Pulse Volume 12 Issue 1 by Annie Lu

A Letter from the Editors Greetings from Kate Monko and Kaylee Kinninger, your new Co-Editors-in-Chief for Pulse, or as Mr. Black likes to call us, the “Special Ks.” With eighteen very talented staff members hard at work, we are excited to introduce our first issue of Pulse. Our staff is composed of sports enthusiasts, food junkies, health gurus, design genies, political revolutionaries, and many more. The Pulse team has come together to create some fun reviews for those who are looking to rock harder at concert venues and dive into new donut joints. Foodies wanting to explore healthier options can head to Kate Monko’s discussion on wheat flour and Ashlyn Finkbeiner’s article on her experience as a vegetarian. For sport enthusiasts, Joe Altaffer explains the weight that athletes carry in the public eye. If you are searching for new insight about the presidential race, flip to Max Greenhalgh’s “Dog Fight”. With the new school year comes a new face. Our next president isn’t the only leader in CCA’s students’ lives. If you’ve seen a tall man with a walkie-talkie and a welcoming grin on his face, then you have seen Mr. Killeen, our new fearless leader and friend. Check out “The Newest Raven” for his story, and if you have not already noticed, his face is featured on the cover of the magazine. If you are not a part of Pulse staff, we would love to hear your voice. If you have an idea or want to write a story for our magazine, please email us at editors.pulse@gmail.com. It is with great pride that we present to you Volume 12 Issue 1. Best,

Editors In Chief: Kaylee Kinninger Kate Monko Creative Director: Jakob Saloner Editorial Director: Max Greenhalgh Online Editors: Ashlyn Finkbeiner Ronnie Simon Design Team: Daniel Chekal Jack Mittemeyer Photographer: David Novick Staff Writers: Joe Altaffer Sammy Benbow Jenné Brookes Erin Coogan Josh Golden William Hillard Derek Li Hannah Musgrave Peter Saltamachio Matthew Siemer

Contents Ronnie’s Declassified School Survival Guide by Ronnie Simon

Student Photo by Iris Kim

“You know bacon counts...right?”

Go Big or Leave Home by Josh Golden

The Most Anticipated NBA Teams by Derek Li

Starbucks Fall Drinks

Tried and True Concert Venues

Gone Clubbin’

It’s Up For Debate

by Ashlyn Finkbeiner

by Ronnie Simon and William Hillard

by Jenné Brookes

Student Photo by Jillian Sommer

Dog Fight by Max Greenhalgh

The Grain Train by Kate Monko

by Hannah Musgrave

by Kaylee Kinninger

The Newest Raven by Erin Coogan

Beyond the Sprinkles

by Peter Saltamachio, Sammy Benbow, and Matthew Siemer

Student Profile: Olivia Petty interview by Jakob Saloner

Student Photography Niagara Falls, Iris Kim (2016) Taken on a ferry boat in Canada. The mist of the crashing water created a dream-like texture to the photo, which captivates the audience in its blue glow. 2

A year and a half ago, I decided to become a vegan. Four months later, I found myself eating macaroni and cheese. Since then, I have always just classified myself as a vegetarian. I’ve kept it mostly to myself because unless I am having a meal with someone, I know how annoying it can be when my diet choice is the only outlet for conversation. Once I share this information, I usually get a number of different responses. “But, where do you get your protein?”, “Oh… I’m sorry”, “Am I making you uncomfortable?”, and “You know bacon counts...right?” are the four most popular. I’m going to take this opportunity to find out if the way I have been eating is actually beneficial by analyzing all four of these remarks, focusing on the first of the popular responses: protein. I’ve been asked countless times if I have protein deficiency. I’ve talked to my doctor, as well as others, and the answer for that is no (blood testing has confirmed). However, even with this information, I discovered I am not as confident as I should be in where my protein comes from. In an excerpt from the book, Simply Vegan, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, talks about the protein controversy. He states, “The concern about protein is misplaced,” and discusses how much protein the average person actually needs. Of course, the average amount of protein that one needs is dependent on many factors such as weight, age, physical activity, etc. What Magnels is stating is that these protein needs can be met through plant proteins regardless of all of these factors. As plant protein is digested somewhat differently than animal protein, his calculations state that vegans should be eating .41 grams of protein per pound of body weight, calculated to be about 10% of a day’s calories coming from protein. Thus, eating more plant-derived protein is is a healthier option than most animal proteins, which can be linked to heart disease. Mangels gives sample meals for aspiring vegans and vegetarians to help them meet their protein needs. For example, a meal of tofu in tomato sauce, beans, and spinach meets protein needs and is very high in iron and vitamins. Although there are many people who are supportive of a vegetarian and vegan diet, there are others who believe it may not be the best way to get prop-

er nutrition. Those who use this argument say our 2 bodies are made to process certain kinds of animal proteins. T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D, notes, “Animal based proteins, of course, are much more similar to our proteins, thus are used more readily and rapidly than plant proteins.” These nutritionists believe that humans should be digesting proteins that are closer to what is inside of our own bodies. However, there really isn’t any proven “healthier” diet. Eating meats or eating plants both have benefits and drawbacks. This is why many people make their diet choices based on factors other than health, such as ethics. The horror stories of factory farming affect some people more than others. Along with many other vegetarians and vegans, I find the use of claustrophobic enclosures and little to no access to the outdoors as unethical, thus providing a concrete reason for my vegetarian diet. Documentaries such as Farm to Fridge, Food Inc., and Vegucated all provide the truth behind the farming industry and provide support to adopting the vegetarian lifestyle. The second of the popular responses when it comes to vegetarianism is, “Oh, I’m sorry.” Some meat eaters express sympathy for vegetarians, while other meat eaters may mock them. I understand the sarcasm that one may be trying to convey in the statement. But the truth is, if I didn’t want to be a vegetarian, I wouldn’t be one. It comes down to what someone believes to be ethical or not. Personally, I, along with many others, do not believe in eating anything that once had a beating heart. It is also popular for meat eaters to ask, “Am I making you uncomfortable?” Although I can appreciate people’s consideration for my lifestyle, I do not get uncomfortable if someone chooses to enjoy a piece of meat at the same table as me. I used to be a meat eater myself, and I know what it is like to be at both ends of the meat-eating spectrum: ranging from strictly vegetarian to eating meat at every meal. Last but not least, the most popular response of all is “You know bacon counts...right?” I do know that bacon counts. I don’t know what came into me one morning when I woke up with my mouth watering for bacon. The answer to this question: yes, unfortunately, as much as I and many other vegetarians would hate to admit it, I know that bacon counts.

Two Takes on the

Starbucks Fall Menu

by Ronnie Simon and William Hillard

Lover (Ronnie)–It’s that time of the year again when a whole world of artificial flavors fill our taste buds with the joy of fall. I don’t look forward to the autumn-colored leaves or the crisp San Diego weather. No, I’ve waited all year for Starbucks to come out with their fall menu! Time to bring out the Ugg boots and Lulus and head over to my white girl haven. Hater (Will)–In case you haven’t looked at your calendar recently and/or noticed that a total of three trees in the county have lost leaves, I’m here to inform you that we have entered fall: a season that, let’s be real, doesn’t exist below the 33rd parallel. So strap on your boots and put on your unnecessary parka. We’re here to guide you through all the new seasonal Starbucks drinks that have been conveniently released to help cater to your false belief that San Diego is even remotely affected by the seasons. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Lover–Now this one is a classic. You can’t go wrong with the PSL, unless you try and be fancy and add four extra pumps of pumpkin spice to it. This latte has all of your classic fall flavors with the perfect amount of spice, and just the right ratio of pumpkin spice to milk. This latte is so well-known that many people have tried to remake it at home (including myself), but it just never turns out the same. If you are a true fan of the sugary goodness of this latte, then you can be part of the 31.3k followers that follow @therealpsl on Instagram. Yes, it is so famous that it is Instagram verified. Hater- Burnt carcinogenic sludge mixed with your favorite artificial gourd flavoring, now with actual traces of pumpkin. The drink equivalent of someone who exclusively wears North Face and Uggs, like a valley girl Han Solo. New Chile Mocha: Lover–This latte has an acquired taste. I am not a fan because it is too bitter and not sweet enough, but then again, I like my coffee as sweet as possible. At first, the latte tastes like milk, but then you get a tangy and spicy aftertaste. It does not taste anything like a mocha, so if you are looking for a mocha-esque

flavor, don’t get this one as it is not just a spicy version of the normal mocha. Hater–Supplemental chile flavoring to distract you from the hot rubber taste of Starbucks coffee, which your regularly stimulated mind needs to function. Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino: Lover–It’s basically a milkshake with a shot of caffeine. You’ve got your classic mocha with salted caramel, and it’s an extravaganza of flavors in your mouth. In my opinion, the consistency is iffy. Like all Starbucks Frappuccinos, it is a bit too icy, especially when you only get half of the actual drink and the rest is ice. Then, it becomes a mix of ice and melted whipped cream. Hater–If this is your choice Starbucks drink, then just give up and admit you don’t like the taste of coffee. It’s fine. It’s not for everyone, but don’t live in denial when the only coffee you drink is really a milkshake that requires ten syllables and two pumps of liquid caramel and chocolate. Looking for a healthier alternative? You could eat raw sugar. Chai Créme Frappuccino: Lover–Now this one isn’t technically a fall drink because they have it year round, but it fits perfectly into your favorite fall flavors. If you are a fan of the regular iced chai than you will love this drink. It’s a tad bit spicy with a sweet cinnamon base. Much sweeter than the regular chai, it even has an added bonus of whipped cream and cinnamon sugar on the top. The only downside to this drink is the consistency, but if you ask for an extra pump of chai then that should help even out the texture. Hater-What do you think a chai creme frappuccino is? Seriously, ask yourself. Nothing about this combination makes sense. You are essentially drinking chai flavored milk with whipped créme. It is time to stop. This lowly caffeinated and poorly flavored drink is truly just a waste of time, money, and stomach space. The spice obsession needs to stop.

Gone Clubbin’ By: Jenné Brookes

In Hip Hop Club, students practice freestyling and different styles of hip hop dance. Students interested in choreography can also help create the club’s dance in the Pep Rally. Co-President Michaela Magpile is currently walking the club through the dance for the rally. Michaela remarks, “About half, if not a little bit more than half, are people who have never danced before, and I am definitely taking that into account when...choreographing, and especially when I’m teaching. I know that in the club there’s a lot of different levels in terms of skill and experience.” There are seventeen members participating in this year’s rally. Co-President Michaela works to foster an all-inclusive, non-hierarchical environment in the club. Michaela details, “Technically, on paper [the President] is Justin [Shimizu] and... the Co-President is me, but there really isn’t a leader. It’s just us. It’s just a group. There’s no hierarchy. Everyone wants to improve; everyone wants to get better, and we’re all improving together.” Mondays and Wednesdays-Lunch-Dance Room

Founded in 2014, Girls Who Code is a club dedicated to preparing girls for 21st century careers in engineering. President Nithya Krishnamurthy works alongside dedicated staff members Delara Aryan, Head of Promotion and Outreach, and Ayda Nazar, Vice President. The club works on coding curriculums administered from the Girls Who Code organization and competes in the FTC Robotics Competition. Delara Aryan comments, “I really like working with friends on the robot after school; it’s a great way to learn leadership and engineering. Also, it’s a great social activity to work with people on different projects.” Vice President Ayda Nazar joined the club last year and hopes to “extend this program to so many more people.” Ayda states, “Last year, during the [FTC] competitions they ask you questions about how you’re contributing to your community. We thought it would be a good idea to extend our knowledge about coding and robotics to kids from the middle school at Pacific Trails, so we made this class that teaches them every Friday after school.” Thursdays after school, Fridays-lunch-F101

Key Club, the oldest and largest high school service club, teaches students leadership skills as they participate in a number of different volunteer opportunities including races, fundraisers, carnivals, and beach cleanups. Established in 1925, this student-led organization involves over 260,000 students in thirty one countries. Key Club’s core values include character building, leadership, and inclusivity. Among a variety of seasonal events, including the Jingle Bell Run/Walk and the San Diego Santa Run, Key clubbers volunteer at the San Diego Food Bank, the CCA Cancer Awareness Walk, and the Petco Surf Dog Competition. Key Club’s goal this 2016-2017 term is to raise over $185,000 for the Pediatric Trauma Program, an organization that works to reduce the number of children injured or killed by trauma. Allie Hausman, a three year Key Club member, states, “I’ve done a lot of events. I’ve volunteered at a lot of races where you hand out food, water, and medals. Then I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House over the holidays to decorate for Christmas. I’ve also volunteered at animal shelters for various events where kids could come and pet the animals.” Mondays-Lunch-C106

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Dog Fight by Max Greenhalgh

An open letter to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump: Dear Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump, Thank you. You are both partially responsible for the development of a stronger, brighter, more skeptical nation, and one that will probably pay more attention during the primaries next time. You, through your powerful mediocrity and your astonishing lack of basic human capabilities, have inspired the next generation of comedians, political commentators, reporters, and more. Well, I guess you’ve kind of inspired everyone, in a way that only you two could. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. I don’t really want to tear into either one of you, as nearly all of your policies have been ripped apart or simply dismissed as nonsensical. Smarter people than myself have already debunked both of your campaigns in a much more entertaining way than I ever could. My point is, if both of your campaigns walked into the metaphorical blizzard of the public eye with three layers of policy to protect you, the both of you are pretty freaking cold now. Usually, the presidential race is something that just kind of happens in the background of people’s lives. The vast majority of young people have never really cared that much about politics before, as both presidential candidates always seemed to be old white dudes who’ve spent the last 48 years of their lives in the Senate sitting around picking their noses and not passing any new legislation. However, this election changes things. The presidential election circus for the past few electoral cycles has seemed a lot like Survivor. Of course some people watched, but it just felt stale after Season 41. This election, however, makes a

statement. Everyone has to watch the Hunger Games. Even if it wasn’t required to keep up in the public discourse, who wouldn’t want to watch multiple hopeful candidates attack each other repeatedly while fighting for survival in a contest in which the victor will get to live in a nice house and be famous? And that, Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton, is what I am thanking you for. Your respective brands of, and I use this word extremely charitably, politics are energizing a new generation that loves either supporting or reviling one or both of you. Donald Trump, you never make it hard for our generation to hate you. When you said at the Republican National Convention that “58% of African American youth are not employed” when the real figure hovers around 20% according to a study conducted by the Washington Post, you showed that you will say anything in order to get in the headlines. Was this meant to show a fault in our economy’s current state, or imply laziness in young African Americans? All is left up to interpretation. Hillary Clinton, you are just as easy to detest. In a speech given to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, you stated confidently, “We have a lot of kids who don’t know what work means. They think work is a four-letter word... kids think they are entitled to go right to the top.” Well, at least you didn’t leave any racial biases to question, you just dismissed an entire age group as lazy. Oh wait, that’s potentially just as bad as what Mr. Trump said. You might notice the eerie similarity of the statements I selected to emphasize. Believe me when I say that there were literally dozens of options to choose from that make both of you look like terrible people and worse presidential candidates. However, I think that disclosing these quotations side by side

show that you, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, are different sides of the same coin. You both make blanket, easily disprovable statements that only serve to push an agenda, therefore dooming your hardcore backers’ ranks to be limited to those who cover their ears to escape the torrent of stupidity that leaves each of your mouths. Take a look at some of the presidents from yesteryear in comparison. Ronald Reagan instilled a special sort of optimism in America through his energy and genuine personality. John F. Kennedy’s wit and intellect won over liberals and conservatives across the country. More recently, Barack Obama, while more divisive than the other presidents mentioned, has an undeniable charisma and an air of authority (when guided by a teleprompter). More people dislike you both than most other presidential candidates in America’s history. As of this open letter being written, unfavorability polling done by Real Clear Politics shows that Donald Trump has an average unfavorable index score of 58.6%, while Hillary Clinton is at 55.4%. More people will be voting for one of you due to their spite towards one candidate than ever before. Not only that, but as shown earlier, your most ardent supporters have to be incredibly myopic to truly love you as candidates. In fact, this year’s election has an interesting trend regarding our generation’s political leanings. According to a poll done by Fox News in August, 1 in 5 voters under age 35 don’t know which candidate they are voting for in this election. This number is more than the amount of undecided voters aged 35-54 and 55 and older combined. I would argue that this is because the young audience is, for the first time, actually caring about the individual candidates instead of their party lines. In the same poll, 19% of voters under the age of 34 said that they would be voting for Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party, a little known group that very few young voters had any idea existed previously. The fact that nearly a fifth of the voting youth are leaning towards a party that didn’t have any power when their par-

ents were telling them who to vote for speaks to the amount of care the youth are taking in this election. A prominent Democratic activist spoke to me about her organization and the election as a whole. Mrs. Clinton, this activist stated your name not once, not twice, not nine times, but a grand total of zero times. When your name wasn’t directly spoken, you were referred to as a “progressive candidate,” even though you are on tape saying that you “plead guilty” to being a moderate. Donald Trump, on the other hand, was namedropped twice, and was referred to as “overwhelmingly negative” and a promoter of “violent, misogynistic attitudes.” Mr. Trump, I don’t doubt the same kind of name game would occur on the conservative side of things, with leaders constantly bringing up what a terribly corrupt liar Hillary Clinton is while ignoring their own chosen candidate’s numerous and obvious deficiencies and inventing some new positives for him. My point in this is that even the activists on each side of the aisle don’t love the real version of their candidates, and prefer to create a fictional version of their chosen champion, one that they wish their chosen party had nominated. Meanwhile, they construct their opponent as a hideously incompetent demagogue who would spiral the country out of control due to their lack of basic moral faculties. Fear is driving people to the pulpits, to the blogs, and most importantly, to the polls. While this isn’t the ideal method of doing so, it is getting the job done. The Presidential Debates have received television ratings comparable to those of Super Bowls, proving that public interest in this electoral race is only growing. The great Tupac Shakur once said that fear is stronger than love. This election cycle is proving just that. Thank you again, Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton, for through using the power of fear, you now have everyone’s attention.

I Got You Flours The food industry is fooling you. From wheat to sweets, decoding any nutrition label or ingredient list is no easy endeavor. When it comes to “white bread versus wheat bread,” these two words are actually more the same than they are different. If you don’t believe this statement, the marketing industry has done its job. Let’s break things down to the basics: the anatomy of a “whole” grain consists of all three parts of the kernel remaining intact–the germ, endosperm, and bran coating. When dissecting an ingredient label, the word “whole” needs to appear before the word flour in order for it to be considered a whole grain. In other words, if the label does not specifically say “whole wheat flour,” then unfortunately, in most cases it means that some refining occurred. Therefore, simply the words “wheat flour” do not specify whether or not the product is considered refined or partially whole. What exactly is refining a grain? The process of refining grains typically consists of stripping away the bran and the germ, leaving only the endosperm left to use. Without the bran and the germ, approximately 25% of a grain’s protein is lost, and the grain is generally reduced in at least seventeen key nutrients. If you come across the words white flour, bran, degerminated (corn meal), wheat germ, or enriched flour, they never describe whole grains. If you come across any of these words on food labels such as wheat, wheat flour, semolina, durum wheat, organic flour, stone ground, or multigrain, it means that these words are accurate descriptions of the package contents, but some parts of the grain may be missing. Any of the following in this lengthy list means that they are, in fact, 100% whole: whole grain (name

by Kate Monko of flour), whole wheat, whole (other grain), stone ground whole (flour), brown/wild rice, oats, amaranth, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, farro, flaxseed, millet, quinoa, rye, sorghum, and spelt just to name a few... In regards to packaging claims on loaves of bread, tortillas, or any other processed food, the term “multigrain” is liberally employed. This is a key word utilized to mislead consumers as it may describe several refined grains, several whole grains, or a mixture of both. It’s best to not place any trust in this claim and instead head straight over to the list of ingredients to see which grains make up the product you’ll soon be paying for. From there, you can see specifically if the grains are whole or just a mixture of refined ones. Last, but certainly not least, don’t let the food industry fool you on one last deceptive tactic. Just because a loaf of bread has a hearty brown hue, don’t assume that it is inherently healthy. Truth be told, many loaves of bread sitting on grocery store shelves obtain their dark shades from the addition of sugar, typically molasses, because it is brown. The company is both sweetening their product and deceiving the customer all with the help an additive–sugar. Whole wheat bread should be darker colored, but don’t be too gullible before you buy into a bread’s exterior color. It is always in your best interest to refer to the ingredients list and see for yourself what exactly comprises that four dollar carb. If you ever find yourself meandering through the aisles of a market or let alone stacking lettuce, mustard, and meat between two pieces of bread, feel enlightened that you know the masks that refined grains hide behind. Be smarter than the food industry’s sneaky verbiage they employ to dupe consumers. Source: eufic.org

also by Kate Monko The presence of iPhones saturate society. Where there are people, cellular data is abundant. Until today, you may have not noticed a commonality between America’s beloved crop, corn, and America’s beloved gizmo, the cell phone. Although corn and a cell phone are in two completely different leagues on a number of levels, they share one common denominator: they are downright ubiquitous. If corn were to be mentioned in a conversation for some reason, most people would think of the obvious–corn on the cob, popcorn, or corn tortillas, for example. The obvious, however, only scratches the surface of the corn-related victuals and products that surface the globe. Corn, which consumes approximately 30% of farmable land in the United States, is not only produced to fill the bellies of humans. In fact, corn lends itself as a cheap source of calories to feed and fatten the masses of animals within the chicken, beef, and pork industries. Corn finds its way into sweeteners as well, comprising over 50% of the US nutritive sweetener market. This grain also ends up in various paper products, batteries, adhesives, construction materials, and in gasoline production (ethanol). Versatile, yes. Cheap, yes. Abundant, you guessed it, yes. Where there is a supermarket, there is corn, and a lot of it! Here’s the task: the next time you find yourself within the four walls of a grocery store, try to fill your cart up with products not containing any of the following ingredients: (high fructose) corn syrup, corn oil, cornstarch, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, diglycerides, or vanilla

Aw, Shucks extract, just to name a few. Trust me, the list could go on and on; it only touches lightly on the products derived from the corn kernel, but I’d rather not bore you entirely to death. Picture this: You hop in your “flex-fuel” vehicle and head over to the store. As you approach the entrance, an array of perfectly posed cucumbers and pyramids of glossy apples greet you. You’re low on both of these, so in the cart they go. As you stroll through aisle after aisle, you load up on the following: toothpaste, hand soap, Windex, matches, batteries, jelly beans, coated Aspirin, and an array of cosmetics. The goodies you’ve collected proceed down the conveyor belt and the dirty laundry, aka newsstand magazines, catches your eye, specifically the shiny glare on the cover. Although this scenario sounds irrelevant to the topic of this article, corn snuck its way into each item that I named, starting with the gasoline in the form of corn ethanol. No, cucumbers are not the new corn, but the waxy coating that serves as a shellac on produce and magazine covers is derived from this ever-present crop. Corn is essentially inescapable, and a versatile commodity that America has learned to lean on. It is cheap to produce, flexible to utilize, and an abundant source of calories. Wherever you may be reading this article, I would bet that in some form or in some way, corn has influenced your day. Source: Fooderyboston.com

by Ronnie Simon

In a high school full of bullies, insane teachers, and gross school lunches, Ronnie, that’s me, and my two best friends try to do the impossible: create a guide that will help you survive high school! *cue theme song* Tip #1: Make some good friends. You can’t do high school alone, so find some cool people. Find people that would break out into an interpretive dance with you in the middle of the quad or join a school wide conga line because this is what CCA is all about. Yes, the conga line did happen for the unfortunate group of people who were not here to actually experience it. Welcome to CCA, freshmen! Tip #2: Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m going to let you in on a little secret...You don’t have to take all the AP classes. Yes, I know CCA’s schedule allows for students to take more academic courses; however, the four by four was built so students could enjoy taking electives, not to stalk up on AP courses. If you are one of the people who can handle all the AP classes, props to you because that’s impressive, but don’t forget about balance. Considering CCA is already two times faster than other, not as cool schools (*cough* Torrey Pines), you should take classes that are right for you. Just because your friends may be taking multiple APs doesn’t mean that you should take those classes too. Tip #3: Outlines. This tip will help you survive any AP class you might take. For almost every AP class there is an outline of each chapter of the book online. Now, I’m not suggesting that you don’t read the book, but if you are in a serious pickle and absolutely cannot read the chapter, just look at the outline. Shhh, don’t tell Ms. Bryant I said that. Usually, teachers either have a link to the textbook’s outline or a PowerPoint on their website or Blackboard, so it’s not too difficult

to obtain. If all else, fails, there’s still Google. This will save your life when you just got home at 9:30 p.m. from extracurriculars, and you don’t have time to read 30 pages of AP World. Tip #4: Run to your car or stay an extra 15 minutes after school. The traffic at CCA can be insane. To avoid the traffic either run from your fourth period class if you really need to get out of there or stay later for it to clear up a bit. Staying 15 minutes isn’t too bad, especially when you’re updating your friend on the exciting weekend you have planned. You can even get some extra help from your teachers during this time. Tip #5: Use your free periods wisely. These classes (or not classes?) will save your life if you use them correctly. Colleges don’t really want to see too many on your schedule, so be smart about where you decide to put them. Freshman and sophomore year are definitely doable without a free fourth, but if you feel like those years are going to be too stressful then add a free period. I highly suggest that you take a free fourth junior year. I am a junior right now, and I can tell you from personal experience that so far, it’s difficult. Not only do you have to worry about the classes you are taking, but you also have to worry about the SAT or ACT. Having a free fourth this year will allow you to finish your homework at a reasonable time and also finish extracurriculars. Tip #6: Enjoy CCA. Before you know it, you’ll be on the turf with our new principal Mr. Killeen receiving your graduation certificate. Four years may seem like a long time, but it flies by so enjoy it as much as possible. You only have 700 days to say hola to Hector, so make sure you get your hola’s in. Tip #7: Stay weird CCA.

Go Big or Leave Home

by Josh Golden San Diego is on the verge of losing one of its most the losing seasons, but they shouldn’t lose hope for important attractions: its football team. The National the future of the franchise. Football League either wants the Chargers to move One of our assistant principals, Mr. Bess, comor build a new stadium, which is why the organizamented, “I don’t want them to leave because it’s a tion released their plan to build a world class event good thing for San Diego.” Mr. Bess and I agree that center in the East Village. The event center would the stadium “will come back in dividends with the be a one of a kind facility that would host sporting draw that we get.” Currently, the Chargers make events and entertainment, along with events such about 10% of their money via their stadium (accordas Comic-Con. It would be paid for by people going ing to Forbes), while the San Francisco 49ers, who to conventions and staying at hotels, not through opened a new stadium in 2014, make over 17% of San Diego taxpayers’ money. However, the city is not their money from their stadium and make about $300 overly enthusiastic about having another stadium in million more in total than the Chargers. Mr. Bess bethe downtown area (the Padres have played in Petco lieves, however, that there are more than just finanPark since 2004). Those who oppose the stadium cial reasons to keep the team around. “It’s a culture initiative believe that there is not enough space in piece for San Diego to have a team to rally around.” the downtown area for the new stadium. Also, the Since the Padres haven’t really been a fearful force proposed location for the stadium is in an area curin Major League Baseball for a long time, the city of rently populated by a sizeable homeless community. San Diego has wanted the Chargers to step up and Between the Chargers and the city, many different give the city something to cheer about. They’ve come options have been proposed. One of the top options close a few times, but the new stadium can potentialinvolves a potential move to Los Angeles and crashly gain them more support. ing the Rams’ homecoming party. Even though the Chargers are one of the worst When asked about what the team should do, CCA teams in the National Football League (thanks for setsophomore Elan Berger commented, “The Chargers ting the ‘worst’ bar so low Cleveland), they’re still an organization hasn’t done anything to show that they important asset to the city of San Diego and its popwant to stay.” The Chargers organization knows that ulation. Even though many fans have had enough of their market in San Diego isn’t very large and that the team’s recent end of game issues, with a talentthey can get more money in other cities such as Los ed young receiver in Keenan Allen and a five time Angeles or St. Louis. Chargers’ owner Dean Pro-Bowler under center in Philip Rivers, this team Spanos would like to relocate the team is just a few puzzle pieces away from becoming a because he knows he can make more of serious contender in the NFL. I, for one, a profit in another market. Berger then don’t want to miss the chance to continued on about how “Mike McCoy watch them develop because messes everything up so then the Chargers of a stadium blow fourth quarter leads” and that a part of dispute. him wants the team to move so he doesn’t have to deal with the struggle of being a fan of the team. Many Chargers fans are tired of

The Most Anticipated NBA Teams by Derek Li

The 2016-17 NBA season is underway, and this year is likely to be quite an exciting one. Due to the rise of the salary cap and the abundance of unexpected trades, this offseason has been extremely busy. With all the activity going on in addition to the yearly NBA draft, many teams are preparing for a big season. Here are the most anticipated NBA teams for the 2016-17 season.

Boston Celtics: The Celtics surprised everyone in the later part of the season with their spectacular performance. A big factor to this was the trade for Isaiah Thomas, a small but skillful and creative player. Another factor was the great coaching of Brad Stevens. Plus, after receiving star center Al Horford from the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics are looking to be one of the top teams this year.

Cleveland Cavaliers: After making history last season by coming back from a 3-1 deficit and winning the championship against the Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers feel stronger and more confident than ever. Their biggest offseason accomplishment was re-signing LeBron James. Besides that, the Cavaliers have maintained the majority of of their core from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s championship run, including Kyrie Irving and J.R Smith. They have lost Timofey Mozgov and Matthew Dellavedova, but they are still looking to win another championship this year.

San Antonio Spurs: As the Spurs say farewell to Tim Duncan, perhaps the greatest power forward in NBA history and arguably the best basketball player that has ever played in the city of San Antonio, they are looking to rebuild. However, for the experienced, accomplished, and brilliant coach Gregg Popovich, this by no means is an excuse to slack off. With Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard returning, the Spurs are still championship contenders.

Golden State Warriors: It has been quite the offseason for the Golden State Warriors, as they managed to sign Kevin Durant. This has stirred up a lot of controversy and anger amongst NBA fans. Some think that the Warriors will be an unstoppable super team this year. Others think that this signing will be a complete failure, as Kevin Durant will not work well with his teammates and fit in with the established system. Although they choked in the Finals last year, the Warriors are still one of the best teams in the NBA and one of the most fun to watch as well. Los Angeles Clippers: The Los Angeles Clippers have been a solid and exciting team these past few years. With Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and J.J. Redick, the Clippers have huge talent and athleticism. Historically, however, when it has come to the playoffs, the team has never gotten that far, mainly due to key players getting injured. If most players can stay healthy throughout the whole season and the playoffs, the Clippers are looking like a very formidable team.

Utah Jazz: For the past few years, the Utah Jazz has been considered an average team. They have always been on the borderline between making or missing the playoffs. Their main problem has been being an offensive threat. This year, the Jazz look stronger with the acquisition of veteran guard George Hill and great shooter Joe Johnson. Pair that with the great scoring of Gordon Hayward as well as the young talents of Rudy Gobert and Dante Exum, and the Jazz are looking promising as a dark horse contender. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors have a similar case as the Clippers. They perform well in the regular season, but their performance falls off in the playoffs. They did get to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, but each round was a tough one for them, in contrast to the Cavaliers. The Toronto Raptors have always had solid defense, but their offense has been wildly inconsistent and stagnant. With DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry chucking up bricks in the playoffs, the need for more movement in their offense seemed imperative. If they do manage to run an efficient offense, the Raptors will be extremely dangerous.

Tried and True Concert Venues by Hannah Musgrave

Get to know all the tips and tricks to having the best experience at these eight popular and local concert venues. This article includes hot spots to eat in the area, insider tips, and a review of generally how the place is set up and what attending a performance there might be like. Observatory NP With the soft glow of blue lights protruding through the dimmed atmosphere, the Observatory North Park emanates a peculiar aura. The walls are a classic shade of burgundy with wood panels and gold designs bordering the stage. A dark red curtain is rolled above the stage, giving off a vintage yet retro feel. The venue is small and makes for an intimate experience with the performer(s) for the lead singer can make eye contact with anyone in the crowd. Due to its small size, it’s all standing general admission, which means no seats are available. Generally small bands or locals perform, but there have also been bigger names such as Third Eye Blind and the Violent Femmes. Tips & Tricks: Want to fill up on some tasty food before singing and dancing to great music? North Park downtown is a short strip of quaint stores and restaurants. Right across from the venue is a great sushi restaurant, Saiko Sushi. If you go at happy hour, you can get seaweed salads for $3 and California rolls for $5. Don’t like sushi? The Observatory is not only a concert venue, it also is restaurant. The conjoined restaurant serves meals such as salads and flatbreads. Lastly, don’t waste time searching for a parking spot because there is a parking garage directly across from the venue. Sleep Train Amphitheatre With three separate sections, you are sure to have a different experience at each region of this venue. The Pit: A rocker’s luxury. In the pit, you will have a better experience with the performer(s) because you can personally feed the excitement which motivates the performer as energy ricochets back and forth from the crowd to the stage. But do beware, as I have witnessed gnarly mosh pits taking up nearly the whole section. The Seats: A good choice if you want to be able to

take breaks and sit down throughout the show. You could even buy a meal from either of the two food courts inside and have dinner while at the concert. However, if you’re looking for a more wild night, maybe try the Pit or Lawn. The Lawn: A large, grassy area filled with unruly dancers or picnickers, depending on the concert. I’ve been to a show where it was purely dancing teenagers, constantly moving and jumping, and another where it was mixed generations all set out on blankets with cheese and crackers. It is very far from the stage, so if you want an interaction with the band, the lawn is not suggested, but if you want to just have space to dance or spread out, the lawn is what you’re looking for! Tips & Tricks: Do not uber home! There have been occurrences of people spending over $300 on an Uber from Sleep Train to Del Mar. However, if you want avoid Sleep Train’s parking mess, you can park somewhere close, such as downtown San Diego, and Uber back to your car. This will limit expenses and time spent in Sleep Train’s parking lot. The traffic of this venue is a downfall, so if you don’t uber, come early, and to pass the time, you can bring food to tailgate. House Of Blues (Main Stage) Beneath the streets of downtown San Diego lies the House of Blues. It’s small, sweet (and sometimes rowdy), and because of the size, you will never have a bad spot. There are 2 sections: standing general admission, which is the floor, and the orchestra, which is the seats above the floor and performers. These different sections are sure to offer very distinctly different experiences; the floor will always be moving and jumping, whereas the seats are quite the opposite, but both sections are enjoyable. Tips & Tricks: Explore downtown! There are so many restuarants to go before and after the event, including The House of Blues which doubles as a restaurant, serving tacos, salads, and more. You can also go to get dinner across the street, such as Biga for some pizza or The Local Eatery And Drinking Hole for burgers. Hungry after the show? There’s delicious homemade ice cream at the Ghirardelli Factory! Another idea: you could even take your outing an extra step for a complete night out and stay the night at a hotel.

Humphrey’s By The Bay At Humphrey’s you can look out on the bay water softly rocking boats back and forth while you enjoy your concert. The palm trees lining the outskirts of the venue and hanging over the stage emanate a Caribbean vibe. It is relatively medium in size and, depending on the concert, is either all seating or standing general admission. Typically the performers are big names, yet some smaller bands also take the stage from time to time. Tips & Tricks: Want an unique adventure with your concert? With Humphrey’s location on the bay, a water sports company has developed a system to rent out kayaks to concert-goers who want to sit out on the bay and enjoy the concert. These kayaks are large enough for two people and have a dry cockpit for food or a cooler. Just search Family Kayak Humphrey’s Concerts to find their website and make a reservation. Oceanside Pier Below the Oceanside Pier and directly on the beach lies a small, white outdoor stadium which occasionally hosts concerts. In particular, it hosts an annual small festival which takes place in September, known as the Indie Jam (and sometimes one in April, known as Sandy Parts Festival). Indie Jam consists of seven bands, two stages, and food trucks galore! The scenery of this venue is gorgeous. When facing the stage, you also look out to the beach, the waves, and surfers. Ever bored when waiting for the band to come out? Not anymore, just watch the waves and surfers. Tips & Tricks: Not into the food truck idea? There are a surplus of amazing restaurants in downtown Oceanside right up the street and Ruby’s diner at the end of the pier. My suggestion: get lunch at one of those restaurants, jam out some to the music, and then grab dinner from a foodtruck to experience it all. To keep in mind when picking an outfit, most times after the last performance a good portion of the crowd will sprint to the water and go night swimming, so you might want to wear something under your outfit that you can swim in. Open Air SDSU At the bottom of a hill in the SDSU college campus sits the

Open Air Amphitheater. The campus, with students bustling around, generates a very young vibe, and audiences also tend to be primarily young adults and teenagers. The whole venue is assigned seating, but because of the steep hill it is placed on, it is hard to see the stage from farther away so the good seats are limited. If you are going here and are passionate about the band, splurging on a seat really close to the stage will be worth your while. Tips & Tricks: To make sure that you’re there when the first band comes on, you’ll want to arrive to the venue early in case there are mishaps with parking or you get lost in the campus (it’s a very big campus so make sure to have some navigation system with you and park as close to the amphitheater as possible). Want to know the college kid’s hangout spots for after the concert? Just walk across the street to Buddie’s Burgers, Domino’s Pizza, Jack in the Box, CREAM (an ice cream place much like Baked Bear), or 7-11. Valley View Casino Center This big, enclosed stadium hosts annual events you might have heard of, such as Wrex The Halls and X Fest. The performers of this arena are all big names, as the stadium is massive. It has a standing general admission (the floor) and two sections of seating, but even the nosebleed seats will make for a good night because of how the venue is set up. Yet, as always, the most rowdy and energetic crowd will be in the pit, so if you really want to rock out, buy tickets for the floor because Valley View’s pit is always party rocking. Tips & Tricks: If you want to eat a meal before the concert, inside the parking lot is a Chiki-Fil-A and a Chili’s, or if you get hungry during the show, there are vendors which sell all the typical concert and baseball foods. If you are in the pit make sure to get there early to secure a good spot because there will be a lot of people wanting to get close to the stage. Also, sometimes before a big lineup or show small local performers set up in the parking lot for a pre-show.

stages, including the Encore and Silent Disco. A different spectacle is promised at each stage, but wherever you are when the sun sets, it is sure to be picturesque as the sky turns pink and performers dance about the platform. Tips & Tricks: If you want to get a good spot at a popular band, get there early. There are massive amounts of people looking to see only a couple performances at the end of the night, so it is going to be jam packed. Also, don’t forget extra cash, sunscreen, or a water bottle! Security will let you bring in your own water bottle as long as it is empty, and inside the venue there are stations to fill it up throughout the day. Getting the munchies after all your dancing and singing? Denny’s across the street has pancakes, milkshakes, french fries and other classic American food, and is open 24/7!

Upcoming Concerts 11/20 - Cherub - House of Blues 11/10 - Phony PPL - House of Blues 11/10 - STRFKR - Observatory North Park 11/12 - Slightly Stoopid - Observatory North Park 11/14 - Mac Miller - Observatory North Park 11/19 - Iration - Del Mar Racetracks 11/29 - Sleeping With Sirens - SOMA 12/02 - Asking Alexandra - SOMA 12/10 - Wrex The Halls (Night 1) - Valley View Casino 12/11 - Wrex The Halls (Night 2) - Valley View Casino 1/13/17 - R Kelly - Valley View Casino 1/21/17 - Cold War Kids - Observatory North Park 2/04/17 - Bogan Via - House of Blues 4/02/17 - Passenger - House of Blues 4/08/17 - Green Day - Valley View Casino 8/14/17 - Shawn Mendes - Valley View Casino

Del Mar Racetracks Mostly known for its twice annual horse races, the Del Mar Racetracks have just become home to the annual 3-day concert event, Kaaboo. Kaaboo has seven

It’s Up for Debate by Kaylee Kinninger

To those who do not participate in Speech and Debate, many may see this extracurricular activity as a resume builder for college, but to two participators this could be far from the truth. Kaleolani Laymon, a senior, stumbled into Speech and Debate club freshman year, a fateful moment for she had just had dropped theater to pursue dance and, subsequently, felt she was not thoroughly expressing herself. She reminisced about the moment, “[Club members] explained how theatrical it was, and just right there in that meeting I was like, this is what I’m doing. I need this in my life.” The physical expressions, such as hand gestures and facial expressions which accompany speeches, allowed for Kaleolani to continue her theatrical passions throughout high school. When Jessica Shen’s friends joined the debate team freshman year, she felt that she could not take the pressure and anxiety of debating. Although she was shy and intimidated by the thought of speaking in front of others, Jessica was finally convinced to join and conquer her fears. Jessica commented, “If I had never joined Debate, I would not be the person I am today.” Debate has taught her how to make eloquent arguments and speak clearly. She still gets jitters before competitions; however, she feels empowered after the triumph, trumping all of the anxiety before hand. Speech and Debate, though connected by a conjunction, are not so connected. Speech is a performance, extremely similar to acting. Within speech, there are two avenues which students can express

themselves: original speech and interpretive speech. Original speeches involve a student composing his or her own speech, whether that means writing to advocate for a certain bill, discussing racism, performing poetry, or creating a speech with an impromptu topic. In interpretative speeches, performers take a piece already published and make the story their own, allowing the story to flow through them. Interpretive speeches can be performed with two speakers—a duo. Kaleolani performed a duo in which her and her partner acted as a teen girl whose internet browsing sites distracted her from her homework. They even acted out each individual browsing site, personifying the websites and playing multiple roles. Debate participators can compete in any of the following categories: Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, Policy Debate or Parliamentary. Within each events, students prepare their cases with the exception of the Parliamentary category, which is an impromptu debate. In Public Forum, the most common form of debate, debaters team up with a partner and focus on current events, attempting to persuade the judges on a particular topic. Jessica recalls freshman year when she went head to head with an experienced debater. Although she did not succeed in performing to her best abilities, she continued onto the next debates with fire, finding thrill in persuading the judges to agree with her arguments. This year she and the rest of the debate team look forward to attending League tournaments at Stanford and Berkeley. Though Speech and Debate may seem like just another extracurricular activity in the sea of opportunities offered at CCA, this club equips students with confidence and skills necessary for their futures.

The Newest Raven by Erin Coogan

With this 2016-2017 school year kicking off, there are already many changes taking place at CCA. For our seniors, it’s adjusting to being at the top of the food chain. For our juniors, it’s figuring out what it takes to be an upperclassman. For our sophomores, it’s learning how to succeed in their first AP classes. And for our freshmen, it’s pretty much everything. But probably the most important transition this year has to do with the change in our leadership. Who is the new smiling face you see walking down the hallways? Who is the newest addition to our Raven family? Who is Mr. Killeen? CCA’s new principal, Brett Killeen, is a self-stated “normal guy.” He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and exploring nature. He hopes to bring the same level of motivation and excitement that he has for these passions to his new role at CCA. Some students and parents may have heard Mr. Killeen’s name before his addition at Canyon Crest. This is because although he is new to CCA, he is far from new to this position in the education field. From 2006 to 2013, Mr. Killeen held the title of principal at Torrey Pines High School. Most recently, he assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations in the Vista Unified School District. When discussing why he wanted to lead CCA after his stint at Torrey Pines, Killeen said, “I got to watch this school grow from a little distance away. I was very impressed, and [I] respected CCA.” He wanted to become involved with the Canyon Crest Academy family and is now excited to have taken the integral role as our fearless leader. Growing up, Mr. Killeen revealed how he never intended on becoming involved in education. His dream was to become an airline pilot or a national park ranger. After teaching kids how to swim as a teenager during the summer, he became aware of his love for teaching and instructing others. However, he attended law school, pushing aside his passion for teaching. After a year, he reluctantly decided to drop out of school despite his fear of disappointing his family. He found that by following the footsteps of both his mother and father by pursuing a profession

in education he was at his happiest. “I’ve got in my blood,” Mr. Killeen commented. With the first few weeks at CCA behind him, Mr. Killeen shared his ultimate goals and aspirations for the rest of the school year. His first plan of action at CCA: “I want to focus on building relationships with the students.” He also acknowledged the challenge of managing the student population increase, while preserving CCA’s originally small, inclusive environment. “I want to preserve that feeling of our inclusiveness, even our weirdness, if you will. I want our culture to thrive.” As to the overcrowding, he said it will hopefully be alleviated with the completion of the B building. When addressing his hopes for the future, Mr. Killeen mentioned how he will strive to defuse some of the pressure students feel at CCA and balance academic success with wellness. In regards to our last principal, Karl Mueller, Mr. Killeen explained how much he respects Mr. Mueller and his ability to build strong relationships with CCA students. “He had such a special way with people,” Mr. Killeen added. He also said he, like Mueller, wants to be known for being engaged with and supportive of all the students, as if they were a part of his own family. An athlete, family man, and now, a Raven, Mr. Killeen knows he can’t be perfect all the time, but he prides himself in his ability to learn and adjust, just like the rest of us. Reflecting back on his life, he mentioned how his close bond with his father, who also worked as an education administrator, helped shape his character and motivated him to work hard each and every day. He admires CCA’s one-of-a-kind culture, its unique students, and its amazing programs and opportunities. “I’m sure I’ll be stretched a little,” he admitted, “but I’m cool with that!” He wants to become as involved as possible and can’t wait to tour the conservatories, attend sporting events, and interact with students. Expect to see plenty of Mr. Killeen as he makes his rounds at the school. “I’d love to stay and be engaged for a long time,” he said. “To be here now feels right.”

Beyond the Sprinkles The Best Donuts in San Diego

by Peter Saltamachio, Sammy Benbow, and Matthew Siemer For most people, the image that jumps into their mind when they hear “donut” is a circular fried ball of dough with a hole in the middle. This is a sadly drawn-down version of the truth. Your tastes can be refined by expanding your donut horizons to such treats as the Buttermilk Bar, the Cruller, and the Apple Fritter. These are donuts that many cannot picture in their mind; they are think-outside-the-box donuts that can’t be purchased at top quality in places like Krispy Kreme or Vons. In order to enjoy the best donuts in America’s Finest City, you need to look for mom-and-pop shops, places that don’t focus on anything else, or high-end. We sampled many donuts, from the factory-produced donut clone troopers of Krispy Kreme to the visually stunning pieces of donut art available at Donut Bar, and here are our opinions of the best donuts in San Diego. In North County, one must search for great donut shops. There are few donut sellers in North County that are commercially viable enough to have multiple locations. Each of our choices from here is a unique place all by itself, run by a family (Super Donuts No. 2) or small, tightly-knit core of employees (Leucadia Donut Shoppe). Local recommendations will take you far and guide you to places that generally dodge the public eye. Only a longtime local may point you to places so hidden as Super Donuts and Solana Donut House, both of which produce fantastic donuts. South County is where you will find a more eclectic variety of donuts. Sesame Donuts sits at one end of the spectrum, almost unknown to the general populace. Donut Bar is the opposite, with a short history and a widespread reputation for making great donuts. Dunkin’ Donuts resides in downtown, as well as Krispy Kreme in Poway and Clairemont. Local opinion will point you to Donut Bar and several others depending on your location, but in South County, your best friend is your intuition. Looking up locations and menus is the best way of finding your new favorite site.

East/South County Golden Donut

Located in La Jolla, Golden Donut does not have the best atmosphere; the store is quite empty on Sunday mornings. Another downside to this eatery is the price of individual donuts, sometimes ranging to a full dollar more than that of Krispy Kreme. However, the donuts are warm and worth the price. Cold beverages were available for purchase, and they open at 4 a.m. as opposed to the traditional 6 a.m. opening time. Our Pick: Apple Fritter 4041 Governor Dr. San Diego, CA

Donut Bar

One of the most critically acclaimed restaurants, let alone donut shops, in San Diego, Donut Bar is arguably has the best donuts in San Diego and definitely lives up to the numerous positive reviews. Upon walking in, cases upon cases line the store, entirely filled with massive donuts. The entire staff is welcoming and let us taste their newest creation, the French Toast donut, free of charge. As well as many kinds of creative and delicious donuts, Donut Bar also sells different kinds of coffee and cold drinks. Our Pick: Mexican Hot Chocolate donut 631 B St. San Diego, CA

Leucadia Donut Shoppe

North County

Apple Fritters, widely believed to be the best for miles around, are the specialty here. This tiny shop, decorated with bumper stickers and photos submitted by customers, has dozens of donut varieties, croissants, and a good drink selection. Leucadia Donuts has great service. However, it also has somewhat sparse seating and difficult parking on the Coast Highway. Apple Fritters here are nothing short of divine. Our Pick: Apple Fritter and Custard Cream-filled Chocolate donut

VG Donuts

This longtime Cardiff institution is right off the Coast Highway and has been serving baked goods since 1969. The cake donuts are perfectly textured with the perfect blend of sweetness and spices. VG also has great pastries (we recommend the éclair) and cookies of all shapes and sizes. Our pick: Maple Cake and Cinnamon Crumb Cake donuts 106 Aberdeen Dr. Carlsbad, CA

1604 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA

Super Donuts No. 2

A small shop tucked behind a Rubio’s and Pizzicato, Super Donuts No. 2 has produced high-quality, lowpriced donuts for over 20 years. The Cruller, a Frenchstyle donut with a fluted texture and a moist, doughy inside, is the specialty here. The proprietor has worked almost every day here as its sole cashier and personality for most of its existence. Pro tip: If you become a faithful customer, you can usually expect an extra donut or two tucked into your standard dozen. Our Pick: Strawberry-frosted Cruller and a Toasted Coconut bar. Cash only.

Encinitas Donut House

Although quite close to SDA, this donut shop produces cheap donuts. Known for its “Texas-size” donuts, twice as big as a standard glazed, it also features the Buttermilk Bar, a denser version of a cake donut made with buttermilk and frosted like a cake donut. The shop is always packed early in the morning. Our Pick: A Texas-sized donut with chocolate frosting. Cash only, but they get extra points for having an ATM! 580 Santa Fe Dr. Encinitas, CA

252 N. El Camino Real, Suite #2. Encinitas, CA

Sesame Donuts

Sesame Donuts is one of the better donut places that San Diego has to offer. Upon arrival, customers are invited in and offered a sample. A dozen donuts only cost $7.99. When the purchased dozen donuts are placed in the box, an employee continues to put donut holes in the empty space until the box can barely close. Our Pick: Pokémon donut 11040 Rancho Carmel Dr. #6, San Diego, CA

Solana Donuts

An even smaller storefront than Super Donuts, Solana Donuts is remarkably clean and well lit. It has quite good looking and tasting donuts that are presented beautifully in their glass case. Here the choices are more simple, but each is done well, with the cake donuts producing a combo with the frosting. Cash only. Our Pick: Maple Cake donut and Chocolate Bar. 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Suite #105, Solana Beach, CA

Jakob: What are you passionate about? Olivia: I love theatre and acting. I love my dog and I love cooking. Jakob: Tell me about your theatre experience. Olivia: Oh, it’s been really great. I’ve done a few plays before, but it’s my first year in conservatory...I’m in Romeo & Juliet right now,...and we’re getting a guest artist and Steve Lipinsky, who is our director. Jakob: You said you’ve done other works? Olivia: Yes. I acted in The Women last year, and I did tech last year for Taming of the Shrew. So far, we’ve just been focusing on plays, and there hasn’t really been any just strictly conservatory meetings, but we did get to meet with Allison Spratt Pearce (actress, singer, dancer, and coach). [In conservatory,] you just get a lot of extra work and a lot of extra projects that can improve you. Jakob: Can you tell me about your experience with the Fine Bros and the React series? Olivia: I started with them about five years ago. I was 11 when my mom submitted me for the show, and they called me up to go up to LA to film it. My first audition was an actual episode, and they liked me. They kept bring me back until I was made a series regular on Kids React, and when I got to high school, I aged up to Teens React. This is my third year doing that now. Jakob: Do you enjoy it? Olivia: I do. It’s really fun, I love working with them...It’s a really good wholesome company...and I get to do amazing incredible experiences with them. For example, I was invited to go to Orlando with them to film, and I had no idea I was going. It was like “We’re going to Orlando” and I was like “Ok,” so I took four days off and went to Orlando. We went to Universal Studios and filmed a video there. Jakob: Seeing as the series is so popular, with millions of viewers per episode, have you ever been recognized in public? Olivia: Yeah, I have been recognized, mostly at school. So if you see me, come up and say hi. I get recognized at some weird places. When I was in the home where Abraham Lincoln died after his gunshot wound in Washington D.C. I was approached there and that was a little odd. When I was in England, I was approached at Stonehenge, which is in the middle of nowhere, so I was a little confused, but it’s so nice when fans come to me and tell me about their experience watching the show. It’s just so nice to actually This year the Collegeboard revamped the meet the people who are watching your SAT, making changes to both the content and videos. format, as well as the scoring.

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Jakob: Is there anything you would like to say before we close off? Olivia: Stay classy CCA!

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