November issue 2021

COMING OUT AGAINST HATE

LGBTQIA+ students host a forum to address a history of negligence and propose a future where all feel safe and accepted on campus

TO VAX OR NOT TO VAX

Students vote their opinions about the impending vaccine mandate

PG. 8

FSC DISCOVERIES

Students dive into the pools of marine intertidal

By Serenity Wulfing, Social Media Director

As students plunge their hands into the crevices of the darkened pools of saltwater, they discover the various creatures in which inhabit the intertidal ecosystem. JonPaul Ewing and Amanda Lincoln, the supervisors for Field Studies Collaborative, selected a group of students to collect data regarding the change in the intertidal (seashore which is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Field Studies Collaborative (FSC), is a class of specially selected students in which they research the activity of marine life and the intertidal environment. The researchers meet up to go out a few times a year to collect data for USC. With 14 students and two supervisors, the group headed to four locations over the course of four days.

The first site was Montaña de Oro on Oct. 19. At this location, students were counting the amount of Sea Stars they saw in three zones. After searching, they discovered a total of four Sea Stars. Low tide was 0.6+ ft. at 4:19 pm.

The second site they procured data from was Cayucos on Oct. 20th. Here they counted the amount of Owl Limpets (snails with a low-profile, white,

black, and brown shell and a strong muscular foot that attaches to the rock) that were larger than 30mm in certain locations and the number of Sea Stars. There were a total of 330 limpets and zero Sea Stars. Low tide was 0.3+ ft at 4:55pm.

Their third location was San Simeon on Oct. 21st. During this visit, students were collecting data on the number of animals in a quadrant plot. The quadrant plots were set up in line transects, used to monitor percent cover of surf grass, kelps, and other algae. Transects are established for each target species. Transects are generally 10 m long and percent cover is estimated by recording substrate occurring under each 10 cm interval. Low tide was 0.2+ ft at 5:31pm.

The last site was at Shell Beach on Oct. 22nd and they used the same protocol as the 21st. Although, during this data collection, they set the quadrant plots in random locations in the Transect. Low tide was 0.2+ ft at 6:09. The students monitored the coastal ecosystems of marine sanctuaries to increase awareness of these areas.

FIGHTING THE MANDATE

Students across California protest against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Liliana Voorheis, World Editor

People are questioning their political rights and freedom as a mandate was passed on October 1, 2021 by California Governor Gavin Newsom requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine to be able to attend public, private or charter schools.

This mandate will go into effect either in January or July of 2022, depending on when vaccines will get approved for all age groups, as the mandate applies to all students from kindergarten to 12 grade, as well as all school employees.

If this mandate doesn’t change, by next school year everyone going to school, whether that school is funded by the government or not, will be vaccinated. Newsom is also encouraging school districts to enforce their own mandates ahead of the state’s plan. However, since the order comes from the governor not the Legislature, there are loopholes for families that don’t agree or don’t feel comfortable vaccinating their children. Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious or personal reasons.

“The state already requires that students are vaccinated against viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella – there’s no reason why we wouldn’t do the same for COVID-19. Today’s measure, just like our firstin-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination requirements, is about protecting our children and school staff, and keeping them in the classroom,” said Newsom.

On October 18, 2021, there was a protest in San Luis Obispo against this vaccine mandate. Parents pulled their children out of school and brought them with homemade signs to show who this mandate was affecting and try to get the governor to notice them and hear their objections. The signs read things like, “Let parents parent,” “Freedom not force,” or simply “No.” Hundreds of students in SLO county were pulled out of school to take part in this protest, and local parents also organized walkouts from the schools their children attended to make a point.

PRHS science teacher Steven Decou said that “it absolutely makes sense to put this on (the school required vaccine) list. I don’t think it’s as much of a personal rights issue as it is a public health and safety issue.” He believes that the vaccine has been

“proven to be both safe and effective.”

History is repeating itself, as it often does. Back when smallpox was at large, citizens fought against masks and vaccination, much like how people are today. Now, smallpox has been declared eradicated since 1980, and it’s vaccine is on the list of required vaccinations to attend school. So this has worked in the past- but people are worried that this is a step too far by the governor because of the lack of testing and knowledge of long-term effects of this COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the SLO Tribune and Jennifer Gaviola, deputy superintendent, “PRJUSD saw 1,780 absences — meaning about 27 percent of the district’s 6,567 students were not in class.” On a typical day, there are 760 absences.

HANDS ON SCIENCE : Students gather information about the different wildlife in the tidepools when the tide is high versus being low. This was the tidal pool in Montana de Oro, one of three tide pools explored over the weekend.

DEFENDING THEIR RIGHTS : Parents stand up for their kids, protesting for their individual liberties.

AREA 805: EXTRATERRESTRIAL TAKEOVER

Between ‘Kajabe Can Can,’ Advanced Dance and Band, homecoming was out of this world

by TJ Rothbauer, News Director

Homecoming week this year involved a week-wide search for the Bearcat, who had been abducted by aliens. Every day of homecoming week had its own theme. Tuesday was “Spaced Out Day,” in which students dressed in their pajamas to school. Wednesday’s theme was “Cowboys Vs. Extraterrestrials.” Bearcats were incentivized to wear “western gear or space gear,” by leadership, who put up a photoshoot area in the quad for students to gather with their friends and pose around. Thursday was “bring anything but a backpack to school day.” Students brought everything from chili pots, Playstation 5 boxes, shopping carts, and wheelbarrows to school. And finally, Friday’s theme was “Phone Home Day,” where students wore their homecoming shirts issued by leadership. Friday also included a bright and col-

orful pep rally in which students of all different backgrounds showcased their skills. Between Advanced Dance, Choir, Band, and the Varsity Football team, the rally was packed with action and ecstatic student involvement with the classic game of “Kajabe.” Senior Andrew Olsen came out on top after a strong battle of wills with his opponent.

The Homecoming game halftime show was comprised of numerous performances from Varsity cheer, Advanced Dance, and a combination of both. Then, the homecoming court was announced. To everyone’s astonishment, seniors Brandon Bonham and Destiny Valenzuela won together despite running separately. The Bearcat Football team also took home win, beating the Pioneer Valley Panthers 15-6, completing an eventful 2021 homecoming.

I WAS MOSTLY SURPRISED THAT I WON BUT IT WAS JUST FUN TO COMPETE WITH SOME OF MY TEAMMATES AND HAVE FUN. ANDREW OLSEN, 12

WALKING THE RED CARPET: Seniors Brandon Bonham and Vanessa Mowreader make their way to their seats as Homecoming nominees.

BUSTING DOWN: Advanced dance members showcase their new choreography from junior Amani Arellano. The senior dance members also had their senior night ceremony after their performance.

JAMMIN OUT : Band members get in their groove during the pep rally.

PhotobyJeffreyMount

PhotobyHailey Radder

PhotobyReily Lowry

PhotosbyReilyLowry

Eyes From The Skies

CalFire pilots from Paso Robles Airport describe the intense work resulting from California’s worst fire seasons

The call is made, the dispatch radio reads out, “Tanker 74, Tanker 75, Air Attack 340.” Pilot David Skopec suits up and hops into his aircraft. The roar of his turboprops begins, as he starts his engines and performs the checklists. He rolls out of the pit, along with the crew of Tanker 75 and Air Attack 340, and heads out onto to the runway. Slowly advancing the throttle, the plane starts moving, and in a matter of seconds, is off the ground and on the way. Facing one of the worst fire seasons that California has ever had, Skopec’s role is one of the most important in the firefighting industry. With a plane filled with 1,200 gallons of fire retardant and a crew of highly skilled firefighters to help him, Skopec is able to maneuver his aircraft in the most dangerous situations to help prevent large scale fires, and help keep them contained.

Humans are the number one cause of wildfires, making up over 85 percent of all wildfires reported in California. Unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, equipment misuse, and intentional acts of arson are all the main causes of wildfires, according to the US Forest Service. Over the course of the 2020 fire season, there were 8,112 fires that burned over 4,350,000 acres. In 2021, there have been 8,106 fires which burned more than 2,500,000 acres. Across all fire seasons from 2016 to 2019, there were 32,032 fires that burned just 4,452,872 acres. The 2020 and 2021 fire seasons have nearly a 150 percent increase in acres burned than the previous 4 years combined, according to CalFire.

CalFire has 14 air attack bases all throughout the state, in cities such as Hemet, Redding, Porterville, Ramona, and Paso Robles. These bases are all equipped with three or more aircraft, including fixed and rotary wings. All bases are made up of a pair of S-2T Turbo Trackers, modern upgraded versions of the Vietnam-era S-2F Trackers. The Turbo Trackers are able to carry up to 1,200 gallons of fire retardant and are able to cruise to fires at speeds of over 230 knots. Each base also includes one air attack aircraft,

by Conner Rocha, Photography Director

which is an OV-10A Bronco, capable of carrying one pilot and one ATGS (Air Tactical Group Supervisor), and is able to fly over fires for over four hours, communicating vital information to and from the ground crews to all tankers on the site of the fire. Alongside the fixed wing aircraft, some CalFire bases, including

Sacramento, Hemet, and Columbia, are operating brand new S-70i Firehawk helicopters, which can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water, and are able to be refilled in 45 seconds while the aircraft is in air, using a “snorkel” which dips into water sources.

Paso Robles is home to a vital CalFire air attack base. According to CalFire, “The base provides initial attack for southern Monterey County, western Fresno and Kings counties, northern Santa Barbara County and all of San Luis Obispo County: an initial attack area of approximately

6.5 million acres.” Tanker 74 is one of two Turbo Trackers based out of Paso, along with Tanker 75. They also have a OV-10A Bronco, Air Attack 340 (AA340), as well at the base which provides air attack during fire operations.

“The beauty of these aircraft is you can get there quickly and help support ground troops,” Skopec said. “Some of these slopes are so steep, they have a hard time hiking up. If we could slow down the fire in front of them, it gives them extra time to get the hose laid, or get the hand crews up there and cut in line and remove the fuel from the fire.”

made to fade in color to the point where it is not visible anymore after a few weeks.

“Our response time for initial attack is rarely more than a ten minute flight,” Skopec said. “Ten minutes will get you pretty far when you’re doing 230 knots. Around 70 percent of the time we’re there in less than ten minutes for fires in SLO

special rating called initial attack,” Skopec said. “As pilots, we were trained to be able to take action on a fire without permission from anyone. If I’m flying back from a fire by myself, and I see another fire, I am trained to go ahead, size it up, and take action.”

Initial attack is rare, and most of the time fires are assisted

with air attack specialists, flying in OV-10A Broncos, or other contracted aircraft such as Rockwell Turbo Commanders or Beechcraft King Air’s. These aircraft include a single pilot and an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS). The ATGS is the person who helps coordinate with ground crews, along with using it’s six radios to communicate with aircraft in the air, to help coordinate attack plans to keep the fire at bay.

“Usually the typical model is an air attack, two tankers, and a helicopter on every wildland dispatch,” Skopec said. “The air attacks have a crucial role as far as communicating with the ground, and keeping the aircraft separate from each other. That’s their number one job, to keep the aircraft from running into each

CalFire is also one of the most rewarding jobs for pilots, according to Skopec. While pilots may not get as much flying time as a typical commercial pilot, the job is a lot more demanding. A majority of CalFire pilots are also personal aircraft owners, who have their own small aircraft used for personal flying. Currently there is a shortage of almost 35,000 pilots, and plenty of different types of opportunities for those who wish to enter the field of flying.

“The nice thing about flying is pilots don’t really fly because it’s a good job, they do it because they truly love it,” Skopec said. “If it’s truly what you love, you will never think twice about it.”

2016-2019

Wildfire

Seasons

Number of Fires: 32,032

Acres Burned: 4,452,872

Structures Lost: 36,512

2020-2021

Wildfire Seasons

Number of Fires: 16,418

Acres Burned: 6,753,749

Structures Lost: 14,117

Sources: CalFire & U.S. Forest Service

Pilot David Skopec flies S-2T Turbo Trackers for CalFire. He speaks about what it is like to fly for CalFire with the rising danger of wildfires in the past two years. With a 150 percent increase in fire acreage over the past two years, it is up to Skopec to help save lives and property.

DOING

THEBARE MINIMUM ENOUGHISN’T ISN’ T

Current LGBTQIA+ needs should no longer be ignored

Rainbows appear after the rain, showing resilience and spreading reassurance. The same arrangement of colors also radiates reassurance for students whose identities are denied, brushed off, and targeted. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet-- the rainbow stands as a symbol of hope amid insufficient campus policies, revolutionary student forums, and homophobic slurs. It’s not meant to exclude those outside the LGBTQIA+ community, and its intentions are not to “convince” other students to “turn gay.” The pride flag is an indicator of a safe space. On a campus where students’ identities are seen as a punchline, acceptance is a rarity when it should be the norm.

Forced to advocate for themselves, students ranging from freshmen to

newsmagazine

Design

seniors have spearheaded the call for awareness with the “Coming Out Against Hate” event on Oct. 20, in hopes of initiating changes that could ripple across generations of classes to come. Eve Barajas, Danny Perez, Sprout Aragon, and Ava Hughes, along with ten more speakers and others behind the scene, organized, coordinated, and rehearsed for the event, working towards the goal of a campus equipped with facilities, staff, and curriculum that supports LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and teachers.

The student-led call for action wasn’t sparked only by the mishandled September incident, in which a student defecated on the Pride flag. It was simply the tipping point after years of insufficient support, administrative inaction, and steadily increasing disrespect and hate.

by Maicah Cabello, Design Director

What started as a conversation about politicizing the student body with a need for flag freedom, has evolved into the overall necessity for hearing student voices at all levels of authority.

What do we need? We need sufficient facilities for transgender students. We need enforcement over slurs that target the LGBTQIA+ community, intentionally or unintentionally. We need a curriculum that educates and includes. We need proper inclusion when it comes to policies that affect an ostracized portion of our student body. We need our administration to follow through with their action plan for the future. In order for our students to feel included and protected, we need those in charge and our student body to shift away from suppression and feigned ignorance.

STUDENT JOURNALISM AT PASO ROBLES HS

Reporters

Editors In Chief

Malia Gaviola

Rayvin Wulfing

Ashley Paulsen

Directors

TJ Rothbauer News

Ashley Paulsen Sports

Serentiy Wulfing Social Media

Malia Gaviola In-depth

Rayvin Wulfing In-depth

Maicah Cabello Director

Jocelyn Lopez

Editors

Kalani Gaviola Op/Ed

Liliana Voorheis World

Zoey Rainey People

Miguel Muniz Poli-Sci

Kalista Peterson Health

Emily Rogers PopCulture

Reily Lowry Sports

Asusena Uribe Carmesi

Emily Neri Carmesi

Elise Mathers News

Sienna Ramos

Chris Cisneros

Braydon Hoier

Cadance Eastep

Brooklynn Healy

Photography

Connor Rocha Director

Rogelio Molina

Kayla Degnan

Web

Bricen Chitty Director

Michelle Rosas

Adviser Jeff Mount Website

www.crimsonnewsmagazine.org

Email crimsonnewsmagazine@ gmail.com

Crimson, an open forum for the exchange of student ideas, is an independently funded newsmagazine produced by the journalism class at Paso Robles High School. Crimson reflects the majority opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of Paso Robles High School, its faculty, administration, or students. All stories, graphics, typesetting, and layouts are completed by Paso Robles High School students. We are happy to talk with you further about our content, subscriptions in U.S. Mail, and advertising on our pages.

—Crimson Staff

TO TERMINATE TARDINESS

As the school bell sounds and class begins, there is an element of settling down; most teachers will have their students put phones away and take school supplies out, a careful transition from their lives outside of school to the academic-focused world of tests, worksheets, and projects…. Bang.

The door flings open, and in comes a late classmate, possibly concerned about the distraction they’re causing, or possibly not, but nonetheless popping the quiet bubble of class with their tardy presence.

PRHS staff and attendance records have noticed a significant increase in tardiness since August 19 and now, PRHS’s campus-both staff and students alikemust collaborate to lower these numbers.

Anthony Overton, PRHS principal since 2019, acknowledges the problem: “We’ve definitely seen a rise in tardies from when we left back in COVID,” Overton said. “As we’ve come back this school year, that system that manages tardiness... (has been) a little lacking.”

The system Overton is referring to is our school tardiness policy, which can be found in the Student Handbook; Consequences are doled out based on tardies per period and overall tardies. Most notably, per period punishment starts after the second unexcused tardy with a formal warning/the teacher marked down on the tardy referral formthe first tardy is informal warning- and overall tardies punishment starts after twelve overall tardies with the student/parent notified by letter and autodialer.

Since coming back to school, teachers and staff have been more lax in enforcing this policy, but it’s important to note that 43% of students surveyed felt that tardiness is not disruptive to their learning.

Overton believes this lenient attitude is understandable with the start of school coming from online, then hybrid learning in 2020-early 2021. But he has plans to revive our previous system. “It’s obviously becoming a big issue…” Overton said, “If you actually go back about two years before (school shut down) we had a pretty high tardy rate… Then we implemented this current policy and tardies went way down.”

Still, before that happens, a question remains: What do students and teachers really think of this tardiness epidemic?

77.1% of student responses self-reported as being tardy this school year, and the majority of those students (29.4%) blame traffic. Those numbers, however, don’t account for the 68.4% of students who find themselves late during passing periods and after lunch.

English teacher Kevin Kijewski sees those tardiness the most.

“Interestingly, one would imagine that first period would have the

Students and staff share opinions on rising tardiness among PRHS students

by Kalani Gaviola, Op/Ed Editor

most tardies. not for me though, that would be sixth period. And then, on top of that, a certain contingent of students, though we have very clear procedure, even say ‘I don’t know what’s going on.’ (In that way) I think (tardies are) disrespectful.”

He is hopeful for further enforcement and administrative support.

“I’d be open to any, any form of penalty because it just seems like right now, it’s not really doing anything. I don’t think telling them that they’re being disrespectful is enough to deter the behavior… As teachers, we care… we want to see you. It upsets us on a human level that you’re not here… we actually do kind of miss you. We need and want all of our students in class, and that’s just because we care about student outcomes,”

Many students, however, don’t even see what they’re doing as disrespectful. 74.6% of student responses agree that tardiness isn’t as important as people make it Josie Clark, 10, believes tolerance in tardiness is necessary.

“I really don’t think tardiness is a big deal, because most of the time (when) students are late, it’s for about one to two minutes in the beginning of class, (and) if it’s for more than that it’s usually for a valid reason… I am absolutely not trying to be disrespectful towards my teacher when I’m late…. The staff should keep in mind that students are not tardy on purpose… we just all have different schedules and life gets in the way sometimes as a result.”

So, a clear stalemate is present wherein students want to the tardy policy to be more understanding while staff want a more enforced system.

Habits born in adolescence can stay with someone their entire life, and with 41% of of U.S. employers having fired an employee for arriving late tardiness isn’t an issue that leaves one as they finish high school, but a study from the Hammill Institute on Disabilities show that for some students, stronger enforcement doesn’t necessarily yield

There is hope, however. Math teacher Lori Jordan presents a reasonable solution. “There’s always alternative solutions, right. I think, you know, getting a committee of students and teachers together to work together would be a really great option because I’m sure there’s things that we’re not thinking of,” she said, and though getting together an entire committee may pose difficulties, what the real goal is making sure that the policy listens to all voices.

It’s a determined fact that the tardy policy is going to be more strongly enforced and in the end, most students and staff seem to want the same thing: a productive and understanding learning environment. Compromise is necessary, and as long as student are receptive to the staff view, and vice versa, tardiness will go down, and PRHS will remain a fair and effective place for all who walk past our gates.

Kevin Kijewski

The LEFT SIDE

by Maicah Cabelllo, Design Director

TO VAX VA

The vaccine mandate is a humanitarian topic. It is about preventing the spread of the coronavirus, decreasing hospitalization rates, and being able to move past the ways of “Covid living.”

I think what trips people up the most is the freedom of choice. The Bill of Rights guarantees individuals the right to personal autonomy, which in essence means the government can’t butt into a person’s decisions that affect their personal life.

When a portion of the population decides not to get vaccinated, they are deciding the health of those around them. By continuing to be a vulnerable carrier, mutations are given the chance to happen, and spread continues to be an issue. Delta and other variants are given the chance to thrive and develop enough to bypass the original vaccine, affecting the whole population—even those who chose to be vaccinated. If this is a matter of free decisions, not getting vaccinated is forcing a decision for the rest of the population.

If something is mandatory it’s bound to sound scary. It means that you pretty much have to comply or be restricted from everyday activities, a type of ultimatum. However, vaccinations have been around since all of us were children. Mandatory vaccinations like DTaP, IPV, and Varicella (mandatory in all 50 states) were a part of our elementary and middle school days, whether we remember the needles or not. This is not a new concept. The science and research behind vaccinations has been developed for years. Any rare side effects have been reported as less risky than the COVID-19 side effects by multiple sources. I don’t know the exact science and inner workings behind vaccines. But I do know that Google is free for your own learning. And I know science teachers on campus are more than willing to explain it, if you are more than willing to listen.

After being the first state to enforce mask and staff requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for students

After being the first state to enforce mask and staff-vaccination mandates, California announced plans of requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for students to attend inperson learning on October 1.

From a news conference at James Denman Middle School in San Francisco, Governor Gavin Newsom shared with California residents that the mandate would begin to go into effect following approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once approved, the requirement will be implemented for grades 7-12 in the school term following the approval. Currently, that is anticipated to happen in January 2022, or in July 2022 before next school year. Requirements for grades K-6 will be put into place in months after that, based on age.

“Vaccines work. It’s why California leads the country in preventing school closures and has the lowest case rates. We encourage other states to follow our lead to keep our kids safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Newsom said.

29% SUPPORT VACCINE MANDATE

A survey was shared on Oct. 20 with PRHS students about the news of a potential mandate.

Of the 335 students that participated, 49.9 percent opposed a possible vaccine mandate, 29 percent supported the mandate, and 21.2 percent were neutral on the subject.

164 of the surveyed students have been vaccinated and 171 have not.

82 percent of 750 employees in Paso Robles School District have been vaccinated. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to receive a COVID test once a week.

Special education teacher at PRHS,Ryan Allan is in opposition to mandating the vaccine.

“My position is simple. If people want to get vaccinated then they should, but I believe they should also have a choice. I know people who are against getting vaccinated for medical and/or religious reasons, and I think both of these reasons are valid,” Allan said. “The state or federal government should not coerce us into putting a substance into our bodies that we don’t want.”

On the contrary, history and technical theater teacher Christopher Smith supports mandating the vaccine.

“Vaccine mandates for schools are nothing

82 percent of 750 employees in Paso Robles School District have been vaccinated. Those who have not been vaccinated are required to receive a COVID test once a week.

new.

EVERY STUDENT HAS ALREADY GOTTEN VACCINES TO ATTEND SCHOOL, ADDING ONE MORE, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT HAS BEEN PROVEN SAFE AND VERY EFFECTIVE IN FIGHTING THIS GLOBAL PANDEMIC, SHOULDN’T BE CONTROVERSIAL.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH

Christopher Smith : History and technical Theater Teacher.

NOT TO X

vaccination mandates, California announced plans of to attend in-person learning on Oct. 1

to attend school, adding one more, especially one that has been proven safe and very effective in fighting this global pandemic, shouldn’t be controversial,” Smith said.

The state of California requires 13 vaccinations for students to attend school.

When entering Kindergarten children are required to be vaccinated for Polio Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Hepatitis B, and Varicella (Chickenpox). To go into the 7th grade, students must have the Chickenpox vaccine, as well as a Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap), all of which have been approved by the FDA.

Deputy Superintendent of Paso Robles Joint Unified Jennifer Gaviola remarked on the speedy timeline of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I understand that people are concerned about the pandemic, and I get that and they don’t ever want schools to close again --nor do I -- but it is an interesting timeline that you’d have a mandate for a vaccine that had not yet been approved for a child to even take,” Gaviola said.

As of Oct. 29, the FDA gave authorization for the Pfizer vaccination to be given to children ages 5-11 under emergency use.

On Oct. 18, students participated in a “vaccine walkout day” in which students stayed home from school in protest of the mandate. Paso Robles School District saw 1,780 absences across the elementary, middle, and high schools. 62 percent of unvaccinated

The RIGHT

SIDE

by Tony Garcia, Podcast Director

by Elise Mathers, News Editor

students from the Oct. survey stated that they have discussed being removed from in-person school if the mandate goes into effect.

“It makes me sad because one of the beauties of public school is the diversity: varying opinions, varying backgrounds, and something like this can be very divisive. And what it may end up doing is putting like minded people in one group and I don’t think we learn and grow best that way,” Gaviola said.

Superintendent of Paso Robles School District, Dr. Curt Dubost, supports the mandate, but also expresses hope to move away from political ideologies, and into a more scientific way of thinking.

“I believe in the mandate. I believe in vaccinations. I do understand though that there’s an awful lot of mistrust of many institutions in government, and that as soon as people hear mandate, and they hear the history of and all the politics associated with it that people get suspicious. And so it just is a sign of the times, but as I said, I would hope that science will prevail and we can get some actual facts not political.”

Scan here: Students across California protest against the COVID-19 mandate

50% OPPOSED

Hypocrisy: as I walk around the halls of PRHS I can’t help but see hypocrisy written all over campus. The uniform signs that say “Face Masks Required Indoors Regardless of Vaccination Status” pose as contradictions when I walk into the office or certain classrooms and see maskless adults bustling about and interacting with those who come in. However we as students are told we will be sent to the office, marked down, or sent home if we don’t wear a mask regardless of vaccination status? Hypocricy.

And if the vaccine is meant to protect us, why are student and teachers with the vaccine still required to wear a mask? Hypocricy.

Putting the hipocracy of mask wearing at school aside...Newsom’s recent vaccine mandate which may very well be in effect by the beginning of next school year will require students K-12 to take the Covid vaccine in order to attend public school. But with half the transmissibility than adults— according to the CDC—and a 0.005 percent mortality rate in kids 0-18 (CDPH), I ask; why would we inject a shot into our children that is causing side effects like Myocarditis? Myocarditis is an infection that weakens the heart and can suddenly kill you, and according to National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is a 50 percent chance of death five years down the road. This side effect has been seen in young kids, especially males and has been enough of a problem that the FDA and CDC have issued warnings and reports on the spikes of Myocarditis and Pericarditis cases.

So with the small transmissibility, the almost nonexistent mortality rate, and then the rise of possibly fatal side effects, why would we allow a tyrannical mandate to take place and affect our children?

Hypocritical mandates that are supposedly there to protect, ironically pose a greater threat to the future health of our Nation, and I beleive we all should question how beneficial questionable health mandates are.

21% were neutral on the subject

THE STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT COERCE US INTO PUTTING A SUBSTANCE INTO OUR BODIES THAT WE DON’T WANT.

RYAN ALLEN

Ryan Allen : Special Education Teacher

JOSEPH

SURFIN’

Highly-competitive surfer, Eduardo Galindo Van Zeller carries

Waxing board and strapping on the leash, senior Eduardo Galindo Van Zeller stood on the Portugal shoreline readying for a vigorous battle between man and nature. It is May 26, 2018. The Regional Surf Competition has begun. Heavy, monstrous sets pull in at the coast of Nazaré. Galindo paddled out, duck-diving 15 foot waves with ease. Hordes of people gathered around the beach to watch this special event. Through the chaos and danger, Galindo thought to himself, “What a good day to go surfing.” He spotted his wave and pulled himself into position with cold, salty water passing through his fingers. Each stroke counted, and he felt the power of the wave sucking him up the face. In a split second he pushed up, and dropped.

MARMALEJO, 12

Whipping and slashing through the wave, he pumped his board to gain speed and momentum to carve the belly of the beast. He exclaimed afterwards, “seconds felt like minutes,” as he bent his knees and watched the wave quickly collapse around him. He tucked into the barrel, knowing one false move could suck him back and around like a rag-doll by the sheer exploding force of the wave. The crowd went quiet with suspense. A second passed, and another, then all of a sudden Galindo shot out of the wave with an explosion of mist trailing behind him. The beastly wave spit him out -- and an unexplainable thrill of accomplishment screened across his face. He knew he had just won the Regional Title of Portugal and earned the crowd’s roar of applause behind him.

Now one of six foreign exchange students enrolling at PRHS for 2021-2022, he has arrived from Portugal into the famed surferstate of California. He’s only a half hour’s drive away from the Rock -- Morro Bay’s landmark break. Since the 2018 first place, he has placed 8th overall in Portugal’s National Competition, and 1st in

by Reily Lowry, Sports Editor

the 2021 Morro Bay Scholastic Surf Series -- as well as other competitions -- it is evident that Galindo doesn’t mess around when it comes to surfing competitively.

Born and raised around the beaches of Lisbon, Portugal, Galindo’s father introduced him to the surfing world at six years old. Visiting the beach everyday with his dad and growing up with his older brother Luis Galindo Van Zeller -- who won the National Title for kite surfing in 2020 -- he knew “surfing was meant for him” and he wanted to compete for the title someday.

“When I was a kid my dad always brought me with him to Lisbon (his local beach). I remember I would watch him surf for hours and hours,” Galindo said. “I knew it was something I wanted to do eventually, and I felt I had a strong connection with the ocean.”

At nine years old, Galindo joined the Professional Academy of Surf (APS), where he had three personal surf coaches train him rigorously for the next nine years. Galindo practiced five days a week for hours of perfecting surf turns, tube riding, airs, and speed. In the academy he started as an intermediate and made his way up to competing in high level competitions.

He will always remember watching 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater during a surfing championship with his older brother. “I saw him do things that seemed impossible and unreal,” Galindo said.

“After he won his heat I saw him get out of the water with his eyes open wide with happiness as everyone was shouting and cheering him on. I knew I wanted to feel what he felt someday.”

During a surf competition, surfers are given 20-30 minutes to paddle out and catch the best waves and rides possible. With factors such as the wind, type of wave, current, swell, and tide, surf contests are known to be a dice game. Surfers must have the endurance to paddle out through big wave surges, change in position, and perform quick varieties of maneuvers to earn a good score from judges. The waves aren’t always the same, and surfers must

“WATCHING EDUARDO IS LIKE WATCHING A PRO. HE RIDES THE LONGEST WAVES I’VE EVER SEEN AND HE DOES THE COOLEST TRICKS ON THE WAVE. I REMEMBER ONE DAY HE CAUGHT A WAVE AND THEN SOMEHOW LAUNCHED HIMSELF LIKE 10 FEET IN THE AIR.”

over his success and passion for surfing from Portugal to the US.

When Galindo turned 14, his surf coaches entered him into his country’s biggest surf competitions: the Regionals of 2018. Held at the beaches of Pico da Mota, Santa Cruz, and Nazaré (known globally for the sheer danger and size of its waves), Galindo went into Regional Competition with a mindset of giving this contest “110 percent.” Heat-by-heat, he battled against 35 highly competitive surfers like himself. Galindo ripped and carved his way through the competition placing 3rd, 1st, and 4th across several days, which earned him the 1st place surfer in his region. Later he competed for Portugal’s 2018 National Title against the best 32 surfers of his entire country for the 12-16 age groups.

Galindo began to train up to 8 hours a week, perfecting his style, speed, and technique for this premier competition. Galindo’s final heat for the National Comp was hosted at Praia de São Pedro, where he ended up placing the 8th best in all of Portugal.

“I thought I could have done better,” Galindo said, itching to get back out there.

Although Galindo didn’t win the National title, he has brought his passion to California. His host parents, Geoff and Kirsten Dewhurst helped Eduardo join the Morro Bay Surf Team last 2021 September where he practices up to eight hours a week at Morro Bay Rock every weekend and Monday before school. Earning the nickname “SharkBait’’ from his host parents,

Galindo holds two major sponsorships from Xhapeland Surfboard Company and Prego Gourmet, a local restaurant in Portugal.

“The level of coaching, commitment, and way Eduardo competes is very intense and different from the average competitive surfer. At practice, he’s usually by himself in his own world and the rest of the team is all bunched together talking,” Geoff Dewhurst, said. “Out of the water he’s the nicest guy, but in the water he’s an animal and wants to beat everyone. He’s like a shark in the water.”

Galindo’s surf team entered into the Scholastic Surf Series Oct. 24, 2021 hosted at Morro Bay Rock. A Portuguese foreigner at an all-American competition, Galindo competed against 40 surfers in five different heats containing eight competitors each. He moved from quarterfinals to semifinals, where he scored a 9.9-10, the highest score of the competition. In the Finals, Galindo scored a 8.5 and a 7 for his last two waves, enough for 1st Place. The moment proved to Galindo that all his practices and resolute commitment was worth it.

Galindo continues to surf in high-level competitions and plans to travel with his host parents to surf some of the world’s popular surf spots such as Banzai Pipeline, Trestles, and Santa Cruz. He hopes to pursue his passion for surfing in the future by making the University of Santa Barbara’s Surf Team and further his education.

“Surfing to me is everything. I made all my friends from surfing, and I’ve learned many great things such as being independent,” Galindo said with great pride.

Dec. 20th, 2019 at Beliche beach

EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE IS CONNECTED TO SURFING. IT’S A LIFESTYLE FOR ME, IT’S A PART OF ME, AND I DON’T KLNOW WHAT I’D DO WITHOUT IT. EDUARDO GALINDO, 12

One of the 12 surfboards Galindo uses in competition

I CAN HEAR YOU

Sophomore Alexa Solorio Diego uphill battle while living with deafness

by Kayla Degnan Photographer

Hearing the crowd cheering and yelling for the football game against Pioneer Valley, sophomore Alexa Solorio Diego listens to a cheer get called, gets lifted into the air by her stunt group, and smiles down at the crowd, scintillating. Out of the 50 plus cheers that can be chosen from, she hears them all following along with every motion, her hearing not impacting her ability to take in the words. At her first highschool football game, the long-awaited halftime performance arrives, She hears the remix begin playing and it’s go time. After a week of daily practices, she is prepared to perform this routine full out. Then, the moment she has been waiting for, stunting in her first halftime show. Diego hears her counts from her group, one, three, five, seven. She feels her body dip for a moment, and then she is up, smiling, waving, and listening to the continuous counts. Diego’s heart pumps loudly in her ears, she is ready for any game or stunt given to her group listening for her next cheer. The first of many challenges Diego has faced thus far with her accomplishment of making the jv cheer squad while suffering with impaired hearing in both of her ears, hearing everything and anything that is said around her.

Diego is in the demographic of 40% of young adults who experienced hearing loss during their childhood, according to a survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. She is a part of three out of every 1,000 children who were born with hard of hearing loss in one or both ears, taken from the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders.

Diego was given her diagnosis when she was only minutes old. Born with an abnormality of the ear ,she relies on a cochlear implant to help process hearing in her right ear instead of a hearing aid due to the abnormality of her ear. Her journey with the implant started at age eleven when she underwent surgery to be able to hear more clearly.

“[hearing aids] are actually the same thing, it’s just that one doesn’t connect to your ear, it is just implanted in your head.” Diego said about the difference between both hearing products.

“Cochlear implants have a lifespan just as long as humans do, and they’re supposed to last a lifetime with the only replacement being failure”, Texas Children hospital stated. Diego plans to undergo another surgery this coming December, for another implant to be put in due to her left ear having some hearing trouble from the malformation. Making a total of two cochlear implants that Diego has had in a span of four years is progressive for her age.

“[Although] the surgery is a little scary having been through it before I feel more prepared,” Diego said, nervous and excited to be able to hear even better than she can already,

Nonetheless, these limitations have not defined Diego. She is both a flyer on the JV cheer team, and is described by her stunt group as “a natural”.

Diego’s team has been there throughout the season, they have supported her (both emotionally and physically), helped her learn skills, and tossed her into the air under the bright lights of War Memorial Stadium and the approaching stunt season.

“I feel once we started with homecoming, we started having a really good group and bonding,” sophomore Jamie Barnett, a side base on the jv team, said. Barnett has been Diego’s base since she joined the team and together their group has hit some more elite skills such as baskets and liberties. From attending practices after school to being part of

the pioneer parade, and even performing in the varsity homecoming halftime performance, she exemplifies commitment to her team through her constant participation.

Each practice Diego is accompanied by her American Sign Language interpreter, Beth Dowell, starting at 7:30 am, five days a week. Dowell has worked with Diego for about five years, after filling in as a substitute translator. Together they have formed a bond that is more powerful than any discrimination that has been experienced. Pushing through practice Dowell is there for Diego during her high school years, and there to support her as well when she is trying new skills.

Growing up Diego was homeschooled up until the beginning of her kindergarten year where she transferred to the public school education system. For the rest of her education she has continued to be in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD). In those years she experienced forms of discrimination from fellow classmates as well as staff who did not know her exact condition or malformality.

“For me who works with the deaf community on a regular basis, it’s just, it’s disgusting and it’s really disheartening. But luckily I’ve, I’ve never seen it.” Dowell, ASL translator, said. Working with the deaf community for over ten years she has developed an understanding that discrimination is present in the current school district but has not been seen any on the current team towards Diego.

“The people here are very kind and very understanding so that helps a lot,” Dowell said, thankful that Diego’s team is so accepting.Working with the deaf community for over ten years she has developed an understanding that discrimination is present in the current school district.

“They [our team] don’t treat her differently at all,” Barnett said, excited for more time to work with Diego, enjoying her company, and helping her fly.

As the football season comes to an end Diego is doleful but looking towards the up-and-coming basketball season where she will cheer on the bearcats against various rivals.

“I have gained more confidence because I never knew that we would be talking more, because I’m really shy,” Diego said about how she has grown through cheerleading. Her consistently joyous presence brings smiles to both her and others’ faces. Diego has not stopped smiling since she got on the team.

“It’s actually really fun and scary at the same time,” she said. In the time between her seasons, she hopes for a successful surgery and a continuation of growing her skills to try out for the 2022-23 football season.

Diego feels that she has been accepted onto the cheer team with open arms and hearts from all its members. To anyone who feels a sense of intolerance and is scared to tryout for any team Diego’s advice is, “they are actually really sweet and caring; They’ll be there for you if you need them.”

In this together: Diego and Dowell hanging out together, bonding even more than when at school. Having been together for years they enjoy each other.

IT’S BEEN AN INTERESTING AND TOUGH JOURNEY BUT IT’S BEEN FUN BETH DOWELL, ASL TRANSLATOR

Pretty in Pink: Diego poses in the road after coming from a party. She wears her headband over her ears for comfort.

Photosby:DiegoFamily

Docking Fun: Diego having fun at the lake with family, around the age of 5 or 6. She is wearing her hat to hide her ears, something that she has done since birth

KELLI HOPKINS A BORN LEADER

Two-year President of over 300 FFA members, senior Kelli Hopkins leads as an exemplary student, officer, and leader on campus

Dirt collects under her fingernails, boots covered in mud, and the smell of animal feces overwhelm her senses. Though the aroma is strong, it feels like home. After putting the dry yellow hay in the feeder, she reaches to place her hand out on the black coarse hair. The Heifer moves her head up slightly and fills her mouth with hay. Munch, munch as the cow takes another mouth full. The girl smiles and savors the moment before turning around and grabbing a rake to begin cleaning up the neighboring stall.

This is the daily routine rehearsed every morning before school at 7:30am by the President of the Paso Robles FFA Chapter, Kelli Hopkins. Hopkins has been the President of over 300 FFA members for two years and is a strong leader beloved by all who know her.

“Kelli is a remarkable young leader on campus. She is compassionate, understanding, engaging and very approachable by all members of our FFA Chapter,” said Welding teacher, Justin Pickard Hopkins has been a member of FFA since her freshman year, and has been an officer on the FFA team for three years (secretary her sophomore year, and president her junior and senior year). Her role as president includes delegating tasks to her other officers, planning FFA meetings and events, and leading the hundreds of FFA members at PRHS to becoming successful in agricultural practices as well as committed and engaged members in our community.

by Rayvin Wulfing, Editor-In-Chief

leader is because she sees what everybody needs and she tries to work in between everybody’s schedules,” since many of the officers have other activities and commitments outside of FFA such as jobs or sports. Flores has been in FFA for three years, and has known Hopkins for two years.

“KELLI IS A REMARKABLE YOUNG LEADER ON CAMPUS. SHE IS COMPASSIONATE, UNDERSTANDING, ENGAGING AND VERY APPROACHABLE BY ALL MEMBERS OF OUR FFA CHAPTER” JUSTIN PICKARD

(12 years), and has most consistently contributed to the poultry and horse groups.

Vice President of FFA, Alejandra Flores said, “the reason why Kelli is a great president and a

3WORDS

TO DESCRIBE KELLI

As a member of FFA, Hopkins is required to complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project every year, which can range from a garden to raising an animal. Based on the level of dedication and hours spent on the project participants can gain various recognitions. Last year Hopkins was awarded the greatest state honor for FFA called the State Degree. The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the California State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their SAEs. In order to receive a state degree, candidates must keep a detailed record book of their project, make at least $1000 on their project and have a minimum of 500 hours invested in their project along with several other criterias that must be met. ... Approximately 1,800 State FFA Degrees are handed out each year. That number represents approximately 3% of the California FFA association membership.

In addition to her exposure to agriculture through 4H, Kelli’s mother, Lisa Hopkins used to be a teacher at the highschool who was very involved in FFA, so Kelli was naturally involved. Lisa taught Ag biology, Veterinary Science, and Ag Mechanics throughout her 13 years of working at PRHS. Kelli’s greatest inspiration for joining and being so heavily involved in FFA stemmed from her mothers passion for it.

“She’s really inspired me to just jump in with both feet and get stuff done,” Kelli said about her mother. “I remember I was probably four or five, and she used to take me on field trips with the high schoolers with FFA and that was always fun. And I used to spend time in the ag department and in the barn with all the animals when I was little. Now I’m doing it by myself; I’m financing my own projects, and finishing a project from start to finish.”

ANIMALS KELLI HAS RAISED

GARDNER PICKARD

PASSIONATE DEDICATED

CARING DRIVEN

COMPASSIONATE TEAMWORK

This year Hopkins decided to raise a Heifer (named Blue) under the surveillance and guidance of Pickard (one of the 3 Advisors for FFA--who is in charge of facilitating meetings and organizing FFA events, as well as the beef and goat category of livestock raising). This is her first year with one of the largest livestock species to raise, however she is very familiar with the process of raising an animal. Hopkins has raised a lamb, goat and multiple pigs.

Unlike most of her peers who were first introduced to FFA in their first year of highschool, Hopkins has been surrounded by FFA beginning at a young age. Hopkins has participated in 4H since she was 5 years old

Along with her mothers participation in FFA, Kelli also had animals she would help raise at home such as horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, and others.

“I’ve known Kelli for quite a few years, prior to her start in high school. Her mother was an Agriculture Teacher here at PRHS for my first four years of teaching. Getting the chance to know Kelli and her family outside of being a student here, and continuing to see the growth and maturity since her freshman year has been a unique and rewarding opportunity for me,” Pickard said.

DONKEY GOATS PIGS HORSES DONKEYS CHICKENS DUCKS HEIFER

ALEJANDRA FLORES, 12

FALLIN’ FOR YA

by Kalista Peterson & Sienna Ramos, Reporter

It’s once again that time of year, leaves are falling, the air is getting crisp and cold, and a new addition to the blind date series has arrived. This month our specially selected bearcats faced their fears as they bravely entered into a house of horrors. Sparks flew, screams escaped, and a match was made. Spooky season of 2021 made for the perfect date opportunity. After searching far and wide the candidates were found in the very same fourth period Honors Pre-Calculus class. Introducing the fall blind date couple: the charismatic water polo stud, senior Jackson Parr and the blonde bombshell, senior Hailey

Hodel

Saturday, Oct. 23 the autumn sunset lit up the sky with strokes of orange, purple and pink. Parr showed up in his shiny bright red Jeep wrangler to The Haunt, in Atascadero. The Haunt is a haunted house that is known for its intense scare level that is set up every year at 5805 El Camino Real. He waited with excitement to finally find out who his other half would be for the night. After what seemed like an eternity, he spotted a girl with bouncing curls and a big smile approaching him out of his peripheral vision.

They greeted each other enthusiastically and realized that they were acquaintances all along, but tonight would mark a shift in their relationship. Side by side, Hodel and Parr walked up and got their tickets, and as they noticed the line into The Haunt growing,they decided it would be best to join the masses.

The couple connected over shared classes, college applications, and their time on the PRHS water polo team. To break the ice, they played two truths and a lie. Their laughter tinkling over the sporadic shrieks emanating from The Haunt. Seeing the frightened faces emerging from the house, their hearts began to beat a little faster. As they drew closer and closer to the entrance, the proximity between the duo shortened in kind.

The hour wait was long but it was well worth what was to come inside. A large man standing at the entrance doors took their tickets, looked at Parr,and exclaimed “The blonde one typically dies first so don’t stress out.” Jackson chuckled and seemed to calm down, but Hailey on the other hand grew more uneasy.

At once, the big black doors opened and they emerged into a bone chilling hallway. Out of the fog a creature

emerged to jump scare them. Shrieks were heard and the couple held onto each other tightly with fear or was it something more?

Continuing through another door, they were led to a dark bridge, as they crossed it steadily, it suddenly plummeted and more screams let out. Each room they entered seemed to be more bone chilling than the last, full of the couple’s worst nightmares. As they exited the haunted elevator, Hodel grasped Parr’s hand and they took on the rest of the horrors together. Blood splattered mirrors, crawling creatures, and tangled claws hung from the ceiling greeted them as the couple made their way through the house with growing terror.

A spooky fright night will brought delight as two blind daters spun a tale and dared to face their fears in the name of love

AFTER THE SCARES

Relief shone on their faces when they finally saw the bright moonlight outside. They had made it. The pair posed for a picture of victory in front of the haunt sign, leaning in close with adrenaline still pumping through them. For a final scare, a porcelain doll with a bloody axe came up behind them and photobombed them.

Parr took Hodel to his car but on the way there they were intercepted by a nervous family questioning their experience in the house, contemplating going in. They laughed as they reflected on their night together and Parr honestly told them “it wasn’t too bad.” Hodel respectfully disagreed as she was not a thrillseeker.

As the two approached Parr’s Jeep, Hailey exclaimed “I love your

car!” Then for a few minutes they conversed and finally said their goodbyes. A big hug was shared with a lingering feeling of not wanting the night to end. As Hodel crossed the street to her vehicle she left Parr in the same way she had entered, with bouncing curls and a big smile. Until next time…

COMING OUT AGAINST HATE

by Malia Gaviola, Editor-in-Chief

The movement for change, for better support for LGBTQIA+ youth, started with an act of hatred, but will end with progress.

On Sept. 15, 2021, a pride flag was stolen and defacated on PRHS students. After two weeks, the district released a statement condemning the acts of hatred, yet constraining the size of the Pride flag to 2x2 at the same time.

Under this regulation, the 3x5 flag that was defiled was also prohibitted to hang on the walls of teachers’ classrooms. It felt like an attack on student identities. Rather than protecting them after a hate crime, the district was censoring them.

After much discussion and debate, Equality Club President, Eve Barajas and teacher Geoffrey Land assembled a group of students in order to create a forum that would bring students of the LGBTQIA+ community into the spotlight, instead of the corner where many felt they were pushed.

Even after an expansion of the flag restriction to 2 x 3 feet, the need for queer voices was

essential in the minds of everyone close to the issues and students victimized.

LBTGQIA+ students would come out again, but this time it wouldn’t be to define themselves, it would be to defend themselves — to come out against hate.

As the speakers, dancers, and singers, prepared for a night of perspective, news outlets such as KSBY, Pink News, Yahoo, The Washington Times, the Gay Times, etc. highlighted the injustice and praised the students for speaking out.

The Oct. 20, 2021, Coming Out Against Hate forum featured 14 students from the LGBTQIA+ community, attracted 350 supporters, and was the premier event of its kind at any county high school.

The speakers shared their experiences on campus and declared that queer students at PRHS have historically felt unsupported by their peers, teachers, and administrators.

The night ended with a five point call to action in which Barajas, as one of two MCs at the event, specifically addresed what LGBTQ+ students wanted to see from the district: change.

What started with a goal of bringing awareness to PRHS and community, continued with an invitation by Superintendent Curt Dubost where both sides would discuss steps to better support the queer community.

As of press time, a board of queer students is meeting with administrators almost every other week to implement new policies and standards in PRJUSD schools. Change is taking shape. This movement —this fight—may have started with a hate crime, but it will end with a improved future for queer students on this campus through the efforts of students wanting change for next generation.

LGBTQIA+ students at PRHS host a historic event to address past issues and propose a safer, more inclusive future

A HISTORY OF HATE

A look into the treatment and experience of LGBTQ+ students in the past — and the PRHS breaking point on Sept. 15.

by Emily Rogers, Pop-Culture Editor

Throughout history, being associated with LGBTQ was severely discriminated against. With the Stonewall riots in June 28, 1969 and the reaction to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s members of the LGTBQ community either stayed in the closet or fought for their right to be queer.

Parker Hendershot, while not out in high school was a transgender student who had to endure the hate of the LGBTQ during the early 90s to early 2000s.

“When I went to high school I knew I was different. I didn’t realize why I got called slurs. Just walking around campus, it (being called slurs)was an everyday thing,” Hendershot said.

Hedershot experienced a time during summer school when both a teacher and students made fun of him for being “different”. Students were calling Hedershot degetarory queer names in class while the teacher witnessed and let the offensive slang continue.

Such acts and overall fear of social consequences lead Hendershot to feel, “in high school I would’ve rather been dead than gay,” Hendershot said.

Although the past is filled with hate towards LGBTQ+ students there were places for them to seek asylum.

Geoffrey Land, a history teacher and recently appointed as the Ethinic Studies teacher, was a part of the Gay Straight Alliance club in the early 2000’s.

“The first GSA was a bunch of students who said, I’m an ally, no one even was out, saying, I’m gay; but it was creating a space where it was maybe possible for someone to come out,” Land said.

Land has been in the district for 24 years and has seen the history of how LGBTQ youth have been treated first hand throughout the decades.

“There was never a time it was easy to be gay at Paso Robles High”, Land said, recalling the history of LGTBQ during his time teaching. “I started in 1998, and from the very beginning, homophobia has been very visible...,”

Recalling the history of LGTBQ during his time teaching Land said. “There were anti sodomy laws, all the way into the year 2000. We’ve seen a

history of systematic legal oppression and marginalization of this community and I’ve tried to highlight both the progress and the resistance to that progress that exists.”

During his time as a teacher Land has lived through suicides and murders of students, as a direct result of bullying and general dislike of the LGBTQ+ community.

“We’ve had a number of students, trans students, who had to stop coming to school because of the violence or bullying that was directed at them,” he said. “And we have had at least one student that I know of personally that committed suicide as a direct result of the homophobic environment of our school and our culture in general. And we know that gay and LGBTQ students youth are four times more likely to consider suicide,”

Marcy Goodnow, a teacher of 12 years, has also contributed to the effort to make a safe space for students.

“I was the Equality Club Advisor for 8 years. In that time we did our best to be visible on campus, offer a supportive place for LGBTQ+ students to go, and to advocate for the rights of the students,” Goodnow said. “We were able to help the administration designate 3 non gender specific bathrooms on campus and also held a SLO County Pride Picnic connecting the GSA clubs on the central coast.”

However, even with the push to create safe spaces at PRHS, a recent incident brings to question whether or not LGTBQ+ members are safe on campus.

On Sept. 15, 2021 a pride flag was ripped off the wall of a chemistry teacher Evan Holtz ‘ classroom and was later defecated on and posted on social media. This incident sparked a massive outcry for a fight against intolerance and led to the Oct. 20 Coming Out Against Hate Forum. Teachers were told to put on tolerance presentations and 13 brave LGBTQ+ students and 1 ally took to the main stage in the PAC to publicly display their experiences and grievances. Over 50 teachers have posted rainbow flags on classroom walls in response.

THE 2021 FLAG INCIDENT

Chemistry teacher Evan Holtz recounted the act of hatred Sept. 15, 2021:

At the end of class in the transition from passing period to the start of class a student walked into Holtz’ room and came in to chat with another student. Holtz had never seen the student before but didn’t think much of it as he was helping another student at the time. All of the students were packing up and walking over to the door when the unknown student paused briefly and suddenly pulled down the flag.

“The student who I didn’t know kind of jumped over really quick, pulled down the pride flag and ran out the door. I was standing over here (at the tables helping a student) kind of watching in bewilderment that they actually did that with me standing there. Then I went outside and yelled at them and one student came back and talked to me,” Holtz said.

GEOFFREY

THERE WAS NEVER A TIME IT WAS EASY TO BE GAY AT PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL.

LAND SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

SCENE OF THE CRIME: Chemistry teacher Evan Holtz’s classroom wall. The flag has since been replaced.

A FORUM FOR CHANGE

The Coming Out Against Hate Forum was a celebration of identity and a stage to demand campus reform

by Asusena Uribe, Carmesi Editor,

Coming out is a momentous occasion, one where the person is able to share their truest selves with the ones around them. On Oct. 20, 2021 LGBTQIA+ bearcats and allies “came out” against bigotry and a history of hate at the Coming Out Against Hate forum. Despite the performing arts center having 250 seats, 350 parents, grandparents, current and former Bearcats, siblings, friends, administration, and faculty members strode through the doors to show their support. Many resorted to standing up against the outer walls of the PAC, sitting on the floor, and on portable seats. The PAC was decorated with supporters dressed in PRIDE attire from rainbow colored masks and flags, to posters and representative clothing.

Seven clubs endorsed and supported the event: Equality, A.C.T, BSU, JOOI, MEChA, NOSB, and ASB.

Equality Club President Eve Barajas (10) and senior John Seden-Hansen were the first speakers to introduce the reason for the forum; to support safe spaces and confront the homophobic hate on the PRHS campus. They then introduced the 14 students from all different grade levels that would testify

and Jocelyn Lopez, Design

Assistant

their experience of being an LGBTQIA+ member on campus. Starting off with the speeches was senior Ava Hughes who expressed that she came out to her whole family to be able to speak out for this event. It wasn’t only for her but to support and make sure future generations felt safe on campus. Next up was senior Daniel Perez. They mentioned how freeing but difficult it was to come out, especially at a school that has tolerated the hate that many students like them have endured over the past years.

Then, senior Cameron LeClair read for “Sebastian” --a made up name for a queer individual who wished to remain anonymous but still wanted to share their story. The speech included their fear to come out and the emotional impact that the incident had with his security. After the first three speakers

Advanced Dance members Zaira Gomez (12), Resse Hartley (12), Amani Arellano (12), Ava Cox (10), and Advanced Dance teacher Jennifer Bedrosian performed a minute long performance to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.

Then senior Emily Neri stepped up to the mic to share her testimony representing her safety and the meaning of the flag to her. Following Neri, Equality Club Vice President Sprout Aragon spoke out about all of the negative and positive experiences she endured while transitioning from male to female. Lillian Shroyer a sophomore, then shared the homophobia they have dealt with and expressed that LGBTQIA+ students aren’t political opinions. Then senior Zaira Gomez read for another anonymous student who during their freshman year endured much fear in one of their classrooms and didn’t feel safe to fully come out on campus.

Shortly after, Barajas introduced freshman Elise Jordan who shared a two minute poem expressing the alienation that LGBTQIA+ members face at PRHS and how they refuse to be silenced.

EVENT CONTRIBUTERS

360 ATTENDEES 14 SPEAKERS

too. Sophomore Nicole Rogers was next and revealed that she’s had to deal with internalized homophobia due to her school experiences. One moment in particular that stuck with her was someone saying, “Are you a lesbian or something?”

i thinK thAt the eVent COMMUniCAted thAt WiLL nOt Be SiLenCed, And We ARe MUCh StROnGeR. And CApABLe thAn theY thinK We ARe JULeS ramoS, 12

Next, junior Quinn Calvo expressed her experience as a transgender female on campus, detailing the hatred that she has endured. On top of that, she highlighted the recently published regulation that does not permit pride flags to be hung up in classrooms. Basil Bailey a sophomore, wants everyone to get along and stressed how LGBTQIA+ individuals need to be seen as human

Barajas presented a Call to Action to remind the audience that “knowledge is power only when we act on that knowledge.” She demanded three things: that the district issue a public apology for their timid response to hate; that the district enact a zero tolerance policy regarding hate and hate crimes on campus, as well as enact other policies to protect marginalized students after a consultation with stake-holder clubs in order to protect students’ rights and identities. Barajas also included that the new flag policy must be repealed, and that the district must recognize the importance of Pride flags in creating safe spaces for our LGBTQIA+ youth.

Transitioning into the final three speakers, junior Israel Pérez stepped up to the stage speaking out about the friendships and relationships he lost while coming out and all the hate he had

to undergo his freshman year from his classmates. Senior Genevieve Grimes proclaimed that progress needs to be made now more than ever, touching base that it’s upsetting that they have to fight very hard for their rights at such a young age. Senior Jules Ramos was the final person to share their speech verbalizing how they came from a a homophobic home and when coming to school, they need a welcome space.

As testimonies ended at 7:15 pm, Barajas and Seden-Hansen told the crowd that if they had any questions that now would be the time to ask. Some of which included: if students felt safe on campus, is there LGBTQIA+ education at school, what can faculty members do to help to make students feel safe. There were a total of 10 questions that were asked by people in the crowd and answered by the students that shared their experiences being an LGBTQIA+ student on campus. As the questions came to an end at 7:38 pm the crowd stood up cheering and applauding the students. Flowers were later distributed by the Floral Club to all of the students who spoke out. Two donations were made as well. Eric Alcosiba raised 900 dollars for Equality Club through a GoFundMe, and an anonymous donor who also donated 300 dollars.

As the event was coming to an end Choir teacher Gaylene Ewing and 14 other students started off singing LoveisLoveisLove Later on, the audience joined in and sang. As the forum ended, community members stayed to congratulate the speakers and gather their final thoughts. Parents to members of the Paso Robles community shared their perspective on the forum.

Board member Chris Arend stayed after the event answering questions and congratulating these students on being able to produce this meaningful event.

“It was a nice event, you know, always pleasant. The kids were expressing themselves. think it’s a great way of freedom of speech to do that.” Arend said.

Former President of Equality Club, Liz Phillips attended the event proud of the students who shared their experience and educating others.

“I was tearing up through the whole thing. It felt truly supportive and welcoming to everyone, which is such a nice change of pace in Paso,“ Phillips said.

Drama teacher Marcy Goodnow attended and helped run the event with full support, very proud of all of the students that made the event happen.

“It was very emotional seeing the community come together. am hoping this will create some momentum for change,” Goodnow said.

In a world seemingly embedded at its seams with hatred and fear, this event represents a striving towards a juster world for all; A world where love truly is love, where no student has to stand up and advocate for rights that should already be a given. School is supposed to be a safe space, afterall, and more than anything, this event has called out for protection and support for all students.

dAnCinG iS MY WAY OF ShOWinG MY eMOtiOnS And i WAS inCLined tO ShARe MY VieWS At the COMinG OUt AGAinSt hAte FOURM thROUGh MOVeMent, nOt WORdS.

ReeSe hARtLeY, 12 dance choreographer

SinCe i AM A GAY MAn, i FeLt i needed tO SpeAK Up FOR LGBtQ StUdentS WhOSe VOiCeS ARen’t BeinG heARd.

jOhn Seden-hAnSen, 12 aSB VIce preSIdenT & emcee

SeeinG RAinBOW BeARCAtS SpeAK theiR BeAUtiFUL tRUth WAS One OF the hiGhLiGhtS OF MY teAChinG CAReeR.

GeOFFeY LAnd Teacher & eVenT coordInaTor

Lillian Shroyer, 10

Emily Neri, 12

AVA HUGHES EVE BARAJAS

Senior Ava Hughs takes on a big role in putting together the Coming Out Against Hate forum

by Emily Neri, Carmesi Editor

Asea of colorful masks, progressive flags all around the auditorium, and over 300 SLO residents cramped together to hear the testimonials of 14 students was a historical night for PRHS. The energy of the audience radiated support, empathy, and respect making October 22, 2021 an unforgettable day. Senior Ava Hughes played a vital role in making this event successful with a remarkable outcome.

“I wanted adults to understand the pain we go through. I want staff and students that were directly hurt by the actions of the school board and the student’s hate crime to feel respected and shown the empathy and compassion that they deserve but weren’t getting. I want people of different generations and backgrounds to understand that this is an incredibly important issue that we deserve to hear.”

Hughes felt she could not be silent when she heard about the flag restrictions because of how unjust it felt to her and all queer students at Paso High. Hughes attended several meetings, provided support, and wanted to act as a role model to younger students.

“I want everyone who steps foot on paso high to know that we aren’t going anywhere. We deserve to be respected, seen, and we should be able to feel comfortable here. We need to change the school and the climate we create here to be accessible to everybody and genuinely feel like they belong here because it’s not like that”

progress is still being made on the issues presented, Hughes’ leadership role in the event has provided a huge leap in the right direction of representation and education for those part of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Hughes paved the way for students to have the opportunity to speak their truth and influence those around them immigrant has ever come through, Ellis Island. It’s very diverse. They’ve always been represented, It’s just not always mainstream,” said Goodnow, “This is America. It’s not one race, one gender, one anything.”

The effort to represent more POC in the media has become more conscious in the past few years, and continues to be a pressing issue in today’s society.

“Everyone now grows up watching TV and movies. If we’re not representing people of color, people who matter, and portraying them how they should be portrayed, then how are our youth going to picture them?” Stanko said.

President

of the Equality Club and Voice of the Movement; Eve Barajas

by Maicah Cabello, Design Director

Underneath the burning spotlights and the 300+ pairs of eyes, PRHS sophomore Eve Barajas stood, microphone in hand, and helped open a conversation whose effects are going to impact the future of our campus.

“LGBT isn’t a category. It isn’t something vulgar or gross. It isn’t something you need to hide from your kids. We aren’t just something that, no, we aren’t a belief. We aren’t a political idea. We’re not something controversial, we are a group of people. And in the same way that people are born knowing who they want to be and men know they like women, women know they like men. That’s how it is for us. It isn’t something we’re choosing to be or believe,” Barajas said. Being one of the first organizers to put the Coming Out Against Hate forum into action, Barajas began with spreading awareness but ended up recruiting speakers to share their testimonies, writing her own lines, and MC-ing alongside senior John Seden Hansen. With a goal of improving the overall student safety on campus, Barajas spearheaded the event to draw attention

eyes of a lot of the adults and the people in this town because not everyone in this town is actually in the school, that was their first glimpse into the reality of what’s happening at Paso High.”

Although Barajas herself hasn’t experienced a hate crime, from what she’s seen, students are scared.

“It’s a very scary experience. It’s not knowing if you’re going to be outed to unsupportive family members. It’s not knowing if someone’s going to jump you on the way home cuz you wore a pride pin to class that they didn’t like. It’s being scared to voice your opinions or come out because then people will assume things about you,” Barajas said.

After being involved in the Equality Club for three years in middle school, Barajas is now the president of the Equality Club here on campus with a goal of spreading awareness.

“Spreading awareness leads to normalizing our community and students on campus. It’s not seen as something that needs to be ostracized and having

We deserve to be respected seen, and We should be able to feel comfortable here. ava hughes, 12

SPROUT ARAGON DANNY PEREZ

The importance of fighting for what you believe in and expressing who you are

by Zoey Rainey, People Editor

Vice President of the Equality club and sophomore Sprout Aragon shared how students can feel safe on campus and why it’s important for students to express who they are. Aragon is a transgender female and uses the prounouns She/They. During the Forum she expressed what it was like to be in school while discovering who she is and the struggles that came with it and why she needed to speak up, “Before I transitioned I was a gay male and I was bullied for that so I know what it feels like and I wanted to speak up against it.” Aragon said. She feels strongly that the school needs to be more aware of transgender students and their need to use their preferred bathrooms or lockerooms. Aragon expressed how she has felt supported by most staff and students at PRHS as she transferred from Templeton to Paso where the environment was less than ideal for her needs. The Coming Out Against Hate event was important to many students and was used as a way to start the important conversations about the problems surrounding LGBTQ+ students on campus. Though the outcome of this event was unknown Aragon

what she believes in, “I just hope to spread awareness. It was hard for me to do because I wasn’t sure about my safety but I wanted to let people know that we’re here and we’re here to stay. We are here and proud,” Aragon said. As the situation on campus continues to evolve Aragon will continue fighting for what students need, “We’re going to keep fighting until we get what everyone needs to feel safe here. We need supportive teachers, proper education in LGBTQ+ history and how to support people who are coming out.” Aragon said. There is not only a need for the school to be supportive but for students to learn who they are and be proud of it. As Aragon stated, “If you’re having a hard time, Equality Club is a safe space and you

by Zoey Rainey, People Editor

Embarking on his final months at PRHS, senior Danny Perez strives for change on campus surrounding safety and honesty. Perez shared a student testimony of being a queer student on campus and all of the struggles that entail at the Coming out against hate forum. Perez felt that because he has been open about his sexuality for the majority of his high school life he was obligated to speak out for those students who felt they couldn’t, “Well, as a queer student, I did feel as though it was my duty to kind of speak at it because I have been out for many years, basically, my whole high school career.So I felt as though I had to, because a lot of people weren’t able to,” Perez said. Though recent events of hate crimes have been making students feel unsafe, this problem has always existed, “Being queer on campus is rough. I don’t feel safe. I never know what’s going to happen to me. And I always have to think twice about whatever I’m doing, because I know that I have a critical eye on me. And I know that my presence is a threat. And that is scary,” Perez said. According to Perez the school has not been taking action when students feel unsafe, “There have been incidents in the past with violent,

physical, acts of hate taken upon them, and nothing happened. Even when they went and reported it, which is what people are told to do when something like that happens, nothing happened. And so a lot of times, I have to think about my own safety because even just statistics, we just had a Signs of Suicide thing and it says one in eight men struggle with depression, but that’s not including gay men, whereas it’s like one in every three. It’s hard and it’s suicide rates and depression rates and anxiety rates are so high among the community that, and it’s because of students, it’s because of the lack of knowledge. It’s because we don’t know where we belong on campus, we don’t know where we can feel safe,” Perez said. The first thing he believes needs to happen for change to happen on campus is for the school to be honest with students, “The biggest thing is, first, transparency. Letting students know what is available on campus, because a lot of people don’t know what services we offer. I think that being able to move forward and be so vulnerable on a stage in front of such a large body of people, is the first step to addressing everything. If you can do it in front of hundreds of people, then you can do it privately in a meeting with the people who need to make the changes. I think that it’s very nice to be able to have that connection now to know more people in our community and know that ultimately everyone is

“New York was always the first place any immigrant has ever come through, Ellis Island. It’s very diverse. They’ve always been represented, It’s just not always mainstream,” said Goodnow, “This is America. It’s not one race, one gender, one anything.”

The effort to represent more POC in the media has become more conscious in the past few years, and continues to be a pressing issue in today’s society.

PRHS senior shares why supporting the LGBTQ+ community on campus is important.

we’re going to keep fighting until we get what everyone nneds to feel safe here. spRout aRagon, 10

Student advisory board and district leaders move towards change NEXT STEPS

The Stand Up To Hate Forum that occurred on Oct. 20 was an event set up by students to educate students, parents, community members, but more specifically to make sure the district heard LGBTQIA+ student’s voices and the struggles they have to face on a daily basis. The forum MC Eve Barajas made an impassioned delivery of five demands that students launched in the wake of the defecated flag.

Oct. 22 Dubost met with the 12 of the students that spoke out at the forum in efforts to develop an action plan. While the flag restriction of 2x3 is set in stone, eight areas of policy change and campus education have been identified.

The areas include safe facilities for transgender students and bystander training to eliminate bullying. They target teacher training, clarification of LGBTQ+ rights, and increased discipline for acts of intolerance or hate. They mention counseling and task force meetings to support LGBTQ+ needs.

Deputity Superintendent Jennifer Gaviola and Dubost have been meeting with the students that spoke out at the Forum once a week during Wednesday tutorials to discuss what can be done to make LGBTQIA+ students feel safe on campus.

“It is absolutely essential to meet and discuss the safety and support of a student group who feels marginalized or threatened at our school site,” Gaviola said.

Now district leaders and students are discussing resources and policies to implement to make LGBTQIA+ students feel safer on campus.

On Nov. 10 Gaviola, Dubost, and Overton released a statement regarding the “Next Steps on PRJUSD Continuous Improvement and Support for LGBQT+ Students,” via Student Square. The email regarded all of their plans to help and continue to support LGBTQIA+ individuals and reached out to all students on campus.

The district plans to implement these goals by the end of the school year while working closely with students, staff, and people influenced by the hate crime. They named access to safe changing areas and restrooms for transgender students with greater communication and education to students and the community. Goals include training for school staff on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to make schools safe and supportive for LGBTQIA+ students. They plan to Implement education of students, staff, and the community on the rights of our LGBTQIA+ students on our school sites, and a consistent disciplinary system regarding hateful actions. Bystander training to try and eliminate bullying on campus. Fully developed, and communicated, counseling and Resources Center for LGBTQIA+

by Jocelyn Lopez, Design Assistant

OFFICIAL DISTRICT STATEMENT ON ACTION AHEAD (11/10) (10/17)

TASK FORCE WITH STUDENTS:

Creation of a PRHS Task Force including student representatives, teachers, regional stakeholders, and administrators, to provide feedback on district progress and goals. (Title IX)

TRANSGENDER FACILITIES

Access to safe changing areas and restrooms for transgender students with greater communication and education to students and the community (AB 1266)

TEACHER TRAINING:

Training for school staff on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to make schools safe and supportive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students (BP 5145.9)

ANTI-BULLYING TRAINING FOR STUDENTS:

Bystander training to eliminate bullying on campus (AB 2291)

LBGTQ+ RIGHTS PROTECTION

Education of students, staff, and the community on the rights of our LBGTQ+ students on our school sites (BP 5145.9)

IMPROVED DISCIPLINE/ENFORCEMENT:

Commitment to a consistent disciplinary system regarding hateful actions and increased communication among our students and community (BP 5145.3 and BP 5131.2)

CURRICULUM REVIEW:

Curricular audit of the teaching of marginalized groups in our history/social studies curriculum.and if found inadequate will address immediately.

LBGTQ+ COUNSELING SUPPORT: A communicated, tiered system of support for social-emotional needs for our LBGTQ+ students (BP 5145.9)

students. LGBTQIA+ students will be implemented in the education curriculum: History/Social Sciences. As well as being incorporated in the teaching of ninth grade health and sex education.

The event has since sparked an anonymous source to donate money to student clubs to give teachers 2x3 pride flags for classroom walls. John Laird, California state senator representing Paso Robles, has requested a meeting with the forum students on November 18. Senator Laird is the first openly gay California state senator and is a leader in statewide LGBTQ+ legislative initiatives. Eric Alcosiba from Lil Gay Paso also donated nearly $1000 for Equality Club jackets. Over 40 teachers have requested new donated flags.

The event reached John Laird, senator of Santa Cruz. He is the first senator to publicly come out as gay.

Laird will be sitting down to have dinner November 18 with the 12 students that spoke out about the discrimination that they’ve faced on campus on.

Testimonials from students show the vulnerability and traumatic experiences being queer and the school not doing enough to prevent acts of hate.

In the future, the students and staff hope to create a safe place for LGBTQIA+ students. Education about sexual identities, gender neutral bathrooms, training for teachers, and enforcing stricter punishments are topics being discussed at meetings. A council of students that decision makers consult before implementing policies that affect marginalized students are working on creating a safe place for queer people on campus.

Before the Oct. 20 forum, Superintendent Dr. Curt Dubost released a statement banning flags bigger than 2x2 and flags altering the American flag, a policy declaration he has apologized for.

Yet on Tuesday morning—a day before the forum Oct. 19—a pride mask was urinated on and burned. This was the same day Dubost released another statement saying that the flag “ban” was lifted and 2x3 flags were acceptable.

Jennifer Gaviola

CALL FOR CHANGE: Danny Perez at the October Forum.

LUNCHTIME CELEBRATION

PRHS celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music and food for the first time

by Asusena Uribe, Carmesi

As the bell rang for lunch, the sound of music and students footsteps running towards the quad filled PRHS. For the first time at this school, a student organized lunch celebration was held on Oct. 8 featuring games, music, dancing and food. The purpose of this celebration was to embrace Hispanic Heritage Month and make sure student’s knew of the event. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct.15 every year. Students attended the celebration cheering their peers and making sure to record this historical event.

The Activist Coalition Of Tomorrow Club ( A.C.T.) organized this event making sure to involve as many students as possible. They collaborated with the Ethnic Studies Class, Avid 12 and the Black Student Union Club (B.S.U.). Their planning began by making a list of possible goods they could bring like candy, Pan Dulce, decorations and the famously known game of Loteria. Their preparation began during the third period having more than 15 students participating.

Melissa Gonzalez, a senior, was the main organizer of this event as she is President of A.C.T. club. Gonzalez has been involved for 4 years and had a lot of excitement when it came to coordinating this event. Representation was a huge aspect when it came to showing the importance of this event to our student body.

“Because of recent racial tensions in the country, everyone seems divided and this event brought together the PRHS students, Hispanic or not. I know for a fact that the 51% Hispanic student body of our campus felt represented to see a small piece of their culture shown at their school.” Gonzalez said.

Tiffany Robles , a junior, is part of A.C.T. and B.S.U club. She was involved in helping set up for the event and even participated in the fun. Previously Robles had no idea that this event existed, so she thought it as a great way to educate others and herself.

“I feel like a lot of students were surprised to see an event like this happen at our school but I think it will affect the school in a really positive way because students now see that there is representation for people from the Hispanic culture “ Robles said. Gonzales also said “ It will also introduce Hispanic Heritage month to many students because I know a lot of the students didn’t even know it was a month.”

As this event had a great outcome , Gonzalez is also planning to make a school dance where all students can attend and dance to hispanic music. As the planning still continues, their hope to do this event hopes to bring students together during this school year.

PhotosbyZoeyRainey

CELEBRACIÓN DURANTE LA HORA DEL ALMUERZO

PRHS celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con música y comida por primera vez

Cuando sonó la campana para el almuerzo, el sonido de la música y los pasos de los estudiantes corriendo hacia el patio llenaron PRHS. Por primera vez en esta escuela, el 8 de oct. se llevó a cabo un almuerzo organizado por los estudiantes con juegos, música, baile y comida. El propósito de esta celebración fue celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y asegurarse de que los estudiantes supieran del evento. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre de cada año. Los estudiantes asistieron a la celebración animando a sus compañeros y asegurándose de registrar este evento histórico.

El Club de Activist Coalition of Tomorrow (A.C.T.) organizó este evento asegurándose de involucrar a la mayor cantidad de estudiantes posible. Colaboraron con la Clase de Estudios Étnicos, Avid 12 y el Unión de Estudiantes Negros (B.S.U.). Su planificación comenzó haciendo una lista de posibles productos que podrían traer, como dulces, Pan Dulce,

by Asusena Uribe, Editor de Carmesí

decoraciones y el famoso juego de Lotería. Su preparación comenzó durante el tercer período con la participación de más de 15 estudiantes.

Melissa González, estudiante de último año, fue la organizadora principal de este evento ya que es presidenta de A.C.T. club. González ha estado involucrado durante 4 años y tuvía mucha emoción a la hora de coordinar este evento. La representación fue un aspecto enorme a la hora de mostrar la importancia de este evento para nuestro alumnado.

“Debido a las recientes tensiones raciales en el país, todos parecen divididos y este evento reunió a los estudiantes de PRHS, hispanos o no. Sé con certeza que el 51 porciento del alumnado hispano de nuestro campus se sintió representado al ver una pequeña parte de su cultura mostrada en su escuela ”. González dijo.

Tiffany Robles, estudiante de tercer año, es parte de A.C.T. y el club B.S.U. Ella participó en ayudar a preparar el evento y la diversión que venía con ello. Anteriormente, Robles no

tenía ni idea de que existía este evento, por lo que pensó que era una excelente manera de educar a los demás y a sí misma.

“Siento que muchos estudiantes se sorprendieron al ver que un evento como este sucedió en nuestra escuela, pero creo que afectará a la escuela de una manera muy positiva porque los estudiantes ahora ven que hay representación para las personas de la cultura hispana”, dijo Robles. .

Gonzales también dijo: “También presentará el mes de la herencia hispana a muchos estudiantes porque sé que muchos de los estudiantes ni siquiera sabían que era un mes”.

Como este evento tuvo un gran resultado, González también planea hacer un baile escolar donde todos los estudiantes puedan asistir y bailar con música hispana. Como la planificación aún continúa, su esperanza de realizar este evento espera unir a los estudiantes durante este año escolar.

WHERE’S THE WATER?

by:

There are many factors that go into the functionality of PRHS as a whole. One important aspect that many students don’t consider is water. Water is very precious, especially in California where there are consistent droughts. So how much water is used on campus? PRHS uses roughly 59,00060,000 gallons of domestic water monthly. Our bill averages between $4,900 - $5,500 dollars a month.

According to the PRHS groundskeeper Ryan Jones the softball field and grass lawns on campus use the most water on average for irrigation, “Grass lawns and fields use an inch a square foot of water over the summer. The softball field uses about 38,000 gallons of water at runtime,” Jones said.

Throughout the years the school has been trying to conserve as much water as possible because as the PRJUSD Transportation and Operations manager, Kelly Stainbrook , stated, “California will always be in a drought and we want to play our part.” They have a system in place that monitors how much water is used for irrigation and what the moisture level is of the grass so they only use what’s needed. With 13 field sites at PRHS even a 1% difference in the moisture of the grass means the difference between 1000s or even millions of gallons of water throughout a year.

Most of the PRHS campus used to be grass, and in an ongoing process over the past 20 years

they’ve gotten rid of 50% of the lawns to help conserve water. The practice field for football and soccer on campus was changed to turf 4 years ago, and while they still water the turf field once a week in the summer to keep the static electricity down, it is saving the school millions of gallons of water a year, and it’s more practical than a regular field because it’s not as saturated so it can still be used when it’s wet. They use a limited amount of water for the trees on campus, but choose not to get rid of them because as Jones stated, “Trees are invaluable as far as aesthetics and use of facilities, they help reduce evaporation and provide share for everyone to use.”

According to Stainbrook the second highest usage of water on campus is for lavatories and water bottle stations. Eight years ago PRHS changed all of their facilities to energy saving appliances for low usage of water. This has caused a 40% water usage drop on campus in these areas. While this subject may seem daunting for students, Stanbrook believes it is important to understand, “I think it’s important for students to know what’s going on here in the back side of things so they appreciate their school.”

Water Usage On Campus

PRHS uses 59,000- 60,000 gallons of domestic water monthly They spend between $4,900$5,500 a month on water

The softball field uses about 38,000 gallons of water a runtime

Energy saving appliances use 40% less water

Water usage remains steady on campus as faculty members express the importance of playing our part in enviornmental issues.

Zoey Rainey, People Editor

California will always be in a drought and we want to play our part.

- Transportation and Operations manager, Kelly Stainbrook

ZODIAC SIGNS: FACT OR FICTION?

by Cadence Eastep, Reporter

Lately, if you were to walk into a store involving anything you could possibly need, you are more than likely to find items —or even an entire section— dedicated to the zodiac signs phenomenon. The zodiac, which is a belt depicting the Earth, moon, and other planet’s orbits, and the supposed annual path of the sun, has made its way into the modern consumer’s life; however, some question its validity. Questions of whether or not the zodiac sign assigned to a person is accurate to their personality spins through the minds of those questioning it. Horoscopes create predictions on the lives of people with sometimes ominous accuracy. They leave many people wondering if they are truly an accurate way to judge character, or just figments of the imagination.

Junior Cassidy Long believes in the concept of zodiac signs. She herself is a Scorpio, which is coincidentally the most common zodiac sign in the U.S., with her moon sign being Taurus and her rising sign being Sagittarius. In her opinion, her personality definitely fits with the sign Scorpio.

“There is nothing else that I could possibly be other than a Scorpio,” Long said.

Long said. She finds herself to be very assertive, just as the Scorpio description entails. Along with being assertive, Scorpios are associated with passion and intensity; so much so that sometimes they are mistaken for a fire sign when they are actually a water sign.

Even though she believes in the accuracy of her zodiac sign, Long has never used her sign as an excuse for her actions. “I don’t ever directly say something rude and then say ‘oh, it’s because I’m a Scorpio!’” she said.

She believes that she is very similar to her sign’s description, but she still is her own person. Nevertheless, because of her knowledge on the topic, she still finds herself forming opinions on others due to their own personal sign.

“Sometimes I will ask somebody their sign and form an opinion on them before getting to know them,” Long said.

She tries not to let zodiac signs define her or others, but she still finds the accuracy of her sign to be undeniable.

Megan Pagnini, another junior, also believes in zodiac signs —to an extent. She is a Leo, and she has found that she does relate to the characteristics assigned to this sign.

“After doing some research and looking at my own zodiac sign I’m like, ‘that’s so weird that it’s so similar to how I am’”, Pagnini said.

Leos are defined as confident leaders with a lot of natural drive, and Pagnini has found that she fits this description. However, she has also decided that the concept of zodiac signs isn’t completely rooted in logic.

“It’s not really that I totally believe it. I definitely think there are some things that I’m like, that’s kind of stupid,” Pagnini said.

She finds the idea to be fun and interesting to think about, but Pagnini still believes that the zodiac isn’t entirely accurate.

The opinions about zodiac signs on the PRHS campus are staggering. In a survey of 92 students conducted on October 20th, it was found that only 44% of students leaned towards the idea of believing in zodiac signs, leaving a whole 56% who completely wrote off the concept. Those with negative opinions on zodiac signs on campus are more prone to saying that they are not backed up by actual evidence.

This survey also offered another statistic. A horoscope is a diagram that shows the relative positions of planets, and it gives insight into how a person’s future is going to play out. Each horoscope often predicts

any romantic partners, dangers, careers, and other happenings that are supposedly going to occur in a person’s life. Sometimes, these descriptions can be more accurate than others. In this survey, 34.9% of students surveyed recalled scarily accurate horoscope predictions at some point in their life. Clara Lundy, a senior and a member of the survey, recalled a scary prediction:

“I got in a very big argument and it was like ‘you will get in a difficult situation with people you care about’” it really threw me off,” Lundy wrote. This accurate prediction of an event really startled her. Many other people face this uncomfortable feeling too. For something that many find too outlandish to be true, it is scary to see a daily prediction be genuinely accurate.

In science, zodiac signs and astrology have been questioned for a very long time. At this time, there are no cases documented that assign astrology to a new scientific discovery. The concept of watching stars and constellations to understand the world has been around since B.C. times, with Sumarians and Babylonians using planets and stars to keep track of the gods in the sky. So, the theory of constellations and the zodiac have enveloped the world for years —not just in modern pop culture. Scientists will likely continue to try and understand whether or not astrology connects to real science.

Zodiac signs are very popular to think about at this time. They have snuck into the lives of many. Questions of their accuracy will likely be around for years to come. For some, though, the signs’ scientific validity doesn’t matter —all that matters is the amount of fun they have studying and comparing the signs’ characteristics to the world and people around them.

WHICH SIGN ARE YOU?

December 22 to January 19

January 20 to Febuary 18

February 19 to

March 20

March 21 to

April 19

April 20 to May 20

May 21 to

June 21

June 22 to

July 22

July 23 to August 22

August 23 to September 22

September 23 to October 23

October 24 to November 21

November 22 to December 21

Megan Pagnini, 11

Students on campus weigh in on whether or not zodiac signs are accurate

Cassidy Long, 11

THERE IS NOTHING THAT I COULD POSSIBLY BE OTHER THAN A SCORPIO CASSIDY LONG, 11

INTERNATIONAL LIMITATIONS

Explanation on the requirements and guidelines for international travel

by Rogelio Molina, Photographer

Ayear and a half into the pandemic, international travel has become available once again. Bearcats and their families can now travel to their home countries or spend time outside of the country.

However, travel isn’t as simple as it was before the pandemic. With COVID infecting people around the world, requirements and restrictions have been put in place to help slow the spread. Depending on where you are departing from and where you’re headed, the requirements will be different in each country. What are the requirements for traveling out of California to other countries you may ask?

The state of California recommends that their residents get vaccinated before any type of international travel. If they aren’t vaccinated, the California Department of Public Health suggests that venturers delay their trip until they have received both doses of the vaccine, or get tested one to three days before their trip.

When inside any public buildings or transportation, masks are strictly mandatory. From the moment someone steps foot into an airport, and all through their flight, they must be wearing a mask. These guidelines apply to all types of travel for every tourist. As of Oct,. 24, 2021, California still has a high number of cases which average up to 4,498 per day. If one is planning a trip out of the state, whether it be within the United States or outside of it, travelers must follow the guidelines and requirements to prevent the spread COVID.

A popular country such as Mexico requires that unvaccinated travelers get tested one to three days before their trip. Masks over the nose are mandatory during the flight for both vaccinated and non vaccinated travelers. Mexican authorities recommend that once you arrive you keep your mask on and maintain the five foot social distancing guideline since Mexico still averages around 3,515 cases a day as of Oct, 24, 2021. The Mexican government is strict on guidelines and recommends non vaccinated travelers avoid nonessential travel in order to prevent the risk of spreading COVID variants throughout the country. After the trip, it is recommended for vaccinated ventures but required for non vaccinated travelers to get tested within three to five days and to quarantine for seven days upon their return to the U.S.. If a traveler doesn’t get tested, they need to isolate

2019 Travel Destinations

themselves for ten days. If the test results come out positive, distancing is mandatory to prevent any spread of COVID. Venturers seeking to spend a few days in Paris, France, will need to follow basic procedures. Masks are mandatory at all times in public spaces and during the flight, and outdoor use of masks is optional but highly recommended. The French government urges you to protect yourself and others by maintaining 6 feet (2 meters) away from anyone you did not travel with and to wash your hands with either soap and water or hand sanitizer with sixty percent or more alcohol. Fully vaccinated visitors will not be held to any restrictions besides having to be tested one to three days before the trip, and proof of vaccination is required. For non vaccinated voyagers, you are required to get tested the same amount of days before the flight as vaccinated passengers. After touring Paris or other parts of France, you must show a negative test result no more than three days before the trip back to the USA. Non vaccinated travelers must come out as negative from a COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before your flight back to the United States. Once you have arrived back home, you are to get tested three to five days after your trip which applies to all travelers. Non vaccinated individuals must self quarantine for seven days after your travel, even if you have tested negative for COVID. If you do not manage to get tested after the trip, you are required to stay home and isolate for 10 days before heading out into public. However, if you turn out to have the virus, a two week self quarantine is mandatory. Monitor your symptoms at all times and try to avoid contact with anyone, including other household members. Once you have fully been isolated for fourteen days, go get tested again while wearing a mask everywhere to protect yourself and others.

As the world slowly recovers from COVID-19, people are getting vaccinated, and public spaces start to open up, the restrictions and requirements for travel may be subject to change or lifted over time. They are in place so that it’ll help get us out of this pandemic that has lasted three years now. So if you are planning to travel to these areas of the globe, take them into consideration.

HEY BEARCATS!

Hosted by: Miguel Muniz, Poli-Sci Editor

In this Bearcast, Principal Anthony Overton reveals stories of his past as a student, teacher, and principal. Overton also offers insight on people-pleasing, how to overcome stress, and managing a busy schedule.

THERE

Questions Covered

• What sports did Overton play in highschool?

• How does Overton handle controversial decisions as a principal?

• Who is Overton’s favorite student?

• How should someone navigate a busy schedule?

• What does Overton miss from his teaching career?

TIMESTAMP: 10:00

TIMESTAMP: 3:30

• What was Overton’s least favorite thing about teaching?

• What brought Oveton into his role as principal on our campus?

SCAN HERE TO LISTEN!!!

IS NO ONE ANSWER AND EVERY DECISION IS GOING TO IMPACT DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT WAYS

I ALWAYS LIKE TO WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND FIRST OFF (ASK MYSELF) WHAT AM I GRATEFUL FOR

PUMPKIN SPICE REVIEW

by Jocelyn Lopez, Design 9/10

SQUID GAME: A REVIEW

by Chris Cisneros, review

Squid Game, a show rejected by many television stations over 20 times in 10 years, was released on Netflix on Sept. 17, 2021 and has been topping the charts for over a month. The show is valued at $900 million dollars,according to CNBC . The Show has grossed $891.1 million since its release. It has been viewed by almost one in every three people in the United States. With Squid Games´ rise to stardom, many people are searching for a review. Squid Games is very popular with almost 142 million households having viewed it. The creator of the show, Hwang Dong-Hyuk, claims to have pitched this show to multiple tv stations with the top stars of the film being Lee Jung-Jae, Jung Ho-Yeon, Park Hae-Soo,Gong Yoo, Lee Byung-hun, and Anum tripathi.

Coffee

The Human Bean Jamba Juice

5.8/10

Squid Game is set in low income cities where the only way to make money is through horse betting or signing away your rights to loan sharks. A less well known way to make money is to sign your rights away and play violent, gruesome games for the entertainment of the Elite. The games take place on a remote island off the coast of South Korea where all of the contestants are individuals with low income.They play this game for the chance of winning 45.6 billion won($39.1 million USD). If They fail to complete the game that they are participating in, they are executed immediately and their body is incinerated. The players get packed into a tight room with bunk beds in every direction with distinct people from different backgrounds. Adding to the drama and suspense of a kill or be killed situation.

There’s not much you can say about the actors’ performance other than the fact that they all did a very good job at really showing the emotions that show how stressful this life or death situation really is. The story line is really interesting with many elements of horror, mystery, and drama. Gi-Hun does a very good job at showing emotion and is a really good example of perseverance.

The cinematography is great, showing the perfect angles and really showing the severity of the situation.The fact that the creator did not have a set style or aesthetic which shows the dullness and depression the players show knowing that most of them will meet the fate of death seeing as only one person can win the fortune in the end.

IN THE EYES OF THE PLAYER

Individual players take on key roles to support the team

by Michelle Rosas, Web Assistant

The majority percent of people going to watch Friday Night football games are there to see the touchdowns and make high school memories. The focus is more on the ball and field rather than the people who are making everything happen.

As the countdown ticks, the Bearcat football team trains harder and harder everyday to get ready for the football game. The Bearcat football team trains anywhere between 9 - 15 hours per week.

Senior Bastiaan Jaureguy trains as much as he can to get ready for a game.

“I’d probably say I take 15 hours to 16 hours a week, making sure that everything’s set perfectly in my own head so I can play my best football”, Jaureguy said.

Jaureguy also says that there’s always pressure when being on the field but he tries his best to not overthink. He says that once you start to get into your head that’s when you start to mess up. As well as training and practicing for a game Jaureguy likes to prepare himself before a game by thinking about the plays he’s going to make and taking deep breaths and putting earbuds on.

Jaureguy says he spends six days a week practicing and preparing for games and takes Sundays off to let his body rest.

All those days and hours of training are worth it because at the end of the day Jaureguy gets to play on the field, being one of the Bearcat’s top players. He plays both offense and defense as tight end and defensive end, only taking a break on kickoff, punt, and kickoff return. He has been on varsity since his sophomore year, and has played a huge role in helping the team get to the second-round of CIF this year on the field and just helping hype the team up before the game.

“I feel this big high go through my body, and then it just gets me pumped up and I’m ready for the game,” Jareguy said.

Another player on the team, Dominic Weber says that before a game he mentally prepares himself and thinks about how he can use all of his effort to help his team win the game. Weber starts on the offensive line, and has earned over 10.5 pancakes this season, and is constantly trying to improve.

“I try to think about what I need to do. How I can give all my effort— what’s gonna happen—how I can react. What I need to do to beat my opponent,” Weber said When it comes to training, Weber spends around 10 - 13 hours a week training for a game. Once Weber steps foot on the field he feels this rush of adrenaline and a small feeling of nervousness.

“For me, I feel a lot of energy, a lot of excitement. I also feel nervous. But for me, it’s just going out there to have a good time,” Weber explained.

Player #51 Brain Ibarra has his own way of preparing before a game. Ibarra also plays on the offensive line.

He spends about five days a week working and perfecting himself to do his best for a game. Before a game, Ibarra says he imagines himself playing his heart out and giving it his all during the game.

“I imagine myself out there just playing my heart out and my butt off just to win the game,” Ibarra said.

Ibarra also says that when the team wins he feels a lot of joy and he feels great. But that he will start focusing harder on how he can help his team win the next game.

Thanks to these bearcats, the rest of the football team, and the coaches, the Bearcats crushed have had a winning record of 7-3 this season, and are continuing on in the CIF Division II tournament.

PhotosbyAshleyPaulsen,EIC

Dominic Weber (12)

Brian Ibarra (12)

Bastiaan Jaureguy (12)

BLEED ORANGE OR BLUE

Who do Bearcats like more, the Giants or the Dodgers?

by Braydon Hoier, Sports Reporter

Baseball rivalries have brought fans together, but also torn the stitches of conversations. One of the biggest rivalries in baseball is the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the San Francisco Giants. This season they played a total of 19 games against each other with the Giants winning 10 games and the Dodgers winning nine. It’s a healthy and admirably balanced rivalry.

This past month, the Dodgers played the Giants in the National League Division Series(NLDS) and the Dodgers reigned superior, to advance to the next step of the playoffs.

With Paso Robles being 270 miles from Los Angeles and 204 miles from San Francisco, Paso high school is filled with Giants and Dodgers fans alike. The question stands; which team do Bearcats like more? According to a survey taken on Oct. 22nd of 61 students, the majority percentage of those students are Dodgers fans.

Junior Jaclyn Bullard started early. “I am a Dodgers fan and have been since I could talk,” Bullard said. In October 2021 Bullard attended game three of the NLDS to see her favorite players Will Smith and Trea Turner play. On the downside for her the Giants ended up beating the Dodgers 1-0 in that game.

The Dodgers and Giants rivalry has gone all the way back to when the two teams were on the east coast as the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants. The Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in May of 1957, and the Giants also moved west from New York to San Francisco in May of 1957.

The two teams brought the rivalry from the East Coast to the West Coast and since the move,the Giants and Dodgers head to head record is 577 wins for the Dodgers and 548 wins for the Giants.

Even teachers at Paso High show their true colors when it comes to being

a Dodgers or Giants fan. Kevin Kijewski, freshman and sophomore English teacher is a Dodgers fan. “I’ve been breathing for 43 years, I would say I’ve been a Dodgers fan for 41,” Kijewski said.

Kijewski’s loyalty was cemented, he said, when in 1988 he watched an Injured Kirk Gibson in the 1988 world series hit the game winning walk off home run, while limping around the bases pumping his fists in the air.

On the other side of the rivalry there’s Steven DeCou, a sophomore science teacher, who has been a Giants fan for a little over 20 years. “The thing that got me to be a Giants fan was my uncle’s a Giants fan. He used to take me to Giants stadium,” DeCou said.

But who is the better team currently? In the 2021 season the Giants placed first in the National League West with a record of 107-55 and the Dodgers placed second in the NL West with a record of 106-56. In the 2021 regular season the Giants proved to be the better team statistically. But as the postseason rolled around the corner, the Giants and Dodgers matched up once again, this time in the NLDS. The two teams battled back and forth leading to the final game of the series, game five. In game five the crowd was on their feet the whole time, cheering for their team hoping to advance. For the Giants fans, their hopes were demolished by the first base umpire as he made a debatable call that ended the game and the season for the Giants.

HONESTLY, IT WAS UNFAIR. THERE WERE A LOT OF CALLS THAT WERE NOT RIGHT AND POSSIBLY LOST THE GIANTS THE SERIES MEGAN PANINI, 11

(Giants stadium) :Senior Gracie Nelson and her brother Tanner at a Giants game.

(Mariners Stadium) : Kijuewski and his wife Megan at a Dodgers game in Seattle.

10% 63.3% 26.7%

Out of a survey of 61 students, over 63% said they were Dodgers fans, 26% Giants, and 10% had other opinions

GYM JUNKIES AND THE IRON JOURNEY

Morgan Henry and Ethan Vitale higlight their physical and mental progress through lifting weights

by Bricen Chitty, Web Director

Hoodies up, shaker bottles full of caffeine in one hand and the Kennedy barcode in the other, they make their way up the steps towards the front door mentally and physically preparing themselves. The sound of steel plates hitting each other and the smell of rubber and sweat fill the air as they scan in, music blaring in their ears as they move towards the second floor, their home for the next two hours. As they step past the final stair they start their workout, dumbell in each had, veins pumping with blood as the caffeine and other supplements circulate through their system.

With the stresses of everyday life, relationships, school, and the constantly evolving world of Covid-19, many students at PRHS have started turning to the gym to get in better shape, physically and mentally. Students like (12) Ethan Vitale and (12) Morgan “Muscle Man”

Henry -- as he is known around campus -- have been hitting the gym consistently for a year now, and are starting to get noticed for their accomplishments.

“I’ve gotten recognized by, I’d say, 30-plus people here at the gym, especially from posts on my social media,” Henry said .

they plan their exercises hours in advance.

“The gym has helped me in other aspects of my life by being an outlet, it has helped teach me self discipline and commitment,” Vitale said.

It’s not about the physical change that Henry and Vitale have noticed, but also the mental aspect that has developed in their time at the gym.

THE GYM HAS HELPED ME IN OTHER ASPECTS OF MY LIFE BY BEAING AN OUTLET, IT HAS HELPED TEACH ME SELF DISCIPLINE AND COMMITMENT

ETHAN VITALE, 12

The catalyst for both Vitale’s and Henry’s gym journey started around the same time last year. They said they felt unhappy with themselves physically and mentally, so they both started going to Kennedy Club Fitness. The first few weeks were difficult to form habits and motivation, but seeing themselves physically change and improve day to day quickly became an addiction for the both of them.

MORGAN HENRY,

“I wanted to be that one percent that wanted to give all their effort into one thing and see how much you can change yourself and better yourself,” Henry said.

Vitale and Henry work out nearly every day, 12 - 14 hours a week, and averages between 30,000 - 50,000 pounds of volume. That means that every day at the gym, counting all his lifts and poundage, they are lifting 15 to 25 tons of weight over the course of their two hour workout. Their workouts are chosen specifically to target certain muscle groups, and oftentimes

This trend expands beyond just students here on campus as well. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of people were pushed to occupy themselves and their time, and many chose to workout as a way to stay healthy. Over Covid-19 exercise has increased by upwards of 88% according to a 13,000 person study from RunRepeat. Exercise has a number of health benefits, especially for teenagers. Exercise can help a person age better. Exercise also produces endorphins that help you feel good, sleep better, raise self-esteem, and help with depression. It also helps you lose weight and lower the risk of diseases, according to Kidshealth

Vitale and Henry strongly encourage students to embrace the gym junkie lifestyle and follow in their footsteps.

“Advice I would give to new people who want to start going to the gym, don’t worry about what people think, no one is judging you, it’s a process. Nothing comes overnight… just make the effort.” said Vitale. For Vitale and Henry, the gym is the one thing that they can always rely on to be there for them.

As Henry put it, “The gym will not wake up one day and say ‘hey I’m leaving you’. The gym will always be there for you whenever you need it. It’s not going to go away… there are really no downsides.”

I WANTED TO BE THAT 1 % THAT WANTED TO GIVE ALL THEIR EFFORT INTO ONE THING AND SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF AND BETTER YOURSELF

12

Morgan “Muscle Man” Henry (12)

Ethan Vitale (12)

Ethan and Morgan individually lift a cumulative of 30 to 50 thousand pounds per work out, the equivalent of two semi tractors.

CATS AT CIF

FOOTBALL WINS LEAGUE, ADVANCES TO ROUND 2

With the tradition of bleached hair and the first appearance in the second round of CIF since 2014 on the line, the Bearcat Football team’s first playoff game was worth a lot. The team travelled two hours to Tulare on Nov. 4, for their third Thursday night game this season against Tulare Union.

The Bearcats ended their regular season with a three way tie for first in the mountain league with the Arroyo Grande Eagles and St. Joseph Knights, all holding a record of 4-1. Their overall record was 6-3, earning them a state-wide rank of #338 and a CIF Central Section rank of #36.

In the Central Section Division III bracket, The Tribe was seeded sixth and the Bearcats eleventh. Being the underdogs and not having the typical roar of the Paso crowd, the Bearcats had to put in the work for the win: and they sure did. Holding the Tribe off while also performing offensively, they ended the first half up 170. The second half got a little more interesting, with a couple big plays leaving the Bearcats up 24-21. Paso’s defense held

Tulare off within the last ten yards for the last couple minutes of the game, making that win so much more special.

“It was another defining moment for our team. No one expected much from us this season and to prove that we deserve to be in the playoffs feels great,” senior Bastiaan Jaureguy said.

Jaureguy is a starter for both offense and defense, playing tight end and defensive end. He earned the last touchdown for the Bearcats in the game, catching a 34 yard pass from quarterback Trevon Bridewell.

The Bearcats head off on another two hour drive for their second game in the playoffs on Nov. 12 against Dinuba High, who is seeded 3rd in the bracket and 25 in the section.

UP AND OVER (Water Polo CIF Game) : Senior Evan Swettenam pulls the ball over the defense to dodge and hopefully score for the Bearcats.

BOYS POLO 19-13 RECORD 3RD PL LEAGUE

GIRLS TENNIS: CIF SEMIFINALS!

NO MORE YARDS (Tulare Union CIF Game) : Senior Kyle “Killa K” Bonham gets the tackle for the Bearcats, adding to the stellar defense that helped Paso take the win in their first playoff game.

FOOTBALL 7 - 3 RECORD 1ST PL LEAGUE

POLO EARNS THIRD IN LEAGUE & EARLY CIF FINISH

Arecord breaking season for the Boys Water Polo team was unfortunately ended with a first round loss in their CIF Division II tournament.

The Bearcats ended their regular season with a record of 19-13 overall, and earned 3rd in the mountain league with a record of 7-3. Senior Reily Lowry also broke the school record of most goals scored in one season, finishing off his last game with a total of 137 goals, previously set at 119 by Zack Tucker in 2018. Paso was ranked #162 in the state, and #14 in the Central section.

each other off at 11-11 up until the last minute of the game, when the Rangers snuck in another point, leading 12-11. The Bearcats put in their best efforts, but fell short and lost first round, putting an end to the 2021 season.

I HOPE TO SEE US GO INTO FURTHER ROUNDS OF CIF NEXT YEAR.

CAMERON

CLAYTON, 11

The polo boys (seeded #6 in the tournament) took on the Redwood Rangers (seeded #3) in Visalia on Nov. 4. The game was an intense one, with the third quarter ending tied 8-8 and the crowd on their seats. Scoring back and forth, the Rangers and the Bearcats held

“I was hoping to see us go further into CIF as a team. Unfortunately it came to an end and we had to say bye to our seniors earlier than expected. Redwood was a good team yet skill level in the water I think we should have won that game. I hope to see us go into further rounds of CIF next year,” junior Cameron Clayton said. Clayton earned one goal that game.

“Getting to semi-finals in CIF was like everything we worked for through all of our years finally paid off, it was greatly anticipated and making it there was rewarding to all of us,” senior Salma Tidwell said. Tidwell has been playing for Bearcat tennis for the last four years, watching her teammates grow into a group that could make it that far itno CIF.

16-7 RECORD

CIF DII SEMI-FINALISTS

Throwing up the ball and winning a countless number of sets sent the Bearcat girls tennis team to the semi-finals of the Central Section CIF Division II bracket. After receiving a bye in the first round due to being seeded 2nd and a win against Porterville, the team went head to head with Clovis East, who was seeded #3. The Bearcats started off strong with a tie of 3-3 in their singles play, eventually losing 2-4 in a third super set tie breaker. Seniors Sophia Berry and Rana Takada led the Bearcats in singles, winning their sets 6-1, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-3 respectively. The Clovis Timberwolves showed through during the doubles play, taking the lead 2-7 over the Bearcats for a win.

The Bearcats had an amazing season, ending with a record of 16-7.

IT’S BEEN GREAT TO WATCH THIS TEAM GROW THROUGH ALL OF THE YEARS AND SEEE EVERYONE DEVELOP INTO THE PLAYERS AND TEAM THAT WE ARE TODAY.

SALMA TIDWELL, 12 PhotosbyAshleyPaulsen,ConnerRocha,SerenityWulfing

SERVING FOR THE SEMI-FINALS (Porterville CIF Game) : Senior Sophia Berry tosses up the ball in her singles set, hoping to get a point for her team to move on.

IT WAS ANOTHER DEFINING MOMENT FOR OUR TEAM. NO ONE EXPECTED MUCH FROM US THIS SEASON AND TO PROVE THAT WE DESERVE TO BE IN THE PLAYOFFS FEELS GREAT.” BASTIAAN JAUREGUY, 12

Fall sport athlets take on Central Section

CIF athletes in hopes of a championship

by Ashley Paulsen sports Director &

Treading through sand, mountains, and concrete all throughout the state, the boys and girls cross country team have “made their mark” in their races this season, earning second in league in mens and third for womens, along with countless top scores.

“This season started a great foundation for the future and the team had a very strong bond” said Cameron Leclair. Leclair has been competing on the boys Varsity cross country team for the last four years, running in the #1 spot for the last two. He earned fifth overall in league out of 41 runners.

The teams are both traveling to Fresno on

Nov. 18 to compete in the Central Section Cross Country Championships, boys in Division I and girls in Division II, hoping to take home another championship on their 5km race. The boys are competing with twelve other schools, which is between 60 and 84 runners, and the top ten runners can earn awards. For the girls, there are 16 other schools, a race with between 80 and 112 other girls. Each school can bring between 5 to 7 athletes, and the top five runners will earn points for the team.

“I’m excited for CIF because I hope to make it to state this year and I really love the course. I like having competition in a race and this race is really competitive so I’m super pumped,” junior Sydney Moore said. Moore earned third place in league, and is the second fastest runner for the girls varsity team.

2nd LEAGUE

TEEING UP

(Paso Robles Golf Club): Senior Ceci Martinez takes a practice swing before getting ready to send a drive down the ninth hole and finish up her match against Atascadero

CROSSING THE COAST

(Morro Bay Invitational Meet): Senior Cameron Leclair trudges through the sands of Morro Bay to pass other runners and hopefully get a low time.

CROSS COUNTRY

CIF DI and DII BOUND

Little swings and misses were reported this season from the Girls Golf team, who advanced to the Regional CIF Division II Finals tournament. With a winning season record and the lowest 18 hole score was 500, these ladies improved their driving and putting game all season.

Taking their top six players, including three seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore, the girls golf team traveled over to Tulare on Oct. 26, competing against all teams in the II and III Divisions in the CIF Central Section. The team earned a total

score of 542, getting them 8th out of 19 teams that played. Ceci Martinez earned the top score for the Bearcats of 100, taking an individual placing of 18th out of the 114 golfers competing there.

“CIF was definitely a challenge this year, there was a lot of high competition, tough greens, and long days. I was very excited to be able to participate and compete with my team. Best of luck for next year’s team, I’m really going to miss it,” senior Grace Wittstrom said. Wittstrom was #5 for Bearcats in the CIF playoffs, and earned a score of 113.

CIF DII 8th PLACE GIRLS GOLF

Overcoming a team-wide quarantine and countless missed practices and games, the girls water polo team still pulled through with a winning record of 15-13 at the end of their regular season, as well as earning 4th in mountain league and breaking individual records. According to Max Preps, the Bearcats are still ranked #19 in the Central Section, #68 in California, and #75 in the Nation.

The Girls Polo team traveled north to Reedley, California to take on the Pirates in the first round of the Central Section Division II tournament on Nov. 6. The Pirates had an overall record of 23-6 and were 1st in the North Yosemite League, setting them up to be seeded second in the tournament, compared to the Bearcats seeded seventh.

Regardless of being the underdogs, the Bearcats put in the work throughout the game, but unfortunately fell short 7-10. The leading scorers that game were senior Allison Hernandez and sophomore Sienna Lowry, both with

three goals each.

“Although this year’s ladies water polo team has come to an end, I am enthusiastic to see my teammates continue to learn and grow next season. After a short 2020 season due to COVID, we’ve had to compete with little experience but these ladies have grown exponentially. I am proud to call each and every lady on this team my friend and teammate and I look forward to seeing them compete next year,” Hernandez said. Despite an early end to their season and many obstacles, the starting goalkeeper Kaitlyn Hebrard broke the record of most saves in one season with 320 saves over the 25 games she played in, an average of almost 15 saves a game.

HernAndez,

BLOCK THAT BALL

(Girls Polo against Morro Bay): Junior Leanna Reed and sophomore Zoey Bixler eye the ball and prepare to stop the other team from getting a shot in

After A short seAson due to covid, we’ve hAd to compete with little experience, but these lAdies hAve grown exponentiAlly.

Allison

12

i like hAving comeptition in A rAce And this rAce (cif) is reAlly competitive so i’m super pumped.

sydney Moore, 11

EIC

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING:

RUSHING YARDS

The Varsity Runningback’s Guide to Rushing Yards: LEO KEMP

by Ashley Paulsen, Sports Director & EIC

Gripping the ball and ramming through the defense, junior Leo Kemp has almost mastered gaining rushing yards, and has played a key role for Bearcat Varsity Football the last two seasons. This tri-sport athlete dedicates over twelve hours a week towards athletics, and is well known for being Paso’s top scorer and having the most yardage in recent years, while also being a top performer in wrestling and track.

“Football has shown me what hard work does and the outcome of what all of the time and effort put in can do,’’ Kemp said. He has played football since second grade, starting off in the youth program.

Stepping up as starting running back his sophomore year, Kemp pushed his way through to the top. His sophomore year, he had a total of 1044 rushing yards, an average of over 149 yards per game in their seven game season, along with ten touchdowns for the team. This year, he’s racked up a total of 1123 rushing yards so far, over 200 carries, and scored eleven touchdowns. While also being a top performer for the offense, Kemp also plays nose guard on defense.

“He’s always working hard. He brightens up the team with his humor and is always able to make you laugh. He’s an asset to the offense with his ability to run the ball as well as block. All around Leo is a big part of our team.” senior Trevon Bridewell said. Bridewell is the Bearcats starting quarterback, and has played alongside Kemp for the last two years.

Kemp earned 1st Team All-League and Offensive MVP last year, and is hoping to help “carry” the team to a CIF Championship this season and next. After high school, he plans to attend a D1 University for football.

CLUTCH:

A strong grip of the ball allows the runner to shove through the defense and prevent a fumble and loss of possession

HAND OUT:

Keeping an arm out puts distance between the runner and the oncoming defense, and can sometimes result in a block and some extra yards

FOOT WORK:

Turning his foot prior to the defense reaching him allows the player to change directions and dodge the other team to keep pushing forward