life would have been like if I had stayed was fluent in Japanese, went to Japanese in Japan. As I’ve explored this idea further, I daycare and could communicate with my have also questioned if I have done enough grandparents. to maintain my mother’s culture while here Why can a four-year-old me be better in Palo Alto or what I should be doing to connected to her culture than a 17-yearaccomplish that. old me? Not only am I comparing myself A big reason why I question whether I to other people, I am comparing myself to connect with my culture enough is because someone I once was. my two older sisters are more connected to As I look at my mother, I see all the Japanese culture things that she than me. My sisdoes to maintain ters are four and My ability to connect with her Japanese culeight years older my culture will develop ture in America. than me, meanOnce a week she ing that they had through my life, and putattends Shodo, a an extra four and ting pressure on perfectJapanese calligeight years living raphy class. Two ing my culture at a young in Japan. times a week, she Visiting my age will only discourage me. attends an Ikebana g r a n d p a r e n t s’ class, a Japanese house in Tokyo, flower arranging my sisters can communicate easily, while I class. These efforts are dispersed throughneed a translator. They not only speak more out my home; calligraphy ink and brushes Japanese than me, but I’ve also been told on the dining table and flowers decorate they look more “Asian” than me, creating our house. this constant comparison between me and I realize this has been a process for her them. I feel as though I will never be as Jap- as well. She also feels disconnected from her anese as them. family and she has to put in the effort to Along with my sisters, I compare my- maintain her culture. self to my younger self. The younger me My ability to connect with my culture

will develop through my life, and putting pressure on perfecting my culture at a young age will only discourage me.

Maybe at 50 I will be fluent in Japanese and attend Shodo and Ikebana classes like my mom. Maybe I need to wait until I turn 80 to be satisfied. But that’s okay. I have so much more life to live, and there is no way that I can keep learning about my culture if I’ve already perfected it. v FAMILY TIES — My sister, my grandparents and I pose for a photo at my grandfather's birthday dinner in Tokyo. This photo was taken 13 years ago, when I lived there. Now that I live in Palo Alto, I only see my grandparents once a year.

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Text by CHLOE HUANG

Faithful Farewell

Art by CHARLIE WANG and SOPHIE PAN

detrimental factor was the CATHOLIC lack Another of diversity in the student body, leaving me as the only Chinese student four years. I felt invisible SCHOOL inandmyI hadgradenoforpower to change this. I also couldn’t figure out how to make friends; SHAPED MY on the playground, I felt like the girl nobody wanted to be seen with. Asking my if I could play with them always CHILDHOOD ‘friends’ resulted in receiving the twisted truth,

“D

EAR DIARY, I thought which was various ways of saying “No.” Brooke was my friend. But Trudging away with my head down, then she said my smile was kicking the tanbark, I knew that my hideous at Girl Scouts,” my ‘friends’ were actually playing a game and diary from Jan. 9, 2017, states. Through- that there was definitely room for anout 2nd to 6th grade, these types of other person. They just didn’t want to be interactions were frequent for me. seen playing with me and my ‘friends’ Despite my family being nonreligious, made sure I was well aware of that. my parents enrolled me My family in a private Catholic and friends from school, with a small- The constant ridiculoutside of school er student-to-teacher ing, teasing and glarwould always ask, ratio, high expecta“Why don’t you tions and immense ing at me became so stand up for yourresources. Their in- normal to me and as a self? It’s so simple.” tentions were in my My timid 4th best interest; however, result, I stopped writgrade self would these factors harmed ing about the details ponder how to musmy education more ter the strength to than they benefited it. in my diary. do that. If it was First, having so easy to stand a smaller class size up for myself, why would I find myself meant I was stuck with the same group spending lunch and recess every other of students for four years. Typically, fam- day crying to my counselor and playilies would see this as an uplifting factor ing with her anxiety fidget toys because in their childrens’ learning environment, my ‘friends’ made fun of my Chinese however, my situation was different: last name and stereotypically Asian eyes?

Day after day, I struggled more to fit in.

The constant ridiculing,

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teasing and glaring at me became so struggled with opening up and trusting normal to me and as a result, I stopped my new friends. I battled internally with writing about the details in my diary. whether they put on an act to seem sweet The obvious solution to this was mov- but were truly manipulative, or they were ing schools. But to me, the idea of going to genuinely kind souls. I was afraid to rea new school, having to adjust to a new en- live my elementary school struggles again.

Now, my high vironment and makschool self looks back ing new friends was Throughout my years on how these trust so much scarier — I I began to see how issues have been infeared the uncertainty. grained in me since Si m u l t a n e o u s - without this expeelementary school. I ly, I had been graprience, I wouldn’t be realize that I will nevpling with chronic er have the weight of migraines, which I who I am today. these trust issues fully would consistentlifted off my shoulders. ly use as an excuse However, I do believe that as I’ve to get out of school, to a point where I would only be able to get through a full grown older, I’ve slowly developed day of school two or three times a week. confidence and peace within myWith the addition of the migraines, I felt self. I finally felt a feeling that trapped, as if there was no light at the I never thought I would end of the tunnel and I convinced my- be able to feel — I was self I couldn’t handle a change in schools. capable of finding a My mom recognized how I feared group of friends who uncertainty, so she enrolled me in public wouldn’t judge me school without telling me, leaving me angry for being myself and and questioning my mom’s intentions. My I felt comfortable in experience in public school was not perfect my own skin. Day by any means, but I strongly believe that by day, I’ve stopped it completely punctured the fears that had feeling the need to held me back from transferring schools. write in my journal to I was baffled when my classmates document arguments.

Despite this valuwere willing to listen to my thoughts and able lesson I’ve had genuinely wanted to get to know me. The to encounter, I larger and more racially diverse class wouldn’t wish my sizes allowed me to create connecprivate Catholic tions with a greater variety of people. school strugHowever, I

gles on anybody. That being said, throughout my years I began to see how without this experience, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

I could go on and on about how my ‘friends’ ruined my life in elementary school. But a more honest side of me would admit that those girls who bullied me forced me to grow. I have grown to be able to determine whether a friend is a true friend or not. Those Catholic school girls planted a seed of resilience in me. Over the years, I have become appreciative of my Catholic school experience, how my struggles built me up to be a stronger person and ultimately cultivated the self-confidence in me I never knew I had. v

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Text by LIA CARDWELL

A

S WINTER APPROACHES, PRIORITIZE PUBLIC more students will wake up with symptoms of a cold: the icky feeling of a sore throat, runny HEALTH OVER noses and bouts of coughing. They’re then confronted with a choice — will they put ACADEMIC on a mask, take some lozenges and go to Or will they take the day off and ACHIEVE- school? crawl back into bed?

Unfortunately, many people choose the first MENT Twooption. of my classmates recently told me about instances where they came to school immediately after testing positive for COVID-19, ignoring the isolation period recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first student did so to take an end-of-semester final exam and the other felt compelled to come to school for a standardized test.

Their explanations took me by surprise and I was disappointed that both of these people had knowingly put everyone else at risk of exposure.

The idea of people deliberately coming to school after testing positive for COVID left me concerned not just for my own health, but for the health of all the people I interact with, especially my 86-year-old grandparents who live just minutes away from me.

For people who have pre-existing health conditions or weaker immune systems, COVID can have severe effects. Elderly adults are also extremely susceptible to it — 85 percent of COVID-relat-

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vs.

ed deaths have been in people 65 years old than actually participating or even learning or older, according to Mayo Clinic. in class. … that’s just terrible for a student By coming to school with an infec- to feel.” tious sickness, students are doing a disserJane said that coming to school instead vice to their surrounding community. of resting at home made her recovery much Although I was initially taken aback, I longer than expected and that her condibegan to feel a little bit more sympathetic tion got worse after she was exposed to the towards these friends when I realized that flu. they are part of the larger population of “I missed more than a week of school Palo Alto High School students who prior- because people came to school sick,” Jane itize their academic goals over their health. said. “And it [the absence] really impactAccording to an Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 ed me … I got so much burnout because opt-in survey by Verde I would have to take Magazine of 155 Paly I was so scared to miss four tests a day after students, 82.4 percent I got back because so of students said they more tests because I felt many teachers stack had previously come to like I just could never tests on the same day school while sick. or during an interval catch up.”

But coming to — JANE, anonymous junior of two days.” school sick is just one While there isn’t of the more extreme exa quick fix to the amples of a student culture that encourages pressure that students feel, teachers can aland praises stubborn perseverance through leviate the burden of missed instructional challenging times. time in a few ways.

On a day-to-day basis, students often For health-related absences, students inadvertently cultivate a shared mentality are granted a one-day extension for every of “powering through the week” by talking day missed, according to the Paly Student about how many “all-nighters” they’ve Handbook. While the policy is effective for pulled to study for a test or by comparing short-term absences, it isn’t always enough their hours of sleep. As a result of sleep for students who miss more than a week of deprivation, many students rely on caffeine instruction. to get through the day, which further perTeachers should consider extending petuates the “perseverance culture.” deadline periods on a case-by-case basis, Jane, a junior whose name has been so students like Jane aren’t overwhelmed changed to protect her identity, said she felt by compounding tests. Many teachers do compelled to come to school with a sinus work closely with students to help them infection last year so that she wouldn’t have catch up, especially during instructional peto miss the week before final exams. riods like PRIME and study hall. However, “I was so scared to miss more tests be- a school-wide policy that adds a prolonged cause I felt like I just could never catch up,” extension may help students who are absent Jane said. “I would end up taking them for over a week. and doing bad on them because I wasn’t Another concern of sick students feeling good and I had a headache. I was is missing out on learning new content. more focused on pretending to not be sick By uploading videos of their lectures on

“

Art by SASHA KAPADIA

Schoology, teachers can help students learn from home.

A few of my teachers do this regularly and it is a helpful tool even for students who did not miss the class, because they can watch the lesson at their own pace and rewind if they do not understand certain concepts.

At the end of the day, teachers’ efforts to accommodate student absences only go so far.

As difficult as it may be, changes need to be made from within. Students ultimately have the responsibility to choose whether or not they’ll be stepping out the door the next time they’re sick. v

82%

of Palo Alto High School students surveyed said that they have attended school while sick.

73%

of Palo Alto High School students surveyed said that it is not easy to make up work after being absent.

Data presented is from an opt-in survey by Verde Magazine of 155 Palo Alto High School students and was collected from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 through a digital form published on Schoology pages and Verde social media. Responses were anonymous and all questions were optional.

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Text by ALMA BENDAVID

BABYSI NEVER FLUSH A TOILET MORE THAN THREE TIMES

D

ESPITE MY FOUR YEARS of babysitting experience, working with new kids is always a nerve-racking endeavor. There are a million uncertainties and so many things that can go wrong.

You might be thinking, “A cute little kid, how hard can it really be?” I’ll let you make that decision after I tell you a quick story.

My first mistake that night was getting too comfortable too fast. The parents, who seemed nice, were going out for a date night. The kids I was babysitting were brothers, around seven and 10 years old.

They lived in a neighborhood that I had babysat in before, with kids of similar ages, so I asked the boys if they knew them. The kids got all excited and started jumping up and down. “Yeah! Yeah! We play soccer with them!”

Familiarity gave me too much confidence proceeding into the night. I assumed the kids felt comfortable with me; after all, they were eating their vegetables. That was a HUGE mistake.

I was not on my toes nor was I ready for what was about to happen. The rest of the night only built up my confidence. The kids talked about school while we ate and they built Lego cars with me.

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“Ok boys, it’s time to get ready for usually rises, then stabilizes back down as bed,” I told them promptly at 7:30 p.m. some water drains. Turns out that when a Just when I was ready to read them a seven-year-old’s “poo-poo” is blocking the bedtime story and tuck them in for bed, the drain, the water can’t drain quite as well. I 7-year-old decided he needed to “do a poo- watched as the water level rose higher and poo.” Per his request, I sat with him in the higher. Soon after, I could tell the water levbathroom while his brother went to pick el was rising at a fast-enough rate that the out a book. toilet would overflow. The water just kept As he got up to wash his hands, I coming. flushed the toilet for him, then walked Before I knew it, the whole bathroom him back to his room. floor was covered in But as I passed by the The fourth flush was at least two inches of bathroom again, I notoilet water and the ticed his “poo-poo” my second mistake. bottoms of my white had not gone down socks were drenched. the potty.

The water started to seep slowly onto the In other words, this seven-year-old had carpeting outside the bathroom. just clogged the toilet. I went back to try Determined to make it stop, I started and flush it again unsuccessfully and decid- taking deep breaths and closing my eyes. ed it would be better handled after the boys I needed to calm myself down and think. had gone to bed. I read their bedtime books Not think about the fact that I was standa few times and within ten minutes they ing in potty water, but think, what now? settled down. Back to the bathroom I went.

“Towels,” I thought first. “Let’s clean “Third time’s the charm,” I told myself this up.” I used the towels to soak up most as I flushed the toilet again. This time some of the water from the ground as I waddled of the poop went down so I plunged a little my way across the bathroom floor. I opened hoping that would do the trick. I was con- the toilet top to confirm what I already vinced I was a competent, problem-solving knew: I am no toilet expert. babysitter. “I can fix this,” I told myself.

In a moment of panic, I called my dad.

The fourth flush was my second mis- He is also no plumber, but he would defitake. After you flush a toilet, the water level nitely know more than me.

Art by TALIA BONEH

G ITTIN S R E K N O B

w

Demoralized, I could hear my younger sister’s laughter in the background as I explained the situation. After taking his turn to laugh at me, he helped me find the faucet that turns the water on and off for the toilet. I turned it off the second I found it, essentially cutting off all water flow to the toilet. Finally, the toilet bowl stopped overflowing, the sloshing sound of water swirling around in the toilet disappeared and all you could hear was the biggest sigh of relief that had ever come out of my mouth.

I tried to clean up as much as possible without throwing all of the parents’ clean towels on the bathroom floor. I texted the parents to explain what had happened so that they didn’t have to see it when they got home — also so that

I didn’t have to see the look on their faces when they found out. I recently found the exact text messages.

“Hi (mom’s name), so sorry to say, but when (kid) was using the toilet he ended up clogging it and it overflowed into your bathroom,” I wrote. “I had to turn off the faucet to the toilet and the water stopped running, but there is still quite a bit of water on the bathroom floor. Everything is under control, I put some towels on the floor, just wanted to let you know.”

“That is fine,” she responded. “Thanks for taking care of it.”

After about an hour, the parents came home.

The kids were

happy, fed and asleep, but I was still shaking. I tried to explain the situation and give the parents my Venmo so I could get paid and get out of the house as quickly as possible. I needed the night to be over.

The parents never called me back to babysit again, and I’m not too mad about it, nor do I know exactly how the parents fixed the toilet.

I went home and decided I had learned a few things. First of all, I knew never to get too comfortable too fast with new kids. I also decided to learn a little bit more about toilets. I would never ever try to flush a toilet more than twice. v Stay tuned for the next installment in the next issue.

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52 NOVEMBER 2023