1563 Page St., San Francisco, CA 94117

The Urban School of San Francisco January 2009 Volume 10, Issue 2

Meet zelda williams Same-sex marriage Urban = Jewish? eating on haight st. A former Urban student talks A look into the new frontier Legendbusters cracks Hattie's scoop on where about life, work and creativity of the civil rights struggle pervasive urban legend to get best, cheapest meals – page 4 – page 13 – page 7 – page 5

MLK assembly to focus on speakers, artists

by Madeleine May said. and Taylor Bostwick “Charlotte and myself, as mem- Staff Writers bers of the administration team, try to have a big picture of how this What does civil rights mean to will fit and benefit the school,” he you? said. That question is the theme of “We wanted to focus on civil Ken Garcia- this year's Month of Understand- Charlotte rights, especially in light of the Worsley Gonzales ing, which will include the Martin inauguration of Barack Hussein Luther King Jr. Assembly on Jan. the Multi-Cultural Team. Obama and also in thinking of the 15. Grammy-nominated singer- The two artists, who had been California election in November songwriter Melanie DeMore, and interested in working with each and Proposition 8,” Garcia-Gon- spoken word and hip hop artist other, were recommended to zalez said. Ise Lyfe are scheduled to perform Garcia-Gonzales by the national “I think Martin Luther King has at the assembly. non-profit organization Speak been pigeonholed as an individual DeMore and Lyfe were chosen Out. who only worked on civil rights for by Urban's new dean of multicul- Scheduled five days before the African-Americans. I like to think tural life, Ken Garcia-Gonzales, inauguration of the nation's first that he was a much more complex along with Assistant Head for African-American president, the individual than that,” said Garcia- photo courtesy of Melanie DeMore Student Life Charlotte Worsley; MLK assembly promises to be the Gonzalez. “He was someone who the Co-Curricular Diversity Com- highlight of this year's Month of cared about civil rights for all.” Melanie DeMore, scheduled to perform at Urban, mittee; and six students who form Understanding, Garcia-Gonzales continued on p. 11 gets a hug from fellow singer and activist Pete Seeger For seniors, college applications are a test of endurance by Sam Kronish Staff Writer College applications: The bane mit my first college application Vegas,” recalled Justine Palefsky zen,“ complained Noah St. James According to college counselor of every senior’s existence. How through the website, the day before (’09). She finally submitted her (’09). Suzanne Schutte,the class of 2009 is do we survive them? the deadline,” said Rebecca Small UC application “while sitting in a Former Director of College "the largest group of college bound The answer seems to be: With (’09). massage chair in a Brookstone in Counseling Dan Murphy remem- seniors ever," making the applica- hard work, help from friends, and “Everything was fine until I the Venetian,” a Las Vegas hotel. bered past years as similarly hectic. tion process even more competi- a little luck. got to the supplement section,” “After I pressed submit, I got a “One of my horror stories is a tive. It is also Urban's biggest class, Urban seniors applying to Small said. “No matter what I did, I high five from the man who had student coming the day before an with a whopping 90 students. For college said that electronic com- couldn't get my responses to paste been sitting in the chair next to me application is due and asking for teachers, that means a lot of letters plications, conflicting deadlines, in the boxes …. I was just about for about 20 minutes using a foot essay revisions, and then the essay to compose. History teacher Leroy and factors beyond their control to start (retyping) when a more massager,” Palefsky said. is really awful — (and me) not Votto wrote 21 recommendations heightened stress this season. tech-savvy person told me that the But creative thinking couldn’t knowing whether the student is this year. For example, the online Com- supplement section would only solve some complications. A fire coming for a blessing or the student Whatever the woes, Urban mon Application used by many work in Firefox.” alarm at The Bay School went off is really willing to go back to basics senior Julia Evans is optimistic. students is eco-friendly and fast, Deadline issues were common. during an SAT reasoning test last and really write something.” “The average life span for kids our but often resulted in unexpected “I had been procrastinating a lot December. Test-takers were forced “I sleep better at night now age is about 80 years,” she notes. problems. on my UC application and ended to shuffle on outside into the cold, being removed from this process,” “High school is only four of those “I was finally going to sub- up having to do most of it in (Las) “It completely disrupted my test Murphy said. 80.” Inside the newsroom The Legend staff watches history unfold on Nov. 4

by Sam Kronish and of many important swing states readers stop reading the paper, Alex Roncal had not been counted yet. he said. In the hours before the real Just as Buehl and Gordon Staff Writers chaos began, Proctor explained arrived at his desk, Mina was What would it be like to wit- how his college major in history handing out copies of the five ness one of the most monumen- had helped him as a journalist. possibilities for the front page tal nights in journalism history “Good journalism puts events layout, which varied depending from the frontlines? On Nov. 4, in context,” he said. on the outcome of the election. members of The Urban Legend Each Legend editor spent There was a draft for if Obama found out when they journeyed 30 minutes with a Chronicle won in a landslide; there was a to the San Francisco Chronicle member who edits topics similar design for if the two candidates to observe and learn about to their own. Celine Buehl (’09) were closely matched until the what goes on in a professional and Allegra Gordon (’10) went end; there was even a cover newsroom. to the layout section, where finalized for the unlikely pos- Steve Proctor, deputy manag- Tracy Cox and Frank Mina, sibility that McCain might steal ing editor of the Chronicle, kept along with many other editors, the election. The layout editors one eye on the flickering televi- spend countless hours trying to were well-prepared, so that no sion screen as he answered the properly display each article in surprise could hit them. questions of the Legend staff. It a comprehensive way that will Isabel Moore (’11) met with photo by Isabel Moore was 6 p.m., and the results of the please the reader. photo editor Dan Jung. He was Steve Proctor, deputy managing editor of the San presidential election were com- “Think of the reader when sitting at his desk, furiously ing in fast. Although Democratic laying out,” Cox advised. Layout searching through photos that Francisco Chronicle, showed the Legend staff around the presidential candidate Barack editors try to avoid any visual had been taken minutes before busy newsroom on the night of Obama's election victory Obama held the lead, the votes problems that would make the continued on p. 11

[email protected] my.highschooljournalism.org/ca/sanfrancisco/urban Please recycle 2 January 2009 news The Urban Legend Urbanitems A quick look at How to fight the awful flu bug what's happening in our community Sarah Maccabee Achoo, Staff Writer Thus Inauguration Fever It’s that time of year again… Begins Washington D.C. may be coughs, sneezes and congested The Flu far away, but that isn’t stop- sniffles are noises that populate This poster, ping several Urban students the air as frequently as car honks dating from from attending the Presiden- or slamming doors. tial Inauguration on Jan. 20. In especially brutal past years, the 1930s, by Alec Page (’11), Matthew the flu has spread like a wildfire of artist Robert Heiden (’09), Rebecca Small contagion. However, statistics pro- Storm Petersen, (’09), and Spencer Terris vided from a Google project that is from the (’10) will all be making the trip tracks flu trends all over the United National Library with their families to witness States show that the effects of the the historic ceremony. Clara virus have been mild this year. of Medicine. It Hendrickson (’12) and Carla In California, there was minimal appeared in an Tamayo (’10), members of the infection throughout the summer exhibit earlier San Francisco Girls Chorus, months and the rate has only risen this year at will be performing at the to a low level since September. Flu the National ceremony. Although the rest trends can be tracked at http:// of us have school that day, www.google.org/flutrends/. Academy of Assistant Head for Student Even with a mild virus trend, Sciences in Life Charlotte Worsley has ar- illnesses such as the common cold Washington, D.C. ranged a schedule change to and flu can be like plagues for small Photo courtesy allow a school-wide viewing communities like Urban, and it of the live inauguration. is important to take precautions of National in such a high-contact environ- Academy Urban presence ment. Germs are picked up on the at annual diversity hands and then transferred to the conference face where they enter the body. While washing hands frequently are available for about $34.97 on- don’t want to miss out on school, in fresh air actually chases out bad 12 Urban students and faculty and avoiding touching the eyes, line at healthfoodemporium.com. but staying home when you’re bacteria. Cool air also creates more attended the People of Color nose or mouth do act as safeguards, Or, you can build your own kit by sick helps prevent the spread of humidity in a home. Overheated Conference (POCC) and doctors are introducing individu- purchasing the items individually disease,” says Dr. Sara Buckelew, spaces generate dry air, which Student Diversity Leader- als to “Advanced Hygiene,” a more at various health food stores. a pediatrics specialist at UC-San is the ideal living condition for ship Conference (SDLC) that intensive system to help avoid vi- Catching a bug causes a le- Francisco. viruses. took place this December ruses. Advanced hygiene is proven thargic mood and interferes There are many misconcep- School counselor Kaern Krey- in New Orleans, Louisiana. to be effective because it moves with student’s and teachers busy tions about what actually causes ling’s beliefs about “mind and From Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, the past the simple stage of hand schedules. “It is almost impossible sickness. Both the flu and cold are body wellness” delve further into six Urban students joined washing, and improves hygiene to work when I am sick. If I am at caused by viruses, which means the idea of taking care of oneself 1,211 peers from around the practices so the body is able to school, I am miserable. When I go they can only be passed from per- in the most basic ways. country at the New Orleans focus more on sustaining the im- home it is hard to catch up,” says son to person. Buckelew cleared up Attending to sleep a little more Convention Center in the sec- mune system. Advanced hygiene Taylor Bostwick, (’10). some old wives' tales about illness, consciously and “getting to know ond biggest POCC/SDLC in recommends washing with natural Although missing school and saying, “leaving the window open one’s own sleep patterns” can re- history. Participants attended soap, a water, sea salt and dilute getting behind on work can seem and going out with wet hair don’t ally influence the way you feel, workshops, discussions, and iodine solution face wash and overwhelming, it ultimately ben- actually cause sickness.” Kreyling says, adding that it’s heard from speakers such fingernail cleansing. Advanced efits your health. “In places that are In fact, studies prove that crack- “the simple stuff” that helps out as Sidney Poitier, the civil hygiene kits made by Clenzology high-stress environments, people ing open a window and allowing most. rights activist, Oscar winning actor, and former associate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Young oral historian explores race in South Green team con- by Sarah Rowley her for our oral history civil rights mented as well as learned. What was 13, I moved to McComb and Guest Writer project. We all had the privilege better learning experience than to entered Denman Junior High test winners of working with Howard Levin, learn it with hands-on activity? It School, which is the local junior The school-wide Go Green Howard Levin, Urban's director who is the director of technol- really puts learning into a whole high school for the McComb school Challenge will finish up its of technology, is "on a mission" to ogy at The Urban School of San district. final week on Feb. 5.After teach high school students how to Francisco. This collaboration was "Growing up in the I had always felt like I was dif- eight weeks of pledging to take oral histories of people in their outstanding and was one of the South, segregation is ferent. I felt like I could not hold a reduce carbon emissions, communities. In November, Levin best experiences I have ever had friendship with those of any other the class with the biggest traveled to McComb, Miss., to work as a student. not a secret ... race except my own. Growing up improvement will receive a with Teacher Vickie Malone's class, I have lived in the small town it is still shown each in the South, segregation is not trophy plus some reusable including student Sarah Rowley, a of McComb, Mississippi for most a secret, unfortunately; it is still waterbottles. high school junior. Below is an essay of my life. I never knew so much day." —Rowley shown each day. Racism is not an she wrote, describing her experience. history could exist in such a small instinct; it is learned. You are not Legend articles Read more about the Oral History Ar- town. There are so many elders new category. It makes learning born with racism in your heart. chives Project at www.tellingstories. who have stories that go along fun and exciting. Racism is learned from what you recognized org.—The Editors with history that people, especially My early years in school were are exposed to. young adults like myself, need to spent in a small private academy in At the beginning of my junior Three articles from the last On Nov. 13, I stepped into the hear. Brookhaven, Mississippi, and were year, I joined Mrs. Malone’s issue of The Urban Legend home of Mrs. Patsy Ruth Butler, The history here, as well as extremely sheltered. I never talked second-period local culture class. I were picked up by the Ameri- along with my fellow classmates. across the country, is important to anyone of a different race until was informed that seven students can Society of Newspaper We had the honor of interviewing to students and needs to be docu- I was about 13 years old. When I continued on p. 11 Editors (ASNE) National Edi- tion, an online paper compiled from student papers around the country. The selected ar- Sideline is a sports website you can't miss. ticles were written by Legend UrbanDig student Thi Asher Kings Abramson ('09) created his own Football can be brutal. The competition brings viewers to the edge staff members Adrienne Von f i n d sports comedy site. Check it out at http://www.freewebs.com/ of their bleachers as they cry, applaud, and boo for their teams. However, football has another aspect that is hardly ever explored: Schulthess (’11), Scott Lucas triberocks4/ the humor underneath the competition. Asher King Abramson (’09) (’09) and Justine Palefsky says “in August of 2007”, he was inspired to fill this gap. He tells (’09). me, there was already a “Baseball Dugout…but none for football CORRECTIONS and I was a reasonable football fan.” The authors of the “Baseball In the article “Lean, Mean, Dugout” created the website intending to bring humor to a game Green…and Polo?” (Nov. that is often met with scandals involving love affairs or steroids. Just 2008), the Segway polo team like this format, Asher’s new website, Sideline, finds the humor in every new football tabloid. And it does jostle the funny bone. Asher the Sacramento Gold Rush says he will sometimes “just browse ESPN or other newsworthy was inaccurately referred sources” for inspiration to create the comical piece in the form of an to as the Sacramento Gold instant message dialogue, complete with pictures, screen names, Rushers. The Legend regrets and fun.

the error. Thi s i ssu e' nt e rn t by Alan Hsiao Staff Writer

January 2009 News The Urban Legend 3 The end of the road A slip of paper documenting votes records Haight’s hopes for change

The 2008 presidential race was one of minds. Among these propositions were the longest this country has ever experi- ones that banned gay-marriage, prohib- enced. Almost two years and 1.5 billion ited the cruel confinement of California’s dollars after the race’s inception, the pigs, cows and chickens, and demanded people of America came out to the polls parental notification on teenage abor- and elected Senator Barack Obama as tion. the next president. The road was long, While the propositions confused carefully orchestrated, and extensively many with their complexity, some voters financed, but what any election really were glad to have the chance to vote comes down to is each individual on the issues. “I used to be registered vote cast in local polling places in Connecticut where you didn’t have throughout the nation, from all the propositions,” said a 25 year-old Washington D.C. to Haight Haight resident who identified himself Street. as John. “Even though (the propositions) Chris Shaheen, 45, was are more minor than the election, we do using a big red plastic have the chance to make a difference in jug to fill up his white our own state.” Ford pickup truck at “No on 8” campaigner Kerry Egdell the corner of Oak and also was more concerned with proposi- Ashbury streets in tions than presidents. San Francisco’s Haight On election day, Egdell was stand- Ashbury neighborhood. ing on the corner of Oak and Masonic Having run out of gas, he streets, holding a “No on 8” sign in one was anxious about getting to a hand and waving at cars with the other. polling place in time to vote for the In a blue state where there is often next president of the United States. little doubt about who will win the pres- It was after 8 A.M., and Shaheen was idential vote, the real nail-biters during already late for work. California elections are often the propo- “I am thankful that I live in a blue sitions. Egdell is an openly gay man state,” said Shaheen. “I tell you, I have a who has been married to his husband brother who is ex-Marine jarhead and he for 35 years. They are legally married in will probably always vote Republican.” Canada. He was scared that Proposition Shaheen was one of an estimated 13.8 8, which bans gay marriage in Califor- million Californians who made their nia, would pass, noting that “there is a way to the polls on Nov. 4. Exit inter- lot of passion among the fundamentalist views with voters in the Haight showed Christians” whom he calls “irrational” that the local public leaned mostly and “psychotic.” toward Obama. Egdell also said that “money wins Nicole Wuthe, a student at USF, elections,” but that the controversy over reflected the enthusiasm of her younger Prop 8 proves that you “can’t stop an age group. “There are Obama posters idea” and that he plans to continue his in every window of my dorm,” said work for marriage equality. Wuthe, 19. Moreover, she believed Even with the record turnout, there that most of her school was voting for were still some people who decided Obama; she knew only two McCain sup- against voting. Two men at the corner porters. of Haight and Masonic, who identi- Maria Ramona Sanchez, 32, offered fied themselves as Elijah and Morgan, a fresh perspective on the election, one explained that they did not vote in this that differed from the typical Haight election for ideological reasons. street dweller. “I am an anarchist,” said Elijah, point- Sanchez claimed that she doesn’t let ing to the “A” symbol drawn on his her opinion depend on the candidates ripped jeans. “I don’t believe in voting.” promoted by the media. She voted for Morgan, 21, petted his panting dog as Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party he explained why he intended to with- presidential nominee. “They say Obama hold his vote. “We don’t even choose the is change,” she smiled. “I think (McKin- electoral college,” he said, “and there’s ney) is real change.” something wrong with having only two On the corner of Haight and Cole, a parties.” man who identified himself only as Bob Still, for most voters, Nov. 4 was a calmly walked away from the hectic day to express their San Francisco beliefs polling station. on a national scale. Bob, 18, was in a serene mood Jose Guardardo, a 28-year-old man while people ran frantically around from the Haight, said that this was only him. People were rushing to work, but his second time at the polls. “Voting Bob didn’t care if he was late. He had is so important on a conceptual level,” decided to take his time, and to vote for he said. Like millions of other Ameri- Ralph Nader. cans on this historic day, Guardardo “I don’t agree with either Barack believed his single vote would make a Obama or John McCain,” said Bob. “I major difference “(This is) probably the feel that Nader is the best choice.” Bob, most important election in my lifetime,” who calls himself a libertarian, said that he said, with a smile. he believed that “Nader is the only good choice out there.” Bob also said that too —This article was reported by Taylor many people agree only partially with Bostwick, Madeleine May, Celine Buehl, one of the major candidates and have to Tobyn Smith, Sarah Maccabee, Lizzie Logan, compromise their ideals. Justine Palefsky and Allegra Gordon, and Although most of the attention was written by Justine Palefsky and Tobyn seemed to be directed towards the presi- Smith. Pollworker Amelia Koster (‘09) holds a receipt listing votes dential election, several propositions on cast at Urban. —Photo by Isabel Moore the California ballot also were on voters’ January 2009 features The Urban Legend 4 Urban Author Zelda Williams Visits Urban Traces Gold During Press Tour for Film Rush Roots by Sarah Maccabee by Sebastian Gutierrez Staff Writer Guest Writer fantastical and musical take on Shakespeare’s On a chilly evening in No- A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It focuses less on vember, a modest crowd gath- In a fetching black jacket and jeans, with the plot of the play than it does on the aspect ered at the California Historical shoulder-length hair, Zelda Williams strolls of Puck making people fall in love with each Society in San Francisco to hear into the place that served as her high school other, causing general mischief. In the movie, Frances Dinkelspiel discuss her for two years. the role of Puck falls to Timothy, an openly new book, Towers of Gold, How One Jewish Immigrant Named Williams recently visited Urban during a gay high school student in a narrow minded Isaias Hellman Created California. press tour for her new film, Were The World all boys school. Timothy is played by Tanner Dinkelspiel, an Urban alumna, Mine. She was nice enough to take time out of Cohen. Williams plays his “heteroflexible” was enthusiastic to share the her busy schedule to talk to the Legend about best friend, who lives by herself and always hard work she’d put into her the movie and her memories of attending carries her guitar. book over the past several Urban. One day, while rehearsing for A Midsum- years. Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin mer Night’s Dream, Timothy has the brilliant, Isaias Hellman is Dinkel- Williams, had a shortened high school expe- if ill-advised, idea to turn his entire town gay spiel’s great-great-grandfather, rience. She had missed a good portion of her so that they can walk around in his shoes for and Towers of Gold is about his influence on the life and mod- freshman year to shoot a film with her father, a little bit. photo by Isabel Moore ernizing of Californian finance. which contributed significantly to her decision Williams is adamant that the film is not Two makes trouble Zelda “The drive to understand where to leave school early. preaching to a particular choir. It’s just try- Williams and co-star Tanner Cohen strike we come from is very strong in Williams went on to travel with her fam- ing to tell a sweet and innocent love story. a pose in the Student Center at Urban this country,” said Dinkelspiel ily, but she got a lot out of her time at Urban. It was apparently very close to director Tom at her book reading. Hellman More than anything, she said, she loved how Gustafson’s heart, seeing as it is based on a founded Wells Fargo Bank, and the school embraces individuality and people short film that he also directed. to two books, the titles of which she could not helped tame and shape Califor- who love to do different things. She especially Were The World Mine has played a quite a few disclose, and she is working at her job at the nia’s “wild financial west.” loved the photography class, taught by Chris festivals world wide, and has won numerous fashion brand. Hellman was part of a group of Jews from Central Europe McCall. awards, including the top prize at Outfestival It seems certain that Williams will be busy who immigrated to California Williams' approach to life has been a case in Los Angeles. As of press time, it has been for the foreseeable future. in 1859. He began with a dry of learning by doing. She has moved into a made available to the general public in limited goods store that provided a apartment in Los Angeles, where she is keeping release. GOT IDEAS? small bank in the back area for busy with acting jobs, as well as representing a As the interview wrapped up, Zelda was If you have suggestions for future customers. He proceeded to fashion brand, and getting a fledgling produc- anxious to walk around and see everyone articles, or are interested in writing establish a banking company tion company off the ground. from her time at Urban. Her hectic life doesn't an article, don't hesitate to email called The Farmers and Mer- She also plans to complete her education. leave her much time for catching up with old Features Editor Céline Buehl: chants Bank. Hellman offered As she puts it, “You’re never not gonna have friends: She has recently finished filming three low interest rates, and it wasn’t long before men began placing anything to learn.” more movies; she has started a production [email protected] their money with him. Her new movie, Were The World Mine, is a company, for which she has bought the rights This first successful banking endeavor was the beginning of Hellman’s career in Californian industry. He purchased more banks and became a builder, an investor and a philanthropist. Asia meets Islam at Sunset eatery He built up a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness, and transformed the previously by Sam Kronish and the West Lake Lamb Dumpling — are “agricultural California” into a well-worth ordering. The Cumin Lamb of- profitable and thriving indus- Staff Writer fers an intense, stir-fried salty experience “This place offers up salty trial state. accentuated by green onions, with the cumin deliciousness. The perfect When asked whether it was Onion pancakes. Hot Braised Gao Lamb Ribs. supplying heat and echoing Middle Eastern emotionally difficult for her Special Hot Pot Lamb with Green Onion: These and even Indian cuisine. The dumpling is cure for super-cold to research and write about a Asian dishes sound familiar, but at one San juicy and lightly spiced, though the broth member of her own family, Din- Francisco restaurant, they’re served up with a in which it’s served is scathingly hot. Thin San Francisco days." kelspiel answered that she had Middle Eastern twist. The result is a surprising stuffed pancakes, which come in three varia- – Graham Wong, Diner been a journalist for 20 years, fusion that piques the palate even in a city that tions — original, onion, or beef — are a tasty and “loved dirt.” However, she prides itself on culinary diversity. accompaniment. said she was not attempting to Old Mandarin Islamic is a tiny Muslim- The Sunset can be cold and grey in winter, write a hagiography. Being a Chinese fusion restaurant tucked away in the but this restaurant is definitely worth the trek. relative rather than a scholar outskirts of the Sunset District. At first, the small Whether you’re looking for a unique dinner gave her different insight on shop is easy to miss, blending in with the many experience, unusual take-out or a safe place the story, and also served to other family restaurants populating the avenues to take refuge from a winter storm, this warm place herself in the narrative, near Ocean Beach. I discovered the restaurant and affordable eatery is a great destination. she said. by chance, ducking in when a freak hailstorm Dinkelspiel is an Urban hit during a weekend walk. alum (’77) who recalls the no- Old Mandarin exudes a warm, friendly fam- Where: Old Mandarin table Dan Murphy. She found ily feel, and the noise level is never disruptive. the teaching at Urban to be Stop in at the end of the day, and you might see Islamic, 3132 Vicente inspiring in general, because the famous Ocean Beach sunset from the front (between 42 Avenue and it encouraged independent window, casting a mellow glow over the tables. thinking. Those who see the Middle East solely in terms 43 Avenue) What advice does Dinkel- of its fiery political relationship with the U.S. spiel have for aspiring writ- should stop into Old Mandarin for a wonder- Dishes to try: Stuffed ers? Write as much as possible ful little wake-up call. No matter who you are pancakes, lamb dishes through journal entries, news- or what your nationality, the place couldn’t be paper articles, and blogs: “The more welcoming and hospitable. Watch out for: Rice not more you write, the better you Political digressions aside, the service is fast included with the meal get.” She suggested recording and the prices affordable. Despite the fusion ap- as many life experiences as pos- proach, traditional Chinese dishes still dominate Quality of service: Fast sible. Anything, from travels the menu (just don’t make the mistake of asking and attentive Do salivate to volunteer work to simply for Mu Shu Pork). Yet each gets a fresh spin that taking a walk can be turned Mongolian Chicken (at top) and Spicy sets it apart from run-of-the-mill restaurant Price: Appetizers from into essays or fiction. food. $6, entrees from $10 Chicken Chow Mein (bottom) pique Towers of Gold is published by The chicken chow mein, with its thick noodles the palate (photo by Sam Kronish). St. Martin’s Press and is avail- and chili oil, is particularly savory. And the two able at bookstores for $29.95. signature lamb dishes — Mandarin Cumin Lamb 5 January 2009 features The Urban Legend Fast, Cheap and Toasted Introducing Hattie on Haight, our bagel-savvy consumer sleuth URBAN: All of my friends like to eat on Haight Street, but I just don’t have the financial nd now, in conjunction with means to do so. What can I do?

common knowledge guru Hattie: Dear reader, don’t fret. You can get a bagel with butter and jam for under $2 at both Hattie McHaightStreet, The Squat & Gobble and Bluefront Café. A cup of soup at Squat & Gobble is $3.75. Get some- thing that comes with chips or fries, they make great snacks later on! AUrban Legend is proud to present a URBAN: Oops! I forgot to buy a snack for my sports team/advisory/strangely-themed series of tips designed to help you club! Where can I buy in bulk?

eat well on Haight Street. Hattie: If you want this group of people to really appreciate you, check out the in-season fruits at the Haight Street Market. If you don’t want to pay that much, most people like What? What did you just say? You Doritos from New Lite Market (the corner store). A bag of Doritos will run you 99 cents say that you don’t need any tips? and oranges will run you $1.99 per pound. That after going to this school for URBAN: I’m a vegetarian/vegan/lactose-intolerant/super-picky. Where can I get some- some odd years you know all you thing with no animal products? Hattie: Bluefront has salads starting at $6.45, all of which come with bread, and an entire need to know about Haight Street vegetarian menu starting at $4.95. El Balazo can make a bean and rice burrito for $5.45. For those of you who like tofu, check out Best Of Thai Noodle, or Asqew Grill’s marinated dining and have no use for our list tofu. of tips? That unlike everyone else in URBAN: That healthy stuff sounded disgusting. When is dessert? this economic downturn, you have Hattie: If your sweet tooth has grown into an entire set of teeth, there is no place like Ben & plenty of dollars to spend on what- Jerry’s. Remember to ask for samples. Best Of Thai Noodle has desserts that aren’t found everywhere, like fried banana with ice cream for $4.95. For sweet and really cheap, there ever you desire? is nothing like a 37-cent Lindt truffle from the Student Center (swallow your pride, upper- classmen, you used to hang out there, too). Crepes A Go-Go is good-good too, especially if Well, riddle me this: Where would you like Nutella. Mmmm … Nutella … what was I talking about, again? our world be without tips? Would URBAN: Food. Hattie, you have just been so helpful for finding what to eat on Haight our great country have won its bat- Street! What else can you tell me that will help me make the best culinary decisions pos- tle for independence without Paul sible? Hattie: A few things to remember: Coffee To The People’s sizes are small, medium, large. If Revere’s ever-so-helpful tip that you say “tall,” “venti” or “grande,” they will death-glare you all the way back to the Star- bucks in Laurel Village. Also at CTTP, the orders aren’t shouted out very often, so listen the British were coming? And who closely. This is also true at Bluefront, where your orders are not always ready in order, so knows what would have happened if listen for your number. And keep exploring! This was only a sampling of the foods readily accessible within the one-block radius of the school, but there are others, like Massawa, the Richard Nixon’s secrets hadn’t been Ethiopian restaurant. And remember to share! revealed in Deep Throat’s late night … what’s the word again? Oh yeah, TIP! Think about it, we tip everything from cows to icebergs to waiters … which brings us back to Haight Street. So, without further ado, we now present the first segment of Tips with Hattie McHaightStreet. First, however, you probably want to know: Who is Hattie? Hattie McHaightStreet is a teenager just like you. She likes hoodies, Tetris, and composting. And she loves to eat out. If you have discovered a wond- derful Haight Street eatery or would like to suggest a topic for Hattie’s next set of tips, let us know! You can write to Hattie’s Urban Legend lia- sons, Taylor Bostwick and Lizze Lo- gan, at [email protected] and [email protected].

illustration by Alan Hsiao, Céline Buehl, Lizzie Logan, and Justine Palefsky 6 January 2009 Features The Urban Legend Speaking truth to power Historically, the president-elect has chosen a poet to write a poem and read it at the inaugural ceremony, on the day that he is sworn into office. The words of a presidential poet often act as an introduction to a new president’s deep- est thoughts. John F. Kennedy chose Robert Frost, whose poems elevated the common man; Bill Clinton chose Maya Angelou, who chronicles black America. This year, President-Elect Barack Obama chose his friend, Elizabeth Alex- ander. As well as being a published poet, Alexander is a professor of African-American studies at Yale University. Her poems often deal with issues such as race, gender and politics. Below is one of her poems. —Nora Lalle

Ars Poetica #100: I Believe

Poetry, I tell my students, is idiosyncratic. Poetry

is where we are ourselves, (though Sterling Brown said

“Every ‘I’ is a dramatic ‘I’”) digging in the clam flats

for the shell that snaps, emptying the proverbial pock- etbook.

Poetry is what you find in the dirt in the corner,

overhear on the bus, God in the details, the only way

to get from here to there. Poetry (and now my voice is rising)

is not all love, love, love, and I’m sorry the dog died.

Poetry (here I hear myself loudest) is the human voice,

and are we not of interest to each other?

—Elizabeth Alexander

Illustration by Anneli Eddy (‘10) January 2009 Features The Urban Legend 7 The Urban Legend takes on, well, urban legends Lizzie Logan digs for the truth behind a rumor: How many Urban students are Jewish?

In a small school like Urban, rumors spread the poll, the “what are your religious beliefs?” ques- quickly and turn into the stuff of legend. Often, we tion drew answers ranging from “Quakerism” to accept commonly held beliefs as fact. But we are not “atheist” to “alien conspiracy.” Clearly, Judaism is naïve. There’s truth and error out there, and it’s the not the only faith tradition represented at Urban. job of the paper, your news source for what’s true at The bottom line: Urban’s more diverse than some Urban, to figure it out. So, legends — prepare to be think. And while religion is always a sensitive topic busted. for schools, it seems clear that Jews at Urban are just The legend: Urban’s student population is part of a religious mix. overwhelmingly Jewish. According to the “You Following are comments from students who Know You’re From Urban When …” Facebook page, responded to the survey: “You’re Jewish. Regardless of what your parents told you, you’re Jewish, damnit.” At the beginning • “It’s not that big of a deal. I don’t of this year, Head of School Mark Salkind had to think it matters.” remind us that Urban is not, in fact, religiously af- • “Sometimes it feels like it’s “un- filiated, and that cancelling school on some Jewish cool” to be religious.” holidays was a logistical decision based on expected • “At Urban, I feel like it’s better to attendance. be Jewish. It almost includes you more. The facts: In an effort to examine this legend, we And talking about Christmas here feels polled Urban students about their religious affilia- awkward.” tions. The poll was open to all students from Dec. 17 • “Yes, we miss school days and hear to Dec. 29. Respondents included 39 ninth graders, jokes in the hallways, but I haven’t ever 41 tenth and twelfth graders and 49 eleventh grad- experienced it in any hugely divisive ers, or about 60 percent of the student population. way. (But I am a Jew. Maybe it does af- According to the data (see box at left), it is clear fect people and I just don’t know it.)” that Jewish students do make up a substantial mi- • “People get pretty upset if you say nority of respondents, though not a majority of the the wrong thing.” student body. • “If given the opporunity, people The fact that Jews make up a sizeable minority with other beliefs might feel there is a at Urban is not a result of admissions decisions, little more free space to express their according to Liz Wiebe, assistant director of admis- own personal heritage, and perhaps as sions. a whole the school could feel rich with Wiebe says that the department “does not track heritage(s) of many types. (Judaism)” and that the optional ethnicity section • “Does it really matter?” of the application “is not a big factor” in reviewing applications. And students seem to be exploring as well as Got any myths to bust? Email Lizzie Logan at identifying with religious beliefs, no matter how [email protected] they grew up or what faith their parents follow. In

How much do YOU know about the Secret Life of Greg Monfils? We asked Greg Monfils to answer 10 questions about himself. Then, we asked his student-friend, Emma Cornwell, his advisee, Lucas Todd, and his office-sharing buddy, Laurie Williams, the same 10 questions to see who knows Greg the best. Look below to see how it played out!

TOPICS Greg Monfils Emma Cornwell Luke Todd Laurie Williams

Typical lunch Leftovers from home Chocolate Sandwiches Never brings lunch

Superpower he’d like to have Get off butt and do something for Ability to read minds and be The power to know everything Already has superpowers loved ones invisible

Celebrity crush Peggy Lee (when he was young) Penelope Cruz Judi Dench Not too impressed by celebrities

Favorite fruit Pears, mangoes, tomatoes Tomatoes Apples Never seen him eat one

Favorite Urban events One Acts, Peer Ed Theatre, con- Winter Production, One Acts Peer Ed Theatre Performing with Rock, Paper, certs, first and last days of school Death

Three words to describe Greg Still ... Not ... Sure Jolly, pensive, generous Funny, clever, ancient Gregarious

Favorite Greek myth Prometheus and Icarus Oedipus Gilgamesh, Oedipus Rex He has many

Favorite aspect of Urban The kids The student-teacher relationships The students The kids

As a kid, I wanted to be ... Superman A bus driver A lawyer A grownup

Perfect Sunday Breakfast in a cafe, hike, eat din- Sleep, eat, breathe, read Reading, walking, contemplating Being a good person, and enjoy- ner, play piano and read things, being an intellectual ing good food and good friends

Results 100% 40% 30% 10% January 2009 arts The Urban Legend 8 In Gonzo, the Doctor Is In Documentary profiles journalist's work, lifestyle by Tobyn Smith Staff Writer He was later ‘recommended’ for an honorable discharge after his commanding officer wrote in a The theater is quiet. Devoted personal memo that “this air- fans are dressed in classic Hunter man, although talented, will not S. Thompson attire: White bucket be guided by policy.” After his hats, Hawaiian shirts, and light- discharge, Thompson wandered green aviator sunglasses. Then the from job to job. good doctor appears on screen, For a short time, he worked not “advocating drugs, alcohol, both at Time magazine and The or insanity for anyone” and the Middletown Daily Record. He was audience erupts in laughter. Actor fired from both;Time because of in- Johnny Depp begins to narrate subordination, and The Middletown the fantastic story of Hunter S. Daily Record because of reckless- Thompson. ness , including destroying office The documentary is called equipment and arguing about Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. certain advertisements that were Hunter S. Thompson. Its director is being presented in the paper. Frus- Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Darkside trated with New York, Thompson and Enron: The Smartest Guys in traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico the Room ). It premiered on Jan. 20, to work as a sports reporter at El Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures 2008 at the Sundance Film Festival. Sportivo, a local paper. Later, El I had to wait until September to Sportivo collapsed and Thompson Despite the ”stomping,” scenes allow the viewer to have take a glimpse of this unbelievable was left without a job. He became Thompson died at the age of Thompson’s story made journal- a closer view of what Thompson documentary; I saw it at the Red a freelance journalist who submit- 67 by a self-inflicted gunshot to ism history by introducing a new was all about. All of the footage of Vic on Haight Street. Fortunately, ted many of his articles to the New the head. Despite his early death, writing style called gonzo journal- it's now out on DVD. York Herald Tribune. he influenced many writers. Steve Hunter explaining his campaign is ism, in which a writer combines quite hilarious. Dr. Hunter S. Thompson was While living in Glen Ellen, Proctor, deputy managing editor objective reporting and first- Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. born July 18, 1937 in Louisville, Calif, Hunter was approached of the San Francisco Chronicle, said person storytelling. The author is Hunter S. Thompson is a fascinating Ky. In school he excelled in sports by editors from The Nation, who that Thompson’s death was “a constantly present; in fact, gonzo look at the many different views and writing; his favorite sport was asked Thompson to write a story departure as loud and aggressive stories often pay more attention to on the life of Thompson and his baseball. Along with sports and about his experiences with the as his arrival.” For many, the good what the author is doing than to career as a journalist/writer. The writing, Hunter’s other pasttime infamous Hells Angels motorcycle doctor will be forever missed. the events that are taking place. A film coincides with the release of a was getting into trouble. He was gang. Thompson spent the next I thoroughly enjoyed this film. famous example of gonzo journal- book under the same name as the often called out for his behavior year chronicling his encounters, The narration was great and the ism is Thompson’s famous novel: film. and disrespect towards authority although the relationship fell apart movie informative. My favorite Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A I give this film five stars and figures. Thompson’s journalistic after the Angels beat up Thompson scenes were when Hunter followed Savage Journey into the Heart of the hope everyone gets a chance career took flight after a three- over allegations that he was profit- the Hell’s Angels, and Hunter’s American Dream. to watch Hunter’s antics them- year stint in the U.S. Air Force. ing from his work. campaign for Aspen sheriff. Both selves.

Senior Oscar Buzz Centers on Streep, Ledger by Sebastian Gutierrez close to touching him. winter art Special to the Legend Best Supporting Actress: This It is that time of year, the time any one is probably the hardest to show critic looks forward to with bated call. There are a myriad of people breath: Oscar season. The influx of who could be contenders. Pe- quality movies is astounding, and nelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Bar- this year is no exception. Last year celona"), Amy Adams ("Doubt"), WHO was a fantastic year for movies, Viola Davis ("Doubt"), Kate and this year’s Oscar awards will Winslet ("The Reader"), Maggie 21 participating seniors - be some of the most competitive Gyllenhaal ("The Dark Knight"), ever. Here are my predictions of Taraji P. Henson ("The Curious approximately 22% of the what will be nominated come Feb. Case of Benjamin Button"), and 22. Seeing as a few of these movies Rosemary DeWitt ("Rachel Get- haven’t been made available to me senior class ting Married") are all worthy of at the time I am writing this, this recognition. is my educated guess. These are my predictions based on what the Best Animated: Like Best Sup- WHAT critics are saying and the history of porting Actor, this one has Academy choices. already been won. Sure, "Kung An outpouring of art that Photo courtesy of mctcampus.com Fu Panda" was a lot of fun, and Best Picture: If I know anything, I yes, "Madagascar 2 "and "Bolt" would put my money on "Frost/ animated movie of the year with were decent enough. But come includes everything from Best Actress: Meryl Streep has Nixon", "The Dark Knight", "The "WALL-E". These are shoo-ins for on. How can a fat panda, a talk- been getting a lot of buzz for her Curious Case of Benjamin Button", best director noms, for sure. ing lion, and a dog with identity frog brains to gingko leaves role as a vicious nun in "Doubt", "Milk", and "Doubt" getting nomi- issues compete with the genius and since Academy voters love nated. If I was running the show, I Best Actor: Frank Langella is the that is "WALL-E"? would put "In Bruges" and "WALL- easy favorite with his powerful her, they expect to see her name on the list of nods. Other possibles E" in there, but don’t bet on it. portrayal of Richard Nixon in Best Adapted Screenplay: Yet include Cate Blanchett ("The Cu- "Frost/Nixon". Other favorites in- another category with too many rious Case of Benjamin Button"), where Best Director: Ron Howard gives a clude Mickey Rourke as a washed- great choices to pick just one. Kate Winslet ("Revolutionary political drama unlike any we have up wrestler in "The Wrestler", Brad Expect "Doubt", "The Curious Road"), Anne Hathaway ("Rachel The second-floor hallways seen in "Frost/Nixon". Christopher Pitt as a man who ages backwards Case of Benjamin Button", "Revo- Getting Married"), and Angelina Nolan makes the best superhero in "The Curious Case of Benjamin lutionary Road", "Frost/Nixon", Jolie ("Changeling") of Urban movie ever as well as a crime epic Button", Sean Penn as Harvey Milk and "The Dark Knight" to grace good enough to stand with "The in "Milk", and Clint Eastwood as this category. Departed": "The Dark Knight". Gus an angry senior in "Gran Torino". Best Supporting Actor: I could go on all day about Philip Seymour Van Sant gives us the most well Probable snubs include Colin Best Original Screenplay: Hope- Hoffman ("Doubt"), James Franco crafted movie of his career with Farrell for his troubled hitman fully, the Academy will wake ("Milk"), Emile Hirsch ("Milk"), "Milk". David Fincher brings his in "In Bruges", Christian Bale as up and nominate "In Bruges" Robert Downey Jr. ("Tropic Thun- WHEN unique visual sense to a moving the caped crusader in "The Dark here. "The Wrestler", "WALL-E", der"), and Brenden Gleeson ("In fairy tale with "The Curious Case of Knight", Leonardo DiCaprio as "Rachel Getting Married", "Vicky Bruges"). But there’s no point. This Feb. 12 Benjamin Button". Andrew Stanton an unhappy suburban husband Cristina Barcelona are" also Oscar belongs to Heath Ledger told a fantastic love story of the year in "Revolutionary Road", and Josh strong contenders. 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. that also happened to be the best Brolin as George W. Bush in "W". ("The Dark Knight"). No one comes 9 January 2009 Arts The Urban Legend Behind the Scenes with Zelda Williams So, what’s the movie was that it was — it is — really accept- not really anything I can do about about? ing of people who want to do different it. In more cases than not, (I) kind of things. It’s just a really creative school. get the short end of the stick, because ZW: Well, it’s based on I mean, more then anything else is that people assume that I’ll be like him. I A Midsummer Night’s it encourages you to try new things. tend to be more drawn towards (the) Dream, less so on the With me, even with just the two years dramatic, and, you know, the best that actual plot of the play here ... even though I was leaving you can do is, put yourself out there, and more on the idea of school early, it helped me figure out do your best, and when they have an Puck making people fall what I wanted to do. I mean, they assumption about what you’re gonna in love, causing gen- didn’t really have so many qualms be, you know, you can just try, and, eral mischief. And they about you trying different things. whether or not you’re right for it, actually perform small Circus Club was a great club here. that’s what they decide from then on. amounts of the scenes It was fantastic. I mean, there are so But, no. Dad’s never … I don’t from the play in the few schools were you can walk and think he could actually get me an movie, but it’s a musi- say, “Yeah, I wanna learn Mandarin audition. Directors don’t generally cal. It’s primarily about or Japanese, and I’d like to do Circus put themselves at risk by doing that Tanner Cohen, who Club in my spare time.” kind of stuff, because they have to plays the Puck character choose the right actor for the part, and (and) who figures out Cool. You probably get this ques- if you’re not right, then they’re risking he can make everyone tion a lot, but, do you (succeed) in their career and millions of dollars. fall in love with each the business because of your dad? I don’t think people realize how one other. He’s out as gay, Like, do you get called for auditions character can affect how a movie gets and he’s been getting a because of your dad? made. You know, the same thing has lot of s**t for it. So he’s happened before with some of the been being ridiculed ZW: Um, no. It’s surprising. It’s a little other kids of actors. The only one that at his all boys’ school, bit of … the nepotism assumption is I can think of that kind of defied all of (and) he decides to turn a very easy one to fall into, and I get the odds is Angelina Jolie and Jon Voi- his town gay, so that it a lot. You know, it’s like, with Will ght. At some point, you do either have they can walk in his Smith. He actually started a company to admit to the fact that you’re always shoes for a little bit. I’m called Overbrook Entertainment, gonna have your dad’s name attached actually one of the few and they’re remaking The Karate Kid, to yours, or you can try harder, and

photo by Isabel Moore people who doesn’t get specifically as a vehicle for his ten- that’s what I plan on doing. Zelda Williams, former Urban affected by his magic, year-old son. student, actress, and daughter of actor because I’m his best I mean, that’s one where it’s like, To read more of Gutierrez’s Robin Williams, was in town recently, friend and he tries to avoid using it on you know, (the) son is really too interview with Williams, Were doing publicity for her new film, me. young to have asked for any of that, the World Mine. I had the opportunity please visit the Legend On- but that is viewed as nepotism be- line. It’s just a click away: to talk with her about the film, her life So, how do you connect your Urban cause he’s creating it specifically for and her memories of Urban. Below is education to the rest of your career? him, whereas, with my dad, there’s an edited transcript of our conversa- no amount of training that could help http://my.hsj.org/ca/san- tion. ZW: Well, the great thing about Urban me imitate what he does, so there’s francisco/urban —Sebastian Gutierrez Were the World Mine lights up screen by Sebastian Gutierrez Special to the Legend

Wow. It would appear as if I have they can walk in his shoes for a little Now, you may think that with all the acters are way too over the top and gone soft. Really. I just got out of Were bit. Mischief ensues. emphasis put on the musical numbers, clichéd. Some include a homophobic the World Mine, and I actually felt Tanner Cohen plays Timothy. He’s the heart-to-heart stuff and the regular gym teacher, and a Bible verse-spew- happy. I never feel happy after I leave fairly unknown, like everyone in this dialogue would fall flat. Not so! The ing parent. They don’t read as real a movie. I am usually brooding on the film, so it’s easy to accept him as this characters are given all the space they people but rather as archetypes that film’s deeper meaning, or I’m in a fit particular character. He does a good need to round out. We really sympa- you need to put in a story like this so of rage that I have just spent $10 on a job, bringing some real emotion to a thize with them in the end. you can have someone to hate. piece of garbage. character that could have easily been Now, onto the most important part And don’t even get me started on But Were the World Mine is the ex- exploited. of a musical: The music. The music the ending. Let’s just say that there ception. All it is is a small love story- Zelda Williams plays Timothy’s in Were the World Mine is not going to was only one way this movie was slash-musical that left me with a smile best friend, Frankie. She is a self win any awards, but it will keep you going to end, and that’s how it turned on my face. It has its problems to be described “heteroflexible”, meaning, entertained. Most of the songs are well out. sure, but they don’t detract from the she’s straight, but stuff happens. She written, with many of them borrow- But the main thing that might overall giddiness you’ll feel when you has been legally emancipated at the ing actual text from Shakespeare him- dissuade people from seeing “Were leave. age of fifteen, and as such, spends self. Does that sound crazy? I thought the World Mine” is actually one of its Let’s begin with Timothy. Timothy most of her walking around with her so too, but it works to an alarming strong points, and that is that the film is having hard times at school, hard guitar. Williams is very good as this degree. Since most of the music is contains gay characters. This isn’t a times at home, just hard times in spunky, cool kid. It doesn’t hurt that great, it’s a shame that the finale (sung problem at all, but, well, let’s just say general. Most of this stems from the she writes good songs. by Williams, no less) fails to deliver that there are a lot of scenes involving fact that he is out as gay, which made The other main role falls to Wendy the punch that a finale requires. dudes in tight shirts and glitter. his father leave him and his mother, Robie as the Shakespeare teacher/ There are a few other flaws. First Personally, I loved this, seeing as and gives the boys in school a chance play director. She is sensational. Like off, there’s pacing. The movie starts how it was something I usually don’t to harass him. If it weren’t for the fact Steve Coogan’s drama teacher in off great, with a dodgeball game get the chance to experience. But there that he had two really good friends, Hamlet 2, Robie bears a striking re- turned into an operatic daydream, are people out there for whom this he would probably be pushing up semblance to any theater teacher who and then it just stalls for 45 minutes could be a deal-breaker. In this day daisies. loves what she does. She has many while we get to know everyone and age, you’d hope that most movie- Timothy also is prone to delving in lines that could’ve come off as insipid, around Timothy. Timothy doesn’t en- goers can handle a movie that deals musical daydreams, usually involv- but in her hands, they strike gold. gineer his brilliant scheme until about with something a little outside their ing the topless figure of his crush, the Director Tom Gustafson has one an hour into the movie, and that, comfort zones. school’s star rugby player. When the wild imagination. Seeing as how in turn, makes the rest of it seemed Were the World Mine is a movie that Shakespeare teacher casts him as Puck most of the musical numbers are in rushed. I wish they had spent more I think people will understand and in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, he gets Timothy’s head, the director is free time with everyone falling in love enjoy. Whether you are gay, straight, a bright idea. He is going to pull a to go nuts and deliver scenes unlike with each other, rather then dwelling or somewhere in between, you should Puck, and make everyone in town fall any we’ve seen before. They are all on Timothy’s mom and her pathetic seek out this movie. You will thank in love with each other, only there’s very flashy and frenetic and you can’t attempts to sell beauty products. me later. a catch. Everyone is gonna be gay, so help but love each and every one. Also, some of the supporting char- 10 January 2009 sports The Urban Legend la-crossing the line Urban's new lacrosse team is ready to bleed blue by Scott Lucas Staff Writer By the After two years of organizing, Brendan Blakely, sport, and the abundance of goals in a typical game Numbers Urban’s athletic director, is about to launch Urban’s puts hockey to shame. Like all contact sports, lacrosse first men’s lacrosse team. leaves welts and bruises that last for days, though The new lacrosse team will be in the Bay Coun- players wear protective gear. Typically, a lacrosse ties League (BCL) and will be competing against player wears shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and University, Marin Academy, Lick-Wilmerding, Head a helmet. The position on the field determines how 1 Royce, Bentley, Stuart Hall, Sonoma Academy, and much a player will run and which lacrosse stick they Number of Cardinal-Newman high schools. will use; for example, a defender will have a longer Freshman on Men's stick to check other players with. “Lacrosse is a sport that has been growing a lot Varsity Basketball and we wanted to give an opportunity for our kids to Katherine Coppe (’11) will be one of the few girls play for their school,” said Athletic Director Brendan at Urban trying out for the lacrosse team. “I play with Blakely. That said, Blakely wants Urban’s lacrosse my cousin for fun in the park, but I’ve never played team to be competitive: “The expectations will be real lacrosse,” she said. the same as (for) every other Urban sport in terms When asked what she thought about playing on 2 of commitment level and dedication.” a men’s team, Coppe responded, ”I think it will be Number of times Asked why he decided to create an Urban lacrosse hard at first. My teammates and the people we play Connor O'Callaghan team, Blakely said that “interest from the student will have a lot of issues, but they will get over it.” population was enough to make lacrosse an Urban She explains, “it is a guy’s team, but the sport isn’t ('09) beat David sport.” offered for girls,” which is why she is trying out for Boddy ('09) in Student Alex Wong (’09) agreed. “(Urban) has the men’s squad. an arm wrestling always had people with a passion to play, but now Urban’s new lacrosse team will be playing in a contest with the school expanding, there are more students men’s league, which means the rules will be different willing to play,” said Wong. Even though the team compared to women’s lacrosse, which limits checking has yet to be selected or to play its first game, Wong and hitting. Blakely said he is still in the process of believes that Urban’s lacrosse team is here to stay and hiring two coaches for the team. that this is more than just an experimental year. Tryouts are scheduled in February; the date is to 3 Sam Cash (’10) has played lacrosse since middle be determined. Everyone is welcomed to try out, Number of Urban school and he is excited for the chance to play for an according to Blakely, and no prior knowledge of the Girls performing for Urban team. “I think lacrosse will become really big sport is necessary. The only requirement is to come at Urban and will become a true powerhouse,” said photo by Isabel Moore ready to play with an open mind and the willingness ODC on Jan. 31 Cash. Sam Cash and Katherine Coppe are to learn. Cash describes lacrosse in a way that’s both poetic and potentially frightening. “Lacrosse is like heaven looking forward to trying out for lacrosse on a field and you get to go to war,” said Cash, whose Athletics Online 5 experience will likely make him a keystone player for www.urbanschool.org/ page.cfm?p=5 Number of three- Urban who will make some noise around the BCL. played throughout the United States and Canada. Immigrants from Europe modified the sport over pointers Ian Paratore Lacrosse has a pedigree far beyond the East Coast Athletics Office the years until it became the sport that we recognize ('09) made against colleges whose teams have made it an Ivy League 415 593 9530 sport. Dating back to the 1100’s, an early form of today as lacrosse. Cloverdale lacrosse called stickball flourished among the Native Lacrosse is a full-body, contact sport, demand- Americans. Games were huge events, lasting several ing both upper body and lower body strength. The days and involving hundreds of men. Stickball was fast-paced style of lacrosse makes it an entertaining for more information 5.2 Number of assists Urban athlete signs Division 1 Letter of Intent Shaunré Clendinen ('09) averages per by Alex Roncal game Staff Writer Women's basketball at Urban from Palo Alto High because she may never be the same, with one of “wanted better academics in the 21 the squad's most powerful players classroom … and a better support Number of heading East for college. system in athletics.” On Oct. 19, Rachael Pecota (’09) She had an immediate impact recommendations signed a Letter of Intent to play on the basketball court, averaging LeRoy Votto wrote Division 1 college basketball at the 17.2 points per game, 8.1 rebounds for students to University of Rhode Island. per game, and 2.3 assists per game. Initially, Pecota had official This year, she is averaging 17.0 colleges visits scheduled at Utah State points per game, 9.8 rebounds per University, Boise State University, game, and 3.2 assists per game. University of Nevada, Las Vegas Signing her letter of intent con- (UNLV), Fordham, and University cluded a long process for Pecota, 167 of Rhode Island (URI). which started when she was in Number of total However, she canceled visits seventh grade after receiving a rebounds Girls to Utah State and Boise State after letter of interest from a college visiting UNLV, Fordham, and URI. recruiter. Varsity Basketball Pecota also made an unofficial Pecota has received so many has accumulated visit to nearby University of San offers that she cannot distinguish over 6 games Francisco. one from another. With the Bay Her official visit to URI was Counties League (BCL) season in the third and final official visit. full swing, Pecota and her senior She was immediately impressed counterpart Shaunré Clendinen with the atmosphere and culture will be leading the Urban Blues 215 at URI. "(I) just felt at home when to another championship. Number of push-ups (I) was there," Pecota said. In related news, Scott Lucas will Joren Dawson ('09) Pecota also liked the fact that be joining the Hamilton College URI had a male coaching staff. soccer team next fall, and Mal- can do in a row "There are not a lot of male coaches lory Mendelssohn will be joining on the Division 1 level for girls," the Skidmore College volleyball she said. team. Pecota came to Urban at the Go Blues! start of her junior year, transferring photo by Isabel Moore January 2009 The Urban Legend 11 Race as history New approach continued from page 2 to all-school and I would be interviewing and documenting the stories of elders in our community that experienced meetings: guest the civil rights movement first-hand in McComb. I was horrified! I was so scared about how my parents would react. I was sent to private school my performers whole life so that I would not be exposed to that sort continued from page 1 Mrs. of thing and now I was in a class whose job it is to Butler study equal rights for all races. Following this year's assembly, there will be I was not too interested in the course or the proj- an advisory period to allow further conversa- ect. I even considered withdrawing from the course tion among students and teachers about civil “Whenever and taking another class, but I decided to stay. Mrs. rights and how they apply to Urban. In creating Malone encouraged me to read some books and do the new format, Garcia-Gonzales and Worsley we entered some research, and within less than two weeks I felt talked with students to see how the assembly the home of a fire burning inside me. I wanted to do this project could be improved, and found that many want- and be a part of the whole activity. When I heard that Mrs. Butler, I ed a safe space Mr. Howard was coming to McComb to assist us with to discuss the felt so out of the project, I was thrilled. I knew we needed his help assembly with and I wanted him to experience the project with us. "The goal of place. I had advisors and For weeks at a time we read, researched, watched fellow advisees, this feeling movies, and debated on race and racism in the South. this assembly within the school The things I read and saw within the books and mov- in the pit day. ies shocked me and mostly hurt me. is to honor The format of stomach From then on, I was so excited to do this project of this year’s and inform the community of Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Photo by Howard Levin like I was MLK as a civil MLK assembly Lillie Mae Carstarphen’s stories. These two ladies are Mrs. Butler tels her life story to students at and advisory is assets to the McComb community, and are still, to somewhere McComb High School in McComb, Mississippi rights leader" a break from the this day, passionate about the work they did during past. Over the I was no the 1960’s and in the civil rights movement. Without had an inner ‘demon,’ so to speak. There has always last few years, people like them, the United States would probably supposed been a part of me that wanted to know the whole -Charlotte the content of still suffer today and be corrupted by people with story and not just what I heard at home or at school. the MLK as- to be, but I racism in their hearts. Hearing these ladies’ personal experiences really Worsley, sembly has gone Whenever we entered the home of Mrs. Butler, I knew I was made my whole outlook on the civil rights movement from faculty- felt so out of place. I had this feeling in the pit of my change. asst. head of read speeches supposed to stomach like I was somewhere I was not supposed Without this experience that the McComb School to writings and to be, but I knew I was supposed to be there. I knew be there. I District provided me with, I would still have the speeches by what my class and I were doing was important and student life certain mindset that there was indeed a difference in various students knew what was going to be worth all the hard work. races. The stories that I heard were so intense, and of color. The Both ladies supplied us with numerous stories and my class and all I want now is to share their stories with the rest Students of Color answered many questions from each of my classmates of the McComb community and hopefully the rest (SOC) club was in charge of the assembly, but as I were doing as well as myself. We really got to dig deep and hear of the world. the subject matter of the MLK assembly became how things were back in the 1960’s. I was honored to was important Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said in his famous more and more personal, Urban administrators hear … about their personal experience of Dr. Martin and was Letter from the Birmingham Jail that “An unjust law began wrestling with what kind of expression Luther King’s assassination. With all that information is not a law at all.” That made me think, was the idea is appropriate for a whole school setting that going to be on camera, we really got a full view of their lives and of “separate but equal” right? Were the Jim Crow includes students of various colors and cultures. what they experienced. worth all the laws legal? According to Worsley, the student writings I felt like when I left their homes I could write a The answer is no. What this country allowed and speeches presented at the MLK assemblies hard work” full biography of their lives, but I knew one thing I to happen was unjust and wrong. In this country were “not always successful for everyone” and could not relate to, and that is how they felt. I thought founded under God, what a poor representation we were met with “mixed feelings” by the rest of to myself, how would I feel if just because of my skin were showing as a country. We are better than that the student body. Sarah Rowley color I was unable to do normal things that any United as a country. Asked what their favorite part of the MLK student at States citizen has every right to do? This oral history archives project shows exactly assembly was, students had varied responses. McComb High Entering this project, I was extremely hesitant. what two women in a small town in southern Mis- Urban Junior Haley Pacheco said that “the School I was not sure what to expect or how to react. This sissippi had to endure just to become an equal citizen student-written speeches” were the best part. project will stay with me for the rest of my life. This in this country. Anneli Eddy and Adrienne Shannon, also whole experience was so moving and life-altering. I Urban juniors, agreed with Pacheco, saying that they looked forward to the “poems the kids write.” Xander Walbridge (‘09) said he has “always looked forward to the MLK assembly” but Legend Visits the Chronicle prefers performances or a speaker from outside Urban. “The speaker is always very thought- ful,” said Walbridge. Andrea Ceballos (’10), a member of SOC, continued from page 1 denly declared Obama the victor. Reporters on looks forward to the “sense of togetherness” both sides – the Legend and the Chronicle – fell that the MLK assembly can bring. But she by photographers who were at the scenes of the historic silent, awed by the moment. Chronicle editors acknowledged that communicating deeply felt election. Thousands of photographs of Obama, McCain, quickly made their front page choice, a full-page beliefs about racism and civil rights in a diverse and their wide range of supporters were reflected on the photo of Obama in a dark blue suit, smiling as setting is not easy. “(It’s) kind of awkward,” screen of his computer. Jung’s job perfectly demonstrated he acknowledged the election results.“Going to Ceballos said. “It’s hard knowing what or what the excitement and hastiness of a professional newsroom: the Chronicle showed me the ultimate reward not to say.” Each journalist puts effort into creating one final masterpiece and the hardships of being a journalist,” said Though changing the format has prompted that she or he can be proud of for a moment, before going Alan Hsiao (’09). “It’s difficult financially to be a criticism among some students, Worsley said back to work to create another. journalist, but the truth that you can uncover is that Urban has undergone a process like this As the Legend staff was weaving through the maze revolutionary.” several times and that the new format will put of crowded desks and exploring the inner workings of a more emphasis on the history behind the King —This article was written by Alex Roncal and Sam professional newspaper, the constant hum of the newsroom holiday. Kronish, and reported by the Legend staff. suddenly quieted. Reporters and students alike turned their “The goal of this assembly is to honor MLK attention to Michael Collier, deputy metro editor, who gave and his work as a civil rights leader," says Char- the pre-deadline talk to the news staff. lotte. The Urban Legend would like to give a special Standing in the center of the newsroom, Collier applaud- Over the next two weeks, the Urban affin- thank you to Chronicle Editor-at-Large Phil ed the work that Chronicle journalists had done during the ity clubs SOC, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Bronstein for his influence in making this trip long campaign, and the work that was yet to come. Students for Women’s Equality And Rights possible; Deputy Managing Editor Steve Proctor “This is the largest gathering of Chronicle writers for an (SWEAR) and Asian Cultural Diversity Club without whom without we would never know election ever,” he said. (ACDC)will host meetings to further discuss the inner workings of a newsroom; Deputy Indeed, writers and editors who usually had nothing to this year’s civil rights theme. Metro Editor Michael Collier, for his memorable do with the election, or even politics, had been called in to This month, Garcia-Gonzalez expects that speech, and the entire Chronicle staff for pizza help out. The issue that was to be sent out in the morning “what does civil rights mean to you?” will and an unforgettable, unique, once-in-a-lifetime would be “the best looking election issue I’ve ever seen,” become more than just a simple question. experience! Collier predicted. Proctor agreed: “It’s a rare privilege to "I hope the students and faculty will engage the produce a paper of this magnitude.” Thank you! question, be self-reflective, and … have a desire As 8 p.m. approached, it was almost time for the Legend to affect positive change, whether that be at Ur- to leave. As staffers gathered their belongings, CNN sud- ban, in one's own life, gaining knowledge about a particular issue, or getting involved in a local project to pursue this further,” he said. GO GREEN

GO BLUE

SIGN UP NOW AT: http://gogreenfoundation.com/ 13 Janurary 2009 opinions The Urban Legend

Am I global or local? Letters to the Editor by Celine Buehl Okay, so the Legend looks different. Staff Writer What's your take on the new paper? The sky is a bitter gray and it is drizzling. There are 210 of us, standing in a line outside, getting wet. Dear Editor, I am participating in a compulsory procedure that is Congratulations on publishing a wonderful paper-- everything emblematic of a lifelong clash between my American about it drew me right in. I was in a meeting when (Alex and self and my French roots. Clutching my French pass- Justine) delivered it to me and I could not keep from sneaking port, I am forfeiting a Saturday to attend a mandatory glances at the pictures and stealthily reading pieces of the article training for my French National Service. I am unsure as I was sitting there supposedly concentrating on what the other what this requirement entails, but I know it is my people with me were saying. Very, very nice. duty as a citizen. A French citizen. Suzanne Forrest, Assistand Head for Academics Everybody seems unhappy. It is early and cold, but we will all lose our French citizenship if we do Dear Editor, not complete our service before we are twenty-five After reading the first edition of the Urban Legend this year, I years of age. The event is officially known as “Ser- was surprised and appalled to find it absolutely devoid of any vice National : l’appel de préparation à la défense personality whatsoever. There is no "Urban" in The Urban Legend, (APD)”, a call to prepare for the nation's defense. I just lackluster stories about Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy or how the economy is tanking. The stories I read in the Legend am nervous. In fact, my mind is a mix of anxiety and photo by Véronique Fourmet have no Urban input, do not hold my interest, and have no sense excitement, obligation and curiosity, disapproval and Celine Buehl stands on a patch of soil patriotism. of humor. I prefer(red) the Legend when it had flair and integrity. The day is divided into two modules: Citizen- where her two cultures rest side-by-side I remember stories that explained why Jeremy Pearce was a stud ship, and the military. We begin by learning about from both the United States and France. and stories that rated teachers on how much they looked like our rights and obligations as French citizens, and I find myself trapped in the midst of an interna- Harry Potter. I remember the "Ask Alan" section, which many what privileges accompany our membership in the tional political war. I am the channel between two students considered meaningless to the rest of society, but was European Union. governments whose idea of what might makes right a main source of humor months after the Legend printed. The The military instruction is intimidating. A French would clash. And I do not believe there is a handbook Legend printed stories relevant to Urban, even if they didn't per- captain currently living in San Diego lists the “men- to instruct me should there be a United States draft tain to the rest of the world. I understand that the Legend wants aces” to France, ranging from weapons of mass for a war firmly opposed by France. to strive to become a professional-style newspaper, and I respect destruction to drug trafficking and cyber-terrorism. Weeks after the training, I paid a visit to the War that decision. I think, however, that it has tried to transition too Over a period of several hours, I learn the details of Memorial buildings by City Hall. Sandwiched be- much. It has lost the voice of its readers and has become a run- the military’s structure, its mission for “protection tween the Opera House and the Veterans Building sits of-the-mill, unreadable newspaper. The Legend needs less struc- and projection,” and its strategies for “prevention a sacred patch of grass. I make the excursion with my tured, more student-driven content, and it has to take account of and dissuasion” (including how to drop an atomic French grandmother, who listens intently as I describe its purpose. If I want to read about the impacts of the economic bomb). how the plot contains soil from every battlefield in recession, I have the Associated Press. I can’t help but wonder what I’m doing here; then France where U.S. soldiers fought and died through Asher King Abramson ('09) I remember my roots. Born and raised in Paris, my World War I. It is nothing extraordinary: a muddy Dear Editor, mother has taught me the disciplines and assorted lawn bordered by scratchy shrubs and rows of leaf- Congratulations on your first issue of the Urban Legend! I thought traditions that accompany French culture. Her ideals less trees. But this quiet, shaded earth is a comfort. the overall quality of the paper was superior ... and expectations often clash with those of my father, It represents a place where my histories connect and Mark Salkind, Head of School a New York native raised by his Swedish mother and rest in peace. German father. My life has been a battle between Being a global citizen is more than juggling two Dear Editor, nationalities, as I struggle to find a balance in my passports. It's tolerating the myriad of cultures that Wow! It's beautiful. What a great combo of great, big color pho- loyalties. merge when far-flung people like my parents fall in tos and type and white space and content. The whole package. This internal, moral discrepancy has now become love. I accept the duty to preserve that history, all of Story selection. Writing. I know this quality of work doesn't political, as manifested through government letters it. So I am nervous about turning 18 and being asked come easy. This is a great publication, one I'm sure your com- and official notifications. As a graduating senior, I get to renounce one of my nationalities. When the time munity is agog about. Congrats to you and your students! the same college literature as everyone else. But my comes to choose, I don’t know what I will do. For Paul B. Kandell, Adviser, Paly Voice, Palo Alto High School mailbox is flooded with Army recruitment pitches now, I'm deciding not to decide.

Dear Editor, It was a delight to have you [visit on Nov. 3] -- especially given Calling all youth: Same-sex marriage that a group of aspiring journalists got a chance to witness one of the most remarkable nights in the nation's history and to experi- must be the next civil rights struggle ence the electricity that courses through a newsroom on such an occasion. Your students were genuinely impressive -- intelligent, by Adrienne Members of Urban’s GSA were articulate, personable -- and they handled themselve beautifully at the rally. They came out on a throughout the evening. I've also had a chance, in the interven- von Schulthess ing days, to read the newspaper you left for me. It's excellent, so Staff Writer Saturday for an issue that is more important than a day off from congratulate the class for me. All the best. My parents have been married school. Steve Proctor, Deputy Managing Editor, San Francisco Chronicle twice and may have to get married Many families had brought a third time. I don’t come from a their children. I talked with a gay broken family; my parents love couple and a lesbian couple who Dear Editor, each other and always have. The are raising a child together; their The “Can Art Disappear?” article by Justine Palefsky really stood only problem is, they’re lesbians. love for the child was clear. out in last month’s newspaper. It was an extremely interesting In May of 2008, the California Another heterosexual couple and well-written article about the abandoned hospital in the Supreme Court ruled that same- photo by Adrienne von Schulthess talked about their anger that their Presidio, and the art that sprung up there. I had never heard sex couples could wed. More than Urban's GSA protests gay and lesbian friends could have about the Public Health Services Hospital and found Erin Wal- 18,000 same-sex couples, including against "Yes on 8" campaign, this basic right taken away; their lace’s descriptions of the building and its art intriguing. It was my parents, were married. ten-year-old son called the Prop 8 nice to hear about the life of an Urban student outside of school. saying that all love is love However, in November, vot- campaign “lies.” Urban Spanish I would be interested to hear more about Urban students lives: ers passed Proposition 8, which Teacher Esteban Speir agreed, their secret passions and interests and things they’ve achieved. amends the California constitution saying, “It was a scare tactic used This article really inspired me and I hope there are more like it to “eliminate (the) right of same- Belcsak, co-president of Urban’s by the right, that we were going the future. sex couples to marry.” Now a legal Gay/Straight Alliance. Unfor- to teach gay marriage as a unit in Oona Robertson ('11) battle is being fought to determine tunately, “there was no (public) social studies.” Dear Editor, if voters can alter the state constitu- response to the scare tactics," said My moms are amazing, and Thank you for sending me the November issue of The Urban tion in such a drastic way. Boone Epstein, GSA co-president. I know how much it hurts them Legend. I enjoyed its lively writing and relevant articles. Good to It is not only the attack on civil Children of gay parents need to every time people are homopho- see the paper's political involvement, and the fact that the staff rights that is offensive to me, but “come out and say they are regu- bic. I see this issue as simple. It's had an editorial endorsement. The photography is excellent; also the misleading methods the lar human beings, and not some a civil right: My parents love each many schools would envy it. My compliments to the whole staff, supporters of Prop 8 employed. devil’s spawn.” other, and they want to marry in a and special notice to Adrienne von Schulthess for her politics They used children, highlighting After Prop 8 passed, outrage country that says everyone is equal and laughter piece; the sportswriters for their writing; Sebastian them continuously, but giving generated demonstrations across under the law. Guitierrez for the verve of his entertaining movie commentary. them no voice. Supporters of Prop the country. As their daughter, I am stand- The writing, overall, is quite good throughout. The letters to the 8 used children’s images in cam- I went with my family to a rally ing up and saying that there are next president was an excellent idea .... Looking forward to your paign videos without permission, in San Francisco. Protesters carried no reasons that could be argued next issue. and argued that same-sex marriage signs with slogans such as, “Don’t in a courtroom that could stand Robert Greenman, Educational Consultant, The New York Times would be taught in schools. In real- mess with Dumbledore’s rights,” against the undeniable fact that ity, “nothing mandates teaching or “No more Mr. Nice Gay,” and we are a family, like any other. (same-sex marriage),” says Kate “Get your church out of my state.” Janurary 2009 opinions The Urban Legend 14 Editorial: Give teens say on drinking Hang onto your hard copy — by Mallory Mendelsohn certain that responsibility rests on their shoulders, Guest Writer they will not gamble so recklessly. Teenagers experi- we're going green ment with alcohol everywhere, but the goal should Throughout the life of a teenager, seemingly arbi- be to create an environment where teenagers take On the first day of his Advanced Environ- trary numbers dictate what one can and cannot do. more responsibility for their actions. Giving them mental Science class, Urban Teacher Geoff These numbers have been haphazardly designated their adulthood with all of its concurrent rights at Ruth offered students a series of statements. If by authorities who, it seems, could not agree on the one set age sends the message that we, as a society, they agreed with the words they saw, he told them, move to the left side of the room. If you age of adulthood. trust young adults to make the right choices. disagree, move right. Mallory At sixteen, one can drive but not in all states. At Awarding teenagers their rights in a haphazard, Ruth clicked a button on his computer and a eighteen, one can fight for his country but cannot senseless manner sends them the message that the statement appeared: “I think that environmen- Mendel- tal problems are THE most important issues consume alcohol. By twenty-one, one can assume government only gives in order to take. It is fitting facing humanity.” More than half the class sohn ('09) most responsibilities with the apparent exception of that, in a country without an active draft, the fight- moved left—a surprising result that saw the renting a car. In the United States, the legal marker of ing age is eighteen. Do not send the message that the environment topping a list of world woes, such “Do not tell as war, genocide, AIDS, and the economy. adulthood is eighteen, the age when teenagers take government gives rights only when it is convenient. There’s no denying that environmental prob- American formal responsibility for their actions. This entry Rather, hand teenagers adulthood as one complete lems are some of the most complicated, threat- into adulthood is conditional because the rights that package and invite them to be full citizens. Ask ening and powerful problems that we face. As teenagers that, more predictions accompany adulthood have not been granted by age them to participate in government in exchange for when they turn surface, warn- eighteen. their receipt of all the benefits of being an American ing of melting ice caps, water eighteen, they Conspicuously absent from this list is the right citizen. The arbitrariness of the current system does "Just (being) on an shortages and to legally consume alcohol. Alcohol in the United not engender willingness or enthusiasm to participate are almost, rising tempera- States is marked by a tumultuous history that has in the duties of citizenship. Instead, teenagers can tures, we realize environmental club that something but not quite, been complicated by religious conflict and a period only perceive that they can join the military, be tried needs to be adults.” of prohibition; even now, the American government as adults, and participate on juries but not that they helps you notice done. Green and its citizens seem to have an uneasy relationship can make choices about what they consume. If the movements have sprung with alcohol. But the fact that this history is convoluted government chooses to invite teenagers to participate up all over the does not justify the present situation, which displays in the responsibilities and benefits of being a citizen small things that world, from Pied- the same confusion. at a set age, these young adults will happily take the mont to Peru to the halls of The Do not tell American teenagers that, when they turn reins of citizenship. you can change Urban School. eighteen, they are almost, but not quite, adults. Give Some teenagers are indeed irresponsible, and a Over the past them their rights and their responsibilities and allow major question is “at what age does one become several years, in your own life." Urban has made them to exercise their adulthood without question. ‘responsible’ enough to make one’s own choices?” it a priority to You will find that handing eighteen year olds their Although age seems to be an arbitrary marker of Ian Paratore ('09) introduce en- adulthood fully will ingrain more trust into society maturity, which varies with each person, it is funda- vironmentally conscious school and create more honest, responsible, and law-abiding mental that the legal process of designating adulthood initiatives to citizens. happens at one specific age. Consider the logic of reduce our im- Just as telling a teenager that he/she is only an the current drinking age. It gives the impression of pact. Our laptop program has “almost-adult” will create reckless teenagers who are control or of concern for safety. Then consider that significantly cut indeed “almost-adults,” so will telling an eighteen underage drinking is what is frequently out of con- down paper usage. The student-led Environ- mental Club provides bins for recycling and year old that he/she is a full adult create a more trol and more dangerous. The logic of raising adult composting, and also identifies energy efficient responsible citizen. Trust begets responsibility. citizens rather than mistrustful teenagers is certainly lighting options. Urban’s Curriculum Committee Indeed, studies have demonstrated that many of more compelling. is currently working to make sure that teach- ers cover topics of environmental sustainability the behaviors commonly associated with “drunk, in their lessons, and Urban’s strategic plan, reckless teenagers” are more common in countries adopted in May 2008, has created an Environ- where alcohol laws are stricter. For example, teenag- mental Council to plan and carry out methods to make the school a more sustainable institu- ers in European countries, where the drinking age is tion. eighteen or younger, get in fewer alcohol-related car Comments? Thoughts? Opinions? The Green Team, created this year by Ruth, accidents. If an eighteen year old in the United States gets interested students involved in green You can write to us at: projects around the school. One of the Team’s drives to a party and drinks irresponsibly, frequently new projects is the CSA (Community Supported he/she will feel the need to conceal this mistake from [email protected] Agriculture) program, in which local farmers his parents and will thus drive home. Teenagers who can sell their produce at Urban to people in the neighborhood. are told that they are not quite adults will act accord- We want to hear from you. Ian Paratore, an Urban senior and a member ingly. Since they are not yet given full responsibility, of the Green Team, says that being involved they believe that they can still be excused from their has showed him how “it’s possible for people our age to get stuff done. mistakes or saved by their parents. If teenagers feel "Just knowing that you’re on an environ- mental club helps you notice small things that you can change in your own life, whether that means turning off a light or stopping at the trash bins to organize your stuff," Paratore says. Ruth’s efforts have put the environment on Urban’s agenda, but it is equally important for others to lead on environmental issues. And that includes the Legend. Beginning with our November issue, we’ve made several moves to cut down on our paper’s carbon footprint. First, we’ve switched printers from a com- pany in New Jersey to the Howard Quinn Co., The Legend located in San Francisco’s Mission District. Quinn offers soy-based inks, which are “not petroleum based, and better for the environ- Editors in Chief: ment,” according to Account Manager Lori he Urban Legend is a vehicle of student freedom of expres- Lusted. And Quinn’s green philosophy means sion and a public forum for The Urban School community. Justine Palefsky and Alexander Juan Roncal III that the Legend is printed with a minimum of It is produced several times per year during the academic Managing Editor: waste. T “We use recycled paper, and all the waste Nora Lalle term by the journalism class. We also publish an online version that we make gets recycled,” says Lusted. of the Legend courtesy of the American Society of Newspaper Assistant Managing Editor: “Even used ink gets recycled here.” Madeleine May Second, we’ve reduced the copies we print Editors at myhighschooljournalism.org. from 1,000 to 500, and we’ve taken the Legend We welcome feedback about our articles and we also encour- Opinions: online by posting our content on the American age readers to contact us directly with tips or ideas concerning Alan Hsiao and Sam Kronish Society of Newspaper Editors’ website at http:// News: my.hsj.org/ca/sanfrancisco/urban. In fact, our future coverage. February issue will be online only, an environ- The Legend publishes letters on topics of concern to the Urban Justine Palefsky mental first for us. community. Letters must be signed; requests for anonymity will Features: We’re working on becoming even greener, Celine Buehl but some of our initiatives may be so small you be considered on a case-by-case basis. don’t even notice them. Letters may be sent electronically to urbanlegendstaff@gmail. Arts: This editorial, for instance, is being printed com. Hard-copy letters may be sent to the Legend care of The Phoebe Winn in ecofont, a new typeface that’s like Swiss Sports: cheese, embedded with dozens of small holes. Urban School, 1563 Page St., San Francisco, CA 94611. Guest See them? Probably not; but publishing this ar- opinion columns also may be submitted electronically or in hard Scott Lucas and Alex Roncal ticle in ecofont means that we’ve already used copy. We reserve the right to edit for space and language. Spread: 20 percent less ink. Allegra Gordon Although we’re committed to environmental Signed articles or opinion pieces represent the views of the sustainability, compromises are inevitable. The writer only. Unsigned editorials reflect a consensus opinion of Photo: Legend believes in the tangible value of the the newspaper staff. Isabel Moore and Lizzie Logan newspaper — something in ink and paper that Staff Writers: you can hold in your hands and flip through wherever you are. Continuing to print papers Taylor Bostwick, Lizzie Logan, Sarah Maccabee will take its toll on the environment, but we are Tobyn Smith and Adrienne von Schulthess working hard to discover new ways in which we can lessen our impact. The goal is to strike a healthy balance be- Adviser: tween green leadership and journalistic respon- Beatrice Motamedi sibility. And every ecofont counts. 15 January 2009 Sports The Urban Legend It was the kind of event that Jimmy loves. On Jan. 5, Urban’s fan club held a pep rally event called “The Jimmy.” During the all-school assembly on Monday morning, the school gathered in the gym to heighten spirit and enthusiasm for Urban’s varsity basket- ball teams. The Jimmy included warm-up drills from the varsity teams, three-point com- petitions between faculty members and student fans, and half-court shoot-outs. The Jimmy The Jimmy started in 2007, but Urban skipped the event last year. “Urban tried to have their first fan club, but it died because there was a lack of organization and school plan- ning,” explained Shaunré Clendinen (’09), the current co-head of the fan club. Among the issues that needed to be worked out was a name. “Urban wanted to have a pep rally, but could not come up with a good, catchy name to call it.” Enter Jimmy. Urban’s biggest sports fan is not a student, teacher, parent, or alumnus. He’s a Haight resident who is known to students simply as Jimmy. Even though his last name and other details are fuzzy, his signature yell is loud and clear: “GOOOOOO Urban!” Jimmy attends all of the varsity volleyball and basketball games, and is more dedicated to our sports teams than many other Urban fans. Jimmy, wherever you are, this one’s for you. —Allegra Gordon

Photos (clockwise starting upper right): Photography teacher, Chris McCall, shoots a three pointer; the dance team shows off their talented moves; Xander Walbridge (‘09) shoots a three-pointer in the competition; Freshman star, Ste- phen Golden, attempts a dunk; Varsity girls’s team huddle together; Freshman, Nate Stern, plays knockout. All photos by Isabel Moore. January 2009 a b o o s e [email protected] C Ur b a n Le g e n d

Looking Closer Urban Events SAY CHEESE On Nov. 7, Grandparents and Special Friends Day drew visitors from all over

photo by Isabel Moore photo by Céline Buehl Winter concert 2008 A note from Jazz Lab Band Director Kirk Hamilton

On Dec. 14, Urban's musical ensembles - the Chamber Orchestra, Urban Singers, Lab Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, and Advanced Jazz Band - took to the stage before a nearly at-capacity crowd at San Fran- cisco's historic Herbst Theatre for the annual Urban School Winter Concert. Highlights from the first half of the program included the Chamber Orchestra's performance of an original Klezmer piece, The Walls We Live, by local composer Dan Cantrell, as well as the Urban Sing- ers' performance of Praetorius's Es Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen, accompanied by the strings and reeds of the chamber group. After a brief intermission, the Lab and Advanced jazz big bands tore through a diverse seven- song set, with the Lab Band performing a standout original arrangement of Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man and the Advanced Band bringing the show home with the John Clayton/Jeff Hamilton big-band arrangement of Horace Silver's The Jody Grind. From downbeat to curtain, Urban's student musicians lit up the Herbst's magnificent stage, de- livering a eclectic program of melodious, swinging music that satisfied every music-lover in attendance. photo by Igor Zagatsky

photo by Igor Zagatsky

photo by Igor Zagatsky photo by Igor Zagatsky