2021-2022 Issue 6 (Feb. 14)

PANTHER PROWLER

Monday Feb. 14, 2022 • Issue VI • Newbury Park High School 456 N. Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320 • pantherprowler.org

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Flora and Fauna

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History of NP

Science Building

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Teacher Shortage

Early grads 12 Euphoria

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Track

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India’s Colonization Dance Team

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Mental Health

Unified Sports

2 Protect our local flora and fauna staff editorial

Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

“Leave only footprints and take only memories,” reads the signs posted all along the trails of the Santa Monica Mountains. As citizens of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect our environment and the native flora and fauna which live amongst us.

Newbury Park is a beautiful city. With natural scenery and mountain views everywhere you turn, our corner of the world within the valley is a place of serenity thriving with wildlife. Take any of the hiking trails that surround our town, and you’ll come face to face with the prettiest sunset, a patch of new wildflowers or a family of bunnies hopping downhill.

As a community, we have taken more and more steps both directly and indirectly to protect our natural environment: the recent establishment of the Athens compost bins (which you can read more about on page four), the re-institution of accessible recycling centers, the increasing commonality of solar panels on the rooftops of our neighborhoods and much, much more have led to the reduction of our collective carbon footprint. However, there is still more to do.

On page four, you can read in detail about the damage that motorbikes and e-bicycles have towards our trails and the hikers that enjoy them. On page eleven, Santa Monica Mountain park rangers and employees speak on the consequences increased rodenticide use has posed unto

our local mountain lions and bobcats.

More than one-third of the plant species which inhabit the California Floristic Province, one of 36 biodiversity hotspots in the entire world, are found only within the Santa Monica Mountains. According to the National Park Service, less and less of these flora can be found spotting the hills of our mountains than ever before. The California Red-Legged Frog, once the largest native frog species in the western United States, has disappeared completely from our natural landscapes.

The preservation of our natural resources is crucial in the maintenance of California’s unique ecology, which has ripple effects that can be identified in human health, the economy and effective education. It is vital that as individuals, we take the necessary steps we can in order to protect our local flora and fauna. Every small undertaking can make a valuable difference- be mindful that your steps stay within the designated trail, and pick up that piece of litter to throw in the next trash can you see. If you want to make an even bigger difference, you can volunteer for Operation Restoration at Satwiwa or donate to protection efforts led by local rangers.

From the suburbs to the mountains, from the mountains to the sea, we have an enormous responsibility to protect our natural environment. There is no reason not to do your part.

Front Cover Caption: Culture- Alan Salazar, a member and descendent of the Tataviam tribe, shares his culture and knowledge on Native American history on page eight. “We are strong, determined, hardy people, and we are literally in the middle of a revitalization and comeback,” Salazar said.

Alan Salazar/With Permission

For the record in Issue 4: The headline was spelled incorrectly on page 5, should be “Abilities Awarness Week is undergoing significant changes.”

Acorn was spelled wrong on question 8.

PANTHER PROWLER 2021-2022 staff Front Cover Editor Karyss Amato

Editors-in-Chief Carter Castillo Abby Gorman

Back Cover Editor Gwen Buchanan

Entertainment Editor Dhruv Patel

Sports Editor Sarena Kabir

DPS Editor Adalia Luo

Opinion Editor Anna Johnson

Editorial Editor Kai Mekari

News Editors Nandini Patro Hayden Meixner Téa Sklar

Photographers Chief // Reese Kelem Parker Bohl Tiana Hoang

Graphic Artists

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Kai Mekari Téa Sklar

Managing Editor Tiana Hoang

Look!- Newbury Park fora and fauna have been damaged for years due to pollution and climate change. Hikers have seen the damage first hand on the trails, as citizens have worked to protect our local fora and fauna since then. Gwen Buchanan/Prowler

Social Media Leads Karyss Amato Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Nandini Patro

Copy Editors Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Anna Johnson Adalia Luo Allison Nguyen Dhruv Patel Nandini Patro Téa Sklar

Features Editors Allison Nguyen

Adviser

Michelle Saremi

Staff Writers

Katelyn Arrington Ariela Behar Melissa Geher Taylor Gibson Kira Ivarsdottir Rohit Ukkan Cassandra Chavarria Dylan Kaseno Josie Gardner Ava Prapaniku Rithu Velu Melina Wagner Cameron Winick

Online Editors Gwen Buchanan Tiana Hoang Adalia Luo Allison Nguyen Dhruv Patel Téa Sklar

The Panther Prowler is the official publication of Newbury Park High School, and is created and produced by the Advanced Journalism students. The newspaper is funded by advertisements from local companies. The Panther Prowler staff makes all final decisions on information published in its newspaper, its website and its publishing in other social medias. While Mrs. Michelle Saremi advises the Advanced Journalism students, the staff is solely responsible for what is printed.

The Panther Prowler is published every four weeks throughout the school year by Print 365 co. For advertisement information, visit www.pantherprowler.org.

The Panther Prowler is accepting letters to the editor. To submit your feedback, please provide your full name, email and a letter about 300 words in length. Letters are subject to discretion and editing for taste, length and libel. Letters can be submitted to the email posted below.

Newbury Park High School 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, California 91320 (805) 498-3676 x 1110 prowler.newspaper@gmail.com

news Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

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District plans to develop new science building Josie Garder Staff Writer

Hayden Meixner News Editor

Stephen Lepire, NPHS Principal, has been working alongside Lockwood in establishing these Currently science teachers are facing issues of teaching in a classroom not plans. “We have been working with the school district and Science teachers for over the last year properly equipped for their labs and are being forced to rotate rooms and a half talking about important items,” Lepire said. Plans to move portables should be per specific course requirements. However, CVUSD has plans for commencing in the spring to clear up space for the building. a new science and STEM building to solve these problems.

The overall desire for a science building has become more of a need due These plans are funded by the Measure I Bond. to lack of space and the importance of keeping up with the updated Jennifer Lockwood, head of the science technology. “We have 12 science teachers currently… we actually had to department, has been working with the lose our chemistry lab this year…So having the new building for 10 of district to create the plans for said the teachers [to] move into…would be fabulous,” Lockwood said. building. “When I look at some of t ric t Giovanni Albarez, junior, is a student representative of the their [teachers’] science rooms we s Di ol Student District Advisory Committee, and has followed the process have like this room [that] is completely o h Sc of integrating science buildings into our districts. “What has been a wonderful… but up until this year one of d ie nif complication has been a bit of a surprise, you know, because of COVID … a lot of my science teachers was teaching in basically an U ejo the prices have gone up,” Albarez said.

English classroom that just had one sink,” Lockwood on C of The new STEM building is targeted to be a space the teachers need and a great said. y s rte environment to encourage STEM overall. “I’m excited for the plans and I think that the teachers The building will be located behind the pool, where the current u co to are really excited about it,” Lockwood said.

G building portables now stand. Construction will start towards the o Ph end of this school year in hopes that it will be in full use by the 2023-2024 school year. It will be equipped with at least 10 lab-style classrooms within the one story design.

Voting rights bill struggles through Congress Rohit Ukkan Staff Writer

The Freedom to Vote Act, a voting rights bill, has been stalled in the Senate as a result of 52 senators blocking the bill. The bill would primarily be against the restrictions on mail-in voting and increased voter ID laws Republicans had recently advocated for.

Changes made to the voting process during the 2020 presidential election to accommodate for the pandemic left Senate Democrats advocating for change. The pandemic may have discouraged many citizens to vote in person, but due to mail in voting a record high of 66.8 percent of Americans voting in the election.

To potentially gain more votes, Senate Democrats believed they would need to form a narrower bill in order to surpass the 60-vote filibuster put in place. However, with a filibuster in the Senate, they would need around 10 more votes to pass the bill. Democrats have pushed several bills in response to state legislatures’ restrictive voting bills. Despite having enough votes to pass, the filibuster leaves Democrats in a complicated situation.

Other Democrats are working alongside Republicans on a new legislation pushing for an overhaul against the Electoral

Count Act, the law that former President Donald Trump sought to exploit during his run for a second term back in 2020. Those Senators have now expanded their legislation to target other measures of interference in elections.

Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn hopes for the Senate to act in a favorable way, allowing the bill to pass. “We want the Senate to act today in a favorable way, but if they don’t, we ain’t giving up. I am too young to give up.” For this reason, Senate Republicans provided the option for a narrower bill, an option Senate Democrats declined.

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news Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

City of Thousand Oaks shifts to Athens Services Rithu Velu Staff Writer

Ava Prapaniku Staff Writer

On Jan. 1, Athens Services, a privately owned family garbage business, replaced Waste Management and EJ Harrison and Sons companies in serving the Thousand Oaks residents for garbage pick up and additional services. The prior companies had been serving Thousand Oaks since 1998. The city opened for bid after the City Council collectively decided to not renew their previous contract like they had in the years past. The vote conducted by the City Council passed 5-0.

Athens will now be in charge of 38,000 homes and 1,200 commercial customers throughout Thousand Oaks, as stated by Athens Services. According to the Ventura County Star, the new trash company’s flat monthly rate is $24.36 per house for Thousand Oaks residents which is 25 percent less than the old costs of $33.54 per house for EJ Harrison and $33.75 for Waste Management.

Rod Cordova, Assistant Analyst of Thousand Oaks Public Works, said that there were multiple considerations taken into account when making the decision. “Athens rates did happen to be lower than the other two proposers, but Athens also scored highest in nearly all the other categories,” Cordova said. These categories included qualification, technical approach, sustainability, and customer service plans.

Matt Trouts, Athens Sales Manager of Ventura County, said their locality aids in the low costs.

“We’re a private owned company right here in Southern California. That helps us keep our rates down all over Southern California because we are never caught off guard,” Trout said.

Trouts believes that Athens has other assets that distinguish them from the other three companies that were part of the bid: EJ Harrison, Waste Management, and American Reclamation.

“I think we’re the leaders definitely when it comes to composting, recycling, and communicating with our communities,” Trouts said.

Throughout the recent weeks, some controversy has arisen within neighborhoods due to the change. Both Josiah Burns and Melanie Rudas, residents of Thousand Oaks, share a worry about unknown additional fees and changes in their monthly bills. “I have heard some concerns about maybe getting some fees if your lid is open which concerns me a bit because I don’t want to get nickel and dimed,” Rudas said.

Similarly, Burns feels uninformed about the company’s fees policies. “If I’m gonna get charged fees I would like to have a fee schedule up front so I’m more informed and can understand the structure better,” Burns said.

However, Rudas does see a benefit to the new trash company. “I think with the old company their trucks were really loud and the new trucks are quieter,” Rudas said.

The transition is a change for all, but Athens holds confidence that their service will adjust to the new phase. “Yes, we’re going to experience some hiccups along the way during this transition period but once the dust settles, Athens is gonna do a great job just as the previous haulers did,” Cordova said.

Vroom!: Athens Services drove its way into the city of Thousand Oaks and started providing services for local residents on Jan. 1, 2022. “We now provide trash, recycle, and organic services,” Matt Trouts, Athens Sales Manager, said. Reese Kelem/Prowler

E-bicycles are endangering trails

Anna Johnson Opinion Editor

Reese Kelem/Prowler

The Conejo Valley has many trails that hikers and bikers like to frequent. However, as e-bicyclists gain in number, many people are calling for them to stop going on trails, their high speeds making people fear getting hit.

Motorized and/or electric vehicles are prohibited on federal, state, and local trails, but many still come. These bikes have compact, full-suspension chassis, dirt-specific mini motorcycle tires, silent electric motors, headlights and foot pegs where propulsion does not come from pedaling but instead comes from a twist throttle operating an electric motor, making them very fast but silent.

John Baker, a champion mountain bike rider, believes these bikes are very dangerous to hikers on trails. “Trail users should

never have to encounter any motorcycles on any trail in this community, especially rapidly moving machines, which are virtually silent, can cause devastating injuries at any moment,” Baker said.

The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) has been getting many reports on e-bikes. “These are not e-bikes. These are motorcycles as far as we’re concerned, and they are illegal in the open space. Agencies similar to ours are experiencing some of the same problems,” Brian Stark, director of COSCA, said.

If you see illegal vehicles on COSCA lands, you can help keep the trails safe by calling (805) 495-6471.

Youtube Sensation Adalia Rose Williams dies at 15 Melissa Geher Staff Writer On Jan.15 2021, YouTube star Adalia Rose Williams died at 15 years old from a rare genetic disease. Her death was announced on her Facebook and Instagram pages. “She came into it quietly and left quietly, but her life was far from it,” the Facebook and Instagram posts read. “She touched MILLIONS of people and left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her. She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves. I really wish this wasn’t our reality but unfortunately it is. We want to say thank you to everyone that loved and supported her. Thank you to all her doctors and nurses that worked for YEARS to keep her healthy. The family would now like to mourn this huge loss in private.”

At 3 months old, Williams was diagnosed with HutchinsonGilford progeria syndrome, which causes children to rapidly age. According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, people with progeria will experience cardiovascular diseases and have a life expectancy of 13 years.

A genetic disorder did not stop the Texas native from living life to its fullest. With more than 15 million followers on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube combined, Williams was known for her bubbly personality as she shared her life.

A family friend created a GoFundMe page towards funeral and medical expenses and will continue William’s legacy.

Always Remembered- Adalia Rose in her room sits in her room for a photoshoot. Photo courtesy of Barcroft Media via Getty Images

news Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Teacher shortage sparks change in substitute credentials Téa Sklar Graphic Artist

Rohit Ukkan Staff Writer

CVUSD has been in a teacher and substitute teacher shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the CVUSD school board has modified the credentials required to be a substitute teacher, opening up the opportunity to people who previously would not be able to teach.

For instance, the pay rate for working the one to ten days for the district as a substitute has increased from $125 to $205 for a full day. The rate increases for each tier, going up to $250 for a full day after providing the district 61 days of service.

The Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for CVUSD, Jeanne Valentine, provided some background information as to the origin of the shortage. “There is a high demand for a qualified work staff; however, the

candidate pool of applicants has decreased. In addition, some of our substitute teachers are unavailable because they are caring for a vulnerable child or parent and so, due to COVID, are unable to report to work,” Valentine said.

Combined with fast-tracking substitute applications, Valentine hopes that the changes will aid in alleviating the demand for teachers. “Along with an increase in pay for our substitute teachers, we believe the new processes will alleviate staffing issues to some degree. Currently, we are already seeing an increase in substitute teaching candidate applications that we believe will lead to an increase in the number of substitute teachers available on a daily basis,” Valentine said.

Suspect revealed in Anne Frank’s betrayal

Courtesy of Conejo Valley Unified School District

Melissa Geher Staff Writer For many years, historians have been looking into the prime suspect for the betrayal of Anne Frank and her family. More than 75 years later, a possible suspect has been uncovered.

After working for 27 years, retired FBI agent Vince Pankoke has finally discovered a likely culprit: Arnold van den Bergh, a father, Jewish businessman and former member of the Holland Jewish Council.

According to investigators, van den Bergh was in the council to avoid being sent to a concentration camp.

Even though van den Bergh managed to leverage his position on the council, Anne and her family were still hiding for their lives in a small annex in the back of her father’s Amsterdam factory. With the help of employees who brought necessities, the Franks lived in secret for 761 days, from 1942 to 1944 and stayed as silent as possible to avoid being caught.

While on “60 Minutes,” Pankoke revealed an important letter.

Pankoke said the son of a detective on the Dutch police’s 1963 probe gave him a copy of an anonymous note once sent to Anne’s father, Otto Frank. The note stated that van den Bergh had given away addresses to the Nazis including that in which Anne and her family were hiding in to avoid being arrested. According to Pankoke, van den Bergh was identified as the family betrayer in the letter, although its existence was not widely known.

“Your hiding place in Amsterdam was in that time partly shared with the Central Agency for Jewish Emigration in Amsterdam by A. van den Bergh, who had lived near the Vondel Park,” the letter said.

Even though van den Bergh died in 1950, Pankoke described him as a “chess player.” “He thought in terms of layers of protection, by obtaining different exemptions from being placed into the camps,” Pankoke said.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

Téa Sklar/Prowler

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opinion Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

India’s history must be taught correctly

Tiana Hoang/Prowler

Nandini Patro News Editor

Growing up in an Indian family, I’ve always been aware of India’s history of colonization, so when I was assigned a project about it, I expected to see articles describing the horror India faced. When looking through the school’s database, however, I was shocked to find the featured articles were solely narratives praising the British. These articles, meant to educate students, do the opposite, spreading false claims commending British actions.

Every featured article my group and I found glorified British rule in India using phrases like “reform the evils of Indian society,” portraying colonization as something India should be thankful for. It is absurd to think India would thank Britain for destroying centuries of thriving industries, murdering thousands and attempting to erase Indian culture and religion and replace it with their own. It is absolutely absurd that they would ever thank Britain for poisoning the subcontinent with poverty, malnutrition, disease, violence and a sense of racial inferiority.

Additionally, not one featured article covered the partition of 1947. The partition was the geographical division of North East India into two independent states: India and Pakistan. The boundaries enforced by this partition were drawn up by an English lawyer who had never traveled to India before. The borders were drawn for the convenience of the British, with zero regard for the warring religious communities that would be affected by the divide. The millions of lives lost were not of concern to the British and in turn it led to one of the greatest tragedies in history. The partition displaced 10 to 20 million Indians and millions more were slaughtered. War erupted between the majority Hindu-India

and majority Muslim-Pakistan.

Another topic I found lacking in explanation was how the British economy and military thrived off of the backs of Indian citizens and the natural resources that the country provided.

Britain took what was once the richest country in the world and reduced it to nothing but a poverty stricken supplier of raw materials. India’s men were even hired to fight for Britain’s army in World War II and perished largely with no recognition. I have yet to see resources in our school database and textbook that show these truths.

By the time the partition occurred, India gained their independence, but a once shining new country full of potential was left with bloodstains and bodies, an unforgettable reminder of everything they lost.

For school-approved sources to glorify British rule and argue that they “inspired a generation of freedom fighters” is disgusting.

A country shouldn’t have to have it’s freedom taken away to learn how to fight for it. Indian colonization was a tragedy impacting millions, yet to this day countless textbooks, history sites and articles, including our very own school database, spread the lie that Britain did India a favor. The database exists for high school students to find factual, truthful information. To find that not a single featured article in this district database contained an accurate perspective on the tragedy of British imperialism is sickening.

Clearly schools are lacking in providing an actual education that informs students of more than just the white man’s side of history.

Gender neutral bathrooms can’t stay locked Kai Mekari Editorial Editor When I first started at this school, I was extremely happy that there was a gender neutral bathroom. This eased my thought of having to go into a bathroom I was uncomfortable in. However, the first time I tried to use it, it was locked. I tried again a few days later and it was still locked. This has become a frequent occurrence, to the point where the gender neutral bathrooms are pointless. The school has made an effort with making a new gender neutral bathroom, however, their actions speak louder by making the bathroom inaccessible. It feels like there is a lack of respect and prioritization for gender nonconforming students are this school.

When I was in sixth grade I couldn’t change in the women’s locker room because of the bullying I would go through, although when I tried to go into the boys locker room I was harassed and scared of being physically hurt. For the rest of sixth and seventh grade I changed in the bathroom when everyone was still in class. Because of these experiences, going into both the women’s and men’s bathroom is a daily struggle. Allowing for there to be a regularly accessible gender neutral bathroom would make this school feel more welcoming.

As well as many other people in this school, I don’t identify as a woman or a man. My entire life I have dealt with harassment and neglect from other students, and not having a safe space to accommodate basic human needs is blasphemous. Throughout the year, I have felt like I was locked behind bathroom stall bars, trapped under the pressure of societal norms. This is especially difficult for students who aren’t comfortable asking for the key in fear of outing themselves.

From the district’s point of view, I understand how closing this bathroom would prevent students from smoking, doing drugs, and other unsolicited activities, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of LGBTQ+ students’ safety and comfort. There is nothing stopping students from doing the same exact things in the regular

Locked out- The gender neutral bathroom at NPHS is being put to waste by being kept locked. Kai Mekari/Prowler

bathrooms, but those have never been closed other than to be cleaned because they are seen as a “necessity” whereas gender neutral bathrooms are seen as an option. When the principal or other staff members guard the door at lunch, it defeats the purpose of privacy and respect that should come with using this bathroom, just like any other.

The district needs to see the struggles that certain students are going through due to these decisions and take these matters seriously. Knowing that there is something that can be done at this school to make all students feel more safe that nobody is addressing is agitating. Although we have made progress as a school, I think it is important that we address this issue and find a fair solution to address the bathrooms in order to make people feel comfortable.

Valentine’s Day means more than romance Gwen Buchanan Back Cover Editor Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year.

Many people argue that it is the worst holiday because it is centered around romance, but in the past I have had just as much fun without a date on Valentine’s day as when I’ve had one.

The first Valentine’s Day that I can remember was when I was in first grade. Obviously, I didn’t have a boyfriend to celebrate with, and could barely grasp the meaning of the holiday. To teach me about the intent of valentines day, my mom helped me make wind chimes for all of my friends as gifts. We stayed up late together stringing beads and hanging them from sticks we found in my backyard. For a six year old, it was hard labor, but giving my presents out the next day to the people I cared about made it worth it. Spending time with my mother and making gifts that year taught me at a young age that Valentine’s Day is not just about romance. Rather, it is about expressing love to the people you care about.

My next memorable Valentine’s day was a night that I spent with my parents. I assumed that they would want to go out to a romantic restaurant alone for dinner, but they brought me with them. We all had a fun time toasting to the holiday and trying out new food and a big dessert after dinner.

I spent the next Valentine’s Day with my best friend.

We decided to have a “chill” day and walk around the mall. Instead of making presents for each other or celebrating with a big event or dinner, we had the most fun that year just spending time with one another.

“Galentine’s Day” can be just as much fun as spending the holiday with a significant other, and that day was one of my favorites.

Since then, I have celebrated Valentine’s Day both with and without a significant other. Whether I was with a boyfriend, friends or family, each celebration was an important and memorable day of each year, and I still carry those memories now. Despite societal expectations, Valentine’s Day can and should be a day of the year to spend time with loved ones, romantic or platonic. Each year I have learned to appreciate the people in my life that make me happy.

There is no sole purpose of Valentine’s Day, or “right” way to celebrate it. Just like any other holiday, this one is just another day of the year. Each person can choose how they celebrate it, if even at all.

This year, I plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day over the span of three days with the people I love: with my best friend, my family, and my boyfriend. Just as it has in the past, each day will be important not just because of the holiday, but because I have chosen these days to make memories with the people I care about.

opinion Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

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Mental health sinks as expectations rise Karyss Amato Front Cover Editor Over the course of the pandemic, many people’s mental health experienced patterns of lows as COVID-19 kept us locked in from the outside world. Now that we have returned full time to school, students’ mental health continues to deplete as teachers assign an increased amount of workload with their rising expectations in students. Staff members at school sites should remember that not all students have fully mentally recovered from the extended period of time in which students were isolated from a proper education and I would like to see more support and understanding offered to my peers.

Coming from experience, after school I have sports that go until about 10 p.m. everyday. Jumping on homework right when I get home, I finish between around 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Sometimes I stay up all night just so that I can get all of my homework done. With no sleep and no time for myself, my mental health is declining as I stretch myself thin--all so that I can be academically “successful.” Many of my fellow peers have expressed many similar difficulties as they feel like their mental health is not being supported, and that is starting to affect their physical health as well.

This pandemic has been extremely difficult for both students and teachers but that is why it is so frustrating. We went into the new school year believing that there would be a mutual understanding between students and teachers that we would ease into this pandemic gradually to help the transition into a “normal” year for the sake of mental as well as physical health.

Looking around my classrooms, I can clearly see the exhaustion and struggle my peers are experiencing. Students are grateful for the teachers who do express their concern for students.

Those teachers exhibit a flexible mindset, offering extra help and providing resources to benefit students struggling with their mental health. When I come across these teachers, it feels like I am in a safe space that is there to support my mental being.

Especially with this roller coaster of a pandemic, it is especially important for teachers to foster the growth of students by offering us support and understanding that students need to take care of themselves. When we are able to get enough sleep each night and have some time for ourselves, not only would our mental health improve, but our physical health would as well.

Help- Many students feel overwhelmed as their workload increases.

Reese Kelem/Prowler

High schools should integrate more modern books Ava Prapaniku Staff Writer

Each year, high schools continue to include classical literature within the curriculum. However, many of these novels are not an inspiration to students and do not spark a love for reading. If anything, these novels tend to grab the attention of students who already enjoy reading and do not interest many nonreaders. By implementing more modern books, students who do not typically enjoy reading will find the curriculum more interesting as they will connect better to the characters and relate more to the plot.

A book worth adding to the curriculum is “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. After I read this book, I gained a better understanding of many social injustices and the book encouraged my love to read because I was able to connect with the characters.

Other students will also find resemblances between themselves and the characters which will lead to more in-depth discussions when analyzing the text.

I understand that the desire to read changes under various Read- Students struggle connecting to classical novels, so circumstances and when reading becomes a task, students become introducing modern books could help encourage them to dive deeper more reluctant. The introduction of modern books would not into reading. Tiana Hoang/Prowler

completely fix this problem, but rather would create a sense of balance between the different types of books and students will likely be more enthusiastic when it comes to reading.

Some say that classical novels are necessary because they challenge the readers. Despite this, more time is spent trying to comprehend the older language than studying the themes, motifs and literary devices. Unlike literary devices, the use of the older language won’t be as essential to students in the future.

Many of these novels bring light to the injustices of the world.

These are all important to understand and acknowledge in order to learn from, but the curriculum shouldn’t be limited to just these novels. There are a number of other books that highlight these injustices but are also impactful in their ability to captivate and teach students.

It is essential to re-evaluate what our true motives are within schools. Instead of focusing on how far we can progress with the material, schools should work to inspire students into potentially continuing on with language arts studies throughout their future.

Attack the titan of anime stigma Tiana Hoang Managing Editor When I was younger, anime, an umbrella term used to describe Japanese animation, was a somewhat ubiquitous aspect of my life.

I remember being encapsulated by the masterful landscapes and the compelling storylines. The detailed and vibrant animation created worlds that I was able to slip into and grow up in.

Once I started going to school, however, it became apparent to me that others’ perceptions of the art form was vastly different than my own. I quickly deduced that anime was entirely perverted, gross and for “weebs.” I dropped it from my interests altogether, instead focusing my interests towards American media.

As I’ve grown older and observed the portrayal of Asian culture in Western media, I’ve realized that the damaging monolithic qualities have also been applied to anime. Growing up, I rarely saw any sort of Asian representation that wasn’t either some fetishization or version of “Nerd #1.” Just like how Western media refuses to move past these harmful, over-simplified profiles, many seem to be incapable of viewing anime as something more complex than the violent, over-sexualized notion which has been presented to them.

In reality, anime is comprised of a variety of different genres

and there’s genuinely something for everyone. From action to romance to slice-of-life, there are so many stories to follow, all conveyed through stunning animation. For example, a majority of people already recognize the beauty and genius of Studio Ghibli films, such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “Spirited Away.” However, for whatever reason, many do not associate those movies with anime, despite them literally being Japanese animation. Though I’m ecstatic that Ghibli films have been exempt from the stigma, many characteristics that make them so masterful are not limited to Studio Ghibli. Whether the story is about playing a sport or falling in love, most other anime series delve into the same themes of finding one’s passions, forming deep-rooted connections, and progressing towards self-discovery.

Trivial as it may seem, overcoming and learning to ignore the stigma surrounding anime has been a strangely personal journey for me. I’ve learned to keep in mind that those who make fun of it only know the harmful stereotype they’ve been taught, something I wouldn’t want to associate with either if it were true. Instead, I choose to focus on the world of anime that I grew up in–a world that I’ve come to love.

Kai Mekari/Prowler

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history of newbury park Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza for all graphics

Gwen Buchanan Back Cover Editor Reese Kelem Chief Photographer Dhruv Patel Entertainment Editor Sarena Kabir Sports Editor Newbury Park is a beautiful area filled with culture and history, as well as a place that 37 thousand people call home. Newbury Park is filled with historical families that originated here, and it is important to consider those that lived here in the past, and created the area we all know and love. Some of Newbury Park’s most historically-rich sites are places the public may not know much about. Specifically, the Stagecoach Inn Museum, The Native American Indian Culture Center, and the existence of Jungleland serve as reminders of the culture and history of our town. These people and events in the past paved the way for many people today.

Watch- Satwiwa is a section of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and is home to several trails that hikers walk on everyday. Satwiwa is an important part of Newbury Park’s history and is still one of the most culturally-rich sites. Gwen Buchanan/Prowler

One of the most historically-rich sites in Newbury Park is Satwiwa. This National Recreation Area is home to many wild animals, and has natural trails available to the public. However, Satwiwa also has historical value, as the area was home to Native American tribes thousands of years ago.

Satwiwa is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which was established in the late 1970s. However, Satwiwa itself was not established as a Culture Center National Park until 1980.

Anna Flores, a Park Guide intern at the Recreation Area, has been working at the center for a year and a half. “What’s interesting about this park is that it’s an urban park,” Flores said. An urban park is a natural area that is in close proximity to urbanized land where humans live. “Because we live in the area that we do, you cross the street and you have neighborhoods…

We’re surrounded by neighborhoods, freeways, things that affect wildlife.”

Before the land transferred officially into the ownership of the National Park Service, it was home to many Native American tribes including the Chumash, the Tongva and the Tataviam. Today, descendants of these tribes still live in Newbury Park and educate the public about their culture and history through weekend workshops at the Native American Indian Culture Center, located about a fourth mile down the main trailhead at Satwiwa.

The Native American Indian Culture Center serves as a small museum for the public as well as to host events and workshops.

“We have either Chumash, Tongva or Tahitian elders come in, or of other tribes come in and they share their artistry,” Flores said.

Alan Salazar, a member and descendant of the Tataviam tribe, explained that tribes such as the Tataviam and Chumash have been in the area for over 13 thousand years, and their culture has survived through horrific times of oppression. “We survived the Mission Period, which was extremely brutal. We were considered subhuman,” Salazar said. “Half of our population did not survive the Mission Period, and many of that half were babies and young children.”

Many places in or near Newbury Park have a tragic history of slavery and abuse of Native American people.

“There was a slave labor market in downtown Los Angeles,” Salazar said. “Almost every day in the 1850s and 60s in early California history.”

However, the tribes that have undergone abuse in the past have survived and their culture is still present today.

“By 1900, we were almost extinct…But today, both Chumash and the Fernandeno Tataviam have made a tremendous comeback,” Salazar said.

Satwiwa is a place that could be considered the heart of Newbury Park, because of its beauty and tragic history.

“We [Native Americans] have been involved with California history longer than anyone else. We are California. We are California history. US history is just a small anecdote. That’s all it is,” Salazar said. “Native Americans are the most important and have the most in depth connection to the land. No one can deny that.”

history of newbury park Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

In 1876, the Stagecoach Inn, originally named the Grand Union Hotel, opened up in Newbury Park where the 101 freeway is on Ventu Park today. As time passed, the Grand Union Hotel transformed into a number of different businesses and became the center of the early Thousand Oaks community. After the landmark was relocated to the intersection of Ventu Park and Lynn for the building of the 101, the Grand Union Hotel became the Stagecoach Inn Museum, which serves to preserve the history of what the hotel was like along with the past of Newbury Park. However, the museum has its own rich history that is vital to understanding Newbury Park.

Jana Goldsworthy, the Stagecoach Inn Museum Director, works under the Conejo Valley Historical Society to preserve the history of the museum. “The Conejo Valley Historical Society formed in order to move the building, which is no small feat with a building this size, but they moved it here onto donated land,” Goldsworthy said. “Now, this land is owned by CRPD, the Conejo Recreation and Park District, and we manage the museum, but the idea was to move the structure and reopen it as a museum.”

However, years after the building was relocated, a fire burnt the entire Stagecoach Inn down to the ground, leaving nothing salvageable.

Stasia Simrall, a museum docent, recounts this history to all of the visitors at the museum.“ It burned down in less than 30 minutes, and

nobody ever figured out where it started because it burned so fast…After the fire, they had to tear everything down,” Simrall said.

Once the building was burnt down, the whole museum had to be replaced with new furnishings.

“Everything you see in [the museum] is antique.

These are not reproductions. Local families have donated [artifacts and antiques] after the fire because all the original furnishings burned out,” Simrall said.

Also located at the Stagecoach Inn Museum is a reconstruction of the Timber School. As of right now, it is under repair. “[The] Timber s] School was the original school in the area…[At that time] when they had…[about] 17 children in the area, they decided it was time for school,” Goldsworthy said.

This reconstruction was, in fact, made by NPHS students. “The Newbury Park High School’s [woodshop] students are the ones that built it under supervision from an expert, but it was [the] students that supplied the labor,” Goldsworthy said.

Similarly to how the original Stagecoach Inn served as a hotel for the people of the town to congregate, the modern museum tries its best to uphold those original values. “Today, as a museum, it still continues to be a place for gathering and presenting things about the city. We’re the number one historic landmark for Thousand Oaks… It’s a cornerstone of the community if you will,” Goldsworthy said.

Hidden within the museum, the Stagecoach Inn features a glorious display on Jungleland, one of the most hidden gems in the history of Thousand Oaks. Alice Stewart, a Stagecoach Inn docent, gave us an inside look at Jungleland, the famous animal theme park run by Louis and Kathleen Goebel at the center of Thousand Oaks. The Goebels purchased the 170-acre property off of Ventura Boulevard for only 50 dollars and converted it into a full-functioning zoo with exotic animals, performers and daily shows. “Between 1920 and the middle of 1950s, this was the main attraction, this was a huge attraction. People came from all over the place to go to Jungleland,” said Stewart.

Goebel hired several professional trainers such as Robert Hall, who managed the animals and performed shows with them at the zoo.

Suzie Hall, Robert’s daughter, grew up on the Jungleland property with her father, and told stories of her surreal childhood living amongst the animals. “The learning experience was amazing,” Suzie Hall said. “He taught me about animals and the respect for animals… your dog eats before you do or your horse eats before you do and you always put them first,” Suzie Hall said.

Jungleland held some of the most famous animal actors in Hollywood, who were featured in movies such as Dr. Doolittle, Tarzan and Bedtime for Bonzo. The trainers taught animals like Deedee the Chimp to perform a variety of tricks for shows and films. “[Deedee] was amazing. And she would go to TV shows and stuff, she smoked a cigarette, she would give you kisses. You’d say Deedee Give me a kiss...

you’d purse your lips and she’d purse her lips and you’d kiss each other,” Suzie Hall said. Even Leo the MGM lion, one of the most famous lions in entertainment, lived and performed at the zoo.

“1924 is when they first recorded the famous roar for the MGM lion that you still see today and hear his famous roar,” Stewart said. Leo was a star across Ventura County and was elected marshall of the Conejo Valley Days Parade.

Jungleland was not only home to animal stars, but also to many celebrities and acrobats. Several circus companies such as the Ringling Brothers resided at the Jungleland complex during the winter. Fred Nuesca, an acrobat, would put on shows at the park. “When we were performing, it wasn’t unusual to hear the lion’s roar or something like that,” Nuesca said.

Jungleland was also home to the renowned animal trainer Mabel Stark, who tamed and took care of the tigers at Jungleland. “She was the only woman in the United States that was a tiger trainer. And at the peak of her career, she could have up to 17 tigers in the cage with her at the same time,” Nuesca said.

However, the thrill of Jungleland couldn’t last forever, and the park closed due to bankruptcy in 1969. The land was later converted into the Civic Arts Plaza area, but its historic legacy still impacts Newbury Park today. This includes the famous story of Dynamite, a panther at Jungleland who escaped and caused chaos amongst the town.

Although she was found shortly after, The escapee panther became a celebrity of Thousand Oaks and is now our very own mascot of Newbury Park High School.

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features Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Panther students graduate early Cassandra Chavarria Staff Writer

Dylan Kaseno Staff Writer

When starting the semester of their final year, seniors have an important decision to make: when to say goodbye. Some students might prefer to hang around for one more semester, while others prefer to run away from senioritis.

Emma Schoors, a 2022 early graduate and former Panther Prowler staff member, wanted to graduate early to devote more time to her career goals. “Juggling school and work was difficult, so being able to have the independence and lack of schedule that graduation offers was important,” Schoors said.

Schoors has large plans for her career and is looking forward to taking her newspaper experience to the next level. “I’m heading towards a work-based post-school career. I worked as a music journalist throughout high school, and plan to continue. Making it out to shows or doing interviews was incredibly difficult on school days, so now I have the flexibility needed to do that,” Schoors said.

Caitlin Fitzgerald, a 2022 early graduate and former Newbury Park High School student, wanted to graduate early to focus on her best interest and reap the benefits of having a more open schedule. “I just wanted to be done and especially since COVID and stuff, I just didn’t see a point in going to school, you know?

Because, like, it’s not the same… and being able to not have that barrier, like I could apply to more jobs now. Because I can work in the morning or I can work whenever,” Fitzgerald said.

Similar to the winter cold, seniors each year are met with an unforgiving ailment.

Senioritis is very common among high school students but only some take action to rid themselves of the disease Back to work- Caitlin Fitzgerald, NPHS alumna, is working on homework sooner than later. “I felt like for her Moorpark courses. “I plan on going to…like a Ph. D program onto last year was my senior year… So I that because like that’s what I want to do,” Fitzgerald said.

Reese Kelem/Prowler

was getting senioritis last year because I hated going,” Fitzgerald said.

What’s next to come varies from person to person. During this term, 30 students graduated early. Some were joining college sports teams, moving, joining the military and more. For Fitzgerald, Moorpark has allowed her the opportunity to have choices.

“I could do a year and a half…because I did this semester. And then I can either take a semester to like early transfer or like work more which I don’t know which one I’m gonna do but I plan on going to…graduate school or even like a Ph.D. program,” Fitzgerald said.

Around 30 students this semester have graduated early alongside Schoors and Fitzgerald. In order to graduate early students need to plan early. Brittany Hong, College and Career center guidance specialist, suggests planning as soon as junior year. “The steps Writing time!- Emma Schoors, NPHS alumna, is busy that students will take to be an early graduate writing articles, continuing to maintain and perfect her is to speak with their counselor first because craft in pursuit of her post-high school career. “I worked they have to make sure that they have all the as a music journalist throughout high school, and plan credits that the state of California wants you to continue,” Schoors said. Emma Schoors/With Permission to have in order to graduate,” Hong said.

Lesley Nedwick, a counselor at Newbury Park High School, has guided many scholars graduate over the years by planning out their credit obtainment. “What students need to do to get ahead in their credits so they can get to their 230 credits by January of their senior year,” Nedwick said.

Early graduation can be an interesting option for those to whom it applies and it’s definitely worth a consideration.“ This is an exciting time in our lives, really the beginning of our lives, and I wanted to start that new chapter as soon as possible,” Schoors said.

Winter signing event pushed to spring Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza Graphic Artist

Hayden Meixner News Editor

Shoot for the stars! - Arden Miller, Bailey Miller and Genesis Mendez in action on the field. They may play different sports, but their commitment and drive shine through while they compete. All three seniors will be signing letters of intent and will continue their athletic as well as academic careers in college this fall. Arden Miller, Bailey Miller and Genesis Mendez/With Permission

With having to balance school work, practices and social lives, student athletes constantly have a lot on their plates. The countless sacrifices are made worth it on signing day, celebrating with loved ones. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the small number of signees, Winter signing day was forced to be canceled. However, the event has since been rescheduled and will be taking place sometime in April.

Bailey Miller, senior softball player, has committed to a college under a sports scholarship this year. Miller has been playing softball for around eight years and is excited to start a new chapter of her life at North Central College in Illinois, where she already knows a few people from her new team. “I was able to meet the coach and the coach was really nice. And they had a lot of enthusiasm for the same sport I did,” Bailey Miller said.

Arden Miller, senior, is also signing a letter of intent and committing to a college for softball. Miller will attend Frostburg State University in Maryland, where she will play as a mid and outfielder. Arden Miller explains how signing a letter of intent gives her some security for the future. “I feel like the weight is lifted off my shoulders. And then I actually realized, like, ‘Oh, I gotta have some people that I can count on,’ and now I know where I’m going to be for the next four years,” Arden Miller said.

Arden Miller also feels very grateful for all of the people who have supported her in her journey with the sport, especially her father. “My dad was the person who drove me and my sister across America and back, to make sure that we

would be able to be seen by coaches…My dad helped me with emails, he was the one that always pushed me and I learned how to push myself more,” Arden Miller said.

This fall, Genesis Mendez, senior, will pack her bags and move to South Dakota where she will play soccer at Dakota Wesleyan University, accompanied by a well earned full ride.

“What made me want to continue was that I couldn’t see myself stopping playing soccer,” Mendez explained.

For Mendez, there were many sacrifices made that were necessary to get to her level. “Every single day after school I had training with high school or club as well instead of going out,” Mendez said. Clearly, the hard work paid off for Mendez who will be joining fellow student athletes down the path of furthering her academic as well as athletic career this fall.

For these high school seniors, signing letters of intent to start a new chapter in their lives with a support system in a new environment is especially reassuring.

“It feels great. Because when you go in, you already have a group of people and I get to play the sport I love,” Bailey Miller said.

Student Sage Patel/Student

1 What country invented tea?

Patel: China Janes: China Answer: China

They both must love spilling tea!

1-1

is the body’s largest 2 What organ?

11 Teacher features

VS

Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Brandon Janes/Teacher

Taylor Gibson Staff Writer

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5 Who is Miley Cyrus’ godmother?

Sage is spicing it up!

Patel: The skin Janes:The skin Answer: The skin

Patel: Dolly Parton Janes: Carrie Underwood Answer: Dolly Parton

“It’s the best of both worlds.”

4-2

was the first movie of the 6 What Marvel universe?

Patel: Iron Man Janes: Captain Marvel Answer: Iron Man

Science rules!

2-2

Sage knows her movies.

5-2

the smallest country in 3 What’s the world?

the largest ocean in the 7 What’s world?

Patel: Pacific Janes: Pacific Answer: Pacific

Patel: Vatican City Janes: Caribbean Republic Answer: Vatican City

But isn’t there only one ocean?

6-3

Small yet mighty.

3-2

4 How many eyes does a bee have?

holiday is celebrated on 8 What Dec. 26?

Patel 2 Janes: 8 Answer: 5

Patel: St. Nicholas Day Janes: The day after Christmas Answer: Boxing Day

Tiana Hoang/Prowler

Better to see you with my dear!

3-2

“Hit me with your best shot.”

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Rodenticides are harming mountain lions Dylan Kaseno Staff Writer Many mountain lions and bobcats in the Santa Monica Mountains have been found with varying degrees of rodenticides in their systems, leading to health issues and numerous deaths.

Biologists have tested mountain lions of the Santa Monica Mountains over the past few years, finding that the vast majority of them were in various stages of poisoning from rodenticides, which many people use as rodent control.

Mountain lions do not directly ingest rodenticides.

Cathy Schoonmaker, an outdoor recreational planner in the Santa Monica Mountains explained how this occurs.

“Mountain lions don’t eat the rat poisons. So when homeowners put out the rodenticides, it eventually makes its way to the mountains, causing them to consume the poisonous animals. What happens is prey animals are eating the rat poisons,” Schoonmaker said.

Rodenticides are anticoagulants, meaning when ingested, they thin the blood, causing it not to clot.

When the rodenticides start to build up, it causes internal bleeding and hemorrhaging.

Death caused by these pesticides is not a quick process, it occurs slowly over a long time. “[Rodenticides will] affect them long term and lead to death, unfortunately,” Anna Flores, a Santa Monica Mountain intern ranger, said.

As of now, seven mountain lions have passed away from the effects of rodenticides,Including data recorded from mountain biologists,” 28 out of 29 mountain lions tested in the study have tested positive for one or more anticoagulant compounds, and seven have died from anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning (as of November 2021),” the National Park Service Website stated.

Public affairs officer Ana Beatriz Cholo mentioned the devastating effects rodenticides have on the local wildlife, saying, “We see the effects that these poisons are having on our local wildlife, and it’s, it’s pretty sad,” Beatriz Cholo said.

A practical and effortless change everyone can make to protect our local wildlife populations is to find alternative forms of rodent control. Vector Ecologist, Laura Kruger, said, “The best way for humans to control rat populations is to clean up food sources and restrict harborage.”

Two years ago, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

Biologists of the Santa Monica Mountains have stressed the importance of education. “The only hope we have is education and get people to develop some environmental stewardship and want to protect the wildlife,” Schoomaker said.

On the Prowl- AP-35, a mountain lion of the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, is outside looking for its nightly dinner special. According to the Santa Monica Mountain National Park Service website, “researchers have monitored nearly 100 mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains north of Los Angeles.”

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service website

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entertainment Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

“Euphoria” leaves viewers on edge

Reese Kelem Chief Photographer Capturing the suspenseful highs and lows of high school, the show “Euphoria” directed by Sam Levinson depicts the struggles of a drug addicted teenager, Rue, and her complex relationship with her transgender best friend, Jules, in a town full of secrets. The show uses dramatic music, scenes, and makeup to emphasize a plethora of intense emotions these teenagers are facing. The first season left everyone on edge when Jules left Rue in an attempt to run away, and I couldn’t wait to see more.

With the new year upon us, the new season of Euphoria was released on HBO with new episodes every Sunday.

In contrast to the previous season, which features dark, colorful, in the moment scenes with heavy use of glitter and black light, directors aimed for this season to feel more like a flashback to high school, with more retrospective tones. Cinematographers use Kodak Ektachrome film and convinced Kodak to reproduce this discontinued film just for this season to get a worn out, vintage effect. In addition, the music choices of season two have a slower pace and more western tones in contrast to the strong vocal and dramatic soundtrack of season one, further emphasizing a vintage effect.

In the first three released episodes, viewers are caught up with the status of characters from the previous season, and are enlightened to the back stories of several

side characters, including Fezco, a drug dealer, and the true intentions of Nate, the main antagonist.

Many characters who played minor roles in the first season are getting more limelight, and new characters are introduced such as Elliot, played by famous singer Dominic Fike. Elliot adds a new, interesting dynamic and tension to the girls’ friendship, and viewers grow more and more curious to his back story.

Cal, Nate’s father is featured more as he tries to protect his name after a videotape of his perverse actions gets lost. Although Nate and Cal are seen as the primary antagonists, the directors highlight the characters’ past struggles with homosexuality to get a better understanding of their mindset. Levinson mastered the use of flashback scenes to show all perspectives of the story in this small town and shine sympathetic light on those normally seen as fiends in society.

Each released episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats amidst the small town crisis, but also gives in-depth understanding as to why people do what they do. It is most definitely necessary to watch season one in order to comprehend season two, but both seasons are artistically mastered and unique to their own. Directors of the show made perfect aesthetic and narrative decisions to make the new season engaging, unique, and even more exciting.

Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler

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Dhruv Patel Entertainment Editor On Jan. 7, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, more famously known as “The Weeknd”, just dropped his fifth studio album, titled “Dawn FM.” The new album has a lot to live up to, as The Weeknd’s last album, “After Hours,” was one of 2020’s best selling albums, selling 444,000 album-equivalent units. The new album consists of 16 songs and is a little under an hour.

Jim Carrey, famous actor/comedian narrates the album, acting as a radio announcer that brings the listener to another world. Each of the songs have an 80s feel to them, allowing the album to flow nicely. The Weeknd paints a story over the course of the album, singing about

Kai Mekari/Prowler

a married woman he slowly falls in love with. This love does not end well, and on the final song “Less Than Zero,” The Weeknd expresses his melancholy to all his listeners. The album is very strong as a whole, and also has a lot of standout singles such as “Out of Time,” “Is there Someone Else,” and “How Do I Make You Love Me.” Famous rappers Tyler the Creator and Lil Wayne also have features on the album, and their songs make the album even more musically pleasing. “Dawn FM” may not outsell it’s predecessor, but the sonic sounds and the amazing features make the album extremely enjoyable, making it a classic for the ages.

entertainment

Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

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“A Court of Thorns and Roses” Dominates Fantasy Novel Industry Kira Ivarsdottir Staff Writer On Feb. 16, 2021, the latest Sarah J. Maas book for the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series was released. Though I am late to reading these popular stories, I am now, respectively, obsessed.

Though the series started in 2015, it still reigns as one of the most popular young adult fantasy books. I stumbled upon the series via word of mouth and for the longest time I did not see a reason to read another fantasy series; especially one that was five books long. However, I can now say with the utmost certainty that “A Court of Thorns and Roses’’ deserves all the attention and more.

Feyre, the main character of the first four novels, lives in the center of conflict between citizens of her home, the Human Realm, and the misunderstood Faerie Realm. Though the subject of fairies in novels may spark disinterest or “cringiness” in young adult readers, I found that I fell in love with characters who were fairy and human alike despite also being skeptical at first. The fae do not actually resemble traditional Tinker Bell-like fairies; instead they are described as resembling immortal humans who have elevated health and agility.

Though most fantasy young adult series’ scratch the surface regarding mental health issues of certain characters in their stories, the popular Sarah J. Maas series goes fully in depth with issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. Following the events unfolding in the first novel, Feyre is not only riddled with PTSD, but she is in the middle of a toxic relationship that leads to her spiraling into depression. Though Feyre becoming happy in the future seemed insurmountable to overcome at the beginning of the second novel, “A Court of Mist and Fury,” she begins to develop a relationship with another fae male named Rhysand who aids her in working through her PTSD, which I found deeply inspiring.

The introduction to Rhysand’s found family, the Inner Circle, puts “A Court of Mist and Fury” at the top of my list. Readers meet characters including Mor, Amren, Cassian and Azriel; Azriel, being my personal favorite character, who are all referred to as being in Rhsyand’s Inner Circle. When Feyre meets the Inner Circle she realizes that she shares similar trauma to all of the members, which aids her in managing her depression due to no longer feeling that she is struggling alone. Through the course of the next two novels, the characters face a war unfolding, as many fantasy novels go, however the following mental effects are not as unmanageable because all of the characters’ undying love and support towards each other.

The last novel published of the series, so far, was published last year in February with the title of “A Court of Silver Flames.” Though Feyre’s sisters, Elaine and Nesta, fought alongside her and the Inner Circle in the war, the sisters never touched on their own personal stories until now. With the main perspective of the last novel surrounding Nesta’s life following the war, readers experience a darker side of trauma and depression compared to Feyre; transitioning the novel into AdultFantasy compared to the previous Young-Adult Fantasy. Nesta’s process of navigating through her mental health is heart wrenching to read, especially for people who understand what she is going through, however, out of all of the characters, Nesta’s character development at the end of the novel is the most inspiring, with Nesta’s happy ending including her not only finding peace mentally but also finding love in one of the members of the Inner Circle.

Due to the worldwide praise and attention towards the series, Hulu is beginning to work with Sarah J. Mass in developing a TV series based on the popular novels. Fans all over the world,

including myself, are beyond excited to see what producers will come up with. Although I have not found myself in a battle between magical creatures as of yet, I found the characters’ stories of getting through significant mental health issues following traumatic events deeply encouraging.

For anyone who loves to read or struggles with finding the light at the end of the tunnel, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” will inspire you to keep going despite the challenges you are facing because things will always get better, and you may find love along the way.

Téa Sklar/Prowler

“Cheer” sheds light behind the scenes Karyss Amato Front Cover Editor

The Netflix documentary series, Cheer, released their second season on Jan. 12, 2022, as its that had never been opened were able to come forward to get justice.

This season, the show focused on covering many serious topics as many of the team members success sheds light on how fame and COVID-19 affected Navarro College and Trinity Valley experience them. Many individuals on both teams were able to tell their stories of how their success Community College (TVCC).

Leaving off from last season, Navarro won the Daytona 2019 NCA competition against brought them to where they are on the team which in many cases broke viewers’ hearts. The effects their rivals TVCC. Now beginning the second season, both Navarro and TVCC are preparing of all the hate that both the coaches and cheerleaders had been experiencing was highlighted which really showed the faults of internet fame. The impact of having this new concept in the show really for Daytona 2020. They were practicing in extreme measures to hit 51 full outs as they fostered connections to members on the show as it felt like you were having a conversation with were going for their 15th consecutive win at Daytona. News spreads as warnings for them. With people being more transparent, you see a more human side of them which really COVID-19 flood the press but members of both teams express no concern as Daytona pulled me into this season. is just weeks away. Having this giant aspect and chain of events unravel due to the Going into Daytona 2021, with lots of practice both Navarro and TVCC felt completely uprising Pandemic, I believe helped the audience connect with the show as everyone prepared. On the first day of competition, Navarro hit a zero deduction routine and TVCC nationwide experienced the same hardships that you could see them battling. had a deduction due to a tumbler not landing a skill and a stunt falling. Now going into Then, to the teams’ devastation, Daytona 2020 was shut down and Navarro College the second day, both teams were positive they would succeed, as their raw scores were not and TVCC released news of their school year moving online. From that point, the show far off despite TVCC’s deduction. paused and started filming again once Navarro and TVCC schools opened up and cheer On the second day, TVCC hit a zero deduction routine and Navarro had one stunt was allowed to practice to prepare for Daytona 2021. not hit. Heading into awards both teams were on edge as it could go either way but One of the past members on the Navarro team, Jerry Harris, was seen as the personality of the team from last season. But, to the audiences’ the team who came out on top, shocked the entire audience. surprise, not everything in the show is as transparent as viewers Overall this season really pulled me in and I thought it was expected. Two boys spoke up with sexual assualt allegations actually better than the first season. I genuinely have nothing Emerson Fuentes-Alabanza/Prowler against Harris and he was put under FBI investigation and found that I disliked or believed could change this season as the new guilty. Many more boys were experiencing the same situation with Harris all within the younger concepts and perspectives that they added in became significant to the show now, for cheer community. This case opened up more investigation for sexual assault within the cheer example the new rivalry shows between TVCC and Navarro College. community that had previously not been looked into. To the investigators’ surprise, many cases

14 NPHS Track continues to make history sports

Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Nandini Patro News Editor

On Saturday, Jan. 22, the NPHS track team opened their season with a victory. The team traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for the “Sundown Series”, a new meet that Newbury Park’s very own coach Sean Brosnan put together. The second Sundown Series is around the corner, approaching Feb. 19.

Lex Young, junior, got second place with a 4:08 mile, making for an exciting start to the season.

“Usually in January you’re not as fast as you are later in the season because you’re still building and you’re still sharpening your speed, so, in January those times are really fast and a good indicator of how this season is going to be,” Young said.

Colin Sahlman, senior, continued to keep his throne as the fastest high schooler in the nation finishing his mile in Arizona at 4:05. “I think it was a good start to the season, you know just getting the speed back in my legs,” Colin Sahlman said. Colin Sahlman believes his drive to be the best and push himself is what ultimately leads him to winning first place.

The team walked away with several victories at their most recent track meets. This builds confidence within the team and opens new goals for them to achieve. Hector Martinez, junior, thinks this season is going to be special. “We’re going to surprise a lot of people this year,” Martinez said.

Martinez turned out to be right, two weeks later, Feb. 5, in the indoor track stadium in New York, The Armory, the team pushed themselves even more. Lex Young and Aaron Sahlman, a junior on the team, competed in a professional level race at The Armory. Aaron Sahlman and Young ran the 3000m with final times of 8:01 and 7:57 respectively. Young’s time is the second fastest time ever right behind his older brother Nico Young, with a time of 7:56. “It was a great day for Newbury Park,” Young said. “I was ecstatic… that’s such a great time and it’s like you can’t complain with 7:57 as a junior.”

Not only did these two juniors shock the audience, Colin Sahlman pushed himself even harder after his last race in Arizona and went on to break 4:00 in the mile in New York, making him the 13th high schooler to do so. “It being my last high school track season, I just want to go out there and set all the best times that I possibly can,” Colin Sahlman said. “I found myself in a position later in the race where I could potentially win, and I just stuck with it and gave it my all.”

The team’s support and excitement continues to allow them to break records. “We’ve got a lot History is made- Colin Sahlman leaves New York victorious as the 13th high schooler to ever run a mile under of goals for this season, it’s definitely going to be memorable,” Young said. Needless to say, this team 4:00. “It was a really crazy feeling,” Colin Sahlman said. “I felt like I wasn’t tired; I was super excited and all that energy was just rushing through me. It was just so much excitement all at once.” Lex Young/With permission continues to hold the title as the fastest high school cross country and track team in history.

Girls’ soccer kicks their way to victory Allison Nguyen Features Editor

Score!- Gathering together before their game, the girls on the [team] huddle together to prepare for their next play. For many, like Delaney Anthony, junior, playing on the school team has been a long time dream. “I think that my goal was to be just like the older players. So I think that my inspiration was just being able to live out that dream that I had when I was a little girl and soccer is a really fun sport,” Anthony said. Cassandra Chavarria/Prowler

With the mid-winter season reeling in, many sport teams have been working hard to wrap up their seasons. The NPHS girls’ soccer teams, in particular, have been training all season in hopes for a fun and successful season.

Lauren Cary, freshman, is spending her first year on the girls JV team playing as a left wing. For the past 11 years, she’s been playing on club teams, however this year, she’s especially excited to be able to play with a different group of people. “I’ve always kind of wanted to join the high school team because I’ve loved soccer for a very long time,” Cary said.

Playing for her third year in a row, Delaney Anthony, junior, is a goalkeeper and midfielder for the JV team. Since the season started, all of the teams have been working hard in both training and playing.

“We have games Tuesdays and Fridays and practices the other days. On Wednesdays, we have strength and conditioning and training with Coach Brittany and the other days,” Anthony said. The JV team ended their successful season with five wins.

Aside from a few safety measures, the girls are excited to have an almost normal season again. “We’re definitely taking COVID precautions during practices. We do less contact during practices and in games and we wear masks in the buses. Practices have been mostly normal except for that,” Anthony said.

Although tryouts were very competitive going into this season, there were still a good amount of underclassmen that got accepted into the higher teams. Siena Meyer, freshman, plays center back and was one of many lucky players who got accepted onto the varsity team for her first year. “I’m really grateful for being it [making the team]. I wasn’t really expecting it and I guess a lot of freshmen made it, which is really good,” Meyer said. “The seniors and the juniors have been amazing with being super inclusive with us and everything. They’re super sweet and it’s a really cool experience to play with older players.”

Despite how challenging it can feel sometimes, being on the varsity team is still a great new experience for Meyer. “I think I’m handling it [the season] pretty well. It’s definitely hard sometimes in the strength factor, but skill wise and socially, [the upperclassmen] make it really easy during practice to make us feel like we’re keeping up,” Meyer said. The varsity team will be going to CIFs as this current season comes to an end.

For many of the girls, playing the sport and having the team experience is sometimes one of the most rewarding parts about playing alongside your teammates. “I really like being part of a team. I know it’s a very cliché answer, but it’s honestly true. I like feeling a sense of leadership too, because if you are outspoken, then you can channel that energy into soccer,” Cary said.

sports Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

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Dance team leaps into competition season Sarena Kabir Sports Editor

Rithu Velu Staff Writer

For the first time this school year, the NPHS dance team took part in their first two competitions on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29. Both under the West Coast Elite organization, the dance team went to San Diego on Jan. 22 to compete at Torrey Pines High School, and also hosted their own regionals at NPHS on Jan. 29.

For Rowan Patterson, freshman, the San Diego competition was her first as a dance team member. “San Diego is by far the hardest regional competition of the year.

The teams that were there were very tough to compete against. Our team ended up doing pretty decent,” Patterson said. “One of the solos ended up getting sixth overall out of all the solos, of which there was 130. Our hip hop dance placed second, [and] our pom routine placed fourth.”

After coaching the dance team for 15 years, Carolan Cameo was finally able to host NPHS’s first dance competition. “Westlake High School has hosted competitions because they have a larger gym. But last year and this year they have not hosted a competition which allowed us the ability to host at Newbury,” Cameo said. “ We were going to do it last year but with COVID everything had to change so it was such a great experience to finally have it on our own campus.”

Within the people who dance in the area, there are three networks that they compete in: United Spirit Association (USA), the California Dance Team Association (CADTA), and the West Coast Elite (WCE), which was hosted at NPHS. “[WCE’s] judges are professional dancers in the industry, and a lot of the harder schools go to that competition. I think one of the draws is if you win grand champs, which is kind of your top four teams scores,” Cameo said.

Hannah Lynn, senior, believes hosting the competition at NPHS made a difference for the team.“Being at home definitely made the team feel more united and excited for the competition, [and] was very exciting since NP has never hosted a competition before,” Lynn said.

Overall, across both competitions, NPHS took home several notable titles. “Our Taking the floor- The NPHS dance team placed first in the elite contemporary dance, taking the spotlight at a home competition. team took first in the large jazz category and the elite contemporary category. We got With the strong wins, they look forward to ending the season with nationals. “Well, our nationals aren’t until April. Normally, it’s in March but it’s during spring break. So the last week of spring break will be in Long Beach,” Cameo said. Hannah Lynn/With second in the pom, large hip hop and small jazz categories,” Lynn said.

There were some students who also took home individual awards, such as Mikaella Permission Lopez, freshman. Lopez received first place in freshman solos, as well as receiving sixth is crazy, but once the music turns on, something just makes it all work and you completely forget place overall dancer of the year at San Diego. Lynn also received first place overall for senior solos, about being nervous and it’s just a great time. Walking off stage after a good performance is the best and was the second place overall dancer of the year at the competition hosted at NPHS. feeling ever,” Patterson said.

“It [was] definitely nerve wracking at first. The anticipation when you’re about to go on stage

Local youth rugby team exemplifies true sportsmanship Ariela Behar Staff Writer

Cameron Winick Staff Writer

Almost there-The kids of the Orca Youth Rugby Team are pictured having a spirited match against their parents on a beautiful Saturday morning. Head coach, Steve Stone, supervises to make sure every family is having a good time. “If you struggle, we’re gonna try and train you, we’re gonna coach you and we’re gonna make it fun while you’re doing it. We want you, whether it’s a game or practice, to walk off the field and go, ‘that was fun,’ with a smile on [your] face,” Stone said. Ariela Behar/Prowler

Stepping out to the dewy grass on the morning of Jan 22., the local Orca Rugby Youth Team joined together on the field to celebrate their family day event. They are set out with a goal that is less focused on winning a big game, and more on forming stronger bonds and simply having fun. While some are familiar with rugby, not many know how to play it, most likely due to the lack of the sport in the U.S. Hence, seeing a local youth rugby team is not especially common, a defining trait that makes the Orcas stand out.

According to Laurie Hanna, a parent volunteer, the team has demonstrated a strong bond that is unique to the sport. Hanna is a survivor of breast cancer, and the team came together when she needed support. “This company, this group, came together, and not only that, but they raised funds and donated for me to do the Komen Walk[an educational and fundraising event for breast cancer] in the name of our founding Treasury, who died of breast cancer two years ago,” Hanna said.

Coach Steve Stone grew up with rugby and is now the head coach of the sport in the area years later. “If you’ve never seen it before, it’s chaotic, but there’s a lot of structure… It’s a team sport, so if someone’s weak in one area, someone’s stronger in the other area. They just play as a team, they train as a team, and that’s how we get them through. It’s just common sense to us,” Stone said.

Gabby Muler, seventh grade, is a newer teammate on the Orca team. She has only been playing for a few months but has expressed that rugby is a good way to keep her focused and give her motivation to stay active. “It’s a fun sport once you get, like, into the groove of it. It’s really easy, it’s fun, it’s a good way to just make it interactive,” Muler said.

Her brother, Mason Muler, junior, is also on the team and has a very similar view, “I mean, it’s fun.

It’s a learning curve. And it’s not going to hurt if you don’t like it. Just something to do, something to try,” Mason Muler said.

Nearly all of the players, coaches and volunteers hope that everyone gets the chance to enjoy the sport. “It’s a different philosophy. But no one’s yelling at the kids that ‘you were dumb’ and that ‘you didn’t do something right.’ It’s praising that you did something right… You eat together, and it builds friendships, and it builds camaraderie…That isn’t football, that isn’t baseball. That isn’t soccer, but that’s rugby,” Hanna said.

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back cover Panther Prowler • Feb. 14, 2022

Goal- Pictured is one of the Newbury Park team members kicking the ball towards the goal. The players shoot goals and form bonds, according to Coach Samantha Stewart. “You’re playing a sport, but you’re building friendship and you’re also [building] compassion and empathy,” Stewart said. Stewart, often going by the moniker of Coach Sammi, teaches Unified Sports at both Newbury Park and Westlake High School. She has been with Unified Sports since she was around the age of thirteen.

Anna Johnson/Prowler

On the bench- Team members of the Newbury Park Unified Sports club watch the Friday soccer game from the sidelines at Thousand Oaks High School. The kids pictured are waiting for their turn to get out on the field and kick the ball around on a windy afternoon. “All the kids really enjoyed themselves, all the kids got into the game,” said Anne Alvarez, the head of Unified Sports at Newbury Park. Alvarez has been with Unified Sports for several years and is excited about the future of the club in the coming months.

Anna Johnson/Prowler

Newbury Park Unified Sports spreads teamwork Cameron Winick Staff Writer

Anna Johnson/Prowler

The Newbury Park Unified Sports team is a group on campus with the intention of bringing young athletes with disabilities to the forefront of sports. The team is composed of students from both general education and special education, with a passion for playing sports in an accessible environment. The most recent outing from the team was a soccer game played between Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks High School on Friday, Feb 6. Kids of all natures helped each other to play another successful match.

Teamwork- Members of the Thousand Oaks Unified Sports team gear up for a kick. Opposing them is, of course, our home team of Newbury Park, equally ready to play. “Giving them an opportunity to go out and play sports and have fun, it’s really important and it’s a really great cause,” Elise Jones, senior, said. “I really stayed just because the students just have such genuine joy... I love doing sports with them and just hanging out, they really make my day better. And I feel amazing afterward.”

Anna Johnson/Prowler

Kick- Players of the Newbury Park Unified Sports club pass the ball down the field during Friday’s game at Thousand Oaks High School.

Team members can be seen having a ton of fun on the field, and for good reason. “We’re all just having a great time and everyone is there to have fun but also to be helpful and, you know, give back to the school,” Elise Jones, senior, said. “It definitely helps people feel included,” Jones said. “Sports are a great way to build a community and we can build a community with people [who] we don’t always have in our classes, but can include them in other things.”

Anna Johnson/Prowler