2023-2024 Issue 1

LANCER

the

Thousand Oaks High School

Volume LVI, Issue 1 | October 30, 2023

www.tohsthelancer.com

2323 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

QB Taylor plays all the right notes

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PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ NEWS EDITOR Jackson Taylor has spent weeks, months, even years preparing for the concert of a lifetime.

All of his classmates are hanging out in a small room, practicing and chit-chatting their nerves away, waiting for the ominous curtain call. The tension and stress are both so heavy he can feel it weighing him down.

Taylor should be especially jittery and overtaken by nerves but he is not; he’s doing what he does best — practicing.

Unexpectedly, the group begins to sing and play along to a fun song he knows all too well, “Riptide”

by Vance Joy, and he can’t help but be overtaken and jump right in, too. It’s moments like these that make Taylor, Thousand Oaks High School’s very own starting varsity quarterback, fall into rhythm with the

world of music.

For many who know the name Jackson Taylor, seeing him at the center of an ensemble is quite an unusual sight for the football player. Normally you can see him out on the field leading the offense.

What many don’t know is the Jackson Taylor after the tiresome game days and practices. The Jackson Taylor who takes on the responsibility of first violin in orchestra.

Taylor has played the violin with almost five years’ worth of skill and passion, though, like most punk sixth-graders, Jackson’s starry eyes were first on the rebellious drums. It wasn’t long until his booming dreams were shortly silenced when his school’s drum elective was full. It was then he figured he’d give the violin a try and ended up falling into a rabbit hole of fascination and joy.

Now in his sophomore year, he’s a core part of the Thousand Oaks High School Camerata Orchestra as a

first violinist, preparing for the Fall concert.

“I get nervous the same as when you get [nervous] in football,” he said. “Those butterflies. If you don’t get those nerves it’s almost like you don’t respect the moment.”

With a football in one hand and a violin in the other, he’s found, from a young age, that his two passions are not as different as they appear.

In both, he said, it’s all about doing your “oneeleventh.” As he explains, you have to do your part as one of the eleven on the football field and trust that everyone else is also doing their part. Whether in a team practice or a group recital, both require support, adjustment and that team aspect.

FOR MORE ON

TAYLOR’S MUSICAL JOURNEY

SEE PAGE 13

I get nervous the same as when you get [nervous] in football. Those butterflies. If you don’t get those nerves, it’s like you don’t respect the moment.

JACKSON TAYLOR SOPHOMORE

Science rooms get a facelift

BEFORE

GEMMA SPRAGGINS ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

PHOTO » COURTESY » MICHAEL FLORES

AFTER

PHOTO » COURTESY » MICHAEL FLORES

On the first day of the school year, TO forensic science teacher Michael Flores watched his class experience science in a whole new way.

As his mostly shy students got used to their completely new science classroom, they wouldn’t interact as much with their pods. But just days later, Flores watched those same students get comfortable with their peers.

As the head of the TO science department, Flores was able to see the process of remodeling the science buildings from start to finish.

The process began June 16, soon after the 2022-23 school year and was completed the day before the 2023-24 school year began.

Planned for a year, it took only a few months to get the plan in action, with the main purpose, Flores said, “to make the classrooms a little more flexible and allow students to work collaboratively.”

Previously, the old tables filled the science classes in rows, not allowing the teachers to interact with students in the middle. The new science tables now allow teachers to check and help any students in need.

They specifically help students assist each other and

become more interactive with one another while doing different activities such as labs.

Making it easier on the students and the teachers, the tables, Flores said, “[allow] me to walk around, and allows the students to drive their own instruction.”

It’s not just the teachers who are happy about the new layout.

“It’s a nice fresh start, but at the same time, it’s something to get used to,” senior Melissa Navarrete said.

Having been in the old science building and now experiencing the changes, she is able to observe and interact with the students adjusting. Not having had all of these new televisions, charging stations and lab tables available at all times, students and teachers appreciate it making everyone’s lives easier.

“I think it’s preferred this way,” Navarrete said. “It’s a whole new learning experience for them to learn [in] a different way, and it could have a bigger impact on the kids learning to make it more educational.”

For Riley Pink, one of those students Flores observed on the first day of school just getting used to it, she’s become more close with her classmates .

“I met so many people that I thought I’d never be friends with,” Pink said. “With everyone feeling more comfortable with the seating arrangements everyone’s personality has the potential to come out 100 percent.”

2 | NEWS

thousand oaks high school | the lancer

TO welcomes college visitors College representatives travel to TOHS to give students a glimpse into their futures

UPCOMING VISITS UCLA November 6 11:00AM UC Irvine November 11 8:30AM UC Riverside November 11 1:30PM Sign up HERE to get a pass

SCAN THIS!

­ ALYSSA KISZCZAK MANAGING EDITOR Throughout the year, TO provides students with college visits from many schools across the nation.

They usually consist of an informational briefing about the school and an open Q&A for students to get any questions they might have answered in person, rather than online. These meetings are held in the College and Career Center in Room D2, with a list on the classroom door of upcoming meetings that students can attend.

“I think this is very important and a safe place for students to ask questions and find out, without worrying,” College and Careers Center Guidance Specialist Natasha Chan said. “There’s just so much information on the internet, and I think this helps them narrow down the choices.”

Thousand Oaks High School has many great opportunities for students to seek out the tools to help them decide what to do after high school. Whether that be at community college, a four-year university, a gap year or other career pathways, it is the school’s job to ensure that students have a guide to those next steps.

For some, the process may feel scary and stressful, but both the counselors and staff at TO work together to provide as many informational opportunities for students as they can.

In late October, a representative from Chapman

University came to teach interested students about the university, including ASB president Maya Campo.

“I found it very helpful because I was able to ask specific questions about what I had been wondering or what I found important,” Campo said. “I was also able to hear from someone who actually went to the school and who knows the school really well.”

The College and Careers Center is bringing in many other schools throughout the month of November.

These include the University of Missouri (Nov. 1), UCLA (Nov. 6), and both UC Irvine and UC Riverside on Nov. 9.

Attending these meetings can help improve students’ understanding about the school, and is also a great way for students to have a personalized conversation with representatives who know these schools well.

Tanaz Nourian, who represented Chapman University and serves as assistant director of admissions, had a presentation prepared and touted the school’s academics, study abroad options, student life outside of campus, tuition and scholarship information, as well as the school’s long-standing connection with Disney, which is just five miles away.

“It’s one of those things where you have such an incredible time somewhere and you have a passion for sharing that and you just want students to have that same knowledge and experience that you did,” said Norian, a Chapman graduate.

Cheers, Starbucks: a new staple in TO Newest local coffee shop embraces TO students and faculty and finds early success KAILAH SPENCER THE LANCER STAFF “Can I get a Lancer Frappuccino?” was something Starbucks manager Miguel Medina heard a lot of following the opening of the new store adjacent to Thousand Oaks High School.

This new location has been very successful, with students, teachers, and parents popping in for drinks and pastries.

“So far it’s been really great,” Medina said. “Everyone’s been nothing but nice and friendly to us in this community.”

When plans were first being made for the store’s construction, there was lots of concern from the community regarding traffic. With the store being on the corner of a busy intersection, people worried that pre-existing congestion would be made worse.

“It has not been as bad as people thought it would be,” Medina said. He explained that the store is a little busy at the beginning of the day with students and adults trying to get their morning coffee, but it’s “nothing [compared] to what we expected.”

With the new Starbucks being so close to the school, it has served as a popular hangout spot for students. Supervisor Tanna Ceehoffer shared that the location of the store and its accessibility to students has had a direct effect on its success.

“Our main customer area is a lot of the

high schoolers and the families that drop them off, as well as the neighbors that live behind and go to the school,” Ceehoffer said.

“It has definitely contributed to the success of our store.”

A regular customer from TOHS expressed her love for the new Starbucks.

“I love it so much,” freshman Jessica Garrett said. “I’ve gone there like 50 times.

It’s my favorite place.”

Running a popular coffeehouse isn’t an easy job, but Medina has it under control.

Medina, having been a manager for nearly eight years, shared some of the joys and frustrations of the job.

“It would be watching the growth,” Medina said. “The growth of the workers, from when they first start to one, two months, four months, five months, even a year — the professional progression as they get better, that’s the best part of it.”

It’s frustrating when “things are out of our control” Medina also said. He listed problems such as scanners not working properly, computers not working, and other tech issues.

Ceehoffer also enjoys the morning rush, as it allows her and the baristas to really work as a team.

“We really work on connections here and making goals as a group, then at the end of the day we see if we met those goals.”

Ceehoffer said.

The students of TOHS have represented their school well at Starbucks. Medina and Ceehoffer said they haven’t encountered many behavior problems with the teenagers.

They only had one complaint. “[The students] are a little messy. Of course, we’ll pick up after everyone, but if they can pick up their own trash, that would be nice. It’s manners,” Medina said.

Nonetheless, Medina has good news for the Starbucks lovers of TOHS. “I am so excited to be near the school. I would like there to be a partnership, just like how we had the Lancer Frappuccino.”

Medina shared plans for monthly trivia nights “for the students to come, hang out, win free prizes, free drinks, and free food. That’s what I’m most looking forward to, so you can help spread the word that that’s coming.”

Medina also wants TOHS to know that “this isn’t just any other Starbucks, this is their Starbucks.”

THE LANCER NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Momo Sonoda MANAGING EDITORS Alyssa Kiszczak Abigail Tripp-Bullough NEWS EDITOR Aandrea Pineda-Dominguez OPINION EDITOR Joseph Goodnight FEATURES EDITOR Riley Keeler SPORTS EDITOR Jake Bradley PHOTO EDITOR Tyler Lappin ASSISTANT EDITORS Abigail Kerns Gemma Spraggins Nikolas Walter Becca Glaubke Kevin Starr THE LANCER STAFF Kimberly Jerez Austin Mead Roman Mead Kailah Spencer Christian-Isaiah Aguilar Maximus Cover Charlene Bonilla Rhiannon Hendershot Gabriella Muller Julia Pineda-Dominguez Guy Albert Jasmine Bernal Elijah Brown Riley Brown Cole Howard Jackson Kurtz Cory McEnroe Natalie Rodriguez Lilah Swaving Anusha Ghosh Harout Kilejin Nazir Yilmaz ADVISORS Tasha Beaudoin Jon Gold

EDITORIAL POLICY The Lancer is the official school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Journalism.

The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication. Guest editorials and “Letters to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity and grammar. They can be sent to thelancer.tohs@gmail.com.

The Lancer is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

CONNECT WITH US thelancer.tohs@gmail.com Instagram: @thelancernewspaper Twitter: @tohsthelancer

www.tohsthelancer.org GRAPHIC » NIKOLAS WALTER » THE LANCER

OFF-CAMPUS PASS Unanimous GOP vote elects Rep. Mike Johnson for House Speaker

Hotel development project in Janss Marketplace moves forward

Hate crimes on a rise as Hamas and Israeli troops clash in the Gaza Strip

More than three weeks after the historical outsting of the Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson (LA) was elected to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA) as Speaker.

However, Democratic representatives have questioned his ability to work across parties. Johnson is a staunch supporter of restricting access to abortions and a key figure in the attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Despite the divisive decision, with the House’s leadership vacuum finally at an end, Johnson has begun his tenure with a first act to call a resolution to support Israel in the Middle-East crisis, a resolution that was passed in a 412-10 vote. Now, he is working to get a budget plan approved to prevent a potential government shutdown.

“The people’s house is back in business,” Johnson said.

Almost two years after the proposal for a hotel in Janss Marketplace, the TO Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend the approval of a development permit and a zoning change to Community Shopping Center-Height Overlay.

The proposed hotel will be the first one in Thousand Oaks in 14 years and the first in the history of the 60-year-old mall.

The commission states that it will support the local economy by generating tax revenue and creating new jobs.

However, Vice Chair Justin Link is concerned about potential unaddressed traffic impacts. Senior Planner Scott Kolwitz denies this, claiming that projected traffic increases meet the city guidelines of less than 100 net peak-hour trips.

Now, it is up to the City Council to approve or deny the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission’s recommendation.

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, America and the world have seen a spike in hate crimes against the Jewish and Muslim communities. With California being home to some of the largest of these communities in America, the state has taken steps to respond to the rise in hate crimes.

Following the rise of anti-Asian attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has had a legal framework to prosecute hate crimes, and “California vs. Hate,” a hotline dedicated to fighting hate crimes, has received more than 400 reports since it launched. Gov. Gavin Newsom has also announced a total of $30 million to ensure the security of religious organizations.

The ongoing war in the Middle East is testing responses to hate crimes all over the world and especially across the country.

Maine

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NEWS | 3

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

Orchestra comes together for fall concert Camerata and Chamber orchestra rigorously prepares for their autumn showcase event AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ NEWS EDITOR The instruments finely tuned, patience was running out, and the maestro had orchestrated another musical masterpiece. Thousand Oaks High School’s fall orchestra concert was a mesmerizing event that hooked the audience and transported them to a world of jazz, calamity and horror.

Benjamin Roberts, the orchestra’s maestro, has been with the music department at T.O. for many years, and he described this year’s fall concert as a diverse program featuring timeless classics and childhood memories that parents and students are sure to have enjoyed.

“I [tried to] portray different emotions and styles, fast, slow, modern and classical,” Roberts said.

This concert was a rollercoaster of styles and emotions each portrayed differently by both the Camerata and Chamber.

The audience was presented classic jazz pieces including the “Beale Street Strut,” and storytelling classics such as the “Evil Eye and Horrendous Heart,” inspired by the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. Roberts considers these songs high-level and admitted that

playing a string instrument is incredibly difficult. He had hoped that the audience would walk away with a new respect for the students on stage.

For more than three months, the orchestra practiced the same songs, the same melody and tempo for hours on end. The fruits of their efforts and willpower to overcome the unexpected struggles of block schedule shined throughout the concert.

“Block schedule is totally new, and the problem with block schedule is that I only see the orchestra for like three times a week, if we’re lucky,” Roberts said.

The new schedule stood as a problem for the orchestra, as it gave students the opportunity to unconsciously forget things on their days off. It certainly added to the challenge that most students in both Camerata and Chamber were incoming freshmen who were still finding their own musical voice. To solve the ensemble’s ranging skills, Roberts created short practice pieces to focus on the most challenging parts of songs.

It appears that in orchestra everyone is always growing, and as the countdown sped up with each and every passing day, the orchestra continued to perfect every note.

Día de los Muertos Dance strives for increased inclusivity KIMBERLY JEREZ THE LANCER STAFF

own of Lewiston, Maine, was rocked on Oct. 25 after shooting left at least 18 dead and dozens more injured. oting took place in two locations: a bowling alley, children’s league was taking place, and a bar. ect Robert Card remained at large for several days eing found dead on Oct. 27.

20, Maine’s yellow flag law, aimed at preventing mass gs, went into effect. Since news of the latest shooting ad across the country, gun control advocates are zing the effectiveness of the law. ay, in the wake of yet another tragedy, I urge can lawmakers in Congress to fulfill their duty to he American people...This is the very least we owe merican who will now bear the scars — physical and — of this latest attack,” President Joe Biden said.

CLUB CORNER

Women in STEM EVERY OTHER THU

The Latino Connection Club at Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake High have come together to host their annual Día de los Muertos dance, and this year, they are hoping to make it more inclusive to other hispanic countries by hosting the Baile de la Catrina dance.

La Catrina has a much more universal message, since not every hispanic country celebrates Día de los Muertos. “La Catrina” is an image commonly associated with Día de los Muertos: A tall, female skeleton who wears a hat with feathers and a long, beautiful dress. She symbolizes the cycle of life and to appreciate it, but to also embrace death.

This dance is an event for the hispanic community and others to come together and recognize the culture, and going to these dances can make people feel connected and give them an opportunity to meet new friends. It also gives them a chance to have a community and to feel included with them.

“Going and helping at these dances helped me get in touch with my roots more,” senior Gio Aguirre said.

In order to find out what food they planned to sell — in addition to the ticket prices, the theme and decorations — the clubs set up multiple meetings to collaborate and make sure that everything runs smoothly. For decorations, they chose to highlight the flower cempasúchil, or marigold, which is important to Día de los Muertos because it is believed that when a path is formed with the petals, it will guide the ancestors to their families and make sure they won’t get lost. Event planners also selected decorations such as papel picado and even an altar.

Attendees also tasted foods including esquites and chicharrones de harina.

Formed more than 30 years ago by TO wrestling coach Manny Valdez, the Latino Connection Club shines a light on the growing hispanic community at

e shooting reignites gun debate

PHOTO » AANDREA PINEDA DOMINGUEZ » THE LANCER

ROOM E8

PRESIDENT.......................................KYLIE MARTIN ADVISOR....................................NIKKI MAHOLTRA NOTABLE: Women in STEM hopes to create more awareness and interest in STEM and help them find new and inventive ways to pursue that interest.

QUOTABLE: “The purpose of [Women in STEM] is anyone, not just women, like to figure out what STEM is and if see if they want to do something with that in their future,” junior Serene Panga said.

PHOTO » CREATIVE COMMONS

TOHS. It is now run by club presidents Gio Aguirre and Helen Reveres.

“I joined the club freshman year and when I got back sophomore year, joining felt like I had a community, I felt like I belonged,” Reveres said. “It was eye-opening and I felt more comfortable and had more pride for my culture.”

When joining, people can expect a safe environment and community, with events that include field trips to colleges and meetings with guest speakers. Some of these speakers were zoologists, city council members, past alumnus, and people from the school district.

These experiences give the members knowledge about job opportunities and what they can do with their life after high school, while connecting them to their past.

Environmental EVERY OTHER THU

SOLE

PRESIDENT.................................RAMON MORENO ADVISOR.................................HEATHER FARRELL NOTABLE: The Environmental Club has planned a Wildwood Trail restoration day for late October.

QUOTABLE: “The Environmental Club is more than just composting or picking up trash. Being part of the EC, you’re showing up and being part of the change for an environmentally clean campus,” Moreno said.

Physics Former president Donald Trump fined $10,000 in civil fraud case Former president Donald Trump made headlines yet again with a $10,000 fine issued by Judge Arthur Engoron in his N.Y. civil case. Engoron had previously barred public comments about members of his staff in early October after Trump posted on social media about the judge’s principal law clerk.

On Oct. 25, Trump violated the gag order by publicly stating, “[Engoron is] a very partisan judge, with a person who’s very partisan sitting alongside of him, perhaps even much more partisan than he is.”

Just five days earlier, Trump had been fined $5,000, making the most recent fine his second violation. Trump’s lawyers are denying the claim that his statement was about the clerk.

— Momo Sonoda, Editor-in-Chief

TUE

ROOM E2

PRESIDENT...................................DIEGO DAL MAS ADVISOR...............................TYLER HERNANDEZ NOTABLE: Physics Club made special viewing boxes to watch the eclipse in mid-October.

QUOTABLE: “The Physics Club is a place where the students can come together and learn about physics and explore their interests in the subject,” Dal Mas said.

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OPINION | 5

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

YES MAXIMUS COVER THE LANCER STAFF The new block schedule here at TOHS marks the third year in a row that students have to deal with an abrupt change in their school schedule. However, this block schedule has been the largest deviation from the typical school schedule – and one that is a positive thing for our students and campus.

Under the traditional school schedule implemented last year, most students had to stay at school from either 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p,m., or 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

That is almost as long as a full-time job. The new block schedule helps to shorten many students’ days, allowing them to stay at school from 8:30-2:20 every day. This gives students extra time to focus on work, schoolwork or spending time with friends, and it creates a better school-life balance for students.

“I am in favor of any bell schedule that supports teaching and learning,” TO Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann said. “Long ago, when I was a history teacher, I much preferred the block schedule. It gave me far more room to be creative when designing learning experiences.

Bergmann also cites improved attendance as a positive for the schedule switch. “[The block schedule] has absolutely helped attendance,” Bergmann said. “Currently, TO absenteeism and tardies are down. I think teachers and students really like and appreciate the fact that we not only have fewer transitions in the day, but also the added 5 minutes in our passing time. It’s how the time in the block schedule is used that is the driving force [for student focus].”

It’s not just Dr. Bergmann and others on our campus who are in support of the block schedule format, the research backs it up too.

“With fewer courses per day, block scheduling allows for more time to explore each daily lesson and dive deeper into learning objectives,” said an article in Education Advanced. “As there are also less frequent interruptions, teachers can cover more material within the time block. This enables teachers more time to focus on student learning and provides invaluable oneon-one support as well as additional opportunities for students to be involved in active learning activities.”

Finally, Bergmann believes that the block schedule has been a positive factor for TOHS campus culture.

“My early observations and my conversations with teachers have shown that the majority of people on this campus like the block schedule,” he said. “I’d say the block schedule has had a positive impact on campus culture. But…there are some teachers who are still adapting their teaching styles and lessons to a block period. It’s a massive change and requires a shift in mindset. Big changes in schools always take time to be fully embraced by everyone affected, but I have no doubt that we are well on our way to doing that.”

Overall, the new block schedule seems to be viewed as a generally positive change by many people, both staff and students, on the TOHS campus.

That’s Debatable

Should schools have a block schedule?

Yet another schedule change at TOHS has brought on a new form of time-blocking: the block schedule. So do block schedules enhance the learning experience?

A PEEK INTO AI ART...

NO CHRISTIAN-ISAIAH AGUILAR THE LANCER STAFF The newest block schedule that is now set at T.O. for the next three years is a complete outrage.

This new bell schedule hurts students, and this is especially true for freshmen like me who have come from a different school with a different schedule.

From what I have found, my classmates say that block schedules are moving classes too fast. With fewer days for each subject, it is going to feel sped up, and I’ve had people tell me they find it difficult to keep up with the classes.

If schools shift to an A/B block schedule, then a student’s schedule is changing on a daily basis, and “this causes a loss in continuity for their learning, as they are only going to revisit the same subject after a day’s delay,” according to an article from the University of People.

“Having longer class periods is detrimental to students’ learning experiences because they can’t pay attention long enough to understand and process all of the material presented in one lesson. Students silently suffer through the blocked class periods that seemingly stretch on forever,” wrote Delaney Ulrich with Los Alamos High’s the Los Alamos Reporter.

“Proponents of block scheduling cite active learning as the key to keeping students engaged and learning during longer periods,” wrote Education World in a 1997 article entitled, “Block Scheduling: A Solution or a Problem?” “But, even with a block-scheduling format, critics say, many teachers continue simply to lecture students rather than engaging them in active learning. Block scheduling in itself is no guarantee of active learning. And if active learning doesn’t take place during, for example, a 90-minute class period, students may have trouble paying attention for the entire class.”

In a study by Delaney Urlich that was conducted in 2010, students were asked to press a button on a clicker whenever they caught themselves losing focus.

The study revealed that a pattern show the longer a class period stretches, the more often students tend to lose focus, until they zone out about every two minutes.

A shorter class period would cater to the short attention span of students’ because, as a student myself, I can say it is a lot more manageable to stay focused in a 50-minute class, as opposed to our other classes that are blocked.

There are positives, of course.

Previously, students had a five-minute warning before class, causing many students to be late for class, ultimately affecting their grades. This year we have a 10-minute bell warning. Having extended time between classes allows students to get refreshed before going to their exceedingly long classes, offering an opportunity to get refreshments or use the bathroom. These breaks are helpful, especially because we end up stuck for an hour-plus.

But, overall, our new block schedule creates more problems than solutions.

This needs to change back. And soon.

GRAPHIC » NIKOLAS WALTER » THE LANCER

Preserving the human aspect in the age of AI JOSEPH GOODNIGHT OPINION EDITOR With the ever-changing scope of technology, we as a generation constantly have to accept new ways in which artificial intelligence is integrating itself into our lives.

Within the past year, AI usage within art has become a constant topic of debate in the media, with an overwhelmingly negative connotation as a destructive force.

Artists and the general public alike have been convinced that AI will destroy any artistic opportunities for humans, turning art into a mass produced commodity devoid of meaning.

But that is a major generalization that ignores the inherent positives of AI art.

Although there is definitely room for misuse when it comes to this new and unregulated medium, it is absolutely a leap to say that the implementation of AI art will be catastrophic to the integrity of the arts and the industries beginning to incorporate it.

AI, when used ethically, is an amazing tool for artists, capable of transforming the way that we produce and consume art. AI allows artists to put more of their effort into their real creative expression while optimizing the technical work they can create in a fraction of the time.

These algorithms are able to work infinitely faster than any human artist, meaning that when humans and AI are able to

collaborate, it allows artists to put more of their work out into the world than they ever could without the help of AI. But understandably, what many find so disturbing about AI is the supposed erasure of the human touch.

“We’ve always appreciated art because of the human emotion that goes into it,” said Alex Liu, a TO junior focusing his AP research project around AI and graphic design. “There’s an actual person behind every piece. They have some emotion, reason, or perspective into why they’re making this.”

This human aspect does not have to be lost simply because a computer algorithm is assisting in the creation of the work.

Through the process of his research, Liu found that there are “artists out there [who] have been using AI more in their work process, and there are some very interesting results.”

Liu explained that many artists were interested in seeing how they could streamline how they create their work and how their art translates when put through an AI. “While a lot of nefarious usages of AI are well known in the media, I think people should know that there are some very good uses for AI by artists and that it actually can be a quite useful tool,” Liu said.

The most common concern of many artists is “image generators harming their livelihoods [or] their work [being] used – without compensation or credit – to train the generators,” according to AI News’ Rayn Daws.

This is a fair concern, as many current AI image generators work off of art taken from the internet without the artist’s compensation, or often without their knowledge. Though this is an absolutely unethical use of art, strides are being taken to create new ways in which generated art does not have to come at the expense of human artists.

Shutterstock has released an image generator using stock images within their own website, which means that the image is capable of being licensed, and allows for the creator of the work to be notified and compensated for their contribution.

The creators behind the shutterstock AI generator say that the artists are paid royalties for the continued use of their work within the AI’s datapool.

Though this has yet to become the industry standard, many models are moving in the direction of artist acknowledgment and ethicality, and with the continued use and support of models working towards making AI a viable tool for artists we can both maximize art while not at the detriment of the human artists.

“We can collaborate with AI – there is a real role in AI for art as an industry, not in a negative way,” Liu said.

Both artists and clients benefit from the implementation of ethical AI-generated art, not just as a supplement for human labor but as a way of uplifting artists to allow for more creative work than ever before possible, it is time to embrace our new technology.

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AROUND T.O.WN Reign of Terror

Downtown Halloween Hunt

Haunted High Street

275 N Moorpark Rd East, Thousand Oaks, Sept. 29Nov. 4, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

Walk through various bone-chilling rooms and exhibits including The Fun House, The Asylum and others.

500 S C St, Oxnard, CA 93030, Sat., Oct. 28, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Come in your best costume and compete against others for best costume and prizes.

The North Metrolink lot (300 E. High Street), Oct. 31, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Includes a live DJ, pumpkin patch and halloween crafts, food trucks and a costume contest.

All About Pumpkins Festival

Halloween Skate, Trunk-Or-Treat

Spooky Town

3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Underwood Family Farms has multiple activities you can enjoy with family or friends.

Iceoplex 131 W Easy St., Simi Valley, Oct. 29, 4 p.m.6 p.m.

Skate on the ice in your costume for a discount.

Don’t forget to bring a bag so you can get candy.

1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, Oct. 27, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

There will be trick-or-treating, craft tables, music, dancing, a costume contest and prizes.

The Pumpkin Patch

Halloween Carnival

Howl-O-Ween

450 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Oct. 1-31, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

The Pumpkin Patch’s friendly environment allows you to enjoy fall while choosing your own pumpkin.

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens, 1000 N. Kanan Rd., Oct. 31st, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Come enjoy arts & crafts, game booths, face painting, a balloon artist and a trick-or-treat village.

Mission Oaks Dog Park 5501 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Let your dog have the best Halloween participating in different activities, including a costume contest.

8 | FEATURES

thousand oaks high school | the lancer

SPOOKY SEA 2023 Costumes of the Year

Dress as pop star Taylor Swift during one of her Era’s Tour preformances

Be a striking actor fighting for more money!

Turn into Barbie from the brand new hit Barbie movie

SoCal Scares

Become Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs, who is newly dating singer Taylor Swift

and thought to life.

The first time I visited Universal during Halloween was in second grade. It was daytime, and I was unaware that Universal hosted Haunted houses during this time.

My parents took one look at The Walking Dead maze and strutted their way towards it. I was terrified. I threw my arms and feet to the ground and begged them not to make me go. They laughed at me.

I was embarrassed. They picked me up CHARLENE BONILLA and we entered the maze. I remember the THE LANCER STAFF setting was an abandoned hospital. I knew it was fake, but the trinkets convinced my Every year, in the months of September mind it was real. The lights were flickering, and October, terror comes to life at dead bodies were all over the floor, zombies Universal Studios. For the past years, I coming out from the wall and I heard many have attended this occasion and will forever screams up ahead. carry on this tradition because it is so ThisKEELER was fear.

RILEY incredible and unforgettable. My family We exitedEDITOR the maze, and I said to my FEATURES and I are huge horror movie fans so our parents that I was never going to a haunted expectations are high for Universals HHN. house again — four years later, I could not They never seem to disappoint, and after all imagine Halloween without it. these years of going, I still have butterflies So, yes, the houses are scary, but fear entering one of their haunted house. With sparks adrenaline and creates memories the company’s money, props, actors, and with others that are never to be forgotten. sets they can bring any movie scene, myth

FEATURES | 9

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

ASON SCARES CHARLENE BONILLA THE LANCER STAFF The new Australian A24 horror movie “Talk to Me” directed by Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou consists of a group of teenagers who discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand.

Obviously, the movie takes a twist when someone becomes too attached to the hand and the spirit inside.

This gutwrenching film ties together hopelessness and fear, all in one hour and thirty-five minutes.

“After the first 30 minutes of the movie, there was not a moment where I didn’t want to look

away” movie reviewer Tyler Skeen said.

Feedback from the showing described it as twisted, terrifying, and violent.

However, I understand the people claim that it is a stereotypical demon movie. The consensus of reviewers took a turn when Brandon Smith gave his strong opinion on the movie.

“Ouija boards, summoning circles, the Necronomicon, and now, a severed hand.

Talk to Me is … not a terrible movie, it’s hardly original or scary enough to justify the ridiculous hype,” Smith said.

This review received many likes, dislikes, and responses from all sides.

Personally, I thought this movie was a masterpiece. Not only the plot but also the jumpscares were intensely thought-out and effectively executed. The movie was not entirely gory, but when there was blood you could not forget the scene and the pain you felt with it. The characters were developed and every single one of them had a purpose.

The ending was far more intersting than anything I had seen before and ambiguously wrapped the movie up.

Horror Movies of Today and Yesterday CHARLENE BONILLA THE LANCER STAFF This movie is impossible to forget when it is known as the most popular teen slasher in history. This classic American horror movie “Scream” directed by Wes Craven creates a sketchy feeling of people around you.

The film starts with an opening kill with many more following later. These kills (in its prime time) were naturally despicable, and not very far from realistic. The characters were not very smart, hosting a party on a week full of death, but that is more relatable to teens, especially in the nineties. For practically any adult, Scream is practically

guaranteed to bring instant nostalgia.

Some people were inspired by the movie — not by the kills but by the characters. Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott and Courtney Cox’s Gale Weathers were the biggest icons of the time, and many teens of today are also inspired by them, including me. Their outfits, confidence and survival skills present them as extraordinary role models.

This film managed to do what Halloween did twenty years previously — bring the horror genre to life. Six films followed this one; some were good, most were poor, and none captivated the audience like the first one.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: Could you survive?

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ THE LANCER STAFF Five Nights at Freddy’s, a beloved video game series by many, came to the big screen this week.

The original video game, created by designer Scott Cawthon, was released to the public on Aug. 8, 2014, to great fanfare. The player enters the game as a security guard whose job is to look after Freddy’s pizzeria, and the player soon realizes that the animatronics in the pizzeria are alive. The game stars five animatronics — Bonnie, Chica, Foxy, Freddy and Golden Freddy — with the goal of the game bring to survive five nights without being caught by any of the five animatronics, using security cameras.

Cawthorn, the creator of the franchise, has been in the video game industry since the year 2000. Before creating Five Nights at Freddy’s, Cawthorn created small adventure games as a side job to help support his family. It wasn’t until his game Chipper and Sons Lumber Co., that he decided to use the feedback he received on the game to create the iconic horror game we know today.

Cawthorn used organizations, such as Chuck E. Cheese that used animatronics, for

inspiration for the design of Five Nights at Freddy’s. When it comes to the design of the characters, Cawthon stated that the designs of the animatronics Freddy, Bonnie, and Chica were animals that naturally came to him, and that the animatronic that he had the hardest time figuring out was the fourth character. His top choices for the character were a fox, wolf and a beaver, but he ultimately decided against the beaver because it was too similar to the character in his latest game at the time, Chipper and Sons Lumber Co. Since its first launch, the game has evolved into a series, with a total of 13 games. When asked by YouTuber Dawko about whether he initially thought it was going to be as successful, Cawthon said, “No of course not! At the time, I was just trying to make a bunch of little games to kind of help support my family.”

“As far as expecting it to explode, no of course not,” he continued. “I remembered whenever I released it, I was watching the download count on that and I was watching it kind of skyrocket, from 5,000 downloads to 10,000, 15,000, 20,000. It was just going through the roof just by the minute. At the time, I was just kind of enjoying it that evening. I was like, ‘Well, you know, this is great, but it’ll be over tomorrow. I had no idea that, years

later. I was still gonna be in the middle of a bunch of Five Nights at Freddy’s projects.”.

The game has become a well known horror game, bringing fans together to bond over their love of video game horror.

However, many people online have shown doubt for the movie, unsure if the game will be properly represented by the movie or if it will be a flop.

In an interview with YouTuber CineMagna, director Emma Tammi stated that they “really wanted to make sure every aspect of the production design in terms of the pizzeria itself was nodding to the environment in the world that the fans know and love and are so familiar with.”

“We also wanted to bring it to life in new and exciting ways,” she said. “Same with the animatronics, really wanting to make sure those characters were brought to life in a way that was so exciting for the fan base in terms of the story.

We were working with Scott Cawthorn to really make sure we were incorporating elements of the lore and accurate and balanced ways in terms of not too much and not too little.”

Will the movie be a big hit considering all the hard work and consideration that was put into the creation of it?

That’s up to fans to decide, starting this week.

ALL PHOTOS » COURTESY

10 | FEATURES

thousand oaks high school | the lancer

FALLING FOR TRADER JOE’S PUMPKIN BUTTER “This is super interesting, it tastes like super cinnamon-y apple sauce.”

“Almost like jam.”

“The texture is super weird, but it would be so good on toast in the morning.”

“I grew up buying this product from Trader Joe’s and when I see it in the store, I know fall is here. This is super nostalgic and I love it every year.”

Trader Joe’s welcomes fall with flavors like apple, maple, butternut, and of course, pumpkin

BECCA GLAUBKE ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR As we enter into the months of fall, Trader Joe’s gets us in the autumn spirit with their irresistible seasonal products. Not only do they sell food, but they also bring us products such as Apple Cider Foaming Hand Soap, Apple Crisp and Vanilla Pumpkin scented candles. There are also a variety of pumpkins that you can carve, decorate and add to your porch to show your Halloween spirit.

On top of all the mouth watering products that are immediately added to the cart, The Lancers wanted to sample and review some of the more unique foods that customers might look past this season. As we set up for the taste test, The Lancers were nervous when shown the products. They thought there was

no way Pumpkin Oat Milk would be any good. Spoiler alert, that was one of the favorites. They liked that the product was versatile and could be put in coffee, a smoothie, or even in your cereal. Another favorite was the Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark.

They thought the flavors all went together and the pumpkin seeds on the top were a good addition. Some of the Lancers shared their favorites this season that werent on in the taste test.

“The Pumpkin Ice-Cream is to die for every year! I also love the Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Cream Cheese combo,” one Lancer said.

As we can tell, Trader Joe’s did it again! They ensured a delicious season ahead of us and will make sure to do it year after year.

ALL PHOTOS » COURTESY » TRADER JOE’S

FALL TORTILLA CHIPS “In my opinion, it tastes like a normal tortilla chip, but since they are shaped like leaves, I like them a little bit more.”

“I wish we had salsa to dip them in since they are a little dry.”

CREAMY TOSCANO CHEESE WITH CINNAMON “I can taste the cinnamon in the after taste.”

“This would be so good on crackers or even just on it’s

PUMPKIN SPICE GRANOLA BARK “I like how they incorprated the pumpkin seeds on the top.

They add a different flavor and the chocolate just makes it so yummy.”

“This is the kind of product that you’d find me on the couch with, eating the whole bag.”

“It tastes like a granola bar that I would have more than one of.”

PUMPKIN OAT BEVERAGE “Woah! To be honest, I was not expecting this to be so good!”

“I really like it, the flavor is super unique, but I wish it had more flavor in it.”

“Coming from an oatmilk drinker, I really like these new flavors.”

GRAPHIC » JOEY GOODNIGHT » THE LANCER

Eras Tour brings Lancers to LA GEMMA SPRAGGINS ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR For a handful of T.O. students — and for millions of people all around the world — Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour took everyone by surprise.

Gathering as a community, “Swifties”, Swift’s dedicated fans, traded bracelets and dressed up commemorating her different eras as Swift played dozens of songs from her lengthy catalog.

Fans got to interact with an inclusive environment.

“Everyone was so friendly, outgoing and willing to talk to me,” junior Madelyn O’Neill said.

Preparing for the tour, O’Neill spent months listening to her music and making bracelets to trade. She estimates she made more than 100 bracelets — and traded every single one of them.

“It was legit the best night of my life, [but] it went by really fast. Like three hours felt like 30 minutes, but it was amazing,” O’Neill said.

Going to the concert at nearby SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with her best friend O’Neill, for junior Sophia Ciandella trading bracelets was “kinda awkward but it was fun, it was less awkward as the night went on.”

With openers such as Gracie Abrams, Haim and Paramore, fans had a great time before and during her shows. Every night was a different experience, as Swift made sure to include different songs and deep cuts that aren’t on her regular setlist.

These unexpected songs at every show became the highlight of every night.

“When she started singing the surprise songs and everyone was screaming and jumping, that was the best part,” sophomore Allie Wu said, who attended the show with her friend…named Taylor.

Lucky fans who got to go to the Aug. 9 show — Swift’s last U.S. tour date — even heard a special announcement: the release of ‘1989’ Taylor’s Version, the latest re-release from her catalog.

“That was definitely my favorite part,” senior Grace Hunter said. “I’ve been a fan of Taylor Swift since I was four. I went to one of her concerts when I was younger, so being able to go to this one was shocking to me and it was so fun.”

To Hunter and many other “Swifties”, the Eras Tour was a much deserved treat for the hard core fans who had waited years to celebrate Swift’s success.

PHOTO » CREATIVE COMMONS

SWIFT PERFORMANCE — Music icon Taylor Swift played in front of millions during her Eras Tour.

FEATURES| 11

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

Dancing with the Stars of TO The annual Best Dance Crew, hosted by the TOHS Dance Department, coming together as various sports and clubs to dance their heart away and compete for the gold with the TOHS Varsity dancers RILEY KEELER FEATURES EDITOR On Oct. 7, 2023, the TOHS Dance Department was on display once again with the Best Dance Crew contest.

The event started in 2022 with its first show, as students from different sports and clubs came together to collaborate with dancers on the TO varsity dance team to compete for the win.

Last year, the football and cheer teams won, but not this time around. The TO baseball boys seized their moment in the spotlight and took the win home for the 2 p.m. day show.

Football ultimately won the 7 p.m. night show with an astonishing score of 28 out of 30 points from the judges panel, which consisted of TO staff and guest judges, such as the dance director’s daughter, Miriah, and Mike Williams, who choreographed for the dance team.

“Yeah, I was pretty confident in them before we went on stage,” said varsity dance team member Ruby Furgeson, who coached the choir team. “We would like huddle up and I just told them to go out there and have fun because if you’re not having fun then no one else is.”

The following sports and clubs competed in this year’s Best

Dance Crew: ASB, baseball, basketball, boys soccer, cheer, choir, ETHOS, flag football, football, girls soccer and water polo.

During the 2 p.m. showing, baseball took first place with cheer coming in a close second, and girls basketball in third.

In the night show, football came in first place, cheer in second once again, and baseball in third.

The varsity dancers that coached all of the teams had to pick their own music, choreography, outfits and theme. This year’s themes were; jazz, jazz funk, disco, 80’s jazz, boy band hip hop, pom, krump, pop jazz, country-line and 90’s hip hop. Baseball did krunk and wore somewhat hip hop-inspired outfits; with a big jersey, some baggy cargo pants, and a backwards hat.

Football did 90’s hip hop, wearing a plain white t-shirt and cargo jorts. Last but not least, cheer did jazz, and wore blue flared bodysuits.

“We put hours of practice in after football and after the first dance we locked in for the night show,” varsity linebacker Preston Handler said.

Best Dance Crew is becoming an annual show that dance department aspires to continue for years to come. Who knows what else they have in store for TO?

PHOTO » BECCA GLAUBKE » THE LANCER

PHOTO » BECCA GLAUBKE » THE LANCER

PHOTO » BECCA GLAUBKE » THE LANCER

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY — (Top) Members of the ASB team twirl away; (bottom left) baseball players flip out for the Best Dance Crew event; (bottom right) ETHOS members had a country theme.

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SPORTS | 13

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

Q&A Lancers tie for Canyon League title The Lancer Newspaper caught up with new TO head coach Ben McEnroe after the team closed out its regular season with a 7-3 record, a 5-1 Canyon League finish and a share of the league title

JACKSON KURTZ THE LANCER STAFF THE LANCER: What challenges did you have to overcome in your first season?

MCENROE: Every job is unique and there’s no such thing as a perfect job, so there are unique challenges everywhere for us.

From a personnel standpoint, we graduated graduated 16 starters. Just getting to know the personnel in the offseason, making sure they’re in the right positions and dealing with the injuries we dealt with, I’m happy to have other guys prepared.

TO’s newest fall sport drew interest from throughout the school LILAH SWAVING & RILEY BROWN THE LANCER STAFF

THE LANCER: What have you taken from CLU and implemented at TO? MCENROE: Really mostly just experience of 15 years as a coach there, program management. We really built this thing on a collegiate model almost here.

THE LANCER: Do you have a favorite highlight from this season?

MCENROE: Getting the water bucket dumped on me at Moorpark was pretty special. It was nice against Agoura because we got a piece of the league championship and just that first water bucket at Moorpark is something that will always stand out to me.

THE LANCER: What was your first step to becoming head coach at Thousand Oaks?

MCENROE: Knowing that I wanted to be back in this area [from Florida]. It timed out pretty well, my availability out there and the opportunity here coincided within a matter of weeks. There were other jobs in the area that I was considering, with an offer and everything. So I would say that the timing was perfect and I just set myself in and started talking to people and uh it all worked out.

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

FACE PLANT — Carson Lewis rushes TO to a 17-0 win over Ventura, improving to 1-1 on the season.

THE LANCER: Heading into the playoffs, what is the overall mood of the team?

MCENROE: I think we’re in a good place. Guys were fairly healthy, and this [bye] week will help us to get back to 100% and we’ll move some guys up from JV to help bolster our numbers and help practice a little bit better.

We’re a confident group and we believe in what we’re doing and we know that for us it’s all about practice and just trying to be the best every day.

THE LANCER: Your son, Cory, is a star tight end and linebacker. What’s it like to coach your own son on a high school team?

MCENROE: I’m very fortunate to have a front row seat and to be able to witness that every week. We’ve done it long enough where we have a pretty good understanding of the difference between dad and coach and that’s a great reflection on him and his maturity and where he’s at as a player.

TOP PLAYERS LB Dean Harrington DE Blake Lauritzen LB Cory McEnroe QB Jackson Taylor WR Silas Kemp WR Andrew Lacombe

RB Brolin Harrah OL Andrew Sloan DL Jared Alamillo CB James Luderer

Sophomore QB strikes a chord In his first year as Lancers starting quarterback, Oaks Christian transfer Jackson Taylor has proved to be a dual threat

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) “Knowing how to work with people and balance your skills off other people’s skills,” adds Taylor, is important in both worlds.

On the football field, he is known for his dead-on throws, quick footwork, good patience, and consistent releases. He has received many honors and awards, including the Scholar Athlete award, Oaks Christian High School’s JV Offensive MVP and the All-Marmonte League award in Jan. 8, 2023.

With Taylor as an addition to the team this year, Thousand Oaks has won at least a share of the Canyon League with a 5-1 record, finishing the season at 7-3. This year through nine games, Taylor had unofficially

No red flags for girls flag football

thrown for 1,273 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Lancers head coach Ben McEnroe said it is no surprise that Jackson pursues his passion for the violin at such a high level, given his dedication and performance out on the field.

What impresses him the most is Taylor’s ability to turn his whole game and attitude around when it seems to be in the dumps.

“He doesn’t seem to get ruffled,” McEnroe said.

Taylor is constantly facing obstacles out on the field that challenge his instincts, especially as he strives to become a stronger pocket passer.

“It’s not natural to stand in there with guys running at you as fast as they can, trying to tackle you. So human instinct a lot

of times is to try to escape from that. And he’s really shown some growth this year,” McEnroe said.

But when the pocket eventually becomes unbearable, the orchestra is where Taylor finds his safe zone.

“Football is my thing and the violin is a great thing I enjoy to get away from it,” Taylor said.

Sometimes finding the motivation to play both can get difficult, but for Taylor, his motivation lies at the heart of his home: his grandmother. Since a young age, Taylor has idolized the image of his grandmother being able to pick up an instrument and play it fluently at family gatherings. Back then, he was too young to play an instrument but sang along with his grandmother. He strives for that very same campfire feeling.

Instruments in general play a core part in his life. When the working gets tough, at home he often finds himself picking up his guitar or taking out his keyboard to experiment and relax with music.

In the future he envisions himself using the violin to pass the time and create fun experiences at gatherings.

“I want to think about it as something that I have, another tool in the toolbox,” Taylor said.

For the time being, Taylor practices rigorously and partakes in the school orchestra hoping to follow his grandmother’s lead, planning to play for as long as possible.

And with the football playoffs speedily approaching, Taylor, as varsity captain, is the one looking to lead his teammates out onto the football field for yet another bravura performance.

Former Thousand Oaks High School varsity head football coach Mike Leibin took on a new yet somewhat familiar challenge: TO girls flag football head coach.

The sport debuted at the school this season after being introduced around Southern California over the last couple years.

“I thought it would be a totally new adventure coaching a bunch of athletes, especially girls who have no background with the sport,” Leibin said. “Maybe some of them have played catch with their brother in the backyard, but for the most part, [they] haven’t really played football. I looked forward to the challenge.”

Despite the girls’ inexperience, by the end of tryouts, he knew there was a good selection of girls who were strong in different categories.

Leibin highlighted that the girls have improved throughout the year, and the Lancers started the season 4-7 and 3-2 in the Marmonte League.

No matter the outcome of every game, they would come together and create ways to execute their plays and make more plans to come to victory.

“The most important thing would be the progress that the girls have shown throughout the year,” Leibin said. “We get better and better on both sides of the ball and that’s been a rewarding experience.”

The players haven’t just gained strength on the field but have also forged a close bond.

“During games, we would bond together, and [after], celebrate together when we [won], and when we [lost], we would come together and have to figure out what we did wrong,” sophomore Malia Turley said.

Turley was a key player for the Lancers this year, and when she was sidelined with an injury, it had an impact on the team.

“It really hurt us when Malia Turly broke her toe,” Leibin said.

Despite this setback, the team executed a successful first year.

“Just everybody learning this new sport together and going through the experience together [was great], because we all kinda didn’t know what we were doing when we first started and now we are just having fun together,” sophomore Morgan Humphrey said.

With such a good start to the new sport at TO, fans look forward to more fruitful seasons.

PHOTO » COURTESY

FLAG ON THE PLAY —

Senior Ivy Williams protects the ball as she runs toward the end zone.

14 | SPORTS

thousand oaks high school | the lancer

Lakers Preview: Title No. 18?

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, the Lakers enter the 2023-24 season trying to win title No. 5 for James and title No. 18 in franchise history Top Players

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR With LeBron James entering his 21st season in the NBA, he only has his eyes on winning his fifth championship and, for the Lakers, their 18th title.

The Lakers brought in some additional firepower over the offseason to give James and star big man Anthony Davis the supporting cast they need for their first championship since 2020. Offseason signings of veteran forwards Taurean Prince, Christian Wood and guard Gabe Vincent should only make the team stronger, especially as the Lakers were also able to re-sign two of their top performers from last season, guards Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers fended off several suitors for Reaves’ services, after the 2nd-year guard averaged 13 points per game.

Now that James has been given all the tools he could ask for, now it is up to him and his team with what they will produce.

“This is the first time since the 2020 run that we’re returning the team,” James told reporters in October. “Besides that run, we’ve all been dealing with a lot of turnover. I’m excited about us returning our core and then bringing in a lot of very, very, very good players that can help us continue to do what we’re able to do.”

The team is going to be relying on James and Davis to stay healthy, as the 2022-23 season was Davis’ first season with 50-plus games played since his first season with the Lakers in 2019-20.

If the league’s top dynamic duo can stay intact, there is not much that can stop the improved Lakers, as they have upgraded at every position since the start of last season. This past postseason, Davis performed like the Defensive Player of the Year, which once again proved how elite he can be if he can stay healthy. As for James, age appears to be getting to him as he missed part of his 20th season with a foot injury.

However, James had a critical offseason that let the NBA know he is ready to go and ready to beat any team that stops by Los Angeles.

“Now that we have, top to bottom, what we feel like is a highly balanced, skilled, younger team of guys who’ve logged a

Forward LeBron James Experience: 21st year 2022-23 Stats: 28.9 points per game, 6.8 assists per game, 8.3 rebounds per game One Big Number: James has averaged more than 25 points per game for 19 consecutive seasons.

Center Anthony Davis Experience: 12th year 2022-23 Stats: 25.9 points per game, 12.5 rebounds per game, 2.0 blocks per game One Big Number: Davis averaged 3.1 blocks per game in the 2023 playoffs.

PHOTO » CREATIVE COMMONS

CORE FOUR — Top players include Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Lebron James. ton of NBA minutes, we can surround both James and AD with players that are eager to contribute and impact winning,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham told reporters.

Here’s a look back on the Lakers’ 2022-23 season and how they stack up for 2023-24…

2022-23 Rewind The Lakers finished the 2022-23 regular season 43-39 and earned a trip to the play-in tournament, where they were able to turn that invite into a trip to the Western Conference Finals.

After beating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in game, then disposing of the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in six games, the Lakers defeated the reigning champion Golden State Warriors in six games before being swept by the eventual champion Denver Nuggets in the WCF.

Guard D’Angelo Russell Experience: 9th year 2022-23 Stats: 17.4 points per game, 6.1 assists per game One Big Number: Russell has averaged at least 17 points per game in five straight years.

Guard Austin Reaves Experience: 3rd year 2022-23 Stats: 13.0 points per game, 3.4 assists per game One Big Number: Reaves started all 16 playoff games this past season, while averaging 17 points per game.

Forward Jarred Vanderbilt Experience: 6th year 2022-23 Stats: 7.9 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game One Big Number: Vanderbilt started 13 of the 15 playoff games he played in last season.

Forward Rui Hachimura Experience: 5th year 2022-23 Stats: 11.3 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game One Big Number: Hachimura averaged 12.2 points per game in the playoffs while only starting one of the 16 games.

SPORTS | 15

issue 1 | october 30, 2023

ON THE ATTACK — Junior Alex Barrington looks for an offensive opportunity for the Lancers.

PHOTO » JILLIAN STRONG » COURTESY

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

SWEET SWING — Claire Kirby helped the Lancers drive themselves forward in the 2023.

GIRLS TENNIS Coach: David Dewing

JASMINE BERNAL THE LANCER STAFF

BUMP, SET, SPIKE — Leah Curtin delivers with a big hit for the Lancers, who had a bounce-back season in 2023 with 21 regular-season wins.

PHOTO » TESSA CRISPIN » COURTESY

GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY Coach: Alan Scally

GUY ALBERT THE LANCER STAFF

BOYS WATER POLO Coach: Craig Rond

ELIJAH BROWN THE LANCER STAFF

2022 Record: 0-16

2022 Record: 2-4-1

2022 Record: 3-9

2023 Record: 5-13-2

2023 Record: 1-7

2023 Record: 17-13

Top Players: Senior Lana Jermagian, Senior Aandrea PinedaDominguez, Freshman Emi Yu

Top Players: Senior Sydney Korkosz, Senior Bianca Scally, Senior Moira Scally

Notable: What is important to recognize is the Lancers have not won a single match in nearly five years. Last year, the Lancers were close but did not win a match. This season, the girls continued to grow in their skills and the results were not one win but five. The team beat Newbury Park earlier this season at Thousand Oaks for its only conference match win.

They hope to finish ahead of them in the standings. Another win was against Royal High. They have been pretty solid and this year won the match that went to a tie breaker.

Notable: The team played almost every single game without any substitutions. Pre-season injuries left the team with a tight roster and minimal depth. But despite several challenges, the team was able to be competitive in all of its regular season games. Although they finished with a record of 1-7, two of those losses came in overtime.

Top Players: Senior Wing Thomas McDonough, Senior Wing Marcus Villani, Senior Center Defender Keith Warner

Quotable: “The Varsity team made big strides this year and has improved drastically compared to last year,” Dewing said.

Inside Story: The team lost a big part of the team last year and began the rebuilding process. There are two players who are expected to continue to play in college, Sydney Korkosz and Bianca Scally. Moira Scally also excelled at playing containment through the middle. All three players will be playing in the area All Star Game in the winter.

Inside Story: Audrey Li was hurt early in the season and missed several matches, but Dewing said she was set to return late in the year and getting her game back. This year, the team welcomed a new freshman, Emi Yu, to the team. She is an outstanding player with an 81% winning record. She plays singles at a high level and competes with any team. Aandrea Pineda-Dominguez and Chokee Weezer are a strong #2 doubles team.

CROSS COUNTRY Coach: Andrew Thompson

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

2022 Record: Boys finished fourth in Southern Section and seventh in state, girls finished 11th in Southern Section 2023 Record: N/A Top Players: Senior Cassidy Kajita and Senior Liam Papavasiliou Notable: Both cross country teams were off to a great start to the season, with both ranked in the strong Southern Section.

Quotable: “The Boys team is putting in more work than they have in previous seasons, all of which is pointing to an excellent post season,” Thompson said.

Inside Story: After both the boys and the girls were able to earn high ranks last season in the very tough Southern Section, they both aspire at making it to the State Championships this year.

Quotable: “We had an amazing group of individuals who joined and learned the game, who started to develop into amazing players,” Scally said.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Coach: James Park

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

Notable: Multiple players such as Thomas McDonough and Marcus Villani have plans to play water polo at the next level next year.

Quotable: “Thousand Oaks High School has had a rich tradition of great student-athletes and I hope to regain that position in the community,” Rond said.

Inside Story: Coach Rond to TOHS after leaving over 20 years ago, he has already made an impact on the girls program, and he keeps improving with the boys program.

GIRLS GOLF Coach: Ryan Geisler

KEVIN STARR ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

2022 Record: 20-15

2022 Record: 8-7

2023 Record: 22-8

2023 Record: 2-3 in non-league matches, 5th place in league

Top Players: Sophomore Outside Hitter Leah Curtin, Sophomore Outside Hitter London Halvorsen, Senior Libero Mia Paculan

Top Players: Junior Claire Kirby, Sophomore Lotus Ward, Freshman Keiona Nadig

Notable: The team was able to beat Westlake twice, which helped them go 8-2 in the league, and helped push our Lancers over the Warriors in the Marmonte League standings.

Quotable: “The dependability and who was going to step up was key,” Park said.

Inside Story: Despite only 3 three of 14 players being seniors, the underclassman were able to step it up in the big situations and lead TO to a second-place league finish. The dynamic duo of Leah Curtin and London Halvorsen led the Lancers through their battles, whether it was in Westlake, Newbury Park or on their home court.

Notable: Last year’s league competition was all head-to-head matches; this year featured six league tournaments, with all six teams play a tournament at the same time.

Quotable: “Claire Kirby and Lotus Ward both shot personal bests for nine-hole and also 18-hole matches,” Geisler said.

Inside Story: This year, girls golf had all head to head matches, which was a massive change for the league. It was a challenge to adjust to, but despite the league changes, Coach Geisler and the team finished in fifth Place in the new tournament format.

16 | BACKPAGE

thousand oaks high school | the lancer

Every issue, The Lancer asks a TO couple and a sibling trio a set of questions about the subject. Who knows them better?

THE BOYFRIEND Zach Reer

Taylor Swift

LaLaLand

Hot

Soccer

K

hows Wo n

Favorite music artist?

Favorite movie?

THE SUBJECT Lauren Snyder Taylor Swift

LaLaLand

Be You tter ?

Favorite Least favorite weather? sport?

Cold

Basketball

Every Lancer Has a Story Throughout the year, the Lancer selects students at random to answer whatever is on their minds.

Describe your most vivid halloween memory?

My most vivid Halloween memory is Oct. 22, 2021. It was the day I went to Knotts Scary Farm for the first time after begging my parents to go that year. On the drive there, I remember I was so excited to go, I was thinking about it the whole week. I got to finally go and absolutely enjoy the horror night with my best friend.

Kristin Long, Sophomore

Taylor Swift

The Notebook

Basketball

Hot

Would you rather be the victim or the antagonist in a horror movie?

THE BEST FRIEND Malia Turly

Hosted by CORY MCENROE

SIBLING #1 Avery Poehler

hows Wo n

Ice Cream

ETHOS

A Bird

I would rather be the bad guy in a horror movie. That’s because people would be scared of me, and I could do whatever I want.

Also most victims die and I’m not tryna’ die.

College

K

Nigel Fitzgerald, Senior

Favorite Dessert?

Favorite Class?

Spirit Animal?

Biggest Fear?

THE SUBJECT Cainan Poehler Red velvet

ETHOS

Wombat

Luke GreenBurg

History

Wombat

Being alone

cake

Be tter ?

Tiramisu

SIBLING #2 Brianna Poehler

Is the nightmare before christmas a christmas movie or a halloween movie?

I think it’s a Halloween movie, because it’s more Halloween-themed and all the things are from Halloween more than Christmas.

The setting of the movie and the surroundings and outfits of the character have more of the dark feeling even during the Christmas time.

Carl Larson, Freshman Hosted by ABIGAIL KERNS

Hit or Miss?

What’s up and what’s down with The Lancer?

We list the hits and misses of the month.

Compiled by ALYSSA KISZCZAK

Hit:

Miss:

Hit:

Miss:

Hit:

Drake released his new album, “For All the Dogs.” Fans are excited to see he has collabled with many younger rappers, including Yeat and 21 Savage.

Certain members of certain teams treated the homecoming dance floor like a gridiron. We’ll let you try to guess which team is guilty.

Multi-millionaire, Taylor Swift, shares about her personal life, announcing she is dating Travis Kelsey, star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gas prices in Thousand Oaks are creeping up past $6 again.

Prices are so high that cars are even passing out over the shock!

Trader Joe’s seasonal fall foods include pumpkin butter, fall leaf tortilla chips, cinnomon toscano cheese and pumpkin spice granola bars. See Page 10!