The Official Student Newspaper of Oakland Technical High Issue 3: December 2015 www.oaklandtechscribe.com “Yes Means Yes” Student Dies in Tree Law Could Change Climbing Accident, Stunning Sex Tech Community By Trevor Harrison experts are still trying to For years, activists and elucidate the details of sex educators painted on what “affirmative consent” signs, shouted in protests means. But some experts and lectured in classrooms believe that the new legis- one message: “No means lation changes the burden no.” But in California that of proof in sexual assault may be about to change. disciplinary proceedings On Sept. 28, the California from those accusing to Gov. Brown signed a law those accused. This is a mandating that any initi- change from a previous ator of a sexual act would legal standard that implied need to obtain explicit an encounter could go verbal or written consent forward until a clear “no” in order to proceed at was given. each new juncture in the Another important encounter. Instead of “No provision of the law is that means no” the standard is college students cannot “Yes means yes”. give consent if they have The law changes the alcohol or drugs in their legal standard for sexu- systems. Just how the law Trevor Harrison/Scribe al assault in California might be interpreted re- Students pile tributes in memory of Tech Junior, Jack Lewis, who was killed while climbing a tree. higher education disci- mains unclear. For exam- By Trevor Harrison dead at the scene, according to Principal Staci Ross-Morrison plinary proceedings, but ple, if two students both Jack Lewis was climbing a news reports. described Lewis’s death as a “ter- in public middle schools, had a drink and had sex, tree on the bank of Lewis was at a friend’s birth- rible loss” and an “unthinkable high schools and as well as who would be at fault? A on the night of Friday, Dec. 4 day party that night and, accord- accident.” colleges it also changes the spokesperson for Kevin de when the tree branch suddenly ing to friends, the place on the “We were devastated to hear standard of consent taught Leon said that nobody was broke and fell on top of him. A lake was a frequent destination this news and are still strug- in sexual education classes. available to comment on man who was standing nearby for Lewis on Friday and Satur- gling to come to terms with the Students, teachers, the record for that issue. rushed over to try and give CPR day nights. information and the incredible administrators and legal Proponents of the bill but it was too late. In an email sent out to Oak- misfortune that resulted in Jack’s (Consent Law continues on Page 8) Lewis, 16, was pronounced land Tech families on Dec. 5, death,” Morrison said. “At the (Student Death continues on Page 8) Students and Teachers Battle Over Bathrooms By Sonia Aronson and Nadia Wohlfarth/Scribe Peek INSIDE Meta Austin with classes nearby, the closure has not been quite as As the teachers see it, the appreciated. Meninist Club pg. stream of students coming “This was like a social and going past their class- area.”One teacher explained. 2 room doors combined with “There were endless girls and the noise of toilets constantly boys hanging out and people Attendance Line flushing makes it incredibly standing there like a telephone difficult to teach. They were box.” pg. 3 even having to police the hall- Now that the bathroom is way at times. Others said that closed, however, these teach- it wasn’t only the continuous ers are reporting that their Voices From The sounds of water running that classroom environments are Storm pg. 4 was the problem, it was the calmer and their days go distractions that being near much more smoothly. “My the bathroom created. students can actually think A Cappella Club Tech students and teachers and work. It’s lovely,” one pg. 5 have been debating for weeks teacher said. Another said that now about the closure of one they “have noticed that it has of the two sets of bathrooms been better for the learning Historic Movie on the first floor of Tech’s atmosphere in the hall.” main building. For teachers The teachers didn’t neces- Palaces pg. 6 whose classrooms are located sarily want the bathrooms to in that hallway, the decision be closed forever. One teacher Fun Things To Do has meant quieter hallways in the affected hallway offered and more focused students. A locked bathroom in the Senior hallway to unlock them at lunchtime pg. 7 However, for the students (Bathrooms continues on Page 8) PAGE 2 December 2015

News Dates to Threat of a Meninist Club Causes Remember Attendance Line Keeps Students Out of Class Uproar at Tech Dec 21 to Jan 1 - Winter Break By Emma Ly and (No School) Kendall Prime club, “meninism was created permasculinity/ jock culture. ing men should be oppressed as a joke, and a lot of people Leaders of the meninist club by women.” When a meninist table took it seriously. Meninism wrote on their instagram They still have yet to be PTSA Meeting - 7 pm popped up in the middle of is basically a lot of people page, @otmeninist,F “Com- approved as an official Oak- the front lawn on club day, a attacking feminism for no mon ground for equal oppor- land Tech club. “We don’t Alumni Panel - 1 pm wave of shock spread through real reason because they don’t tunity and logical problem want the term meninism the campus, and grabbed the associated with Tech at all.” Minimum Day -1:05 pm attention of students and staff Assistant Principal, Josue Diaz members alike. A seemingly said. “There is no meninist Jan 18 - Martin Luther King Day controversial movement man- c lu b.” aged to make its way into the After receiving many For more events and dates, visit hallways of our very own high negative comments on their oaklandtech.com/staff/calendar school, and caused a major instagram page, they changed uproar in the student body the title of the club to M.E.N. due to its implications. (Men Equality Now). Despite “Meninist” is not a word Sports this change, they still have Calendar recognized by most dictio- The Oakland Tech Meninists gathered in a classroom. not been approved by the stu- naries. Some believe that know what feminism means.” solving are in both the Femi- dent government. However, a meninist is a person who However, despite the nega- nist’s and Meninist’s main pri- they are open to collaboration Dec 10 - 4:00 p.m. Var/JV supports the rights and tive reputation that the term ority, yet the vision of having with the feminist club because Boys Soccer Game equality of men, just as a carries, the meninist group at male and female equality has the feminist club actively sup- feminist believes in the rights Tech has set out to rewrite the been blinded by those who are ports the fight against issues and equality of women, but, definition. known as ‘Radical Feminists’ such as hypermasculinity, according to Ellie Davis, an The club sets out to address and who share the idea that racial profiling of men, and Oakland Tech sophomore and issues of “male oppression” women should be equal, but transphobia along with many Dec 11 - 4:00 p.m. Var/JV avid member of the feminist such as gender roles and hy- take it a step further by believ- others. Girls Basketball

Black Friday Arrives Early Dec 11 - 4:00 p.m.var/JV By Margarita Ku ily reunion table or showing and 98 injuries that can be there is lots of support for Boys Basketballl Game Cross Country Team Wins Tense Championships For many people, the up for work early and spend- attributed to Black Friday these moves, many Tech stu- start of the holiday season is ing the family holiday away shopping in the past 9 years. dents believe it will not have marked by Black Friday, when from their families”. As people fight for the best major changes in the future of stores across the country cele- According to Walmart’s prices, the extension of Black the Black Thursday and Friday brate with huge discounts and 2014 Global Responsibility Friday into Thursday seems business as many people and Dec 15- 4:00 p.m. JV Boys sales the day after Thanks- Report, 39% of their work- to be encouraging the craze. stores are still feeding into the Soccer Game giving. But this year, many force was made up of people However, it might actually big sale frenzy. people will be leaving Thanks- of color, yet 71% of their be lowering the violence. An Some students choose to giving dinner early to work at management was white. So, article by TIME magazine ac- stay out of Black Friday en- *more events listed on online “Black Thursday”. In the past as Black Thursday becomes credits a relatively calm Black tirely. In a poll of 50 random calendar* couple years, the turnout on bigger, it becomes more con- Friday in 2013 to the earlier Tech students, 78% said they Black Friday sales has been so troversial. Are the discounts start of sales, both on Thanks- usually don’t go Black Friday huge that some stores open shopping. While some stay For more information their doors as early as 7 AM away for lack of interest or to visit oaklandtech.com/staff/ the day before to bring in As people fight for the best prices, he ex- avoid the big crowds, quite athletics-calendar sales-mongering customers. a few very strongly opposed tension of Black Friday into Thursday the concept itself. Junior While this may seem good FROM THE WEB for people in search of the seems to be encouraging the craze. Skylar Thoma said, “I find it year’s biggest price cuts, other really ironic that the day after Thanksgiving, when we say Last month, we asked people dread it as some will readers in an online poll: only get to see their family worth the struggle for the giving and online. what we are grateful for, we members on Thanksgiving if employees? Are they worth it Although last year’s Black then go shopping for all the for the consumers? Retailers Thursday sales saw a decline things we want”. Junior Kai Should Paideia become an a TV crew visits their store Academy? to report on the sales. Many optimistically answer those as from 2013, many companies– Crombie echoes this idea, retail workers are now being yes, and work hard to try and including Walmart, Kmart, stating, “[People] should be make it end up that way. Best Buy, and Toys R Us– are thanking for what they have, 39% said: No forced by their employers 39% said: No, but it should get to work on Black Friday & One huge downside of still choosing to open early. not going out and buying Black Friday sales is the in- As a way to combat this new more”. In stark contrast, how- more funding Thanksgiving and face termi- 9% said: Yes, but only if it means nation if they call in sick. This creasingly dangerous envi- phenomenon, stores such as ever, many of those students ronment it creates. In recent Nordstrom, IKEA, GameStop, who plan on going Black Fri- more funding issue also disproportionately 9% said: Yes affects minority workers who years, the craze to save money and Bath & Body Works are day shopping this year are not has reached a new level. A pledging to stay closed on changing their plans to avoid 4% said: The Paideia Program hold a great percentage of re- should be abolished. tail and customer service jobs local chain store manager Thanksgiving and not start the early opening stores. who wishes to stay anony- their sales until Friday. REI is The question remains: are in the United States. Visit An outraged Tech parent mous says, “Prices are not the taking it a step further by re- big improvements coming greatest but people are stupid fusing to participate in Black to Black Friday in the future, oaklandtechscribe.com explains that workers “are now to vote in our latest poll more represented in retail and enough to bring their babies Friday altogether, and paying or is this all just a capitalistic big box stores and are general- and feel the adrenaline of its employees to take that ploy for more shoppers? That’s stupidity shopping”. Accord- day off to “opt outside” - go something to ponder about Do you Support the new ly lower in the pecking order. affirmative consent laws? Those people did not have a ing to blackfridaydeathcount. explore nature instead of the over Thanksgiving leftovers. choice over staying at the fam- com, there have been 7 deaths nearest shopping mall. While December 2015 PAGE 3 News Attendance Line Keeps Students Out of Class Antonia Starc/Scribe By Karl Keck Nicholas Zak-Lee says he was threat of detention and oth- “annoyed” at being made to er disciplinary action are a If you’ve ever been late miss more class than was nec- powerful deterrent to frequent to first period (who hasn’t), essary. Some students view the lateness. Attendance is an you’re probably familiar with rule so unfavorably that they area where the OUSD can the tardy line. When students are willing to disobey it to improve: while the national come through the front doors minimize lost studying time: average for chronic absentee- after the first bell has rung, an anonymous junior de- ism is 10 percent, Oakland’s they are directed towards the scribes taking detours to avoid rate hovers around 12 percent. attendance office to have their entering the school through As a result, a consensus has tardy recorded and collect a the main doors. grown that there needs to be a pass. Because each student’s Teachers are also frustrat- reform rather than an elimi- tardy is entered into the data- ed. “It just makes kids even nation. base on the spot, the process later,” says Clarence Harris, Several solutions have can take up to a minute. How- a math teacher. ”It makes no been proposed to the current ever, the office quickly fills up, sense.” Some teachers tell their system. One entails letting and the line often stretches students not to bother get- teachers take care of atten- out into the foyer. While ting a pass, preferring to have dance, removing the responsi- the current policy helps the them report to class as quickly bility from the front office and administration keep accurate as possible. eliminating the wait entirely. attendance records, many at Though the line’s impact Another idea would stream- Tech dislike it, pointing to the may be detrimental to many, line the noting of students’ fact that waiting in line wastes no one disagrees with the names, postponing the final time that could be spent in Tardy students wait in line for passes to go to class. importance of encouraging submission and having stu- class. arrived at school two minutes “I missed valuable education- students to arrive at school dents just write down their Students seem the most late, but was forced to stand in al enrichment experiences,” on time. Diligent accounting information and show ID in upset about this morning de- line for another eight minutes. he laments. He is not alone. of tardies combined with the exchange for a pass. lay. Senior Josef Cutler says he

Cross Country Team Wins Tense Championships By Joseph Harmon onships. led to dramatic improve- ing that the team has “really and occasional vomiting, it Imagine you’re running The 2015-2016 running ments. The coaches “have bonded and grown together, requires a lot of both mental up a hill. You can feel sweat season marks the first com- really done us wonders”, says and just become a closer team and physical strength to push dripping down your forehead, plete season under the team star runner Johanna Ross, overall.” yourself to your limits.” and your legs burn to catch of Coach David Murphy, who who broke the all-time OAL “I played soccer before,” “In a way, being in the up. You can hear the other background has helped our team gaining on you, but can’t team because no one joins look back. Another runner just because it’s the popular is slowing down up ahead. thing to do,” Ross adds. “The The race is up to you. You’re majority of people are there almost there, almost done. because they want to be and One more surge, your shoes because of that they all work kicking up mud, your breath really hard.” rattling in your chest, your And the Tech team are team cheering for you as loud no strangers to hard work. as they can. The line is right During the Sectional Cham- there, and you’re through. pionships, multiple runners Every fall, hundreds of ran despite painful injuries. other high school cross Freshman Ayla Frost ran a country teams go through strong race despite her shin the same experience. And splints, and Varsity Captain while the Tech team has been Matthew Murphy ran after around for decades, it has donating a full pint of blood only recently begun to make only a little over a week be- its comeback after years of fore. losses and narrow wins. “That desire and hunger After months of summer for improvement and suc- training, daily after school The Oakland Tech Cross Country Team Joseph Harmon/Scribe cess is something that is very practices, and invitational stepped in to coach mid- difficult to teach,” says Coach meets across California, the way through last year with course record this year along admits junior Justin Nicholas, Murphy. “The Tech team team’s efforts paid off. The former mile record-holder with talented newcomer “but I had way more fun on is extremely fortunate that Boys Junior Varsity team Richie Boulet. Caroline Garrett. “They put this cross country team.” each runner has found that won the OAL City Cham- “Distance running, and so much work into crafting Part of this is due to the motivation, which is what pionships. During the OAL cross country especially, is workouts for us, judging our fact that cross country at- allowed the team to perform Section Championships the a sport that is defined by potential and helping us get tracts a very specific subset of so highly. What’s even better following week, Tech won intangibles,” says Murphy. “As t h e re .” athletes. is that once you start, it’s hard against Skyline 28 to 35 for a new coach, all you can start “We’ve become more of “Cross country is sort of to stop, which leads me to be- Boys Varsity and 26 to 36 for with is research and a train- a legitimate cross country the ultimate sport in terms lieve the future of Tech cross Girls Varsity and qualified ing plan.” team,” agrees Girls Varsity of self-inducing pain,” says country is so bright.” both teams for State Champi- And all the planning has Captain Sophie Schafer, add- Schafer. “Between the injuries PAGE 4 December 2015 News Voices from the Storm Moves Tech Community

Photo Courtesy of Jay Yamada Actors of Voices From the Storm sit in silence backstage. By Emma Kantor came from the book Voices the media, such as tension tion-and-answer session after Louisiana. The play offered a The fall play, Voices from from the Storm, stories com- between police and civilians, the play, the cast expressed deeper understanding about the Storm, presented by Oak- piled by a non-profit called humans’ reactions to disaster, how passionate they were the storm through its memo- TechRep, was a huge success. Voice of Witness. Led by Tech and the effects of the storm on about learning about Hur- rable characters, its powerful The play was educational, senior Danielle Covington, the racial makeup of the city. ricane Katrina and putting monologues, and its incor- Student Spotlights: Ballroom Dancer engaging, and emotional for students successfully adapted The play highlighted many themselves in the characters’ poration of jazz music. This both the cast and the audience. the 250-page book into the of these issues, showing how shoes. The cast became emo- year’s ten-year anniversary of It played from November script for a one-hour-and-fif- police were quick to blame tionally connected to the the hurricane offers the right 19-21 in the Tech auditorium teen-minute play, engaging the civilians, and how friends, characters, and the play was time to remember the lives and featured talented cast and viewer the entire time. neighbors, and strangers intense and realistic as a result. lost in Hurricane Katrina and crew members. The play was Set in New Orleans, the offered more help in the time Many audience members were to reflect on the damage. directed by Ena Dallas and play presented multiple of disaster. Cast member Kate able to empathize with the During the ques- was entirely student written. different personal narratives Packer-Dawley commented, characters, some even remark- tion-and-answer session, it The students involved put a lot of people experiencing the “What you see on the news ing that the play made them was said that the storm had of work into research, devot- horrors of Hurricane Katrina, isn’t the whole story.” cry. blown off the tops of many ing rehearsal time to watching offering unique perspectives The actors put in a lot of Most Tech students were houses, but the foundation the documentary When the on how the storm affected effort in order to empathize in elementary school when stayed strong. Similarly, the Levees Broke, and reading civilians’ lives. It also shed with their characters’ strug- Katrina hit in 2005, so they culture of New Orleans, while their characters’ narratives. light on some further tensions gles and truthfully represent did not have a full knowledge damaged by the storm, re- The text for the performance in Louisiana rarely shown in the characters. In the ques- of what was happening in mains strong and resilient. How Hannukah Became Chirstma-tized By Sonia Aronson That’s a fair percentage of the own God and attempted to Hanukkah is not cele- with foil wrapped chocolate When Scribe reporters population. Aren’t you at all suppress all Jewish laws and brated internationally. Because ones, or “gelt”. Jews also began asked a couple of Tech stu- curious about the blue and rituals by burning torahs and the story of the Maccabees frying potato pancakes, or dents what they knew about silver decorations, the boxes threatening to punish Jews occurred after the Bible was latkes, and eating jelly donuts Hanukkah, they received a of dreidels and candles, and with death if they kept kosher written, most conservative because both foods are fried in variety of answers. Some had the shiny coins shoved into or rested on the Sabbath. In Jews denounce it as unimport- oil, symbolic of the Hanukkah no idea what Hanukkah was. a corner of every store after great dismay, an old Jewish ant. However, the story of the miracle. Hanukkah lasts eight Others knew it was Jewish Thanksgiving? Don’t you want priest named Mattiyahu rallied Maccabees became popular nights, for each night the oil holiday, around the same time to know why one wrapping his sons. With the oldest, Jo- during the Holocaust, when burned, and on each night a as Christmas, that lasted for 14 paper pattern is adorned with nah, as their leader, this ragtag Jews were widely persecuted candle is lit on a menorah. or 6 nights, and 13 or 7 can- menorahs instead of reindeer? team called the Maccabees and prayed to God for another So although Hanukkah dles were lit. Only a paltry few Although Hanukkah today has managed to defeat Antiochus’ miracle. It became more pub- is portrayed by retailers and knew that Hannukah had any morphed into a small-scale armies. After their astonishing licized when Jewish-American malls as the Jewish equivalent background story whatsoever, Jewish reproduction of Christ- victory, the Maccabees re- children, feeling left out and of Christmas, it is a celebration and almost no one knew what mas, the holiday came from turned to Jerusalem to rebuild unloved during the holiday of light and miracles, accom- it was. remarkably different origins. their temple. Inside, they season, advocated to receive panied with its own foods and According to the Jewish In 174 B.C.E., the king of found oil to provide light for gifts on Hanukkah. In the traditions just as rich as ones Library, there are nearly 7 Syria, Antiochus, disliked only one night. Miraculously, past, coins had been handed practiced on Christmas. million Jews living in the US. that Jews worshipped their the oil burned for 8 days! out, but these were replaced December 2015 PAGE 5 Features Club Spotlight: Tech Sings in New A Cappella Club By Meta Austin that most people sing backup have any other background in on to the song they’re working Smith’s “Stay With Me.” Zoe Jason Mraz’s blissful song, Jonick, a Junior who founded “I’m Yours” fills the drafty the A Capella club together room on a rainy day. It’s with Leila Merzenich, claims Thursday in Ms. Joe’s room, they founded a club because which means the A Capella they “wanted a place to sing club has its weekly practice. and there was no other place Oakapellas, as they’re formally at school to do it. We just called, is Tech’s newest, and wanted a low pressure sit- at the moment only, singing uation where we could get club. The club meets weekly together with our friends and and is open to everyone, no sing.” experience required. In fact, At the moment the A most of the members of the Capella Club has no plans to club have never sung a capella formally perform their songs, before. They combine their although they may take their knowledge of music theory, talents to one of Tech’s First harmony, and arrangement, Friday celebrations sometime to create their own a cappel- in the next few months. So la renditions of all the songs far they’re just about having they sing. fun and singing together, Club members work on and if you’re about that, too, each song for a few weeks A Cappella Club meets every Thursday at Lunch in Room A4 Meta Austin/Scribe you should check out one of and then choose a new one their meetings! Meetings are together. Opportunities are parts, while anyone interested music theory to participate. on that week. November was Thursdays during lunch in plentiful, both future stars and can the sing melody or har- At the club’s lunchtime dedicated to learning the “I’m room A4. those more comfortable in the monies. Members don’t need meetings, they start with some Yours” and after mastering it, background. They explained to know how to read music or vocal warmups and then move the club has moved on to Sam Student Spotlights: Ballroom Dancer

By Alice Gold A few months later, Tegsh- Championships. Last March earned first place in their slightly different rhythm, Tech students participate jargal was a member of the they competed at United sixteen to eighteen age group. speed, or movement quality, in a variety of extracurricular Mongolian Children’s Palace’s States Nationals, where they Additionally they placed third which makes intensive prac- activities, both in and outside teen ensemble, in the under twen- tice imperative for success at of school. Some students are where he trained ty-one division, the competitions. athletes, some are writers, and in Mongolian Folk feat that Tegshjar- Not only is ballroom dance one Tech junior is a National Dance in and ball- gal “is most proud physically demanding, but it Champion ballroom dancer. room in addition to of, because [he and also lays a financial burden Bumchin Tegshjargal, 16, ballet. He describes Klets] are both on dancers and their families. trains eighteen hours per week the dance group as only sixteen.” In “Ballroom is probably one of with his partner. Every week, the “biggest com- November of this the most expensive sports,” they take four private lessons, pany in Mongolia”, year, Tegshjargal says Tegshjargal. Dancers preparing and perfecting their and as a result he and Klets travelled must pay for private lessons, dances for competitions. But was called to per- to Amsterdam to costumes, (which can cost up ballroom dance is not the form at the “big- participate in their to a few thousand dollars) and run of the mill extracurricu- gest events in the first international travel expenses. To ease some lar activity. How did he start country that would competition to- of the expenses, Tegshjargal dancing? What does ballroom be televised.” gether, and placed and Klets have a costume dance involve? Tegshjargal sixteenth in a pool sponsor, yet the travel ex- Tegshjargal was born in moved from of two-hundred. penses to accommodate their Ulaanbatar, Mongolia. When Mongolia to the In addition to average of two competitions he was ten, his grandmother Bay Area with his their private les- per month add up. signed him up for piano les- family in 2011, sons, Tegshjargal “It’s not like my parents sons at the Mongolian Chil- and here, he made and Klets take force me to do it, I really dren’s Palace, a premier school the choice to focus classes with var- do like [dancing],” finishes in Mongolia not only for his dance energy ious coaches and Tegshjargal. He hopes to even- instrumental music, but for completely on ball- competition judges. tually become a professional dance, as well. One day, while room. They compete in ballroom dancer, and later, a Tegshjargal was waiting for his Today, Tegshjar- five events at each coach, but he also wants to go piano lesson to start, he and gal and his partner, competition: Jive, to college. Tegshjargal takes his Grandmother looked in Michelle Klets, are Rumba, Samba, advantage of Tech’s honors on a ballet class. She suggested training to go to Pasa Doble and classes, and is committed to he try dancing, and after one Paris, where they Cha Cha, a set of schoolwork as much as he class he showed tremendous will be representing dances that forces is his burgeoning dancing potential as a dancer, and his the United States them to show their career. teacher took him under his at the Ballroom versatility. Each wing. Dance World Bumchin Tegshjargal/Scribe event requires a PAGE 6 December 2015 Features Mysterious Unidentified Flying Object Sighted in Oakland By Ayla Frost and Clara the source of the light. Theo- world. Launched from a sub- however, is the impact it has ory of the missile launch. Oth- McGilly ries erupted about satellites, marine in the Pacific ocean, on the public. Mass panic ers are skeptical, however, and On the night of November spacecraft, comets, meteors, the Trident II’s voyage was erupted among those who saw believe that the government is 7th, 2015, Californians from military tests, or extraterrestri- kept secret to eliminate the the strange light. Many celeb- withholding information on San Francisco to Los Ange- al life. possibility of U.S. adversaries, rities in Hollywood witnessed extraterrestrial life. les were astounded to see an The Orange County Police such as Russia or China, plan- the phenomenon and post- “I don’t buy it! Oakland Unidentified Flying Object Department reported that it ning sabotage. If they observed ed about it on social media, Tech student, Paola Gi- above their heads! A mysteri- was a naval test flight, and the the flight, they could gather raising awareness around the ron-Carson, said. “The govern- ous bluish light in the shape of U.S. military later confirmed valuable information such as world of the occurrence, and ment is definitely keeping us in a cone slowly travelled across that it was the 158th test flight speed, trajectory, and electro- prompting reactions of fear the dark. I say they’re working the sky, eventually fading into of the Trident II ballistic mis- magnetic emissions, which and awe. with the aliens!” a blurry spot. This immediate- sile, used to thwart potential could later be used against the Many also reported a ly caused an uproar on social attacks and induce perceived U.S. powerful smell as they saw the media, with speculation as to power over the rest of the A downfall of secrecy, UFO, which supports the the- Why the Curtain Fell on the East Bay’s Historic

Movie Palaces Antigone Michaels Scribe How To Give Back During The Holidays

The located near Lake Merritt is one of the historic theatres that are still open to this day. By Laurel Hennen the increasing presence of renamed the Twelfth Street modest theaters prevalent at movie houses of the early 20th television in American living Follies, which opened in 1907 the time, so named because century are no longer here, The East Bay is a region rooms, weekly cinema atten- on 12th Street in Oakland. they charged a nickel for the East Bay remains a region rich with the relics of shut- dance fell drastically. “Why Like many local venues at the admission. “Even in the 1910s, with an extremely rich theater tered theaters—from extrava- did [so many theaters] start time, this 2,561-seat theater the business was changing— history, and one that is fortu- gant movie palaces to modest closing? We stayed home,” featured live Vaudeville acts as old smaller theaters closed, nate enough to be the home of auditoriums. During the early explained Bill Counter, a well as silent films. According replaced by more opulent several surviving movie pal- twentieth century, Oakland historic theater project con- to the September 30, 1907 larger ones,” Counter said. The aces and more modest venues and Berkeley boasted doz- sultant who also runs the Bay issue of the San Francisco Call T&D’s architecture featured that nonetheless retain their ens of theaters—with 43,300 Area Historic Theatres group newspaper, opening night was an intricate façade, adorned vintage charm. These historic seats at their peak—in order on Facebook. “In the ‘50s, we swarmed, attracting ordinary with light- and steam-emitting theaters include Oakland’s to serve the public’s ravenous stayed home to watch TV. In citizens as well as East Bay stone jars. Seeing a show at Grand Lake, Paramount, and appétit for film during that the ‘80s, to watch home video. society members and the the T&D included amenities Piedmont Theatres, the Ala- era, with cinemas in nearly And then we lost most of the mayors of Oakland, Berkeley, such as a ladies’ tea parlor meda Theatre, and Berkeley’s every neighborhood, plus remaining [theaters] to the and Alameda. The playhouse with canary cages and a fish California Theatre. Seeing a scores more downtown. In Holiday Cups Cause Controversy more favorable economics of remained popular for a few tank, as well as live Wurlitzer show at any of these stunning 1930, eighty million Ameri- the multiplex.” According to decades, despite financial organ performances before venues is an experience that cans went to the movies each CinemaTreasures.org, 63 for- struggles and complaints from the film. In the 1950s, as harkens back to the glamor- week, drawn by the promise mer theaters in Oakland have the Oakland Tribune that the movie attendance waned, the ous Golden Age of cinema— of escapism from the coun- gone dark, and an additional building was “antiquated and theater remained open late at sometimes even complete try’s grim economic situation, 35 have been torn down. In inaccessible.” The Orpheum night and installed a wides- with a Wurlitzer performance. as well as a fascination with Berkeley, 24 theaters have closed during the Depression creen to attract increasingly More information about this relatively new art form. closed and seven have been and was demolished in 1958 disinterested patrons. But, like the history of Oakland’s the- Demand for celluloid enter- demolished. With a few no- after sitting vacant for years. most of its contemporaries, aters can be found at Cinema- tainment was so great that one table exceptions, most of our Opened in 1916, the T&D the T&D could not maintain Treasures.org, Facebook.com/ theater region’s venues are no more Theatre on 11th Street in its previous popularity, and Groups/BayAreaHistoricThe- showed nothing but news- than memories. Oakland continued the trend was eventually demolished atres, or in the book Theatres reels. But with entertainment One of the first grand of larger and grander movie in 1979, replaced by an office of Oakland (Arcadia Pub- and technological advances theaters in the East Bay was palaces, aspiring to be more building. lishing) by Jack Tillmany and after World War II, such as the Orpheum Theatre, later than a mere nickelodeon—the Although most of the Jennifer Dowling. December 2015 PAGE 7 Features Mysterious Unidentified Flying Object Sighted Fun Things to Do in the Bay Area By Jessica Gagliardi well. This is an especially great the other at the Embarcadero lights, ranging from the classic er, introduced in 2010, with in Oakland Sure, maybe it’s fun to place to go if you have young- Center (across the street from icicle lights lining the rooftop Tchaikovsky’s famous score sleep until 12 and stay in bed er family members (who don’t the Ferry Building). At Union to houses with themes like as the timeless backbone. watching Netflix all day for the mind walking a bit) and you Square you can enjoy the Frozen, the Nightmare Before This is one holiday event you first couple of days of Winter think wearing five sweaters at festive atmosphere with a large Christmas, and the Ginger- definitely do not want to miss; Break, but after enough of that once to maintain homeostasis Christmas tree and menorah bread Man. Drive up and tickets are on sale at oakland- you may find yourself bored is a blast. ZooLights will be in the square and decorations down the block or get out and ballet.org now! and looking to get out for open every night from now on the surrounding depart- walk for an up-close view of Other Ideas for Holiday some holiday fun. Luckily here until January 3rd, except for ment stores, however at the the decorations, and be sure to Fun: Have a cookie exchange in the Bay Area, there is no December 24th and 25th, Embarcadero rink there are bring warm clothes! with your friends, attend a shortage of holiday activities from 5:30-9pm. shorter lines and still a nice Oakland Ballet’s Nutcrack- holiday parade, check out a for you to enjoy, so grab your Ice Skating: Since we don’t array of lights on nearby er: Go see Oakland Ballet live nativity, go to the Dickens friends or family and check have any romantically pictur- buildings. Company’s annual perfor- Christmas Fair, bake cookies out some of these great ways esque frozen ponds here in Christmas Tree Lane: At mance of the Nutcracker, the by yourself or with others, go to celebrate the holidays in the the Bay Area, holiday revelers absolutely no cost to you, you classic Christmas ballet (that caroling, see more off-the- Bay Area! flock to several man-made can enjoy one of the most in my opinion can literally beaten-track holiday per- ZooLights: Every Decem- ice rinks to get their share fun, least known holiday never get old)! It is a limit- formances, or if all else fails ber the puts on of one of the world’s favorite traditions in the Bay Area. ed-time offer, with shows at go watch the new Star Wars an animal-themed Christmas winter pastimes. Two of the On one residential block of Oakland’s historic Paramount movie! light display all throughout best outdoor ice rinks in the Thompson Drive in Alameda, Theater on December 19th the zoo, with other holiday Bay Area are in San Francis- nearly every house puts up an and 20th only. It is a fairly new activities happening there as co, one in Union Square and elaborate display of Christmas production of the Nutcrack- How To Give Back During Happy Holidays The Holidays from the Scribe! By Alice Blackorby sort, screen and prepare food holiday party held for foster There are so many ways to for distribution. Check out youth in Oakland. give back this holiday season. their website for volunteer 6. Donate a coat to One You can make donations or options. Warm Coat, an organization volunteer at a number of dif- 3. Help fulfill a child’s holi- that provides warm coats to ferent organizations around day wishes by participating in people who need them. Oak- the Bay Area, helping children the Dear Santa, or Operation land has numerous drop off and families in need. While Santa Claus, program. You locations for One Warm Coat, generosity and kindness are will receive the wishes of a so check out their website and always in season, the holidays child from somewhere in the find a nearby location to go are an especially important US and shop for their wishlist drop off a coat! time to give back! Here are to make their dreams come 7. Sponsor a family for the some suggestions: true! holidays with Family Support 1. Donate toys to Toys for 4. Donate baby clothes, Services of the Bay Area. Tots, an organization that money or time to Loved Make a family’s holiday wish- collects new, unwrapped toys Twice on Broadway, an orga- es come true! and then gives those toys to nization that collects new and If none of these sugges- children. Oakland has many worn baby clothes and dis- tions appealed to you, there drop off locations. If you go tributes them to children in are hundreds of other organi- to their website, you can find need across the nation. zations that address a variety which site would be most 5. Volunteer at Alternative of issues, so do your research convenient for you! Family Services on Decem- and have a great holiday! 2. Volunteer at the Ala- ber 18th by sorting items and meda County Food Bank to helping set up for the AFS Holiday Funtastic event, a fun Emily Percy/Scribe Holiday Cups Cause Controversy By Ben Muchin bears, snowmen, etc.). This ation. Soon, the state of affairs the country came to the rescue ting of their favorite caffeine The holiday season brings year’s cups were changed was out of hand, consuming of the coffee giant, enlighten- vendor. Most think the new joy to everyone. That is, for the holidays, but to plain every source of social media. ing the public of just how out cups look festive enough, and almost everyone. In early red, without any decorations. Presidential candidate, Donald of proportion the cup contro- that the situation needs to be November, Starbucks released Some conservative groups are Trump suggested a public boy- versy had grown. resolved peacefully. Freshman their new “Minimalist design” upset that the new minimalist cott of Starbucks and pledged Here at Oakland Tech, Katie Wood says, “The cups holiday coffee cups, and it cups are lacking in Christmas he would remove all of the Starbucks serves coffee lovers look great and modern and ignited all kinds of dispute. spirit, and that Starbucks has Starbucks kiosks from his ho- all over campus who aren’t beautiful and they should stay In recent years, Starbucks has started a so-called “War On tels. The stakes were high, and able to empty their wallets the same. I think that people had winter themed designs Christmas”. Starbucks needed a way out over at Blue Bottle Coffee. should be peaceful and love on their holiday cups, none The contempt shown to- of the scandal. This is when The new minimalist cups do the cups as much as I do”. of which were holiday spe- wards the cups got attention an uproar of support for the not have any affect on inter- cific (i.e. snowflakes, polar from the public immediately, company’s decision appeared viewed students in any way, which only escalated the situ- on social media. People across other than potentially boycot- PAGE 8 December 2015

(Student Death Continued from Page 1) Photos Courtesy of John Oberholzer same time, we are working to reflected the warmth of Tech Crew Team, Boy Scout support Jack’s family, as well his heart, will be missed,” Troop 202, or the Lewis family as students and staff during said Franco DeMarinis, to be used at their discretion. this difficult period.” who taught Lewis in his The day after the accident, Ms. Morrison said that second period physics the city had removed the tree counselors would be available class. he was climbing and a small to provide support to those The Oakland Tech pile of tributes accumulated who were close to Lewis. All community has taken on top of the stump. In the students are free to visit the many step to honor his morning students met around counselors at any time, and memory. During their the stump to share memo- she is extending an open offer game on Saturday, the ries and comfort each other. of support to the Lewis family. boy’s basketball team Many said they were still in Those who knew Lewis observed a moment of si- shock. described him as amiable and lence. And Ms. Morrison “You always hear about kind. led the school in another kids who die in freak acci- “He was a good teammate,” moment of silence during dents,” Thudium said. “It is so said Charlie Thudium, a Ju- third period on Dec. 8. different when you know the nior at Tech who rowed with person.” crew team that people would membered. Even when people Family and friends set Lewis for two years on the up a GoFundMe campaign on “Yeah,” Oliver Van Moon, Oakland Tech crew team. “He make fun of each other, but made fun of him he wouldn’t another Junior who knew Lewis would never take part get mad. Dec. 6 and within two days it was optimistic about every- had raised $17,445. Donors Lewis, agreed. “People like thing.” in it and he would often stand Lewis’ teachers also mourn that aren’t supposed to die.” up for people, Thudium re- his loss. “His smile, which have the option of contrib- There were times on the uting money to the Oakland

(Consent Law Continued from Page 1) say that despite the awkward- cause unless you have a video and violence in that curricu- bly by adding an activity or it is important to learn about ness it might incur, the bill it is difficult to get evidence lum in addition to teaching two on consent. “Our goal these issues before college. will ultimately make campuses to support either claim.” Still about the standard of “yes is to make sure each person “Sex ed. should be a grad- safer. Hopkinson says that he would means yes.” is doing something sexually uation requirement,” Lounds “I firmly believe that by like a policy like this to be in Last year, Oakland Tech that they want to do,” she said. said. “These are things that instilling in young minds the place in his future college. created a curriculum for “This is a good conversation make you a human being that importance of affirmative con- Jade Lounds, another Tech sexual education that is taught to have with students.” respects other people.” sent and relationships built senior, has a different worry. by ninth grade biology and Matthew Colley, who While some say this is a on love and respect, that we She doesn’t think the law goes English teachers. The program teaches sex ed. to ninth grad- good start, they maintain the can reduce the sexual violence far enough or that it has come consists of ten lessons that fo- ers as part of his California law is not perfect. “There are inflicted on young women,” soon enough. “It is sad this cus on everything from STDs Studies class, said that the too many variables,” Tech se- said Sen. Kevin de León, a isn’t a thing already. This law and STIs to healthy relation- sex. ed classes at tech already nior, Allie Jang said. “It is built Los Angeles Democrat who needs to be in place to pro- ships and communication. emphasize consent as an for a really good relationship.” sponsored the bill. “Lessons tect women but it is the bare Ilsa Bertolini, who creates ongoing understanding but he The law couldn’t really help if taught today will result in saf- minimum.” curriculum for the sex educa- admitted there was room for one person in the relationship er campuses and communities While changing the legal tion classes at Tech, said that improvement. is really trying to manipulate tomorrow.” standard of consent won’t OUSD is not yet required to “I think we could do a the other one. However some question its affect current Tech students add information about sexual better job of teaching about Bertaloni, too, said she feasibility. directly, another state law on harassment and affirmative how to recognize and respond wasn’t sure how effective the “It is personally reasonable affirmative consent will. Sen- consent because sex education to sexual harassment and sex law would be. to expect verbal consent be ate bill 696, signed in October, is not technically a graduation trafficking prevention edu- “I don’t know how much given before moving forward mandates that schools with a requirement. cation” Colley said. “Perhaps it will change,” Bertaloni said. with sex,” Sam Hopkinson, a health education graduation However, she does plan to SB695 could help push us in “But it is important to open senior at Oakland Tech said. requirement incorporate in- change the course in response that direction.” up the conversation.” “But it is hard to enforce be- struction in sexual harassment to the new legislation possi- Many students agree that

(Bathrooms Continued from Page 1) so that students wouldn’t be irritation for many students. using the bathroom during long to use the bathroom and a used “sanitary napkin” on a inconvenienced, but no one As one said, “because the class. For students, this inhib- make it to class on time. As a toilet seat. ever responded. They rec- bathroom is closed, I have to its their ability to concentrate. result, many are late to class Clearly, closing the first ognize that this isn’t the best go to the one upstairs. When I With one bathroom closed, and some just settle for being floor bathrooms is not the solution for their students, but get back to class, I often have other ones receive more uncomfortable. Because so perfect solution for anyone it has been difficult to figure missed part of the lesson and traffic. This means the wait many students are using the involved. Principal Stacey out another way to reduce the have to be caught up.” As a to use the bathroom is longer same bathrooms during the Morrison said she is trying to perpetual noise that the bath- consequence, many teachers and the stalls are in worse day, they become quite messy. find a solution that works for room creates. near the closed bathroom condition than before. During There are often no paper everyone, but that this issue is The closure of the bath- have prohibited or highly dis- passing period, students are towels, broken stall doors, and a “personal matter.” rooms has been a source of couraged their students from finding that the lines are too one girl even reported finding THE SCRIBE A monthly publication run entirely by the students of Oakland Technical High School, with the support of club sponsor Ms. Haugen. Special thanks to the Oakland Tech PTSA and the Oakland Tech After-School Program for their continued generosity. Want a voice in Oakland Tech? Join the Scribe. Meetings are Mondays at lunch in room 106.2015-16 Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief: Trevor Harrison Managing Editor: Alice Gold and Joseph Harmon Staff Contributors to This Issue News Editor: Nick Pingitore and Molly Hetherwick Alice Gold, Trevor Harrison, Alice Blackorby, Sonia Aronson, Features Editors: Sophia Taylor, Laurel Hennen Vigil and Jessica Gagliardi Molly Hetherwick, Meta Austin, Jessica Gagliardi, Emma Kantor, Visuals Editors: Nadia Wohlfarth Ben Muchin, Mia Martin, Emily Percy, Nadia Wohlfarth, Illustrations Editor: Isabel Burgos Antigone Michales, Amarit Ubhi, Joseph Harmon, and Karl Keck Layout Editor: Amarit Ubhi *Front page header drawing by Fiona Gregg / The Scribe