TPHS Talon Times by TPHS Falconer

TALON TIMES

May 13, 2022

VOL. 1, Issue 1, 8 Pages

New history textbooks coming for 2022-2023 Cass Love

NEWS EDITOR

By the summer of 2023 at TPHS, all history classes will have new textbooks, according to Catherine Mintz, chair of the social science department. A textbook adoption year happens when a school or district replaces old textbooks with newer versions, especially if the physical condition of the books is bad or the information contained in the books needs updating. College prep U.S. history classes at TPHS are in need of new textbooks, according to some students. “We use them every class, but they’re so worn out. They’ve been written on, and it’s kind of sad seeing how damaged they are,” Olga Achmatowicz (11) said. The textbooks for AP History classes, however, are in better condition. “The textbooks in APUSH are in perfect condition … it has information from the Trump Administration … so it’s pretty recent,” Keira Hsu (11) said. The same inconsistency is seen in AP World History and college prep World History textbooks. AP World History textbooks are in good condition, whereas college prep World History textbooks are not. There is a reason behind this “We adopted textbooks for AP classes last year, and this year we’re adopting for college

prep,” AP World History and AP Art History teacher Lars Trupe said. Prior to last year when the textbook adoption process started, it had been roughly 18 years since TPHS had last seen textbooks in pristine condition with updated information, according to both Mintz and Trupe. “... [A]lmost 20 years before adopting new textbooks is really not the way to go … because everyday something new is happening,” Trupe said. This year is the first year in over 10 years that Trupe has used a textbook in his AP World History class because the old textbooks were so out of date that he “didn’t see the point.” There are reasons that it has been so long since TPHS purchased new textbooks. For one, it costs a lot to update all the textbooks for the entire district, since all the high schools and middle schools get new textbooks at once. The price tag on that investment, according to Mintz, is “hefty.” Also, the information included in the textbooks can be controversial. “It’s usually pretty contentious -- or can be -- particularly in social sciences because there are always going to be groups of people that are going to argue that the textbook doesn’t cover enough of a particular event or the contributions of a particular population …” Trupe said.

Photo by Srishti Thapar

History textbook content has become particularly scrutinized in some areas of the country in recent years, though textbook challenges in SDUHSD are unusual. It is more common for novels to be challenged

by parents in SDUHSD. Despite those challenges, Mintz promised the textbook adoption process will be finished by the summer of 2023 and all history classes will have up-to-date textbooks.

“Women of Lockerbie” staged in Black Box

Photo by Rasa Nyce

Joy Ma

FEATURE EDITOR

Following “Peter and The Starcatcher” and “Be More Chill,” the TPPlayers introduced a new performance; with a cast of

NEWS

seven women and two men, “The Women of Lockerbie” took its final bow on Sat., May 7. Written in 2003 by Deborah Brevvort, “The Women of Lockerbie” is a dramatization of the historical events that took place after

FEATURE

Pan Am flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland due to a bomb onboard on Dec. 21, 1988. After seven long years of torment and self-affliction, Madeline Livingston journeys with her husband from their New Jersey home to Lockerbie in search of her son’s remains, thinking she cannot properly mourn for him until she finds something to bury. When she meets the Laundry Ladies, four women whose self-appointed mission is to find articles of clothing from the lost, wash them, and then send them back to the families of their owners, she gains new understanding. The performance highlighted thematic topics including dealing with loss, conflict regarding government and its citizens and the validation of internal guilt after traumatic events. At TPHS, “The Women of Lockerbie” was directed by teacher and director of the TPPlayers, Marinee Payne. Student directors Naomi Schneider (12) and Sean Kim (12) collaborated with Payne on the production. TPPlayers is a theater club at TPHS for students of all ages. “[TPPlayers] are an organic, almost therapeutic group of people… [our interests] are similar, and I love communicating with young people and watching them grow…,” Payne said. Kim and Schneider “read the play and collaborated to make [their] vision for the show a reality,” according to Schneider. The show depicted the five stages of grief of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance through a straightfoward script that required nuanced performances from the

OPINION

cast of nine. “[Actors present] only information, raw and with little to no emotion intentionally, so [the audience] can experience their emotion [with their own interpretation],” Schneider said. Additionally, the atmosphere was very different compared to prior productions. Instead of performing in the proscenium theater of the Performing Arts Center, “The Women of Lockerbie” was presented in the Black Box. Enclosed by four black walls, the Black Box in the Performing Arts Center mimics the one that was the sole theater space on campus until 2020. The key factor that prompted the choice of venue was that the space was smaller and more compact, especially conducive to a play with largely compressed emotions. “The Black Box is good in a sense that it condenses the space and creates a sense of intimacy,” Kim said. “[It also conveys] a sense of personal meaning to the audience members.” According to Schneider, “[viewers being able to see] every little expression on the actors’ faces can really help drive home the message.” In addition, if the performers had been in the proscenium theater, they would have had to project their voices significantly for optimal audience comprehension, which might have thrown off the calm undertone of the story. “The Women of Lockerbie” ran April 27 through April 30, and continued May 4 through 7.

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

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NEWS

Drop-Offs

Cause

Traffic

Photo by Celine Wang

Lexi Lamb and Lexi Moran

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND STAFF WRITER

Student drop-off in the student and staff parking lots causes traffic, tardies to classes and frustration among student drivers and teachers at TPHS. Many TPHS upperclassmen believe a main cause of traffic is freshman and sophomore drop-off. “With more kids, we have a greater

need to access [the parking lot],” Assistant Principal Robert Shockney said. With parents disregarding the dropoff rules and heavy traffic in the backlot, frustration occurs among students and staff. “I think that the freshmen getting dropped off in student parking has become

MAY 13, 2022

Student

an issue this year and past years because it causes traffic, making it harder to get to school and making kids late for classes,” Chase Erlbeck (11) said. His idea of a solution would ideally be to have “a designated area where freshmen get dropped off” so the drop-off process does not interfere with the parking process. That would help stop frustration from students who drive and also prevent tardiness due to drop-off traffic. Teachers and staff have told students and parents that the student parking lot is not for drop-off and parents are simply not listening. The school has provided many alternate routes for drop-off to make it easy for parents and students, including the circle in the front of the school. This seems to be ignored by parents and ends up causing more issues than necessary. “There are certain areas; like going through the back; that parents are not supposed to go to,” campus supervisor Robert McKeon said. Riley Tone (9) understands that freshman drop-off causes congestion in the student lot. He gets dropped off in the front lot of TPHS for that reason.

Lot

“I’m sure it’s a pain and I’m sure there are better ways to figure this out, but there’s only two [campus supervisors], so it’s kind of hard to be in all of the spots. It’s frustrating I’m sure,” McKeon said. Though the situation might be improved by the addition of more supervisors, that is not an option. “I would love to hire two more supervisors if not more, but we are not able to do that,” Shockney said A drop-off in the front and at least two more supervisors would greatly impact the traffic and help students make it to classes on time. Shockney and McKeon have heard the students’ issues and will address them as soon as possible. While there is the issue of student drop-off in the student parking lot, the issue of drop-off in the teacher parking lot is a problem as well. Parents drop their children off where the teachers park, despite there being signs making clear it is prohibited, causing traffic entering and exiting the teacher lot. “It’s a nightmare sometimes: parents will sit and wait until the first bell rings, so that their kid can wait in the car,” math teacher Annie Polan said.

TPHS STEM Accolades

Photo by Gwennie Liu

Photo by Darmin Tarasewicz/Team 3647

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD On March 5th, the Science Olympiad placed fifth at a regional competition which qualified them for the state competition. Science Olympiad is a team competition that rotates around STEM-related topics in groups of three or four. Students choose to study one of the 20+ topics throughout the school year. Although these competitions are typically held at universities or other venues, they’ve recently been held virtually. State competitions were held on April 2nd. TPHS placed 19th overall.

ROBOTICS TEAM The TPHS FIRST Robotics team, Team 3647, The Millenium Falcons, won second place at the San Diego Regional from March 17-20 and at the Aerospace Valley Regional from April 6-9 in their efforts to make it to the world championships in Houston. At SDR, the Millenium Falcons earned the Regional Finalists award and the Quality Award. Furthermore, they were awarded with the Finalist Award again and Autonomous Award sponsored by Ford at AVR for the autonomous period. After the competition, the team had the seventh highest scoring autonomous in the world.

Photo by Darmin Tarasewicz/Team 3647 Photo from International Mathmatical Olympiad

Photo by Seidy Cruz

ACADEMIC TEAM The Varsity and Freshman teams won the North County Academic League in their divisions. The Junior Varsity team lost in the semi-finals.

MATH OLYMPIAD TPHS rising senior Derek Liu has been chosen to represent the U.S. in the 2022 International Mathematical Olympiad team. This July, him and his teammates will travel to Norway to participate in a 2-day international competition. In addition, sophomores Jacopo Rizzo and Elliot Liu earned the “Winner” title on the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad, the third competition level. Based on his scores, Elliot has also been invited to the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program.

Opinion

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Tuition-free college benefits students, the economy Lexy Muller

STAFF WRITER

Higher education is becoming more important than ever, and the number of people going to college has increased dramatically since the beginning of the 20th century. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 1909 to 2017, the number of 18-to24 year olds that went to college has increased from 2.9% to 41.2%. A growing population of people are weighed down by mountains of college debt. Also, wage inequality by education has only been made worse during the pandemic. Tuition-free college would help this situation and allow more students to go to college. Tuition-free college refers to the government paying college tuition and students only paying for their room and board. According to Pewtrusts.org at least 38 states already have existing or have proposed tuition-free college programs. In addition, Edvisors, a college planning tool, states that 26 other countries have a free or nearly free college tuition, including France, Spain and Sweden. A September 2017 survey by National Review said that 63% of Americans support tuitionfree public colleges or universities. The U.S. should implement a tuitionfree college program because it would help decrease college debt, benefit the economy as it has before, and it would give everyone access to a college

education. Tuition-free college would decrease harmful college debt. ProCon.org says that students are leaving college, “already buried under a mountain of debt before they have a chance to start their careers.” This gives these students no chance to contribute to the economy. If tuition is free then former students will have significantly less college debt and will be able to contribute more to the economy. They will buy cars and houses and also spend more freely on all sorts of goods and services. According to the Washington Post, the number of student loans is rising: they have increased 130% since 2008. “It is insane and counter-productive to the best interests of our country and our future, that hundreds of thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college, and that millions of others leave school with a mountain of debt that burdens them for decades. That shortsighted path to the future must end,” U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said. In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, or the GI Bill of Rights. This allowed 2.2 million military veterans to get free college educations; an estimated 40% of these veterans would not have been able to attend college without the GI Bill. According to an article from the Debs, Jones, Douglass Institute, a non-profit

organization dedicated to a government that works for working people, the GI Bill supported the education of “22,000 dentists, 67,000 doctors, 91,000 scientists, 238,000 teachers, 240,000 accountants, 450,000 engineers, three Supreme Court Justices (Rehnquist, Stevens and White), three presidents (Nixon, Ford and George H.W. Bush), many Congresspeople, at least one Secretary of State, 14 Nobel Prize winners, at least 24 Pulitzer Prize winners … entertainers and many more.” It is clear that the GI Bill had a vast impact in improving many lives. These educated veterans were able to better contribute to the economy by buying cars, homes and goods and getting jobs, which expanded the middle class. According to the Brookings Institute, in post-World War II, the U.S. was ranked first in the world for college graduates; the U.S. is only ranked 10th today. The U.S. benefited from the GI Bill and it can benefit again from free college. Tuition-free college would ensure that everyone has an opportunity for higher education. According to The Atlantic, currently, students in households of low and moderate income are unable to afford 95% of colleges in America. The nation’s debt-financed system of higher education widens the racial wealth gap. According to Diverse Magazine, which focuses on diversity and opportunities in higher education,

the nation’s system for higher education “not only produces higher loan balances for low-income, Black and Latino students, but also results in high numbers of low-income students and minority students leaving school without receiving a credential.” If college becomes tuition-free, those students will have a more equal opportunity to get educated. They will not be forced out of school because they cannot pay tuition. Tuition-free college would help ensure there are more equal educational opportunities for all. On the other hand, opponents of tuition-free college argue that the increase in taxes will not be worth it and would take away from other important public projects. But Americans all pay to support public elementary and high schools, whether they send their children to them or not. This should apply to higher education. Educating kids is one of the most important jobs a community has; they are the future generation that will eventually be the ones who govern the U.S. They should be as educated as possible to make the best possible decisions. To sum up, college debt is counterproductive in helping the United States. Tuition-free college would not just ease the burden of post-college debt, but it would benefit the U.S. economy with an infusion of available money and give more people the opportunity to get a higher education.

The U.S. needs to support Ukraine against Russia Ellie Koff

STAFF WRITER

Since 2014, Russia has been in an ongoing war with its neighbor, Ukraine. Russia does not want Ukraine to join NATO, an intergovernmental military alliance. Russia recently escalated the conflict by invading Ukraine in February, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their to avoid the brutal attacks. It’s important that we help support other people, especially when we have the means to do so. Ukraine is in need of our help and support right now so if you can donate to a drive or give a couple dollars to a GoFundMe, you can help improve a Ukrainian’s life, by simply donating a blanket, a first aid kit, or a couple of dollars. Russia invaded Ukraine because Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Russia was unable to feel, “safe, develop and exist” because of the threats from Ukraine. Putin has

refused to call this a war, but rather a “special military operation” and has banned Russian journalists from using the terms “war” or “invasion,” threatening jail time for those who disobey his order. Putin has claimed that his only goal in invading Ukraine was to, “protect the people who have been subject to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime throughought the last eight years.” Putin says he aims to demilitarize and “deNazify” Ukraine. However, there seems to be no genocide in Ukraine, which is a country led by a Jewish president. In Russia’s attacks against Ukraine major military bases, children’s hospitals, airports and cities in Ukraine were targeted, causing the deaths of 3,381 civilians, 235 of them children, according to the U.N.Commisioner fr Human Rights. there have also been 3,680 people injured, 346 of whom are children. Also, as of April 16, 3,000

Ukrainian troops have been killed. BBC News says approximately 12 million Ukrainians have fled their home country since Russia’s attack, most of them children. Ukraine needs many things after the devastating attacks on their homes, businesses, hospitals and schools. Many Ukrainian refugees are displaced and are left with next to nothing. They are in need of blankets, first aid kits, cots and large plastic containers like jerry cans to carry clean water. It’s important to help people that are in need, especially because most of the refugees are young children who are at risk and are without their parents. There are plenty of GoFundMe pages that are raising money and awareness for those in need. Ukrainian actor Mila Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher started a GoFundMe page that provides immediate support to Ukrainians. They have already raised over $36 million. There are also many

TALON TIMES We, the Talon Times staff, are dedicated to creating a 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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Talon Times is a student newspaper of Torrey Pines High School. Its content, which is the responsibility of the Talon Times 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 Talon Times, 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 Boardman Smith’s mailbox in the administration building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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benevolent organizations that have set up drives and organized fundraisers in order to help Ukraine during these trying times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to the U.S. Congress on March 16, in Washington, DC, asking for U.S. aid to Ukraine for military supplies to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. After Zelenskyy’s emotional address when he said, “Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” the U.S. Congress voted to give $3.7 billion to Ukraine to help strengthen their military against Russia. The Biden administration is giving the aid in order to, “provide Ukraine the equipment it needs to defend itself.” That financial aid has already been used to get anti-armor systems, anti-aircraft systems, ammunition and drones. President Biden says, “The American people are answering President Zelenskyy’s call.”

Lexi Lamb Elsa Goodman Liv Weaver Darmin Tarasewicz Celine Wang Kristina Krusteva Cass Love Joy Ma Ava Sharghi-Moshtaghin Macy Swortwood Makaylah Gerling Mia Boardman Smith

Lucy Holcombe

Photographers:

Zak Kadri

Darmin Tarasewicz

Ellie Koff

Srishti Thapar

Aden Laughlin

Celine Wang

Eric Lee

Seidy Cruz

Sammie Liebig

Rasa Nyce

Pratch Maneerat

Darmin Tarasewicz

Alexa Moran

Gwennie Liu

Will Mullen Lexi Muller Khloe Revillo Gavyn Scranton

Artists:

Sydney Sirinian

Eric Lee

Rylee Steele

Kristina Krusteva

Nick Aldrich

Ben Taylor

Donatas Chachisvilis

Nathan Wang

Savannah Chestney

Cooper Yoo

Ashley Do Tash Gilbert Sophia Gorba Billy Griesbach

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MAY 13, 2022

Gender fluidity extends to fashion too Eric Lee

STAFF WRITER

Gender is a cornerstone of modern fashion. In any name-brand clothing store, there will be a women’s section and a men’s section. It was only around the mid-20th century that women wearing pants started to become normalized in western society. However, as the 21st century progresses, the growth of men’s fashion is still restricted by the status quo. Society should normalize men wearing traditionally feminine clothing. To begin, the gendering of certain styles of garments is meaningless. Throughout history, men have worn clothes that do not meet today’s standards of masculinity, and in many cultures, skirted clothes are normalized. The Ancient Romans wore togas, Buddhists wore and continue to wear robes and Scottish men wear kilts; the list goes on. Wearing dresses and skirts does not detract from a man’s masculinity. If men were and are able to wear such clothes without any qualms, there should be no reason they can’t be integrated into modern western culture as well. Also, according to Colleen R. Callahan’s “History of Children’s Clothing,” the gendering of pants began in 18th century Europe with breeching, a rite of passage in which a young boy of four-to-six years old would be given a pair of breeches signifying his entrance to manhood. Prior to that, boys and

girls wore the same dresses throughout childhood. Clothes are accessories used to express oneself; the only meaning they should have is what the person wearing them wants them to have. Additionally, the stigmatization of men wearing traditionally feminine clothing stems from misogyny and toxic masculinity. Nowadays, when a woman wears clothing historically

slurs and insults, or has his masculinity questioned by others. Many men are hesitant to wear such clothes because they don’t want to seem “girly.” The negative connotation of “girly” stems from the idea that femininity is bad and that being a woman makes one weaker and more vulnerable, which is false. S o m e m a y

worn by men (classic pants or suits), she may be called masculine, presumed to be a lesbian or tomboy, or even go unnoticed altogether. When a man wears typically feminine clothes (skirt, dress, crop top, high-heels, pink), it is likely that he gets bombarded with

believe t h a t normalizing men wearing traditionally feminine styles may be the onset of the fall of masculinity; however, the definition of masculinity varies between people. Removal of gender from clothing will not remove gender from

people. When women began wearing pants, it was not as if what we had historically identified as “feminine” all of a sudden disappeared into thin air. Similarly, men wearing dresses or skirts does not mean the end of masculinity. Allowing men to express themselves or just try new things would arguably benefit society, as it would remove negativity from fashion and allow for further freedom of expression. While wearing skirts or dresses may be a statement to some, that’s not the case for everyone. A man shouldn’t be considered gay, trans, or cross-dressing when wearing clothing atypical for his gender. Men should feel free to try new garments without any attached meaning from society. To conclude, associating certain garments with a specific gender is pointless, and shaming men for wearing traditionally feminine clothing is wrong. This shame is a product of toxic gender roles. Acceptance should not just be limited to specific scenarios, but to all men. It is imperative to show support to guys who wear or are considering wearing such clothes because it might help them feel more comfortable about being who they are. Encouraging others is the best a person can do, and if it becomes common enough one day, limits on self-expression will be no more.

Don’t have a uterus? You don’t get an opinion Lucy Holcombe, Lexy Muller & Liv Weaver STAFF WRITERS AND COPY EDITOR Two years ago, protesters marched in the streets throughout the country, yelling, “My body, my choice!” while objecting to a government-imposed mask mandate in the midst of a global pandemic. Now, many of those people are in favor of restricting women’s reproductive rights. Roe v. Wade, a nearly 50-year-old Supreme Court ruling that gave women the right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term, is in danger of being overturned. After an unprecedented leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion to news organization Politico, the abortion debate has risen to the top of the national consciousness again. Many different issues are involved in this issue, including ethical considerations and the stereotyping of women who get pregnant and sometimes want, but also need, abortions. Nevertheless, access to legal, safe abortions is necessary for a progressive society to thrive. Criminalizing abortions will only cause those who still seek them to resort to riskier alternatives, meaning the mother could be harmed or potentially killed in the process. In many cases, mothers of unborn children do not even realize that they are pregnant until six weeks or later, while some states, like Georgia, have already declared that abortions are illegal after that time. Access to abortion is important. Some may not feel ready, financially, emotionally, or otherwise to be mothers. According to USA Today, 73% of abortion patients in a Guttmacher Institute survey said that they could not afford a baby. Without universal childcare or governmentfunded pre-K, many mothers may find

themselves struggling to raise a child. Victims of rape who become pregnant as a result also deserve a choice in whether to continue their pregnancies. In addition to the 73% who could not afford a child, 1% of women in the survey became pregnant by rape and 0.5% by

but it is cruel and deviant, no matter the circumstances of conception. Others argue that women should merely avoid getting pregnant. Sex is a two-way street and should be treated as such; men should take equal responsibility for any unwanted

incestual rape. According to the USA Today story, “...research shows that three out of every four sexual assaults are not reported and out of every 1,000 rapes only five perpetrators are convicted.” To force a woman to carry the child of her rapist is not only unnecessary,

pregnancy, as they can inseminate more than 100 women per year, yet women can only get pregnant once or twice if the pregnancies are consecutive. The majority of the Supreme Court is right-leaning and five judges have already signed the leaked draft of

plans to overturn Roe. These justices include Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and the author of the draft, Justice Samuel Alito. Three of those justices, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Coney Barrett, were all nominated and confirmed during the Trump administration. During their confirmation hearings, all three lied to the Senate about thinking Roe was settled law and not subject to being overturned by the Court. That is unethical and may invalidate their confirmations to the Court. “The fundamental element, that the woman has a right to choose abortion, will probably stand,” Coney Barrett said during her confirmation hearing. Even Kavanaugh went far enough in his hearing to say that Roe v. Wade was a case “settled as precedent,” and would not be changing anytime soon. Making abortions illegal would not stop them from occuring, it would just make them more dangerous and harder to access. According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 630,000 legally induced abortions are done in the U.S. every year. Removing the option for a legal abortion will cause women to turn to illegal ones. The standing of Roe v. Wade is no longer a privilege or dream; it is a human birthright and necessity if the U.S. wants to grow as a country. Denying women bodily autonomy revokes the right of full citizenship under the law, which provides a precarious future for women in the U.S. if the draft becomes law.

MAY 13, 2022

Feature

FEATURE

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Lucky Duck Foundation offers support to homeless Ashley Do and Sophia Gorba STAFF WRITERS

Although the county of San Diego may seem like a suburban paradise, it has the fourth largest unhoused population in the nation, with more than 8,000 individuals without homes according to The La Jolla Light. The Lucky Duck Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is substantially involved in homelessness issues in San Diego. The parent organization includes smaller communities within it, including the Lucky Ducklings. Lexi Moran (11) is an advisory member of the Lucky Ducklings and has immersed herself in the cause, devoting countless hours to the never-ending struggles of the unhoused population by planning volunteer events and leading period product and clothing drives. According to Moran, some of the main causes of homelessness are expensive housing, unemployment and escaping domestic violence or abuse. Many people believe that substance abuse is a leading cause of people being unhoused, but abuse of substances accounts for only a small percentage of the unhoused population according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Our unsheltered neighbors are struggling every day while living in less than ideal conditions,” Moran said. “It’s absolutely necessary that we help those who need it.”

A prominent solution to the ongoing issue is establishing homeless shelters. Specifically in San Diego, there are about 50 major locations providing refuge, varying in both size and capacity. The Alpha Project Bridge Tent is a wellknown, 325-bed shelter for single adults in downtown San Diego. The county is in the process of creating a new housing solution in Kearny Mesa. The process for getting into those kinds of shelters consists of first being put on a waitlist. Once there is space for an individual, the homeless shelter administration will reach out to those on the waitlist and offer them spots. Shelters like the Alpha Project are more short-term housing solutions, so residents normally stay around three months, according to Moran. There are few conditions under which individuals would be kicked out though, but violating shelter rules such as harassing others, domestic violence or abusing substances are some. As for food-based concerns, there are numerous places where those struggling with food insecurity or living in food deserts can get nourishment. “A food desert is basically when people have limited access to nourishment. It can mean a lot of things, but basically it involves high levels of poverty and/or limited access or proximity to grocery stores,” Lucky Duck Foundation Executive Director, Drew Moser said in a Medium story about the problems of

nutrition among the poor or unhoused. Although soup kitchens, in which fresh food is prepared into meals and distributed to homeless or financially vulnerable people, are a notable source of food for the homeless population, they are slightly outdated, according to Moran. “Most food services come from shelters, community projects and churches. They consist of food and hygiene bags,” Moran said. “We have a food and water initiative that has fed over a million unsheltered neighbors in San Diego and [the Lucky Ducklings] supply many other bridge shelters and community projects with food.” According to Jack Martinez (12) president of the Torrey Pines Food Bank Club,, volunteering at or donating to food banks is another important way to solve the crisis of hunger, often resulting from homelessness, in San Diego. Food banks are nonprofit, charity organizations that collect non-perishable, in-date food donations from individuals, grocery stores, schools, churches and businesses and distribute them to those in need. Food packages given to people typically last between three to seven days and include provisions like food, toiletries and supplies for babies, such as diapers and formula. Although homelessness seems like an everlasting predicament, there are many ways to help individuals and families as a community. Lucky Duck Club member

Kyla Byer (10) said homelessness is a prominent issue that she’s seen frequently throughout the course of her life. She often visits places like downtown San Diego, where there are many struggling with homelessness and scant resources. “I think that developing housing for the homeless, no matter how small the house is, would make a really big difference,” Byer said. Rapid rehousing is a leading solution to homelessness according to Moran. It is a strategy by which homeless individuals are taken off the streets and put into permanent housing. These developments are supported by community services in an effort to establish long-term stability for families. This method is used by San Diego Housing Commission, which has nine rapid rehousing programs, including the Salvation Army and others. Spreading awareness about the large numbers of unhoused people in San Diego in an effort to get people to care about the issue is key. Moran said working hard to help the community and volunteering as much as possible, are both vital. Living in a suburban paradise with almost year-’round ideal weather is a major plus for all San Diego residents, but it also makes San Diego a desirable place for those who are unhoused. Fortunately, there are ways to integrate the two circumstances with enough time, effort and compassion put into helping those in need.

Porn use among teens brings risk of addiction Joy Ma and Ava SharghiMoshtagin FEATURE EDITOR AND OPINION EDITOR

Around 43% of adolescents and young adults visit pornography websites, according to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and included on the National Institutes of Health website. Although limited exposure to pornography is not inherently bad for some groups of consumers, the excessive consumption of BangBros, PornHub or XVideos can create an addiction, according to “The Brain on Porn” by Sarah Beasley and Brittney Dias, published in Grey Matters, the undergraduate neuroscience journal at the University of Washington. In today’s widely digital world, pornographic material has become more easily accessible than ever before.According to Beasley and Dias, “[t]he anonymity and accessibility of the internet allows pornography to reach a large audience.” “This is What Porn Does to Your Brain” by Melinda Carstensen in the New York Post says excessive viewing of pornography can negatively impact the brain’s natural dopamine reward system and stimulate neuroplastic change. Carstensen’s story cites, “The Brain That Changes Itself” by psychiatrist Norman Doidge, in which he explains how the brain’s structure can change from the excessive consumption of pornography. “[It] satisfies every one of the prerequisites for neuroplastic change,” Doidge said. “When pornographers

boast that they are pushing the envelope by introducing new, harder themes, what they don’t say is that they must, because their customers are building up a tolerance to the content.” After prolonged and repeated exposure to pornographic content, what once satisfied a user’s appetite for sexual content is no longer sufficient. Looking for increasingly graphic forms of pornography in order to feel the dopamine release creates a vicious hunger for these “harder themes.” Despite the negative consequences of addiction, some TPHS students say that a balanced relationship with pornography can be beneficial. “[Pornography] is helpful in the fact that it helps you masturbate… it can help relieve yourself and release stress,” one student said. A second student was equally dismissive of the danger of pornography addiction. “[Watching pornography] is just an activity, something [users view] when [they are] bored. If [pornography wasn’t] accessible, it wouldn’t be a big deal,” the second student said. Studies support the view that infrequent use of pornography can have some benefits. Adult consumption of pornography in moderation can greatly improve an individual’s sexual wellness, mental health and sexual knowledge, Ross Pomeroy reported in “The Positive Side of Pornography.” Pomeroy explores the benefits of pornography by researching a study from the Queensland University of Technology published in the

Australian Journal of Communication. “Researchers anonymously surveyed 1,023 consumers of pornography and found that 58.8% of respondents thought, ‘pornography had a positive or very positive effect on their attitudes towards sexuality.’ Some of the most wholesome benefits listed by consumers were ‘increasing tolerance of other people’s sexualities,’ ‘sustaining sexual interest in long-term relationships’ and ‘helping them talk to their partners about sex.’” However, access to pornography by young adults a n d teenagers can be risky and easily taken advantage of, as the combination of a curious

Art by Pratch Maneerat

mind and desire for quick pleasure can become a breeding ground for addiction. The Australian Institute of Family Studies was commissioned by the [Australian] Department of Social Services to review research evidence about the impact of exposure to and consumption of online pornography on children and young people. Among their findings: there are measurable impacts on young people’s knowledge of and attitudes about sex, sexual behavior and practices, attitudes and behaviors regarding gender equality, behavior and practices in their own romantic or sexual relationships, and risk of experiencing or perpetrating sexual violence.” Enough is Enough, an organization promoting internet safety for children and families, stated “two thirds of young women (66%) and almost half of young men (49%) agree, ‘it would be easier growing up if pornography was less easy to access.’” “I was [addicted] at one point, but I tried to stop myself for a bit and it was definitely worth it… I felt so much better after refraining from watching it [so often],” a TPHS sophomore said. The 43% of adolescents and young adults who regularly consume pornography need to incorporate awareness of the potential for addiction and other bad outcomes that may come with their habit.

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FEATURE

MAY 13, 2022

Children of alcoholics find help at Alateen Savannah Chestney STAFF WRITER

“Every day, I’m on my way home and I’m scared of whether she is going to be drunk or not,” a sophomore, who chose to remain anonymous, said about her mother. Seven and a half million children in the U.S. have one alcoholic parent; 5% of Americans have alcoholic relatives. Having alcoholic parents impacts all aspects of life: relationships, school, sports, emotions and communication. According to the National Institutes of Health, “abundant evidence indicates that alcoholism is a complex genetic disease, with variations in a large number of genes affecting risk.” However, there is also research evidence that shows environment plays a role in addiction to alcohol as well. If a children are raised in an environment with alcoholics, they are typically exposed to dishonesty, unreliability, avoidance of emotion and other emotionally unhealthy behavior. Coping with those behaviors may lead to embarrassment, disappointment, anger, guilt or self-blame. Those feelings alone may lead them to turn to alcohol to help tamp down those emotions. Alcohol, especially when it is abused, damages brain chemistry and can lead to genetic complications that could affect fertility and carrying pregnancy to term, according to the American Addiction Center. Many parents who suffer from this medical condition can lead their children down the same road. These children tend to be at a higher risk for isolation, difficulty in relationships, impulsive behavior, trust

issues and substance abuse, according to the American Addiction Center. “It has caused my family to have no trust… I just always feel like people don’t even care about me and will break their promises like my mom,” the sophomore student said. There are many support groups for children and families of alcoholics, including Alateen, a “branch” of the interrnatonal support group for recovering alcoholics, Alcoholics Anonymous. Alateen has meetings that are similar to AA meetings, in which teens who attend do so anonymously and can share what’s going on in their lives in a safe space. Attendance at AA is frequently recommended by drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs to people who have completed the programs and are leaving to go back to their lives. Alateen is a group of teenagers ages 10-19 that provide a support system for youth to talk freely without judgment. “When I go to Alateen I feel like I hit a refresh button on my week… everything starts again and I can let go of the past week,” said an anonymous TPHS junior. There is an Alateen meeting Thursday nights in Encinitas where Vic Serbia is the supervisor. “Alateen is just a program about change. Kids come in and see what others are going through and start to realize that they’re not ‘crazy,’” Serbia said. “The first thing we try to do is to deprogram these kids from their destructive coping mechanisms. Statistically speaking, kids recover faster than adults.” Drinking itself is not a disorder – the

issue lies in the subconscious impulse to use drinking to escape stressful situations or uncomfortable emotions. All in all, alcohol is just a symptom of the disease; one can avoid engaging in drinking and still have alcoholism. “It was the worst during quarantine, I remember this one time I found a bunch of empty wine bottles … I ran away crying and [she] grabbed me causing a scene in the neighborhood ...We would always find hidden bottles in drawers and boxes everywhere and my dad would be working at night and my mom would leave to go drink … one time my dad was so upset and ripped our family pictures up because she just wouldn’t stop,” a TPHS sophomore said. Children of alcoholic parents realize the chaotic nature of their home environments at different stages. “I didn’t know what being drunk was until I was around seven, and ever since then it just consumes my thoughts daily… it just affects all aspects of my life negatively,” an Alateen member said. Members of Alateen started attending meetings along with others who face the problem of alcoholic parents and have felt a difference. “Kids are just innocent victims; it doesn’t take long to see a family across the street being so normal and realizing how messed up theirs is. A lot of these kids who grow up with addicts, then mimic coping mechanisms just to get through tough moments,” an anonymous TPHS senior said. “There’s a very unfortunately common phrase that’s ‘You kids drive me to drink,’ which leads the kids to feel so much

guilt [and shame about their parents].” In an Alateen meeting on March 17, the group was asked about good ways and bad ways to deal with their alcoholic parents. “I mainly cope with bad ways like drugs and drinking. I like to drive fast and I get in trouble with the cops a lot. The only good way I can cope is coming to Alateen because it helps me be able to [get the tension off my chest],” said an anonymous senior. Alateen provides a place where others know exactly what they are feeling and experiencing and has become a special place for these teens to come and express themselves in a safe place. “I get guilty and think that it’s my fault a lot of the time which sucks because deep down I know it’s not my fault,” an anonymous junior said. “Good ways that I can cope are calling friends, going for a run, setting boundaries, and letting God into my life.” An anonymous eighth-grader feels the need to “fight back physically and verbally [to] protect [themselves].” Alateen has become a second family for a lot of teenagers, since meeting leaders like Serbia can give them better tools for dealing with their familial worries. Members have also just learned it is not their fault that their parents are alcoholics, according to an anonymous TPHS senior. The children of alcoholics did not choose to be put in a family battling alcoholism, and it should not hold them back from living their lives without the stress of coming home to drunk parents. Sometimes the support of others who truly understand how they feel is the most helpful thing possible.

THE EFFECTS OF LONG COVID Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to symptoms that last for weeks, months or even years, and scientists are only just beginning to understand why. The longterm effects of COVID-19 have been reported to affect nearly every organ system. The type, severity and duration of the symptoms vary across individuals, and researchers still know little about the mechanisms of long COVID. Infographic from TheScientist

Entertainment THE BATMAN A7 talon times

EUPHORIA

Elsa Goodman

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Euphoria” truly is a one-of-a-kind popular show. The inclusive, diverse and incredibly talented cast, including actors Zendaya, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi and Hunter Schafer make the show shine. The chemistry the actors share is beyond compare. They do so well protyraying each of their own charcters. Their personalties and talents complement each other very well. The two characters of Rue and Jules create the couple everyone wants to be, while staying realistic and relatble for all teenagers. The story takes place in a small town outside of Los Angeles. Local high school students navigate identity issues, drug abuse, family trauma, friendship drama, love and sex. The raw, relatable lives of teenagers in the show and of today are what makes it so appealing to a teen’s eye. Although the experiences and situations may be exaggerated compared to most teenagers, many can relate in one way or another. This drama is not recommended for all audiences; mature teens over the age of 14 are probably the ideal target audience. According to Variety, a Hollywood-based magazine reporting on the television and movie industries,“‘Euphoria’ has become HBO’s most-watched show, right behind ‘Game of Thrones.’” The music throughout the entire series shapes “Euphoria” and impacts the way it makes the viewers feel. Some may say that the show glamorizes the abuse of drugs, alcohol and more, and, in fact, it has been harshly criticized for those things, including by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, which claims the show “chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction and other destructive behaviors as common in today’s world.” People who have not yet seen the show may already know how they will like it, but the only way to truly know is by watching it; the dialogue and emotions portrayed by the actors are phenomenal and will not want to be missed.

FEATURE

MOVIE

Aden Laughlin

STAFF WRITER

The Batman was one of the most anticipated movies of 2022 and definitely did not disappoint. Robert Pattingson’s portrayal of Batman was like nothing we have ever seen on the big screen. This movie was exciting and never left me bored or unsatisfied leaving me with a rating of 9.5/10 taking its place as the second best comic book movie on my list. Matt Reeves’ version of the hero brought the comic books and Arkham Knight games to life. We get to see the detective side of Batman better than any other movie portrayed. The movie brings us through a dark, corrupt Gotham with no symbol of hope. Although this movie lacks Bruce Wayne it supplements with an outstanding performance of batman. Whenever Robert’s Batman is on the screen you can feel the intimidation that comes with him, the seriousness, not too dark but definitely no to friendly either, giving a sense of this feared vigilante. Paul Dano’s Riddler brings the fear and suspense to another level, leaving you at the edge of your seat thinking what he’s going to do next. It’s as if the Zodiac Killer was introduced to Gotham taking more of a smart serial killer role. The puzzles that his character shoots at Batman are so fun to watch and completely unpredictable. Destrcutable event s after the next continue throughout the whole movie. Once you think he is done pulling tricks the best has yet top come. This villian has a genius mind of his own keeping youu on the edge of your seat, making the 3 hours all worth it. Gordan’s and Batman’s relationship was new and amazing. Another villain, the Penguin, was surreal, as if he was taken straight out of the comics and definitely set the scene for future problems. Catwoman was a sarcastic, determined antihero that added a lot to the story. Every character has been put lots of thought into. The plot was immense and definitely lived up to the hype, showing us how great the new version of The Batman is going to be.

MAY 13, 2022

IT ENDS WITH US Macy Swortwood

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

It Ends With Us, by the remarkable author Colleen Hoover, pulls the hearts of her readers in every direction. Putting the main character through an abusive relationship makes us feel for her like we are living in the story. The descriptive writing and engaging dialogue this author used had me fiishing the novel within a day. I felt close to one of the main characters, Lily, on another level because of all that she went through and how scared she was throughout her struggles.At first, I loved another protagonist, Ryle, until it soon became clear he was the antagonist of the story by taking advantage and abusing Lily in their relationship. Not only was this man difficult for her to leave, but the way he pleaded and expressed his guilt caused so much confusion for Lily and for us readers. Another one of my favorite things about thisbook was the alternate timeline. How Lily found her old diary took us back to the vulnerable moments she spent with her first love, who she then came across in her present life. I found myself completely consumed by this book, not taking a break to process all the information I was taking in. The combination of constant surprises and heart-crushing events had me in tears by the last page. I ended this book unsatisfied until I read the epilogue. The epilogue was one of the best parts of the book. I love how Colleen Hoover did not give the readers the basic “happily ever after” that was predicted and how she added some normalcy to this book and the reality of how life actually goes. Even though Lily got out of her abusive relationship, that doesn’t mean therewas not permanent damage that will affect her for the rest of her life. The important thing was that she found who she was meant to be with, even if it was stalled by many years of struggle, heartache and trauma to get to that point. So many valuable lessons came out of this novel.be

Photo published by The Atlantic.

Photo published by Colleen Hoover.

Photo published by IMDB.

Photo published by The Conversation.

Photo published by Bookappi.

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SPORTS

MAY 13, 2022

SD Wave FC opens to big Athletes deal with challenges crowds and enthusiastic fans both on the field and off John Doe

STAFF WRITER

San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is officially the 12th National Women’s Soccer League team and has a world class coaching staff and roster. The hopes and dreams of San Diego athletes, especially girls, took a leap with the appearance of the expansion team and having female professional athletes in the community to watch and emulate will help those dreams turn into reality. “The club wants to have a positive impact on and off the pitch. We want to raise the standards of soccer in this country in all aspects whether that be our performances on the field, our support to the local communities and supporting the youth soccer landscape,” Wave FC goalkeeper coach, Louis Hunt, said. Home games are held at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. As soon as Snapdragon Stadium is finished in Sept. 2022, it will serve as home to the Wave along with San Diego State University football. Abby Dahlkemper was the first player to join the Wave. For five prior seasons, Dahlkemper played for the North Carolina Courage, with a brief stint on loan to the Houston Dash, and is also on the U.S. Women’s National Team. The World Cup and three-time NWSL champion will guide the team through its start-up season. “It really opens my eyes about how possible everything is. And, it shows me how I can achieve my dreams that are local,” Edra Bello (9) said. In early February the team released its preseason roster and staff. High profile players alongside Dahllemper include USWNT icon Alex Morgan, Jodie Taylor, Tegan McBrady, Taylor Kornieck and NWSL No. 1 draft pick, Naomi Girma. Girma is a Stanford alumna and was named 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Morgan immediately drew fans’ attention to Wave. Morgan grew up only about 90 miles north in Diamond Bar, Calif.. She’s won the Best Female Athlete Espy Award, FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI, U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year and Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Female Sports Star. “The club has been put together, built by and built for champions, so we are ambitious in our goals,” Hunt said. Head coach Casey Stoney, formerly the Manchester United Women manager, retired from playing in 2018, when she played her last match with Liverpool. Her experience has prepared her for her Wave job.

Goalkeeper coach Hunt and assistant coach, Victoria Boardman also have ties to the local community. Hunt is the goalkeeper coach for San Diego Surf Soccer Club. He’s also coached in the Women’s Professional Soccer League, U.S. Youth National team, several high school teams and more. Boardman coached at Beach Fútbol Club in Long Beach, Calif. along with many professional and youth teams like Seattle Reign, and the Cal South PRO+ Olympic Development Program. Professional female athletes and women in general have consistently fought for equal pay. Last Feb. the U.S. Soccer Federation reached a $24 million settlement for equal pay. According to Today, retired USWNT players Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd led the fight, alongside current USWNT players Megan Rapinoe, Rebeecca Sauerbrunn and Morgan. Torero Stadium welcomed fans for the first time on March 26 when the Wave fell to the reigning NWSL champions Portland Thorns, 1-0. Although it wasn’t the result they had hoped for, 6,000 enthusiastic fans filled the stadium. They ended their first tournament with one win, three losses and two ties. Their first win in franchise history came after beating Angel FC 4-2 on Apr. 2. “I’m hopeful we’ll be a real powerhouse within the NWSL and competing right at the top of the league. There’s a big learning journey weA will go on to get there, but the ambitions are high, and that’s exciting,” Hunt said. “For me, personally, it’s treating each day as a learning day trying to get better and better.” Their first league game against the Houston Dash resulted in a 1-0 win for the Wave. Taylor’s stunning goal off a header in the 86th minute secured the first league win. In their second league game against Gotham FC, Morgan put on a clinic, scoring all four Wave goals. The wins put them at the top of league standings. NSWL president and former United States Women’s National Team coach, Jill Ellis also made appearances handing out medals and trophies at Surf College Cup last Nov. The incorporation of San Diego’s youth community has helped significantly with the promotion of the Wave. “I have seen first-hand the excitement Wave has brought the soccer community here in San Diego,” Hunt said. “For young girls, it’s an opportunity to connect even closer with the women and role models within the professional game.”

Photo by Celine Wang

Alive and kicking: Youth soccer players competing at the Wave practice facility at Surf Cup Sports Park in Del Mar. It is a temporary home until Snapdragon Stadium opens in September.

John Doe

STAFF WRITER

We all see the glory behind studentathletes: the wins, championships, and performances are often the only thing we think about when looking at them. But what really goes on behind the scenes? What happens to athletes’ mental states when they are subjected to all the success and pressure from people around them, including themselves? For many student athletes, winning is the ultimate goal. They spend hours each week honing their skills while attending school, which in turn results in overtraining and lack of downtime. Combining this with outside factors such as social media and pressure from coaches and parents, athletes’ mental health quickly becomes at risk of decline. “Elite student-athletes are vulnerable to mental health issues as a result of various specific stressors they experience in their sport. Some of the key factors are overtraining, a lack of balance, social media scrutiny, and the ongoing pressure to perform at a highly competitive level,” Pam Kalinoski, TPHS women’s soccer coach and owner of Mindset, an sports psychology company, said. Athletes often focus on physical strength and performance; whether it be through diet or training, as it’s usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about what makes a great athlete. But what they often don’t take into account is their mental health and how this impacts their performance on the field. “I have been racing mountain bikes since I was 12, and only in recent years have I started to take my mentality into account. You can be the strongest athlete or most skilled, but your headspace will be your limiting factor if you don’t keep it in check,” Jakob Snow, a mountain bike racer from Carlsbad, said. “After trying to prioritize my mental health more recently I have definitely noticed an increase in my overall performance and confidence.” Coaches and parents may also have a huge impact on athletes’ mental health. Many parents have spent considerable time and money helping their kids get to the highest

level of athletic competition. Coaches also dedicate hours working with teams and athletes individually. All this creates pressure on athletes, who strive to succeed to make their coaches and family proud. “I have often experienced mental health issues as an athlete,” TPHS swimmer Michael Smee (10) said. “Sometimes I have anxiety due to the pressure put upon me by my coaches and parents to perform in my games. The pressures can also affect my confidence and cause me to have bad performances in my games.” Most people are aware that mental health issues develop in student athletes. But, some are unaware of what these issues actually are or don’t think they are very serious. They may not believe that pressure affects many. However, this is far from the truth. “Extremes of athletic identity often leave the athletes on an emotional roller coaster based on their performance, meaning they are on a high if they do well and a low when they perform poorly. Lower levels of self-esteem and athletes seeking high levels of praise have been associated with social anxiety, negative physical symptoms, and a greater risk for depression,” Kalinoski said. “Some of the areas that impact the athlete are anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders and mood disorders. Performance anxiety, panic disorder and phobic anxiety, especially after being injured, are often found in student athletes.” The performance expectation put on student-athletes today from themselves or outside influences, such as social media and coaches, can have huge effects on their mental health. If left unresolved, this can even lead to suicide, according to a study from the NCAA that found that “suicide represented 7.3% (35/477) of all-cause mortality among NCAA student-athletes.” By viewing mental health as equal to skill and strength, student-athletes not only could improve their performance in sports but could improve their lives on the whole, reducing the suicide rate and leading to better athletes and athletic environments at schools and events.