The Official Student Newspaper of Oakland Technical High Issue 8: May 2015 www.oaklandtechscribe.com Uber’s Expansion Puts New Facility Could Transform Pressure on Oakland Students’ Lunch Choices Taxi Drivers taxi drivers struggle to collect By Emma Kantor fares and make a living as You may have heard of or they compete with newer cars used Uber, an app-based taxi with cheaper fares. company that is convenient The San Francisco Ex- and easy to use. You simply aminer reported on a study download the Uber app, enter by Kate Toran, paratransit your destination, and a car manager at the San Francisco will arrive within three to five Municipal Transit Agen- minutes. cy, saying that taxi rides in This new company and Oakland have dropped from others like it, including Lyft 1,424 in 2012 to 504 in July and Sidecar, have helped pro- of last year—a fall of almost vide thousands of new jobs in 65%. Oakland and have changed In order for a fair com- the world of local transpor- petition in cities such as tation. Although Uber has Oakland, there are limited been positive for many, it has numbers of taxi medallions a negative impact on tradi- allowed, so taxi drivers do tional taxi drivers. In fact, the not struggle to make a living. Photo by Ileana Terrazas losses for taxi drivers were so This rule is regulated by both What was once Noah’s Bagels and Poppu Fabrics wil soon offer a venue for new buisnesses great that a lawsuit was filed the state and the cities. against Uber in November According to statements By Joseph Harmon getting a new hipster coffee mercial facility that will provide 2014 for unfair competition in the lawsuit, Uber provides Over the last few months, you shop. Despite this, Seattle-based residential care for seniors, and in violation of California’s more cars than are permitted might have noticed a gaping firm SRM Development hopes commercial uses to the general Business and Professions from this limited number of hole on the corner of 51st and to transform the area for the public on the ground-floor.” Code. taxicabs. With more Uber Broadway, where Poppy Fab- better with the new Merrill The 51st and Broadway Traditional taxi drivers say cars on the roads, the fares rics and Noah’s Bagels used to Gardens project, by addressing property has long been desert- the new companies are mak- are often cheaper for passen- be. You might have noticed the the needs of the community’s ed since the fabric store closed ing it harder for them to sur- gers’ rides. Taxis suffer busi- machines tearing them down in seniors, and helping new busi- in 2007. Since then, the build- vive financially. With more ness loss when they cannot the mornings and smoothing nesses to thrive. ings have remained empty and cars on the road in Oakland, match this price. away the rubble to make space Mike Rivera, a City Planner unused. Rivera agrees, saying there is more competition In addition, Uber does for a new building. Sadly, we in charge of the project, de- that the property was “vacant and less business. Traditional not have to pay any of the aren’t getting a bullet train to scribes Merrill Gardens as “a and underutilized, given that Upper Campus. And we aren’t mixed-use residential and com- it is located on a major transit (Academies continues on page 8) (Construction continues on page 8) Woman Might Be on 20 Dollar Bill By Alice Gold contributions that Peek INSIDE A movement has been span- women have had on Mural Prject and ning social media over the the United States. So Exchange Programs: Pg. last few months called Wom- how is this move- 2 en On 20s, whose goal is to ment trying to in- Visiting Author and replace Andrew Jackson with crease the represen- Earth Day Cartoon: a woman on the $20 bill. As of tation of women on Pg. 3 now, Sacagawea and Susan B. American currency? Anthony are the only women Why the $20 bill? Solar Panels, Oakland represented on American cur- Women On 20s is Tech Rep. and the rency at all, on limited $1.00 a nonprofit organi- R-Word:Pg. 4 now, there are four women Cherokee nation who re- and $.50 coins. While this zation dedicated to changing who have made it to the final formed healthcare and educa- Swim Team Triumph may seem like trivial cause, or the status quo of male-dom- ballot. tion. Andrew Jackson, former and Ideas for Upcoming one you read about but don’t inated currency. They hope Summer:Pg. 5 Each gaining over 100,000 US president, is currently on act on, it actually brings about that by 2020, the centennial votes the final four women the bill, but he left behind in some really important issues. of the 19th Amendment History of the are: Rosa Parks, one of the his legacy a horribly racist Paramount and the Binge Women are not now and (which granted women the foremost female civil rights track record on Native Amer- Watchers:Pg. 6 have never before been the right to vote), the new $20 bill activist; Eleanor Roosevelt, icans, forcing their removal face on any US paper curren- will be ready. Which is why Off the Grid, Day revolutionary first lady and away from their native lands cy, which displays the faces of they’re starting now. The first of Silence and Music human rights activist; Harriet to forced reservations on the recognizable and important few rounds of public voting Spotlight: Pg. 7 Tubman, former slave turned death-filled Trail of Tears. men in American history. to select the woman to re- abolitionist turned suffragist; Also, ironically, Jackson was The absence of a woman on place with have taken place, and Wilma Mankiller, the first stubbornly opposed to the paper money fails to recog- narrowing the original 100 modern elected chief of the usage of paper money in his nize the important and lasting women down to fifteen, and (Dollar Bill continues on Page 8) PAGE 2 MAY 2015

News Dates to Mural Project Calls Attention to Remember May 11-PTSA Meeting

Violence Against Women May 13- Minimum Day Photo by Martina Starc By Meta Austin May 20-Minimum Day A mural project, called Her Resilience, was started in May 22- In Leu of Lincoln’s commemoration of Kim- Birthday (No School) berly Robertson, a young African-American woman May 25- In Leu of Lincoln’s who was brutally raped and Birthday (No School) murdered near Lake Merritt on April 5, 2014. The project June 3- Minimum Day serves as a community healing tool that spreads awareness June 8- PTSA Meeting about the victims and sur- vivors of urban violence. It uniquely focuses on women of color and the idea of honoring women through art. Sports The creators of the mu- Calendar ral project aim to start a

much-needed conversation April 29-Baseball at Freemont about gender-violence, more 4 pm specifically about domestic ultimately making the streets an aura of peacefulness. The garden’s fence, where everyday abuse from which women of Oakland safer for women. artists’ goal is for families to passerby can be struck by their May 1-Baseball Vs. Skyline are the sufferers. As local The 13 artists who painted picture their loved ones in the visual beauty and beautiful 4 pm artist Yasmin Golan wrote this piece strive to give women peaceful faces of these women. message. So far, the response in an article about Robert- a place to portray themselves Tech freshman Yan Yan Hustis to the work has been filled May 6-Baseball Vs. McCly- son’s death, “violence against as they want to be seen. They Hayes says the message of the with support and gratitude. monds women is everybody’s prob- also reached out to the families piece is “really thoughtful.” Tech sophomore Sofia De- 4 pm lem.” The general consensus is of victims so that the installa- On March 8, 2015, Na- Melo also thinks fondly of the that domestic violence is not tion could reflect their stories tional Women’s Day, in the project, “I’m really glad that May 9-La Crosse at Girls HS only a city-wide problem, but and struggles in a permanent Park Community Garden in people are calling attention Championship a nation-wide one as well. In way. Community members Oakland, the installation was to these issues in a way that is 4pm comparison to Yasmin’s words, were also encouraged to con- unveiled and was celebrated by positive and constructive for

a 2012 survey conducted by tribute their own art, words, a crowd of people. The grand our community.” Her Resil- May 19- Baseball at TransBay the United Nations reported and perspectives. reveal ceremony was even sup- ience is looking forward to Series Game 1 that women are twice more The piece also serves as a ported by local businesses run eventually moving its current 4 pm likely than men to experience place for families and victims by women. The mural current- project to other parts of the violence, yet the majority of of violence to grieve. The ly sits on a wall, surrounded by city, and they are hoping to May 22- Baseball at TransBay these incidents go unreported. mural shows ten faces turned paintings, poems, and quotes, continue to produce art about Series Game 2 To ameliorate these numbers, toward a woman in the center. as well as a central mural that other issues in Oakland. 4 pm the creators of the mural aim That woman’s eyes are shut depicts a group of women to start a conversation about and she has a serene look on encircled by white swallows. May 26- Baseball at TransBay gender violence in hopes of her face so as to communicate The paintings decorate the Series Game 3 (possibly) 4 pm Free Exchange Program Offers FROM THE WEB Last month, we asked Opportunities for Students readers in an online poll: By Nick Pingitore But where are these oppor- vacations (and can at times As the world seems to grow Whether it was your tunities? The answer: The U.S. feel like them too), they are smaller and more accessible, How much do you sleep on foreign language teacher or State Department. For over 75 not to be taken lightly. these exchange programs offer average? your mom, chances are you’ve years, the State Department Students are expected not only a great way to get been told that visiting another has offered exchange pro- to not only develop greater out and develop your inde- 25% said: 8 hours country is not only exciting, grams that send students to cultural awareness, but also to pendence (often for free), but but an amazing educational countries around the globe. Be make efforts to become cata- also to learn about the history, 44% said: 7 hours experience that can change that as it may, only 10% of U.S. lysts for change both abroad culture, and people of a coun- the way you view your place students ever travel abroad. and at home. Some programs try you may have only seen on 31% said: 6 or less in the world. For years, these Every year, the State De- require students to complete TV or read about in a text- trips were a privilege offered partment pays for the interna- a community project upon book. When asked about the Visit to only wealthy students or tional exchanges of thousands return. Additionally, students importance of traveling, Oak- oaklandtechscribe.com those in private schools that of students. These exchanges are expected to act as informal land Tech senior Maya Rapier, now to vote in our latest poll: had large enough budgets and can last anywhere from three ambassadors. While abroad, who went on the Amigos de small enough class sizes to weeks to an entire school year. students are supposed to best las Américas program to the Who should be on the front of afford international trips. But There is no limit to where represent Americans to the Dominican Republic, said, the 20 dollar bill? now more than ever, students these programs take place. people of their host countries. “You gain a sense of the world, from all walks of life have the Over the past few years, thou- Similarly, students should but you also gain a sense opportunity to visit another sands of students have trav- bring back a greater knowl- of yourself. Traveling really country. In some cases this eled to countries ranging from edge and appreciation for the broadens your horizons.” costs very little, in most cases Germany to Paraguay. While culture they experienced to nothing at all. these programs may seem like share with friends and family. MAY 2015 PAGE 3 News Prominent Zimbabwean Author Speaks to Tech Class Photo by Casadora Boone By Casadora Boone classes. Zimbabwe until she moved Literature came to life for Bulawayo, who was born to America to live with her students in Mr. Stubblefield’s and raised in Zimbabwe, said aunt Fostelina when she got to 10th grade English/World that she “lived a comfortable be a teenager. It describes the History class on April 23 life” there. She moved to life of a child growing up in when Zimbabwean author America as a young adult and Africa and the life of an im- Noviolet Bulawayo visited the completed her college degree migrant in the U.S. In her visit class. here in the U.S. She currently she talks about how she wanted Bulawayo is a Zimbabwe- works as a creative writing “to show a child’s perspective an author who earned her teacher at Stanford Universi- because often children are not Master of Fine Arts degree in ty. She is best known for her heard.” It shows the excite- Creative Writing at Cornell debut novel We Need New ment, guilt, and culture shock University. Mr. Stubblefield’s Names which was released that come with being a young Paideia class studied her in 2013 and earned several immigrant and an immigrant Bulawayo hopes that her book 2013 book We Need awards for it including the in general to the U.S. book will encourage people not New Names during their Etisalat Prize for Literature She was welcomed by Mr. to conform to the stereotypes unit on Africa. They read, award. Before writing her Stubblefield’s sixth period class typically heard for African analyzed, and wrote a paper novel she wrote the well- and about 15 selected students countries. She also wanted to on two prompts based on the known short story “Hitting from other tenth grade Paideia give young people who are reading. The visit was set up Budapest” which became the classes. Ms. Joe and Mr. Stub- immigrants a voice by making by Casadora Boone, a tenth first chapter of her novel. blefield were both there. the main character a youth. grade student in Mr. Stubble- We Need New Names First, she talked about who She wanted her book to reflect field’s fifth and sixth period tells the story of a young girl she was. She grew up in Zim- some of her memories of Zim- babwe and she lived a comfort- babwe as a child by not using able life. She originally came to quotation marks because as a school in the U.S. to be a law- child, most stories were said yer, but she saw that that wasn’t orally so not using quotation the career path for her and marks make the story more she instead earned her degree natural. Her role models are for what she really loves to do, anyone that makes a big differ- writing. Her book started off as ence in the world for the better. a short story for a class assign- She encouraged students to do We Need New Names is ment in college and then she good things in thier communi- the story of a Zimbabweian kept expanding. She mentioned ty despite youth. girl who moves to America how her book was the end Bulawayo said that her visit product of many, many drafts. was “very fulfilling” and that She got help with her book she was very impressed by the from different resources both students. She really enjoyed her in the U.S. and back home. visit and hopes to come back Photo by Casadora Boone someday. Zimbabwean author, Noviolet Bulawayo came to speak to a tenth grade Paidea class about her life and novel.

Cartoon by E’Niyah Wilson PAGE 4 MAY 2015 Features New Solar Panels Increase Tech’s Energy Independence By Sofia de Melo other types of solar panels an average baseline school Oakland Tech Swim Team Sweeps Championship Students are not the only that provide conversion ef- year by about 33%. Based ones benefitting from the ficiencies of as low as 10%. on previous energy usage, recent sunny weather. These panels are amidst hopefully this system will Tech’s new photovolta- the most efficient equip- provide about one third of ic solar power system is ment on the US market the energy needed to sus- sucking up the energy. today. Tech’s solar system tain the school. These pan- There are many types of is providing only a modest els seem well received by solar panels on the market amount of the energy re- students at Tech, “I think today but Tech’s photovol- quired by Tech so most of Oakland Tech getting solar taic solar panels are top the electricity is still being panels is a big step forward of the line. According to purchased through PG&E. for the school district” NASA, photovoltaics is Each panel generates about Sophomore Margarita Ku the direct conversion of 327 watts of power which said. “It shows how OUSD light into electricity at the is enough watts to pow- is starting to become aware atomic level. When light er a vacuum cleaner or a of important needs for the energy strikes the solar blender. The PV system school and the change we cell, electrons are knocked size is 470.55 kWp total each can make.” Tech has loose from the atoms in the which is a lot of vacuum also reduced the energy semiconductor material. cleaners and blenders. it buys from PG&E by If electrical conductors are According to Alice Sung, cutting down on usage. attached to the positive OUSD’s High Performance The school is participating and negative sides, forming Schools Program Manager, in a district wide energy an electrical circuit, the Oakland Tech has averaged challenge and has reduced electrons can be captured about 2,122,395 kWh over its energy use by 5%. While in the form of an electric the last three school years this is significant progress, current -- that is, electrici- and the first year of on-site some schools with similar ty. The solar panels at Tech electricity generation for energy challenges shoot to and at all the other 16 sites Oakland Tech’s solar PV reduce their energy usage at OUSD are ‘SunPower 20’ system is estimated to be by 25% or more. Castle- solar panels. This partic- about 701,503 kWh/yr. mont is currently leading ular series provides panel Thats enough to power a with a energy reduction of conversion efficiencies of little over 64 houses. Thus 11%, and Tech will have to up to 20% compared to the system should offset do more to catch up. Photo by Emily Percy ‘Spread the Word’ Campaign Works to Eliminate R-Word By Molly Hetherwick ble, or less valued members of for all people.” The Spread the themselves, and being leaders the quality of said education April 4 marked the eight- humanity. However, Spread the Word Campaign mission state- in their communities not so and versatility of the programs year anniversary of the Spread Word is helping to end that. ment proclaims, “Language far-flung a goal as it was twenty to accommodate a much great- The Word to End the Word Unfortunately, when you affects attitudes and attitudes years ago. er range of disabilities. campaign that advocates for mix high school and middle affect actions. A pledge is to Spread the Word has also One of the best ways widespread awareness of school kids with people who promise to use only respectful, been instrumental in improv- Tech students can show their special needs and intellectual may be a little different from people-first language.” ing programs for the intellectu- support for their fellow pu- disabilities, as well as for the them, you can often expect Spread the Word is a phil- ally disabled in schools around pils is by joining the Tech end of the use of the r-word. a rise in petty bullying and anthropic branch of the Spe- the country. Oakland Tech’s “Buddies” program, a part of The r-word, slang for the shallow mistreatment. As a cial Olympics that focuses on Special Education program the Best Buddies foundation. antiquated medical term “men- result, the use of the r-word is school-age children and teens was implemented around 1975, Buddies at Tech is dedicated tal retardation” is -like many primarily common in middle to teach tolerance and general when the Education for All to creating lasting relation- other such hyphenated words- school- and high school-age understanding of a wide range Handicapped Children Act ships between students with deeply offensive and derogato- kids. To address this problem, of general disabilities. They are (EHA) and the Individuals and without disabilities, and to ry. It began strictly as a clinical Spread the Word has visited supported by over 200 orga- with Disabilities Education Act “just hanging out and having description, but the pejorative classrooms around the country, nizations, including the Best (IDEA) were passed by Con- fun.” Buddies meets on Tues- forms were quickly assumed public and private, to nip this Buddies foundation, created in gress, both of which boosted days at lunch in the portables by society to be equated to prejudice in the bud. part by Keith Haring, which is admittance of special needs - everyone is welcome, so feel “stupid” or “slow.”These conno- “Our campaign asks peo- dedicated to aiding people with children in public schools. free to drop by! tations have been detrimental ple to pledge to stop saying intellectual and developmental While there were adequate to the disabled community the r-word as a starting point disabilities (IDD) with rou- services provided by these because they reinforce the idea toward creating more accept- tine aspects of their life. This pieces of legislation, Spread the that said people are less capa- ing attitudes and communities makes securing jobs, living by Word’s involvement improved Oakland Tech Weaves Modern Shakespearean Tale By Sienna Ruiz even the transitions between ceptional job in conveying the was extremely entertaining and fight and assert her strength Those who were not able to scenes made the play believable context of the scene through understandable. Feste, the fool, like only men could do. make it to OakTech Rep’s and entertaining in a way that their tone and physicality. The was also one of the most en- The brilliance of this production of Shakespeare’s many do not think of when audience may not have caught tertaining characters who was play’s main twist could only Twelfth Night missed out on they think of Shakespeare. The on to every piece of dialogue able to skillfully move the story have been done by OakTech a delightful treat. Set in the photoshopped advertisements between characters, but the way along and make the audience Rep, which has never been celebrity sphere of modern in the background were a the actors looked at each other laugh at jokes that would seem afraid of pushing boundaries. day, Twelfth Night took on a hilarious touch that also added or spoke to each other showed to complicated to understand. It has excelled yet again with new relevancy that proved very authenticity and let the audi- their relationship clearly. The The change of the character this production that has made effective in connecting the au- ence know about the status of actors in the subplot involving Antonio to Antonia was also Shakespeare engaging in a way dience to the story. If this twist the different characters. the characters Mariah, Sir Toby, appreciated. The scene of her that many never thought that it was done wrong it could have Although the story may have Sir Andrew, Fabian, and Malvo- fighting off soldiers holding could be. been overambitious and shaky], been hard to follow at times, lio was were particularly good back Sebastian was refreshing but the set, the acting, and many of the actors did an ex- at doing this, and their story because we got to see a woman MAY 2015 PAGE 5 Features Oakland Tech Swim Team Sweeps Championship Last weekend, both the Oakland Tech Varsity and JV ven Nguyen says, “the most Oakland Tech JV and Varsity scored 283 and 232 points important part is keeping a swim teams took an impres- higher, respectively, than the positive mental state: telling sive first place at the Oakland second place team, Oakland yourself you can do it even Athletic League swim champi- High. when it feels like you can’t.” onships over Skyline, Oakland Some remarked that the Coach Andrew Wilson High, Castlemont, and KIPP day proved how hardcore was very pleased with the King. Varsity Women earned swimming is: during the six 179 points (determined as the hour meet, four swimmers “It’s great to have composite of the entries and collapsed on deck after their the swimmers’ rankings) to races, two threw up (multiple finished a strong four Skyline’s 47, and JV Women’s times), one required an ambu- years on the swim earned 165 points to Skyline’s lance, and multiple struggled team – I can say that 47. Varsity Men earned 184 through existing injuries. points to Oakland High’s 59, Needless to say, the win was I’ve seen myself grow and JV earned 119 against hard earned. As Tech Fresh- and I’ve picked up Oakland High’s 35. Overall, man and JV swimmer Ste- a lot of knowledge and friends along the racing butterfly for the first events like it’s nothing. Watch- way.”-Cheyenne time competitively! Everyone ing them grow is one of the on the team is friendly and best things to see as a coach Jacobson supports you in whatever you and a teammate.” d o.” Additionally, the swim meet, saying that his team Championships capped team also said goodbye to “put their all in everything, off a very successful season eight seniors: Vivian Tran, and they work really hard. for Oakland Tech; both swim Callum McGrath, Cristobal I’m honored to have the teams went undefeated. Tech Martinez, John Oberholzer, chance to be in the midst of Senior and Assistant Coach Cheyenne Jacobson, Chelsea such amazing, talented young Cristobal Martinez said, “This Davis, Carolyn Stephens, and people.” Many swimmers beat season was one of the greatest Signe Wurtz. In sum, Chey- their personal best times, and seasons ever. The swimmers enne said, “It’s great to have several records are expected that came back from last year finished a strong four years on to be broken once the times had improved so much. And the swim team – I can say that have been processed. Steven we had some kids that started I’ve seen myself grow and I’ve The Tech Swim team is losing eight seniors this year. added that he was “proud of out barely knowing how to picked up a lot of knowledge swim that are now dominating and friends along the way.” How to Spend the Approaching Summer Photo by Meea Sheard By Anna Rosenfeld of tasks, from helping in the Summer is just around the office to leading games. The corner! Aside from some lazy two closest Galileo locations lounge days and warm weath- are in Oakland and Berkeley. er, summer can also be a nice For more information and time to try something new to apply, go to www.galil- and have an adventure. Here eo-camps.com/jobs/apply/ are a few of the many summer summer-intern. programs and jobs offered in the Bay Area. Sarah’s Science Day Camp, held in Roberts Regional Park Be a Camp Counselor in Oakland, also hires teens There is no summer job who are at least 16 to be camp quite like this one. Being a counselors. Each counsel- camp counselor means be- or is in charge of a group of ing a mentor and sometimes about 10 children and is in being goofy, all the while charge of leading activities, learning about yourself in the helping campers with their science projects, and ensuring process. As Camp Galileo’s the power of volunteers and Email ariana.chini@recross. Grace Gibbon, an Oakland safety and inclusion. Some website says, “It’s not unusual the generosity of donors.” org or call 408-577-2034 for Tech senior, says “Volunteer- experience with children is for Galileo staffers to realize The Red Cross has bases in questions. ing at the Oakland Zoo for preferred. For more informa- their own dreams while help- Oakland and San Francis- the past two years has been tion and to apply, visit www. ing a camper.” co and offers internships a great way for me to learn sarahscience.com/pages/em- Be a Teen Assistant Camp Galileo is a day to high school and college about animals and environ- ployment.html (TA) at the Oakland Zoo camp that aims to inspire students in a variety of fields mental conservation efforts Teen Assistants at the zoo innovation and creativity to explore medicine and the while giving back to an are assigned to a ZooCamp in children, whether this be Intern with inner-workings of a nonprofit. organization that I have loved class of pre-K to 5th graders through building castles, tak- The summer program runs since I was a kid.” For more the Red Cross and help the teacher with ing photos, making jewelry, or from June 15-August 7. To information and to apply, go According to their website, tours, games, and crafts for performing skits. Galileo of- apply, visitwww.redcross.org/ to www.OaklandZoo.org/ “The American Red Cross three weeks of the summer, fers teens who will be at least ca/san-francisco/volunteer/ Teen_Assistants.php. All ap- prevents and alleviates hu- Monday through Friday. The 16 by the start of camp paid youth-volunteer-services/ plications are due May 3rd. man suffering in the face of volunteer position is open positions as summer intern. summer-internship-program. Interns take part in a range emergencies by mobilizing to all high school students. PAGE 6 MAY 2015 Features Paramount Opens New Chapter in

Rich History Photo by Antigone Michaels By Laurel Hennen Vigil of the day in attendance. Here in Oakland, we’re for- At the time, it was the tunate to be surrounded by largest theatre on the many architectural gems that West Coast. Sadly, the have miraculously survived ensuing Depression hit the ravages of time. This June, the Paramount hard, as our seniors walk the stage at and the theatre closed Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, from 1932 to 1933. many will be struck by the Later, during World astounding beauty of this Art War II, there was a huge Deco masterpiece. influx of soldiers passing Completed in 1931, con- through Oakland, and struction of the Paramount the Paramount stayed took just 370 days from start open nearly 24/7 to ac- to finish, and cost about $15.3 commodate them. Busi- million, in today’s dollars. In- ness boomed until the spired by San Francisco’s ma- 1950s, when much of jestic Fox Theater, Investment the public began to buy Properties, Inc. hired Timothy televisions, and interest Pflueger, a renowned local in movies waned. After architect who designed many this decline, the theatre other Bay Area landmarks, to closed again in 1970, create a monumental movie and a few years later, palace in the East Bay. came dangerously close The breathtaking design– to being torn down to inspired by the tropical jungles make way for a parking of South America, with lush structure. ture, silk and velvet curtains, popular concert and perfor- (July 17th). The Paramount details and glasswork in the However in 1973,, the wildly colorful carpets, and mance venue. Every month or also offers fascinating tours grand foyer reminiscent of a Oakland Symphony bought gilded wall ornamentation. so, the theatre holds a classic every first and third Saturday waterfall– was approved in the theatre and began resto- But in 1975, finding that the movie night (tickets are $5), of the month for just $5. You October 1929. The Paramount ration. The project was led by cost of restoration was too ex- which strives to recreate the can find a complete schedule opened to great fanfare on David Boysel, whose amazing pensive, it was sold to the city experience of seeing a “picture of events at paramounttheatre. December 16, 1931; crowds attention to detail allowed the of Oakland for just $1, and the show” in the 1930s. Upcoming com. spilled out onto Broadway, restoration team to refurbish Paramount became a National showings include Pretty Wom- eagerly awaiting the first show, or replicate nearly all the the- Historic Landmark in 1977. an (May 29th), Jaws (June with many silver screen stars atre’s original Art Deco furni- Today, the Paramount is a 26th), and West Side Story The Binge Watchers: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Photo courtesy of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Each month, I will cover a and she can be whomever she different chooses. Possessing only a few show I think is worth watch- belongings but an unwavering- ing non-stop ly optimistic outlook, Kim- my embarks on a whirlwind By Sophia Taylor adventure as she navigates If there has been a hole in New York City and catches up your soul ever since Tina Fey’s on all she has missed in the 30 Rock ended, you should past 15 years. This includes be watching her new Netflix meeting her roommate, Titus series, Unbreakable Kimmy (Tituss Burgess), an outgoing, Schmidt! While it by no means aspiring Broadway actor, and competes with 30 Rock, Fey’s her employer, Jacqueline (Jane new series offers a unique Krakowski), a wealthy and storyline and a protagonist for extremely shallow woman who whom most everyone will be hires her as a nanny. rooting. The show begins with the rescue of Kimmy (Ellie The following is an ex- Kemper) and three other wom- change between Kimmy and a en, who have been held cap- construction worker who has was those jeans.” “Okay, I’m sorry about the sisters. Okay? Are you happy?” tive for 15 years by Reverend just catcalled her. It demon- Kimmy: “Well, I wish I was jeans thing. You made your Between its humor and Richard Wayne Gary Wayne strates the naïve but charming your yellow hat.” point.” amazing background music, (Jon Hamm), a doomsday nature of Kimmy’s character. Construction worker: Kimmy: “And my point Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt fanatic. Instead of returning to “What?” is…?” is a great show to binge-watch her hometown after her rescue, (Season 1, Episode 5: “Kim- Kimmy: “It’s my favorite Construction worker: “That on Netflix! The complete first Kimmy decides that she wants my Kisses a Boy!”) color. Did I say something I say these things to women season is currently available. to move to New York City, Construction worker: “Hey wrong?” even though I got a mother where no one knows her past Red, you’re making me wish I Construction worker: that I love, and three beautiful

Correction: A story was published in the March issue of the Scribe entitled “Green Club Battles Energy Vampires.” The story quoted Ms. Snyder as saying,”Tech didn’t even look at its energy bill, it just paid it.” It should have said “OUSD didn’t even look at its energy bill, it just paid it.” The story was altered for the online version to include the correction. MAY 2015 PAGE 7 Opinion Off The Grid: A Low Key Alternative to First Friday Photo by Rose Gutierrez By Nico Hall truck in particular, Curry Rejoice, First Friday avoid- Up Now!, offers a dish called ers! There is a smaller, more “sexy fries” which is legendary relaxed, and more frequent amongst the locals: chicken event for you to visit on a tikka masala poured generous- night on the town! Off The ly over a bed of sweet potato Grid has the whole urban hip- waffle fries. I’m not exagger- ster package: food trucks, mu- ating when I say that some of sic, dancing, and offbeat mu- the best food I’ve ever had was seum exhibits; all on a much here. I’m not sure if I’ll ever smaller scale than First Friday. find a better bacon burger or Every Friday, a different group chicken bahn mi than those of 12 food trucks parks along I’ve had at Off The Grid. the street in front of the Oak- Although the crowd is land Museum. A band or two generally less energetic and always accompany the trucks eccentric than the one at First to play for visitors, and there’s Friday, you’ll still find a per- a space for dancing cleared fectly friendly, interesting, and out in the small courtyard just diverse group of people at Off outside the museum doors. The Grid. You may encoun- If you’re under 18, you can ter a few more middle-aged go into the museum for free moms and brogrammers than art fans can all be satisfied. I I’m confident is the fault of many) where Off The Grid at any time after 5, but if not, at First Friday, but it’s still a particularly liked the nature the museum’s relatively small events take place. You can also general admission is $7.50 per fun crowd that can offer some exhibit, which has an exten- budget. learn about which food trucks ticket. interesting conversation if you sive collection of taxidermied If Off The Grid sounds like will be where, if you want to The food selection is con- are so inclined. California wildlife and in- your kind of event, I would plan your trip in advance. sistently diverse and delicious. The museum itself is a formation about California’s recommend visiting their The trucks offer meals ranging hit or miss. There are a good natural landscape. However, website: offthegridsf.com. from lobster bisque to bacon variety of exhibits, so nature some of the exhibits can be a There you can also find other bouquets to bibimbap. One buffs, history nerds, and weird little underwhelming, which locations (of which there are Day of Silence Raises Awareness of Struggles of LGBTQ Community the silencing of queer voices by group-work a bit challeng- By Jade Lounds spreading positivity through ing, but hey it’s only one day, Day of Silence, a national kind and encouraging notes. If and it’s for a good cause. movement that calls for the you’re curious about doing it 10:30-11:40: So far so end of anti- LGBTQQIPA bul- next year, but are not too sure good, my third period lying, is centered on the phi- of what it entails, here’s a little teacher is an excellent ally. losophy that sometimes silence run through of my personal Sadly, I did break my silence can be the loudest scream. Day experience with being (mostly) to correct some false infor- of Silence is supposed to draw silent for the day. mation about buffets. (It just attention to the silencing of 8:00 AM: Silence has not yet slipped out okay! I didn’t queer voices due to bullying begun, but I have been hand- mean to!) I remind someone and fear. This year, the QSA ing out ribbons and necklaces (through writing this time) helped get others engaged in to kids willing to participate. that though we live in the this very famous movement by Seems to be a lot of enthusi- Bay Area, the silencing of handing out rainbow pins to asm! People are quite interested LGBTQQIPA youth is still show solidarity and necklaces on what else they can do to a big issue. It’s important with placards explaining what stop the silencing of marginal- to remember that there is a DOS actually was. In order to ized voices. Of course, I direct big difference from feeling most think. I actually got extra ant to think about what we increase participation and raise them to the QSA! physically safe at school and credit in my 4th period class! all can do individually to help general awareness, the QSA 8:30-10:30: My first and feeling comfortable. Sweet! amplify the voices of marginal- also had a Breaking the Silence second period teacher has been 11:40-12:40: This has gone Lunch: Breaking the Silence! ized youth instead of silencing event at lunch. This encouraged very understanding and en- so well, and I’m almost at We did it! Even though we’re them. folks to participate in ending couraging. Silence does make lunch! This is a lot easier than celebrating, it’s still import- Music Spotlight: Sufjan Stevens, Shamir, and BlakRoc By Jade Lounds Sufjan’s ample amount of al- start either house parties or big name rappers and R&B all of you to listen and try to Sufjan Stevens- One of my ab- bums have got you covered. pity parties. His influence is singers, is a relatively low-key pick just one song that’s your solute favorite artists. Sufjan’s Check out: No Shade in the clearly found in his hometown, project for a group that con- favorite. lyrics cleverly utilize fables, Shadow of the Cross, Vesuvius, Las Vegas, which is evident sists of stars. The Black Keys Check Out: Dollaz & Sense Greek myths, the Zodiac, Should Have Known Better, from his in-your-face lyrics to provide bluesy beats for rap- (ft Pharoe Monche & RZA), and the Bible for inspira- The Owl And the Tanager his colorful sound. He is defi- pers, such as RZA from Wu- Why Can’t I Forget Him (ft Ni- tion. His sound has changed Shamir- Shamir is an artist nitely an artist to watch. Tang or the infamous Mos Def, cole Wray), Ain’t Nothing Like throughout the years, and I will never get over. His catchy Check Out: On the Regular, and create beautiful songs with You (ft Jim Jones & Mos Def), each album seems to explore hooks and explosive sound Call It Off, I Know It’s a Good soulful sound. Created in 2009, Hope You’re Happy (ft Billy a new theme. Whether you’re will keep you dancing for way Thing, Sometimes a Man right before the Black Keys’ Danze, Nicole Wray, & Q-Tip) looking for dreamy folk sound, too long. Shamir’s range is the BlakRoc- BlakRoc, a break out hit album, Brothers, dance-worthy electro-pop, most impressive part of his collaboration between The BlakRoc’s self-titled album or moody Christmas songs, music. His songs are able to Black Keys and a plethora of often goes unnoticed. I dare PAGE 8 MAY 2015 Facility Could Transform Students’ Lunch Choices (Continued from page 1) Photo by Ileana Terrazas corridor,” and adding that the addition Depending on which shops end of the Gardens will be “an improve- up using the space, Merrill Gardens ment to the site and surrounding could revolutionize both lunchtime neighborhood.” for Tech students and the walk to Merrill Gardens will contain around Upper Campus. Any food shops 127 assisted-living residences on the placed there would be closer than upper floors and about 8,000 square Wendy’s, Sabuy Sabuy, Starbucks, and feet of retail space on the ground floor, Jamba Juice, and much easier to walk including an outdoor patio and two to. If enough students travel there levels of underground parking. As part for lunch, even Lee’s and Primavera of the project, developers also plan to could become less crowded. create new crosswalks, widen medians, “Students will definitely be tempt- and install new traffic light signals to ed to stop by,” says sophomore Essi make it easier for pedestrians to reach Westerman. “Especially if they sell the retail space. food. Especially on minimum days, What new stores will be added into when the only time students get to the retail space? It’s still too early to buy food is on that walk up. They will tell. “At this time the City is not aware probably have a lot of students hang- if there are any leased tenants,” Rivera ing around there after school, during says. “The developer has also indicated lunch, and probably during school as that it is too early in the process for w e l l .” potential tenants to come forward, but “When I walk down from Upper some had expressed interest.” Rivera Campus I take advantage of Lee’s or acknowledges that the future tenants Primavera,” adds sophomore Rachel could include “general food sales ac- Pendleton. “I think it will be the project developer anticipates the de- time to speculate about what this brand tivities to cater residents, students and same thing with these shops.” velopment to be completed in about 20 new, steel and glass complex will bring business workers.” However, according to Rivera,“the months or so,” so there is still plenty of to the Tech community. Uber’s Expansion Puts Pressure on Oakland Taxi Drivers (Continued from page 1)

additional fees that taxicabs Uber. through paperwork processes erate business, but Uber does determined to stand up for pay to their cities, and they Uber is also being accused to get the permits, including not. themselves. do not comply with the meter of skipping regulation process- business tax certificates and The lawsuit charges that In the meantime, some taxi requirements. Since the taxis es that traditional taxi drivers proof of insurance. This is a Uber’s conduct is “unlawful, drivers are considering driving are paying these fees, the taxi must go through. Drivers need challenge for traditional taxi unfair and fraudulent.” The for Uber. fares are more expensive so permits, licenses, and insur- drivers because they have to lawsuit is still in its beginning some people would rather take ance policies. They must go pay for these permits to op- stages, but taxi drivers are Woman Might Be on 20 Dollar Bill (Continued from page 1) time as president. on the idea. Many Tech stu- ple.” To read more about President Obama has dents are also excited about the process and to cast casually endorsed the Wom- the movement. Junior Katja your vote for equal repre- en On 20s movement calling Lohser says that she thinks sentation on our curren- it, “a pretty cool idea.” The “it would be pretty awesome cy, visit womenon20s.org. leaders of the movement for Wilma Mankiller [a don’t foresee much difficulty Native American woman] to in getting the Secretary of the replace Jackson who was so Treasury, Jack Lew, to sign off horrible to the Cherokee peo-

Always been interested in Design? Want to see your work published every month? Looking to learn practical skills with professional-class programs? APPLY TO BE THE SCRIBE’S NEXT ART DIRECTOR If interested contact [email protected] for more information THE SCRIBE A monthly publication run entirely by the students of Oakland Technical High School, with the support of club sponsor Ms. Haugen. Special thanks to the Oakland Tech PTSA and the Oakland Tech After-School Program for their continued generosity. Want a voice at Oakland Tech? Join the Scribe. Meetings are mondays at lunch in room 106. *Front page header drawing by Fiona Gregg / The Scribe Staff Contributors to This Issue 2014-15 Editorial Board Emma Kantor, Joseph Harmon, Alice Gold, Illeana Terrazas Editor-in-Chief: Trevor Harrison Meta Austin, Nick Pingitore, Martina Starc, E’Niyah Wilson, Managing Editor: John Oberholzer Sofia De Melo, Molly Hetherwick, Emily Percy, Sienna Ruiz, Anna Rosenfeld News Editor: Nick Pingitore Meea Sheard, Laurel Hennen Vigil, Sophia Taylor, Antigone Michaels, Nico Hall Features Editors: Sophia Taylor, Anna Rosenfeld and E’Niyah Wilson Rose Gutierrez, and Jade Lounds Visuals Editors: Nadia Wohlfarth and Isabel Burgos Chief Copy Editor: Molly Hetherwick