Thursday | March 25, 2021 | Volume 61, Issue 4 Racial divide caused by GATE Page 6

900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94402 Aragon High School Rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans Cameron Leung After the WHO pinpointed community led a crowdsourc- news writer Wuhan, China as the origin ing campaign that raised near- ——— of the coronavirus, Chinese ly $33,000 to replace the trees. Since the World Health Americans have been accused On March 16, eight people, Organization declared CO- of being unsanitary foreigners including six Asian American VID-19 a pandemic on March embodying and spreading the women, were killed in a shoot- 11, 2020, the number of anti- virus. Former President Don- ing at Asian-owned spas in Asian hate crimes has surged ald Trump encouraged these Atlanta, Georgia. Asian Amer- by as much as 150% in ma- racist sentiments by referring icans are no strangers to rac- jor U.S. cities such as New to the virus as the “China Vi- ism and discrimination as this York, Los Angeles and San rus” and the “Kung Flu” begin- act of violence is just one of Francisco. Individuals and ning in March 2020. many they have experienced Asian businesses alike have This prejudiced hostility over the past year. become frequent targets of has spread to the entire Asian Junior Lauren Mok, vice assault and vandalism. Asian community. In early January, president of Asian Culture Americans Advancing Justice, two cherry blossom trees that Club, accredited the differenc- a nonprofit civil rights -orga were originally planted in 1994 es in cities’ hate incident re- nization, reported more than were found destroyed in Japan- cords to their diversity concen- 3,000 accounts of hate inci- town, San Francisco. Holding trations and community size. dents spanning physical, ver- both historical and cultural “[San Mateo is] a lot small- bal and virtual harassment in significance, this act left many er than Los Angeles and San People protest against the surge in hate crimes. KAYLA LI the past year. Japanese Americans upset. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Bark for Schools: internet safety through web filtering Grace Xia and Elizabeth van tortion (sexual blackmail) Blommestein or sexual content, violence, features and sports editors body image issues, danger- ——— ous organizations, profanity On March 1, the San Ma- and weapons in both Eng- teo Union High School Dis- lish and Spanish. Bark ad- trict started using a paid, ministrators are also able to premium version of Bark for contact the SMUHSD about Schools, a school safety com- severe cases. pany that searches for and “Since the pandemic, we logs phrases linked to po- have surged past our student tential hazards to supervise hospitalizations from 2019 student activity on Google and 2020,” said SMUHSD Workplace accounts. Manager of Mental Health Aragon in-person classes are set to open to freshmen on March 29. RAHUL VISHWA Bark was implemented Programs April Torres. “We to address several issues in- had a certain amount of stu- cluding concerns surround- dent [hospitalizations] in our SMUHSD reopening plans underway ing the decrease in in-person first semester of 2020. We interactions with peers and surpassed that for a whole Kamron Ramelmeier freshmen will be invited back terms of all the things we staff and the increase in cy- year in one semester, along news writer to campus and on April 12, should include in our return- berbullying and hate speech- with [Child Protective Ser- ——— after spring break, all other to-school reopening plans,” related incidents within the vices] reports, and some Reopening plans are now grades can begin returning. said Principal Valerie Arbizu. SMUHSD. The grand jury other reporting issues. We’ve underway as the San Mateo On March 10, Phase 1 began “One struggle [we’re having] report released on Sept. 24 definitely seen an uptick in Union High School District with the district bringing in is staffing and making sure we detailed the need for reform harm to self or others … defi- moves forward with the spring students with individualized have enough people on campus following an investigation nitely a lot of anxiety, a lot of semester. San Mateo County’s education plans in person. to walk around and remind of school hate incidents. The depression, isolation, a lot of COVID-19 risk designation was District staff and the teach- students to follow protocols software has the ability to fil- family issues that have really changed from red to orange on ers’ association made a return- such as being physically dis- ter for phrases related to bul- been exacerbated because March 16, meaning the district to-campus agreement earlier tanced and having masks on.” lying, depression, anxiety, they’re all home or [because] can begin enacting Phase 3 of this school year. The district The district is moving for- suicidal ideation, drug and people lose their jobs … or their plan to reopen schools, has also been working to keep ward with the agreement alcohol abuse, hate speech, are sick.” where all students who choose individual campuses informed. and is closely following state risky contact, self-harm, sex- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 to will return to in-person “The district gave all school guidance plans. learning. Starting March 29, sites a template to follow in CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

FEATURES SPORTS Redlining Livestreaming Read about how the Learn about the use legacy of redlining in the of new livestreaming

Bay Area has segregated equipment for Aragon’s

PERMIT #782 PERMIT racial minorities. athletic events.

SAN MATEO CA MATEO SAN

PAID US POSTAGE US

NON-PROFIT PAGE 7 PAGE 15 2 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 NEWS THE ARAGON OUTLOOK AP exams amidst pandemic Sophia Qin and Wreetom Dutta cedure, technical difficul- news editor and news writer ties and new testing rules ——— were among the issues dis- The 2020-2021 remote cussed. school year has posed ad- On March 8, the SMUHSD ditional challenges for Ad- retracted its initial decision vanced Placement teachers and followed up with a bind- and students across the pen- ing survey, allowing stu- insula, who must prepare for dents to choose between two the rigorous AP exam in a options the district selected virtual environment. To ac- from the three College Board commodate these uncertain- testing dates. ties, the College Board has “More doors opened for us modified the traditional AP to consider,” Elenz-Martin exams for this school year. said. “We wanted to make AP Literature and Compo- a data informed decision to sition teacher Rob Thurtle accommodate and provide, adjusted his teaching style within the safety guidelines, to adapt to a new learning what we can to make sure format. that students feel successful.” “If we were in person, I Online exams are regulat- might allow for more free- ed with strict anti-cheating form discussion time,” Thur- measures. Students may not YUE YU tle said. “[For] online, I think skip questions nor return it is important to keep chang- to a previous problem. The ing the activities to keep the format for paper-pencil ex- class engaged.” ams will stay the same as in New classes at Aragon The time constraint of a regular school year, albeit Kiara Lopez change in their community. tics, but we also … do coding to only meeting for 2.5 peri- students will be distanced news writer “I am really interested in make statistical models that are ods per week also forces AP from one another. ——— learning about the world and used for predictions.” teachers to teach material “Math is best done with As the school year comes to how, especially in our country, to Students will learn how to at a faster pace or strategize pencil and paper in person,” a close, student programming change it for the better,” said ju- properly use Google Sheets for with delivering the informa- Jacobs said. “But I think that begins for the 2021-2022 school nior Sara Killoran who plans to practical tasks such as budget- tion in a different way. the College Board has made year. Among the already famil- take the class next year. “I think ing. After taking the course, “I can’t cut out topics with their digital option just as ef- iar course roster have appeared it will help me be more informed they will be able to organize and less time,” said AP Calculus fective, so there’s ... pros and several new classes, such as in the political environment of enter data using the statistical agency and social justice, path this world and in this country.” programming language R, a to statistics, data science and Students are expected to im- skill used by data scientists and “College Board has made their AP Spanish Literature. These prove self-advocacy and critical business analysts. digital option just as effective, so new curriculums can provide thinking skills and learn to re- “We have technology that academic enrichment and so- spond to different viewpoints can crunch numbers for us,” there’s no advantage either way” cial benefits to students looking in order to develop a more com- Sipple said. “The class is not so to explore different careers and plete understanding of race re- much about cranking out [equa- AB teacher Adam Jacobs. cons to each of [the options].” academic paths. lations. Bussey and Keane are tions] by hand. It’s more about “[Instead], I have to ... get In the Aragon communi- Marie Rose Escoto will teach hopeful that students impacted having technology crunch the creative in terms of how I’m ty, responses varied. While AP Spanish Literature next year by social injustice will realize numbers for us. Then we still relaying the information.” some wish to take the exam after advocating for the course their voices matter and that need human beings to interpret On Feb. 4, the College in school for a less disruptive since 2017. While the class is not they can be change-makers. the data.” Board announced three AP environment, others favor a requirement, it is highly rec- “We were very inspired by the Path to statistics, also taught test session options rang- the comfort of home without ommended for Spanish-speak- youth that were leading these by Sipple, is a course designed ing from the weeks of May 3, needing to wear a mask. ing students who are motivated [Black Lives Matter] movements to prepare students for college May 18, June 1 and June 7. “With [the] pandemic and to improve their writing skills or [and] protests, that were speak- level statistics and for those At first on Feb. 19, the San health concerns, it’s great enjoy literature. This course is ing up [and] speaking truth to not majoring in STEM. Un- Mateo High School Union that the students have a available to students who have power,” Bussey said. “We want- like AP Statistics, there is no District released a decision to choice,” Jacobs said. “I’m all passed AP Spanish Language or ed to create a safe, organized AP exam for path to statistics, administer all AP exams digi- about students having the Spanish IV Honors with a grade platform for students to be able which gives students more time tally due to uncertainties with best opportunity … to show of B- or better. San Mateo County’s health what they’ve learned in While the course does not and safety guidelines. More- class, whether that’s in per- cover grammar, it studies mul- “We wanted to create a safe, over, in-person testing dates son or digitally.” tiple Latin American literary organized platform for students to conflicted with final exam In the new AP testing texts over the year. The diverse and graduation schedules. framework, Aragon adjusted curriculum allows students to ... continue their activism” “[College Board’s an- the final exam and gradua- reflect on many different voices nouncement] didn’t give tion schedule. 1,412 AP tests and cultures. The class discusses to continue that work during to learn material instead of re- districts time to process all will be administered by Ara- topics such as literary creation the school year and to be able to viewing in April. This course of the different scenarios,” gon to showcase what stu- and interpersonal relations. have a framework in which to will relate math to daily activi- Elenz-Martin said. “In the ini- dents have accomplished “I love literature and helping continue their activism.” ties where one must understand tial stages when there were this school year during dis- my kids become better writers In addition, new math class- the data presented. Exploring so many of those unknowns, tance learning. and understand [readings] bet- es will offer students more- ad statistics to find patterns in ev- the safest and most feasible ter,” Escoto said. “You can see vanced and personalized path- eryday life will allow students to … window that was the least the difference when my -[stu ways in STEM. establish their own opinions on disruptive was the June [digi- dents] start taking the class, Taught by math teacher societal matter. tal] administration.” and towards the end they can Craig Sipple, data science “We want people to ... be However, as San Mateo speak better in Spanish and will offer an alternate path able to tell facts from fiction,” County moved to lower CO- write better.” for students who don’t plan Sipple said. “Part of that is be- VID-19 restriction tiers, a Agency and social justice, co- on taking calculus in high ing able to look at data ... and survey was sent to families created by Lindsay Bussey and school. Students who have al- make decisions.” and students on Feb. 24 to Jerrica Keane, will be the first ready taken geometry are eli- These new courses are only collect more feedback on class at Aragon to completely gible to enroll. This course is a few of the many available to preferences. Another push focus on empowering students recognized by the University students next year. All classes for the district to rethink to learn about social justice and of California and California will provide students with the was a petition began by dis- create action plans to address State University schools as an opportunity to dive deeper trict parents, who claimed socioeconomic issues. Offered to equivalent class to Algebra II. into what career path they the digital format put stu- juniors and seniors, the interdis- “Data science is kind of a hy- want to pursue and enhance dents at a disadvantage. ciplinary course emphasizes the brid of statistics and computer their knowledge on subjects The complicated setup pro- belief that students can make a science,” Sipple said. “It’s statis- that interest them. ALEXANDER LO MARCH 25, 2021 EDITORIAL/NEWS VOLUME 61| ISSUE 4 3 Editorial: Bark surveillance imposes on student privacy This editorial represents the and the lack of transparency shouldn’t have an expectation position to help students with their sexuality. Overall, par- unanimous opinion of all 14 from the district regarding of complete privacy when using their personal struggles — es- ticipating in internet surveil- Outlook editors. Bark’s implementation only school provided technology and pecially because most of the lance normalizes its usage ——— leads to distrust. The editors of accounts, understanding both people they would catch are which can be weaponized Concerns over internet The Outlook urge the district the tracking that is taking place the ones who are already try- against more vulnerable com- safety prompted the San Mateo to better address the negative and the potential alternatives is ing to help themselves through munities in the future. Union High School District to implications of the system and still important. their peers or online searches. Ultimately, students intervene with computer con- possible sacrifices students Bark intrudes on student Implementing Bark also should have their privacy re- tent monitoring software, Bark will make due to Bark. privacy and places administra- causes equity issues and addi- spected and comprehend the for Schools. On March 2, Su- Bark uses artificial intel- tors in circumstances that they tional struggles for those seek- extent of internet surveil- perintendent Kevin Skelly sent ligence to analyze student ac- don’t need to be involved in. ing resources or advice online. lance being imposed on them. a memo inadequately notify- tions throughout school Google Between March 1 and March Considering Bark is in the The district should offer stu- ing students and families that services, including emails 19, Bark reviewed a stagger- pilot stage and there is no in- dents the opportunity to con- Bark was being used to sur- and attachments, chat mes- ing 2.1 million student records, frastructure in terms of how to sent to being monitored as veil student activities through sages, and Drive content such and although the software discipline students, once Bark well as uphold the values of their SMUHSD email accounts, as Docs, Slides, Sheets, photos may prevent some cyberbul- is fully integrated it will enable privacy, transparency and but didn’t explain much else and videos and notifies district lying and alert the district to the administration to assign disclosure. Children should including the method and ex- administrators of potential is- hate speech, the negative im- consequences. Research from be taught ways to protect plications of violating student the U.S. Government Account- themselves and it starts with trust and privacy far outweigh ability Office showed that being well informed. Without “The people they would catch are the possible benefits. Bark has Black kids are much more like- the district leading the way the ones who are already trying to identified cases of household ly to be disciplined in school in supporting positive values, abuse, self-harm and risky than white kids, and Bark may students won’t feel the need help themselves” sexual interactions: all deeply lead to the administration to emulate these values them- personal issues that may not learning more about offenses selves — in school or in life. tent of tracking. The district sues. Although parents signed warrant school intervention. that would be is using Bark as a pilot, which an acceptable use policy at the If students know about the disciplined. wasn’t disclosed in the memo. beginning of the year, students platform, they may not discuss Bark could also Bark attempts to monitor did not give informed consent certain issues with friends or disproportion- cyberbullying, suicidal ide- to this degree of surveillance utilize the internet for help. ately impact ation, sexual predation, por- on district technology, espe- Students reach out to their LGBTQ+ indi- nography, threats of violence cially because using this tech- friends to talk about personal viduals who and more and notifies the dis- nology was required. struggles that they may not may use the trict of any potentially harmful Even though students are be comfortable sharing with internet to bet- activities on student accounts. legally able to opt out of being anybody else. Having school ter understand With minimal evidence of Bark tracked, it would render them administrators view personal themselves improving student safety, the unable to use Canvas or any information when a student is and cost of its implementation is other Google software related to not prepared or aware violates too high to warrant its usage. their school account — consid- not only privacy but could also This surveillance software also erably restricting their learn- add additional stress. Simply, compromises student privacy, ing abilities. Although students the administration isn’t in a EMILY FENG Asian hate crimes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 It makes us become more aware Francisco,” Mok said. “[Large of what’s been going on for cities] are spread out and less many, many years. ... It’s finally diverse when you break it time to speak out against this.” aragonoutlook.org down into each neighborhood. Despite growing support Josette Thornhill Kayla Shiao Scott Silton [In a small city], there are from local government officials Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Faculty Adviser lots of different ethnic back- and students, the rally was met grounds and cultures within with some defiance. [one] neighborhood.” “A lot of people were honk- FEATURES NEWS SPORTS Although xenophobia levels ing, which was great to make Penelope King* Isabella Krzesniak* Elizabeth van Blom- are perceived as significantly some noise, but then, while Rosella Graham* lower in San Mateo than in oth- we were marching, a car sped Anoush Torounian* mestein* er places, the city is not void of by,” So said. “This white guy Grace Xia* Sophia Qin* Amanda Hao* hate. Residents have been ver- had his whole body out of Caitlin Kaliski Cameron Leung Julia Renner bally attacked, and anti-Chinese the window, and he told [us] Audrey Smietana Kamron Ramelmeier Stephanie Lin messages were graffitied on an to go ‘f’ ourselves. It gives us Sophia Zhou Wreetom Dutta Emma Quanbeck Interstate 92 and De Anza Bou- the motivation to stop this Kiara Lopez levard freeway sign. [hate] even more because Peyton De Winter Colin Johnson “It [brings] a lot of anxi- in the middle of such a big Vedant Gaur Carolyn Mish Pratham Valluri ety to my everyday life,” said cause it’s still happening.” Catherine Wang Marlee Cherkas Cooper Wong junior Filipino Club Secre- In addition to rallies, the rise Sarah Yu Alexandra Ding tary Parker Guban. “Some- in media attention to support Carole Darve PHOTO one could say, ‘Oh god, you’re the Asian American community Lipika Goel GRAPHICS Aidan Gerber* Asian. Get away from me.’ has helped decrease fear around Michael Sipes Even at school, that happened confronting discrimination. Aakanksha Sinha Emily Feng* a lot [at] the beginning of 2020. “People are starting to utilize Christina Wu Rahul Vishwa No one really cared ... because their platforms to share their VIDEO Ava Gawel Thomas Jadallah it was a joke. … I didn’t notice voices [and others are] more Kayla Li* Jessica Fu Alessandro Riedel until recently, [but] it doesn’t willing to listen,” Mok said. “It’s Mia Dang Yue Yu Purvi Singhania seem like it should have been a good start to [making] chang- Nailah Blake said to me at all.” es that were much needed.” Kati Luechtefeld Kaitlyn Ha In an attempt to bring light On Jan. 26, President Joe Matilda King Alexander Lo to these issues, Burlingame Biden signed a memorandum CENTERSPREAD SOCIAL MEDIA seventh grade student Ashlyn to condemn the use of deroga- BUSINESS Madeline Cho* So organized and led the Stand tory COVID-19 monikers and Elizabeth van Blom- Emily Feng* Up for Asians rally in Central provide more accessible re- mestein* TECHNOLOGY Park on Feb. 27. sources for Asian Americans. In Isabella Krzesniak* “There’s so much violence, California, Gov. Gavin Newsom Grace Xia* … and it made me want to do budgeted $1.4 million to fund a * denotes editors something … to stop it,” So said. hate-tracking and reporting site “Within a week, [my family and called Stop Asian American/Pa- The Aragon Outlook | Volume 61, Issue 4 | March 25, 2021 I] were able to start [a] whole cific Islander Hate. On both the The Outlook is published monthly online by journalism students at Aragon High School. rally [with] 300 plus people … local and national scale, steps 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA 94402. [which] shows how much sup- are being made to address the If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please go to bit.ly/outlooklettertoeditor. port there is in our community. ongoing anti-Asian hate crimes. 4 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 NEWS THE ARAGON OUTLOOK Bark begins to monitor online student activity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 alert indicates abuse or men- “[We] will probably [send] a While Bark is currently in tal health issues, the student survey to our administrative its pilot phase, it has already may be connected with a well- teams or wellness counseling caught incidents of abuse, ness counselor or provided teams to find out if they felt self-harm and cyberbullying. other mental health services. like the use of such a platform “At this rate, we’re talking In the case that a student helped ensure the safety of the about 1% of the student popu- partakes in cyberbullying, us- campus better [than before], lation potentially being affect- age of hate speech or other or [if it was] worse,” Scatena ed, meaning that we’re going hurtful actions, they may face said. “Would these incidents to follow up with them,” said disciplinary consequences, [caught by Bark have] come SMUHSD Director of Student including police involvement, to light if Bark didn’t exist? If Services Don Scatena. “We’re if the infraction is severe the answer’s ‘No, we wouldn’t probably talking about 90 in enough. The SMUHSD’s re- have known about it,’ and we CHRISTINA WU a year ... that we would not sponses would follow the Cali- had 100 incidents that we fol- lowed up on, then you could start to see that [it’s] some- “At this rate, we’re talking about thing of value.” Aragon reopens Aragon administrators hope 1% of the student population to increase awareness about CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fore they actually feel comfort- Bark’s implementation for stu- “We haven’t asked for able being on campus.” potentially being affected” dents who return to school. anything other than for the In order to make sure that “‘I’m hoping to include some- district to comply with the students follow protocols and have found out about [without fornia Education Code, a set thing [about Bark] in our back guidance from the state,” guidelines, the school will pro- Bark]. I would say that’s prob- of laws related to California’s to school training for students said SMUHSD Teachers Asso- vide them with training docu- ably a worthwhile investment public schools. as they’re coming back … in ciation President Craig Chil- ments that outline health, safe- for the district.” “One of the most common the next couple of days just to dress. “If the guidance from ty, screening and behavioral The SMUHSD previously ways that a teacher finds out say, ‘Hey, don’t use hate speech the state changed, we would expectations. The district has monitored student Chrome- about a student’s issues at in any of your school accounts, probably meet and negotiate if also hired safety specialists to books with GoGuardian, a home ... is when they write because we’re using this other it affected our agreement.” come on campus and educate software that provided teach- about themselves,” Scatena software,” said Aragon -Prin The district’s plan to reopen teachers and students. ers access to the sites students said. “If it was written on pa- cipal Valerie Arbizu. “Keep in consists of three phases. In The required safety pro- viewed, in addition to their per, the teacher would have mind that we’re still in the pilot Phase 1, students in specialized tocols for in-person learning SMUHSD Google Workplac- turned [it] over to the adminis- implementation phase of this. It programs returned to in-person will be rigid: custodial and es. In light of the software’s tration if there was something came up and was adopted pret- instruction exactly two weeks health staff will disinfect the invasiveness, the SMUHSD of concern.” ty quickly, so we haven’t been after San Mateo County transi- whole campus every night switched to Bark. Despite the software’s -ex able to respond as quickly as we tioned to the red tier on Feb. 24. with sanitization machines “We felt like [GoGuardian] tensive capabilities, most would have liked to.” “We are first opening for and products and students gave the teachers too much alerts are not serious enough Arbizu cautions students students in specialized edu- will be assigned individually visibility into what the stu- to warrant a response. Since against using their SMUHSD cation, then opening for our to designated areas six feet dents were doing,” Scatena its implementation, Bark has accounts to inadvertently dis- general education students apart during lunch. Students said. “The difference is that reviewed 2.1 million records close private or risky content. and even then only with 200 to will need to wear a mask at [GoGuardian] was more for and sent 44 severe alerts “Students need to know 300 students at a time,” Arbizu all times, except while eating, instructional purposes. [Bark] across multiple areas, with two that this works in a similar said. “[Because] our county and be tested for COVID-19 ev- is strictly for safety purposes.” requiring emergency respons- fashion to what some adults [changed] to the red tier, we’re ery three weeks. Staff will be Bark operates through es. Furthermore, out of the 27 are working through with able to open up our phase pro- tested every two weeks. sending an alert to an admin- alerts of severe profanity Bark their businesses, where you grams, and it puts us one step While the state is offering istrator each time a poten- forward to let cohorts of stu- a $6.2 million in-person in- tially harmful combination dents come back.” struction grant to the district, of words is caught in Google “It ... was adopted pretty quickly, so Phase 2 allows students in SMUHSD will not qualify to applications associated with the Middle College program receive it until schools have a student’s Google Workplace, we haven’t been able to respond as and some voluntary enrich- opened campuses for at least such as Google Documents, ment programs to return, one grade level, which is a Sheets, Slides, Keep, Hang- quickly as we would have liked to” which began the week of March part of Phase 3. Arbizu has outs, emails, comments and 22. Phase 3 will start the week some concerns about how the images. The administrator caught, only four were moved have to think of the accounts of March 29 for freshmen and district will continue with is able to view the context in on to the administration. that you have attached to the the week of April 12 for sopho- their plans. which the phrase is found as With a price point of about school as a school account, mores, juniors and seniors. “[There] is stress and anxi- well as the name of the stu- $2,000 for the remainder of and not a personal account,” “We have plexiglass avail- ety of coming back as we have dent behind it. Based on the the spring semester and a Arbizu said. “Be aware of what able for teachers,” Arbizu a lot of people with small situation, administrators are future annual subscription you’re using school-based said. “Classrooms are already children at home, and no able to determine whether the price of about $7,500, the Google accounts for. If there’s set up with 12 desks that can one wants to get their fami- alert is a cause for concern. SMUHSD plans to use the pi- anything that you wouldn’t be used. … It’ll still be hard to lies sick,” Arbizu said. “The Bark uses artificial intelli- lot phase to determine wheth- want forwarded to somebody, walk into a classroom where SMUHSD is working with the gence to improve its accuracy er Bark will continue being then maybe it’s not the best you want to see students county to get people who are when analyzing phrases. If the used in the fall. use of [your school] account.” working cooperatively.” on campus right now vacci- “It’ll still be hard to walk into a classroom where you want to see students working cooperatively”

SMUHSDTA Vice Presi- nated and then bring all other dent Carlo Corti says that staff and teachers through to there’s hesitation among get vaccinated [as well].” many teachers about return- District staff sent a binding ing to on-campus learning. survey to families on Feb. 26 “In terms of the educational asking about their interest in benefits, one of the challenges returning to in-person learn- is that … we’ll still be Zooming ing, and slightly less than and communicating through 40% of students from Ara- computers even for students gon said they plan to return. who are here on campus, so Of those students saying yes, I think there’s some educa- 35% are freshmen, which the tional questions of how valu- Aragon administration wants able that can be,” Corti said. to bring in first for a couple “The other hesitation is that of days, walk them through certain teachers have health on-campus guidelines and conditions which put them at a practice giving safety checks higher risk if they were to con- to them each morning before tract COVID-19. Some feel like bringing back students from they’re getting the vaccine be- all other grades. EMILY FENG MARCH 25, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 5 Student career exposure through CTE Industry Days Marlee Cherkas entering the workforce with the a career, create a resume [and] Digital photography teacher this on the Industry Days.” news writer skills they learned. assemble a portfolio of work Nick Carrillo has been helping Biotechnology teacher Mi- ——— Students who take two — those professional skills are organize CTE Industry Days for chael Wu helped put together All students in the San Ma- years of a CTE course are able transferable to every industry.” several years. Carrillo allows all Industry Days in the 2019- teo Union High School District to attend an off-site Industry Industry Days not only offer of his students to attend Indus- 2020 school year before they are required to take 10 credits of Day where they have the op- a wide range of professional try Days because he has seen were cancelled. Career Technical Education as a portunity to network with experiences, but also showcase the impact that they can have “The CTE Industry Days give graduation requirement. These adults who work in the in- efforts to diversify different -ca on students trying to pick a path students a better chance to courses prepare students for a dustry. Second year pathway reer pathways by seeing typical- after high school. learn how the knowledge you’re career and provide students with students have the chance to ly less represented minorities in the skills necessary to be success- present their portfolios, listen successful jobs. “CTE days are teaching some of the ful in the future. Students are to industry talks and practice “Many industries have been able to explore participating in or conducting dominated by people of a cer- industry skills, some things you [put interviews. tain gender or a certain race or This cultural background,” Gamlen on] your resume ... [or] portfolio“ said. “Industry Days give stu- dents a chance to meet leaders “The goal is to bring that au- learning is applied in the real who are shifting the power.” thentic conversation to each of world,” Wu said. Aragon CTE Chairperson these kids, so they know what Senior Marcella Chan has tak- Susan Hontalas works to find they’re really getting into, be- en both foods and nutrition and speakers for the Hospitality cause sometimes having a hob- culinary arts, which made her Industry Day. The classes she by doesn’t [necessarily] translate eligible to attend the Hospitality teaches, foods and nutrition [into success] in the professional and Food Service Industry Day. and culinary arts, fall under the world,” Carrillo said. “I think even if you’re un- hospitality, tourism and recre- Computer science teacher sure [of] what you want to do or ation pathway. Past speakers Kris Reiss has been taking his where you’re looking for jobs, have ranged from restaurant students on engaging and inter- [industry days] are a really good owners to fast food workers. active field trips each year for In- start because [of the] insight specific JESSICA FU Hontalas tries to find a wide dustry Days, introducing them [you receive] from people with career path- school year, there are four range of speakers to show her to all the career paths available experience,” Chan said. ways, such as engi- CTE Industry Days open to all students the different pathways to them through using the skills CTE Industry Days are an neering and architecture, health students due to them being they can take using the skills they have acquired in his class. impactful way to teach stu- science and medical technology asynchronous this year. Dis- they have learned from her “I think a lot of students dents the paths they can take and food service and hospital- trict CTE Coordinator Allison class and Industry Days. have no idea what you could ap- after high school, as well as ity, all of which have real world Gamlen works closely with “CTE days are teaching some ply computer science to,” Reiss help create networking for applications for their lessons. CTE teachers throughout the of the industry skills, some said. “Most of them have this the students in college and After finishing a CTE course, district and has been planning things that you [put on] your re- vague notion of what a soft- eventually in finding ca- most students have a strong un- Industry Days for three years. sume, your professional bio or ware engineer is on TV or may- reers. Having the knowledge derstanding of what their next “We are training students for portfolio, and you learn some be they have family members of the guest speakers and steps after high school could en- real-world experiences,” Gam- interview skills that aren’t re- that code, but they might not presentations is valuable for tail, whether they are pursuing len said. “They will learn the ally taught in any other class,” have thought that you could do deciding and creating a life advanced training in college or basics about how to research Hontalas said. so much more and they can see after high school. The Female Future Part V: Women in finance Sophia Zhou While it was not an easy graphs and charts. Instead, we has noticed an uptick in the has seen finance support features writer decision for Fukudome to are required to have a higher number of women working women working in her field, ——— give up what she liked to level of analytical, problem- in accounting, especially specifically with other wom- Women have been histori- start over, she does not re- solving and people skills.” in leadership, compared to en in the field. cally underrepresented in gret her decision. During Technology in particular when she started 20 years “There are many female fi- the finance field. However, as her time working as a CFO, has been one of the main ago. However, in finance as nance leaders willing to men- more women hold leadership Fukudome has experienced reasons the finance field has a whole, female representa- tor you; [this has] helped me positions, the finance world is both positives and negatives. been changing as of late. Ac- tion has been declining. Ac- and my female colleagues,” becoming more open minded. “I enjoy analyzing num- cording to Forbes, factors cording to Forbes, women Fukudome says. Lorree Novotny is a con- bers and finding clues to such as banking technology, only represent 15% of finance For women seeking to pur- troller who works for the St- executives despite represent- sue finance, Novotny stresses upski Foundation. Novotny ing 46% of financial services the importance of not taking is responsible for handling “Follow your passion and don’t let employees. And according to stereotypes to heart. daily financial transactions any perception of the openness of Investopedia, at hedge funds “Follow your passion and and creating yearly finan- women only make up 11% of don’t let any perception of cial information. Her expe- females deter you from doing so“ senior management roles. the openness of females de- rience with finance began Nevertheless, Fukudome ter you from doing so,” No- when she took an introduc- solve problems,” Fukudome artificial intelligence and the highlights that there are votny said. tory accounting class in said. “I also enjoy learn- popularity and accessibility many ways she high school. ing something new and of apps are the reason for this “Debits and credits made figur[ing] out how to apply shift in industry makeup. sense to me,” Novotny said. “I it to make my job easier or Although, histori- enjoyed the challenge of find- make a difference for other cally, finance has been ing discrepancies and why ac- people. What I don’t like is perceived as a male- counts were out of balance.” I feel I don’t have enough dominated field, many Ayako Fukudome serves time to keep updated with women feel they are as chief financial officer for constantly changing rules treated equally, a pos- the Filoli Historic House and and new technologies. Time itive trend in a field Garden. Unlike Novotny, she management is a challenge.” striving for gender did not originally intend to Fukudome has seen a shift equality. Through- enter finance. in what the field places an out her career, No- “I worked in a completely importance on. Whereas in vonty feels she has different profession right after the past the field emphasized received equal com- graduating from college with a mathematical intelligence, pensation, in addi- major in European studies and nowadays it is emphasizing tion to being offered linguistics,” Fukudome said. “I leadership, computer sci- robust opportunities realized that in order to become ence and social skills. to challenge herself. good at what I do, I needed to “Back in [the] old days, Finance covers a vast understand the business and people thought finance folks array of responsibilities, finance side. That’s when I de- were good at math and were therefore the represen- cided to go back to graduate just a number cruncher,” tation of women var- school to earn a master’s degree Fukudome said. “That is not ies based upon indi- on accounting and become a true. Computers will do the vidual companies and Certified Public Accountant.” work and create beautiful positions. Fukudome KAITLYN HA 6 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 FEATURES MARCH 25, 2021 GATE-keeping: gifted programs create a racial divide Kayla Shiao graphic makeup. This school “I definitely want to be - con we’re going to see some of the rate of those who were not. editor-in-chief year, only two Pacific Island- scious of being all encompass- same outcomes that we see na- When socioeconomically dis- ——— er students and eight Black ing and being really thoughtful tionally, and we do see it. … We advantaged students aren’t A year after the Soviet students are enrolled in the that if we do change the acro- don’t have a diverse representa- adequately informed about Union launched Sputnik 1, GATE program districtwide. nym that also means that GATE tion in our GATE program. We opportunities to be identified Congress passed the National Asian and white students parents have to buy into that,” don’t have a high number of as advanced, however, they Defense Education Act, giv- make up 385 and 269 students Shoman said. “They are part of students who are learning Eng- aren’t given the same resourc- ing $1 billion (worth about $9 in the program respectively. this partnership, and they are lish or who are Spanish speak- es for life success that are of- billion today) to strengthen Data from 2017 shows Hispan- helping fund our program.” ing or who are coming from fered to students in the GATE science, math and technology ic and Latino students make GATE, as it exists now, was families who are socioeconomi- program, who are primarily programs in public schools in up 32.4% of the district popu- established in 1980 by Califor- cally disadvantaged.” white and Asian. fear of falling behind other lation, but only 9.9% of the nia Assembly Bill 1040, which Even with teacher recom- Freshman Vanely Torres countries. Students nation- GATE program. Godinez graduated from Bay- wide were given intelligence Most GATE opportunities side in 2020 and received the tests with strict cutoffs to at Aragon are offered to all “I think we need to continue to Latinos del Futuro scholar- determine “giftedness.” Rem- students, with students ac- have a conversation about what it ship, which aims to motivate nants of these programs re- tually in the program given students from a Latino or His- main in local districts, but priority. This year, students means to be gifted and talented” panic background to consider tend to exclude historically in the program access in- pursuing post-secondary edu- socioeconomically disadvan- formation through a Can- allows districts to set their own mendations in place, students cation. She didn’t know about taged and underrepresented vas course run by history criteria outside of pure aca- can be disadvantaged when the GATE program until the students in their operation. teacher Jayson Estassi, who demic ability. teachers’ implicit bias comes beginning of eighth grade, de- In the San Mateo-Foster assumed the role of site rep- “I think we need to continue into play. spite being on the same cam- City School District, chil- resentative at the beginning to have a conversation about “We are working in a system pus as it. dren can start self-contained of the school year. Students what it means to be gifted and where systemic inequity is pres- “I think I would have been GATE learning, where stu- not enrolled in the program talented, what the criteria for ent,” Estassi said. “It is the air better without GATE [be- dents take core classes only are usually informed about this program and how it is that we breathe. … Classification cause] I didn’t really hear with other GATE students, in GATE events on the Canvas that we as educators operat- is in some sense necessary, but it about it,” Torres Godinez fourth grade at College Park home page or through an ing this system can best serve is also deeply problematic.” said. “I never knew much Elementary School. In middle opt-in email list offered each the needs of our students,” Es- While information about [about] the program.” school, students can continue year on summer paperwork. tassi said. GATE testing in third and fifth In 2013, California’s Local their GATE-exclusive educa- Some SMUHSD GATE activ- In the SMUHSD, outstanding grade is sent home by the SMF- Control Funding Formula re- tion at Bayside Academy. To distributed GATE funding, al- be GATE-identified in the lowing stakeholder input in SMFCSD, students must pass how funds are used to support an optional academic test in high-ability students. Most third or fifth grade. These SMFCSD funds set aside for the programs are effectively GATE program go towards its schools within schools, as upkeep and optional testing, GATE-identified kids only see which leaves little room for di- non-GATE children during versifying the program. breaks or elective classes. “I think at the core, where we Senior Zachary Daniloff struggle, is that we have created graduated from Bayside in 2017 a class that sits outside of the and didn’t know about the GATE general curriculum,” Heneghan program’s existence until he en- said. “When we look at the move tered middle school. from the national level … that’s “I would hear teachers talk- the primary reason why self- ing about how kids in the GATE contained GATE classes have classes would act different than been dismantled [in other dis- we would … [or were] more re- tricts], because they don’t repre- sponsible,” Daniloff said. “An sent the diversity of the general education shouldn’t differenti- population. It’s complicated be- ate us based on how we act.” cause … we don’t have the re- Beyond providing two dif- EMILY FENG sources to focus on creating a ferent educations at the same ities are funded and organized VAPA performance and leader- CSD, many people hear about perfect GATE class, and I don’t institution, the GATE program by the GATE Parent Group, a ship and creative ability qualify the opportunity through word- think a lot of districts do which at Bayside acts as a de facto districtwide organization of with teacher recommendations. of-mouth, and homogenized is why they don’t have them. Our racial segregator. According parents of GATE-identified The SMFCSD recently re- parent groups can preserve ra- resources, primarily, go to … our to the U.S. Department of Edu- students. They operate test moved teacher recommenda- cial divides. students who are historically cation’s Civil Rights Data Col- preparation and summer en- tions for GATE eligibility, cit- Divides from SMFCSD’s underrepresented and ensuring lection, in 2017, 46.7% of the richment courses, which are ing that some teachers asked GATE program extend to high that they have access to the core school’s population was Latino available to students for a fee for them to be removed as school; white and Asian stu- [not GATE] curriculum.” or Hispanic and 8% was Pacif- or for free if a student quali- parents were pressuring them dents make up the majority of Despite issues with the GATE ic Islander. White and Asian fies for aid. to recommend students they Advanced Placement classes program, some constituents in students were 16.1% and 19.7% “Our mission is to help en- were not comfortable recom- at Aragon. According to CRDC the SMFCSD advocate for its of the school’s enrollment, rich kids’ lives in our district,” mending, leaving the academic in 2017, calculus classes, which continued existence. respectively. Yet, 25.3% and said President Ella Yun, parent test as the only criteria for en- are only offered as AP classes at “I’d say [they’re] not a diverse 54.9% of the GATE program Aragon, are 6.3% Latino or His- group of parents,” Heneghan said. at Bayside was comprised of panic in student makeup, while “I think I probably don’t hear from white and Asian students re- “We are working in a system where the student population that year our Title I school families.” spectively. In that school year, systemic inequity is present. It is was 27.2% Latino. Title I schools have a student no Pacific Islander students Senior Jessica Chen gradu- population where at least 40% were in the GATE program, the air that we breathe” ated from Bayside in 2017. She come from low-income families. and only 1.1% of the program didn’t hear about opportunities Such families may not have the was Latino or Hispanic. of a Burlingame High School try into the program despite to test into the GATE program resources or time to lobby the In the San Mateo Union junior. “We’re set up as a GATE the California Department of until it was too late. district and may not even know High School District, GATE [program], but we help the Education stating that “best “Looking back now, I feel like about the program. does not function as a curric- whole community. We also pro- practices support using more if I was in the GATE program I In public schools, resources ulum-based cohort. The pro- vide different funds and grants than one factor to identify would have been more prepared allocated towards GATE pro- gram acts as an enricher for for each school in the district.” GATE students.” [for advanced courses in high grams only serve a portion of those who seek academic or Samia Shoman is the liaison “Where it becomes tricky school],” Chen said. the school’s population. Gifted career-focused opportunities, to the SMUHSD GATE program, is with our students who are A study by Vanderbilt and curious students deserve manifesting itself in SAT and meeting with site representa- historically underrepresented professor David Lubinski a place to excel, but those kids ACT preparation courses, guest tives to overview events and in classes and programs like found that adolescents iden- are not solely white and Asian. speaker series and college ap- managing student entry into this,” said Alicia Heneghan, tified as having “exceptional When a lack of funding and plication essay workshops. the program. In the past few SMFCSD director of curriculum mathematical or verbal rea- regard for inclusion forces Although the SMUHSD’s years, she has been involved and instruction for elementary soning abilities” before the schools to retain the structure GATE program is not self-con- in discussions about changing schools. “If it’s just one test age of 13 pursued doctoral of the GATE program they have, tained, it has a similar demo- GATE’s acronym to avoid. score, then we can predict that degrees at rates 50 times the it stays the way it is: exclusive. MARCH 25, 2021 FEATURES VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 7 The effects of redlining on urban displacement Anoush Torounian and ily had owned a restaurant, but of your units need to be low into emptied spaces, the demo- in at $64 million for nearly 5,000 Grace Xia they couldn’t buy the house just income, or affordable income,” graphics of communities have students across five schools, in- features editors by going to a real estate office. … Mack said. “There’s a move shifted accordingly. cluding Oceana. ——— They couldn’t do that right here afoot through San Mateo just “We’re entering an era “Jefferson Union High Third Avenue in downtown in San Mateo, California.” to get rid of that. I don’t believe where segregation is flipping,” School District is [less funded San Mateo has long been a pop- While the Federal Housing in building ghettos.” Thomas said. “There [are] still than SMUHSD] … because of ular after-school destination for Act of 1968 prohibits discrimi- The most affluent parts of a lot of cities with high levels the amount of people who live Aragon students. But 70 years nation in housing, neighbor- San Mateo County are over- of segregation, [and] a lot of here who can barely live here,” earlier on this same street, Claire hoods remain socially strati- whelmingly white. Hillsbor- households have been dis- Nelson said. Mack, the first Black Mayor of fied as a result of previous ough, for instance, boasts a placed or pushed out of the The new top of the line find- San Mateo (1991-2004), 84-year laws. De facto segregation, the $4.6 million median property Bay Area because of the cost ing from Edbuild calls into resident of Central San Mateo separation of groups based on value and a $440,000 average or other reasons, leading to … question the ways state and lo- and proud owner of Claire’s corporations’ policies or indi- annual household income. Its what we see as diversity. Even- cal dollars are used to prop up Crunch Cakes, saw a large red viduals’ choices, continue to population is 60% white. Six tually, what’s happening is [a] some children at the expense sign boasting brand new homes prevent integration of ethnic miles from Hillsborough lies replacement of people.” of others, exposing a similarly with no down payment for sol- groups today. East San Mateo, where 36% of diers. However, one important “Redlining occurred so long the population is Hispanic or “This family had to buy their home word sat at the bottom of the ago, but it’s the kind of evil that Latinx, the average house is sign: restricted. has been attached to the people worth $866,000, the median by getting a white person to go to “Restricted meant that if that it was attacking; it’s fol- household income is $115,000 you had served in [the mili- lowed them for generations,” and the poverty rate is over buy the house [first]” tary], and your skin wasn’t said Tim Thomas, research di- four times higher than in white, you were not going to rector of The Urban Displace- Hillsborough. The soaring cost of living in startling funding discrepancy be able to buy a home there,” ment Project, a University of Aragon’s student body, which the Bay Area prevents people even when comparing poor Mack said to The Outlook. California, Berkeley research consists mostly of residents from choosing their home loca- white and poor non-white When Mack’s husband re- and action initiative, to The from San Mateo, reflects the tion, but it’s not the only cause. school districts. Carrabino has turned home after fighting Outlook. “We’re not dealing socioeconomic disparities seen Thomas described the four pri- noticed a sharp difference in for freedom, he wasn’t hailed with Jim Crow right now, but across the city. A former Aragon mary theories of segregation in funding between Aragon and as an honorable veteran. In- we’re dealing with evictions student, senior Gloria Carrabi- modern neighborhoods: prefer- Sierra High School. stead, he and his wife, law amongst Black households.” no, who moved to Manteca due ence, economics, discrimination “[At Sierra], we can’t just buy abiding Black citizens, were Thomas’ 2013 dissertation, to the rising cost of rent at her and networks. ourselves a new football field or denied housing. “Forced Out: Race, Market, and old San Mateo home, recounted “Everyone has free opportu- a massive theatre,” Carrabino “This man had just come Neighborhood Dynamics of her time here. nity to move to any neighbor- said. “We really have to put [the home from Korea,” Mack said. Evictions,” reveals that Black “I’d always feel so different hood they want to, but there has money] into helping students “He had been on the front lines. women were being evicted sev- [from my friends] … because of to be a home available to them, with having resources for edu- ... He came home, and banks en times more than their non- the income difference,” Carra- it has to be affordable, has to cation that they wouldn’t nor- didn’t want to give us a loan to Black counterparts in King bino said. “You would see all the be a place they prefer … where mally have access to, especially buy the house that we live in County, Seattle. His research kids coming from the neighbor- they’re not being discriminated during times like this.” right now.” has since helped change laws hoods right in front of Aragon against,” Thomas said. “Finally, Manteca Unified School Dis- After the U.S. economy’s in Washington state. and Hillsborough. Me and my they [have to be] aware of the trict has a total revenue of $256 devastation during the Great In line with Thomas’ brother, we’d have to take the dimensions of what they’re get- million across its 30 schools for Depression, the government work, the Legal Aid Society bus all the way over to Aragon ting into. … You tend to clus- around 24,000 students, 56% of sought to increase homeown- of San Mateo County aims from our neighborhood, and ter with certain similar types whom are Hispanic. Half of the ership by creating the Home to protect marginalized and then we’d see all the kids with of people ... [and] want to stay schools in this district are rated Owners’ Loan Corporation, low-income people from af- their cars ... driving Teslas.” closer to kin or people that are below average for school qual- established in 1933, to pay for flictions like eviction, a by- Carrabino’s mother worked of your community.” ity. With an average spending mortgage debt that had accu- product of discriminatory at a grocery store and her fa- In tandem with housing limi- per student significantly lower mulated during the economic practices such as redlining. ther took on two jobs, one at tations are underfunded educa- than that of the SMUHSD, the downfall. However, the HOLC “We always [represent] a a golf course and the other in tion systems. According to Ed- MUSD is one example of the had to decide which neigh- large number of people of produce. However, this three- build, a nonprofit that focuses way in which poorer areas re- borhoods would be favorable color … who are living below income household could not on education funding, school ceive fewer educational ben- investments and which would the poverty line,” said David combat the city’s high costs of districts where the majority of efits than students in wealthier not be. One aspect they took Carducci, an eviction lawyer living. students enrolled are students areas, contributing to more eco- into consideration was the mi- at the nonprofit. “I really did not want to of color receive $23 billion less in nomic instability within fami- nority population of the area. The Bay Area is home to move, but … our landlord kept yearly education funding than lies. Communities with greater intense racial and economic raising rent,” Carrabino said. predominantly white school dis- The costs of living contribute minority populations, such as divisions. According to the “[One day] he just came to our tricts, despite serving the same to a lack of social mobility in Oakland, were deemed less San Francisco Chronicle, out house screaming at my dad number of students. housing — people barely have worthy of receiving invest- of 100 regions in the country, about raising our rent [again].” “There [are] high property enough money to survive, much ments. These neighborhoods SF ranks No. 84 for economic While some landlords be- taxes [near Aragon], and the less relocate to a more affluent were shaded red on maps, inclusion. Stratified communi- lieve that their evictees can people who live near there part of the Bay. While hous- find new homes, this is not the have a lot of money,” Nelson ing costs drive people out of case for Carducci’s clients. said. “That’s what drives a lot expensive neighborhoods, the “There [are] still a lot of cities with “Low income tenants aren’t of schools being developed and prospect of a home increasing high levels of segregation, [and] so much going to be able [having] great education and in value overtime keeps home- to rebound,” Carducci said. sports [programs].” owners from leaving. a lot of households have been “They’re going to have to sur- California’s Local Control Although San Mateo has vive … before they can be self Funding Formula, enacted made headway from its days of displaced ... because of the cost” sustaining again.” in 2013, distributes a certain redlining, current socioeconomic To escape inflated prices, amount of money to schools divisions won’t be easily erased. which led to the coining of the ties leave little room for com- Oceana High School senior with a higher proportion of un- However, Mack’s neighborhood, term “redlining” to describe munal understanding among Nicolas Nelson, who is Brazilian derprivileged groups like Eng- which she admiringly describes discriminatory practices that people of varying socioeco- and white, will move to Idaho lish learners and low-income to be a flourishing community prevented residents of certain nomic status. after graduation. He has- wit students. While this measure with people from China to Ban- locations from receiving ser- “One of the biggest issues nessed the gentrification of his is a stride for socioeconomic gladesh to Black residents like vices or resources. that white individuals tend to neighborhood, a mobile home equality, if a school’s local prop- herself, serves as proof that di- Mack’s encounters with face is that they don’t know the community he has called home erty taxes exceed a value speci- versity is on the horizon. redlining extended beyond her experiences of BIPOC (Black, since childhood. fied in the LCFF, like Aragon, it “Let’s build equality into our personal experiences. Around Indigenous and people of color) “[The community] used to be can allocate more money than countries, into our communi- the same time in the 1950s, her individuals because they just pretty affordable,” Nelson said. underprivileged schools to pro- ties,” Mack said. “Let’s make this Black friend’s family struggled cluster with [their own ethnic “A lot of the houses [that] are vide resources for its students. a place where you can live equal- to purchase a home in San Ma- groups] and benefit from privi- older and rundown are getting Extending past Aragon, the ly. Just because you have more teo Park. lege,” Thomas said. taken out, but those … more San Mateo Union High School money than me, because you’re “This family had to buy their During her time as mayor, modern looking [or] new ones District’s revenue for the 2020- the banker, or because you own home by getting a white person Mack discouraged policies are expensive to buy and rent.” 2021 school year totals at $166 Facebook, doesn’t mean you’re to go to buy the house [first],” that prevented integration As living costs surge, forc- million for over 9,000 students a nicer person. It doesn’t mean Mack said. “They had the mon- of communities. ing different groups of people across eight different schools, you’re a better person. You’re ey. They [owned] several houses “Anytime you build an into new areas and allowing while the Jefferson Union High just a person that’s got a bigger in this neighborhood. Their fam- apartment over ten units, 10% new, wealthier buyers to move School District’s revenue comes bank account.” 10 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 FEATURES THE ARAGON OUTLOOK

This article is an accompanying piece to the Outlook’s video “Fruitvale, Oakland | Lead poisoning in the Bay Area,” which you can watch on our YouTube KAYLA LI channel. A full list of people who contributed to this project can be found in the video’s credits. Fruitvale: environmental racism in Oakland Josette Thornhill not U.S. citizens, and 22.5% live tate subsidies and private compa- liform and Legionnaires’ disease- borhoods and industry actually editor-in-chief below the poverty threshold. nies taking advantage of people’s causing bacteria were detected comes in after them … and [this ——— Located less than five miles desire to live in an immigrant in the water, and an outbreak of is enabled by] a racist … system At first glance, the Fruitvale from Downtown Oakland, Fruit- community like Fruitvale: “work- the disease caused a dozen resi- of government that has created neighborhood of Oakland may vale remains unpopular with Bay ing class areas were promoted dent deaths. The people of Flint ghettos [and] segregated residen- appear as little more than a com- Area tourists and visitors due to to the new middle class as eco- continued to only have access to tial areas, either through gerry- muter plaza nestled next to a it being largely residential and nomical and exotic alternatives contaminated water, which was mandering [or] redlining.” bustling Bay Area Rapid Transit possibly perceived as a place to the suburbs.” soon found to have dangerously This concept relates to that of station. Between public mar- with endemic violent crime. The These periods of gentrifica- high levels of lead. They implored racial capitalism, which hypoth- kets, an Oakland library stand, neighborhood was recently refer- tion followed a long era of “white the city government to recognize esizes that society commodifies check-cashing storefronts and enced in the 2013 film, “Fruitvale flight” from Oakland, where the the danger in their undrinkable racial identities, and extracts mom-and-pop restaurants, many Station,” based on the true story demographics of the city radi- water supply, but were ignored. wealth from non-white people. residents set up street markets to of a man who was fatally shot by cally shifted as white residents The city government denied that This collection of capital, accord- sell fresh fruit, juices or trinkets. BART police officers at the Fruit- began to migrate out of more anything was wrong with the wa- ing to scholars, can only hap- In reality, it’s a neighborhood vale train station in 2010. More urban areas to establish suburbs ter while filtered water was pro- pen through acute inequality. In with a deep history, which can be recent mentions of Fruitvale that still exist today, such as Pied- vided for government officials Fruitvale, this manifests itself as traced all the way back to when were written into Native Ameri- mont, Walnut Creek and areas to drink. Flint’s environmental a guarantee that residents will it was inhabited by the Ohlone can novelist Tommy Orange’s of Contra Costa County. During injustice was declared a federal continue to pay rent and inhabit people, before conquistadors ar- critically acclaimed book “There a period of “urban renewal” in emergency — nearly 100,000 a neighborhood permeated by rived to the West Coast in the 18th There,” published in 2018, which the 1950s, Hispanic and Black residents were exposed to lead lead poisoning without any com- century, before its later incorpo- was a semi-autobiographical ac- residents of West Oakland were through the drinking supply — prehensive or all-encompassing ration into America in the 19th count of Orange’s experience displaced and relocated to the and Flint’s government faced government plan to stop this century or the urbanization that growing up in Oakland. Orange’s east part of the city, including the civil lawsuits or even stood trial dangerous risk to their health. transformed it into the Oakland novel centers the experiences of Fruitvale neighborhood. for involuntary manslaughter. Consequently, systems of power we recognize today. Native Americans’ attempts to Despite the recent develop- Lead’s long-term effects are placing less value on the lives One of the first things a visitor preserve their cultural identity ment of the commuter village, the are brutal, and contamination of Fruitvale’s inhabitants, like to Fruitvale might notice are city in urban settings, and takes its Fruitvale neighborhood has been over time disproportionately what was done for many years blocks of antiquated houses, the name from a famous and often studied as an example of “devel- hits minority communities like in Flint, because of their ethnic exterior paint of many being in a misinterpreted Gertrude Stein opment without displacement,” Flint and Fruitvale the hardest. identities, citizenship status, clear state of decay. A large num- quote. Stein describes her experi- meaning that more modern ad- ber of houses in Oakland were ence growing up in Oakland and ditions to the neighborhood, like “Consequently, systems of power built before a federal ban on lead returning several decades later, a charter school, a public library paint was put in place in 1978, unable to recognize the city after and a farmers market, have been are placing less value on the lives which means the older houses a population boom caused the established without causing any may have lead paint under layers area to rapidly urbanize. “There dramatic shift in the population of Fruitvale’s inhabitants“ of newer paint or never got re- is no there there,” she wrote. makeup of the area. painted at all. Many of these lead- The first period of gentrifica- While the culture of Fruitvale Lead poisoning causes irrevers- wealth or how important people contaminated houses, which can tion in the city of Oakland be- has been preserved, and its di- ible brain damage in children, deem their well-being to be. pose a severe health hazard to gan in 1993 and occurred largely verse ethnic makeup remained disrupting normal cognitive Sociologist Ruth Wilson inhabitants, are concentrated in because of the construction of mostly intact, progress on issues development which decreases Gilmore once defined racism in the Fruitvale neighborhood. As transit communities, like the like lead contamination have ability to focus, can cause under- complete geographical terms, paint chips off of walls, children Fruitvale Village, and the demo- remained stagnant. Although performance in school and has writing that “racism, specifi- Fruitvale’s high lead poisoning been proven to drop IQ scores cally, is the state-sanctioned or “A large number of houses in rate is due mostly to outdated several points. In adults, expo- extralegal production and ex- architecture and a slow govern- sure to lead can even cause low- ploitation of group-differenti- Oakland were built before a mental response to the crisis, or ered sperm counts or abnormal ated vulnerability to premature feigned ignorance of its severity, sperm, and miscarriages, still- death.” federal ban on lead paint“ it’s easy to draw parallels to the births or premature births. Fruitvale is a clear example of recent lead crisis in Flint, Michi- Michael Macarenhas, a pro- environmental health hazards can ingest it, it can enter the soil lition of low-income housing. As gan. At the very least, there are fessor at the University of Cali- that have a disparate impact on or contaminate water supplies. public transit systems like BART apparent connections in the so- fornia, Berkeley, works in the minority neighborhoods. But According to the Alameda Coun- are established in lower-income cioeconomic and racial makeup Department of Environmental it’s not a problem with an easy try Department of Public Health, neighborhoods of urban areas, of cities most affected. Science, Policy and Manage- solution. While local govern- 7.5% of children under the age gentrification often follows as Flint’s lead crisis, where a lack ment. He believes that capitalist ments do make efforts to test of six living in Fruitvale experi- white collar workers move to an of clean water plagued residents industries can cause people of for lead in homes, help is not ac- enced elevated lead levels in 2012: area where rent and cost of living (54% of which are Black, accord- color and impoverished people to cessible to everyone who needs five times greater than Califor- are more affordable while retain- ing to the U.S. Census Bureau have irregular exposure to lead it. A new wave of gentrification nia’s lead poisoning rate. ing an easy commute to work in in 2019) has populated the news in two ways: first that the jobs may make way for construction Inequality is often a side effect different neighborhoods. Fruit- cycle for over half a decade. The that the socioeconomically disad- of new homes and bring money of urbanization, especially in the vale’s lead problem exists in part crisis began with the emergency vantaged frequently work expose into the area to rebuild, but in Bay Area, which has seen several because it hasn’t been gentrified appointment of an unelected them to more toxicity and health doing so it would push out the distinct epochs of demographic as much as other areas of Oak- city official, Darnell Early, who hazards than the average white current inhabitants, leaving the makeup of inhabitants. Accord- land and where new housing was tasked with cutting costs collar worker and second, that culture of the neighborhood a ing to data from 2016, 53.8% of would have been constructed, old for a city already deep in debt. industries whose production has piece of lost history. Displaced Fruitvale’s population was His- buildings with lead paint intact His solution included switching serious environmental ramifica- residents, who would likely be panic, the highest concentration still stand. the public water supply from the tions choose to target minority disproportionately minorities in any neighborhood in Oakland, In his thesis “The First Cycle of Detroit River to the Flint River as areas geographically. and socioeconomically disad- and it seems to have evaded gen- Gentrification in West Oakland, well as putting a stop to chemi- “The leading indicator of vantaged, would probably be trification for the most part. A California,” Jason Zimmerman cally treating the water, which where a hazardous waste site will pushed into a neighborhood 2019 American Community Sur- describes how the suburbaniza- experts say would have only cost be located in this country is race,” with its own set of problems as vey reported that almost a quar- tion of Oakland occurred with around $80 a day. Macarenhas said. “It’s people Oakland continued to develop ter of Fruitvale’s residents were the help of government real es- In mere months, both fecal co- of color who live in these neigh- without them. MARCH 25, 2021 FEATURES VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 11 Teens on dating apps Sarah Yu “[When] you look at the peo- features writer ple around you, most of the rela- ——— tionships [people have] created When senior Ryan Chan’s are interpersonal and [are] ones friend asked him to livestream that they’ve created authentical- with them on Yubo, a network- ly,” Chan said. That’s something ing application often used for to keep in mind.” dating, he agreed and down- However, not all people are loaded the app. At first, he felt looking for long-term relation- comfortable and enjoyed his ships on these apps. For Aragon time on the platform, mainly alumna Florence Ye, a fresh- Koe interned at the Marine Science Institute in Redwood City. COURTESY OF IAN KOE chatting with other Aragon stu- man at University of California, dents. However, it soon turned Los Angeles, Tinder has been a into talking to strangers, some great source for casual relation- of whom kept their cameras off ships. She began using Tinder Ian Koe studies the Bay’s to conceal their identities. in January of this year after she “At that point, I started get- broke up with her boyfriend and ting a little uncomfortable,” has had positive experiences on evolving fish population Chan said. “Some people weren’t it but also acknowledges that it Peyton De Winter The World Wildlife Fund Some of these roadblocks showing their faces. … You don’t may not be for everyone. features writer is a nonprofit organization might also take the form of know who you’re talking to [or] “There are no strings at- ——— that dedicates itself to the mental challenges, rather their intentions.” tached,” Ye said. “It’s good for In senior Ian Koe’s free conservation of wildlife in ar- than learning gaps or physical Dating and friend-making people like me. I’m not looking time, he often scours through eas that need help with pro- difficulties, including running apps such as Tinder and Yubo for anything serious.” data gathered from the San tecting the integrity of their out of ideas or questions to ask Francisco Bay, then organiz- natural surroundings. Koe’s about the environment using “Some people weren’t showing their es it into a different visual. interest in volunteering was the data already there. Green and orange graphs initially the reason why he “I [would] come up with this faces. ... You don’t know who you’re stand out boldly against interned at the Marine Sci- idea and then [try to] pursue white presentation slides, ence Institute. This evolved it, but you also have to stay talking to [or] their intentions” each corresponding to fish into the project he is working on top of things and try to population size. Koe has been on now, which hasn’t always keep an order because it’s a lot are rapidly rising in popularity, Ye elaborates that Tinder can running this project since been a smooth process. more efficient to be methodi- with Yubo’s daily users tripling curb the decline of social inter- 2019, looking at relationships “I realized very quickly cal about things than to get during the pandemic accord- action due to COVID-19. in fish that he might be able that I had to be thoughtful distracted, which is annoying ing to Forbes. Now that teens “Right now, nothing’s open,” to discover in the area. about what I was doing, plan sometimes,” Koe said. “It is are unable to meet new people Ye said. “There’s no nightlife, so “I was doing an internship everything out and do it in also very rewarding to find so- face to face, many are turning you can’t meet people that way. [at the Marine Science Insti- steps instead of trying to do lutions to problems along the to dating apps as a way to find Even if you go to the beach, it’s tute], and my boss at the time 20 different things at [once],” way. I’ll spend time thinking new friends and even love inter- hard to meet people that way curated this database on fish Koe said. about [questions like] how can ests. However, with the rise in because everyone’s keeping to data they had been collect- popularity of these apps comes them themselves. … [Tinder is] ing,” Koe said. “[They record- “I’ll spend time thinking about significant dangers, especially easy and it’s fast and it’s free.” ed the] size, the length, where for minors. Child predators with Junior Marlena Marshall they caught the fish, what [questions like] how can I write this shielded identities can easily shares a similar sentiment to kind of species they were.” prey on teenagers online. Chan, expressing the difficulties The Marine Science In- code to do what I want?” “I think dating apps should of connecting through a screen. stitute’s primary purpose is be centered for adults [because] “When people go back, how to educate students about In such a big project, there I write this code to do what I … online you can lie about any- are they going to communicate the environment through will be challenges to reach- want or how can I phrase this thing,” said sophomore Adrien with people when it’s not on- a direct connection to their ing the final destination. question [better]?” Amorim. “I could be a 45-year- line,” Marshall said. relative area. The institute’s “The main thing I had Remembering the over- old man from Queens, New These platforms could inten- massive database on the fish, to learn [was] how to use arching goal can be important York, ... and nobody would know sify pressure on teens to date started in 1971, was originally all the different tools,” Koe when starting a new project who I am.” and feed into societal expecta- a side project. With access to said. “I had a general un- or hobby, and in many cases, Dating apps, like most social tions. The message that teens the information, Koe uses the derstanding of computer the goal is learning as much as media apps, can also perpetuate and children need to be dating programming language Py- programming. I [had done] possible. People tend to focus unrealistic expectations. This can be spotted in Instagram thon to analyze this data. some [programming] in on the negatives and narrow is especially pervasive among posts depicting happy moments “First, I tried to format middle school and elemen- in on grades or their college teens. Many seek approval from of a couple to children’s shows and organize [the data], so it tary school, and I learned a applications, but at the end of peers due to the rapid develop- on the Disney channel. was easier to work with,” Koe few [new] things too. I ini- the day, a winning experience ment of their social behaviors “[It is] like with anything on said. “From there, I started tially had all of the data in expands knowledge. according to the North Carolina the internet,” Latini said. “If trying to learn more about Excel, and I [didn’t] think “I feel really excited to learn Medical Journal. people see it, they feel pressure the bay. I did a bit of research that was [going to] work more,” Koe said. “It has been a “I know a few friends who to conform.” about different species in the that well. It may be easier really interesting experience have [dating apps], and they Ultimately, though dating environment there and the to use a programming lan- to have access to this kind of only go on there to get valida- apps can be a feasible way to whole ecosystem and started guage to do things instead, data and just to learn not just tion,” said sophomore Alexa meet new people amidst the pan- asking questions about what so my initial challenge was about the bay, but also about Latini. “[There is] that constant demic, teens must be wary of the relationships could there be how [I was] going to get this all the different tools, how to need [where people think] ‘I numerous potential risks, from or what could I find.” data and work with it in a use them, how I can apply [my hope they add me back on that. I predatory behavior to blows Koe’s inspiration for this programming language.” learnings] ... to the real world.” hope they messaged to mental health. project started in elementary Realizing that there was Finding new and exciting me.’ It just puts school when he started learn- much he did not know, Koe ways to spend our time has so much pressure ing about environmental is- reached out to professionals gotten more difficult amid the on a person to sues and volunteering to sup- for advice on this project. pandemic, but engagement is present a per- port others in solving them. “I have a family friend [who] more important to motivation fect image of “I’ve always been pretty works in computer science, so I now than ever. themselves on passionate about the envi- reached out to him independent- “It’s important to find the internet.” ronment,” Koe said. “When ly [to ask] if he had any advice for something you’re interested These glori- I was young … I read some- me or any ideas of what kind of in because you can work on fied snapshots thing about habitat loss and tools it would be good to use,” a project, but if you’re not often make how that was affecting whale Koe said. “If you ever have ques- interested in it, there isn’t a it difficult to sharks, and I was upset about tions, it’s good to try and find point in doing it,” Koe said. build genuine that and wanted to do some- people when you’re trying to “You’re not going to enjoy connections in thing. I came up with this work on a project or something. it, and you’re just going to the non-digi- idea of baking cupcakes and Teachers are great. I talked with feel like you’re wasting your tal world as in- selling to other people at the Ms. Ward quite a bit about my time. The project I worked teracting online preschool to raise some mon- project ... She had ideas I could on was tough, but it was is drastically dif- ey [for] the World Wildlife use, and I would bounce stuff off definitely something I don’t ferent from bonding Fund and [to] help with [the] her. It was a collaborative and regret doing. I think the ex- in person. ALEXANDER LO protection of whale sharks.” beneficial experience.” perience is important.” 12 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 FEATURES THE ARAGON OUTLOOK Cosplay as self-expression Carole Darve receive hate from after taking features writer inspiration from someone else ——— without properly crediting the With a picture of Kokichi original cosplayer. Ouma in their mind, senior “[Social media is] a little Koki Barrera applies black bit of pressure sometimes,” eyeliner around their eyes. Cornwall said. “I have a friend They tinker with the black and ... [who] decided to start over purple wig they’ve been styling completely from scratch be- all week. Kokichi’s checkered cause she didn’t want a ton of undershirt and suit look better people seeing her [posts].” in the cosplay than they had Still, the cosplay community originally anticipated. on social media is primarily a Barrera is participating co- source of inspiration, encour- splay, an activity where one agement and support. dresses up as a fictional char- “Some people have told me acter in a movie, book, show that I am their favorite co- or video game. For nearly five splayer, that they look up to years, Barrera has been reput- me and [that] I inspire them ed for their cosplay of the char- to do cosplay,” Cornwall said. acter Kokichi Ouma from the “That’s super nice.” Top left: Brett Tsamasfyros, top right: Sasha Kassimov, bottom left: Mia Birkelund, bottom right: anime series “Danganronpa.” A supportive environment ZongYun Deng “Kokichi Ouma is a contro- is important, for many cosplay- versial character. … His mo- ers struggle with the stigma tivations in the story are hard associated with cosplay. Students with tattoos and piercings to figure out because he likes “[People] think that if some- Catherine Wang since … the tattoo was going to minor infections are present in to lie a lot,” Barrera said. “I one cosplays they’re weird features writer be permanent, [but everything] 30% of cartilage piercings. cosplay him because he’s fun or outcasts,” Zawilski said. ——— … went [well].” “My friends thought [my to act as, and I enjoy people’s “When I started cosplaying, Instead of using typical cre- Deng got their first two piercings] were cool,” Manu ative outlets that require filling pairs of lobe piercings with a said. “I ended up taking the “It’s transform[ing] into another a blank space, some students piercing gun at Claire’s. Pierc- daith piercings off after [a few] become the canvas, accessoriz- ing guns puncture a hole in weeks ... because people told character who impact[s] their story” ing themselves with piercings the skin, creating a wound that me it was dangerous.” and tattoos to display their can be easily infected, a risk The stigma surrounding reactions to seeing me dressed I was afraid of [the] backlash unique styles. that led Deng to use a needle body art poses another chal- as him.” or what people would think of Students’ inspirations for for their third pair. lenge. Elaborate tattoos and Getting into cosplay usually me, but in recent years, I’ve just getting body art come from “[Tattoo and piercings shops bold piercings are sometimes takes multiple hours. [decided] ... to be open about different places. For junior use] a needle … that glides considered flashy and unnatu- “[Cosplay] can be anything [cosplay] being my hobby and ZongYun Deng, who has three through your ear … and cre- ral for academic and profes- from just a makeup look to an my passion.” pairs of lobe piercings, their ates less damage,” Deng said. sional settings. entire thing with props,” said Cosplaying is a form of ar- grandmother sparked their “My friend and I used sewing Birkelund sometimes feels senior Lydia Zawilski. tistic expression, and it is more interest. Deng describes how needles and sterilized them us- judged for having a nose ring. While some choose to make mainstream than people may “[I am] a little self-conscious their own props and costumes, realize. Despite only being a “With a [piercing] needle, ... you get going into high-level STEM others buy the necessary ac- hobby, cosplaying has changed classes,” Birkelund said. “[Situ- cessories. Either way, cosplay- the lives of many people, espe- that rush of adrenaline” ations] where being blonde ing can be expensive. Since the cially for the many high school and having piercings have COVID-19 pandemic, many co- students who struggle with their grandmother helped ing fire. We kind of angled our made me feel uncomfortable.” splayers have lost their steady identity and body image. pierce Deng’s mother’s ears. earrings wrong, but it could Birkelund’s mom was con- source of income, leading them “[Cosplay] definitely helped “They would … grind [a have gone worse.” cerned about how her nose to cosplay less frequently than with self-image a lot,” Zawilski grain of rice] against the lobe Birkelund finds piercing ring could possibly impact her they want to. said. “Even putting on a bunch [to numb it],” Deng said. “My guns and needles have differ- college interview. Conventions are major of makeup and being someone mom [used this method to get] ent levels of pain. “My mom was like, ‘are you events in the cosplay commu- that you’re not somehow helps … her ears pierced as a teen. ... “[The piercing gun gives off] seriously wearing your nose nity. They are the perfect way me personally get so much I thought that was so cool.” … a burning sensation,” Birke- ring to that?’” Birkelund said. to form connections with pho- more comfortable with my own Sophomore Rashmika Manu lund said. “A needle is more “She was so scared, but the in- tographers who show off the face [and] body image.” received daith and industrial [like a pinch], but you get that terviewer was totally nice.” cosplay they spent so much Like other creative outlets, piercings on her cartilage two rush of adrenaline.” Junior Sasha Kassimov has time putting together. cosplayers can also use cosplay years ago. The healing process is im- experienced stigma against “I like the social aspect [of as an escape. “Having a lot of piercings portant in getting the best her stomach piercing within cosplaying], going to conven- “It’s probably my biggest in one ear was trendy, so I result. Tattoos require lotion her family. tions and meeting different passion,” Zawilski said. “[Co- thought I’d [stand out] … by to prevent skin dehydration. “Even though my grand- people,” Barrera said. “It’s all splay] appeals to a lot of people getting [them],” Manu said. Piercings need more careful ma wasn’t okay with it, that really fun. I’ve made a lot of who [may be] struggling with Senior Mia Birkelund’s nose precautions for proper heal- doesn’t make me feel bad about friends through cosplaying. mental health, have physical piercing had a far more spon- ing. This is especially true for the belly piercing because it’s We hang out regularly outside disabilities, are neurodiver- taneous origin. of cosplaying.” gent or LGBT. [It’s] the idea of “[We] went to a tattoo shop “[Piercings are] no longer a big In the wake of COVID-19, co- being able to transform your- [for my sister] … to get her dou- splayers wonder when the next self into another character bles pierced, but she … chick- representation of your intelligence” convention will take place. Un- who has an impact in their ened out,” Birkelund said. “My til then, they rely on social me- own story.” mom was like ‘we set up an ap- swimmers, like Birkelund. what I want,” Kassi- dia to showcase their cosplays. With the growing attention pointment; do you want to get “When I was little, I would mov said. “I know people can TikTok and Instagram are that cosplay receives on social something pierced?’ I was like, swim throughout the school be judgemental, … but I focus the two main platforms that co- media, there is hope that it ‘Oh my gosh, of course.’” year and then [take a break] on myself.” splayers use. Instagram gives will lose its stigma and become Senior Brett Tsamasfyros during the summer,” Birke- Fortunately, some believe off a more professional look, more accepted. got her first tattoo in 2021, lund said. “I would align my that the stigma is improving. whereas TikTok pro- which pictures two intertwined piercings with that timeline, so “My mom … got her nose vides instant content. poppy flowers. they had time to heal.” pierced in her ‘20s, and she “It’s very easy to “I wanted people to know ... When taking care of her [couldn’t] wear them for … share and to spread [that] I have my roots in Cali- healing piercings, getting an long ... because she went into and grow [on Instagram fornia,” Tsamasfyros said. “The infection was her worst fear. the workforce right after,” and] TikTok,” Zawilski poppy flower is the state flower “I got [the nose ring] done Birkelund said. “I’ve gotten a said. “A lot of people can [of California].” on a Friday and had to swim job with my nose ring before, relate to TikTok being a Although excited to get her on a Tuesday,” Birkelund said. and I’ve interviewed for my top creator-friendly plat- tattoo, Tsamasfyros initially “[After practice, I would] dump schools with [the ring]. It’s no form [for cosplayers].” had some concerns about how [saltwater] in my nose because longer a big representation of On TikTok, junior it would turn out. I was so scared that something your intelligence.” Addison Cornwall wit- “I was scared that it was go- would happen.” As body art grows in popu- nesses the drama within ing to hurt or the tattoo artist Her concern is reasonable: larity as a means of self-expres- the cosplay community, was going to mess up,” Tsamas- a study by Dr. Henry Hoffman sion, the stigma surrounding it where some cosplayers fyros said. “I was very picky and Dr. Timothy Simplot found may diminish as well. YUE YU MARCH 25, 2021 OPINION VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 13 How racism behind accent discrimination strips identities girl glanced over at me and of the way they speak and unique. When immigrants like scoffed: “It’s aych. Not- how bullying those with an ac- me work hard to change our ever you said it.” cent. In fact, reports of work- accents so we don’t have to face I inhaled sharply and stiff- place discrimination based the discrimination, we don’t ened in my seat. The direct on language ability and for- just change the pronunciation statement felt like a slap in eign accents increased by of words, we shed our identi- my face. After that incident, 76% from 1997 to 2011, result- ties. Accents carry stories of people often asked me to say ing in more than 11,800 com- our roots and backgrounds. certain words and ridiculed plaints being filed with the Excluding and mocking specif- my accent. U.S. Equal Employment Op- ic ethnic groups solely on the I started to feel insecure portunity Commission. basis of their accent is a result and excluded based on my In- Accent discrimination is of the prejudices we hold as a dian identity. I tried hard to powerful, but it’s often over- society by believing that cer- change how I spoke so I wasn’t JESSICA FU looked. It is responsible for tain accents are unsuitable in Aakanksha Sinha mocked. I felt as if being born denied it. Maybe it was because social discrimination. We dis- certain parts of the world. features writer in America was significantly she didn’t want to accept a part cuss and stand against visible The consequence of pro- ——— better than being born some- of her that made her different. acts of racism through skin longed accent discrimination “Aakanksha! Say the letter where else, as if being an im- Maybe she was ashamed. May- color, gender and ethnicity. is the continued exclusion ‘H’ for me” migrant was somehow wrong. be it was because of her cul- Startled, I looked around That year I made a friend tural pride, or her open mind my fourth-grade classroom, who was an immigrant like about the fact that a standard “When immigrants like me work trying to find the source of me. We spent most of our “accent” is a societal construc- hard to change our accents ... we the voice. A few tables over, I lunchtime together, discuss- tion. I now chose to assume the found the speaker, who repeat- ing our experiences in the U.S. latter. I realize the error in my shed our identities” ed herself with exasperation. and our lives before we moved. old perspective. I began asking myself why I was changing the But language is a powerful of certain ethnic and social “I started to feel insecure and way I spoke just so I could fit source of discrimination, and groups, separated from those in. I didn’t realize that, even if we still forget any and all bi- who speak English “correct- excluded based on my Indian to a small extent, I was being ases based on it. ly.” Language creates an in- discriminated against because No one should decide visible barrier. In the end, our identity ” of my accent. which accent is right and stereotypes of social and eth- Accent discrimination is which is wrong. Unfortu- nic groups form discrimina- Surprised at my classmate’s Once, a boy walked up to an unjustifiable bias against nately, the Western world tion, not the sheer sounds we simple request, I proceeded to us on the playground and can- individuals who speak Eng- spreads its influence through call accents. pronounce “H” for her. didly spoke to my friend: “you lish without the standard language: not only is English Today, after spending years “Hetch,” I replied with have a really heavy accent.” My American accent. It occurs largely essential all around in a place surrounded by confidence. friend immediately and firmly when prejudice against cer- the world, but people are people who speak in the stan- My classmate whispered denied it, to which the boy just tain accents evolves into ac- shamed for not speaking it dard American accent, I have something to her friend, and shrugged and ran back. tions that can have detrimen- the “correct” way, which is grown into it, but I still speak they both giggled as if the let- I was in awe of her prompt tal impacts. Some general relative based on location. with a touch of my Indian ac- ter H amused them immense- and confident response. She examples include imitating Language is so much more cent because it makes me who ly. Puzzled, I was still looking did have an accent, but I don’t and mocking foreign accents, than how we speak. It is our I am, and I have no intention of their way when the second think I ever found out why she terminating workers because identity, and it makes us changing that. Masks over mutations: vaccines won’t solve everything May, but distributing those vac- close proximity to a confirmed cines will take several additional COVID-19 case, can boost the months. Vaccines probably won’t number of contacts found: a few be available for those under 16 un- studies have shown that they til September, and countries who catch roughly twice the number cannot afford vaccines could be of contacts as manual contact waiting years. In the meantime, tracing does. Currently, only hundreds of thousands will die. 20% of Californians have adopt- SARS-CoV-2 will continue to ed CA Notify, the state’s contact mutate after vaccines are distrib- tracing application. We need to uted, possibly slipping out of the use applications like this. vaccine’s protection. It has already YUE YU Of course, the efficacy of test- started: Variant B. 1.351, first found Aerosols can linger for hours in bring symptomatic infection de- ing and contact tracing relies on in South Africa, has a mutation unventilated spaces, so wearing a tection, contact identification, our willingness to self-quaran- that reduces the efficacy of Astra- mask whenever you’re in public is isolating and quarantining up tine and self-isolate. Compared Alexandra Ding Zeneca’s and Johnson & Johnson’s important. Once you’re fully vac- to 90%, then transmission of to the widespread lockdowns features writer vaccines. The same may apply to cinated (two weeks after the final SARS-CoV-2 would be reduced of past months however, this is ——— Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines. dose), the Centers for Disease Con- by 46%. Though this is an un- a small sacrifice to make. The Nearly everyone I know has Many immunologists agree that trol and Prevention say that it’s likely scenario, there are ways government should facilitate elaborate plans for “when we get we’ll be forced to update and re- safe to socialize without social dis- to boost the current testing and compliance by offering rooms vaccinated” or “when COVID-19 distribute our vaccines year after tancing or masks with vaccinated tracing system so that when to those in communal housing is over.” To many, these are the year to combat a changing virus. or local, low-risk people (provided coupled with other measures it or other situations where they same thing: once everyone is vac- With this in mind, we shouldn’t there is only one unvaccinated will make an impact. cannot isolate, though in the cinated, we can return to normal wait for a vaccine to end the pan- household present). Otherwise, Antigen tests (paper strip end the responsibility is ours. life. But vaccines are not the sil- demic. COVID-19 has spread too the CDC recommends that you tests that people can administer A complex problem such as ver bullet we want them to be. far to make total containment pos- continue wearing a mask in pub- to themselves) are cheaper and the COVID-19 pandemic neces- We should look beyond them to sible, but there are still measures lic. Data from Israel shows that implement measures here and we can take to save lives and even Pfizer’s vaccine is 94% effective “Aerosols can linger for hours in now, such as masks, testing, con- partially “open up” closed busi- against asymptomatic infection, tact tracing, self-quarantining nesses or schools. This starts at the suggesting that the vaccine pre- unventilated spaces, so wearing a and self-isolating. personal level, with masks. vents transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Public health experts agree Masks work. Surgical masks but the CDC believes that precau- mask ... in public is important” that to return to pre-pandemic and similar cloth masks are esti- tions should continue to be taken. “normalcy” most people must be mated to be 67% effective at pro- Testing, contact tracing, self- faster than the more commonly sitates a multipronged solution. vaccinated or infected. The issue is tecting the wearer. Creating a bet- quarantining, which entails used PCR tests, leading several Vaccines are necessary but not that we’re months away from vac- ter fit by double masking or using separating a person exposed to to suggest that they be used perfect. Masks, testing and cinating enough people to stop the a mask fitter can increase a mask’s COVID-19 from others, and self-iso- instead despite their slightly contact tracing, if implemented spread of COVID-19: allowing mil- efficacy. Most importantly, masks lation, separating a person known lower accuracy. Providing these months ago, could have saved lions of people to continue getting protect those around us by catch- to have COVID-19 from others, are tests for free to all households hundreds of thousands of lives. infected will lead to a catastrophic ing virus-laden droplets (aerosols) crucial to a safe reopening. One allows us to catch cases before It’s not too late now. If everyone death toll. President Joe Biden pre- before they reach others, as the model by Alyssa Bilinski, M.S., they spread the virus further. does their part to keep others dicts vaccines will become avail- spread of droplets is the most com- Farzad Mostashari, M.D. and Josh- Contact tracing applications, safe, we’ll save lives and bring able to all adults near the end of mon way SARS-CoV-2 spreads. ua Salomon, Ph.D. found that if we which alert you if you’ve been in ourselves closer to normality. 14 VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT THE ARAGON OUTLOOK The immersive stage of Little Nightmares II Vedant Gaur jump scares or a first-person and direction left a lasting im- features writer view to try to frighten the play- pact throughout and added to er, Little Nightmares’ playful the ambiance. Many horror A gentle breeze wallows innocence captured a flour- games strive for realism, but across the grassy plain as the ishing story in addition to the the animated characteristics of dim moonlight illuminates a fear-inducing moments. More- Little Nightmares II drew me NETFLIX dark forest scattered with old- over, playing as a small child in into the game in general. Dis- timey television sets. The twi- a big scary world furthers the torted world-design created a ‘Moxie’ downplays feminism light follows me as I explore the trope of wading through the lasting obscurity towards the landscape of overgrown roots great unknown. writers’ intents, and progres- Lipika Goel brella of sexism but many are and earth, continuing to shuf- The addition of Six, Mono’s sion into the story developed features writer glossed over or don’t affect -ev fle through the underbrush. companion, acts as a pillar of this unspoken narrative. ——— eryone. Unequal representation Nothing pops out besides a humanity and assurance dur- From beginning to end, Based on the novel by Jen- in sports is reduced to a few lone shoe or sporadic bursts of ing the playthrough. Although there is little to no guidance nifer Mathieu, “Moxie’’ was re- girls from the award-winning wind. Yet as I continue through leased for streaming on Netflix soccer team grumbling about the panoramic landscape, the on March 2. Directed by Amy the state of their uniforms. buzzing of flies and creaking of “The players’ actions and Poehler, it crams in as many so- Kaitlynn (Sabrina Haskett) is hung rope alerts me of the gro- progression are foundational to the cial issues as possible. Although impacted by unfair dress codes tesque bodies overhead, thrust- she has directed before, “Moxie” and sent home for wearing a ing me into a true nightmare. lore and the storyline” was Poehler’s first movie in- tank top. Rather than shedding Little Nightmares II, a hor- tended for younger audiences, light on several causes, ‘Moxie’ ror-adventure game sequel Six is controlled by the game’s of where to go or what to do, depicting a shy teenager who throws in a catchphrase for the to Little Nightmares I, was artificial intelligence, she ends making Little Nightmares feel challenges the sexist status representation of too many is- released on Feb. 11. The game up building a lasting impact less like a video game and more quo of her school by writing an sues, which lessens the impact follows Mono, a boy battling towards the story, sometimes like a stellar feature. The play- anonymous zine — a homemade of each issue. his way through various levels being instrumental to the ers’ actions and progression magazine — called Moxie. The movie seems to misun- to stop the mysterious “dis- player’s progression. are foundational to the lore Although a few reputable ac- derstand its message by making tortion” plaguing the Little While I found the left-to- and the storyline, not the voice tors such as Clark Gregg play small a single, one-dimensional char- Nightmare world. The game right aspect of the game slight- of a narrator. Overall, the game roles, “Moxie” does well lending acter out to be the main antago- maintains a side-scrolling, ly irritating, it was a huge ad- did great with immersing and platformer-like style, and al- dition to the mystifying nature. engaging the player. Even if “‘Moxie’ tries to tackle ... different though going through stages Moving from one doorway to the game did get terrifying, might take time, there isn’t a another created uncertainty the fear-factor kept me glued issues under the umbrella of steep learning curve for most that truly made the game feel to my screen wanting to dis- novice players. The game intro- like a horror piece. The player cover the next piece of plot in sexism, but many are glossed over ” duces a pseudo-combat system never knows what to expect the storyline. The development where the player can use ob- when advancing into a new throughout is entirely worth the spotlight to up-and-coming ac- nist. Mitchell Wilson (Patrick jects such as wrenches or ham- room, whether that be just the play, although the game tors, such as Hadley Robinson who Schwarzenegger) is viewed as mers to smash the sub-villains. another hallway or a dismem- has a single storyline without plays protagonist Vivian Carter, the sole instigator of sexism at much replayability. Further- and was previously in “Little Wom- the school. Many of Vivian’s ef- more, compared to many other en” and “Utopia.” Though the forts are directed toward him — “Little Nightmares’ playful large titles, the playthrough movie has its flaws, the lack of fa- she endorses Kiera for the stu- innocence captured a flourishing is only around seven to eight miliar faces may be a contributing dent-athlete award to challenge hours in length, depending on factor to its poor critical reception, Mitchell’s unquestioned author- story in addition to the fear- the player. That being said, the earning 66% on Rotten Tomatoes ity at the school. Despite other unexpected ending brings even and 6.7/10 on IMDb. students also being responsible inducing moments” more questions and had me fix- Near the beginning of the for harassing girls, there is ated on finding answers. film, the writers introduce- ele never any major action taken to However, the 2.5 dimensional bered body part. I found my- Although I don’t usually ments characterizing Vivian, better the school environment. system of the game, meaning self squinting my eyes at times gravitate towards the horror which are mainly brought full Completely abolishing sexism at that the player mainly travels where I heard strange noises, genre, Little Nightmares II circle and add nuance to the the school would be an unreal- in a horizontal fashion while wanting to drop my control- is a game for those who love scenes. For instance, the song istic resolution, but focusing on observing 3D objects, was ler right before the camera horror and those who may that Vivian’s mom (Poehler) used making one student responsible frustrating at times. The lack panned over to what lay in not alike. The mix of fear and to sing to her, “Rebel Girl” by Bi- for sexist actions seems illogical. the adjoining area. The game artistic direction allows the kini Kill, is played in moments Emotional scenes felt awk- became a battle of fear and cu- game to be something more when Vivian feels empowered, wardly crafted, as the characters OUR OUTLOOK riosity as I grappled with stop- than just a horror game. The such as writing the first zine or often began discussing events ping and taking a few breaths game delivers a single-hit ex- celebrating in anticipation of her that have nothing to do with the or continuing on. perience that has merit in its friend Kiera (Sydney Park) win- conflicts causing the scenes. For The game isn’t defined by ability to both frighten and en- ning the student-athlete award. example, when Vivian vents to of vertical perception meant horror, however. The art style trance the player. In other instances, the movie her mom about her frustration missing enemies by an inch introduces elements and seem- at the lack of progress “Moxie” or two and having to restart ingly forgets them later. As a re- is making, she brings up her dad from the checkpoint. Although sult, the conclusion feels one di- not inviting her for Christmas. the game did a lot right with mensional. For example, Vivian This is the only moment Vivian’s its level design, meticulous, is seen several times struggling dad is mentioned, so the sudden frame-by-frame accuracy be- with a question on her college ap- remark takes the viewer out of came marginally irritating. plication about issues she is pas- the scene. Additionally, it invali- The game is also specified sionate about. The viewer would dates the status quo concerns as a puzzle adventurer. The assume that throughout the jour- Vivian brings up earlier in the “puzzles” were niche, and I ney of the movie Vivian would rant by suggesting that they are found myself scouring You- on the same playing field as her Tube videos after trying al- relationship troubles. most everything. Don’t expect OUR OUTLOOK Despite being a little over- a brain teaser or logical puzzle ambitious with details, “Moxie” when getting into the game, fulfills its main purpose — to but more of a manipulation of entertain. The characters are certain aspects of the levels. discover a passion for feminism likeable, and the storyline is I initially expected Little and use that as inspiration for easy to follow, although it may Nightmares II to resemble the question, yet the application miss the mark in terms of being many other games already out never shows up again, leaving a revolutionary commentary there. However, this game car- the viewer confused about Viv- on sexism. “Moxie” is worth ries a certain uniqueness that ian’s college plans. watching if you are looking for you won’t find in many others, “Moxie” tries to tackle many a simple, entertaining coming- especially those horror related. different issues under the- um of-age story. While most other titles use BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT MARCH 25, 2021 SPORTS VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 15 Livestreaming athletic events enters the picture for Aragon Cooper Wong Associations Network on on the NFHS Network which sports writer March 12 and displayed the costs $10.99 a month for access football game between Ara- to the competitions. Aragon Earlier this school year, gon (1-1 overall, 1-0 Peninsula has its own page for all of the Aragon installed two expen- Ocean League) and Sacred recorded games, which can be sive cameras on campus: Heart Preparatory (2-0 over- watched live or prerecorded. one in the North Gym and all, 1-0 Peninsula Bay League) One important feature of the other on the main field. which ended in a 49-12 win the cameras is that they can Athletic Director Steve Sell for Sacred Heart. be controlled remotely. came up with the idea to Typically, these cameras “Right now, the most On March 19, the cameras were used to livestream AIDAN GERBER have livestreaming cameras would cost up to $10,000, but likely scenario is us being Aragon’s football game against San Mateo. installed. The feedback so in Aragon’s case, the cam- able to broadcast football “We were already getting eras is the possible lack of rep- far has been mainly positive ready to do this [before the resentation for other sports as many people will not be “COVID-19 hit and we thought we pandemic],” Sell said. ”Other such as baseball, softball and watching athletic events in schools in our district had swimming that will not ben- person this year due to the should really do this” started to do this … and then efit from the new cameras. risk of contracting COVID-19 COVID-19 hit and we thought “I think it is unfair to give and the fact that only four eras were given to the school games, soccer matches, boys we should really do this.” priority to different sports and family members per athlete by the NFHS. In the end, the and girls lacrosse and track According to Sell, there to leave some sports out of it,” are allowed at each game. installation was the only cost meets,” Sell said. were no objections against said freshman basketball play- The first game was broadcast in the exchange, so the school Even though the cam- the installation of the camer- er Owen Browne. “The sports through the National Fed- only paid about $3,000. eras were only installed in as amongst players or coach- that do not have cameras can eration of State High School Games will be broadcast two locations on campus, es. Many players thought it still be broadcast but in lower sports that are not played was a great addition and had quality, leaving the argument in the North Gym or on the a positive response to the of inequality.” main field may be broadcast from mobile devices as well. “I think it is unfair to give priority to Many games are recorded or broadcast by parents, and different sports and to leave some the NFHS Network makes online viewing more acces- sports out of it” sible to those who cannot at- tend in person. prospect of their competi- The new cameras will be The school was already tions being recorded. helpful for members of the looking into livestreaming “I think [the cameras were] community that cannot or do games before the pandemic, a good idea because of CO- not want to watch the games but because of the new re- VID-19, so everyone can watch in person and are willing to strictions on crowd sizes, the games without actually go- pay the service fee. Because of idea became even more rel- ing,” said sophomore baseball the price reduction that was evant. Streams will continue player Ronin Lee. given to the school, this pur- after the pandemic. One criticism of the cam- chase seems cost effective. AIDAN GERBER Opinion: is college basketball pandemic madness? pandemic, NCAA officials - de about the safety of the tour- The spectators will also help with a team member. cided that holding each tourna- nament during the pandemic economically, because March March Madness should ment in only one area would be despite the precautions being Madness is one of the largest also be played because it a safer option. taken, March Madness should yearly events for the NCAA. At is beneficial for both NBA There are six different continue. The NBA has already the 2019 Final Four matchups teams and college athletes. sites in Indiana that are The tournament gives ath- hosting the games: Lucas Oil “The addition of fans in arenas letes a chance to showcase Stadium, Bankers Life Field- their abilities while also al- house, Hinkle Fieldhouse, creates a more normal environment lowing NBA scouts, general Indiana Farmers Coliseum, managers and coaches to see Mackey Arena and Assembly for student-athletes” a player’s potential. Hall. The NCAA is providing According to a poll done by safe transportation for the found success with a bubble- between Virginia-Auburn and Columbia graduate Casey Ich- Pratham Valluri athletes to travel between like system during the previous Michigan State-Texas Tech, niowski and Haverford gradu- sports writer the different stadiums. season and ended the season there were 144,773 fans in total ate Anne Preston from 1997 to Although some may worry with a minimal amount of posi- who attended the Final Four, 2010, a player’s performance tive COVID-19 cases. Similar to along with an all-time record of in March Madness could In January, the NCAA an- the NBA, one of the NCAA’s 2,442 credentialed media. There positively or negatively affect nounced that the entire men’s biggest priorities seems to be were also 135 million social their draft position. The tour- and women’s March Madness the safety of athletes, and they media views throughout the nament is the most popular Tournaments will be played in are doing a lot to keep the play- course of the tournament and college basketball event of the a bubble-like envi- ers as safe as possible. an all-time record of about 100 year, and professional teams ronment in Indi- The NCAA has stated that million live streams, according get a look at how players per- ana and Texas, it will allow up to 25% of to the NCAA. form under pressure, the style respectively. spectator capacity into the Due to the arena. As the vaccines start “One of the NCAA’s biggest priorities to get released and COVID-19 cases decrease, the seems to be the safety of athletes” addition of fans in arenas creates March Madness likely will of play, their leadership and a more normal not greatly add to the spread how that play could possibly environment of COVID-19. The COVID-19 translate to the NBA. for student- positivity rate in Florida on March Madness is a crucial athletes. Many Feb. 4, three days before Super event that should be played, athletes feed off Bowl LV, was 9.4%, compared for economic purposes, for the the energy of the to only 7.9% when tested on benefit of NBA teams and col- crowd, and the lack Feb. 23. The NCAA will con- lege athletes and to give col- of fans during their nor- stantly test athletes, officials, leges a chance to compete for mal season has hurt that as- coaches, spectators and any- a national title, a chance they AVA GAWEL pect of the game. body who has had contact were robbed of last year. MARCH 25, 2021 SPORTS VOLUME 61 | ISSUE 4 16 Aragon swim season comes to a close Elizabeth van Blommestein ponent swim teams,” said junior been very different, all athletes sports editor swimmer Michelle Liu. “Relays have enjoyed the mental health are usually super exciting to break attending practices has On March 19, Aragon’s boys watch and participate in since given them. and girls swim team defeated Hill- the races are usually very close “A favorite memory would sdale in their second to last virtual which creates more competi- probably be seeing my friends meet of the season. Snagging 12 tion. But now that we are always honestly,” Nguyen said. “During first place finishes, the Dons won racing against the same people, quarantine, you don’t really get by a comfortable margin. there isn’t as much cheering or to go out that much, so I guess “I think everyone did really fierce competition.” having some sort of interaction well,” said senior swimmer Kris Not only have COVID-19 safe- with the coaches and my friends Nguyen. “We swam hard, and ty regulations changed swim is pretty nice.” The girls tennis has completed a shortened ALESSANDRO RIEDEL we had lots of fun. For my in- meets themselves, but the new Seniors have also had to season this year due to the pandemic. dividual performance, I could regulations have also changed come to terms with the end of have done better, of course, but practices. Instead of practicing their swim careers being a lot the times that I got were good.” six times a week, the Dons only different than usual. During this meet, as with practice three times a week now “I think that it has to be Girls tennis finishes any, having a focused mindset and in smaller groups. With much easier to adjust as a new and staying free from distrac- smaller practice groups, coach- player than as a returning play- off another season tions was a key to success for the es have been able to give swim- er since you’ve already [gotten athletes. Nguyen placed first in mers extra attention as they used to] prior seasons,” said se- Colin Johnson that teams will play against all four of his events. have limited numbers of ath- nior swimmer Jennifer Barerra. sports writer less schools this year. Due to “Usually during the relays letes to watch over. During prac- “[But] it’s nothing like the sea- the way the league is struc- sons that we have now.” It’s been over a year since tured this season, San Mateo “I think that [the coaches] have really In terms of mental support San Mateo County issued its Union High School District in this hard time, Barerra first shelter-in-place order. teams, including Aragon, come to terms with understanding also agrees that the coaches Now that cases are slowing cannot play against teams have been extra understand- down, high school sports from other districts. Be- how students must feel” ing of athletes. have been allowed to start cause of this, Aragon won’t “I think that [the coaches] up again. Currently, the Pen- be playing many of the high- ... I’m trying to get the best tices and meets, the athletes and have really come to terms insula Athletic League is op- ranking teams like Menlo- time,’” Nguyen said. “But dur- coaches try to adhere to social with understanding how erating under a two season Atherton, Carlmont, and ing the individual meets, I’m distancing protocols as much as students must feel,” Barerra schedule with the first season Woodside this season. usually thinking ‘keep on doing possible, but the swimmers are said. “But I do think that they having already started on “Our competition isn’t as your best, swim harder, don’t faced with a difficult environ- really understand.” Feb. 8, while the second sea- good as it was because in our breathe, just keep on going.’ ment as they cannot wear masks As for hopes for the rest of son is set to start on April 5. league, the best teams are in Sometimes I think to myself in the pool. the season, athletes and coach- Included in the first season the Bay [division] and lesser ‘don’t look back’ because you “With the few days of prac- es are focused on the last meet is girl’s tennis (3-1 PAL) who teams are in the Ocean [divi- don’t want to see the person tice, it is a lot harder to get back of the season which will happen have already started practice sion],” said Coach Dave Ow- next to you because it can screw in shape and I haven’t been able on March 24. and games. dom. “I always feel you get up your time.” to get back into the shape I was “Now that the season is com- The start of the season better when you play better Although athletes’ mindsets in for previous swim seasons,” ing to an end, I just am hoping brings excitement for the people [than] playing a team have stayed strong, the atmo- Liu said. “However, I really en- for our final [meet is] a good tennis players that’s not so good that our sphere during competitions joy that during practices, there one,” Barerra said. “I do really Like in most sports right team can beat easily. That’s has shifted. is a maximum of two swimmers hope I stay in touch with those now, safety is the number changed a little bit competi- “In past seasons, I would per lane so I am able to go at my team members that I’ve really one priority for girls tennis, tion wise, but I understand look forward to seeing some of own pace and not worry about become close with.” and the team is taking pre- you got to start out slow. You the people I knew from other running into other swimmers or cautionary measures such got to see how this works.” schools but now we don’t get to waiting for my turn to swim.” Additional reporting by Emma as wearing masks while Owdom hopes that the sea- swim in the same pool as our op- Even though the season has Quanbeck. playing, social distancing son can bring a sense of nor- and disinfecting equipment. malcy back into the lives of They also fill out a form on the athletes. LiveSafe which tracks ath- “[Our] goal right now more letes’ exposure to COVID-19 than anything is getting our through an online question- lives back to normal,” Owdom naire. It asks a series of ques- said. “Not just the physical tions such as if an athlete has activity, but the social aspect experienced any symptoms of playing tennis [is] more of COVID-19 and if the ath- important than goals in the lete or their family members past. I always want people to have been in contact with get better; it’s always a goal others who may be infected to get better. Being part of a with the virus. It also asks if team is always a goal of mine, an athlete has been outside but it’s more so being a team of San Mateo for practices this year than ever before.” or games. LiveSafe is used The team fosters a variety throughout the district for of skill levels from beginners contact tracing of COVID-19. to advanced players. Jawadi With all of the COVID-19 believes that her experience restrictions in place, the sea- on the court will help her be son is a lot different than it a leader even though it’s her used to be and less games are first year on the team. being played, but the team is “I’ve been playing tourna- happy to play nonetheless. ments since I was eight [and] “It’s kind of tough [and] I think for a lot of other girls, a little bit confusing,” said this is one of their first match- freshman first singles player es or they just never really Varsha Jawadi. “It’s definitely played matches that much,” not as fun because the sea- Jawadi said. “I think that [my son would normally be lon- experience] definitely helps ger, and we would usually me help out my teammates get to play more schools. It’s when they’re nervous before shortened now because of CO- a match or if they have ques- VID-19, but it’s good that it’s tions about points or some- happening at all.” thing. I always feel like I can One of these differences is help them out.” Swimmers are socially distanced in the pool and wear masks on the deck. RAHUL VISHWA