February 2019 Issue

Crimson

PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL 801 NIBLICK RD. PASO ROBLES CA, 93446 VOLUME 81 ISSUE 4 02.15.19

FORGING FAMILY Bearcats display the value of family in a variety of new family norms A LATE REACTION

PRHS students and staff respond to new tardy policy

PG. 03

SEEKING ASYLUM

Student shares story of being seperated from family at Mexican-American border

PG. 08

KEEP KICKING ON

Senior Atiana Stratman commits to Northwestern Missouri State for soccer

PG. 33

DISTRICT CLOSES IN

NEWS || NEWS

ON DEEP BUDGET CUTS Board and district prepare to slash hiring and encourage earlier teacher retirement

INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Julian Crocker

Julian Julian Crocker Crocker

FORMER SUPERINTENDENT Chris Williams

by Declan Higgins, Copy Editor

T

he Paso Robles Joint Unified School District’s board appears to be ready to introduce drastic cuts to school spending due to a funding shortfall after three new board members were voted into office last November.

These cuts would generally limit new hirings of school staff, since 85 to almost 90% of a school district’s budget pays for teachers’ salaries, according to Julian Crocker, interim superintendent for the district. “If you’re going to reduce expenditures, you’re going to have to somehow impact personnel, which means either not filling vacant positions or eliminating vacant positions…. We’ve worked very hard to encourage ‘early retirements,’ or retirement incentives for staff in the district who are near retirement… then you hire somebody at a lower salary,” he said.

The “early retirement” Crocker mentions could affect teachers and students alike, meaning teachers approaching retirement age may retire earlier than usual. In turn, these departures could lead to faster cycling of teachers, meaning younger teachers and fewer veteran teachers would be present at PRHS. The budget crisis facing the district is potentially a long-term one. It’s now on track to face a deficit in general funds alone of at least $800,000 by the 2020-2021 school year, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune. In order to avoid state takeover, the district would have to avoid a deficit.

These spending cuts have been considered since October 2018 as the school board made several controversial decisions before last year’s election, such as voting to give departing Superintendent Chris Williams a $113,000 severance package (cut in half from $226,000) and passing a proposal to spend $10+ million in funding for a PRHS aquatic center.

Williams and his administration were subject to criticism for what some described as overspending and/or detrimental administrative positions. Some members of the administration itself have “cited

Mark Bradford

HISTORY TEACHER Mark Bradford

Mark Bradford VARSITY SWIMMER MacKenzie Raymond Photos by Camden Tucker

PRJUSD JUNE 26, 2018 Proposed 2018-2019 fiscal budget summary reveals reserves projected to be 3.01%

errors in calculating average daily attendance” and “overspending on personnel, according to the Tribune.

Mark Bradford, a history teacher at PRHS, also serves as the vice president of the teacher’s union. “The union’s position is that, under the last superintendent, they built up a lot of administrative positions… There was a top-heavy administration and a lot more bureaucracy and paperwork. Much of it didn’t help the teaching and the learning but actually hindered it,” he said of the current infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Berkley Baker, a Cal Poly business graduate and frequent visitor to district board meetings, has steadily objected to recent monetary decisions. “I have appeared at school board meetings… to express my outrage about the incompetence of Williams and the former school board’s handling of the district’s finances, perverse hiring practices, the dismantling of our Bearcat culture, the pool debacle, and the fear of retribution which existed for staff,” Baker, a Paso board member from 1992-1996, stated.

When Baker mentions “the pool debacle,” he refers to the long-term aquatic center project taking place at PRHS, designed to allow the swim and water polo teams to obtain a competitionlevel pool for home games on campus. Yet the district now says that funding is being put on hold due to the dangerously-low budget reserves of under 1% of total funding available (while the amount considered standard sits at 3%).

However, Crocker explains that the pool’s construction may be delayed, but believes it will be finished nonetheless. “Looking at the pool, the current situation is that what was projected to be the cost of the pool is greatly under what our last bids that we received from contractors are…

They are simply delaying it; they [are going] to build the pool. I just think it needs to be under the supervision of a permanent superintendent who’s here.”

DISTRICT TIMELINE

Sept 25, 2018 Unaudited Actuals Report for 2017-2018 reveal reserves actually .96%

NEWS 02 | 02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine

Nov 06, 2018 Election Day: Incumbent School Board members Matthew C. McClish, Field Gibson, and Kathleen Yankee Hall are replaced.

Dec 06, 2018 Superintendent Chris Williams resigns as result of new board direction. Director of Athletics & Director of Student Services resign as well.

On the other hand, Mackenzie Raymond, a PRHS senior currently on the varsity girls’ water polo team, feels strongly about the pool’s construction being postponed. “Basically, we can’t have anything but practice at our pool.… I would find the money and get it done, because that’s a big part of our school, and the fact that we can’t have that is pretty frustrating. It would also pay for itself through swim lessons and community service through the summer.”

The current fiscal dilemma was similar in 2012, when the district was in dire straits and nowinterim superintendent Crocker stepped in to lead the way to financial stability. However, teacher furloughs were employed in that year - a highly unpopular move that would certainly leave staff at PRHS displeased if the policy were to be applied once more.

Having served as the Paso district superintendent from 1989-98 and county superintendent from then until 2014, Crocker has considerable experience in the field of education.

Due to this background, Baker feels confident that Crocker can once again move the district past the crisis. “Dr. Crocker is very well-respected and brings years of leadership experience. …I am confident Dr. Crocker will help restore the community’s trust and set the district on the path to financial health.”

On the other hand, Bradford feels that more arental involvement could be the best catalyst for the change that many want to see in the district’s decisions. “...A school board is part of the democratic process. This is a public school paid for by tax dollars. It belongs to the public, and it’s their school. … But it’s disappointing how little parental involvement there is… If they were more directly involved, they would probably have a positive impact.”

JUNE 2018 - JAN, 2019

Dec 11, 2018

New members Chris Arend, Lance Gannon, and Stephanie Ulibarri are sworn in. Board begins tackling budget cutting to bring up reserves.

Dec 12, 2018 Former PRJUSD superintendent Julian Crocker appointed as interim superintendent.

JAN 31, 2019 Principle Eric Martinez anounces resignation to move closer to his family.

Graphics by Ysabel Wulfing

LATE

NEWS |

REACTIONS

How PRHS students and staff responded to the new tardy policy

T

by Jeremy Hunt, Copy Editor

he second semester of the 2018-19 school year marked the start of a revised tardy policy -- a move meant to motivate students to get to class on time in greater numbers.

The new policy arrives on the heels of a first semester in which school administration witnessed a “significant rise” in the number of 1st period tardies, according to a school email sent out by Principal Eric Martinez on Jan. 4. The raw numbers back this up: Assistant Principal Anthony Overton found that there were an average of 170 first period tardies per day the first semester of this school year (out of approximately 2000 students).

This reflected a trend of increasing lateness, as that number had risen significantly from 133 such tardies in the second semester of the 2017-18 year -- and nearly doubled from 89 such tardies the first semester of the 2017-18 year. With the new policy, Overton said that the school is “looking for people who are having a chronic inability to get to where they need to be on time,” not those who are only late every once in a while.

“The big thing is, we’re willing to work with people and take feedback on what we can do, but there’s also a lot of things that we can’t control. The reality is we’re trying to prepare kids for college and career readiness after high school, and being late to classes [in college] and being late to your jobs are not options,” Overton said.

Freshman Milan Bolden cites a few reasons for tardiness. “Having a lot of siblings and a lot of people to drop off to school before I get to school, or having the people in my household not be ready on time [is why I’m late],” Bolden said.

Math and AVID teacher Jim Steaffens offered additional viewpoints on causes for lateness: “Some of it’s their own fault, they just lag. Some of it is because they’re just dropped off late -- so their parents just don’t feel like it’s an urgency to get here on time and give their kids enough time to get class,” Steaffens said. Despite these possible reasons, Steaffens believes the new

policy is a good idea. “I felt like it was nice that the administration was trying something new because clearly what we were doing in the past was not working,” he said. Steaffens noted that he had “three to four” students tardy to his first period class per day last semester.

The largest change with the new tardy policy is the penalties. Last semester, there were no severe penalties for tardies; now, though, the punishments are much more strict. A student’s third tardy to one class results in a phone call to parents; the fourth and eighth tardies result in an after-school Wednesday detention; the 12th tardy results in a Saturday school detention; and penalties grow more significant with each additional fourth tardy until complete loss of privilege with the 24th tardy.

Opinions on the severity of these punishments vary. Bolden feels that the policy is somewhat unfair because “there’s a lot of people that just can’t [...] make it on time no matter what.”

Steaffens, however, has no issue with the penalties. “If you’re not getting detention until your fourth tardy [...] you kinda need to have something different than a talking to. In the past, three tardies was a cut and to clear a cut you had to do Saturday school. I think in the grand scheme of things, you know, there were times in the past where if you were absent from a class a certain number of days in a semester you would just get an F. [...] In perspective, it seems kind of minor that you’re gonna get an after-school detention for [four tardies].”

Steaffens has noticed a decrease in tardies to his first period class as a result of the new policy.

After having several tardies per day during last semester, he had “yet to have someone hit the magic ‘I have to call home’ mark [which is] three” as of the third week of school.

“We’ll have to see [how the policy works]. It’s just like anything, like you can’t really decide whether or not something has been effective when it’s only the third week of the quarter. So, how do we know how effective it’s been, you know?” Steaffens said.

1st semester 337 daily tardies Source: PRHS attendence office

Photos & Graphics by Camden Tucker

2nd semester 228 daily tardies

*data for second semester tardies as of Jan. 30 2019

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | NEWS 03

BRIEFS OF THE MONTH

| NEWS

PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION Martinez prepares to bid farewell to Paso Robles following the 2018-2019 school year

P

by Hannah Hohheiser, Reporter

rincipal Eric Martinez announced a June 2019 resignation from his post at Paso Robles High School after assuming the position in 2016 on the heels of interim principal Jen Gaviola. He announced he will be moving back to the Fresno area.

Martinez’ announcement came almost immediately following former superintendent Chris Williams’ resignation in December 2018. It also followed rumors that he dispelled during the Jan. 31 board meeting, including clarification that he has not yet taken another administrative position.

“Family comes first,” Martinez told his teaching staff, as he explained that he, his wife, and his 1-year-old child needed to move closer to other family in Fresno County.

Martinez showed support and fervor for excellence among his students. He also is known for daily greetings by the library

at the start of school to incoming students.

Teachers noted his consistent support and cheerful confidence in the quality of PRHS instruction and programs.

Martinez explained in 2016 that he aspired to continue improving educational opportunities for students while working collaboratively with teachers to continue to challenge students.

He also hoped to “retain the standard set by the district to help the school continue providing an excellent education and fostering excellent students,” as reported by Crimson in 2016.

The district plans to open the principal position to qualified applicants Feb 13, 2019. Martinez will serve as principal through graduation.

SAYING GOODBYE: After three years served as principal, Martinez has announced his resignation. He will remain in his position until the end of the current school year.

BOARD MEMBERS RECONSIDER CLASS Course likely to be approved this month

O

by Hannah Hochheiser, Reporter

ver two classes of soon-to-be seniors are likely to have their English course reinstated after a January controversy tabled their preferred choice. Teacher Matt Carroll has spearheaded an effort to have the course reconsidered.

Specifically, a January board meeting blocked the proposed course by a majority vote. The course worried board members about its content, specifically the expectation for students to interpret literature containing both Marxist and feminist literary theory.

In November, the English Department released a survey asking whether or not students would be interested in a new ‘Short Story and Popular Novel’ course that would allow

interpretation of literature through multiple perspectives.

Nearly 400 of the students surveyed claimed to be interested.

In response to this feedback, the department immediately began curating a curriculum that would fit both state and college standards alongside student expectations.

On Thursday, Feb 7, Carroll met with board members and other district staff to discuss and clarify the class curriculum and the intentions of the class. The meeting was a friendly affair and the parties involved left with greater understanding of the matter.

The verdict on whether the course will be offered is expected to be announced at a board meeting on Feb 12.

UP FOR A FIGHT: Carroll has successfully earned the

alternative English class a reconsideration. He himself teaches English, as well as Peer Communications.

PAY A DOLLAR: PIE A TEACHER

Freshman class raises money through fundraiser

by Jessica Jagger, Editor-in-Chief

S

tudents gathered around the quad on January 11 to watch five PRHS teachers receive plates of whipped cream to the face in a fundraiser assembled by the freshman class in order to raise money for class activities such as a Freshman Movie Night and the upcoming Junior Prom.

The fundraiser was created as a member of the freshman student council found a similar idea on Pinterest, and the idea was modified to work best for the student body.

Teachers involved were: Deidrich, Decou, Logan, Mount,

04 NEWS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

and Smith, some of whom volunteered, while others were elected to participate by students.

Freshman president Ashley Paulson said of the event: “We saw a lot of people enjoying themselves when they [participated], and after, it was really nice to see so many people there watching and participating.”

Because of the reportedly strong turnout of this event, the class hopes to repeat the fundraiser soon.

THE SCIENCE OF PIE: Science teacher Steve Decou takes on the impact of a plate of whipped cream. Decou has taught at PRHS since 2015.

Listen Learn A

Why respecting others’ opinions is so vital - Crimson Staff

C

newsmagazine

Editors In Chief Sarah Jagger Ysabel Wulfing Jessica Jagger

Circulation

Emily Olsen Manager Brie Howestine Kaya McCasland

Business

Cheyanne Holliday Manager

Graphics

Casey Dumong Director

Reporters Kaya McCasland Brie Howestine

PR Director

Catalina Magnuson

Art Director Jasmine Romero

Web Director Trevor Jaureguy

Editors

and

EDITORIAL |

s we watch the news, listen to music, or even simply walk to our third period class, the voices and differing opinions of others seem to flood our surroundings.

With so many perspectives in our daily lives, it should be simple to stand back from our own view for one moment to hear what another has to offer.

So why do we fall short?

Respect is something that is drilled into our minds on the daily, but our culture and personal beliefs seem to press against this virtue. We are brought up in different ways, by different people, with our own differentiating experiences that shape our views. We all know this, too. It is seen everywhere we go, even within our own community. And yet, we struggle still.

There’s no need to change your opinion to fit the “norm” or even to change just to have a conversation with someone of an alternate mindset. It doesn’t take an army to listen; all it takes is an ear and an open mind, something we all are capable of having and, more importantly, of putting to a good use.

“We have good reasons, and those reasons can — and should — be explained,” states a 2017 article from Aleteia, an online publication. They go on to explain how this situation is a two-way street; we want our voices heard, too. But we must do so with the utmost respect, good intent, and caution.

“If they feel like we’re judging them,” the article continued, “or attacking what they consider to be their rights — and, above all, if they do not see that we love them — it’s very unlikely that they’ll listen to us.”

It’s easy to lose ourselves in the throes of society, focusing

on the things that we individually find to be an issue.

Whether it’s your view on gender, politics, race, or social status - all of which are echoed in the voices of modern life there’s a reason why it is important to you and a rationale for why you think things should be the way they should.

But one of the undeniable issues - no matter where you come from, your background, or your own opinions - is the lack of unity within our society. We don’t trust each other. We don’t trust the news headlines, the words of political figures, or the words of our neighbors. We are nervous that others may not be the people that we expect them to be and, if they aren’t, we are often paranoid of what they may do if we let our guard down to try to understand them. Because of that fear, we feel our defensive side taking charge, telling us to stand up for our beliefs and take nothing less.

While standing up for what you believe is often considered honorable, it is just as ethical to attempt to understand where another comes from. It doesn’t mean changing your morals, changing your standards, changing who you are; it means leaving a little wiggle room in your mindset.

“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force,” said Karl A. Menninger, a psychiatrist and founder of the Menninger Foundation. “The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.”

If we can step back from our own views for just one minute and see something through someone else’s eyes, we instantly feel a little closer to one another. We can trust each other a little more just knowing that our voices are heard and respected.

Student journalism at PASO ROBLES HS

Camden Tucker News Hannah Hockheiser News Anya Veach Op/Ed Phoebe Corgiat Sports Brighton Garrett Sports Jaclyn DiMatteo People Tyler Dunn Review Tyler Seidel Health Ian Grace Health Declan Higgins Copy Editor Jeremy Hunt Copy Editor

Editors

Victoria Escamilla Carmesi Alayna Hernandez World Lottie Abascal World Cole Eberhard Poli-Sci Emily Mathein Environment McKensi Keller Pop Culture Madeline Loff Blind Date

Photography Camden Tucker Director Cheyanne Holliday Business

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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 ­—Crimson Staff on our pages.

Adviser Jeff Mount

Multimedia Director Loretta Burke

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | EDITORIAL 05

| OPINION

COLUMN

P

OTENTIALLY ROBLEMATIC

Is astrology worth buying into?

We must be our own individual kind of good

I

by Anya Veach, Op/Ed editor f anyone tried to count the number of “be the best version of yourself” speeches that they had heard in their lifetime, the number would probably be too high to count. It’s what we’ve been told since the day we were born: “be the best version of yourself.”

Well, as much as I appreciated the enthusiasm, I wasn’t so keen on the identity crisis that came with it.

I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of being a good person. But the struggle of finding what a “good person” was took its toll on me. I tried being as optimistic, as kind, and as trusting as I could be. I was being the best I could be. Yet, it came to no avail. My actions, while appreciated by some, were more frequently taken for naivete.

It seemed that no matter who I made myself to be, I was never a “good” enough person.

Finding myself in situations with potentially problematic outcomes while trying to do the right thing became a daily ordeal for me. I wanted to please everyone, but in doing so, I found myself wavering a bit on the foundation for wellness that I had thought I’d built to be steady and sure.

It took me an unfortunate and embarrassingly long time to understand why I felt that way. At first, I thought that maybe I was actually an awful person and doing something that was considered good just felt plain wrong. But I have a hard time believing that nearly anyone is that terrible of a person, mostly because being a good person isn’t as difficult as I had thought it to be.

Being a good person doesn’t mean anything other than finding your morals and sticking to them. It means understanding each other and the fact that we are all, in our own way, striving to be good people in the way that we believe is right. Above all, it means being the best versions of ourselves that we can be and not holding back on who we are.

“Being a good person isn’t a destination,” said author Nesta Jojoe Erskine, “it’s something we pursue all the time. Sometimes we will fail, but it’s alright.”

I don’t believe that I’m a bad person; I don’t believe many people truly are. I believe that we just need to be our own good people. We need to be good to ourselves and to one another, but we must be our own individual kind of good. We must be the best that we are capable of being.

So I suppose I shouldn’t hate motivational speakers quite so much.

06 OPINION | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Horoscopes are home to many benefits

by Jessica Jagger, Editor-in-Chief

N

ow commonly found on essentially every social stars is not necessarily a scientific process, however, media platform and news outlets focused more science has yet to entirely disprove it. heavily on arts and entertainment, horoscopes “Science is too blunt a tool to definitively rule out that seem to be ever-present, and although they tend to be astrology is bunkum. Some scientists certainly believe widely enjoyed, they are not necessarily widely believed. there are valid questions to be asked,” an article by The Whether one follows a religion, scientific beliefs, or Guardian claimed.

Furthermore, astrology is not so much a determination nothing at all, accepting that some alignment of the stars will determine the course of one’s week or even life can be of what will happen but rather why it does: “[it gives] us a bit difficult to buy into. Despite this, there is no harm in an explanation for why we act the way we do or why our natural instincts and tendencies lead us to believing a bit of what is “predetermined”, follow particular paths,” Griffin Benado, a and in fact, buying into astrology may even senior and Scorpio, explained. be beneficial to one’s self actualization.

THIS IS THE Going on to say: “For me, I think it’s “The true value of astrology is its ability to POWER OF interesting to compare how I’m feeling tap into the part of our minds that naturally ASTROLOGY. IT and what my personal tendencies are gravitates towards things like divination PROVIDES MEANS compared to what they’re projected to be and the occult. By tapping into this inner FOR US TO through astrology. Of course, it may be meaning, it forces the mind to think in a REVEAL WHAT WE coincidental; however, it is nonetheless different way. And this alone can generate interesting to me and I feel that it’s worth some meaningful insights,” an article by KNOW ALREADY, Huffington Post explained.

SUBCONSCIOUSLY. my time,” Benado provided as evidence of the worthwhile practice and enjoyment of “If I read my horoscope, I will RITA CHASE, 12 astrology. automatically spot what is true, based on what my subconscious knows, and ignore what is wrong. This is the power of astrology. It provides means for us to reveal what we know already, subconsciously,” Rita Chase, a senior and user of tarot cards, corroborated.

Historically, the concept of astrology has always faced struggle in finding acceptance by the public eye. Though there is a science behind it, modern takes on it often invoke a great deal of artistic liberty, which sometimes translates into flat-out guesses and lies. More recently seen on Twitter, user accounts are beginning to churn out a collection of horoscopes by the minute, most of HEAD IN THE STARS : Benado believes which are created off of personal bias rather than actual astrology is up to personal interpretaastrology. tion. He does not live his life by what’s Even before this cloudiness over where information is predicted of him, but does find value in being sourced from, astrology found many disbelievers. what astrology has to offer.

Free will being manipulated by certain alignments of the

He said

OPINION |

SHE SAId

Dissecting Trump’s misleading speech during the government shutdown in January

W

by Brie Howenstine, Reporter ith numbers that don’t add up and a GoFundMe page set up to pay for a wall, it’s hard to take the livestream national address made by President Trump seriously. The unprofessional nature of this dissertation causes the watcher to find even more to criticize, which inevitably takes away from the whole purpose of this address. Despite the motives of Mr. President, the execution came across as undiplomatic, unprofessional, and obtrusive.

WOMEN & CHILDREN

“ M o r e Americans will die from drugs this year than were killed in the entire Vietnam War...”

“One in three women are sexually assaulted on the dangerous trek up through Mexico.

Women and children are the biggest victims, by far, of our broken system.”

UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

DRUG ABUSE

TRUMP

“In the last two years, ICE officers made 266,000 arrests of aliens with criminal records, including those charged or convicted of 100,000 assaults, 30,000 sex crimes, and 4,000 violent killings.”

BRIE

This is true, but 46 people die every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. In 2017, prescription opioids continued to contribute to the epidemic in the U.S. – they were involved in more than 35 percent of all opioid overdose deaths.” Opioids are a nationwide epidemic, and not once did President Trump state that he had considered working on reforms in the pharmaceutical industry within American borders. A lot can be said about the influx of drugs over the border, but when speaking about the problemsolving side of this issue, Trump has more power in American pharmaceuticals than he does in Mexican drug smuggling.

Women and children are affected dramatically by our “broken system”, so the question can be raised: why separate families at the border? Why add to the stress of trying to immigrate from a crumbling country into a country that says they want you, but acts otherwise? If the president really cared for the well being of Mexican women and children, he would not push for a wall keeping them in a place where they will be sexually assaulted. Pathos only goes so far when true morals shine through the thin facade of a “caring man.”

Performance aside, the content of his speech raises many questions. In his January speech, he brings up the “fact” that undocumented immigrants bring more crime into the United States, but, as it has been proven in two different studies conducted ten years apart, the crime rate for undocumented immigrants is almost equal to that of American citizens. This contradiction prompts one to look deeper into which “facts” are actually corroborated by trustworthy sources, or just numbers pulled out thin air to support a plan that has a multitude of alternative options or other places these funds could go.

the Agenda

by Camden Tucker, Photography Director

Broadening representation in media

W

hen did you find out “ you were gay?”

When the topic of sexuality comes up, nine times out of ten, a straight person will ask me this. I can pinpoint the exact moment in time: I was watching High School Musical for the first time in 2013 (yes, I know it took way too long for me to watch it) and laid eyes on the dreamy b-ball star Troy Bolton, along with a deeply-rooted spiritual connection to Sharpay Evans after the movie was over.

Now, I know just about every girl had a crush on him, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with the question, the problem lies within my answer. Why is it that it such a recurring thing that LGBT youth take so long to discover something about themselves that is with them since birth? I think the answer lies within diversity, or rather the lack thereof.

As children, we learn much from television. Whether that in itself is good or bad would be another discussion, but the fact remains that media provides children with a lot of information. Shows like Sesame Street offer important life lessons about sharing, or that friends can come in all shapes and sizes, or any other virtue the creators can demonstrate with a puppet. These are all amazing lessons for children because they instill that people are different, and that that’s okay. So why, then, when an LGBT character is introduced, or even rumored, do adults have objections?

When a lesbian couple was assumed to be in “Finding Dory,” I saw close relatives calling for boycotts and acting as if two loving adults would cause their child’s head to explode. After such outrage, the couple was seen for less than five seconds; even a glimpse of such a couple was too much for some people to handle, and complaints streamed from religious groups and concerned parents. It felt as if straight audiences were saying that an LGBT existence is something to be hidden and ashamed of, undeserving of their viewing.

Representation in media isn’t just something minorities are trying to shove down others’ throats. “There’s a relationship between low self-esteem and negative media portrayals of racial groups,” according to an article by The Conversation, “in addition to an association between poor self-esteem and the paucity of portrayals of a particular group.” We live in a global society, and like it or not, children will come in contact with people that are different than them, it’s bound to happen. So, when we have diversity in media, we are preparing children to live in a world that grows stronger by our differences.

If I had seen two men who were in a loving relationship at a young age, then maybe my answer to that question that follows myself and fellow LGBT members around wouldn’t be such a shameful response.

If someone had told me that love is much more than man and woman, when someone asked, “When did you find out you were gay?” I could tell them it was never a huge discovery.

It was something I’ve always known.

That’s the answer I wish I could give.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | OPINION 07

| CARMESI

SEEKING

ASYLUM *The student’s name has been changed to protect their identity.

NEVER ENDING NIGHTMARE:

Mateo is faced with an array of problems when he gets to the border - or “frontera” in Spanish.

He was separated from his siblings and sent to an immigration hostile a state away, forcing him to contemplate his violent fears alone.

08 CARMESI | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Student shares story of being seperated from family at Mexican-American border

by Ysabel Wulfing, Editor-In-Chief

M

ateo closed his restless eyes as family and live a better life. the buzz of the airplane drowned 2018 was a record-breaking year for Mexico. into a wistful hum. As he drifted, his The country saw a spike in homicide rates thoughts became crowded with memories of upwards of 16 percent, according to numbers h i s home in Mexico. Suddenly, the plane provided by the Mexican government. With hit a pocket of loud turbulence, increasing violence, the U.S. has also seen a reminding him of the shots he spike in asylum seekers. In 2016, approximately heard coming from his neighbor’s 115,399 affirmative asylum applications in total house. He woke up with a shiver were filed, according to the Department of and tried to push down the memories Homeland Security 39 percent more than 2015. of his brother-in-law’s menace and The night that his family was threatened, involvement in the cartel. But waking Mateo rallied with his siblings to develop a plan u p w a s not much better than being to get from their home in Michoacan, Mexico asleep. He was to the San Ysidro border entrance in Tijuana. being sent to a They decided to get a ride on a bus, trekking hostel in Arizona, approximately 2,500 miles in two and a half separated from days to get there. “We came with nothing but his siblings with the clothes on our backs,” Mateo said. whom he trekked Mateo had no intention in crossing over by t o the San any illegal measures. When Ysidro he arrived, he got in line to THEY TOLD border. The begin the asylum process ME THAT THEY that would take him anywhere TOOK ME AWAY uncertainty between six months to several of an unfamiliar years. He was one of the 1,767 BECAUSE I WAS place was inadmissible - or people that A MINOR AND weighing arrive at the border without THEY WERE GOdown on papers - Unaccompanied Alien ING TO TREAT him as people Children to arrive at the San MY SIBLINGS LIKE Ysidro port in 2018, according to around him laughed in ADULTS. a foreign language. He missed data collected by U.S. Customs.

MATEO, 16 YEARS his mom and missed the comfort of When asylum seekers his brothers and sisters. arrive at the U.S. border, they “When I was in Mexico, I never thought I have the option to undergo credible fear and would come over here,” said 16-year-old Mateo, reasonable fear screening processes where an who made his way to the border just 7 months asylum officer determines if an individual is in ago after receiving threats on his life from his danger of persecution or torture in their native brother-in-law. country. If a basis of credible or reasonable fear He explained that his 26-year-old sister is determined, it establishes their eligibility for had been abused multiple times by her drug- asylee status. dealing husband and, after talking it over with Mateo’s basis for seeking asylum status her family, she left him to seek safety for her was mainly sourced from his brother-in-law’s and her three young children. Enraged, her membership in the drug cartel Caballeros husband came over to Mateo’s house with a Templarios, or the Knights Templar. The group gun, demanding her to return and threatening is based off of the once powerful Familia her family if she did not agree to come with him. Michoacana and uses religious imagery to He pointed the gun at Mateo’s mother’s head propagandize there mission. and threatened Mateo’s safety by telling him After being questioned at the border, Mateo he would kidnap him to get even with his sister. was detained and separated from his siblings.

Having enough of the insecurity of her family’s “They told me that they took me away because life, Mateo’s mother sent them to seek asylum I was a minor and they were going to treat my in the United States where they could stay with siblings like adults,” he said.

Photo by Ysabel Wulfing

CARMESI |

Story continued from pg.8 He stayed in a small room with 7 other people at the detainment center in San Ysidro for one night before being placed on a plane to Arizona to stay at an immigration hostel while his asylum case pended. “I was lucky, most people stay (in the fenced border detainment center) for at least two weeks,” he said.

When he got to Arizona, he was given a small room with a fellow 15 year-old asylee seeker from Guatemala. Each room at the hostile had two metal framed beds, a window, white walls and industrialized raised ceilings. The kids, however, were told that they were not allowed to open or look through the windows, as it would trigger an alarm.

The nightmares really began while he lived there. He would suddenly wake up at two in the morning in a cold sweat.

The bullet shot still ringing in his ears. He

imagined his brother-in-law killing him him in Paso Robles while his asylum case and his family at their house. The same pended with the government. recurring dream. Over and over again. “It’s According to 2017 statistics collected by very difficult for me. I think, and I think, and TRAC immigration, 90 percent of asylum sometimes my head hurts. applicants without an I can’t sleep. That’s why I were denied, THEY SAY WE ARE attorney keep crying,” he said. while half of the people CRIMINALS AND with a representative On Mateo’s free time, he made corded bracelets received asylee status.

THE MAJORITY embedded with names Mateo had his first OF US ARE NOT. for friends at the hostile. scheduled court date on THERE ARE MANY January 31st where he After six months of staying GOOD PEOPLE. with other detained represented himself, as minor immigrants, the YOU JUST GOT TO the United States does majority originating from provide lawyers to GET TO KNOW US. not Guatemala, he received people in asylum cases. In MATEO, GRADE 10 a phone call from his his first meeting with the older brother. Mateo’s judge, it was to introduce brother was born in the United States, himself and establish that he was who he automatically granting him U.S. nationality, said he was. so he told Mateo that he could stay with Upon reflecting on his experiences,

he reminisced about the days in Mexico in which he had to skip school to make enough money to travel to California. He would do a series of odd jobs: washing cars, cutting lemons, working out in the field.

Mateo’s dad was very adamant about him attending school - as his father was able to complete all the way through high school and so he would send Mateo money from the job he had as a truck driver. “I know that if my family had been with him, then things would have been different,” he said.

As Mateo’s asylum case continues to push through, he dreams of getting through high school to one day become a chef. Amongst the political crisis surrounding immigration, Mateo urges people, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

They say we are criminals and the majority of us are not. There are many good people.

You just got to get to know us.”

Difundiendo desde las raíces M.E.CH.A educa a los estudiantes sobre temas culturales y sociales en la comunidad chicana, potenciando su futuro

J

ocelyn Delgadillo, copresidenta de M.E.CH.A club, unió al club sin saber qué impacto tendría en ella. Al permitir que los estudiantes se sumergan en un ambiente donde nacen nuevas experiencias y surge el empoderamiento, el Club M.E.CH.A crea una inspiración extática en el futuro de los estudiantes.

“Personalmente, fui más introvertido en mis primeros años de escuela secundaria.

El club no solo me hizo abrir a más personas, sino que amplió mi aprendizaje sobre la escuela y la cultura,” expresó Delgadillo.

Delgadillo ha tenido un gran impacto en tener las oportunidades y el apoyo del club, como estudiante de primera generación para asistir a la universidad en su familia. La participación y la educación han proporcionado una chispa a los estudiantes latinoamericanos de primera generación, con oportunidades de visitar universidades y proporcionarles información sobre su futuro potencial.

El sudor, las lágrimas y el eco de voces unidas se unieron para luchar por los movimientos sociales de la comunidad mexicano-estadounidense a lo largo de la historia de nuestra nación. Siguiendo las acciones en masa de sus líderes anteriores,

por Jasmine Romero, Directora de Arte los líderes y miembros del Movimiento a los estudiantes en esta generación, Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.CH.A) “ explicó Xelina Rojas, Asesora de florecieron durante más de 50 años en este M.E.CH.A y consejera. “Sabemos que una país; No solo en las escuelas secundarias gran cantidad de familias latinas están sino a través de las Universidades CSU. atrapadas en la pobreza, pero la clave para Al sumergirse en el estudio de la historia salir y sacar a la familia y la comunidad de Chicana (mexicoamericana) y, lo que es eso es la educación superior.” más importante, en su Sin embargo, la clave cultura, los estudiantes para abrir nuevas puertas cautivan las luchas y las para los estudiantes ha TIENES QUE experiencias que muchos sido restringida para el SABER DÓNDE pueden soportar en vidas 50% de los estudiantes ESTÁN TUS pasadas y presentes que hablan español. como mexicanoLeslie Gomez, un RAÍCES. estadounidense. miembro desde hace dos NECESITAS TENER años, se dio cuenta de la El año pasado, las ORGULLO EN TUS falta de inequidad en la salas de convenciones se llenaron de comunidad de chicanos RAÍCES. estudiantes chicanos en PRHS. “Mientras se XELINA ROJAS, mientras escuchaban inscribían, había muchos con seriedad a los ASESORA DE M.E.CH.A estudiantes que no inspiradores oradores podían tomar clases latinos. “Vamos a tener un orador el porque no entendían la versión escrita en segundo de Febrero y él es un joven hispano. inglés del manual de inscripción,” explicó Su futuro parecía dirigirse hacia el crimen Gómez, un junior. “Deberíamos tener una y estar encerrado. Sin embargo, él mismo versión en español de la inscripción para se graduó en ingeniería aeroespacial en abrir las puertas a los estudiantes en la Cal Poly. Escuchar historias sobre cómo preparatoria.” pasar de la adversidad a pasar a una En 2015, el 21.9% de los hispanos en educación superior es lo que empodera América luchaban en la pobreza, según

el Centro de Investigación Pew. A través de la promoción de la educación, el orgullo cultural y el tratamiento de los Leslie Gomez, 11 problemas políticos y sociales que afectan a los chicanos y a la comunidad en general, Rojas cree que los estudiantes pueden encontrar prosperidad e indulgencia en los estudiantes que se encuentran cerca del futuro, al mismo tiempo que dan a la comunidad.

“Siempre digo que si no sabes de dónde vienes, no sabrás a dónde vas a ir,” expresa Rojas. “Tienes que saber dónde están tus raíces. Necesitas tener orgullo en tus raíces. Eso es lo que puede despertar la conciencia de saber quién eres.” El despertar en la cultura chicana lleva a los estudiantes a comprender que pueden tener un impacto en el mundo.

Con su determinación y educación, los estudiantes pueden dirigirse a sí mismos en un nuevo camino poderoso.

Foto y Gráficos por Jasmine Romero

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | CARMESI 09

| PEOPLE

His Mind

over his Matters Junior Devin Dobroth opens up about living with a rare brain disease

By Kaya McCasland, Reporter introduce more, were too risky Despite missing weeks of school, Devin does not let himself for the doctors at UCLA. Doctor take the easy way out. All throughout his school career, he has Lazarus and Doctor Mersedeh challenged himself to take honors and AP classes, one day WHEN WE WERE AT hoping to become a neurosurgeon to help people like him.

Bahr, a neurologist at UCLA, were CHILDREN’S evin Dobroth was brought into this world on a “I think his best qualities and attributes are probably just his both asked to perform the surgery, HOSPITAL, THEY cold January day in 2002. He grew as a happy willpower to do everything and his motivation to keep pushing,” but both denied it because of the baby boy, with no health complications besides the said junior Michael Hernandez, who has been friends with ALL LOOKED AT US risks.

Devin since second grade. occasional cold. But by the time Devin was a year and “It was scary DUMBFOUNDED...

Michael Hernandez To know Devin is to know how light-hearted he is, a half old, stomach pains caused him to go the hospital because I wasn’t BECAUSE THEY HAD sure if they were how he brings joy to the people around him, and how on a regular basis with no clear solution for them.

Dobroth suffered for six more years until doctors he never puts himself first in any situation.

NEVER SEEN IT IN A going to find anyone found out what was causing his issues; the brain.

“Devin always makes his friends and his loved ones willing to help me,” CHILD THAT AGE.” Doctors discovered that Devin had an arachnoid cyst, his number one priority...and he has this amazing Devin said.

SARA DOBROTH membrane sac fluids that cover the brain, that was in ability where he is able to put a smile on someone’s Without giving between his cerebellum and his skull, which caused face no matter how upset they are. He is also an up hope, Doctor him to have intense headaches and balance issues. incredibly kind person...and I think that makes him a Bahr wrote a letter to every neurosurgeon in Devin, who is currently a junior, underwent multiple surgeries beautiful human being, “ said junior Jasmine Rangel, California, which is about 2,314 in all, asking for their at UCLA under the care of his first neurosurgeon, Doctor Michael who is Devin’s longtime friend and girlfriend. help to perform the surgery and to save Devin’s life, Lazarus, who tried to rid his skull of the cysts.

Devin has no further surgeries planned for the near future and and got a response back from a neurological surgeon at His first surgery took place in UCLA when Devin was only in the spends his free time hanging out with friends, going to school, UCLA, Anthony Wang. Wang was touched by Bahr’s emotional first grade, and as the surgeries continued, they left microbleeds and most importantly, never giving up on himself. outreach and decided to take the risk of the surgery to save in his brain that caused blood to flow into his cerebrospinal Devin’s life. Wang performed the surgery on Dec. 28, 2018 with fluid, which is a fluid that is made, absorbed, and flows within optimistic results. ventricles in the brain. This caused lesions to form in Devin’s “They were able to find the two areas suspect for bleeds and brain that created a rare condition called superficial siderosis, the left frontal pain that Devin has had for a year now is gone... we a degenerative brain disease that one in three have more hope now,” Sara Dobroth said. million people have the chance of developing in Michael Sauret Over the course of the ten years since Devin’s first their lifetime, with only 270 known cases reported diagnosis up until the most recent one in November, he around the world by 2006. has had 11 surgeries and nine craniotomies, with an Superficial siderosis is usually found in MRI that has to take place once a month down at older people suffering from Alzheimer’s UCLA. disease or who are reaching the end of their “It’s definitely hard being away from people lives, and usually causes loss of eyesight, because when you feel bad, you want to be hearing, the ability to walk, and dementia. hanging out with people that you enjoy… and you RECOVERY: (above)Junior Fortunately for Devin, when he received the can’t really do that when you’re hours away in the Jasmine Rangel affectiondiagnosis in November of 2018, the doctors hospital,” Devin said. ately holds Devin Dobroth’s caught the disease early enough to prevent Being away from friends and family hard, but hand after his surgery on the diagnosis from spreading and affecting him.

Devin also misses weeks of school at a time due to his Dec. 28, 2018.

“When we were at Children’s Hospital, they all looked surgeries. Coach Michael Sauret, the varsity swim coach at us dumbfounded... because they had never seen it in a child and Devin’s online teacher has been tutoring him for the last FAMILY SUPPORT: (left) that age,” said Devin’s mom, Sara Dobroth, who is the manager three months to help him stay caught up on school.

Devin gives his brother Emof the Paso Robles Sports Club.

“My job is to ensure that Devin has access to the same mett a loving side hug while his dad, Eric Dobroth, looks With this information discovered, a life-threatening brain education as everyone else. He’s a very hard worker and it does on in support. surgery was desperately needed to stop the microbleeds, but make it much easier the fact that he desires to work hard and do the risks of opening up the skull to stop the bleeds, which could well with his grades,” Sauret said.

D

10 PEOPLE | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Photos by Sara Dobroth

PEOPLE |

tyner triumphs Teacher Ellie Tyner works hard to cultivate the youth of Paso Robles

F

OUR WORDS MATTER

by Jaclyn DiMatteo, People Editor

irst-year teacher Ellie Tyner has made more of an impact on Paso Robles than immediately meets the eye. Tyner is more than a double agent, debuting in her first year as a sophomore English teacher, Young Life leader, surfing instructor, and swim coach, making her a quadruple threat. Through early mornings coaching swim, late nights being a Young Life leader, and daily commutes to her Morro Bay home, Tyner has proven in five months she holds a passion of teaching.

It shows through her students’ and coworkers appreciation for her, as she is one of the most involved teachers at PRHS. Growing up in Ventura, Tyner actively rejected the idea of her becoming an English teacher. Her father was an English teacher as well and would often tell her she faced the same fate.

She packed her bags, fled to Cal Poly, and completed a degree in Graphic Communication, which she ultimately decided was not for her. And in her third year of college, she enrolled in Cal Poly’s Teaching Credential program, succumbing to her father’s prediction. She denies that she settled for a teaching career.

“I have always loved English… honestly, I don’t think I ever considered any other subject.” Tyner said.

Swimming and surfing has always been a part of Tyner’s life.

She started at age seven and continued until age 18, during that time setting the school record for the 200 medley for relay for a year and going to CIF once for the same race.

She also started surfing from a very young age.

“I’ve always loved being in the water, but the big waves used to terrify me!” Tyner said. Eventually, she got over her fear to become a surf instructor as a part-time job over the summer at Sandbar Surf Company down at Pismo Beach four summers ago.

She hasn’t always been able to swim the way she does today. In fact, her first swim meet was a bit of a rocky road.

During one of her first swim meets, she got her foot stuck in the gutter while attempting a flip turn; despite this, her coach still saw the potential her, which continues to inspire her to be an understanding coach. This just goes to show that, although you may not get it right the first time, try again; this is one of the philosophies she preaches.

Tyner said that she is all about being there for her “girls” at Young Life: “I felt very privileged to be the person that got to listen to my girls through high school. We all need someone who

shows up for us,” she said.

Through Young Life, Tyner is a leader and helps kids by giving them someone to talk to and laugh with.

By doing this, she builds trust and friendships while still providing them with someone they can confide in if needed. She tries to provide this feeling of trust and compassion towards her students as well. “One of my favorite aspects of teaching is that I get to be a part of 160 students’ lives nearly every day,” Tyner said.

Her students feel the same way.

“I think she’s more in touch with our generation. She seems really passionate about her job and her students, so it’s just a mutual respect between her and the students,” sophomore Cara Robinson said.

Tyner tries to make sure students know the power of words and reading, both positively and negatively, and to have compassion for others despite differences. Being a first-year teacher, she still has generations of students ahead of her to influence kids with her teaching and shape futures. Tyner believes in showing up for her students in any way she can as a consistency in their lives. Although on the surface, it may not seem that teachers could care much about any one students’ life or understand what’s going on behind the scenes of school, Tyner definitely makes an effort to be the type of person a student can come talk to about anything.

Teaching is in Tyner’s blood, and she tries to be a leader in every aspect of her life through coaching, instructing, and leading kids all over Paso Robles. She works to make a difference on this generation and the generations ahead, who will see the impact that she is making on lives and the communities around her. Throughout the day, Tyner can be seen smiling, no matter what life or her students throw at her.

Tolerant Tyner : Tyner smiles down on her student

for asking a great question. She loves to help students grow on their academic journeys.

Photo by Cheyanne Holliday

02.15.19 Crimson Crimson Newsmagazine Newsmagazine || PEOPLE PEOPLE 11 11 02.15.19

| PEOPLE

FINDING Finding Aa HOME Home IN in THE the ARTS Arts Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation students discover family in welcoming environment.

by Victoria Escamilla, Carmesi Editor

B

y stepping into the open and welcoming local arts program known as the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, the scene is filled by 400 children and teens entering their classes, preparing for their performances in a place considered safe and accepting.

Paso High students such as Luis Salas, Kimberly Mercado, Zaira Gomez, Leslie Ramirez, and Adilene Gomez have transformed an art foundation into a home where they can freely express their passions.

“The environment at PRYAF could be described as a place where everyone is just pure and genuine. You can just feel the hard work that we all put into our art, and you can of course feel the love.

We are all j u s t

one big family that cares for each other,” said sophomore Luis Salas, who has attended the program for two years.

This is a feeling commonly shared among students there.

Salas, who is currently taking urban dance, break dance, jazz, hip hop, and creative dance, has had the opportunity of forming bonds with students at PRYAF that have surpassed the walls in the dance room. One friendship is with junior Adilene Gomez, which has grown and continued on at school, and he insists “it’s the happiest place you would ever want to be at; it’s not only the students who are kind but also the teachers. Kunchang Lee is one of the most outstanding teachers there is; he’s been a great friend and an awesome teacher that I’ve improved so much in his urban dance competition team.”

The overflowing amount of support between students and staff is contagious. The encouragement offered is a part of the compelling environment made to make students feel at home. Having support in flexible schedules, allowing students to be able to balance other extracurriculars, and keeping a positive attitude are all factors in how PRYAF creates a welcoming environment.

One recent example was in the development of their January Revue show. “One of my teachers, Ms. Amanda, always says to leave the negativity and thought of school work outdoors, but to bring some of your personality in with you as well.

The teachers at PRYAF definitely try their hardest to always be with their students and to encourage them to be inspired by others; their schedules can be just as busy, but they for sure work with flexible hours,” freshman Zaira Gomez explained in how she manages her five classes at the foundation, her understanding relationship with the teachers, and her school work.

Having about 300 students enrolled per quarter, the program can become busy and lively, especially when preparing for a show at the end of each quarter and sometimes more, depending on the class.

“We put on shows every three months or so. Drama, as well, puts on their separate shows. For example, this year we are doing three shows: two plays and one musical,” junior Leslie Ramirez, an advanced drama student at PRYAF and at the high school, stated.

Although so many students attend PRYAF and the students can range in ages from five to eighteen, it still has the ability in creating a tight-knit community within itself.

“PRYAF has created a safe place for me. It’s my home and the people there are my family,” senior Kimberly Mercado expressed, who is currently in advanced hip-hop, advanced break dance, the urban dance competition team, and a part of advanced dance at the high school.

“At PRYAF, we believe the arts are vital to the cognitive growth of our children’s development. It is our student’s internal strength that allows them to shine. PRYAF teachers are not only talented artists and performers, but mentors who share their life’s passions,” Executive Director Mindy Dierks stated. With the new quarter of classes now in session, more opportunities are given to students in pursuing their passions. That means more chances to be learning new lessons, sharing more laughs, forming new friendships, and becoming a part of the home to many at PRYAF.

Dancing to the Beat (above) : After the dancers welcome each other before practice with hugs and smiles they get serious and start their routine.

12 PEOPLE | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Photos by Victoria Escamilla

ADS |

HOURS:

Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-8:30PM Fri-Sun 11:00AM-9:00PM

1214 Pine Street Paso Robles, CA 93446

805-237-7516

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | ADS 13

| POLI SCI

SHUTDOWN ESTIMATES 3 BILLION DOLLAR LOSS Government Shutdown is fueled by stalemate over 5.7 billion border wall funding

by Cole Eberhard, Poli-Sci Editor

N

22

December First day of shutdown

25

Furloughed Workers

800,000

14 POLI SCI | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

250

Value of Services Lost across Ten Agencies (As of Jan. 18)

200

150

NASA

Environmental Protection

Housing and Urban Development

Health and Human Services

Justice

Homeland Security

Commerce

Treasury

50

Interior

100

Agriculture

package, sometimes that has the effect of shutting the government down.”

For conservatives like Mulvaney, border security is such a high priority that a shutdown to resolve a funding dispute is a necessary toll. “We need border security -- and that includes a barrier.

“This [shutdown] is just a next step in the negotiation,” he stated.

Trump didn’t comment on a projected loss of revenue in his Jan. 8 address, though data from the Congressional Budget Office stated that 11 million dollars was lost overall in the shutdown. Most of that loss is estimated to return with the federal employees returning to work, but three billion in economic activity was deemed permanently lossed.

To see data from the New York Times on values of labor lossed, refer to the graph to the right. Retrieved from federal salary data from The Office of Personnel Management.

Transportation

pushes citizens and businesses to take costly measures to protect themselves against added uncertainty and risk, and deprives the public sector from obtaining the services of some talented workers who look elsewhere for employment, “ said Gary Burtless, an economist at the Brookings Institution.

Angela Kelley, 51, a furloughed worker for the Bureau of Land Management, commented on the lack of progress in an article by the New York Times. “This was all for nothing, basically.”

Kelley’s frustration arises from the unproductive nature of the shutdown: 35 days passed, federal employees were put out of work and yet the 5.7 billion dollars in funding Trump promised is yet to be allocated.

From a conservative standpoint: Mick Mulvaney, Chief of Staff at the White House, stated on an episode of Fox News Sunday on Jan 27: “No one wants a government shutdown -- it’s not a desired end. But when a president vetoes a bill that’s put in front of him on a spending

Millions of dollars in Lost Labor

ational parks lay barren, loan approvals stack in towering piles — unstamped — and the pockets of some 800,000 furloughed federal government employees, whose pay had been temporarily deemed a nonessential expense for the 35 day duration, are shallow and weightless.

This was the reality of the government shutdown President Trump initiated on December 22 to try and secure 5.7 billion in funding for a U.S Mexico border wall -he has called the funding issue a national security concern, stating in his January 8 address that the shutdown persisted “because Democrats will not fund border security.”

The shutdown ended Jan 25, though Trump only agreed to a three week deal of reopening the government. He continues to push for more discussion on 5.7 billion in funding, and has stated that a continued stalemate would “renew the confrontation” or he would “declare a national emergency to bypass Congress altogether,” claimed an article in the New York Times.

Some questioned the president’s decision to shut down the government, and remark on the lack of productivity that would stem from it.

“A malfunctioning, unreliable government undermines confidence,

Services

January Last day of shutdown

5.7 Billion Funding Required for USA - Mexico border

illustration by Casey Dumong

WORLD |

World View

By Loretta Burke, Multimedia Director

Examining the news of the world

European Union T

he air was tense in the British House of Commons as members of parliament voted on a plan to carry out Brexit, or the exit of the European Union

by Britain. This Brexit vote was rejected in the House of Commons by a vote of 432 to 202. This is a contrast to the public referendum in July 2016, when 52 percent of British citizens voted with their support of the nation’s leave.

The UK’s exit of the 28 nations is expected to cause widespread issues: such as shortages of medicine and electricity due to a trade disrupt, as well as a 8 percent decrease in the UK economy over the next 15 years, according to the UK Treasury.

With the UK being the 7th largest trading partner overall, and 4th largest export destination for products in the U.S., these trading issues could heavily affect many aspects of the U.S. economy.

Another aspect of American investment is through British military. Already, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis stated his concerns about British military—warning that the days when the UK was the United States “partner of choice” may be over unless he sees an increase of defensive investments.

Graphics Graphics by

by Lottie Lottie Abascal,, Abascal World Editor

Venezuela A

s flags and chants rang through the streets of Caracas, Venezuela, opposition leader Juan Guaidó named himself interim president of Venezuela in the most direct challenge to President Nicolás Maduro as he starts his second term.

This tension between the opposition movement and the government has been going on for years after Venezuela fell into economic free-fall under Maduros took control in 2013.

This freefall has led to hyperinflation and food shortages forcing millions out of the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president according to BBC. “The citizens of Venezuela have suffered for too long at the hands of the illegitimate Maduro regime” said Donald Trump in a tweet on Wednesday, Jan 23.

Guaido has called on armed forces to disobey the government.

In a statement on Wednesday, described Mr. Maduro’s leadership as “illegitimate” and said the country’s congress, led by Mr Guaidó, was the only “legitimate branch of government” in the country. “The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law,” his statement said.

Afghanistan A

fghanistan and American officials have started work on an peace agreement with The Taliban. This agreement could be the biggest improvement toward ending war in Afghanistan.

“We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement,” Negotiator Zalamay Khalilzad said in an interview with The New York Times in Kabul.

“The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals,” said Khalilzad.

But the agreement may be hard to reach for the U.S. as the Taliban claims a ceasefire or direct talks to the government would not be a define the part of the contract.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | WORLD 15

| HEALTH

1

YOUR

KEEPING

UP

RESOLUTION

Start with something you enjoy

2

3

Grab a partner

Stick to it

4

Keep the reason why you're doing it in your head

The fight against losing steam in 2019

T

he new year has come and gone. But many “New Year’s Resolutions,” on the other hand, have already been forgotten. Through the craziness of a new year, schoolwork, and course registration, health can often be waylaid leaving an empty box next to your resolution.

According to the University of Scranton, less than 10% of New Year’s resolutions are actually achieved, and human habits are to blame.

Habits are often hard to break.

Resolutions such as eating healthier, texting less, “unplugging,” or exercising more are built around breaking habits. Psychology Today defines a habit as automatic, “conditioned” responses.

“I find the easiest motivation to stay healthy is from recognizing that makes me feel better a whole, even when I got hurt and wasn’t exercising as much I would eat healthier foods,” Grace Anderson, 10, said.

“I would start with something you enjoy, whether it’s walking your dog or playing basketball: something you like, and then build up into

16 HEALTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

by Loretta Burke, Multimedia Director more hardcore exercise. If you start with an exercise, I think you need to stick to anything exercise class and that’s so hard you can’t for two weeks. That’s the magic number. walk the next morning, you’re Those weeks will be hard, less likely to continue,” Lifetime but after those two Fitness and Beginning Dance weeks, it becomes a “I FIND THE EASIEST teacher Carra Macomber said. habit and you feel MOTIVATION TO

According to Harvard better,” Macomber STAY HEALTHY IS Medical School, exercises said. including swimming, tai chi, and FROM RECOGNIZING walking help keep you in shape THAT MAKES ME FEEL as well as improve your balance BETTER A WHOLE, and lower your risk of heart EVEN WHEN I GOT disease.

HURT AND WASN’T

“One of my biggest motivations to staying healthy EXERCISING AS MUCH is the way I look towards people I WOULD EAT HEALTHespecially my family. I use that IER FOODS.” to make healthy choices and GRACE ANDERSON, 10 try something new everyday whether its working out or eating more veggies” Angel Fuentes 11 said.

“If you don’t have a friend or family member pushing you, it’s really hard. If you stop being accountable to somebody, you’re gonna fall back into your old ways,” Macomber said.

Exercise is also proven to benefit your mood by increasing your endorphins and energy levels, helping with your skin health, and improving your sleep quality.

“Whether it’s diet or

IN DEPTH |

FORGING

FAMILY

Students tell stories of how their family defines them

H

by Cole Eberhard, Poli-Sci Editor

aving a caring, reliable family plays an integral role in the lives of students at Paso Robles HIgh School. For families like the Hoffman-Woods’, the Corrales’, the Dewhursts’, and the Nguyễns’, a supportive household is exactly what’s necessary for a student to succeed. Whether it be in the adoptive care of Kyle and Ben Hoffman-Wood by mothers Sharon and Kitty, the Dewhursts’ hospitality for senior Vincent van Remmen from the Netherlands, the close-knit relationship of twins Brooke and Mackenzie Corrales, or Jane Nguyen’s transition from Vietnam to Paso Robles, families at PRHS have diverse qualities that make them uniquely strong.

Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child has conducted studies in 2019 to pinpoint the traits among families that are most beneficial to developing children. They found that families who support responsive relationships, work to strengthen their core life skills, and reduce sources of stress have the most positive effects on the lives of their children.

In the week of Feb. 4, survey data was collected to see how Harvard’s findings compared to the families of 152 students at PRHS. Pinpointing the most common traits each family prioritized lead to 48.7 percent valuing unconditional love and support most, 27 percent valuing success, 17.8 percent for communication and 6.6 percent for compassion.

Though strong values are a marker on the path to success, every family has its obstacles and shortcomings.

Divorce and adoption are two factors that can upset the family structure, and their

relevance in families at PRHS are as follows…

Studies from Michigan State university state that divorce “can be highly problematic if the couple becomes [affected by] bitterness whenever they communicate with one another about their children..”

The divorce rate in the United States is between 40 and 50 percent, according to the American Psychological Association, and In responses from students, the rate was not as high: 17.8 percent reported that their parents were divorced and 11.2 percent said that their parents raised them alone and without help from a partner.

In studies by the U.S. National Institutes of health, an abrupt household transition when children are adopted can “make normal childhood issues of attachment, loss and self-image even more complex. “ and that adopted children “must come to terms with and integrate both their birth and adoptive families.” In 135,000 cases per year, a child is adopted in America and brought into a new family with new parents. Though less common than divorce in families at PRHS, 3.3 percent of students who reported having been adopted or having an adopted sibling may experience those complex childhood issues.

Though adoption, divorce, and dysfunction can threaten the structure of students’ families at Paso Robles High School, their core values of love, support, and communication nurture healthier relationships. The stories of the Hoffman-Woods’, the Corrales’, the Dewhursts’, and the Nguyễns’ tell how they work to maintain a strong family and how their efforts align with Harvard’s three essential family traits.

(Left) Kyle Hoffman-Wood, (Center) , Jane Nguyen, (Right), Vincent van Remmen Photos by Cheyanne Holliday

Group photos provided by family

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | IN DEPTH 17

| IN DEPTH

IN DEPTH |

PERFECTLY

IMPERFECT T

he waves wash over the stones of moonstone beach. Tucked away below one of the small coastal outcroppings sits a family. Junior Kyle Hoffman-Wood affectionately bickers with his younger brother, Ben, and his older brother, Jake, as they wade through the knee-length surf. His moms, Sharon and Kitty, sit together farther up the sand; one of them sifts through a small handful of rocks, tossing the gems among the stones into a bucket while they gleefully chat. Kyle’s birth mom, Amy, stands next to them, gazing fondly at the three boys.

Together, they celebrate the anniversary of Kyle and Ben’s adoption, bound by unconditional love and support for each other.

Over ten years ago, Kyle, along with his

Junior Kyle HoffmanWood learns that family is unconditional

by Alayna Hernandez, World Editor

younger brother, Ben, were adopted by year according to archive.pov.org.

Sharon and Kitty Hoffman-Wood after Similarly to Kyle’s experience, a majority being placed into the foster system by their of foster kids find that joining a new family birth mom, who at the time was struggling can be an emotional process. According with alcoholism and drug addiction. Since the article Understanding adoption: a then, Kyle has gone developmental through the process approach, from WE ARE NOT PERFECT AT ALL-- the age five and of connecting and reconnecting to up, adoption NOT EVEN BY THE LOOSEST the adults in his life, often result in an DEFINITION--BUT WE MAKE IT finding his place identity crisis, trust WORK SOMEHOW. NOT SURE amongst an extended issues, or loss of HOW, BUT WE MAKE IT WORK. self esteem as family held together KYLE HOFFMAN-WOOD, 11 by compassion, children and teens understanding, and try to establish trust for one another. individuality and sense of control throughout “We are not perfect at all-- major change of environment and family not even by the loosest dynamics. definition--but we Before Kyle and his brother landed in the make it work arms of Sharon and Kitty, they bounced from somehow.

Not home to home in the system for about 17 sure how, but we months. At just about five years old, Hoffmanmake it work,” wood struggled to open up to his new moms, Kyle said. lighting up at the sight of the family dog Kyle’s family before speaking. However, after spending resembles a more time with his parents, Kyle began large portion to realize the role communication played of American in their relationship. As Kyle coped with f a m i l i e s ; opening up and trusting other about 135,000 people, Kitty children are and Sharon adopted in the w e r e USA each there to answer his questions a b o u t eve r y t h i n g

regarding family dynamics, house rules, and even why he was there.

“What’s funny is that there is no rule book for parenting. They’re going to do it their own way. Most of the time their advice is sound at you’ll follow it. Other times its not and that’s the it’s not and that’s the time you want a parent to talk it over with, which Im glad its what my parents do,” said Hoffman-Wood “They’re always there to support me.”

Kyle and his brother were apart of an open adoption, which allowed Amy, Sharon, and Kitty to visit one another. Three years after Kyle was adopted, he was re-introduced to his birth mom.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘Oh no.

Why is she crying? Did I something wrong?’”, recalled Kyle while reflecting on the first moments he saw his birth mom, not quite understanding who she was.

“Those aren’t tears of sadness; those are tears of happiness,” replied Kitty.

That meeting was the first of countless days spent together, resulting in occasional visits prompted by long hugs, homemade sugar cookies, and a growing sense of joy for knowing each other.

“Whenever we just see each other, I would just be so happy to the point that I started to want to cry…” Kyle said.

Once Kyle and his family were scattered by winds of separation, addiction, and doubtfulness. Now they stand against the setting sun, together, united by the celebration of family. They find driftwood and use it to draw in the sand. It reads: September 4th, 2008.

They step back and smile at each other as they look back on the previous year and the year before them.

HAILEY HODEL, 9

HELPS COPE 1. Does family help you cope with stress or pro- My family sits down with me to get through stress. duce it?

2. Does family help you create core life skills?

3. Do you have a responsive relationship with your parents?

Number of family members Eat dinner together Level of parent protectiveness

HELPS COPE

I tell them everything and trust them to help me find solutions.

YES

YES

YES 4

ANGEL MORFIN, 11

JALEN CULLORS, 10

EMILY AYALA, 9

HELPS COPE

They are willing to help me and try to get down to the source of my stress.

HELPS COPE

My parent’s help out a lot.

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

3

5

2x WEEK

7x WEEK

7x WEEK

3/5

3/5

10 3x WEEK

4/5

3.5/5

FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS SIBLING STATS

8% MILITARY PARENTS

71% MARRIED PARENTS

26% TWO SIBLINGS

37% ONE SIBLING

31% 3 OR MORE SIBLINGS

50%

*152 students surveyed Feb. 4-6

unconditional love & support

27% 18%

REFLECTING ON THE PAST(right) : Kyle is pictured here with adop-

11% SINGLE PARENTS

tive moms Kitty and Sharon, along with his biological brother Ben after a childhood award ceremony.

18 IN DEPTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Photo provided by Hoffman-Wood Family

Graphics by Ysabel Wulfing

18% DIVORCED PARENTS *152 students surveyed Feb. 4-6

communication

success

7%

FAMILY VALUES

compassion

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | IN DEPTH 19

| IN DEPTH

JOURNEY

FOREIGN

FAMILY FIRST TO THE WEST Exchange student Vincent van Remmen finds his home away from home

by Anya Veach, Op./Ed. Editor

T

raveling thousands of miles away they are and how active they are,” he explained. from your home and family to spend a “The small sister always makes everything a year in a foreign place is an incredibly competition and sometimes that’s fun.” intimidating concept for many. Trying to feel Definite cultural contrasts still challenge comfortable and accepted in an unknown van Remmen’s comfort. Between the new place can be daunting, especially when you people and places in his life, there are are brought into the home of another family. undeniable differences, most notably to him Luckily for Vincent van Remmen, a foreign the language, food, and family structure. exchange student from the Netherlands, the “I’ve never had a smaller brother or bigger Dewhurst family took him brother and now I do, right in. so that’s different,” I’VE NEVER HAD A SMALL- he said, counting out After arriving in Paso Robles on August 20, van the three brothers ER BROTHER OR BIGGER Remmen prepared to BROTHER AND NOW I DO, and sister in his host spend the following ten family. He then notes SO THAT’S DIFFERENT. months in an unfamiliar how, back home in the VINCENT VAN REMMEN, 12 household, hoping that his Netherlands, he has new family would like him. According to him, “two bigger sisters, and my parents.” however, they did before they even knew him.

However, van Remmen is honest: the “They said that I looked a lot like [the cultural differences can be difficult in spite of Dewhursts’ son] and that I was really the fun. outdoorsy and active,” van Remmen said. He When asked what he missed most about described how the exchange program he the Netherlands, he thought for a moment. was with had a website where potential host “Just the things you miss about your own families could choose for themselves the home,” he said. Then, laughing sheepishly, students that they wanted to take in for the he added, “I don’t know if that’s the correct year. “They just liked my things, I guess,” he answer.” said.

Still, Vincent van Remmen finds a home and This enjoyment, however, is not one sided. a family in incredibly foreign circumstances, van Remmen describes how comfortable and proving that there can be family wherever we at ease he is with this new family as they find go if we are really looking for it. Our home does ways to have enjoy their time all together, such not always have to be where we are from; it as going skiing in Lake Tahoe over Christmas. can be where we feel at ease with the ones “What I like about around us, where we have built our family of [the Dewhurst any kind. family] is how open

FINDING FAMILY A WORLD AWAY(above) : Dewhurst family poses with Vincent Van Remmen. The Dewhursts picked to host Vincent becuase he reminded them the most of their own family.

20 IN DEPTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Jane Nguyễn chronicles family’s journey to Paso Robles

M

by Hannah Hochheiser, Op./Ed. Editor

oving is a daunting prospect for was how society valued independence and most. It often requires making new privacy simultaneously. In Vietnam, it is not friends, adjusting to a new, unfamiliar uncommon for strangers who have just met place, and adapting to all the challenges that someone to ask about how their family is, one meets along the way. For Jane Nguyễn what they do, and in general are completely and her family, this change, while challenging, fine to talking to strangers on the street. has proved to be for the better.

At her private school, students were taught Jane, alongside her parents and brother, English and Vietnamese, and had the choice of moved to Paso Robles during May of 2017 choosing either Japanese or Chinese as their from Vietnam. “From Saigon [also known as third language. Students were also required to Ho Chi Minh] in South wear uniforms, and were Vietnam to California, reprimanded if their hair AT FIRST IT WAS DIFFICULT was dyed or if they were USA it takes a total of [FOR MY FAMILY] BECAUSE not adhering to the strict about 20 hours of flight,” she said. To put that into OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND uniform policies. perspective, Saigon is “We have the same CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. 7,816 miles from San class of friends from first JANE NGUYÊN, 9 Francisco, California. “For to twelfth grade,” she me, it was the longest journey in my life, but in said, describing the differences in the social general it was pleasant. US Customs was also environment in Paso. “I like school in Paso. I very nice to my family.” she added. have so many good friends. I have excellent “At first it was difficult because of teachers; they always help me confidently environmental and cultural differences, but, show my ability. I love the smiles or the waving in general, it was very fun and pleasant,” she of everyone at my school, from the guard to responded when asked how her family was the student office,” she added quickly. received in the district.

Culturally, America is very open and Since moving, her family has adjusted well casual compared to Vietnam, according to into the community. When describing the Nguyen. In Vietnam, when speaking to adults change, Nguyễn consistantly affirmed the it is common to refer to them with honorifics positive influence that her peers at school in order to show respect; this is especially and the general populace of Paso had on her prominent when speaking to teachers. family’s amalgamation into this new, and at Teachers are also considered a second the time, foreign society. parental figure in most Vietnamese schools.

One of the greatest cultural changes that In a way, in Vietnam, someone’s class is was evident to Jane and her family when almost like a second family. they moved to America

FAMILY THAT MOVES TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER(above) : Jane Nguyễn poses with her suppotive family after attending an award ceremony for her 12 year old brother.

Photos by Ysabel Wulfing. Family picture above provided by Nguyễn family.

DANCING THROUGH THE

The twins went into homeschooling when they were in seventh grade to coincide with their rigorous dance schedules. In ninth grade they switched to Paso school district and both studied through Independence.

“When I was home, I’d do my schoolwork and then go to dance; I did find it was easy to fall behind,” Brooke explained. “Online school takes a lot of commitment because it’s a lot of screen time.”

The struggle is real, even at home. “Trying to stay on track and complete my work with dance is what causes me a lot of stress,” Mackenzie notes. around the same table and eat together, thats But it’s not always all work and no play. never been my family dynamic since I was When they do get to see each other, always in studios until late at night. I learned it’s mostly confined to the weekend about to cook at a young age and when I went into every two weeks. The Corrales twins can be homeschooling, I’d cook my meals and then found kicking it at the skate park or hanging go to dance,” Brooke admitted. “My family has out with friends. Brooke is even a part of never really all gotten together and sat down Wilderness club at the highschool. While most because my dad, he moved out so he doesn’t of Mackenzie’s time is committed to her life really come over as much, and my older away, dancing, Brooke was adjusting to the sister moved out and we were all dancing social dailies of public school life. “I think it’s so we didn’t really eat dinner nice to be able to socialize together.”

[GROWING UP WITH with peers my own age and Being twins, the girls do A TWIN], IT’S GREAT it’s definitely exposed me most everything together… to more people. For a long TO ALWAYS HAVE when they can. Although time my friends were just SOMEONE WHO’S they are as close as sisters dancers and through school can be, most weekdays are THERE FOR YOU I’ve met a lot of different spent apart from each other.

AND TO SUPPORT people. I do realize I have a Mackenzie lives with the owner hard time connecting with YOU AND TO BE of the dance studio where peers my own age because WITH. she trains, Nor Cal Dance I have such an interest in BROOKE CORRALES, 11 dance and they have other Arts, in San Jose, California.

“I am beyond grateful for all interests so I can’t always they have and continue to do for me!” she relate to what they are talking about. Being exclaimed. Brooke, on the other hand, lives at new and a junior, sometimes I feel like the odd home with her mother, three horses, four cats, man out.” and two dogs in Templeton, CA, and dances Meanwhile, Mackenzie had gotten a taste with a company called Artistry in Motion. of independence. “Living away from my sister Both girls do schooling through Paso’s and parents is hard because I miss them a district, but Brooke attends the PRHS campus lot,” she said. The time they spend apart just while Mackenzie continues o n l i n e makes the time they get together so much schooling through more special, but helps to teach Mackenzie Independence. something valuable. “[The distance]

DISTANCE

The Corrales family carries out a little unusual living arrangement

by Emily Mathein, Environment Editor

F

or the Corrales twins, Juniors Brooke and Mackenzie, dancing isn’t just a fun activity, it’s a way of life. Their schedules from a young age centered around the art of dance, leading both to many successes at dance conventions and wanting to pursue careers in the industry.

When it comes to home life, the Corrales’ don’t reside within the clichéd frame. “Our dad moved out about five years ago, but it was honestly to make things better because they fought a lot,” Brooke explained. The oldest sister, Dakota, (21), shares the love of dance, but now lives and works in Redwood city, almost 3 hours from Templeton. The girls parents both hold the same occupation and still work together. “My older sister works with autistic kids and my parents run and manage campgrounds,” Brooke said.

With Mackenzie living in a different city 2 and a half hours away, Brooke hardly being home in favor of dance rehearsal, their father living in a different house, and Dakota following her career path, the stereotypical dinner table scene is a rarity. “For most kids and families, your parents will do all the cooking and the kids will eat, or you’ll come home and everyone will sit

IN DEPTH |

actually has made me very independent and capable of handling what I need to do as well as taking care of myself.” Goal-oriented and determined, she practices dance an average of 30 hours a week in preparation for her future. “I would love to move to Canada and spend two years training with a program called Arts Umbrella and after that, the dream is to become a full time member with a company such as Ballet BC.” Brooke also aspires to do company work within the dance industry. “I would love to pursue what [my sister] is doing. When she moved studios I was not dancing at the moment. I was getting help with health issues, so I wasn’t allowed to dance.” In the summer of 2017, Brooke had developed problems with her heart rate and weight loss, resulting in her stepping away from dance for a bit. “I started dancing again last summer [2018] so it was a newer thing getting back into it again, which was really nice because I missed it a lot.” Steadfast, she held onto her passion of dance and is a part of the high school’s new competitive team.

Growing up with the same interests brought the girls close. But, like with most siblings, there is a sense of contest. “[Growing up with a twin], like everything, it’s got its perks and downfalls. It’s great to always have someone who’s there for you and to support you and to be with, [but] it also helped because we are very competitive, to push each other, but it also comes with a lot of comparisons. Being in the same sport we are always competing for the same spots,” Brooke reveals.

Mackenzie and Brooke strain through the space between them but still manage to hold onto that closeness of their bond.

TWINNING IS WINNING (above) : Although twins Mackenzie and

Brooke Corrales live hours away from each other, they still find time in their busy lives to hang out and dance with each other.

Photo provided by Gabriela Schuster

Photo by Ysabel Wulfing. Dancing picture provided by Brooke Corrales.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | IN DEPTH 21

| REVIEWS

Bandersnatch: Bandersnatch: free free will will or or planned planned destiny destiny

Netflix’s newest film is mind boggling

by Brighton Garret, Sports co-editor

O

n the weekend of New Years Eve, my family and I sat on the couch, staring at the TV deciding between Bandersnatch or Bird Box. Bandersnatch- Netflix’s newest interactive film- intrigued us all and won the vote. We all wanted to know how we could possibly change a movie’s plot line with the click of a finger. Starting the movie was troubling, as it can’t be watched on Apple TV; only smart devices (gaming consoles, smart TVs, phones, and laptops) can play the movie. We plugged in the laptop and began deciding the fate of the

Shattered records M. Night Shyamalan’s final film in his illustrious trilogy leaves viewers wanting more

by Tyler Dunn, Review Editor

E

very M. Night Shyamalan film prides itself in its ability to tell an engaging story. His most recent film, Glass, and its predecessors Split and Unbreakable are prime examples of Shyamalan’s ability to captivate the viewer using extraordinary writing and excellent cinematography. This unexpected “superhero” trilogy, lasting nearly twenty years, has finally reached its end with the new year’s Glass Sought to be a triumphant career-

characters.

The movie started with m u n d a n e choices, like which cereal to eat or what song to listen to, but as it progressed, the choices reached higher stakes.

Bandersnatch, directed by David Slade, stars Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter, Craig Parkinson, and Alice Lowe, is one of Netflix’s five interactive films. It is a Sci-Fi, drama, and mystery in which viewers chose the plotline of the movie. It presents viewers with decisions that will take them on different pathways. There are five main endings, but many different renditions of each. With each decision sending viewers on a different timeline, it is almost impossible to see every storyline within the movie.

The story itself is about a young programmer (Stefan), played by Fionn Whitehead, who is creating a video game based on a choose-

your-own-path novel. The desired and show different stories. This can make the endgame of the movie seems to be movie rather confusing at times, especially Stefan receiving five stars on his game if viewers have to keep going back because without ending up in jail. The story is of certain decisions. There are very many how Stefan gets five stars on his game backstories that can be seen throughout the battling his dad, therapist, mentour, and movie, but if the decisions made don’t show company. them, the movie can be even more confusing. It Bandersnatch’s plot follows a rather basic is almost like an instruction manual is needed and cliche storyline. The twists and alternate to receive the best viewing. paths, however, are intriguing. The first time The acting in the movie was decent, but watching the movie is neat but nothing special; could’ve been better. The characters all were yet the attempts following one’s first intrigue very complex and difficult to execute. All of viewers more and more, making them want to them were British and some of the American actors accents just didn’t see all the paths. match up.

Bandersnatch is a THE INTERLACED After a decision was made, darker movie with demonic CONNECTIONS the movie would sometimes appearances and choices, but there are also some funny AND EASTER EGG slightly glitch while it was moments to keep it from HUNTS ARE WHAT switching the storyline, but it was pretty unnoticeable and being too scary. It all depends MAKE THE MOVIE didn’t really affect the overall on the choices that are made SO ADVANCED. movie. what story is seen, which can One track of the movie be frustrating.

Everyone’s viewing of the movie will be shows the story of Stefan’s childhood. (spoiler different because of the options. Sometimes warning) In this track Stefan’s father is shown the option chosen will be wrong and the movie drugging Stefan. The scene of the mother sends them back to that decision. Other times leaving for the train is then replayed but this it will replay the movie in a sped up version time it is shown as a recording implying the hoping they will make a different choice. So whole story Stefan believes is false. The actor while the viewer can chose the story, there are playing the fake mother is also shown to be the therapist. pushes in certain directions.

The pathways like this one are what keeps the The decisions are placed in very thought out parts. There are just enough to keep people movie interesting. It opens new possibilities to interested but not so many that they distract be thought about. The interlaced connections from the movie. It still feels like a movie and not and easter egg hunts are what make the movie so advanced. a video game.

It’s not the type of movie to watch if viewers There have been some flow charts made by avid fans, but other than this, the choices just want a light story. This movie requires a lot viewers make and how they will affect them of thought, connections, and interpretation. It are usually unpredictable. They all interlace is like solving a mystery.

defining masterpiece, Glass both failed to live creates new insight to what it means to be a up to the hype, and was intensely mediocre superhero. doing so.

Despite the third act being nothing more Set following the conclusion of 2017’s Split, than substandard, Glass still provides a the film begins with Bruce Willis’ character, the number of good elements within itself. From protagonist of Unbreakable, David Dunn as he the beginning, the use of enticing color and searches for Split antagonist, Kevin Wendell intriguing cinematography by Mike Gioulakis Crumb (James McAvoy). make the film look Crumb, who suffers from D.I.D. absolutely gorgeous. James GLASS FAILED TO (dissociative identity disorder), McAvoy’s reprisal of Kevin LIVE UP TO THE HYPE, and his ten personalities is primarily transformed into BEING INTENSELY “the beast”, an extremely was performed dangerous and powerful masterfully once again, MEDIOCRE. creature later declared as “the and Shyamalan’s creative final stage of human evolution”. When they are writing and direction keep this attempt at a caught and sent to a psychiatric facility along cinematic revival interesting, to say the least. with Unbreakable antagonist and mastermind The problems of Glass come mostly within Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), the three the third act. As the conclusion to a trilogy, it are placed under the care of Dr. Ellie Staple felt as though the movie left too open of an (Sarah Paulson), a psychiatrist specializing ending; there was no true ending. The director’s in individuals who believe they are capable forced two-twist conclusion was confusing of superhuman abilities. As tensions rise and and unnecessary, displaying questionable everything begins to fall apart, paving way for decision-making by executives working on the a signature Shyamalan twist ending, Glass movie. It also failed to answer any questions

22 MOVIE REVIEWS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

set up by Unbreakable or Split, causing the ending to seem even more superfluous than it already was.

Much like the majority of his films, M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass gave viewers a compelling plot line, but was ultimately unsuccessful in securing an end that satisfied both critics and audience alike.

HE IS DEFINITELY Greater THAN HE WAS I Am Greater than I Was lives up to the hype with deep themes and excellent production

by Ian Grace, Health Co-Editor

S

inking into the melodic trap of I Am > I Was, 21 “commit a burglary and take it to the pawn,” showing Savage’s first solo album of the 2018, is a guilty what it took to make ends meet on the Atlanta pleasure, a late night snack. Your parents streets. Hard-hitting lines are first-hand accounts probably wouldn’t want you consuming it, but it feels of the cycle of poverty in the ghetto, and leave oh-so-good. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the listener even more impressed by 21 Savage’s list, the album encompasses themes of loneliness, success because they can see what he had to drug abuse, parenthood, and struggle through to achieve it. poverty in a way that is digestible The album boasts a multitude of wellTHE ALBUM for the average hip-hop listener placed features from the likes of Post SHOWS to enjoy. It’s 51 minutes of your life Malone, Childish Gambino, J. Cole, and TREMENDOUS well-spent.

Travis Scott. Savage purposefully left GROWTH BY The album’s production is top their names off the song titles because notch. I Am > I Was could go beat he wanted people to listen to the songs 21 SAVAGE IN for beat with the best albums of not for the features but for the content.

THAT HE IS ABLE 2018. Songs like “A Lot” feature This is a double-edged sword that TO DELIVER soul samples and buttery-smooth may draw in fewer overall streams, but METACOGNITIVE 808’s, while others like “a&t” bring also increases the likelihood of fans a gritty, fun feel -- making use of listening to the full album continuously, LYRICS AND whimsical sounds which play off something that can be missed in today’s CATCHY CLUB of each other to create a super fun music market.

BEATS IN A BLEND vibe -- especially when paired with In the process of this review, I found THAT IS BOTH infectious vocals from City Girls. myself listening to songs such as “A Lot”, ENJOYABLE AND Thematically, this album “a&t”, “ASMR” and “Ball w/o You” on repeat, delivers much more than previous TOTALLY TRUE TO and in total only 5 songs of the 15 on the 21 Savage albums in the form album didn’t make it onto my personal HIMSELF. of lyrical substance. “letter 2 my playlist (a big honor, considering most momma” is a reflective song that deals with the albums only get 1 or 2 songs). In general, the album struggles of single parenthood and poverty, in shows tremendous growth by 21 Savage in that he is which 21 Savage raps about how his mom was able able to deliver metacognitive lyrics and catchy club to balance raising her son and her job. Here, he beats in a blend that is both enjoyable and totally reflects on his willingness to break the law instead true to himself. So sit down with that bowl of ice of watching his mother struggle, with lines such as cream at 1 AM; you deserve it.

REVIEWS |

ICARUS FALLS INTO RHYTHM

ZAYN releases his second album after breaking off of One Direction

by Cheyanne Holliday, Photographer

F

ormer One Direction star ZAYN dropped his second album, Icarus Falls, on Dec. 14, 2018.

This new album contains 27 brilliant tracks, adding up to almost 90 minutes of music featuring guest stars Nicki Minaj and Timbaland. ZAYN debuts at number 61 on Billboard’s top 200.

His solo debut, “Let Me,” premiered at number 73 on Billboard’s top 100 on Apr. 28, 2018. It is a song anyone can vibe to no matter what mood they’re in; it’s the most popular track on the album. The soothing, yet upbeat track introduces you to ZAYN’s vocal range and profound lyrics.

In comparison to ZAYN’s first album, Icarus Falls is not nearly as successful, but I PERSONALLY still has time to peak. Despite the album’s LOVE ALMOST disappointing numbers, I personally love EVERY SONG almost every song on the album. I find his songs to be soothing, but also something I ON THE ALBUM. can dance to.

I FIND HIS The songs that stood out to me in SONGS TO BE particular were “Back to Life” and “There You SOOTHING, Are.” “Back to Life” starts off with soothing BUT ALSO vocals, then transitions into a catchy snap, drum, and guitar combination. The vocal SOMETHING I harmonies capture an unexplainable CAN DANCE TO. emotion that gave me chills. “There You Are” begins with an echo-like feel, then the drum beat and powerful vocals flow into the course and create rhythm that gets stuck in your head.

Icarus, in Greek mythology, is a young god who was warned by his father not to get too close to the Sun - or else his wax wings would melt - but despite his father’s warnings, he flew too close to the Sun, his wings melted, and he fell to his death. This may be a reflection on how ZAYN is feeling about his music career. The specifics about the meaning are unknown, but Icarus Falls has deep personal connections to ZAYN’s life regarding his journey of fame and anxiety; it reflects his path to becoming a solo-artist. The album is full of questions, regret, and reflection.

Icarus Falls is a lyrically beautiful album, but it’s too lengthy; personally, I feel like he should have released a few more as singles before the album to get more hype. Overall, 12 of the 27 tracks made it onto my playlist during my review process; however, I found myself listening to “Back to Life,” “There You Are,” and “Let Me” the most. ZAYN clearly put a lot of thought and emotion into this intensely characteristic album.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | MUSIC REVIEWS 23

| BLIND DATE

A Blindfolded

ODYSSEY

Seniors Ryan Harvel and Madison Wineman embark on a journey of nostalgia

by Madi Loff, Blind Date Editor

C

BLINDFOLDED DATE : Harvel (left) and Wineman (right) start off their date by donning blindfolds.

The First Date When: March 3, 2016 Where: Odyssey World Caf é Madison’s Rate: 9 Ryan’s Rate: 9

Harvel and Wineman both said that they would go on a second date as friends and decided that their favorite part was the cheesecake.

Not only did they return three years later for a date as friends, the cheesecake seemed to be just as likable as their freshman year.

rimson Newsmagazine’s pseudo-romantic Blind opened as they searched for a desirable meal.

Date project had never returned daters to the scene While at first Wineman suggested they get the same meals of their date in its 15-year history, so in an attempt to as their freshman date, she quickly changed her mind. find a fresh new idea, I turned to something old: a date set up “I kind of want steak,” she said. almost three years ago.

“Now we’re talking, Madison,” Harvel agreed, as he realized Between bites of food, seniors Madison Wineman and his dinner was, in fact, being paid for. The two ordered the exact Ryan Harvel poked fun at one another and talked about same meal: steak, medium rare, with mashed potatoes. The everything from sports to parties as I sat nearby and only difference was their choice of sides, as Wineman decided documented the fun. They had returned to Odyssey on a Caesar salad and Harvel ordered a plate of fries.

World Café on a Sunday evening to relive their first As they waited, they talked about their weekends and Crimson blind date from freshman year.

Wineman’s upcoming 18th birthday. Their conversation was Wineman and I had arrived first on January 29, easy and carefree as they caught up with each other.

Wineman grabbed a chair at a table set for two, and Soon their server, Oscar Gutierrez, a Paso High senior we waited patiently for her supposed mystery date. brought Wineman’s salad and breadsticks for the pair to share.

After looking at the blindfolds at her seat, a hint at the fun Harvel touched all the bread before deciding not to eat it. that would ensue, she confessed that she already knew Wineman scolded him for touching it all and commented on who the date was with. Unbeknownst to me, Harvel had told how picky he was. her earlier in the week. This seemed like a perfect way to start As she ate her salad, the two continued to chat about the off their throwback night, however, because biggest changes in their lives since their first the same thing had happened freshman year. date.

HE DOESN’T LIKE Wineman wasn’t sure who told her, but she “Before today I was thinking, ‘think of all BURGERS. HAVE knew she wasn’t surprised last time either. we’ve been through since freshman year,’” Luckily, there was going to be more to the date Harvel said. Wineman’s first thought was that YOU EVER MET than meets the eye. she no longer had braces, and Harvel wasn’t as SOMEONE WHO When Harvel finally arrived -- 12 minutes late small as before.

DOESN’T LIKE but five minutes earlier than Wineman’s bet of After commenting on changes in BURGERS? 7:17 -- he took a seat and moved his blindfold appearance and other minor details, Harvel off of his menu. To his dismay, he learned MADISON WINEMAN, noted that he had a feeling Wineman knew her that before he was allowed to order he must date was him freshman year.

12 fulfill the “blind” part of the date, since he had “You told me too freshman year,” Wineman ruined it beforehand. So the two seniors put said. on mandatory blindfolds and both were tasked with making a “I didn’t know you then, Madison, this is how we met,” Harvel tower of plastic cups. argued. Wineman settled with his response and decided that Harvel completed his tower in a 10 seconds, while Wineman someone else must have told her. finished in 12.

The two agreed that since their first blind date they had “It looks pretty good,” Wineman admitted after peeking out become close friends. Wineman stated that finding things to from under her blindfold at her date’s tower. After completing talk about was hard because she knew so much about Harvel. her own, however, Wineman decided that hers was superior.

“Ryan is probably the person I’ve fought with the most out Anxious to eat with blindfolds still on, they asked if their of everyone in my life… We don’t always argue, we just bicker a challenge was over, but instead were greeted with the daunting lot,” she said. task of working together for the final tower. After strategizing, they determined that Harvel would place the bottom three cups, and Wineman would balance the top three.

Their team time clocked in at around three times longer than their individual times, as Harvel messed with Wineman and moved the cups as she tried to stack them. Once their tower was complete, the cups were moved and their menus were

24 BLIND DATE | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

BLIND DATE |

SIGHTLESS STACKING: Harvel (left) and Wineman (right) attempt to make cup towers while blindfolded. They later worked together to make a tower as a team.

More small talk ensued, as the pair tried to remember each other’s middle names. Harvel had no problem recalling Wineman’s, but it took a hint for her to remember his. Their chatter bounced from topic to topic, as they bickered about what counted as flirting, told stories about their lives, and waited patiently for their meals.

Luckily, their food soon arrived. Wineman started with her vegetables as Harvel went straight for the ribeye in the center of his plate. After a short discussion over whether to cut with or against the grain, the two were eating contentedly. A few minutes into their meals, they realized they never got drinks from the self-serve soda machine.

Wineman settled for an iced tea while Harvel went up the the counter to request a glass of milk.

Wineman explained to me that Harvel didn’t drink soda, which is something she had learned on their very first date.

Their server brought out Harvel’s glass of milk with a quizzical look on his face.

“What’s this for?” Gutierrez asked.

“For me,” Harvel replied.

“For what?”

“To drink.”

“With your ribeye? And your fries? Oh my god that’s disgusting,” Gutierrez said as Wineman laughed.

While they finished the last bites of their meal, they talked about their respective sports, baseball and soccer. Soon they decided they were ready for the most anticipated part of their meal: the cheesecake.

The cheesecake was delivered to their table and their blindfolds went back on, but not before Harvel had snuck the first bite. They tried their best to feed each other the dessert, as Harvel listened to where Wineman’s voice was

coming from, and she appeared to simply guess where his mouth was. After accomplishing their blindfolded cheesecake feeding, they removed their blindfolds and finished off their dessert.

When the date was complete, they realized it had turned out exactly as they had hoped: a friendly dinner with arguing and conversation as they got to relive the first time they met. The two parted ways similar to before, bonding over cheesecake and games.

Meet Madison

Involved in Leadership and G.E.O. Plays Varsity soccer Participates in track and field and rodeo Fun Fact: ASB treasurer and involved in Crimson Crew

Meet Ryan

Involved in Peer Communications Plays Varsity baseball Fun fact: Collects stamps and has over 400 See more photos at crimsonnewsmagazine.org

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | BLIND DATE 25

| PR PRESS

26 PR PRESS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

FOOD |

Mexican food in an American town

AUTHENTIC OR ALTERNATIVE?: Several locations

in Paso Robles offer authentic Mexican food. However, Paso is more abundant in fast-food.

Diving into the authenticity of Mexican food in Paso Robles

by Jaclyn DiMatteo, People CoEditor

A

s California was part of Mexico before the Mexican-American Wars, California should have authentic Mexican food, but is Paso Robles’ food really authentic?

Sophomore Alejandra Ruiz commented on the authenticity of Mexican food in Paso Robles: “A lot of Mexican restaurants and food in Paso is not traditional Mexican food.

It has been changed into Tex-Mex food that is more common like Taco Bell and Chipotle”.

It is no secret that places such as these aren’t making food that would be eaten traditionally in Mexico, but this can also be said about places like McDonald’s or Wendy’s, both being places that are not making traditional foods of the United States.

There are many local Mexican restaurants that advertise the authenticity of their food as their main pitch to pull customers in. Many tourists go out to eat at restaurants downtown, that being one of the main sources of income at many restaurants, but locals object to the

The Tastebuds rank well-known breakfast locations across town

Tastebuds Brunch.

When we walked in, the first thing we noticed about this location was its size. The interior is about 100 square feet, with seating for three groups with room to spare, and five groups if everyone were to sit within one foot of one another. The exterior is more spacious, with a couple tables placed within gates extending from a window painted with the restaurant name. Despite the spacing issue, the establishment is undeniable adorable, with a laid back vibe and modern design. The food itself was both photo-worthy and delicious.

We ordered a breakfast pizza- which contained an egg sunny side up, tomatos, cheese, and sausage-, a side of bacon, and a side of

tourists’ tastes; freshman Amy Banderas said, “I don’t think the food is authentic because it’s all mostly fast food.” There are still local regulars that often eat out and enjoy the supposedly authentic foods of Paso Robles, but whether or not they believe in the authenticity is up to debate.

Making food at home can be a favorite for some families, but could be the worst part of the day for others. Food is a diverse part of society and is different for every person or family.

“I prefer to make my own food at home, although I do enjoy eating out every once in a while” Ruiz commented.

According to students at PRHS, the Mexican food in Paso Robles is overwhelmingly not authentic, also referred to as “Tex-Mex”, but it is also mainly thought of as the fast foods and chains that are offered in town and not the independently-owned restaurants.

Read the full review at crimsonnewsmagazine.org

by Jessica Jagger, Editor-in-Chief

T

he Tastebuds have been dying to ditch reviews of single items and spend the day taste testing entire meals, so for this edition of reviews, we opted to try out the best places to grab breakfast in Paso. Comparing several different price points at Brunch, Cider Creek Bakery, Joe’s Place, and Cowgirl Cafe, we weighed taste, price, atmosphere, and service against one another to determine the reigning meal.

fruit. Brunch. definitely is more of a formal setting; it’s the kind of place that you wouldn’t want to grab a bite having just rolled out of bed. Only one waitress came out to help us, which was fortunate, because that was about as many as the space would accommodate.

She was polite and fast working, and just the kind of server you’d hope to have. The one downside of this location: high prices. The pizza cost a whopping $12, and the bacon and fruit were an extra $7.

Nineteen dollars isn’t too much to ask for a special occasion, but the thought of spending this much on an average breakfast every day is wallet-shattering.

Cider Creek Bakery

Cider Creek is a well known location among PRHS students, receiving dozens of visitors before and after school each day. Though more frequently visited for its baked goods, Cider Creek offers a moderate variety of breakfast items. We opted for a breakfast burrito with a side of biscuits and gravy, which turned out of be entirely run-of-the-mill.

The appearance of each wasn’t great, but it wasn’t unappetizing. The burrito didn’t differ

MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY:

Brunch offers a small menu with a wide range of options. Though the food is not cheap, the results are worth the cost.

too much from the average breakfast burrito; it had a bit too much egg, but other than this, it was about what you’d expect out of a breakfast burrito. The biscuits and gravy were hot but average, and a better alternative could definitely be found at a more formal location. The service at Cider Creek was, as always, excellent. The workers are sweet and attentive, and food arrived fast. Totaling $12, our meal was about worth what it cost.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | FOOD 27

| ENVIRONMENT

Where does waste go?

Analyzing our environmental impact

A

by Sarah Jagger, EIC

s students at PRHS go about their day, they’re surrounded by items that will soon occupy landfills; from plastic binders, to paper lunch trays, to metal staples and paper clips, almost every material they use is doomed to someday become obsolescent and lay in a landfill. According to the New York Times, 300 tons of plastic are produced each year.

“Most synthetic polymers were not designed to disintegrate or disappear. On the contrary, they were meant to last as long as possible once they began replacing metals and glass in longlasting things like automobiles and airplanes,” wrote Xiaozhi Lim in the NYT article, Designing the Death of a Plastic.

Every plastic that has been produced since its invention in 1907 is still in existence today, and will stay in our environment for up to 1,000 years, according to carbonfootprint.com.

Plastic is one of the many materials that produce a significant amount of CO2 through their manufacturing. One water bottle has a carbon footprint of three ounces of CO2. In ecology, “carbon footprinting” is used to measure the amount of carbon each person “emits” through their consumption of food, transportation, products, and everything else they use.

First modern landfill in the US opened

1907 First plastic invented

1937

28 ENVIRONMENT | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

1960s

3.17 million tons

4.5% glass 12.8% plastic 9.1% metal 27% paper 14.6% food 9% rubber 23% other

8 million tons

254 million tons of waste per year

167 million tons

The breakdown:

“I’m always conscious of where my waste could end up after it’s disposed,” said junior Mairin McNerney, who conserves her waste I’M ALWAYS through using a reusable water bottle, never using styrofoam, CONSCIOUS OF and carrying around a reusable tote bag.

Most of the materials used by the US population end up either WHERE MY WASTE COULD END in a landfill, in the ocean, or recycled. Out of the 254 millions of tons of waste created in the US per year, 65.7 percent ends up in UP AFTER IT’S landfills, three percent ends up in the oceans, and 1.2 percent is DISPOSED. recycled.

These numbers can be reduced through using reusable items, MAIRIN MCNERNEY, 11 purchasing used clothes, repurposing materials, and reducing use of single-use items.

Ocean trash disposal restricted

Recycling adapted into US culture

1987

PR PRESS |

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | PR PRESS 29

| POP CULTURE

FEBR

TA F F S Y UA R

E G WE W N A H C A E NT H T

t s i l Play

We asked four PRHS students about their visions for the future of our campus

Sesh t u o e Mak

Pretty Little Fears 6lack, J. cole we find love- Daniel Caesar Test Drive - Joji Thinkin bout you frank ocean

W

by Tyler Seidel, Health Editor

e gave four students the chance to voice their hopes for the campus’s future. In high school, students are faced with change all the time.

Whether it’s adding a class to their schedule, meeting a new teammate, or moving across town, teenagers are constantly adjusting to the world around them.

Students have the biggest influence on campus. Look

back on the dances planned, protests participated in, and petitions signed: the campus is changing constantly.

Since students have such a big part in making PRHS what it is, with all the diversity at Paso High, these four show us just a fraction of all the hopes for our school’s future. We’d love to see your hopes! Visit our Instagram story to share your goals for the future of Paso High.

@crimsonnewsmag “I would like to see some teachers be more enthusiastic about teaching. “ -Brendon Mendoza, 10

“I generally just want to see everyone come to the realization that life is easier if you’re nice. If people were kind to each other, then life would be so much easier. “ -Presley Bodenshot, 10

“I would like to see people begin to care more around campus by getting to class on time. That way, we don’t have to deal with a whole new tardy policy. “ -Kaylynn Powell, 11

“I would want to see more colorful plants in the planters at school; maybe it could be a class project!”

-Aleah Russell, 12

gorilla- bruno Mars

30 POP CULTURE | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

Captain Q & A

SPORTS |

by Catalina Magnuson, PR Director

Winter captains look back at goals they set for their teams and hopes they had to improve from last season

Kyle Miller, 12

A:

I feel our team strength is the amount of fun the guys have, which allows us to really enjoy this experience.

I really hope to improve my confidence, as it has been my biggest downfall in my whole career, and I know I have the tools I need to succeed.

Shane Mcguffin, 12

A:

Julia Nuñez , 12

Torri Pugh, 12

Q: What are your team’s strengths?

A: A:

We have great team chemistry and all get along; that helps us with communication on the court and enhances our trust with each other to make the right decision with the ball.

Defense. Also not giving up in certain situations.

There were games where we were down but we came back and made it close or even won.

Our team is really good at passing and working together. We don’t have just one star player; we all have something to bring to the table that makes us click and work very well together!

We hope to be able to make it to CIF this year and get rid of our negative record, which is very doable.

We’d like to be able to improve on keeping the leads we have and stop making it harder for us to win. As well as communication

I hope we can approach each and every game like a championship game.

Sometimes we come into it thinking it’s not that big of a game, but to be great, not just good, we have to have the mindset that we need to work hard the second we step on the field.

Q: What do you hope to improve?

Jorge Magdonal, 12

A:

Our team’s strength is comradery. We always have each other’s backs and hold each other to account both on and off the field.

I hope to improve on overall communication, not only for myself, but as a team.

Q: Who is your biggest opponent?

My biggest opponent in this sport is myself because I have all the tools to be successful, but I don’t always use them, and that really hits my confidence.

I think that Arroyo Grande is our biggest threat. With all the other teams, we have many advantages on where a clearer game plan is set for our team to win.

Righetti

Photos by Hernandez, Cano, Gomez, Keller

Our biggest opponent, besides ourselves is San Luis Obispo. Other coaches and players can say what they please, but for the Bearcats, we look at them as our biggest rivals.

I feel like our biggest opponent this season is ourselves. Once we believe and trust in each others and our own abilities as a unit, there will be no stronger team than Paso.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | SPORTS 31

| SPORTS

Dancing with The all stars

Two varsity athletes test their athleticism in new realms

by Brighton Garrett, Sports Co Editor & Phoebe Corgiat, Sports Co Editor

V

arsity water polo player, Morgan Harrington,11, and varsity football player, Jerahmy Kelley, 11, were given a unique challenge regarding an athletic skill that was unknown to them. Given 30 minutes with advanced dance choreographer, Senior Devin Hartley, the athletes were introduced to a 30 second hip-hop number that they had to learn.

After first learning the dance on Jan. 22 they had seven days until the mock Advanced Dance tryout on Jan. 29. Within the week, they were able to practice at home with a recording of Hartley performing the dance. Kelley practiced about an hour and a half at home while Harrington practiced about half an hour and taught her waterpolo teammates over the weekend.

Their objective was to prove if athletes could carry their skill over into other athletic realms, and to see if they would make the cut trying out for the advanced dance class. Dancing tested their ability to be coached, practice, and then perform in front of people. Being varsity water polo and football players this is what they do on a week to week basis with the performance being game day.

32 SPORTS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

The bar was set very high as Hartley seamlessly made the difficult dance look easy. Both athletes we surprised by the challenge and nervous for the final product.

“It’s really hard to stay on beat and the ending of the dance is difficult,” Harrington said.

With their weeks being filled with school, practice, and other extracurriculars finding time to practice was difficult.

Kelly had past dance experience with a few lessons at PRYAF. “[This has been] somewhat challenging but not really,” Kelley said.

During lunch on Jan. 29 the two athletes gathered in the dance room ready to perform. After one practice run through they were ready to be judged. Harrington was nervous so Kelley offered to go first. Watching them, ready to judge was Cara Macomber, beginning dance teacher, and Kimberly Mercado, an advanced dance student.

The music started and Kelley began his dance. He remembered all his choreography and added a backflip to the middle of the dance.

The judges were impressed by the execution of the dance.

“Based on energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to get out there and do it, yes [he would make advanced dance],” Macomber said.

“He had no shame. He kept up with the choreography and the back flip was a nice touch. He also was into the music. He was not afraid,” Mercado said.

Next up was Harrington. She remembered her dance

as well and added the splits to the dance.

“I thought Morgan nailed the choreography. She was a little scared so her body was dancing but her face had a scared look on it,” Macomber said.

“She did amazing with the choreography, she kept it on time, she did it to the beat, so she did great. She has potential,” Mercado said.

The judges said their final comments about whether or not the athletes pulled it off. Did they make it into advanced dance?

“They both have the potential to be accepted into advanced dance. I think they would learn a lot in intermediate dance.

They’d be super stars in intermediate dance,” Macomber explained “For advanced dance just show a little bit more facials and you guys got it,” Mercado advised.

Kelley and Harrington were able to prove their abilities in realms outside of football and water polo. They learned the dance and performed it. They completed the challenge.

Check out the video on

Photos by Tucker & Garrett

crimsonnewsmagazine.com

SPORTS |

#19

stratman By the numbers

20

Games played

44

shots on goal

2 assists 10 goals

KEEP

NKICKING

Atiana Stratman commits to Northwest Missouri State University for soccer

by Mckensi Keller, Pop Culture Editor

S

enior Atiana Stratman dominates the soccer field with her aggressive spirit and her confident demeanor, as she controls the forward position with her speed and skill. Since she was four years old, Stratman has continued to grind on and off the field, in addition to being involved in AP classes, she has worked hard to become better at her beloved sport, while excelling in school.

North West Missouri State University offered Stratman a $5,000 scholarship annually. She also received offers from California Lutheran University and UC Merced, Stratman decided to go with NWMS because it was

“something new, different, and financially worked out better,” Stratman mentioned.

Playing soccer almost all her life, Stratman is bound to make many new friends and memories through this sport.

“I met my two best friends Alexis and Jordan [through soccer], and many other close friends that I value so much,” Stratman said.

Alexis Serna, a grade higher than Stratman, attends NWMSU as well. The two will be attending the same college and playing soccer together as they did in high school in the 2017-2018 school year. Serna, having received a scholarship for her keeper skills, will be defending goals as Stratman scores them.

“With Alexis going to the same school as me it makes me feel better going into a whole new environment with someone that I’m already close with to help me adjust! Also she’s one of my best friends so I’m excited to be reunited with her,” Stratman said. “My favorite aspect of Atiana is her personality. You’ll never see her without a big smile on her face. She never failed to put a smile on my face whenever I was down nor was there ever a dull moment with her, she’s the type of person everyone needs in their lives,” Serna said.

Junior, Jordan Bullard is also one of her closest friends and is sad, but excited for Stratman as she begins her new journey to NWMSU. “Ati is fearless. It doesn’t matter the situation or the opponent, she plays her best game every time she’s on the pitch,” Bullard stated. “I love everything about this kid but if I had to choose one thing it would be the kindness and joy she shares everywhere she

goes. It is so rare to see her upset or stuck in a bad mood.”

Many people have influenced Stratman over the years and a few of them are, “My teammates, friends, boyfriend, and family,” Stratman mentioned. With her two best friends, Stratman has created many fond memories through her soccer years. “To be honest, there’s really not a favorite memory. It was all the little things combined like the friendships, the inside jokes, and just the moments that we all found so funny, fun and enjoyable. Making memories that will be unforgettable,” Stratman said.

Going off to college can seem like a heart wrenching event and for Stratman’s two best friends, they send her off with with touching words. “I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to play alongside you for the past two years and learn from watching you play as well as how you go through life. I am so proud you have reached this point in your soccer career, they have no clue how lucky they are to add you to their roster,” Bullard confessed. As Stratman continues on this journey to NWMSU, her team wishes her the best of luck even including her former and future teammate, Serna. “I’d tell her to enjoy the time she has left in Paso, considering it is her hometown where she’s made so many friends throughout her life, It’d be a long time until they see you again. But once you start your college life playing soccer, you’ll enjoy every second of it,” Serna mentioned.

Stratman’s stats are upping the charts each and every game she plays. As of Jan. 30, 2019, she has shot 129 times and 20 of those have gone in. With 78 games played, Stratman is exceeding the national average with her own stats and is ranked 222 in California and 539 nationally.

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | SPORTS 33

| SPORTS

THE

UNDER TAPE T

Maria Curtis helps PRHS athletes perform their best

by Madi Loff, Blind Date Editor

he small, tiled room in the back of the school is cluttered with students. There are some waiting in line to sign in -- writing down their name, sport, and injury.

Athletes sit atop tables awaiting tape, while others lie down with heating pads or Game Ready, a type of hot and cold compression therapy. Some can be found doing strengthening exercises with resistance bands or exercises like a “five-star pickup,” an ankle strengthening exercise. Others use foam rollers to help tight muscles.

In the midst of all this chaos is athletic trainer Maria Curtis.

“Mrs. Maria has been a huge help to not only me but the whole Bearcat Athletics community… We all as athletes are very fortunate to have a trainer like Mrs. Maria,” sophomore Jacob Lambeth said.

Curtis treats injuries from every sport offered at Paso High, from golf to football.

Injuries range from things as minor as muscle strains to more serious ailments, like fractures. The ones she sees most often, however, are sprains and muscle strains.

Along with this, she treats an increased number of head injuries due to coach and athlete education on concussions.

“Just because of education and awareness we have seen an increase in head injuries. Not because there is an increase, but because now coaches are educated and student-athletes are educated on signs and symptoms,” Curtis said.

On average, Curtis treats around 50 athletes before 4:00 PM. After 4:00 PM, she continues to help athletes as they return from practice, whether it be icing a previous injury, doing exercises, or treating new injuries from practice. The athletic training room stays open until almost the end of the last practice, at 9:00 PM. Curtis recognizes the importance of being at school the amount of time necessary in order to do her job correctly, and works to balance her free time with her busy work schedule.

Her mornings are usually spent running errands and getting things done at home, while she spends her weekends relaxing and staying in the area with her husband, going to places like Cambria.

Her preference for staying local comes from her recent arrival in the area; Curtis started working for the district in 2017. Before working for the district, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Athletic Training at San Jose State University and received her masters in kinesiology with the focus of skill acquisition and sports psychology from Cal State East Bay. She also took a Board of Certification exam in

34 SPORTS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

order to become an athletic trainer, which requires continued education every two years in order to stay up-to-date on current procedures.

Curtis’ decision to go through this education in order to be an athletic trainer started young. She always knew what she wanted to do with her life, and enjoys the “puzzle aspect” of healing athletes.

“I like the puzzle aspect of injuries, where you get an injury and you’re going through all these special tests, the evaluation process, trying to figure out what’s wrong, from there, figuring out what the best method is to get them back on the field,” Curtis said.

Curtis finds joy in this process and the behind-the-scenes aspect of athletic training. She treats students and athletes to the best of her ability and demonstrates an incredible care for not only the athlete, but the person outside of the sport as well.

“The thing about Maria is she’s not just a trainer, she’s also a friend. When I got hurt two months ago, she helped me through it, giving me physical therapy instead of my parents having to pay for it. Just last week, she asked me how I was doing and continued to check up on me; it shows she really cares about the kids,” sophomore Rebekah Premenko said.

In addition to being a dedicated trainer, Curtis is also a mentor to students that plan to follow her career pathway. Students in the health care practicum class, such as senior Julia Nuñez, are able to shadow Curtis at games in order to better learn skills they will use in real life experiences.

“I’ve been shadowing Mrs. Maria for two years now and she’s taught me a lot of things, whether it was dealing with injuries or athletes to helping with college and life problems… She’s very underappreciated and always goes above and beyond for her athletes. She’s impacted my life a lot the past two years with advice for college and helping me with my own injuries.

She’s opened my eyes to thinking about becoming an athletic trainer and pursuing it as a career,” Nuñez said.

Curtis shows incredible skill in all aspects of her life, managing to balance home and work life while still giving athletes the best treatment possible.

Not only is she adept at healing athletes, she’s kindhearted and caring for not only the athlete, but the person outside of the sport as well.

Sports Action: Winter

SPORTS |

ALLEY OOP (above) : Senior Marshall Wiesner soars through the air to make a basket. The senior uses his legs muscle to reach the rim of the basketball hoop.

FIRST TO THE BALL (top left) : Junior Jordan Bullard reaches for the ball to take control. Using her speed, the junior runs up field.

CATCH THESE HANDS (middle left) : Junior Cameron Davidson wraps his arms around his opponent. The wrestler uses his muscle to pin the other team down.

REACH HIGH(bottom left) : Junior Maizie Ross tips the ball into the basket to make another two points for the Bearcats. Using her athletic ability, Ross take a leap towards the basket.

STRIKING (center) : Senior Giselle Zaratain takes her time to make a good pass. The senior uses her speed and control to pass up the field.

MY BALL! (bottom right) : Junior Alfredo Moreno jumps in front of the opponent to gain the ball. The striker tries to make his way to the goal.

Photos by Keller, V. Hernandez, Magnuson, Escamilla, Cano

02.15.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | SPORTS 35

| SPORTS

Technically speaking: DEFENDING Defense: Using his body weight and wide spread limbs, Burns protects the ball from his opponent

Focus: As he prepares to feed the ball to a teammate, Burns watches the ball and the opponent which is a crucial yet difficult part of defending

Strength:

Activating all muscles while forcing the opponent away is a key aspect of guarding the ball

INTRODUCING: THE CONTROLLER

S

by Mckensi Keller, Pop Culture Editor enior Logan Burns has been playing soccer for his whole life and finishes his senior year playing midfield. Since he was little, Burns put in effort to the sport whenever he can.

“Literally almost all of my time goes into sports,” Burns mentioned.

With the team having a record of two wins and eight losses in league, Burns never gives any hint that he is giving up.

“My favorite thing about soccer would be how good it feels when you play well as a team,” Burns stated,

36 SPORTS | Crimson Newsmagazine 02.15.19

with Senior Logan Burns “I play soccer because it’s a passion of mine and all the memories it creates.”

His teammates see him never giving up and always trying his best.

“He is very committed, he’s one of the only players who is always on time, always there 15 minutes before every practice and games and he never gives up, doesn’t matter what situation the team is in,” fellow teammate Junior Santiago Morfin said. Burns played 33 games in his high school career and scored five goals from the midfield.

Photos by Mckensi Keller