Falconer March Issue 2022 by TPHS Falconer

Vol. 47, Issue 6, 24 pages

Friday, March 25, 2022

Facing a Maskless Future

MASK MANDATE LIFTS on A3

PHOTO BY JESSICA YU/FALCONER

BE MORE CHILL

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE: NOLAN EZZET

SPRING CONCERT

SAM SHEFFIELD

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A11

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Supt. files formal complaint against Trustee Allman Anna Opalsky

STAFF WRITER

SDUHSD Superintendent Dr. Cheryl James-Ward filed a complaint against Trustee Michael Allman in early February, according to a press release from Allman on Mar. 21. “I categorically deny [that] I have created a hostile work environment and intend to vigorously fight these unfounded accusations,” the release said, speaking on behalf of Allman. Ward declined to comment. Allman was notified of the complaint by an attorney for the board on Feb. 18, following a board meeting on Feb. 17 where Ward voiced concerns that one or more board members had been disrespectful to district staff. In the meeting, after Allman requested a meeting with the assistant superintendent, Ward said she would like to be notified before board members meet with district staff. “I’m concerned about them being abused,” Ward said, addressing Board president Maureen “Mo” Muir. “The F-word was used with me. I have seen emails where people were intimidated. I just want to make sure that my staff is not disrespected by any member of the board. I’m not saying that they can’t

meet with Trustee Allman. I’m simply saying that if he wants to meet with them, we should have two of us there to ensure that they are not intimidated [and] not disrespected.” Muir responded by saying that she was not sure what Ward was referring to and said that her concerns would be added to a board workshop. Allman said he was “shocked“ by Ward’s statement during the meeting and called it “unjustified.” Muir did not respond to requests for comment. “I think what Dr. Ward did was very brave,” Trustee Katrina Young said. “It’s not an easy thing to, in open session, share those things.” Trustee Melisse Mossy said she was “surprised” by Ward’s statement. “I genuinely hope that all of our employees feel respected and comfortable around the trustees,” Mossy said. At least two community members have also filed complaints regarding Allman’s behavior. Robyne Ruterbusch, a resident who was vocal during the recent redistricting process, emailed the district earlier this month, submitting a formal complaint of “intimidation and harassment”

against Allman after he requested her name be revealed during open session as the person who wrote to the San Diego County Office of Education with concerns about the map. “Trustee Allman was well aware that I submitted this complaint because he was cc’d in the original email, as were all SDUHSD Board members,” she wrote. “There was no reason for him to demand that my name be called out in public except to harass and intimidate me.” Heather Dugdale, another district resident, said she has had a similar experience with Allman. In January of 2021, she sent complaints to the SDCOE, the California School Boards Association, and twice to the district. The district responded to both Dugale and Ruterbusch’s emails, as well as the SDCOE and CSBA to Dugale, saying that they could not take action on the complaints. Allman said the district’s response was “reasonable” and declined further comment. “When the general tension in the country is high, it’s not surprising that it’s reflected in our school board meetings,” TPHS Principal Robert Coppo said. “I presented at a meeting this year, and definitely sensed and saw

tension between the board members.” TPHS Student Board Representative Payton Parker (12) expressed similar concerns. “It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that [Ward] would make that statement,” Parker said, referring to the Feb. 17 meeting. “She has led us very well and nothing is said lightly. I would stand by her in her statement, but we need more information to come to a full conclusion.”

PHOTO FROM SDUHSD

TRUSTEE MICHAEL ALLMAN denied all accusations made against him in a complaint filed by Dr. Cheryl James-Ward.

TPHS introduces two new electives for 22’ - 23’ school year Regan Guirguis and Cole Frost STAFF WRITERS

History of Rock and Roll: Starting next year, social studies teacher Austin Wade will teach a new elective class, the Socio-Political History of Rock N’ Roll. The class will be available for juniors and seniors only because it coincides with 11th grade U.S. History. The course steers away from the traditional history classes seen at TPHS. The curriculum will start with the fusion of jazz and then go into American-style music in the

FIXER UPPER

PHOTO BY RASA NYCE/FALCONER

TAKING CHARGE: Eric Neubaeur will open the doors of the TPHS autoshop to students taking Alternate Fuel Vehicles next year.

1950s and its transformation into rock ‘n’ roll. It will also cover how music is a reflection of the time it was created and a response to what is happening socially and politically. Wade has taken his personal love for rock and brought it to the students of TPHS. “This has been on my mind since I started at Torrey Pines on what unique class can I bring that doesn’t already exist,” Wade said. “I realized that there just wasn’t a music avenue and that tends to be a big passion of mine.” Wade wanted the class to be a way for students to learn and be introduced to music they may never have heard before. When the Socio-Political History of Rock ‘n’ Roll was added to the course selection list, it sparked interest for some of the music lovers at TPHS. “[Rock] was kind of like an outlet for creative expression for me and seeing that there was an opportunity to explore that in a classroom setting, I think that was kind of what drew me into selecting that class,” Tanay Gupte (11) said. “Rock music speaks to me more than any other genre.” The class will step away from traditional exams such as multiplechoice tests and will be built around a lot of creative journal writing to allow students to reflect on the music and the connections it may have to them. “Ultimately I think it will be a lot of fun and give the students a different way of approaching social studies,” Wade said.

TURNING PASSIONS INTO WORK

PHOTO BY RASA NYCE/FALCONER

READY TO ROCK AND ROLL: Austin Wade, a lifetime fan of Van Halen and rock ‘n’ roll, is set to teach a course focusing on how rock n’ roll colored history and evolved into what it is today.

Alternate Fuel Vehicles: Alternative Fuel Vehicles class – part of the CTE Transportation pathway -will also be offered in 2022-2023. Focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles, the course – taught by Eric Neubauer – aims to educate students on the systems and service procedures of modern vehicular transportation. “We want our students to feel familiar with the new world of electric cars,” Neubauer said. But familiarity is just the start. The global EV industry was valued at $162.34 billion in 2019, according to an Allied Marketing Research report. With projections for 2027 reaching upwards of $802 billion, the EV market is thriving on all levels. “The electric vehicle sector is extremely lucrative,” Neubauer said. “We’re trying to provide those career opportunities for our students.” Nonetheless, the alternate fuel industry can be quite controversial. “A lot of [EV] cars end up in landfills,” Neubauer said. “We want students to

learn how to properly service them so that doesn’t happen as much.” Still, students themselves are conflicted, with some questioning the class’ curriculum. “I don’t think it’ll be as interesting as normal Auto Tech,” Jack Story (11) said. “There are way more parts to tinker with in diesel engines than there are in electric batteries.” But some value the course’s progressive thinking. “The future of cars is leaning toward electric vehicles,” Tyler Arnold (11) said. Principal Robert Coppo echoed this opinion: “It’s important that we adapt to the new wave,” Coppo said.“We want to broaden the horizons for student learning. This class will help our students stay future-focused so they’ll have more transferable skills.” And with current gas prices hitting all-time highs, the future of transportation looks electric.

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SDUHSD lifts indoor mask mandate Michelle Kim

STAFF WRITER

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the end of the mask mandate in California K-12 districts on March 11, including SDUHSD, which chose to end the mask mandate on March 12. The end of the mask mandate raises some questions about safety for students and staff and how learning will be impacted. Principal Rob Coppo acknowledged the issues that may arise among

PHOTO BY JESSICA YU/FALCONER

GOING MASKLESS: Masks are now optional but highly recommended indoors.

students with the end of the mask mandate. “We swap one problem for another. It’s nice to have masks off; there’s many who aren’t comfortable with having masks off yet, for good reason. I’m hoping that we can learn to coexist with the individual choices made on that,” Coppo said. Many embrace the change openly and plan to leave masks in the past. “I’m ready for it to be over … I think we all have mask fatigue,” Art History and World History teacher Lars Trupe said. Theatre teacher Marinee Payne agreed. “I feel personally comfortable. But I am also aware that many of my students and their families will choose to wear a mask because that makes them comfortable,” Payne said. Coppo has a close family member who is a health professional and said he is not worried about going maskless. “I know that scientists have played [COVID-19] as conservative as they can for public safety so I feel comfortable that they have lifted [the mask

mandate] at this point, I think that says a lot,” Coppo said. However, TPHS’ diverse student population has mixed feelings about the change. “I think that the lifting of the mask mandate has brought a sense of normalcy … I think it’s important to remain cautious and aware of both your own safety and the safety of others as the pandemic is not quite over yet,” Julia Heo (11) said. Others believe there are more negatives to lifting the mandate. “I think lifting the mask mandate was not really the best option … it’s not just preventing COVID, it’s also preventing other diseases … like the cold that’s taking kids away from precious learning time,” Darmin Tarasewicz (9) said. “If you miss a day, it’s quite hard to ... catch up, so I think this could negatively affect learning.” Overall, Coppo hopes that students can adjust to each others’ differences. “Trying to get everyone to accept the new reality and get comfortable with it is going to be a real challenge for us,” Coppo said.

April 1: Splash Zone Pep Rally April 4-8

Spring Break

April 11-14: Canned Food Drive

2022

APRIL M

S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

April 14: Student Senate PHOTO BY EMILY SUH/FALCONER April 18-29

Seniored Out

April 26: Blood Drive INFOGRAPHIC BY JENNY HAND/FALCONER

DECA notches stellar finish at state business conference Jasmine Criqui

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Several members of the TPHS DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) team placed in the top ten for their events at the State Career Development Conference (SCDC), held from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27 in Anaheim, California. The three students who placed in the top five of their events are now eligible to compete in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which will take place between April 23 and April 26 in Atlanta, Georgia. TPHS DECA participants compete in events from one of four major “clusters”: Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship and Business Management. Diane Zhou (12) and Hanna Zhang (12) are the president and vice president of DECA, respectively. Together, they took first place at the SCDC in the Franchise Business Plan event, which is part of the Entrepreneurship cluster. For their plan, the two chose OrangeTheory for its appeal among millennials and Gen Z. “The report has all the investments

you have to make and all the fees and costs that you have, plus you have to go through all the actual franchise requirements of OrangeTheory,” Zhang said. “So if we had the money and credentials to do it, the report would help us build an actual OrangeTheory location.” The third student moving on to the ICDC is Andrew Lin (11), who placed sixth in Entrepreneurship. While in Anaheim, TPHS DECA team members made the most of their time outside of the competition. “Competing is already pretty cool because our judges are industry professionals, but there are also a lot of guest speakers,” Zhou said. “When we’re at competition for days, we really get to know each other. It’s probably the most fun part of our year and what we all look forward to.” Currently, the club boasts more than 50 members, 19 of which competed in the recent state competition in Anaheim. The only requirement for those interested in joining DECA is that members must be enrolled in a business class at TPHS or have taken one in the past.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TPHS DECA

BEST IN THE BUSINESS: Members of the TPHS DECA pose with their awards. They put in impressive performances at the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim in

PHOTO BY JESSICA YU/FALCONER

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE: The TPHS orchestra performs at the Spring Concert under the direction of teacher Amy Gelb. The concert also included Choir, Jazz Band and Band perfor-

TP Music hosts Spring Concert Helene Gao

FEATURE EDITOR

The TPHS Music Department held its Spring Concert on Mar. 8 at 7 p.m. in the PAC with performances from Orchestra, Choir, Band, and Jazz Band. “The concert was great, I’m very proud of all my students,” music teacher Amy Gelb said. The music program prepared for this concert during class rehearsals and in sectionals with coaches. The students also practiced at home using a program called Smart Music. “They worked extremely well together and have improved a lot since the beginning of the year,” Gelb said. The concert started off with a three movement performance of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik K. 525 by the orchestra. Orchestra also performed the pieces Perseus and Creaking Tree, with a solo by Morgan Robitaille. “I really loved the orchestra’s performance of ‘Creaking Tree,’ a fun fiddle tune that used different string techniques,” Gelb said. “It was really fun having them performing a style of music they haven’t been exposed to as a group.” Choir sang a variety of five different

songs. “My favorite piece was ‘Helpless,’ at the end, with Aneesa’s solo,” soprano Nethra Mahendran (10) said. Band, also known as the Wind Ensemble, performed Westridge Overture, Appalachian Counterpoint, and The Rolling Stones on Tour. The concert concluded with a performance from the Jazz Band. “We had a setlist … and narrowed it down to the pieces we played during the concert based on difficulty and accommodation for our vocalists,” trumpet Victor de Oliveira (11) said. Music students will also perform at the TPHS Arts Festival from March 24 to 25. The set list includes: a Jazz Band performance, a solo harp piece from Velana Valdez, a piece from a small orchestra chamber group, and a small group of vocalists from the choir. Sam Sheffield, a bassist in the TPHS Jazz Band, will be premiering two new songs with his band. “There are no [music] festivals this year due to COVID, but we have more concerts coming up,” Gelb said. The music students were able to show the results of their hard work at the Spring Concert, and will continue to play in future performances.

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Mobile Crisis Team responds to mental health crisis calls Dixie Wallerius

OPINION EDITOR

The new Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) is a non-law enforcement mobile crisis intervention program for any individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis in San Diego County. The MCRT teams consist of a licensed mental health clinician, case manager and a peer support specialist to better address mental health crises, in lieu of police officers. “Mobile Crisis Response Teams have a history in other counties across the nation of being successful intervention options. San Diego County saw a need for crisis intervention that didn’t involve law enforcement” Megan Patrick-Thompson, director of Mobile Response Crisis Team, said. The MCRT program was created in response to police reform advocates pushing for a better alternative to police officers dealing with mental health and substance crises, highlighting the fatal incidents in which people have ended up wounded or dead. “In many cases, law enforcement

is not trained to help individuals struggling so having crisis teams in place will lead to better outcomes for all people involved,” Ashton Nyugen (12) said. As of Nov. 29, 2021, the MCRT teams responded to 268 calls according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Also according to the San Diego UnionTribune, nearly one-third of the people were taken to crisis stabilization units and about 45 percent were connected to community services. Nearly 75 percent of the people assisted have been homeless. One in four left the site of the call or refused services and resources. Clinicians still provide resources in the hopes of a change of mind in the future, or to the individual’s family. “We are able to follow an individual up to 30 days after the call and they can ensure a connection to services,” Patrick-Thompson said. Officials for MCRT have worked collaboratively with law enforcement to create specific criteria that MCRT dispatchers use to decide who to send to the scene – a MCRT employee or police.

In situations where the individual is a harm to themselves or others, a mental health clinician and an officer or deputy will be sent. “Because talking about mental health is becoming more normalized, these types of resources are going to play an important role in our community,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCRT

ALWAYS THERE TO HELP: A member of San Diego’s MCRT (left) attends to a patient in a simulated mental health crisis situation. The crisis intervention services are new to San Diego.

The Russo-Ukranian War RUSSIA Kyiv

“

Kharkiv

Lviv

U.S. President Joe Biden Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law, and it demands a firm response from the international community.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin

UKRAINE Luhansk Donetsk

Kherson

Mariupol

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Odesa

Crimea

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Area under Russian control Bomb dropped

June 2017 - The Ukrainian parliament votes with the goal of joining NATO

February 2014 - Russian annexes Crimea

December 2021 - Russia deploys 100,000 troops near Ukraine border

December 2021 - Russia demands that NATO deny membership to Ukraine

Evan Patrick (11) said. The MCRT is working toward expanding and is expected to cost $10 million. The county plans on investing $600,000 in a public information campaign, highlighting how to call the MCRT, according to San Diego UnionTribune.

All responsibility for the possible continuation of the bloodshed will be entirely on the conscience of the regime ruling on the territory of Ukraine. Announcing the decisions taken today, I am confident in the support of the citizens of Russia. Of all the patriotic forces of the country.”

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “This is a terror that Europe has not seen, has not seen for 80 years and we are asking for a reply, for an answer to this terror from the whole world,”

February 27 - Ukrainian citizens flea to neighboring countries

February 24 - Russia invades Ukraine

March 21 - Ukraine rejects Russian demands to surrender Mariupol

March 1 - Russia bombs Kyiv’s television tower and Kharkiv’s Freedom square

INFOGRAPHIC BY KATHRYN REESE

BACKGROUND The Russian political elite, headed by President Vladimir Putin, believes that Ukraine — a former part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991 — should be subservient to Russia. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula, a territory of Ukraine, in Feb. 2014, marking the beginning of the conflict between the two countries. The conflict furthered when discussions of Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a political alliance between Western European and North American countries, were seen by Russia as a security threat. In November of 2021, Russia stationed troops near Ukrainian borders, yet Putin denied plans of invasion. However, on February 24, 2022 Russian soldiers attacked Donbas, an eastern Ukrainian territory, marking a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war. INFORMATION FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES, CNN, THE WASHINGTON POST AND THE GUARDIAN

INFOGRAPHIC BY KATHRYN REESE

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Retiring teacher Lars Trupe named Teacher of the Year Natalia Mochernak STAFF WRITER

Lars Trupe was named TPHS Teacher of the Year on March 11. This makes him eligible for the SDUHSD Teacher of the Year recognition, the winner of which will go on to compete at the San Diego County level. Trupe began his career at SDUHSD 31 years ago as a substitute teacher, and has been teaching at TPHS for 29 years. For Trupe, the initial decision to become a teacher was an obvious one. “On my mother’s side we have a long legacy of teachers,” he said. “In fact I’m the 42nd teacher in my family.” His emphasis on teaching history, however, came from a long-lasting adoration of all things old. “I love history; I think it’s fun. I think it’s important to understand the world that was in order to really understand the world that is,” Trupe said. “And,

at the end of this year. Principal Rob Coppo believes that TPHS will not be the same without him. “Mr. Trupe is one of a kind, and yet, he is a Falcon through and through,” Coppo said.

to take Trupe’s AP World History, AP Art History or AP Research classes are in for a memorable experience. “Mr. Trupe can name an obscure fact for any context,” Santiago Gonzalez (10) said. “And he also can take a super complicated topic and simplify it into something we all can understand.” AP World History student Sophie Richardson (10) believes Trupe has an uncanny talent for taking potentially boring history topics and making them intriguing. “His experience and knowledge helps create a fun and engaging learning environment,” Richardson said. In addition to the classes he teaches, his involvement on campus varies from coaching the badminton team, to participating in the annual pie eating contest. In past years, he also served as the Social Science department chair. Trupe is set to retire from teaching

like a lot of people in my generation, we had horrible social science teachers. It was all about memorizing dates and less about the real people.” His passion for education, unorthodox teaching style and connection with his

Mr. Trupe is one of a kind, and yet, he is a Falcon through and through. Rob Coppo

TPHS PRINCIPAL students makes him an integral part of the TPHS community. Over his years at TPHS, Trupe has become a mentor for many students on campus, even for those who are not in his classes. However, those who do get the chance

PHOTO COURTESTY OF ROB COPPO

LOVED BY ALL: Lars Trupe will retire after 29 years at TPHS. He was given his award by Principal Rob Coppo (left) and Matt Livingston.

New district election area map faces lawsuit

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After the SDUHSD Board of Trustees adopted a new election area map in late February, two residents sued the district, saying the map gerrymandered the areas, diluted minority voters and violated the guidelines of a map adjustment. California Education Code states that after each federal census, school boards must adjust their election maps if the population has not remained balanced, exceeding a 10 percent variance. The 2020 Census data showed that a population increase in Area 5 of the existing Cranberry Map had pushed the variance to 27.9 percent. The board then began creating a new map, hiring a demographer and accepting public submissions. The final map, named Map 8 during the selection process, was chosen from two other finalists and passed 3 to 2 on Feb. 17. The district has not released the creator of Map 8. Preceding the adoption, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold sent the district a letter, warning that one or more of the considered maps may not be in compliance with the California Education Code and California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) because of the dilution of minority voters. He warned that the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) may need to interfere in the redistricting, as the map(s) opened the district to litigation. Shortly after, a lawsuit was filed by attorney Cory Briggs, alleging that the district had rearranged trustee areas in a way that disenfranchised Hispanic/ Latino and Asian voters, violating both the California Education Code and CVRA. “They made substantial revisions to the five trustee areas and the law doesn’t allow large changes, only minor adjustments,” Briggs said. Briggs represents Carol Chang, a San Diego resident who identifies as Asian American and Lisa Montes, a Solana Beach resident who identifies as Hispanic/Latina.

Relating to the rearrangement of SDCOE with concerns regarding Map our community and lessen their ability trustee areas and violation of California 8 before its adoption, prompting the to talk to trustees.” Both Mossy and Allman supported Education Code, the suit alleges that before-mentioned warning. “When drawing our map, we tried to Map 8 because it kept coastal and Map 8 gerrymanders the areas to shift representation and change election keep communities like Solana Beach inland communities intact. Muir cycles. Areas 1 and 3 now have two and Cardiff together,” Ruterbusch said. declined to comment. Some residents disagreed, saying trustees residing in their borders, while “[Map 8] doesn’t appear to keep any Map 8 fractured Solana Beach into Areas 2 and 5 have none. Specifically, communities together.” In the 3 to 2 vote, Board President three areas and grouped coastal towns the lawsuit alleges that Area 3 was gerrymandered to include former Area Maureen Muir and Trustees Michael like Cardiff with inland areas like 5 Trustee Julie Bronstein, making her Allman and Melisse Mossy voted for Rancho Sante Fe. “They’re being disingenuous when “run for re-election in a trustee area Map 8, while Young and Bronstein they say they are preserving coastal where she does not have the same level voted against it. Of the finalists, Young and Bronstein communities because [Map 8] doesn’t of connection to the residents.” do that,” Ruterbusch said. Similarly, the suit alleges that supported Map 1C. With the lawsuit ongoing, it is “[Map 8] had the most fracture the numbers on Areas 1 and 2 were swapped to disenfranchise Trustee points,” Young said, supporting Map 1C unclear if the district will continue Katrina Young, who will have to run for because it fractured communities the under Map 8. If the plaintiffs win, the HIGH could take over the process. least.DIEGUITO “[Map 8] willUNION dilute the voicesSCHOOL of countyDISTRICT reelection two years earlier than under SAN CONCEPTUAL TRUSTEE AREAS - SCENARIO 8 the Cranberry Map. Citizen Voting San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Population Age With the swapping of Areas 1 and Area Outside SDUHSD Total Age 18 and Population SDUHSD Feeder Districts Population Over (2015-2019 2 and a shift in area borders, Map 8 Current Trustee Areas Trustee Area (2020 Census) Variance (2020 Census) Estimate) Trustee Area 1 35,681 -2.8% 27,340 26,277 School Facilities changes the election cycles of many Trustee Area 2 37,154 1.2% 30,336 27,402 n Middle Schools Trustee Area 3 37,831 3.0% 29,902 26,931 voters. Because even and odd-numbered Trustee Area 4 35,890 -2.3% 28,631 26,500 n High Schools Trustee Area 5 37,043 0.9% 26,887 19,633 _ Trustees ^ areas have different elections, residents Total 183,599 5.9% 143,096 126,743 Conceptual Trustee Areas whose area numbers switched from odd Trustee Area 1 Trustee Area 2 to even will not vote until 2024, six Trustee Area 3 Trustee Area 4 years after they voted in 2018. Trustee Area 5 The suit also alleges that the district ¬ « violated the CVRA by diluting minority _ ^ 2022 2 _ ^ voters. n 1 The Hispanic/Latino population was 2024 reduced in Areas 1 and 3 and increased Encinitas Union Elementary n in Area 2, and the Asian population in School District Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School Area 4 also decreased. ¬ « n District n “Map 8 inhibits minorities from n 2022 having their voices heard,” TPHS _ ^ Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, USGS, 3 NOAA _ ^ Student Board Representative 2024 ¬ « Cardiff Elementary SD Payton Parker (12) said. “Having the § ¦ ¨ community feel that their voices matter is important.” Solana Beach Elementary n In board meetings preceding the ¬ « School District adoption, residents raised similar 4 concerns of rearrangement and gerrymandering. Del Mar Union Elementary “It’s odd that Map 8 passed when School District nn n there was mounting support for other maps,” Montes said. n Many public comments promoted 5 ¬ « Map 1C, another finalist, which the _ ^ 2022 lawsuit says is a legal adjustment. Map 1C was created by the demographer from PHOTO FROM SDUHSD a community-drawn map, according to cific Ocean Robyne Ruterbusch, who participated MAP P8:aSelected by SDUHSD on Feb. 17, Map 8 has struggled to stay alive following a lawsuit in its drawing. Ruterbusch wrote to the alleging that the map gerrymandered areas and diluted minority voters. § ¦ ¨ § ¦ ¨ ch

STAFF WRITERS

Caroline Hunt and Anna Opalsky

esa Blvd Mira M

As California begins to lift mask mandates due to increasing vaccination rates and a decrease in case numbers, the mask discussion continues. Some view dropping masks as a way of transitioning out of “pandemic mode” due to low case numbers. Others see lifting mask mandates as premature because the low numbers do not indicate the end of the pandemic.

Anna Opalsky

STAFF WRITER

On March 12, mask mandates in California schools, which had been in place since campuses reopened for in-person instruction in fall of 2021, were lifted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Though masks have offered protection for many since the start of the pandemic, lifting school mandates is a decision that aligns with current data and offers a more appropriate approach to living in this phase of the pandemic. There is no doubt that masks were an important tool during infection peaks, but as cases drop and most of California’s population is protected by the coronavirus vaccine, mask-wearing offers less benefit. In California, 70 percent of the population over five years old is fully vaccinated, according to the New York Times. On the local level, more than 99 percent of residents ages five and older in the 92130 zip code – the zip code for TPHS – have at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and nearly 95 percent are fully vaccinated, according to data from San Diego County. Other TPHS feeder zip codes, including Solana Beach, Del Mar and parts of Rancho Santa Fe, show similar rates of high vaccination. Just as vaccinations have risen, infection rates have dropped. In the last seven days, the number of reported cases in California has decreased by 25 percent, according to the New York Times. These conditions are classified as “low” risk by the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention, which says that mask-wearing in these communities should be based on “personal preference and … level of risk.” When compared to previous infection peaks, these numbers show that virus circulation is minimal. Even before mask mandates were lifted, compliance in schools was lax. Students walked the halls without facial coverings and sat in classrooms with noses exposed. Upon changing mask requirements, the students already not following the mandate were those most likely to have gone maskless. This calls into question how much lifting the mandate will actually change how often students are exposed to the virus. Furthermore, because compliance with the mandate has waned since August, continuing the mandate in our “low risk” district would have led to more resistance among students, forcing teachers to take on the extra administrative duty of continually reminding students to lift their masks. With low risk of exposure and high protection from vaccines, it is not worth the burden on administrators to continue enforcing facial coverings. Though some will welcome the opportunity to go maskless in classrooms, lifting mandates does not prevent students from wearing masks indoors, nor does it prevent teachers from requesting mask-wearing in their classrooms. With young children still unable to get the coronavirus vaccine, some teachers have chosen this approach, as they may have children at home they wish to protect. In essence, lifting mask mandates in schools not only reflects the decreasing case rates and high vaccination numbers gracing San Diego County, but it is also the logical approach when existing lenient mask-wearing is considered. As the coronavirus vaccine carries California to the end of the pandemic, our safety precautions must adapt to meet our changing needs.

Kathryn Reese

STAFF WRITER

Schools across California ended mask mandates as of March 12, mirroring the lift of California’s indoor mask mandate, as announced on March 1. Many view this shift as a relief, the end of a seemingly endless pandemic, yet this choice is too soon, and puts the positive progress against COVID-19 at risk. Barring vaccines, masks were the only true COVID prevention tool used in schools. As of now, TPHS administration is not implementing nor enforcing any other safety measures against the virus. A symptom questionnaire has been mentioned among students, but no substantial use of these resources has been seen in classrooms. Further, to anyone privy to lunch hour, passing periods or classrooms across the district, it is evident that social distancing protocols are not being followed nor enforced. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends “layered prevention strategies” to slow the spread of the disease, including the use of masks, staying up to date with vaccines and social distancing. Thus, to take away the one other safety protocol utilized by schools besides vaccines is a risky move, especially when the health and safety of students is on the line. Though opponents of the use of masks often cite low case numbers as reason enough to forgo masks, COVID hasn’t suddenly disappeared, no matter the decline in data. There

ART BY AMANDA SALATINO are still an average of 596 daily cases in San Diego County, with 76% of those hospitalized, according to the New York Times. The daily average of cases has only been under 1,000 for a mere two weeks. It is evident that rising rates of vaccination and the consistent use of masks has caused a dramatic decline in cases. So, it’s illogical to stop these protocols now when the nation is only on the very cusp of positive progress. A downward trend in the data is promising, yet until there is a consistent, ongoing trend of low cases for an extended period of time, there is no reason to completely shift these habits. Though the current vaccine has done great work in reducing the current risk of COVID, it shouldn’t be the only thing counted on to protect against the disease, especially when new strains of the virus are possible and imminent. Just in the past weeks, Europeand the U.S. Northeast have experienced spikes in cases, mostly due to a “stealth” subvariant of the omicron strain called BA.2. According to CNBC News, researchers in Denmark believe the variant is 1.5 times more transmissible than the original omicron strain. according to Statistica, most European countries have vaccination rates over 70 percent, the level necessary for herd immunity, yet the variant is still spreading rapidly. Vaccines shouldn’t be counted on alone to protect against the virus. To stop the use of masks, a critical tool that could protect against the BA.2 strain, could prove detrimental. While masks certainly are an annoying part of life as we continue through the pandemic, the purpose they serve is crucial in limiting the spread of COVID. Relying on multiple prevention methods, rather than one, is the most effective course of action, and until there is an ongoing trend of low cases, the use of masks is still an important part of keeping the student body safe.

tphsfalconer.com

opinion

the falconer

Ye’s erratic actions further stigmatize mental health

Mirabel Hunt

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

To quote Kanye West’s 2016 song, “I Love Kanye,” “I miss the old Kanye.” Hip-hop artist, fashion designer and public figure Kanye West has flooded Instagram and Twitter feeds with stream-of-consciousness posts, homemade memes and screenshots of frantic text messaging with other A-list celebrities following his divorce from Kim Kardashian. Most of the outrage began when West lamented to his followers that Kardashian did not invite him to daughter, Chicago’s birthday party later stating, “I will no longer put my hand through a blender to hug my children,” adding, “I dream of a world where [dads] can still be heroes.” In no way is the world wholly against fathers: maybe just fathers who berate their ex-wives on social media and send vague death threats to their new boyfriends. Since Kardashian and West’s separation, Kardashian has struck up a romance with comedian Pete Davidson or as West not-so-

endearingly refers to him, Skete. Many of West’s frantic social media posts have targeted Davidson, criticizing his career and lobbing insults into West’s echo chamber of followers. West has even gone as far as to make Davidson the focus of his latest music video, “Eazy,” where West is depicted kidnapping and murdering Davidson in a twisted Tim Burton manner. Though social media has found great entertainment from West’s erratic posts, this is clearly not a normal reaction to divorce. In 2018, West opened up about his experience with bipolar disorder. This diagnosis allowed many to sympathize with West, considering it the cause for his misbehavior. It is valuable for public figures to open up about mental health all in an effort to continue deconstructing the stigma around mental illness. However, West’s diagnosis has often been used to justify some sketchy things in the name of manic creativity. He even said himself in an all-caps Instagram post that it is “dismissive to say I’m off my meds anytime I speak up.” So when West refers to slavery as “a choice” or comes out against abortion by announcing that he “almost killed” North, we need to listen and realize that Ye means it. By no means is West a role model for mental health or anything for that matter. But West has perpetuated the idea, dating all the way back to Van Gogh, that mental illness is an artistic superpower, and that his intrusive thoughts bring him success.

ART BY MIRABEL HUNT There is no doubt that struggle can inspire creativity, but treating mental illness as an asset inhibits society’s progress with these conversations. Many use creativity and art to cope and advocate for themselves, but it is not a blessing. Mental illness hurts and kills. Mental illness is a disease just like cancer. The voices in one’s head are not the word of God whispering the lyrics of “DONDA,” it is trauma and chemical imbalance. West has nearly 16 million followers on Instagram and 30 million on Twitter.

His music is revered by even more. One cannot deny that he is a public figure with a profound influence on our culture. Even if West does not identify as a role model, he has a unavoidable responsibility given with his status. While it is important to show both sides of mental illness, it needs to be done responsibly. Threatening and harassing those around them in front of millions is not okay, even if one struggles with mental illness. In this way, West is perpetuating the stigma that mentally ill people are “crazy.”

Eileen Gu must choose between China and US

Jerry Wu

COPY EDITOR

The naturalization of foreign athletes has recently emerged and popularized itself in international sports. Regardless of their underlying motives, cases of athletes switching nationalities to compete have generated controversy, with many labeling these acts as attempts to gain financial and other benefits at the cost of disloyalty to their countries. As witnessed at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, there was no shortage of naturalized athletes, including American-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu. Back in 2019, she announced her decision to represent China at the Olympics games “to help inspire millions of young people” and to promote the sport of skiing. Despite China’s ban on dual nationality, it is unclear if Gu ever renounced her American citizenship without proof of government record. She also frequently dodged questions about her citizenship during press conferences at the Olympics and other

occasions. However, the two nations’ conflicting stances on human rights, economics, trade and governing styles will prompt Gu to decide which nationality she identifies with. For the most part, the last 40 years of U.S.-China relations have remained relatively stable. Until recently, the large-scale acts of human rights violations in China have escalated and locked the countries in a stalemate. While the United States has publicly condemned China’s repression of Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, China has often chosen to neglect these complaints, given the United State’s problems with racial justice. In support of democratic values, the United States has also offered assistance to these oppressed regions, driving division between its relations with China. According to South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper, “about $2 million was earmarked for the protest movement in Hong Kong.” Nor has the United States seen eye to eye with China’s authoritarian treatment of its people through strict media censorship. On China’s side, the country has laid its vision of the United States as a declining power, attempting to prevent its international rival from expanding its territory. Many of China’s leaders have written off America’s democracy as chaotic, with no consensus, which will ultimately fragment the country, as highlighted in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Among other contentions, China historically has run a huge trade

surplus against the U.S., to which America started to increase the tariffs on Chinese imported goods, unleashing the US-China Trade War. As reported by the BBC, the “U.S. has imposed tariffs on more than $360bn (£268bn) of Chinese goods, and China has retaliated with tariffs on more than $110bn of U.S. products.” To a great extent, these differences have prevented both countries from returning to their previous, cordial relationship. Consequently, Eileen Gu’s reluctance to clarify her nationality status has caught much media attention and discussion. Contrary to Gu’s path, some athletes in similar situations have declared their representation of one, sole country, with figure skater Zhu Yi being one. Born in the United States, she decided to convert to Chinese nationality to receive a coveted slot in the Olympic games. In addition, her decision relieves her from any confrontation from the public scrutinizing her nationality status amid the growing tensions between China and the United States. But Gu still seems to be on the fence. Torn between the two countries she

ART BY ALISON WILLIAMS calls home, Gu will ultimately seek solace in choosing a nation to commit to: a decision greater than maximizing her chances at the Olympics. The rising tensions between China and the United States with their opposing views of human rights and government action will ultimately drive her final choice. Her delay in clarifying the side she identifies with will only harm her, forcing her to bear the brunt of people from her countries disputing her situation. As people always say, sports are beyond national boundaries, and athletes have their motherland. Ultimately the contrasting dichotomy between the rising tensions of the countries will compel her to make a decision.

opinion

A8 the falconer

march 25, 2022

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

» NOLAN EZZET

Sports Editor Nolan Ezzet shares how his pets have taught him lessons about love, teamwork, and caring for others. For not one second in my life have I not had the privilege of owning a dog. When I was born, a six-month-old English bulldog puppy was waiting at home to greet me. At 10 years old, on the way back from my grandparents’ house, my family adopted a goldendoodle puppy, who I named Kobe. A few years later, we adopted an adorable pug by the name of George. My time spent with the three dogs has not only provided me with time to play with some fluffy friends, it has truly refined my life and taught me important lessons. After Winston became a grandpa, my family figured it was time to get him a canine friend. We visited a goldendoodle breeder just north of Los Angeles and observed the large selection of puppies available for adoption. Some small, some big, all the puppies were nothing short of adorable. We noticed the runt of the litter was being ganged up on and thought he would make a perfect best friend for our lovable English bulldog at home. We adopted the puppy and brought him along on our three-hour-long journey back home. On this trip, the learning lessons had

already begun.. For one, I learned the preciousness of life beyond humans as I observed this tiny, adorable creature who’d only been alive for a few months. He slept the entire car ride home, took maybe three sips of water and was completely silent. He was completely unaware of his surroundings, and I already felt the need to protect and look after him. When we brought this puppy – who eventually became Kobe – home, we introduced Winston to him. Over the years, they got to know and love each other so well that neither of them relied so heavily on my family or me, but rather on each other. Observing their cooperation and communication, I learned from another species how important teamwork is, as well as how significant tight bonds can be. As Winston reached the age of 10, his physical health deteriorated significantly. Most seriously, he was nearly paralyzed from the hips down. His hind legs would scrape against the ground when he walked around the house, and when the pain became unbearable, my family would have to

Berkeley

Caroline Hunt

STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 14, thousands of hopeful students opened their inboxes and found, to their horror, a message from the University of California Berkeley. The email announced that the popular campus cut its incoming fall 2022 class by a third, equating to 3,050 fewer admissions. But a mere month later on March 14, there followed a collective sigh of relief when Gov. Gavin Newsom passed legislation that would reverse the enrollment cuts. While Senate Bill 118 will spare thousands of UC Berkeley hopefuls extra anxiety, it fails to hold UC Berkeley and the entire UC system accountable for environmental impacts of the campus housing crisis. Senate Bill 118 followed an August 2021 enrollment freeze placed on the university after the organization Save Berkeley’s Neighborhoods, a group of Berkeley residents who work to preserve the city’s environment, sued to

PHOTO BY TAMMY EZZET

must

pick up his hind legs and move him like a wheelbarrow. Seeing Winston grow up and eventually become physically disabled taught me not only the circle of life but also how to take care of others. A few years after the passing of Winston, our family chose to adopt a pug named George to be Kobe’s new friend. The two clicked instantly and couldn’t live without each other. Something I observed early on, however, was how they interacted with our cat, Thor. When Kobe wrestled with Thor for fun, they both had an enjoyable time. When both George and Kobe would wrestle our cat, Thor would become visibly upset. To this day, Kobe and George don’t recognize that Thor despises wrestling both dogs but finds it fun to wrestle one. I, however, realize that Kobe and George essentially gang up on my cat. And I’ve turned this into an important lesson I can learn from by recognizing the importance of paying more attention than usual to others’ feelings. As cliched as it sounds, most people overlook their friends’ feelings, especially when they think they’re just having fun.

address

challenge the campus’s environmental impact.. The bill allows California public colleges and universities 18 months to “complete any court-ordered environmental review before being subject to a mandatory reduction or freeze,” according to the Los Angeles Times. If UC Berkeley hopes to maintain its high admission, it and the UC system need to more seriously consider student home insecurity and campus impact. These events stem from the growth of student admission at UC Berkeley. A shocking example is UC Berkeley’s 2005 development plan that predicted a 2020 enrollment of 33,450 students, according to the L.A. Times. In 2016, Save Berkeley’s Neighborhoods found that student enrollment had already surpassed the 2020 goal by 30 percent. This isn’t an isolated event, as UC Berkeley’s situation is only one part of a pattern the UC system has of prioritizing quantity over quality in terms of student admission. A similar experience is seen on UC Santa Barbara’s campus, where a massive housing shortage has “forc[ed] hundreds of incoming students to live out of cars and motels,” according to the Santa Barbara Independent. The UC system’s reluctance to cut admissions does not come as a surprise, however, when put in terms of profit. UC Berkeley stood

In December 2019, Kobe escaped the gated off section of our house and got into a small bag of candy, including pieces of chocolate. After he became visibly tired and sick, our family took him to the veterinarian, and we found out that Kobe had acute pancreatitis. The vet told us that his pancreas would be easily inflamed for the rest of his life. As a result, we now have to be cautious when feeding him, making sure to not give him any super fatty or sugary food. As a slightly overweight dog, Kobe certainly finds it offensive to restrict his diet. But our family knows that it’s to prevent another trip to the vet, and possibly death. I’ve learned through this ongoing experience to trust the opinion of knowledgeable people, whether they be parents, teachers or anyone else with expertise. Far too often we think we’re always correct when it’s clear to someone else that we’re not. Of course, I’ve had plenty of fun petting and playing with my dogs, but just as important are the lessons they’ve taught me. Without my experiences with my fluffy friends, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today.

housing

to lose a hefty $57 million in tuition revenue following the initial one-third enrollment cut. The UC system seems to believe that the fact that a 2017 housing survey found that 10 percent of UC Berkeley students experience homelessness at some point during their time at school is justified just to make a couple extra millions. More students also means a greater effect on the surrounding Berkeley environment. Save Berkeley’s Neighborhoods asserted in a similar 2019 lawsuit that the increase in UC Berkeley enrollment aggravated the housing crisis in the area, in addition to increasing homelessness and local trash problems. But, in theory, a preeminent education like that should be available to all students with the drive and knowledge. Slashing university admissions, however, would likely result in making this kind of education even more exclusive and expensive. With no earnest efforts to build housing for UC Berkeley’s students that also accommodates the community’s environmental concerns, UC Berkeley can look forward to a bleak future of forced enrollment cuts and community outcry. Just in the past month, UC Berkeley released plans to transform People’s Park, a UCowned space spanning 2.8 acres, into

crisis

ART BY ISABELLA ZABARSKY housing for 1,100 students. This plan has been met by community backlash over the anticipated negative impact on Berkeley’s working class community. It’s clear that UC Berkeley and the rest of the UC system need to take forceful steps to improve their housing crisis. Cutting student admissions by a third is not the answer. Instead, UC Berkeley needs to make thoughtful plans to increase student housing that actually account for community and student input. So instead of insisting on increasing student admissions while disregarding housing and environmental travesties, UC Berkeley needs to make lasting changes, for the wellbeing of students as well as the city of Berkeley itself.

opinion

tphsfalconer.com

STAFF EDITORIAL

the falconer

Ukraine Crisis highlights strength and weaknesses in bipartisanship

Russia’s war on Ukraine has just entered its fourth week since the invasion on Feb. 24. As American citizens watch from afar, the RussoUkrainian War has revealed much about our ability to come together as a nation and respond to conflict. On the surface, Americans seem to be united in supporting Ukraine, and it is refreshing to see various communities band together in efforts to aid the people affected by war. But while the majority of Americans seem to be “Team Ukraine,” there still lies a lot of partisan division over the issue that is not as widely recognized. It is easy to identify Russia as a common enemy as the negative sentiment between Russia and America runs deep in our history. From the nuclear threat during the Cold War to the systemic use of torture by security forces, Russia seems to embody the opposite of America’s democratic values, but when we discuss how to respond to their aggression, conflicting views emerge. Much of the current partisan division stems from people trying to find a source of blame for this war. Many Republicans criticized Biden’s role and response to Russia’s aggression, declaring that Biden’s countermeasures were ineffective and that this entire war could have been avoided if America’s leadership acted differently. Democrats, on the other hand, defend Biden’s approach in working with the rest of the EU and attacking Russia’s economy. America has acted as a sort of “global policeman” for the last decades

in getting involved in other nation’s affairs, but Biden’s collaborative handling of the war breaks away from America’s traditional interventions. Many are also displeased with the rising gas prices as a result of America’s sanctions against Russia. These concerns raise the question of where people’s true priorities lie as many seem to be more concerned with placing blame for the war and lowering gas prices than they are in helping those directly affected by war. American media has brought a lot of attention to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, with more than three million Ukrainian citizens having been displaced as a result of the war. Neighboring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Moldova have been praised for offering protection for these refugees. While it’s heartwarming to see the graciousness of these countries, why aren’t we seeing the same offered to the millions of refugees from other countries facing similar conflicts? American people are quick to offer our support to Ukraine, but we turn our backs on millions of Hispanic and Middle Eastern refugees fleeing brutal wars. The Russo-Ukrainian War is also unique in the way that our digitized world has allowed us to see the real effects of war through social media. War has always been something taught from textbooks, but videos of Ukrainian bombing victims surfacing on our TikTok feeds are something our generation has never seen before. While other wars have occurred in

ART BY TISYA NAIR the internet age, never has there been one that has been engaged so heavily with through social media. The ability to communicate with and observe the people experiencing horrible events halfway across the globe allows us to grasp the devastating reality of situations like the Russo-Ukrainian War. Cries of shared outrage towards President Vladmir Putin from Russian citizens prevented us from demonizing the Russian people as a whole and, instead, allowed us to identify the Russian government as the perpetrators. However, while awareness of the Russo-Ukrainian war on social media is important, the nature of social media takes away the spotlight from other issues around the world that are just

How do you think the U.S. has handled the Ukraine crisis thus far?

as critical. Colombia, Myanmar, and Syria are in the midst of wars, as are Yemen, Libya and Mali, but there is little to no media coverage of those conflicts. Moreover, misinformation and propaganda are widespread on social media, so it’s important to discern the truth of what we consume. The digitized world equips us with powerful tools to understand the reality of situations like the Russo-Ukrainian War, but it acts as a double-edged sword as its consequences are often overlooked. Although there’s no clear end in sight for the Russo-Ukrainian war, the most we can do is to put aside our partisan differences, demand truth in media and stay updated on current news and focus on aiding those in need. -The Falconer Staff

Student Voices I think the U.S. has a lot of influence and could do more than send a few millions dollars and troops to Ukraine.

-Christopher King (11) I think the U.S. has handled it poorly because they could’ve stepped in more and earlier.

-Miles Taranto (11) Editor-in-Chief: Assistant Editor-in-Chief:

We, the Falconer staff, are dedicated to creating a monthly newspaper with the intent of encouraging independent thinking, expanding our knowledge of journalism, and providing the TPHS student body and community with a truthful, unbiased news source, in accordance with our First Amendment rights.

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The Falconer is the student newspaper of Torrey Pines High School. Its content, which is the responsibility of the Falconer staff, is not subject to administrative approval. Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the staff, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective. Advertisements do not represent endorsements. The Falconer, an open forum, welcomes signed letters or guest editorials on pertinent issues from the TPHS community, which may be submitted to room 102, via email at falconer.ads@gmail.com or to Mia Smith’s mailbox in the administration building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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A10 the falconer

march 25, 2022

1 in 3000 To Sam Sheffield (12), music is the language that allows him to express his thoughts and feelings in a way that surpasses simple words. It’s also a language that he learned largely on his own, or from observing family members. “A lot of people had music teachers, but I never had private lessons. I was pretty much self-taught,” Sheffield said. He picked up the drums from his brother and the guitar and bass with the help of his father. Now in his senior year, Sheffield plays for the Jazz Band as a bassist. “It’s where the creativity gets to be expressed to a live, receptive audience,” Sheffield said. To Sheffield, Jazz Band is a way of taking his artistic expression to the next level. “I loved the creative aspect of jazz. It’s just such a unique genre,” Sheffield said. Just last summer, Sheffield found another way of taking his passions further by starting his own band called, “Black Sweater” with his older brother. “I’ve always liked writing music and I’ve been practicing and learning a lot of instruments over the years to the point where I can put these things together,” Sheffield said. As a multiinstrumentalist, he works together with his older brother to make songs. The band features indie-pop songs across a multitude of platforms ranging from Spotify to Youtube. Since the band is still new with a modest following, Sheffield and his brother face unexpected hurdles

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM SHEFFIELD

with getting their band heard by new listeners. “We’re not good at social media. I have no clue how to do it. I’ve never had social media before this so I need to work on [it],” Sheffield said. But with a new album coming soon combined with their marketing efforts, its fanbase is gradually growing. Marketing aside, songwriting is arguably the hardest part of making music. For Sheffield, getting his thoughts across to his listeners in a way that resonates with them in a timely manner is most difficult. “The hardest part about making music is what you want to say,” Sheffield said. “Because your songs are only like 3 minutes long, a lot of times you have so much to say so you have to pick out the most important things and that still makes sense.” Despite all the challenges that come in the way of making music, the rewards far outweigh the trials and tribulations. “Telling a story is just really emotionally satisfying to express yourself and tell a story that you’ve been through,” Sheffield said. “When someone relates to what you’re singing about, playing about, when people are like, ‘Yeah, I know what that feels like’, that’s probably the best thing,” Outside of his band, Sheffield expresses himself in a way that goes beyond the sheet music. Since he was nine years old, Sheffield has been practicing martial arts, specifically Krav Maga. Not to mention, Sheffield takes five AP classes, his favorite being AP Lit which explains his love for writing. Notably, Sheffield made his first debut on the theater scene in the latest school musical, Be More Chill. In the musical, he plays the main villain, Squip, a character he describes to be “demanding, cool, evil, and sociopathic.” Despite his packed schedule, however, he manages to find a way through all the chaos. “I try to prioritize. You gotta make a hierarchy in your head of what’s important and what you need to accomplish,” Sheffield said. “If you do that, then you’ll find time to do all the menial stuff that keeps you in check.” In the near future, Sheffield expects to be advancing his career in music. “I plan to be in college, hopefully studying music in one way or another.” Further down the road, Sheffield hopes to carry his passion into his career. “Maybe something in the music business, if not a performer, then producer,” Sheffield said. But for now, he’ll continue playing for Jazz Band and working on releasing new songs for his band. Although he’s only in high school, his passion and talent for the craft he loves suggests a bright future in the music industry. Paired with songs reflecting his powerful drive to create, relate, and connect, it’s safe to say, he is truly one in 3,000. by Martin Lee

Sam Sheffield

feature

A12 the falconer

march 25, 2022

Clubs on the Decline ? participation

& passion The school bell rings at 7:40 a.m. as students hustle toward the closing classroom doors. Their minds sluggishly push forward, starting the day with an abundance of to-dos; yet, thoughts encroach and dizzy daydreams wander toward the realm of their true passions. Those interests take form outside the school curriculum in the form of clubs. “The main thing I’ve seen with clubs is how important they are to students. I think they’ve expanded and evolved over time. They kind of ebb and flow as the needs go,” Principal Rob Coppo said. “But what I love about clubs here is that a student can start a club at any time and get an adviser and pursue something they’re really interested in.” Coppo’s point is validated by the fact that TPHS houses a striking 150 student clubs. That being said, students claim that running a club is no smooth case to crack; one suspect of difficulty appears in the form of fluctuating participation. Some clubs struggle to encourage members to attend meetings and events while others do not. Despite its longevity, Torrey Pines Speech and Debate Club (TPSD) is one club in which participation has lagged in recent years. “We might not have as many members as we could have or as much engagement as we could have,” TPSD President Jason Li (12) said. d e iz l a r t For TPSD, its variety of events could n very dece y l t s e “It feels be the damning factor. Each event has n nts ... I ho e v e g m n e o its individual set day to practice for am of th w if some o n k competitions but membership and ’t n o d ” n u dedication is dwindling from event to r still event. ch and e e p S P T s “I will be honest with how Speech Anonymou nt e and Debate has been run,” an d u t Debate S anonymous TPSD member said. “It’s very decentralized among events … I honestly don’t know if some of them still run.” While it is evident that TPSD founders, there is no sign of

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struggle for Torrey Pines Academic Team. “I’d say most of the time we do have near a 100 percent attendance rate, so I think we are pretty good,” Jackson Huston (‘20), Academic Freshman Team coach, said. “It helps that since it’s a smaller team, there aren’t a lot of people who are absent often because everyone’s pretty close together.” Huston’s analysis that the Academic Team’s high participation rate is due to its small size differs from Li, who has observed that advising and coaching appears to be make or break factors of participation success. “We kind of just hired a college student as a club advisor and he’s always busy,” Li said. “I noticed with certain coaches, [we] kind of do a bit better. And then with other coaches, not as much.” Students claim that another issue exists in the divide between common interest clubs and more academically-driven clubs that might look better on college applications. “I feel that academic or service clubs have an edge on this because people normally want to put it on their college application so if you are a hobby-related club like the [FIDM] Fashion Club, you really have to put yourself out there to find people who have the same passion and making everyone feel heard and a part of the club,” Olivia Shi (11), president of Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) Fashion Club said. TPHS students and faculty alike have noticed this disconnect and imbalance. “Speaking frankly, if kids think a club is going to help with their college applications, that club’s going to remain popular for a very long time,” Coppo said. Over her time as a club adviser for multiple clubs, French teacher Jessica Huntsberger believes that good leadership is a saving quality for clubs of all sorts, even those that aimed at college acceptance. “The clubs where they have the most dedicated and focused leaders are the ones that have a purpose,” Huntsberger said. “[The club has] motivation and the passion of the student that wants to start it.” Furthermore, without direction and strong leadership, clubs can thrive or disappear. Shi is an example of a student who revitalized a former club. “There previously was [a

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is simple, . Connect , use the e, solve tery. You nd what ur evernt TPHS rvive and ood luck.

torrey pines FIDM Fashion Club] but [the presidents] didn’t exactly run it correctly since you are supposed to pass it down … [then], during online school, I saw that there was no [FIDM] fashion club,” Shi said. Apart from leadership a main aspect of creating and maintaining a club at TPHS involves communication with ASB. It is the job of Club Commissioner Chloe Briggs (11) to serve as the support system for clubs. “Since I started, I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress with the organization of [clubs at TPHS] because [in] my freshman year, it was definitely a less organized system … We’ve definitely tried to help foster participation [with events like] Clubbing it Out,” Briggs said. At the same time, Briggs feels ASB is not as efficient as it could be. “I don’t have a lot of direct contact with the clubs … we want them to know that they can come to us if they need assistance,” Briggs said. Though ASB strives to be a support system for TPHS clubs, the motives from the administration do not match. Coppo said that TPHS administration has an individual advocacy approach when it comes to clubs. “We, [the administration], don’t necessarily have a support system for clubs. If clubs [are] doing something [and] they want promotion for it, [they should] put an announcement out, have the adviser getting in touch with admin for communication,” Coppo said. “It’s hard for us when you’ve got 150 [to] 200 clubs to reach out to. … So we really do put that responsibility [of reaching out] on the club.” Administration aside, some clubs feel that ASB’s efforts are not leading clubs in the right direction. “They recently had this thing called Clubbing it Out but not a lot of people did it. They are doing better this year though as compared to last year, when I basically had no information,” Shi said. “[ASB told] all the presidents of all the clubs about certain policies, events [and they] created a Google Classroom but last year there wasn’t much support.” Looking toward the future, TPHS club leaders feel their clubs can move past former challenges by employing certain ideals. Li believes Speech and Debate Club’s current issue, lacking student participation, will no longer be a problem in the future as the club will meet up together more often. “I think [the club’s sense of unity will] get better [as we practice in person more]. [I’m] graduating this year but next year, hopefully, things like tournament’s will be able to go back in person and the team will be able to travel again and do stuff together,” Li said. “So I’m hoping, I think, it’s going to get better.”

“

“What he lps clubs stay long term is t here’s a number o factors. f One is th at somet that has hing sort of a broad ap ... The ot pea her thing is inclusio l The more n, inclusive a club is [the] mo re likely [it is] to a long t last ime.” Rob Copp o Principal

Additionally, Li believes the most unity important quality, perhaps even more than the success of a flourishing club is togetherness. “I think just having a sense of team unity makes it a lot more fun to participate in. It makes the club more enjoyable in general. And I think that’s kind of what makes people want to be in clubs,” Li said. Coppo, too, has noticed several key qualities that help a TPHS club succeed. “What helps clubs stay long-term is there’s a number of factors,” Coppo said. “One is that something that has sort of a broad appeal ... The other thing is inclusion, The more inclusive a club is [the] more likely [it is] to last a long time.” Huntsberger believes that future TPHS clubs will center around actual interest instead of the focus on buffing up college applications. “It used to be when kids would start clubs just to get into college,” Huntsberger said. “And once they got into college, they would stop coming. But I haven’t had a club like that in a long time.” Chess Club is one such club. Huntsburger advises Chess Club and claims that is the epitome of what all TPHS clubs should strive for. To Huntsberger’s account of Chess Club meetings, “it looks like you’re at a carnival.” Ron Tal (11) is the president of this newly-popular commoninterest club. Chess Club meetings often involve members pulling the desks out of Huntsberger’s classroom and playing chess outside and eating snacks that were provided after school. “We’re just down [in Huntsberger’s room and] we’re having fun,” Tal said. It seems that Chess Club members are strongly united because of their mutual passion for the game of chess, which distinguishes them from other clubs. “I guess the sense of camaraderie [makes Chess Club] fun. There’s no real stakes or anything. You come, you win, you lose,” Tal said. “It really doesn’t matter [what happens]. We’re just having fun and that’s just what matters.” by Viyang Hao and Naomi Ciel

& caring leaders

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42.3% Common Interest Community Service Political Academic

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feature

march 25, 2022

PARKING PANIC Torrey Pines Edition

The use of the TPHS parking lot is back in full-swing since returning to campus, but the return to driving safely around campus has not followed as effectively. During the 20212022 school year, there has been an increase in collisions in the lot as well as on the roads surrounding campus. From fender benders – more minor accidents – to dangerous, lifethreatening ones, TPHS has seen it all in the past few months. “We have a handful of fender benders every year; that’s not surprising,” Principal Rob Coppo said. “But this year, we’ve definitely had an increase in accidents involving students, though not necessarily accidents between students.” Nick DeFina (11) is one such student who recently has been in numerous accidents. “I was actually hit by two football players [in separate incidents] on the same team as me,” DeFina said. “It was probably within the first couple of weeks of them getting their license, and they scratched my car.” DeFina cites carelessness, like not halting at stop signs or parking poorly, as a prominent cause of the rise in collisions. “People blast music as soon as they get out and speed over the speed bumps, which not only damages your car but could hurt somebody or hit someone’s car,” DeFina said. Students have certainly taken reckless driving to a new level, as cars have been seen driving over the small hills that divide the rows in the student parking lot as well as speeding through the rows. The posted speed limit is 10 mph, but students tend to far exceed that, even when pedestrians are crossing the road and other students are parking. “People sometimes don’t look over their shoulders, which creates a hazard because they could potentially hit another car,” Tara Trabucco (11) said. Trabucco also noted the many risks in driving around campus. Although she has not gotten into a crash herself, she definitely worries about the chance of one. “I wouldn’t say I always feel safe driving in the parking lot because people are offensive drivers, and we might need some more defensive drivers,” Trabucco said. Another significant hazard is how busy the parking lot and

surrounding areas are. There are often traffic jams of students trying to get on and off campus before and after school, which results in a buildup of impatience and creates a large risk due to the sheer number of people. The sole designated drop-off and pick-up area for parents is at the front of the school, where there is a roundabout to control the flow of traffic, but parents swarm the back parking lot in addition to the staff parking lot by the G building. “We regularly try to educate our parents. Over the years, we’ve had to move our campus supervisors and administration out there,” Coppo said. “There’s six of us out there trying to get around 2,000 people to leave the parking lot.” A student (12) who asked not to be named recently was in a crash as a result of parking lot traffic. “I had just got into my car, and I was getting in line with the other cars trying to leave,” the student said. “Since there was traffic, I was stopped, like I was stationary, and then the girl’s car who hit me was backing out of her spot. I’m not sure exactly if she could see me or what her thought process was, but she ended up rear-ending me while trying to back out.” The student’s bumper and back left tail lights were broken. “I’m not sure of the exact price [of the damage], but I’m pretty sure it was around $4,000,” the unnamed student said. Car crashes can be dangerous and also quite expensive. DeFina knows this. “There was about a thousand dollar’s worth of damage, maybe a thousand and a half, each time,” DeFina said. “It was cosmetic – front fender in one [accident] and then the rear in the other.” In order to prevent further collisions, students should be more calm, focused and aware. “I think it’s important to be more patient,” the unnamed student said. “Sometimes people aren’t willing to wait – everyone is trying to get out as fast as possible – and that leads to accidents. [People should] be aware of their surroundings when they back up to make sure they have enough space so that they don’t accidentally hit someone.” TPHS continues to monitor the parking lot and insist on driving safely for both students and parents as the tense crowds grow and become more hazardous. by Adrianna Hazlett and Madison Miller

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b e m o r e c h il l a t p p l a y e r S p r o d u c t io n

“Be More Chill” was TPPlayers’ second production and first musical in the Performing Arts Center in the 2021-22 school year. A reduction in COVID-19 cases allowed the cast to employ clear face shields as protection instead of the KN95 masks they used in their previous production. There were a few microphone and feedback issues, but seeing the actors emote with their whole faces made it worth it. The set was adorned with a city skyline made of black cardboard decorated with sequined pieces. The musical begun with “Jeremy’s Theme,” a congruent crescendo of sounds from the pit: piano, guitar, bass, trumpet, the drums and saxophone played by Sarah Wu (12), Jason Nguyen (11), Rose Anderson (12), Gianna Choy (12), Cormac Cadden (12) and Trent Fallon (12) respectively. The senior-driven ensemble welcomed Nafis Aboonour’s (10) character, Jeremy, during his first solo song, “More Than Survive” with cool confidence. The next song, “I Love Play Rehearsal,” introduced Aneesa Ali (10) to the TPHS stage as Christine, Jeremy’s love interest. Ali’s voice entranced the audience like a Disney princess, and her strong notes boomed throughout the theater. The lighting cues and ensemble worked cohesively to engage the audience and keep the energy up. Bright blue lights accompanied Aboonour’s solo singing and vivid green, pink and purple flashes appeared during powerful group segments. TPPlayer debuts, Aboonour and Matthew Lee (11), kept up with the fast-paced tempo of their duet “Two-Player Game.” The two made a charming duo, displaying the characters’ friendship. Lee was the perfect forsaken sidekick, effortlessly gaining the audience’s sympathy for Michael’s empty basement. Although new to the TPPlayer acting stage, Sam Sheffield (12) brought a seasoned musical background and confident vocals to his role as the Squip, a powerhungry, sentient supercomputer. During “Upgrade,” Sheffield

gravitated toward a more rockand-roll style of vocals: giving his character an edge that set him apart from the high school-aged characters. The metallic embellishments on the Squip’s classy black trench coat, fashioned by costume designer Naomi Schneider (12), thoughtfully matched the flashy, reflective set pieces. Libby Bezdek (11) and Brooklyn Hampel (11), played Chloe and Brooke respectively, masterfully executing the mean girl archetype. Their animated expressions perfectly demonstrated peeved popular girls in pink. Hampel is a sweet Gretchen Weiners, had Gretchen been given the time of day, as shown in her and Bezdek’s sweet serenade, “Do You Wanna Ride.” Every time Bezdek stepped on the stage she made it her own Broadway soiree, even as a supporting character. The show was raunchier than we anticipated, with Chloe “dancing” on Jeremy’s lap and copious references to male genitalia and other sexual innuendos. But, the show remained classy while also relevant to the messy high school experience. It was the perfect second-semester show for this group of young actors: mature content for an age-appropriate story of insecurity in adolescence. Lee’s first solo, “Michael in the Bathroom” sang like an angsty mad-at-the-world ballad, perfectly capturing the teenage experience. Lee’s voice was emotional and raw, delivering hard-hitting lyrics through uncompromising high notes. Act II’s climactic song, “The Smartphone Hour (Rich Set a Fire),” erupts with an impressively dynamic clash of sounds, voices and instruments. Travis Wheeler (10) returned in “The Pants Song” with a newfound sense of paternal love. Wheeler’s character brought smiles to our faces with every flip of his flop. We found “Be More Chill” to be the best, most professional TPPlayers production thus far. Despite what the title tells us, we were not chill about how phenomenal TPPlayers’ production was. by Mirabel Hunt and Srishti Thapar

photos by jessica yu/falconer

W INT E R M US ICAL 2 0 2 2

entertainment

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the falconer

featuring

WOMEN

IN ENTERTAINMENT by Viyang Hao and Michele Kim

Take a look at prominent female directors taking over Hollywood

AVA DU VERNAY 13th, Selma, A Wrinkle in Time

SOFIA COPPOLA Lost in Translation, The Godfather Part III, The Outsiders

Over the Academy Awards’ 92 year history, Kathyrn Bigelow has been the only woman among 93 men to earn the Best Director award, according to United Nations Women. Representation of women in the entertainment industry has been lackluster. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in prominent female

representation, resulting in more departures from gender stereotypes and accurate women’s narratives in films. Jane Campion has already won the 2021 Golden Globe and the 2022 BAFTA for Best Director for “The Power of the Dog” and is a favorite for the Oscar. A global study by The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, UN Women, USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism and The Rockefeller Foundation found a meager 23 percent of popular films feature a female protagonist. This lack of representation often involves the hypersexualization of women in film, objectifying them and making them seen as less than others. The work done by female directors such as Campion, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig and Domee Shi has created unique, inclusive narratives that illustrate that women can direct and tell important stories.

DOMEE SHI Turning Red, Bao, Purl

GRETA GERWIG Ladybird, Little Women, Nights and Weekends

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A18 the falconer

entertainment

march 25, 2018

In with the Old, Out with The New Teenage years are often defined by awkward growth spurts, weird mood swings and copious amounts of stress. It is a period that — despite its inelegance — has been the subject of countless films and shows dating as far back as the 1970s with the release of hits like “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever.” Though portraying the teenage lifestyle, teeming with classic high school drama like impulsive breakups and cringy first dates, many of these productions feature teenage characters played by adult actors well into their 20s, and sometimes even their early 30s. This trend isn’t anything new. For decades, directors have cast actors years older than their teenage characters. Stockard Channing was 34 when she played 17-year-old Betty Rizzo in “Grease.” Cory Monteith played a 16-year-old teenager in “Glee” at 27. Most recently, Zendaya, who is 25, plays 17-year-old Rue Bennett in “Euphoria,” a show that has taken the world by storm over the past three years. From a director’s standpoint, making the decision to cast adults over their teenage counterparts is often an easy one. Due to labor laws, minors can only work for limited hours and require additional arrangements for schooling and a guardian on the set at all times. But this decision can have a negative impact on both the young actors trying to find a place in the film industry and on directors’ targeted audience: teenagers. Carly Gendell, a 17-year-old actress who starred in Broadway’s original “School of Rock,” is living through the full brunt of these effects. Currently attending the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City, Gendell is in her prime for teenage casting, yet she’s encountered times when the only barrier holding her back, ironically, was her age. “There’s been plenty of times where I have gone in for roles I felt like I was really right for and it was just, ‘Oh, but she’s too young,’” Gendell said. “But the part I was going for was 17 and I am 17, so why am I too young to play a 17 year old?” Like Gendell, Jackson Dunn (12), whose resume includes films such as “Brightburn” and “Avengers: Endgame,” has been through stretches when his work flatlined and his opportunities dried up. “There’s a recognized period from ages 14 to 17, where it’s virtually impossible for a younger actor to compete with someone who is 18 to 23,” Dunn said. At 16, Dunn passed the California High School Proficiency Exam, making him 18 years old from an educational standpoint and therefore eliminating the need for extra schooling on set. Nevertheless, he still faced labor restrictions as a minor and confronted fierce competition between older actors who were often more skilled and experienced. But when it comes to playing teenage roles, extra experience

The Falconer dissects the issue of directors casting older actors into roles of teenageers, a common technique seen in many TV shows and movies such as Euphoria, Glee and Grease.

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b in the film industry doesn’t always translate into better acting, according to Dunn and Gendell. “There’s a point at which an actor developmentally, mentally and physically outgrows their ability to portray a teenager,” Dunn said. “I don’t think having gone through all of your teenage years makes you better at playing a teenager.” As a high school teacher, Jack Milner, who teaches Film and Society, has seen the disparity between how adolescents and adults act. “I’m not saying that all kids are awkward, but I will say that they are all going through puberty and they are all growing up,” Milner said. “It’s a part of the awkwardness and scariness of being in high school.” But this facet of teenage behavior is lost when a teen is portrayed by an adult actor who has already gone through adolescence, giving teenage viewers a false perception of what they are supposed to act and look like. And while the idea of moving up the ranks is prevalent in many professions, Gendell believes that it’s not the same in the film industry. “For example, if I wanted to become a veterinarian, I would figure it out right now. I would learn about all the bones and muscles of an animal and then I would go to school for many, many years,” Gendell said. “The acting profession is just not like that at all. Sometimes you don’t need all the experience. It’s just about who is best for the part because ultimately the job of acting is to imitate life.” Though movies will never be the same as reality, a lack of actual teenagers in teenage roles can cause a host of problems, especially when it comes to perceptions about body image, Gendell acknowledged. “When you are looking at someone who is older and who has had more time to figure out what looks good on their body and more time with makeup and hair and things like that, I feel like it definitely makes [viewers] believe, ‘Oh, well, why don’t I look like that and what am I doing to not look like that?’” Gendell said. This trend does not just apply to body image, but also pertains to activities such as singing, as in the case of Libby Bezdek (11), a member of the TPHS varsity hip hop dance team and the drama program. From a young age, Bezdek developed a passion for singing, a love she saw reflected in the musical TV series “Glee,” which she watched as a kid. Despite motivating Bezdek to pursue a future in singing, Glee also laid down some impossible expectations. “When I watched ‘Glee’ when I was younger, I was constantly comparing my voices to the voices of the people on the show, which made me feel really insecure about my voice,” Bezdek said. “When you’re adults, you have a more mature voice, so obviously you’re going to sound really good. [Teenagers] are not as developed, so we’re not going to sound like that.” With girls specifically, Gendell believes the growth of adult casting into teenage roles has resulted in the over-sexualization of females, most notably in “Euphoria,” which contains dozens of explicit scenes. “When you have people playing high schoolers and you see them in that sexual context, in every single way it also puts teenage girls in that sexual context,” Gendell said. “Girls should still be able to figure out who they are as people but also sexually figure out who they are. I feel like when [movies] are showing it, sometimes it’s helpful, but the way that it’s shown right now isn’t necessarily helping anyone.” Directors may also feel more comfortable showing the unhealthy side of teenage life that’s often glamorized, like drug use and crime, according to Dunn and Bezdek. “In ‘Euphoria,’ no one was ever doing schoolwork, and we completely missed that part of teenagers’ lives,” Bezdek said. “It kind of promotes the stereotype that all teenagers think about are drugs and sex, but that’s not our entire identities. We kind of lose what it really means to be a teenager.” The life of a teenager is unique. It’s a time of infinite exploration, friendship building and self-discovery. Often, only the ones experiencing it can accurately depict it. “Sometimes you just need kids to play kids, because it really does make a difference, maybe not for the adults but specifically for kids who watch these kinds of shows,” Gendell said. “This is the only time teenagers are going to be in high school. We really are the ones who understand it the most because we’re going through it.” by Rami Kabikibi and Jacob Zhang

older Actors in younger roles Alexa Demie (Maddy Perez) Character Age: 17 Real Age: 31

Olivia Newton-John (Sandy) Character Age: 17 Real Age: 29

Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson) Character Age: 16 Real Age: 27

Michael Tucci (Sonny) Character Age: 18 Real Age: 30

Zendaya (Rue Bennet) Character Age: 17 Real Age: 25

Harry Shum Jr (Mike Chang) Character Age: 16 Real Age: 27 PHOTOS BY NEW YORK TIMES, PINTEREST, STARCASM, TWITTER, TEEN VOGUE, FAMOUS FIX

Matan Morris

STAFF WRITER

Boys wrestling gets new head coach

Martin Lee

STAFF WRITER

In the past four years, the TPHS varsity boys wrestling team has gone through the most challenging years in its history and won its first league championship in school history last season. From the COVID-19 pandemic to coaching changes, the wrestling team has faced challenges and enjoyed success. In 2018, the wrestling team temporarily lost its longtime head coach, Martin Brown. At the time, he was too busy fulfilling his student teaching hours to work as a head coach. “[Coach Brown] couldn’t give the time to be a head coach, and so the old head coach for Canyon Crest (Conner Nessler) … came over and was the head coach for a year,” assistant coach Paulo Dominici said. Nessler only coached for about a year, as he left for an opportunity to complete his Ph.D. program, leaving a vacant spot for the 2019 wrestling season. Fortunately for the team, coach Roger Tower stepped in for awhile until Brown returned to coaching the team. “[Tower] became the coach for the 2019 season [and] started the 2020-2021 season,” Dominici said. Now that coach Brown is officially the head coach again, he brought Dominici and Wes Lee onto the team as varsity assistant coach and JV head coach, respectively. Despite the unexpected turn of events for the team, many are excited about the new lineup of coaches. For

example, Colin Scott (11), one of the team captains, feels optimistic about the impact stemming from assistant coach Dominici’s presence. “He used to be one of the best wrestlers in San Diego County when he was growing up, so under his new coaching experience, it’s really helped … everybody on the team,” Scott said. Kameron Scott (11), the other team captain and Colin’s twin brother, feels that the change was, in general, positive. “I think for the most part it was a pretty smooth transition. Not many people were too upset about it,” Kameron said. Kameron attributes this not only to good coaches but to the previously small team size. Wrestling, unlike many other sports like tennis and track and field, is a contact-orientated sport played indoors, which made it difficult to play during a global pandemic. Although the team size did shrink compared to previous years, it was not long before it bounced back in popularity on campus. “We got over it just like any other sport did. I mean, we lost a lot of interest in wrestling because of COVID, but after this year, we had one of the biggest teams I’ve ever seen,” Colin said. Now with a fresh team and a reignited spirit, the team has big plans for the coming season. “This previous year was really where we stacked up the gold. Next year is obviously the league championship; we won the

first one this year, so that’s our benchmark,” Dominici said. As difficult as the pandemic was, the wrestling team came out fighting, winning the first league championship in its history against Carlsbad, Canyon Crest Academy, Oceanside, and Sage Creek. Dominici hopes to continue the streak and win the league championship again next season. Kameron shares that goal with Dominici. “We want to send all 14 people to Masters, which is like the regionals right before state. We also want to

become league champions,” Kameron said. But regardless of how many titles they win, the coaches hope to impart important life lessons to their wrestlers. “We really just care about the development of the wrestlers as people, as athletes, and as students because at the end of the day, they could only do wrestling for four years in high school,” Dominici said. “But the life lessons that they learn during wrestling will carry through for the rest of their lives. That’s all we hope for them to take away.”

All good things must come to an end. This was the public reaction to Tom Brady announcing he was hanging up the cleats after 22 miraculous seasons. However, the following month would reveal shocking news that wasn’t too surprising to most people. Following the Buccaneers’ heart wrenching loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams, Tom Brady did some self reflection and ultimately decided that his time in football had come to an end. This shocked many considering the fact that he was still playing at peak performance at the age of 44. But just one month after Brady decided to end his outstanding, accomplished career, he decided that retirement wasn’t for him quite yet. Brady’s return will not only make the Buccaneers a legitimate Super Bowl contender but also change the focus of the rest of the teams in the NFC, primarily the NFC South. His impact is so profound that other teams have to specifically dedicate time to minimizing his brilliance as a quarterback. Not only is his preparation for games unmatched, but his competitive spirit is second to none. There is little doubt in my mind that the Buccaneers will be relevant next season, and that’s mostly just a tribute to Brady. There has been some controversy over how Brady simply unretired at the drop of a hat. A multitude of fans suggest that this showed a sense of indecisiveness and lack of commitment on Brady’s part. However, these fans aren’t taking the time to consider how football limits the amount of time players get to spend with their families. Tom Brady is a husband and father of 3 and is entitled to step away from football at any point to be there for his family. If he wants to continue playing and his family supports his decision, then he has the right to do that as well. While the window between when he announced his retirement and “unretirement” was slim, that is irrelevant because it’s still early in the offseason. Andrew Luck decided to retire in August of 2019, right before the season. This left his team in a difficult situation, considering the fact that the draft and free agency had already passed. Though Luck had valid reasons for retirement, the timing of his decision was crushing to his former team. Tom Brady has had a legendary career thus far, and is fully committed to his 23rd season being yet another dominant one. While there may have been some hesitation about running it back one more time, Brady deserves recognition and respect for taking a moment to consider others before himself.

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DAY IN the Life At first glance, Alyssa Ahn’s (9) opponent had hopes of an easy win –she was five years Ahn’s senior and a whole head taller. Immediately as play began though, she found herself losing grip to Ahn’s clever and never-faulting attacks. Soon enough, Ahn came out on top with an easy 6-0 6-0 win. This recounts just one of Alyssa Ahn’s countless underdog victories against world-class junior tennis players and Division I college recruits. Ahn first picked up a racket at seven years old and has been in love with tennis ever since. “Tennis is such a great way to make friends and it has taught me so many life lessons like perseverance, resilience and never giving up,” Ahn said. At just 15 years old, she has proven herself an integral part of the SoCal junior tennis community. Among freshmen, Ahn ranks third in the state and seventh in the nation. She plays number one singles for the TPHS girls varsity tennis team and in November she defeated Westview’s senior Kaila Barksdale, committed to Division I University of Utah, to win the San Diego CIF individual championship. she also has managed notable triumphs in prestigious national tournaments. However, what makes Ahn a brilliant tennis player is not her accomplishments, though they are impressive. H e r uniqueness lies in her display of mental toughness, sincere sportsmanship and calm demeanor on the court. “Sportsmanship is definitely more important than winning because it is vital to be respectful to your opponent, and it makes the match more enjoyable for both players despite the outcome,” Ahn said. On the TP tennis team, Ahn cheers on her teammates both on and off the court. Not only does she bring a positive light to the team, but her compliments extend to her opponents – “nice shot” and “great point” can always be heard coming from her court. “To me, sportsmanship means doing what you know is right no matter the score or rivalry in competition. It is all about having integrity toward your opponent,” she said. The majority of the nation’s top juniors do not attend conventional school. Instead, they are homeschooled to have more flexibility for tennis, whether it be to have longer practices or travel for tournaments. This brings on an added challenge for Ahn, who must balance schoolwork with tennis training In a sport in which productive practice sessions are especially essential, Ahn does more than just get by with only two hours daily. “My intentions at practice are always to give 110 percent every minute because I can’t practice as much a day as other players who, for example, don’t go to school,” she said. “So I think it is way more important to put everything I have into those short two hours than playing for a longer time and not keeping the intensity up the whole practice.” Balancing a sport while attending high school is always tough, but Alyssa manages it extremely well. “I can never waste time. Tennis has helped me a lot with time management skills and knowing my priorities,” she said. Ahn is diligent and driven both on the court and in the classroom. Her willingness to improve and work toward goals makes her a standout in all areas of her life. Ahn does not just play tennis, she also gives back to the tennis community. She volunteers as part of the Youth Tennis San Diego Junior Player Council to provide opportunities for Southern California youth to play in organized tennis events by removing obstacles to their participation, particularly in underserved communities. She is also a part of Second Serve, a youth-run non-profit organization that redistributes tennis equipment to underprivileged communities around the world. “It is so important for me to give back to the community where I came from,” Ahn said. “It makes me so happy to see the smiles on kids’ faces when they get to play with the equipment I’ve donated. I am so glad I can be someone they can look up to.” At the end of the day, Alyssa Ahn is not just a standout tennis player; she is an empathetic, kind and incredibly humble human. by Natalia Mochernak

PHOTO BY NATALIA MOCHERNAK/FALCONER

ALYSSA AHN

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sports

A22 the falconer

march 25, 2022

Skater Valieva is a symptom of a larger problem Kelsie Park and Lola Newlander

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AND STAFF WRITER

In Olympic history, Russian athletes have been involved in the most doping cases, with 46 athletes being stripped from their medals. In December of 2019, Russia was banned from participating in international sports competitions by the World Anti-Doping Agency, after finding Russia had orchestrated a statesponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Russian athletes were permitted to compete in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, as long as they do not do so under the banner of Russia, now taking part of the Russian Olympic Committee. Kamila Valieva, a 15-year-old Russian figure skater, was favored to win gold in the 2022 Olympics. Valieva is known for her high level of technical skill in her performances, winning the VALIEVA DEJECTED FOLLOWING HER POSITIVE TEST FOR BANNED DRUG

PHOTO FROM THE PHOTOOF FROM INEWS HOLLYWOOD REPORTER PHOTO COURTESY HAJIN PARK

European figure skating title prior to competing in Beijing. During her free skate performance in the team event, she became the first woman to land a quadruple jump in the Olympics, completing two of these tricks. Despite her evident advantage in the competition, Valieva was hindered by the result of her failed drug test. Following her integral role in leading the Russian team to win gold, Valieva tested positive for three heart treatment drugs, one of them increasing oxygen intake, and banned as a performance enhancer. Controversy soon broke out over whether Valieva should be able to advance into the individual event, as well as if the Russian team should be stripped of their win. It is difficult to believe that a 15-year-old girl is responsible for her positive test, considering the previous Russian doping scandals. Another factor to consider is Valieva’s coach, Eteri Tutberidze. Following Valieva’s disappointing performance in the individual free skate, Tutberidze greeted the 15-year-old with hostile chastising instead of consoling and comfort. Tutberidze, a controversial coach aside from the doping scandal, is now being investigated for her involvement in Valieva’s drug use. In recent years, Tutberidze and her coaching methods have been condemned for the harsh

practices carried out by Sambo-70, the Russian figure skating club that Valieva is a part of, and of which Tutberidze is the head coach. Sambo-70 has been criticized in the past for its known practices of starvation, dehydration and unchanging regimes despite a significant number of Sambo-70’s figure skaters suffering injuries. The figure skaters that have been trained by and skated for Sambo-70, especially the female skaters, have spoken openly about the club’s intense and arguably abusive training. “Generally, I restricted myself during the Olympic Games. I was, you can say, not drinking water at all,” Russian gold medalist Alina Zagitova said in a 2019 interview with Russian Glamour. Even though Valieva’s doping scandal has inspired further questioning of Tutberidze and her involvement, Tutberidze maintains that Valieva’s positive drug test was deceitful and a “hoax.” Anna Shcherbakova, another Russian figure skater, went on to win gold after Valieva’s downfall. As another of Tutberidze’s students, speculation of doping has been extended to Scherbakova after Valieva’s scandal. Some have noticed drastic breathing differences throughout Shcherbakova’s performances, noting how she seems to be extremely out of breath during her

short program skates, but then appears unwinded after her long programs. Based on knowledge of the intensity of her coach, it wouldn’t be surprising if Scherbakova also participated in the same performance drug. Despite the potential of Shcherbakova doping, it is fair to assume she deserves her title, having passed her drug test. Regardless of the talent and success of Russian athletes, their continued abuse of performance-enhancing drugs and disrespect for the rules of the Olympics makes it difficult to truly determine the skill levels of these athletes. A major factor is the country they represent and the extremities their culture will go to for a medal. If the lengths they go to results in a 15-year-old being forced into doping, there is a clear issue with their integrity. TUTBERIDZE SCOLDS VALIEVA FOLLOWING FAILED PERFORMANCE

PHOTOOF FROM THE CUT PHOTO COURTESY HAJIN PARK

Title IX brings new funding for TPHS softball Piper Levy

BACKPAGE EDITOR

SDUHSD policy states that the district “afford[s] equal rights and opportunities to all persons to attend school and participate in the District’s programs and activities, regardless of actual or perceived sex.” The policy, as well as the federal law Title IX, “prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other educational program that recieves funding from the federal government,” meaning boys’ and girls’ programs have similar budgets, funding, field conditions, locker rooms, team rooms and more. One team should not get more or less support from the district than a team of the opposite sex. As a federal rights civil law, it is critical that TPHS follows Title IX in order to give every sports team an equal opportunity to develop as student athletes.

“It is important that TP follows Title IX because we want to give equal opportunity to both men and women,” Simone Bertucci (12) said. “Keeping young women involved in sports and keeping them active can help them grow up to become strong and independent individuals.” Nevertheless, the examples of inequalities between boys and girls sports teams are numerous. The boys baseball team’s field frequently receives new and improved infield installation, netting, rubber flooring for dugouts and a clubhouse, some of which are funded by the Foundation, according to Foundation Executive Director Zephyr Fletcher. Although some of these funds come from donors, most is provided by the district, according to Fletcher. On the other hand, the softball field 100 yards away is overrun with weeds along the four-foot fence that lines the field

PHOTO BY NATALIA MOCHERNAK/

PHOTO BY JESSICA YU/FALCONER THE GIRLS SOFTBALL FIELD, LOCATED IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CAMPUS

and its outdated dugouts. “Our outfield is terrible because it’s not even flat grass since it’s littered with holes,” Kyra Chan (12) said. “Our backstop is not high enough, our uniforms are 20 years old and our helmets are to the point of being unsafe to use.” The softball team’s Foundtion liaison, Kim Klekotka, took it upon herself to file a Title IX claim, to ensure the team was getting the facilities and equipment it deserves. Klekotka proposed a new softball field, equipped with new, permanent fences and a legitimate outfield. “[The claim] is something the district really needs to handle, because oftentimes there are improvements that need to be made that are overlooked,” Fletcher said. “It is on the district to make sure the fields look equal.” The girl’s softball team has shown resilience through their disadvantage by

having a very successful season so far. “This season has been going very well, and I believe we can win D1 this year,” Bertucci said. “So far, I think, we are 7-4-1, and I predict that we will win a lot more games.” Chan is committed to Stanford University for the fall of 2022. She is just one example of the talent within the TPHS softball program, highlighting the importance of the athletes receiving the funding necessary to help them prosper. “I like my teammates and I love competing,” Chan said. “I may be playing softball for college now, but I started it because I liked it.” The team has already received new batting cages located next to the softball field, according to Chan. If and when more funding based on the Title IX claim comes in, the team looks forward to new uniforms, higher quality equipment and a safer practice field.

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A24 the falconer

March 25, 2022

Dear Torrey Pines High School student body... If you are not a senior...DO NOT PARK IN THE SENIOR LOT. There is nothing more to say, you are not a senior, it is quite selfexplanatory.

I know parking is scary, but next time you attempt it, try to do it with your eyes open.

So what if you back up traffic throughout the entire parking lot? Backing in is a necessity in order to make a quick getaway at lunch. You are ready to go at a moments notice, except one of your wheels seems to be over a line no matter how many times you back up

If your parents drop you off, ask them to drop you off in the front. The minivans and prius’ are starting to cause a traffic jam every morning when it takes you 20 seconds to drag your stuff out of the backseat.

g n i k r a P TPHS OR F

S E I M DUM

“The way you pulled in, makes me wish your dad pulled out.”

5 SIMPLE Rules to Follow 1.) Follow the zipper method in the entrance. Just because you are in a Tesla doesn’t mean you will survive a friendly T-Bone from a Ford F150 2.) Parking along the edge does not give you a reason to open your door as wide as you can. You will have your door ripped off sooner or later. 3.) If you are parked over a line, repark. 4.) If you back into someone else and drive away... that is illegal. 5.) Drive slowly over the speedbumps, thanks to a senior prank about a decade back, we have a surplus of concrete.