WINTON ORACLE
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Misinformation in America
By Camille Conrad
Last year, I wrote an article about the state of Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the subsequent struggle for governing power However, the people of Haiti lived in tumultuous conditions for far longer Political instability, dire economic conditions, natural disasters like the 2012 earthquake, insufficient education and healthcare, and widespread violence initiated prominently by the gang alliance Vivre Ensemble have led many people to flee the country
A significant portion of that group has found itself in America through federal programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was extended to Haitians from June 3, 2024, through February 3, 2026. TPS has allowed groups like
Afghanis and Ukrainians to temporarily and legally stay in the country because they are unable to return to live or work in their home country because of conditions outside of their control. Springfield, Ohio, became a beacon of hope for Haitians in America following government officials' publicization of jobs and low cost of living Yet, after the pandemic, what was a needed, sustainable inflow of new residents supporting the economy’s workforce became an unmanageable influx that the city’s resources could no longer support
Springfield came into the national limelight when presidential candidate Donald Trump fervently stated that Haitians in Springfield were stealing domestic animals or, as he put it, “they’re eating the dogs”... “they’re
eating the cats ” According to CNN, the shocking statement originated in a Springfield Facebook group before it spread to X (formerly Twitter) In response to the baseless and xenophobic rumor, the Springfield City Commission said in an interview with BBC, “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Despite its serious content, the comment took the internet by storm and quickly became a viral meme across platforms through remixes, animal reactions, dances, and numerous other trends. This fact seems harmless in the context of our mindless media usage Still, it takes on a scarier connotation when
considering the effects of the viral moment on Haitian communities in Springfield.
According to the Associated Press, over thirty bomb threats were made against schools, government buildings, and city officials’ homes, causing evacuations, closures, and the deployment of state police to monitor the situation The level of misinformation has instilled significant fear in the community and put the dignity and wellbeing of human lives at stake The claim has become a hateful piece of rhetoric to deny support for a community that, like many others, has already overcome incomprehensible challenges to find refuge in this great country Instead of mobilizing attention to Springfield to generate solutions for the productive unification of new and old residents, these comments have another instance of polarizing fear and hate in our country
Misinformation in America is a crisis that must be taken seriously and actively fought Some people might say that comments such as the ones made against Haitians in Springfield were told in a joking manner and that pushback against them is an infringement upon the right to free speech by a “woke” society trying to silence certain viewpoints However, there is a level of awareness of the consequences people must understand because even words with humorous intent can have serious outcomes If we wish to move “forward together,” as the Springfield crest states, it is necessary to ensure we are not divided on something as simple as what is real and what is not. Only when there is a genuine commitment to truth and respect for all can we enter a future of equitable prosperity.
Photo: Oakland Roots Soccer Club
Facing Discrimination Through Ruby Lenses
Image:Mole,withtheshadowsofF O H membersloomingoverhim,cowersagainsta brickwall (photocredit:MarvelDatabase)
About seven months ago, Marvel Studios Animation released the long awaited ten-episode series X-Men ‘97. A continuation of the original animated program that ended in (wait for it) 1997, the new series delves into what some might argue is the darker side of the X-Men storyline. Taking inspiration heavily from the comics, which in turn drew from real-life problems and issues, X-Men ‘97 isn’t just another Marvel show, or a run-ofthe-mill superhero cartoon Rather, it is a thrilling, emotional journey that, at times, parallels modern global issues in harrowing ways Above all, however, there is one subject that acts as an underlying problem throughout the series more than any other, and has been a real-world problem for as long as humanity can remember This subject is racism.
In the new series as well as the original, one of the main antagonists of the X-Men isn’t some evil supervillain, but instead a terrorist group called the F O H , or “Friends of Humanity”. The main doctrine of the F O H is that all mutants are dangerous, unpredictable ‘creatures’ that are contaminants towards the human race (In the lore of Marvel, mutants ARE still humans, which makes the F O H ’s allegations illogical as well as immoral- but that’s a whole other can of worms.) They believe
that mutants are enemies of the public, and that it is their duty to protect the greater humanity from ‘uncontrollable freaks’ Oftentimes in the show, however, the F.O.H. doesn’t even adhere to their own unjust, immoral ideals They prey on all mutants, even children, even those who have no more capacity to cause harm than a normal human. Such a mutant is Mole, whose mutation simply gives him excessive body hair In the original series, there is a heartbreaking scene in which Mole, helpless, cornered in an alley by several members of the F O H sputters, “Don’t attack me! I don’t even have any special powers I just look different ”
Mournfully, the blind malevolence exhibited by the F.O.H. is not foreign to our world today If you ask those who discriminate against others through racism, sexism, or any other form of prejudice as to why they hate who they hate, they will almost surely say “because my kind is better than theirs” or “their kind is wrong” or something along those lines What question will they not be able to answer? “Why?”
Why is one skin color superior to another? Why is one religion right and all others wrong? Why is it immoral to love someone the same gender as
you? Last year, during a class period of Honors World History, I recall Mr. Van Bomel saying “‘Why’ is the simplest, shortest question you could ever ask But it is also the most powerful.” This statement is nothing if not true What makes someone born with darker skin less than someone born with lighter skin, or vice versa? The answer is simple: nothing
Now, let’s shift our focus back to the X-Men for a moment You may think that the prejudice centered around the mutant superhero team exists only within the fictional boundaries of the cartoon. Sadly, however, this is not the case, as a character re-introduced in X-Men ‘97 received some controversy of their own An X-Man known for being a shapeshifting metamorph, Morph (the name blew my mind too) received some backlash at first from ‘fans’ after being revealed as non-binary This went on until true fans began to point out that the central principle of the show was the malignancy of prejudice, which seemed to quell the backlash to some degree If only people just realized how infinitesimal our differences are in comparison to what we have in common, you say? I, for one, wholeheartedly agree.
By Rayne Gutierrez
understanding, and love Now, I know what you’re thinking “Uhm actually, that’s three things.” While that is true, all three are necessary in equality, for compassion sprouts from understanding, understanding conceives love, and love perpetuates compassion
Hopefully, this article has opened your eyes to the fact that we, humanity, have infinitely more in common than we do apart As Professor Charles Xavier once said, “No amount of words -- of derision, distrust, or disinformation -- can change the truth that each of us... man, woman, black, Hispanic, Jew, Asian, Native American, homosexual, mutant, everyone underneath all the "words" we are related We are all family” (Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1, 294).
So, next time you have to fill out a medical form, or some important document, and it asks you for your race, perhaps you’ll stop to think about that for a moment or two Because, no matter the color of our skin, where we live, gender, religion, anything, the fact is that we all belong to a single diverse, complex race… the race we have come to call human
Unfortunately, it is a whole lot easier to say these things than it is to actually try to implement them into the modern world The innate stubbornness of humanity can only be chipped away at over many generations, if at all. But it’s not hard to see that, amidst the current state of our world, if there’s one thing humanity needs, it’s compassion,
Pareidolia : Within Winton Drive
Emerges a New Band
From the balcony of the Carondelet Academic building, Eloise Casa (senior), Velise Hill (senior), and Liz Balleza (junior) have created a new student band! Initially beginning as a five person group, “No One Else Dreams,” to becoming a one woman show, to now having three members two years later; this band has had quite the journey. On September 3rd, the band was officially formed and given the name Pareidolia The goal of their band is to give everyone the opportunity to “feel the music ” In the band, Eloise is the bassist, guitarist, and lead vocalist, with Liz as the rhythm guitarist and back up vocalist, and Velise as the drummer and lyricist Together they form the all female, all Filipino, student lead band named Pareidolia A pareidolia is defined as the perception or recognition of a pattern in something random. An example of this could be the interpretation of the patterns of the moon's craters as “the man in the moon ”
The story of how the band came together has no larger supporter than fate itself The reason “No One Else Dreams” had originally broken up was due to the band's lack of a drummer Earlier this year, Velice asked Eloise if she still needed a drummer with the hopes of continuing her family legacy of playing the drums On the decision to play the drums, Velice elaborates,“ I think I would be honest when I say that the main reason why I undertook drums was the fact that it was possibly the only instrument that my dad would be able to hear if I ever showed him our music,” due to her father being partially deaf As to how Liz joined, she transferred to Carondelet this year and Eloise asked her if she wanted to join the band, excited to hop on this opportunity, she said yes! Elaborating on what brought the band together, Liz shared gratefully, “I think … we were just more drawn together because I feel like we have like, relatability in us, you know, we have the same humor. But yeah, it's mainly friendship and all that, like what connection between all of us and all that ”
When speaking with band member, Eloise Casa, she explains, “My aim for Pareidolia is literally for everyone so that everybody could feel the music, not just hear it, to feel it, which goes hand in hand with the wanting to make one song from every genre so you can feel it It doesn't matter if you understand the language or
By Yael Aguilar
not. You can feel the music because music is a universal language ” Also on the topic of genre versatility, Liz shares, “Yeah, I just think it's really nice that we're able to not kind of bind ourselves down to a specific sound and rather be motivated to experiment with all kinds of different music and branch out.” Paredoilia gains inspiration from singers like Car Seat Headrest, Pierce The Veil, Slipknot, and Twenty One Pilots Though currently practicing with covers of songs, the band also has their own original song underway. To clarify the idea the band members have for Paredolia, Liz illuminates, “We don’t really want to be a tribute band, we don't really want to be doing covers all the time. But … making our own music and all, that's what we’re gonna try to focus on this whole year.”
As a response to the bonus theoretical question, “If you could open for anyone who would it be”, Pareidolia answered “Carsie Headdress, Cavetown, Chappel
Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Liturgy, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, and possibly even Babymetal”.
Finally, if you are interested in contacting the band regarding a song idea or song request, they can be found sitting at the Carondelet breezeway during lunch and break or you can email Eloise at ecasa25@carondeleths org “[T]here is no better place to derive creativity from than the people that you surround yourself with and the community that you tend to every day My favorite thing is community, and that's why I like this thing [Pareidolia],” as Eloise says
Pareidolia reminds us of music's ability to bring people together!
Showninphoto:(Lefttoright)EloiseCasa,VeliseHill,andLizBalleza
Vernal Falls Mist Trail: Family Friendly?
By Joshua Symonds
Located in the beautiful Yosemite Valley, Vernal Falls is something truly amazing. Caused by natural snowfall, the falls flow down from the higher Nevada Falls down to the Tuolumne River on the valley floor To reach the first viewpoint of the falls, is a mile of paved trail with lookouts over the gorgeous valley which ends at a bridge, offering you a view of what you must hike up You are met with a fork in the road as the trail splits to a branch of the John Muir Trail, a 150-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans from southern California to Canada, or the Vernal Falls Mist trail, which guides hikers up the rocky slopes of Yosemite with close encounters to steep drops and gorgeous views of Vernal Falls.
Is it family-friendly? Yes. Is it fun for more experienced hikers? Yes. During my journey up the trail, I was accompanied by my seven-year-old brother, grandpa, mom, dad, and sister as we journeyed up the side. The 1.5-mile hike up led us to stunning close encounters, and the National Park Service provides great maintenance to the high-traffic trail.
Many railings, guard rails, and stone steps allowed for me to experience the thrill I've had before of trekking along a cliff, but it also allowed my whole family to experience the stunning beauty without being deterred by the inherent danger of the cliff. At the top of the waterfall is a sectionedoff viewing area where visitors can look over the top of the falls, as it gracefully flows down to the lower pond. Further up the river feeding into the falls is a crystal clear lake, perfect for swimming after your trek up. For more experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the mist trail comes back to the greater John Muir trail, and after another 2 miles you will reach Nevada Falls, and those looking to climb Half Dome will continue along this trek for another 3-4 miles to reach the base
Unfortunately, Half Dome is not open to climb without proper climbing gear but will be open again next May The John Muir trail will also take you on a stunning hike back down to the base of vernals falls which my family opted to do to skip the somewhat chaotic trek down the mist trail Overall the whole track was 6 miles round trip and left my family in high moral.
Photo credit: Joshua Symonds
Fall Season Snapshots ��
By Jackson Holquin - @Bayarearailphotos - @winton flicks
Come submit for the Winton Arts Film Festival! The festival is for students from all across CONTRA COSTA COUNTY! The festival is a great opportunity to win awards, meet industry professionals, walk a red carpet, and see YOUR film on the big screen! Film Fest submissions open DECEMBER 2 and close JANUARY 28!!!
DLSvsNFLAcademy-TottenhamHotspurStadium,London
DLSvsNFLAcademy-TottenhamHotspurStadium,London
DLSvsSanFrancisHighSchool
DLSvsSerraHighSchool
ENTERTAINMENT
Teacher Profile: From Libraries to Leadership: Mrs. Stein’s Journey
It is an average autumn Friday night, and a lively crowd of dressedup, passionate fans overfill the student section at Owen Owens Field Students tout signs, props, and face paint, while zealously abiding by the evening’s chosen theme The pulsating rhythm of “Sweet Caroline” reverberates through the stands but Neil Diamond’s lyrics are drowned out by the roar of over 800 students chanting in unison The “bounce house”, as it is entitled by our 12th man, is bouncing A trademark of student energy, this 12-student crew is known for its vibrant enthusiasm
and unmatched hype. Yet unlike its 12 members, the crew’s ringleader isn’t a high-spirited high school senior; it is Mrs Stein While most people are glued to the currently undefeated and nationally ranked Spartan football team, Mrs Stein’s gaze is fixed on the students.
Despite unlocking a new joie-devivre, a career in student activities wasn't always Mrs Stein’s life calling Her journey first started in public libraries, shelving and cataloging books at the Alameda Free Library. There, she managed a teen book club
for local high school students, sparking her first connection with young people. Although she loved working with students, it wasn’t enough to steer her into education until an unexpected opportunity arose
One night, when a friend of hers was DJing at Saint Joseph Notre Dame, her alma mater, she decided to join him and in happenstance wound up speaking with the Activities Director, from whom she learned that the school’s Librarian was leaving On a whim, she applied
By Noah Wilson
the next day and was hired At Saint Joseph’s, Mrs. Stein found her niche, quickly connecting with students and delving into campus life. She became the senior class moderator organizing school events like prom and grad night. This passion eventually led to her promotion as Student Activities Director.
“I never thought I could work at De La Salle,” says Mrs Stein, who only applied for Director of Student Activities because of a playful bet with her husband, after Mr Aquino left in 2022. “I came to the interview and it was me and 12 students,” she says of De La Salle’s unique hiring process. “I thought that was a really cool process [that] the students were interviewing me.” To her, this was a unique introduction to how involved students are at De La Salle, resonating much with her vision for her student leadership class: “I do think in leadership, everything should be student-driven ”
Transitioning into the De La Salle community was initially a challenge Mrs. Stein explains, “It's hard being new here because so many people have worked here for a long time and know how things work and I come in, brand new and try to find out the system, [and ask] what's the tradition?” Building on the tradition now takes priority for Mrs. Stein. Her work included introducing events like Culturefest and the Halloween Carnival that students have grown to love She tells me, “I wanted to learn the traditions and see how we can continue and expand beyond the great work we are already doing.”
Over time, her growing connection with students fueled her passion as a Lasallian educator, whose main goal is to help students grow into leaders. “I love students who are driven to be a leader,“ Mrs. Stein shares, “but you got those who don't know if there are leaders yet [and] to watch them grow in leadership is really cool.”
Mrs Stein (right) sings the National Anthem before kickoff against St Francis on September 13 (from the 12th Man Instagram page )
Through her work with 12th Man, she found her favorite part of De La Salle: the football games. But for her, the magic lies not in the Spartans’ legacy or success but in the student experience. “The football games are a way of getting to know the students,” she explains.
Whether it be introducing new traditions or enhancing the student experience, she takes pride in creating moments that bring students joy “To know that I’m a part of something that's amazing, I like when kids have fun and I like to provide that ” Now, as the football season nears its end, Mrs. Stein’s enthusiasm is focused on the upcoming House System, set to launch next year
Inspired by a Lasallian school in Chicago and spearheaded by Mr. Brown-Davis in 2021, the system has been in development for years. Students across all grades will be placed in one of four houses, competing in various activities to earn points throughout the year At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win a yet-to-bedetermined prize “Earning points instills a sense of pride, spirit, and ownership of your house The bonding and teamwork of your sports team put into the school day,” Mrs. Stein explains
To her, the house system will offer another avenue to engage with students and foster leadership among students “I think it's really going to grow student leadership and foster the saying, ‘It’s a beautiful day to be a Spartan,”’ she says with excitement
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