VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL | VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 2 | OCTOBER 2018
The Mirror The spokes of democracy are turning; soon the midterms will be upon us. Play your part. PAGE 3
There’s a teacher among us who takes flight regularly. However, it isn’t in the way you think. PAGE 9
Gimme an R... and gimme a T! What does it spell? Is cheerleading a real sport?! PAGE 11
CURRENT EVENTS 2 REFLECTION 4 COMMENT & OPINION 8 ARTS ETCETERA 9 ATHLETICS 11
VOICELESS & ADRIFT: HOMELESS IN L.A.
Each night, 10,160,000 people lay their heads to sleep across Los Angeles County. Among them, 52,765 lie restless and scared on benches, sidewalks, and inside of cramped shelters. Most can’t imagine living without the security of their homes waiting for them every day. Since 2010, these shelterless souls have been pouring onto the streets en masse, and as a result, homelessness has skyrocketed by almost 75 percent. So who are these people? Where are they coming from? Why are they forced to sleep out on the streets? PAGE 6
PHOTO BY HANS-JORG ALEFF
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[2] Current Events
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THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
THE MIRROR | PHOTOS BY KAYLA LEE
BRIEFLY
SPEAKING WHO WILL BE THE NEXT “YOUNG SHELDON?”
The makers of “Young Sheldon” are now giving students the chance to become geniuses like the star of the spinoff of “The Big Bang Theory.” Chuck Lorre along with Steven Molaro, Jim Parsons, Warner Bros. Television Group and CBS have come together to create the “Young Sheldon” STEM Initiative Education Grants for 19 public schools in Southern Calif. and East Texas, including Van Nuys High School. VNHS is the only LAUSD school chosen for the “Young Sheldon” Grant due to the regular filming of the series that takes place here. The grant also aims to fund Van Nuys’ STEM Magnet with $15,000 for each of the following two years. The school plans to use this year’s money on physiology and biology classes for new biotech equipment. n ANI TUTUNJYIAN
THE GREAT ATTENDANCE PROFICIENCY WAR SAUSAGE BISCUIT: JUNIOR ZAHRA’A HUMADI GRABS A BISCUIT PROVIDED BY THE BIC FOOD PROGRAM.
BiC Unwrapped By MHAR TENORIO THE MIRROR STAFF
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ithout breakfast, students are often fatigued, lethargic and unprepared for a seven-hour school day. As a solution, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) implemented the Breakfast in Classroom (BiC) program. The program offers free breakfast meals that consist of fruit, milk (sometimes juice) and a breakfast item. The food does not reach students directly through the VNHS cafeteria. Prepackaged meals are sent to the school by the district and reheated in the cafeteria. Schools receive food from the district twice a week. It is unknown, however, when exactly the district cooks the food. The process is designed to accommodate the increasing numbers of hungry students in LAUSD—currently ranked the second largest in the country. The system hasn’t been free from error, and there’s been plenty of pushback. However, the district hasn’t been shy to tackle any issues with the program. On Aug. 23, 2012, LAUSD announced a switch from styrofoam-based containers to compostable, cardboard ones. The change resulted in savings of three to four cents each, or more than $5 million dollars annually for the district. Alongside the financial benefits the cardboard boxes created, the biodegradable containers had a drastically better impact on the environment. Beside the container’s ecological improvements, the district has been working on the content of the breakfast. The food items are improving both on taste and quality, relative to their state six years ago, when the program began. Some of LAUSD’s breakfast items include high amounts of Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Milk can give a student up to 500mg of calcium. Some breakfast cereals contain up to 16 mg of iron and 200 mg of calcium. The fruit juices also contain natural sugars.
LACK OF KOSHER OR VEGAN ITEMS
Though BiC is created for all students, not everyone can take part in the program. The menu does not offer kosher-certified or vegan-friendly items. However, select items are vegetarian such as the bean and cheese burrito, french toast and cereal. Although LAUSD does offer substitutes, such as soy, rice and almond milk, it requires that a form must be submitted to the designated cafeteria manager for access to these items. Few students and parents are aware of these options. According to VNHS cafeteria manager, Maria Rodriguez, no one has applied for the milk substitutes. Though they may offer nutritional content, breakfast meals are not known for their taste. Senior Bahar Ghandehari advocates for vegan-inclusive meals. “I think it’s important to know that a vegan BiC and lunch option would not only provide more options for those who are vegan or vegetarian but also for people with allergies (lactose intolerance), health problems (obesity, heart disease, diabetes) or even religious beliefs,” Ghandehari said. LAUSD is in the midst of testing out a new vegan-inclusive program. Select schools have
AMBASSADORS: TWO STUDENTS RETURN BREAKFAST TO THE CAFETERIA.
been chosen to pilot it. Van Nuys could potentially join them in the future. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE LEFTOVERS?
Math teacher Mrs. Amira Saunders finds that BiC “is a good thing since more kids are getting to eat breakfast,” But she continued, “I wish there wasn’t so much food waste but we give it to the parent center so that’s good.” VNHS is a part of the LAUSD food donation program to prevent uneaten food items from being wasted in which non-profit organizations can apply to receive any excess food. Leftovers at VNHS are donated to the Seventh Day Adventist Church as well as the nearby Saint Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church. Empty wrappers, trays, milk cartons and straws that students use are supposed to be processed through the district’s Expanded Recycling Program. Van Nuys High however does not participate in this program. Most students just dispose BiC trash in the nearest garbage bin. “We can barely get kids to throw their trash in the trash can,” VNHS principal Ms. Yolanda Gardea noted. “When students learn how to throw out their trash, we can go to the next step and separate our BiC trash.” Despite its flaws, Ms. Gardea commented on the significant improvement of the district-provided meals compared to when she became principal six years ago. She also pointed out the impressive number of students LAUSD serves. “I think they’re doing a pretty good job considering they’re serving to 650,000 students,” she said. “That’s a huge thing to take on.” Many of those students don’t get to eat breakfast at home due to time constraints. Some depend on the district-provided meals because of financial limitations. “78 percent of our entire school qualifies for free or reduced lunch,” Ms. Gardea said. “This can be the only food that they’re having.”
Inspired by “Avengers: Infinity War,” the criticallyacclaimed Marvel superhero film, Van Nuys High School’s A-G counselors, Mr. Greg Achen and Ms. Malissa Vanegas, established the Attendance Proficiency War on Sept. 17 to push for stronger student attendance in the Freshmen Academy. “It’s not about punishing students,” said Mr. Achen. “That’s why we created this challenge. To help make attendance fun.” Students have been divided into groups, each with elected leaders who strategize ways to increase attendance. As the teams compete against each other, the coveted “Proficiency Gauntlet” is given out every five weeks to the group with the best attendance, along with a major prize. n ZOE RODRIGUEZ & ANI TUTUNJYIAN
UTLA STRIKE UPDATE: WHAT COMES NEXT? UTLA (United Teachers of Los Angeles) voted to authorize a strike against LAUSD at the end of August, but it remains unclear when or if the strike will take place. There has been a series of mediation sessions between the district and UTLA that have proven to be futile. If mediation continues to fail, UTLA and the district will go through a process known as fact-finding, where an independent committee will aid the two groups for a conclusion. Should the strike occur, students are expected to be present at school regardless of teacher absences on the days of the strike. If the strike extends to a prolonged period of time, the district will most likely intervene to assist students. “It’s not something I really want to do, but something I have to do,” Ms. Kellie Hayden said. n GINA KIM & MHAR TENORIO
STUDENTS DISCUSS WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS Van Nuys High School held its first ever “Wolves Talk” on Oct. 19 based on “Ted Talks,” a media organization that releases videos and presentations covering a multitude of topics. Senior Board sponsored the event, hosted by Perla Barajas and Sarah Preimesberger, where 18 students presented topics ranging from religion and love to surviving high school. Speakers included Mr. Jacob Ferrin, Diana Chernyak, Marcos Garcia, David Akcheirlian, Joy Wyckoff, Jackie Duong, Kelly Chung, Shayra Nawsheen, Sofiah Lawal, Chelsea Saldana, Jennifer Lee, Lauren Woolsey, Tauhid Islam, Angela Saha, Katherine Hernandez, Henry Jin, Celine Bautista and Daniell Galang. “It was an experience to remember, and I ask that everyone experience the thrill of public speaking,” said David Akcheirlian. n ZOE RODRIGUEZ
Current Events [3]
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THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
A GUIDE TO THE
By Margarita Hovsepyan What are the Midterm Elections? The Midterms, held midway between Presidential Elections, determine which party--Democrat or Republican--will have control of Congress for the next two years. The party in majority in the Senate and House of Representatives has a higher chance of passing its proposed legislation in the respective chamber. Unlike presidential elections, where the winner is picked by the Electoral College, voters directly pick the Congressional members during the Midterms. A third of U.S. senators and 435 members of the House of Representatives will be replaced. House of Representatives Members serve for a two-year period, which means they are elected during every midterm and presidential election. Representatives for each state are in relation to the state’s population. To be elected, members must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens for at least seven years and live in the state they’re representing. U.S. Senate Senators serve for a six-year period, meaning one-third of them are replaced every midterm and presidential election. Each state has two representatives, resulting with 100 senators in total. To be elected, members must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens for at least nine years and live in the state they’re representing.
Where can you register? You cannot vote if you aren’t registered. Registration Qualifications: You must be a U. S. citizen and a resident of California 18 years old or older on Election Day. How can you vote? To vote in person: Each residential address has an assigned polling location that might vary with each election. Your name will only be on the roster of your assigned polling location. If you try to vote anywhere else, a provisional ballot will have to be filled out (rule might vary with each state). If you miss the registration deadline, you can register at your Local Election Office and vote on the same day. To vote by mail. https://www.lavote. net/docs/rrcc/election-info/11062018_ VBM-app.pdf. First Time Voters who haven’t registered in person have to bring some form of identification. The rule varies by state. California voters don’t need any documents to vote. Why does voting matter? It’s crucial to voice your opinion, even though your vote may seem unimportant in face of millions of others, it is still as significant as any other. Voting promotes a healthy political climate and keeps our government truly representative of America’s populace. What’s a Democrat? What’s a Republican? Why does it matter? Democrats and Republicans make
OFFICES BEING FILLED GOVERNOR
• Chief executive of CA government • Commander-in-chief of the California National Guard and the California State Military Reserve. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
• Acting Governor at Governor’s absence • President of the California State Senatew
CANDIDATE A CANDIDATE B Gavin Newsom (D) John Cox (R)
Ed Hernandez (D)
Eleni Kounalakis (D)
SECRETARY OF STATE
Alex Padilla (D)
Mark Meuser (R)
CONTROLLER
Betty Yee(D)
Konstantinos Roditis (R)
TREASURER
Fiona Ma (D)
Greg Conlon (R)
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Xavier Becerra (D) Steven Bailey (R)
• Chief clerk of CA • Chief Elections Officer • Chief fiscal officer of CA • Responsible for the state’s financial resources • State’s lead banker, financier, and asset manager • State’s top lawyer and law enforcement official
up the two major political parties in the U.S. There’s a multitude of differences between the two parties, most being issues disagreed upon by Liberals and Conservatives, their respective main constituents. Liberals generally believe in a larger more accommodating government while conservatives believe in a smaller less restricting government.
What role is social media playing in the midterms? A prominent one. Candidates are largely using commercials to share their messages.
Who will win? A mid-term wave is an electoral triumph that changes the political arena and majority control. There is the possibility of the Democrats sweeping a blue wave victory and taking control of the two chambers of Congress. However, the recent Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation and stable economy has energized Republicans. There is no sure way to predict the winners.
Do Democrats have a chance to take the Senate, too? Yes, but the chances are slim since the Democrats up for re-election in states that President Trump won in 2016.
If Democrats take the House, what happens? Politically, there will be increased investigations and impeachment talks. Legislatively, not much will happen due to the divide in government. If Republicans keep the House, what happens? Politically, the strong one-party rule will continue and there won’t be any impeachment proceedings. Legislatively, Republican agenda such as tax cuts and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act will be pushed forward.
What kinds of policy discussions have dominated races? Education. Healthcare. Gun Control. Affordable Care Act. Medicare.
Is it really the “Year of the Woman?” A record-breaking number of 257 women are running for Congressional roles. Who can make history this year? Andrew Gillum as the first AfricanAmerican to lead Florida. Stacey Abrams as the first AfricanAmerican woman to lead any state. Marsha Blackburn as the first female Tennessee senator. Christine Hallquist of Vermont as the first transgendered candidate ever to be nominated for governor by a major party. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, as the first MuslimAmerican women in Congress. Jared Polis of Colorado as the first openly gay man to be elected governor.
OFFICES BEING FILLED
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
CANDIDATE A Ricardo Lara(D)
CANDIDATE B Steve Poizner(I)
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Marshall Tuck (I)
Tony Thurmond (I)
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Dianne Feinstein (D)
Kevin De León (D)
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE
Tony Cardenas (D)
Benito Bernal (R)
STATE SENATOR
Robert Hertzberg (D) Rudy Melendez (R)
STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
Luz Maria Rivas (D)
• Head of the CA Department of Insurance • Directs Department of Education • Chairs the California State Board of Education • Responsible for writing and passing legislation, approving presidential appointments and ratifying treaties with foreign countries • Serves the people district (29th) by introducing bills and serving on committees • Upper house of the CA State Legislature. •Lower house of the CA State Legislature
Ricardo Benitez (R)
[4] Reflection
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THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
RIOT GAMES
Evolution of a Legend By CHRISTIAN WALSH THE MIRROR STAFF
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efore “Fortnite,” there was another game that got the students at Van Nuys hooked. Released originally in 2009, “League of Legends” has attracted nearly 100 million players in its decade-long run. The game earns loyal players with 12 million individuals playing an average of an hour every day. “League” allows you to assume the role of a “summoner,” who controls a “champion.” These champions have unique abilities and battle against other teams. Each team protects their nexus, a structure that lies at the center of a protective base surrounded by defensive structures. As the champions protect the nexus, they are also tasked to destroy ones from the other teams. “League” is also known for its addictive nature, which has undeniably grasped the attention of gamers through the addition of monthly and weekly content. “I’m addicted,” Sumit Patel said. “It’s fun to play with friends. There are many varieties to the game so there is always something new to try.” According to Riot Games, the game’s developer, a combined total of 81 million people played on their servers every month in 2017. The craze for “League” has sparked tournaments larger than many WWE arenas, filled with passionate players watching their favorite electronic sports (esports) players compete for the top rank. Students are even more excited because a North American team has made it to semi-finals for the first time in seven years. This is also the first world championships where one cannot determine a clear “favorite.” Fans are unable to decipher who would win a match because there are highly-skilled players on the rosters. “For the first time, there was no clear favorite this year, and it was hard to figure out who might win” said Michael Phung. “Most of the tournaments favorites in Asia have been eliminated, like KT Rolster and Royal Never Give Up, and they
were beat by G2 Esports, a third place team from Europe, in the quarter finals. Nothing like this has really happened before.” “Just like watching the World Series, it’s enjoyable to watch the people who are the best at the craft,” Keun Choi said. Being a pioneer in the video game industry has led to the game’s prolonged popularity. “League” is easily accessed on the internet and can be installed without any cost, making it even more appealing to the younger generation, many of whom are low on money. “It’s a popular game because it’s free,” said Phung. “That’s why ‘Fortnite’ is so big because it’s available to everyone and it’s interesting.” The company makes a profit off the in-game content that can be purchased, including champions and items. Players are also not required to buy an expensive gaming computer to play, thus increasing the game’s player base. Combining all of its positive factors, the game’s success and fame were virtually guaranteed in the gaming community. Riot Games also believes in an even playing field. After all, how can one player beat the other if the opponent has the advantage of buying downloadable content? The company addressed this by establishing “Riot Points” that players can obtain by using real money. These points can also be used to unlock items earlier in the game, purchase skins for characters and unlock exclusive content.
CHAMPION: THE CHARACTER WARWICK SHOWN BATTLING IN PROMOTIONAL ARTWORK.
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“Yeah, it’s a popular game because it’s free. That’s why Fortnite is so big because it’s available to everyone and it’s interesting.”
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Downloadable content (DLC) is purely based on aesthetics or enjoyment, never interfering with the game’s core values or functionality. DLCs usually come in the form of skins, icons, champions, champion skins, ward skins, summoner icons, emotes and certain multigame boosts. This allows many players to be less inclined to leave the game from frustration and question the aspect of unfairness. Although some content is exclusive to buyers, most of the purchased items are targeted towards ambitious gamers. “It’s really peer pressure, the skins just look really good, and it makes you want to buy them,” Michael Phung said. Game developers Supercell and King, the respective makers of “Clash of Clans” and “Candy Crush,” began creating similar free-to-play games. However, they are infused with advertisements and include pricey upgrades. One of the major downsides to free-to-play games is hyper-accessibility, which can cause servers to be highly congested, hindering the full experience of the game itself. There is also only one available server for the entirety of North America in Chicago, Illinois. Although this may vary among people’s different internet connections, it still serves as a problem for the population with average internet speeds. This can result with a negative reputation for the developer as the game can lose players during peak hours. Though “League” has its downsides, it doesn’t cover up the fact that Riot Games has tried their best since 2009 to create a fun, fair and easily accessible game where everyone can create unforgettable memories.
Reflection [5]
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MODELING THE IDEAL
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n African American student at Van Nuys is defying the norms. Matthew Egu recently auditioned for a modeling gig at BigHit Entertainment Agency, a South Korean company that releases music and visual content. BigHit is also known for owning several Korean artists as well as the popular K-Pop band, BTS. To find their next superstar, the company announced global auditions for different categories: singing, dancing, rapping and modeling. After partnering with local Instagram businesses to promote their fashion brands, such as @apologies.co and @ikigaiandsoul, Egu decided to branch out and strive to become a model. Because his high school career is coming to an end, the senior auditioned for modeling in order to take a step towards his future goal. “When I arrived at the venue, there was no one waiting,” Egu said. “Everyone at the hotel was speaking Korean, and I had no clue if I was in the right place.” Participants were split into groups of six and auditioned one by one in front of two BigHit administrators. They were required to free walk in a room for a minute and pose however they wanted to. “At first, it was a bit scary, but I felt really happy after,” Egu said, reflecting on his audition. People who pass the auditions are expected to participate in private auditions in South Korea, which will determine if they can become trainees for BigHit. However, if they have trouble overtime, they will be disqualified. Korean culture has distinct beauty standards, which may be a hurdle for Egu to overcome. One of the most prominent ideals featured within the industry is models with white, pale skin. Most Korean ads and television series include actors and actresses with these characteristics, due to the historical Korean beliefs that white skin is linked with fame and fortune. But overall, Egu remains confident about his chances as an African American model in the world of Korean fashion. “I hope my audition could make agencies think about how they could utilize people like me to break standards in the East Asian population,” Egu said.
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
Safety Team Protects Campus By TRISHA KHAOWNIMON THE MIRROR STAFF
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ou may have seen armed police officers at our school campus, but who are they and what exactly do they do? The Safety Team, led by Ms. Judith Bakenhus, is a group of officers and campus aids who ensure the school’s safety by following procedures and protocols on a daily basis. The Safety Team checks the bathrooms, watches the gates and
patrols the campus to ensure that the school’s faculty members and students remain safe. The Safety Team stays in frequent contact with each other. The team uses the radio walkie system in order to communicate and patrol the school efficiently. In the case of a natural disaster or safety threat, the team does various things to maintain calmness throughout the school. Specifically, the members undergo training and make sure that the faculty and students are aware of the issue. “We try to get resources outside of THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE
school, such as from police departments that give us feedback from outside,” campus aid Joe Avila said. If there is an active shooter on campus, the Safety Team will lock down the school and make sure that nobody enters or leaves the campus. In a classroom situation, the team takes the precaution to make sure the doors are locked and usher students who are outside in the nearest classroom. A shooting occurred on Van Nuys Blvd. on Sept. 20 and resulted in the lockdown of CHAMPS Charter High School. Although the shooting occurred near Van Nuys Highl, the campus did not go in a lockdown and classes remained in session. The Safety Team ensured the safety of students and faculty staff by patrolling the campus. “We didn’t go on lockdown because we were informed that it was already taken care of,” Avila said. “They knew where the suspects were at, but we were still very vigilant about anyone coming in.” Although there have been few threats throughout the year, the Safety Team has resolved the issues. WATCHFUL PROTECTOR: CAMPUS AID JOE AVILA GUARDING THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE IN THE MAIN BUILDING.
Tales from Within the Dungeon
THE MIRROR | JACK BECKMAN-SMITH
n JANESSA BISARRA & META ASTLES
FUTURE MODEL: SENIOR MATTHEW EGU PROMOTES APOLOGIES FASHION BRAND.
By META ASTLES & SHARMIE AZUREL THE MIRROR STAFF
B
eneath the main building of Van Nuys High School, there is a flight of stairs that leads to a basement that most students are unaware of. Known as the “dungeon,” the room is filled with file cabinets that store the records and documents of students that have attended the school. Before being destroyed one to two years after students’ graduation, the files are sent downtown to be stored digitally. CHRISTIAN KASTOUN
“The dungeon is filled with file cabinets about each student who studied at Van Nuys High School since 2009,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Marc Strassner. Aside from the hidden files, there are many infamous stories surrounding the hidden room. One story suggests that the eery space is haunted, according to some staff members, who have passed along rumors over the years. According to the legends, a little girl can sometimes be heard screaming and moving objects around. Other stories tell of a ghostly chair that appears and vanishes into thin air. Some even say that a spirit appears in the “dungeon” and tries to steal your soul away.
UNDERGROUND MYSTERY: THE DUNGEON SPRAWLS WITH FILING CABINETS.
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The dungeon is filled with file cabinets about each student who studied at Van Nuys High School since 2009.
[6] Cover Story THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
VOICELESS & ADRIFT: MARCELLO SGARLATO
By JACK BECKMAN-SMITH THE MIRROR STAFF
E
ach night, 10,160,000 people lay their heads to sleep across Los Angeles County. Among them, 52,765 lie restless and scared on benches, sidewalks and inside cramped shelters. Most can’t imagine living without the security of their homes waiting for them every day. Since 2010, these shelterless souls have been pouring onto the streets en masse, and as a result, homelessness has skyrocketed by almost 75 percent according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).
So who are these people? Where are they coming from? Why are they forced to sleep out on the streets? First and foremost, according to LAHSA, these people are mostly naturalized Angelenos, 65 percent of whom have lived in Los Angeles for more than 20 years. Only 10 percent have lived here for less than a year, so these people aren’t just showing up out of nowhere. While the homeless population varies, two thirds of those out of house and home are men, while only a fifth of all homeless people are on the streets with their families or partners. The most overrepresented ethnic group are by far African Americans, making up 35 percent of the homeless popu-
JOROBEQ
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While the homeless population varies, two thirds of those out of house and home are men, while only a fifth of all homeless people are on the streets with their families or partners.
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THE MIRROR STAFF
T
ent cities, which are also L.A.’S INFAMOUS SKID ROW known as “homeless camps,” are widespread across California, with one of the largest found in nearby Orange County. A recent LAHSA study found that three out of four homeless people live in cars, tents and camps, making Los Angeles the city with the largest homeless population in the U.S. Due to recent housing policies, homeless people are facing eviction from their nonexistent homes and are being relocated to shelters and housing services. LIFE IN TENT CITIES The inhabitants of tent cities are often distraught as they undergo harsh situations and have trouble finding supplies to settle for the night. Due to the lack of food and medical resources, individuals can suffer from dangerous illnesses and diseases. The lack of guidance and help provided for homeless people also imposes significant emotional distress, ultimately worsening their current states. HOMELESS CAPITAL: SKID ROW Beyond the wealth and glamour in Los Angeles, there are infamous neighborhoods that are known for their homeless population. Located downtown, Skid Row is named for a red-light district in which as many as 2,000 homeless people congregate almost every night. With the rising concern regarding hygiene and other consequences of homelessness, many organizations come to Skid Row to advocate for reform. n INESA SARGSYAN
lation while only making up nine percent of Los Angeles’ total population. Asians are the most underrepresented group, making up 14 percent of the population and only one percent of the homeless population. These trends have resulted primarily from pre-existing socioeconomic positions and the average income of certain demographics. While income for most has remained stagnant, rents have skyrocketed. According to LAHSA, the average rents have gone up by 32 percent while the average renters’ income has only gone up by three percent. Low wages coupled with overcrowding has led to unaffordable rents and mortgages. As a result, many are forced out of their
homes and onto the stree This trend kicked off fr housing crisis. 2018 was t in four years in which the population actually declin from the effects of Propos Measure H. Proposition HHH is a $ permanent housing loan p seeks to create affordable for the 34,000 homeless Los Angeles (Not to be co LA County). Measure H in tax by a fourth of a cent to for the homeless, as oppo ing housing. These servic healthcare, job training, tra and substance abuse pre Contrary to common m
The Liaison of Salvation By LUCAS SHIM
A City of Tents
FOUNDER OF FEEDING PETS OF THE HOMELESS
T
hink homelessness isn’t an issue at VNHS? Well, think again. The A-student sitting next to you in math or science might just be homeless. Fortunately, the school can lend some support. As part of her job, Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor Ms. Sharareh Shamsi provides support for students and their families being evicted from their homes. In the beginning of the school year, students get the Student Residency Questionnaire in the enrollment packets and parent handbooks, which asks if the student is homeless. Parents can also use the questionnaire to request for services at no cost, including school supplies, clothing assistance, tutoring, transportation and hygiene kits—help that would
THE MIRROR | KAYLA LEE
benefit anyone without shelter. After she receives such a request, Ms. Shamsi notifies the homeless unit at LAUSD headquarters downtown, as well as the Northeast district office. When she gets the supplies, she makes sure they get to the students and parents. Homeless students can also get help with transportation, qualifying for free bus passes if they live more than three miles away from the school.
Ms. Shamsi also provides parents with clothing referrals that they can use to select apparel at Centre Clothes Corner, a volunteer league. The PSA counselor can also refer parents to LA Family Housing. Through the program, parents who are being evicted can call 211 to request a 30-day hotel stay. Accessible for 24 hours a day in all languages, the number also offers teenagers help to deal with mental health issues and other problems. Under some circumstances, LA Family Housing pays rent to prevent people from being evicted and becoming homeless. If families lose their health benefits after losing their homes, they can be referred to Children’s Health Access and Medi-Cal Program (CHAMP). The organization provides people with Medi-Cal, Covered California or Kaiser Permanente. MS. SHAMSI: THE HOMELESS LIASON FOR VNHS STUDENTS.
Ms. Shamsi, whos in the Attendance Offi fluent in Spanish. Despite all services provide access to, Ms thinks that homelessn sues are increasing at High. “I feel like they are c with more problems, m sues, more barriers,” s No student or paren sought Ms. Shamsi’s h garding eviction this sc “Last year, four or fiv came with evictions,” s “Right now, there migh people out there but the say it. I don’t know if it’s they don’t know we can because of their pride.” Although some stud be homeless, many of remain determined to progress in their classe “We have had stud that live in cars,” Ms. S said. “They still come t and get good grades. T very resilient and try to diplomas.”
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HOMELESS IN L.A.
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GILBERT MERCIER
the majority of people on the streets aren’t drug addicts or mentally ill vagrants. While rates of mental illness and substance abuse are noticeably higher among the homeless population, the difference is only within a 10 percent margin of their housed counterparts. 26 percent of the homeless suffer from a mental illness, as opposed to 18.5 percent of all adults. 15 percent of the homeless have substance abuse disorders, while 8 percent of all Americans suffered from a substance abuse disorder according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Thus lies a large issue in the plight of our homeless. These people are normal human beings, simply down on their luck and without helping hands.
SIMON MADDISON
The easiest thing everyone can do to help them is to treat them normally. It becomes routine for people to see these mixed bags of mystery walking the streets and doing things the average person scratches their heads at. They live lives so foreign to what most see as average. They simply fade into the ambience, not as people but as general obstacles in urban life: traffic, bad weather, the poor beggar asking for spare change. Jonathan Hans, a Planning Manager for LAHSA, said that one of the best things you can do is look someone in the eye. “It gives them back their humanity,” he stated. It shouldn’t be forgotten that people without homes are as human as anyone else, and are in desperate need of help.
An Insight on LAHSA: Jonathan Hans By SHARMIE AZUREL & JACK BECKMAN-SMITH THE MIRROR STAFF
L
os Angeles, the biggest and most impoverished county in California, has the most homeless people in California. Every year, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) puts on the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. In 2018, LAHSA found and took census of 52,765 homeless people. Jonathan Hans is both a community engagement representative and planning manager for LAHSA. Hans oversees the Homeless Counts’ million dollar budget and internal LAHSA volunteer recruitment. Not only that, Hans reaches out to various communities, such as our own, to raise awareness about homelessness.
THE MIRROR | VINH NGUYEN
As Los Angeles continues to grow, homelessness will continue to become a more significant problem. There are a multitude of programs and services LAHSA uses to alleviate the issue. LAHSA’s Homeless Engagement Team (HET) builds personal relationships and homes through the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for homeless throughout the county. Through community outreach, LAHSA aims to spread awareness and generate support for legislative action as seen with Proposition HHH and Measure H. These propositions, and any new to come, look to alleviate any factors responsible for homelessness. LAHSA not only acts as a bridge between homeless and affordable housing, but also as a pundit for the creation of affordable housing. As long as there’s someone without a home to call their own, LAHSA will continue to provide an array of services. JONATHAN HANS: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE FOR L.A. HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY.
GALLERY OF THE VULNERABLE: ON THE ROUGH STREETS OF LOS ANGELES, MANY PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS BECAUSE OF RISING HOUSING COSTS. MATHIEU YOUNG
COMMENTARY
Can We End Homelessness? Homelessness is an extensive pressing issue worldwide, and has been since the first cities were built. The United States is no exception to this. Homelessness rates in California alone have increased nearly 14 percent from 2016 to 2017 according to a research conducted by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. The national homelessness rate, however, only increased one percent, and remains 13 percent lower than it was in 2010. Though it’s hard to exactly pinpoint the exact number of homeless people in California, the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department estimates the number statewide at 130,000 on a given night. That 130,000 make up 25 percent of the United States’ homeless population. Can we end homelessness in America? Probably not, but we can reduce the rate. Over the years, housing prices in California have increased, mainly because of a housing shortage, gradually making it harder for many to afford to live in the state. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are only 22 available and affordable rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income households seeking it. With rents rising, income needs to rise as well. Minimum wage in California currently is $11. On average, renters in California make $21.50 hourly, 41.2 percent lower than the hourly wage necessary to afford the cost of living. In order to at least afford to rent a two bedroom rental home, Californians need to earn a hourly wage of $32.68. If wages stagnate at their current rate, it’ll be nearly impossible for low-income families and individuals to avoid homelessness. Proposition 10 restores authority to establish rent DISABLED MAN SMOKING IN control in local communities, enforcing fair, annual A WHEELCHAIR. limits on how much landlords can raise rent. According to some studies, Proposition 10 might make the housing crisis worse for numerous reasons. One of those issues we might face is that apartments renting at low rates may be taken off the market, either to be converted into condos, other uses and perhaps even kept empty. However if such happens, we should consider those empty spaces for homeless shelters. Unfortunately, homeless shelters tend to be generally expensive to run, which is where the community comes into play. Nearly $5 billion has been set aside by the state for housing affordability and homelessness in 2018 and 2019. Over $600 million was given to specific MAN PUSHES A SHOPPING CART FILLED homelessness response programs, WITH HIS BELONGINGS . including measures to establish permanent housing, provide support for mental health services and help homeless youth and victims of domestic violence. As a community we should help fund and keep these programs running in order to help those achieve stability. You can do this by finding organizations near, or in your community, and contacting those in charge of donations. You could volunteer as well to do work for these organizations, and help those less fortunate. Not much can be done to effectively reduce homelessness long term, nonetheless, little things done in your community benefiting and assisting those in need help significantly.
Pilar Sims
JOSE MORAN (TOP) & JEFF AHRENS (BOTTOM)
[8] Comment&Opinion
vnhsmirror.com
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
M. CORNELIUS
Tvnhsmirror.com he Mirror EXECUTIVE EDITOR
MARGARITA HOVSEPYAN PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LUCAS SHIM
ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JACK BECKMAN-SMITH LAYOUT EDITOR
STEFANIE TYO CURRENT EVENTS EDITOR
ZOE RODRIGUEZ
Honestly, If You Behaved Like Your Government, You’d Be Arrested Since the United States was founded, freedom has been consistently sacrificed for security. While security is indeed appropriate and necessary for our welfare, it still takes away some of the true liberties from the American people. Here is a rundown of—mostly beneficial—securities that have eroded freedom. Where in the Constitution does the federal government get the power to control what you put in your body? The answer is nowhere. What authority does the government have to regulate and ban drugs? Also not in the Constitution. Lawmakers of the 1920’s accepted this and banned alcohol by amending the Constitution. Despite respecting the words of the Constitution, these lawmakers violated the people’s right to liberty because they lost their ability to control what they do with their bodies. The 18th Amendment was a violation of liberties and ultimately, a colossal failure. If the government has the power to control what you consume, imagine what they might want to control next. “The most basic principle to being a free American is the notion that we as individuals are responsible for our own lives and decisions,” said Ron Paul, one of the defining faces of libertarianism. The Constitution protects three inalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In reality, as English philosopher John Locke stated, it is life, liberty and property. Property rights aren’t mentioned in the Constitution because of the country’s divided view on slavery. However, it is a natural right that the government is obligated to protect. Yet the right to property in the United States is merely an illusion. The concept of eminent domain is a guarantee that property rights are in constant jeopardy. Eminent domain is the right of a government to confiscate private property for public use, with payments of compensation. If a person buys a house, which rightfully belongs to the purchaser, the government can still forcefully take it away for public use. Promised liberties also support the right to travel. Thompson v. Smith, a Virginia Supreme Court case, states, “The right of the citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which
Holden Mandell
REFLECTION EDITOR
SHARMIE AZUREL COMMENT & OPINION EDITOR
HOLDEN MANDELL ARTS ETC. EDITOR
a city may prohibit or permit at will, but a common law right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Because the government funds, maintains and patrols roadways, it makes sense that one should follow the rules in order to use them. But if only the government can manage roads, then a monopoly results. So why are roadways a government monopoly, and why is a license required to operate a motor vehicle? If there are no private alternatives to traveling on roadways without licenses or permits, the right to move freely across the United States is severely limited. As for air travel, passengers are required to submit to security screenings by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a government monopoly. TSA violates air passenger’s liberty and privacy through involuntary full-body screenings and invasive patdowns. To get on a commercial flight, you have to hold out your arms, place your legs apart and drop your Fourth Amendment rights which prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures. Income taxes are essentially a fine paid for being a productive member of society. The more capital a person generates, the more they spend, which creates a whole chain of economic activity. According to the AP Government textbook, “Government In America,” one of every three dollars earned by citizens goes to the government. Profit is property, yet it is taken away by authority. Even a constitutional amendment was needed for an income tax because it is a violation of the rights protected by the Constitution. Selective Service turns men into peasants under their feudal lord, the U.S. Government. Federal law requires 18-year-old males to register with the Selective Service Agency, putting them in a pool that may be used for a draft. The federal government owns everyone who registers and can send them off to war for whatever reason Congress or the president deems necessary. A soldier may come back mutilated, or not come back at all. He has no say in the matter. Freedom of speech is also restricted through The Clear and Present Danger Doctrine. In Schenck v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that congress may restrict speech if speech proves to be “a clear and present danger.” In an opinion for the majority, Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote “When a nation is at war, many things that might be said in time of peace are such a hindrance to its effort that their utterance will not be endured so long as men fight and that no Court could regard them as protected by any constitutional right.” In the ongoing War on Terror, free speech rights are further limited.
OUR TAKE ON...
SAUDI ARABIA DEBACLE
President Trump is a defender of the abusive Saudi Regime putting him in a difficult position following recent news. Saudi agents are alleged to have gruesomely murdered dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, roughly two weeks ago. Instead of using our leverage over Saudi Arabia, Trump foolishly came out and vigorously defended the Saudis. He should have acted to sanction the kingdom and demand answers to what really happened.
CANADA GIVES OKAY TO WEED
The North American map has become increasingly greener. A new Canadian law taking effect on Oct. 17 allows anyone over the age of 18 to possess marijuana given it’s less than 1.05 ounces. Dangerous laced marijuana will no longer be a worry for Canadian users, as the government will oversee production and manufacturing of the drug. Canada is taking a huge step in letting their population determine what they put in their own bodies. It is time the United States nationally legalized marijuana.
PERSECUTION OF JOURNALISTS
Three Myanmarese journalists are arrested, Jamal Khashoggi is murdered and Mozambican journalists are the victims of death threats following recent elections. It has been confirmed that 48 journalists were murdered on the job this year around the world, but the number is likely much higher. Worldwide, journalists are being threatened, jailed and murdered by corrupt regimes. States that suppress journalists stop the growth of their society and hold back an essential element of democracy.
(L TO R) KHASHOGGI: POMED; MARIJUANA: PIXABAY; PRESS PERSECUTION: M-SUR
JESSICA EUSEBIO ATHLETICS EDITOR
DEVIN TSE
PHOTO EDITOR
KAYLA LEE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
GINA KIM
ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS
META ASTLES IVAN DELGADO SEUNGYOUN KIM VINH NGUYEN
STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS
META ASTLES JANESSA BISARRA JOSEPH HERNANDEZ KAITLYN JUNG TRISHA KHAOWNIMON KASEY KIM SEUNGYOUN KIM GWENDOLYN LANGI KAYLA LEE VINH NGUYEN JULIA PFAU DANIEL REYES INESA SARGSYAN PILAR SIMS MHAR TENORIO CHAU TRAN ANI TUTUNJYAN JOSHUA UPDEGRAPH CHRISTIAN WALSH LAYLA WILLIAMS HYUN YANG SPECIAL CONSULTANT
MR. MARIO RODRIGUEZ JOURNALISM ADVISER
MR. RON GOINS
ABOUT US The Mirror is the student newspaper of Van Nuys Senior High School in Van Nuys, California, a district of Los Angeles. It is published six times per year. The opinions expressed in bylined commentary articles and columns represent the views of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mirror or the Editorial Board. DISTRIBUTION Copies are free of charge to students, faculty and staff and are available in Room 112, Second Floor, Main Building. READER PARTICIPATION Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Letters to the Editor may be delivered to Room 112 or mailed to The Mirror, 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411. Letters must be signed and may be edited for space to conform to The Mirror style and format. ADVERTISING Advertising questions may be directed to Gina Kim at gkim0039@mymail.lausd.net, or by telephoning (818) 788-6800. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or the school. MEMBERSHIPS: Member of National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and Southern California Journalism Educators Association (SCJEA).
Arts Etcetera [9]
vnhsmirror.com
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
Ms. Partida: Teacher, Dancer, Triathlete By JESSICA EUSEBIO THE MIRROR STAFF
T
he grind never stops for Ms. Reesa Partida. Starting out in gymnastics as a child, dance teacher Ms. Partida was drawn towards dance in high school and college as she performed in musical theater. Graduating from California State University, Long Beach, she earned her degree in theater arts and exercise science. “It [dance] is a beautiful way of expressing,” she said. “It’s very physical and it makes you work really hard. There’s something unique about dance in the way that you can tell stories with your body that you can’t do just by speaking.” However, Ms. Partida not only dances, but she also partakes in triathlons, which include running, swimming and cycling. Inspired by her mother, she competed in her first triathlon when she was only nine.
“I was on the swim and track team when I was a little kid and I wanted to try it,” she said. “I’m not a good cyclist but it’s fun.” Ms. Partida keeps a busy schedule, but somehow manages to put in many hours in preparing for an upcoming race. Before arriving at school, she exercises at 4 a.m. everyday. She also embarks on long bike rides and runs after school and over the weekends. But as she executes tough and tiring challenges, Ms. Partida faces rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. “It’s managed so I’m fully functional,” she said. “I get tired and my feet hurt sometimes, but I ignore it and keep going.” Generally ranked among her age group, Ms. Partida placed Third Woman Overall in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon. Inspired by Gwen Jorgensen, an olympic gold medalist in triathlon, she aims to break her olympic triathlon distance time of two hours and 32 minutes. Ms. Partida will participate in the Half Iron-
man triathlon at the end of October. But it doesn’t end there. While she trains for the triathlon, Partida also engages in trail running. Ms. Partida pursued this activity in 2007 after she graduated from college. She initially ran the Bulldog 25k to see the set of her favorite comedy television show, “M*A*S*H.” Later, she grew fond of trail running and loved all the different courses. She also represents RADrabbit, a team of marathon runners of every skill. Her greatest experience in trail running was running with her mother in a 100-mile race. Ms. Partida ran the last 50 miles with her to provide motivation and support. By the time they reached the finish line, her mother finished under 24 hours. “My mom is a hardcore trail runner, and she would do 100k trail races while I did 50k trail races,” she said. Partida and her mother often run together in marathons, including Bulldog and Bishop High Sierra Ultra.
But despite her commitment to her outside activities, Ms. Partida still continues to express her passion for dance. For the past three-and-a-half years, she has taken aerial classes at Womack and Bowman-The Loft in Glendale. As she conditions and trains in strength and flexibility, Ms. Partida learns new acrobatic techniques using aerial silk and rope while suspended in the air. She also takes great inspiration from Rachel Bowman, the owner of Womack and Bowman-The Loft, and Circus LA acrobats. “I watch her [Bowman] and she’s amazing,” she said. “I want to be like her, including a whole lot of people in Circus LA.” As a dance teacher and a well-rounded athlete, Ms. Partida advises rising athletes to start small and to never give up. “Start small, but don’t stop,” said Ms. Partida. “Small goals are the way to go. If you’re interested in anything, come talk to me.”
COURTESY OF MS. REESA PARTIDA
FLYING HIGH: THE DANCE TEACHER SHOWS OFF HER ACROBATIC SKILLS WITH ROPE.
GEARING UP: THE CYCLISTMOUNTS HER BIKE AND PEDALS INTO MOTION.
SWIMMING FOR SUCCESS: MS. PARTIDA (CENTER OF THE GROUP) PREPARES TO DIVE INTO THE RACE.
RUNNING FORWARD: THE TRIATHLETE MAKES HER WAY TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE.
[10] Arts Etcetera
vnhsmirror.com
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
JESSICA EUSEBIO’S
SPOOKTACULAR FLICKS The Exorcist Loosely
based on actual events, the film tells the story of Reagan, a young girl possessed by a demon. When she starts expressing supernatural abilities, her mother seeks help from the church to perform an exorcism on her daughter.
Halloween Trick or treat. After he brutally mur-
dered his sister on Halloween night 15 years ago, Michael Myers escapes psychiatric captivity. The iconic white-masked killer returns for Halloween in 1978 to stalk his next victims.
The Shining
Welcome to room 237. Hoping to overcome his writer’s block, Jack Torrance becomes the winter caretaker of an isolated hotel. As Jack continues to struggle with his work, he discovers the sinister aspects of the hotel’s room 237.
Ghostbusters You know
Trick or Be Killed By CHAU TRAN
THE MIRROR STAFF
H
e’s back to finish what he started. While people were out planning their Halloween costumes, others went out to theaters to check out “Halloween,” which crept onto the bigscreen on Oct. 19. Premiering 40 years after the 1978 classic film of the same name, “Halloween” marks the eleventh installment in the franchise. Directed by David Gordon Green, who is known for his works on “Pineapple Express” and “Stronger,” the slasher film stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, Judy Greer as Karen, Andi Matichak as Allyson, Will Patton as Frank Hawkins and Nick Castle as Michael Myers. The story follows Laurie Strode, who survived the killing rampage of masked killer Michael Myers on Halloween night in 1978. Suffering from PTSD, Laurie struggles to let go of the past, resulting in failed marriages and a broken relationship with her daughter. After being imprisoned for 40 years in a mental institution, Myers escapes captivity when a prison bus transporting him and other inmates crashes. Returning to Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween, he
Digging Up the Halloween Spirit By Janessa Bissara
ANDREA CRISANTE
A
s leaves drop and the wind blows, the excitement for Halloween is on the rise. Other than trick-or-treating, it may be difficult to think of fun ways to commemorate the Halloween season. FALL FESTIVALS Family-friendly events offer guests the opportunity to participate in exciting, traditional activities. Festivals provide many stress relievers, including corn mazes, pony rides and live entertainment. But
MASKED KILLER: MICHAEL MEYERS RETURNS AFTER 40 YEARS TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTED.
desires to confront Laurie once again. But this time, she is prepared to put an end to the famed slasher. The film exemplifies a representation of a victim with PTSD. Laurie struggles with her traumatic past and lives with persistent fear of the possibility that the masked slasher will return for her. “Halloween” sends chills running down the spine as it presents overwhelming elements of suspense, thrill and intensity. The film is jam-packed with nerve-racking violence. The ominous fast-paced background music makes the heart race as the film delivers chilling and suspenseful scenes, including several jumpscares. The cinematography and visual effects present an eerie and creepy atmosphere. It captures chilling close-up shots of deceased victims at various angles. Many of the murder scenes are viewed through the eyes of Michael Myers as he approaches his victims and finishes them off. Several gruesome and bloody scenes are displayed throughout the film, which may be disturbing for some audiences. The scenes range from victims getting pierced with a butcher knife to others getting impaled. “Halloween” has earned a Certified Fresh Score of 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.5 on IMDb, the Internet Movie Database, and managed to top the first weekend box office charts with $77.5 million.
one of the main attractions are the pumpkins. Whether you are carving your pumpkin into a skeleton or a Disney princess, you are ensured to have a bewitching time. • Van Nuys Pumpkin Patch 13636 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405 • Forneris Farm 15200 Rinaldi St, Mission Hills, CA 91345 • Tina’s Pumpkin Patch 4827 Sepulveda Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
THEME PARK EVENTS One of the most exciting annual fall events are the ones that bring thrills and chills. While parks are filled with dazzling costumes and amazing parades during the day, the spooky decorations, terrifying rides and scary characters roam in the night. • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios • Knott’s Scary Farm • Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland
who to call. This Halloween classic follows a New York team of scientists who open up a ghost extermination business and are known as the “Ghostbusters.” After a gateway to an evil alternate dimension opens, the Ghostbusters must protect New York from ghosts who wreak havoc on the city.
A Nightmare On Elm Street
Sweet dreams. The film centers on a group of teenagers who are preyed on by Freddy Krueger, a burnt and disfigured man who wields a bladed glove. The iconic slasher invades his victim’s dreams, which kills them in reality.
The Addams Family Meet the Ad-
dams Family. Conspiring to con the twisted family, a man impersonates Fester, the Addams’ long-lost uncle and brother of Gomez Addams.
Hocus Pocus Grab your broomsticks. Max and Dani
move to Salem and explore an abandoned house. However, Max accidentally awakens a coven of evil witches, who plot to become immortal.
Insidious When Dalton enters a comatose state, he
serves as a vessel for demons to possess his body. After feeling a demonic presence in their new home, Dalton’s parents call paranormal investigators and discover something peculiar about their son.
The Conjuring Paranormal investigators Ed
and Lorraine Warren explore a demonic presence in the home of the Perron family. Supernatural events further intensify as the Warrens discover the house’s horrid history.
IT You’ll float too. When a shape-
shifting bloodthirsty entity terrorizes and feeds on children from Derry, Maine, seven young outcasts must conquer their fears and defeat the demonic creature which, disguises itself as a clown.
Athletics [11]
vnhsmirror.com
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
CHEERLEADING: IS IT REALLY A SPORT? From “Let’s Go Wolves!” to “Go Van Nuys!” students have heard the VNHS Cheer Team support their athletes at sporting events. Among their flips and tricks, questions still arise of whether it is a sport or merely an artistic expression. When one thinks of the word, “sport,” some of the most common ideas that come to mind are basketball, football and soccer. But cheerleading has sparked a widely debated controversy among sport fanatics as well as the general public.
ASK A CHEERLEADER
JOSEPH HERNANDEZ:
YES.
To the naked eye, cheerleaders only chant, shake their pom-poms and perform an occasional dance routine. However, cheerleading requires a significant amount of athleticism and flexibility that involves flips, splits and handstands. Just like in any other sport, cheer teams display hard work, competition and dedication. Aside from cheering and dancing, they also compete against rival schools. People refuse to acknowledge cheer as a sport because it requires no athleticism. Despite the battles not being as intense as other sport games, the students undergo countless hours of physical exercise for preparation. Since cheerleading does not display an athlete’s 35-inch vertical or blazing 40 yard dash speed, the common misconception is that students in cheer are not athletic and require little skill. However, cheerleading consists of movements and exercise that are similar to those involved in gymnastics. Because most sports are commonly viewed as masculine or “macho,” people refute cheerleading as a sport because it’s stereotyped as an activity merely for girls.
NATALIE POTEMPO “Just like any other sport. Cheer goes through competitions, injuries and training.”
SKYLA ATKINSON “ If you throw a ball and tackle someone and consider that a sport, then throwing people in the air and doing backflips should be considered a sport.”
HOLDEN MANDELL:
NO.
When people watch a basketball game, they will come out of the arena talking to their friends about an insane dunk, the epic fails or any other highlights of the match. However, they will never do the same for the cheerleaders at halftime. In fact, most of of the audiences are likely getting food, using the bathroom or looking at their phones.
BRIAN NEHORAY
ANNA PFAU “Cheer is a rigorous activity that involves competition.”
Gymnastics is a major highlight of the Summer Olympic Games and people will justify their reasoning by comparing cheerleading with the sport. However, that is just wrong. Cheerleading is gymnastics without the difficult aspects revolving around discipline and physical technique. Not only is it incomparable with a sport, but people just don’t care about it either. Cheerleading is essentially a tumbleweed of dumbed down arts and sports. If you cannot sing, you are screaming
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
JOSH KIM “I believe the cheer team is necessary and involves a lot of effort, but it is not a sport because it’s not on a competitive scale.”
RENÉE GARCIA “Cheerleaders train just like athletes and they practice gymnastics which is recognized as a sport.”
NATALIE ESQUIVEL “California recognizes it as a sport.”
letters. If you cannot dance, you are jumping up and down. If you cannot do gymnastics, you do cheer because it is much easier and requires techniques in the simplest ways possible. Events dedicated solely to cheerleading are very rare. This is because no one would ever pay to attend one. Cheerleaders at football games are simply ignored because the audience, players and coaches are so invested in the actual game. The sounds of cheerleaders and their pom poms only fall under the roars of the crowd. The defining aspect of a sport is that it involves competition, and according to ThinkQuest Library, only 15 percent of cheerleaders compete. They mainly only root for the athletic team, and their competition is nobody. Cheerleaders do engage in physical activity despite it not being at the gymnast level. But physical activity alone does not make something a sport. Lifting heavy boxes and stacking them in the office are difficult and physical activities—not sports. Lifting heavy boxes is incomparable with weightlifting as cheerleading is to gymnastics. Sorry cheerleaders, but you compete against no one and are mere distractions on the sidelines of a real sports game. It’s not a sport. THE MIRROR | PHOTOS BY DEVIN TSE
ANDY CHOTO “Yes because you are apart of a team that goes to competitions and it involves physical activity.”
GERARDO SIFUENTES “They go to competitions and train just as hard as other athletes.”
TRISTAN TIMPERS “Cheer is more of an extracurricular activity than a sport because it is not as rigorous.”
TOBY RYU “Cheerleading can be very difficult on the body and requires coordination just like any other sport.”
[12] Athletics
vnhsmirror.com
THE MIRROR | OCTOBER 2018
‘‘
KING of the
POOL
By JOSH UPDEGRAPH & DEVIN TSE THE MIRROR STAFF
N
o sport tests the physicality and endurance of an athlete like water polo does. From the pushing, hitting and subtle near-drowning in the matches, athletes undergo severe training that would be grueling on any athlete’s body. Nathan Oh is up for the punishment that the sport inflicts, dominating in the water as he plays the point position. Oh’s journey began as he was
searching for a sport at VNHS. His affinity for swimming ultimately compelled him to join the Water Polo Team. Ecstatic from the start, his competitiveness has been the driving force for his development in the pool. “Competing for my teammates is my biggest motivation,” Oh said. Playing the point position enables Oh to direct the offense. His sole purpose is to distribute the ball, which is essential to the team’s success. His court vision and passing abilities are on full display as he is able to pass the ball through narrow seams. Besides his passing and offen-
Defending is all about heart, not your size.
sive abilities, Oh is also a tremendous defender for his 5’6.5 foot stature. While he guards the opposing team’s top scorer, Oh uses his speedy reflexes and quick hands to deflect shots and passes. “Defending is all about heart, not your size,” said Oh. After a successful freshman and sophomore campaign, Oh now reigns as team captain. Despite his share of standout games, his greatest performance thus far was in a matchup against the Verdugo Hills Dons last season. The Wolves were victorious against the Dons in a three-overtime thriller as Oh led the team with five assists in their 8-7 victory.
THE MIRROR STAFF
S
he never expected to pick up a golf club. She always thought that she would be a basketball player instead. But Megan Dulkanchainun had to stop dribbling due to a genetic leg structure defect that caused painful pressure on her joints. It was in middle school that she began playing golf. The sport captivated her, and it was less stressful on her legs. “Golf is also the only sport that you can play as you get older and older,” Dulkanchainun said. “You don’t need to rely on others to have a good time playing.” Now, in her third year with the Girls Varsity Golf program, she is the team co-captain, alongside Kristen Vitolo. Considering the stress that school brings,
Golf is also a stress reliever for Dulkanchainun that allows her to calm her mind and body as she zones in on her swing. Aside from its calming effect, golf allows her to compete with her friends and push herself to the limit. Whether it is driving, hitting, chipping or putting, each of the game’s aspects challenge Dulkanchainun’s confidence. Because the game of golf is interconnected, a single weakness in one aspect can ultimately affect the score. “Everyone needs to be good at everything,” Dulkanchainun said. “Golf is an individual sport where you can only blame yourself and no one else.” With her season currently underway, she wants to redeem herself after falling just one stroke behind the cut for last year’s regionals. Now aware that every stroke counts, she plans on limiting her errors with a fresh new mindset and stronger determination. “A missed putt or a missed hit can be
’’
Now in his third sea- SPLASHY ASSIST: at hand, Oh and the son with the team, he is NATHAN OH LAUNCHteam can prove their ES THE BALL TO HIS the leader with twenty resiliency and dedicaTEAMMATES. assists. However, he tion to the team. still credits his team“Our teamwork and mates and alumni and hard work defines our appreciates their support. team,” he said. “Training harder and “My teammates, present or past, pushing each other makes all the have been essential to my develop- obstacles fade away.” ment as a person and player,” Oh With a 3-4 league record, Oh said. “Without them, I would not has high expectations for his team have been able to perform at a high as they enter the second half of the level.” season. As playoffs draw closer, Even with his eye-popping the Wolves look to strengthen their numbers, Oh feels strongly about chemistry and sharpen each other’s his team, realizing the significance skills for their postseason run. of teamwork. The various positions “We are hungry and determined are integrated as he and his team to make a huge splash this season,” rely on each other. With adversary said Oh.
Swinging for the Par By DEVIN TSE
THE MIRROR | IVAN DELGADO
JIMMY NORMAS
the difference from getting cut or advancing,” Dulkanchainun said. Her greatest accomplishment was outplaying her sister and former team captain, Madison, in her sophomore year. “It was my biggest accomplishment,” Dulkanchainun said.
POWERFUL SWING: MEGAN DULKANCHAINUN HITS THE BALL OFF THE FAIRWAY.
“I looked up to my sister even though she always taunted me, and to finally get the better of her made me realize I can strive for greater heights.” With full confidence and an unmatched work ethic, she now aims to improve from her previous year and make a push to regionals this season.