01 01 Decade Recap 06 06 Sadie’s Dance 12 12 Kobe Bryant 14 14 Camaron Steen 18 18 Cory Brick 20 20 Star Wars 25 25 A day in SCV Everything major from the last decade
What happened at our first winter dance
A tribute to the late Los Angeles legend
One of the members of our Hip-Hop team
West Ranch’s resident Rubix Cube master
The franchise’s future: Featuring Baby Yoda
The hidden gems of the Santa Clarita Valley
Staff
Adviser Rachel Grothe Editors-in-Chief Allison Alben, Mary Waugh Design Editors-in-Chief Timothy Kang, Katie Luo A&E Editors Ryan Factora, Emily Chang A&E Gaby Lesmana, Vanessa McLaughlin, Emily Yoon, Minjun Kim Features Editors Brooke Johnston, Ashley Park Features Alyssa Chang, Jasmine Wongphatarakul News Editor Alexa Empleo
News Cynthia Rahman, Lauren Guss, Jaeeun Park, Jessica Son Sports Editors Harneet Arora, Jasleen Arora Sports Noah Neri, Zach Singer Op-Eds Editors Iman Baber, Quynn Lubs Op-Eds Ricky Rojas, Mia Ouyang, Reya Mehta, Noor Baber, Chika Winston Social Media Editor Alyssa Truong Copy Editor-in-Chief Harneet Arora Copy Editors Jessica Son, Zach Singer Web Editor-in-Chief Chika Winston Web Editor Noah Neri
Story by News Team Graphics by Timothy Kang and Katie Luo
the
WINTER
dance
Story by Emily Yoon Photos by Emily Yoon and Mary Waugh On Feb. 8, ASB hosted a Sadie Hawkins’ dance, a semi-formal event where girls ask boys to be their dates. In the weeks leading up to the dance, the school was abuzz with excited talk and cute, high-effort proposals. Soon, the day of the dance arrived, and, as dolled-up students approached the West Ranch gym, they were greeted by life-size polar bears surrounded by decorative snowflakes and branches of spruce. Inside the gym, students tore it up on the dance floor to tunes such as “Toxic,” “Wannabe” and “Truth Hurts.” Students on light-up platforms went wild as the dance floor was dominated by charismatic amateurs and pro dancers alike. One could see backflips and aerials causing resounding cheers from the crowd, and multiple times during the night, some brave individuals decided to crowd-surf. In the corner of the gym, a photo booth allowed students to create a material memory of the night. All that dancing was bound to make students hungry, and ASB delivered with treats wrapped in white and gold paper that seemed almost too pretty to eat. A life-size chessboard and Connect Four gave students taking a break from the mosh-pit hoopla a fun activity to participate in. Mid-dance, the DJ sensed the atmosphere relaxing and cranked some slower tunes. Students could indulge in a bit of irony as they slowdanced in the dark to the Joji song of the same name, “Slow Dancing in the Dark.” “Breaking Free” from “High School Musical” allowed many couples to soar and fly as Troy and Gabriella, as the world around them faded to mere iridescence. The highlight of the night was no doubt the Staff Sadie’s Court, a student-chosen group of teachers awaiting the coveted titles of “Sadie’s King and Queen.” The nominees included, but were not limited to: math-and-baseball extraordinaire Mr. Burrill, AP Biology teacher Mr. Smith, and Marine Biology and Cheer teacher Mrs. Coe. However, there could only be one King and one Queen, and English teacher Mrs. Frame and campus supervisor Juan Lopez took the cake, donning faux-fur capes in West Ranch colors as they accepted their title of Sadie’s King and Queen 2020. The crowd went wild for the teachers once again as they danced a celebratory dance: “Hey, Macarena!” Near the end of the night, students began to mill out of the gym: some barefoot, some glittery with makeup and others with sweat. Kids left the Sadie Hawkins’ dance with shining eyes, music playing in their minds and memories that will last forever.
S T S I L Y A
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e t e l h t A s e r pi s n I c si ? u e M t e t p a m o Wh c o t Story and graphics by Harneet Arora Music is a piece that consists of a variety of sounds woven into a composition that evokes emotion. Its universal application allows it to be present at nearly every moment in our lives, whether it be during times of celebration or times of grief. It has the ability to bring out memories, to allow people to reminisce of a favorite vacation or remember their times spent with high school friends. In other ways, music has the ability to impact athletic performance. Whether it is when going to the gym or warming up
before a basketball game, many use music as a way to mentally prepare themselves for the tasks ahead, frequently encouraging them to push through particularly difficult workouts. Thus, with such a wide variety of songs from numerous different genres, The Paw Print compiled a playlist from four Wildcat athletes so we could get a glimpse of what music inspires them to compete and ensures they achieve the highest level of performance.
“Drive Away” The Brummies “Chit Chat” Beach Weather “Cereal” Peter Wellman “Your Eyes” Neovaii “River” UMI
Tom Oh One track is pretty much the band talking about how bad their lives were so it makes me want to work a lot harder, so I don’t have to live that kind of life. Another track makes me want to hit someone with a chair so it’s perfect for games.
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Tennis
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Bring Me to Life” Evanescence “Wild Thoughts” DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna
“XO Tour Llif3” Lil Uzi Vert “Powerglide” Rae Sremmurd
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Ariel Miron
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Basketball
It all depends on my mood. If I feel like I need to focus and calm down, I play one of the slower songs. If I have to get pumped up or fell a burst of energy, I’ll listen to songs that focus on the beat and bass drops.
“Into the Unknown” Menzel, AURORA “Dearly Departed” by Brockhampton “Stains” by Brockhampton “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
“Time Machine” by Willow Smith
“All Mine” Kanye West “Plans” Luh Kel “Blueberry Faygo” Lil Mosey “Blinding Lights” The Weeknd “Falling in Love” Dennis Kruissen ft. Langston
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Kaden Espino
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Golf
I usually listen to these songs before a match because it helps me keep my focus. It also really boosts my confidence, and I can go into a match knowing I’m ready.
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They’re considered to be our ‘track workout’ songs because Shelbi Schauble played these same two songs every single workout. But now that she’s graduated, we play them whenever we want to pay tribute to Shelbi and the hilarious memories she brought to our team.
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Cross Country
“Timber” Pitbull ft. Kesha
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Abby Welch
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Zach Van Bennekum
Story and photos by Noah Neri and Zach Singer If you’ve been to any West Ranch football games lately, you’re bound to have heard Zach Van Bennekum’s name. The twoway senior caught 60 passes for 736 yards and 12 touchdowns while also being among the team leaders in tackles. Incredibly though, Van Bennekum’s athletic accomplishments go beyond just football. Van Bennekum is a senior captain in lacrosse and a clear leader on the team. “Zach is really the heart of the team,” described head coach Mike Borsos. “He’s incredibly athletic, and he’s got a really high lacrosse I.Q. He understands the game, he understands how the game flows, and he’s a great leader for us.” So what makes a great lacrosse player? According to Van Bennekum, “Lacrosse is about speed and pace. You have to be fast-paced, make decisions quickly, and you have to act quick. It’s about going fast and playing hard.” Coach Borsos added that in lacrosse, the players “are always doing something. There’s no standing around. There’s no watching. You’ve got to constantly be involved, so I think that’s what makes it a blast to play.” However, acquiring the skills and knowledge to become a strong lacrosse player wasn’t easy. “When I first started playing, lacrosse wasn’t a very well known sport in Santa Clarita. I was on one of the first lacrosse
teams in Santa Clarita. So definitely there was a barrier between understanding the game and getting coaches who understand the game,” Van Bennekum detailed. Then, referencing the sport overall, he continued, “Over time we all came together, learned more, practiced more, and now we’re here and we’ve got tons of guys out here playing a really popular sport now.” Despite playing different positions in a variety of sports, Van Bennekum seems to transition rather seamlessly from season to season. “I think definitely a lot of skills translate between both sports. This is common with a lot of athletes, definitely like speed, quickness, toughness, are all attributes that carry over,” he remarked when asked about the move from football to lacrosse. After a long and decorated high school career, what are Zach’s plans for his final West Ranch chapter? “Another league win,” Van Bennekum responded, then continued to detail the program’s long-standing success. “We’ve never lost a league game in the history of West Ranch lacrosse, so we’re looking for strong play in league this year and another league title.” The Paw Print wishes lacrosse luck in their quest for another league win!
Girls Soccer
Story and photos by Jasleen Arora Coming off a strong second place finish last year, the varsity girls soccer team is on track to finish in the same position they were in during the 2019 season. However, after losing the first round of playoffs last year, they are back for revenge, aiming to get past the first round of playoffs. “We still control our destiny to finish second place if we do what we are supposed to,” commented head coach Eric White. “We have been playing really good soccer and our goals will still be continuing to play the best heading into playoffs.” The girls soccer team has also dealt with a slight coaching change. Assistant Coach Eric White, who was formerly coaching with his brother Jared White, has now taken over the sole position as head coach. “I haven’t really made that many changes. So the formations are still the same, the practice plans are still the same, and the team rules are also still the same,” remarked Coach White. “We wanted it to be as easy a transition as possible.” To encourage a smooth transition, the team has returned many of their starting players from last year, so they are continuing with the same high level of play. In addition, senior captains Amanda Baumgartner, Mia Bradner and Hannah Sullivan have all proved to be strong leaders on the team, strengthening the bond between the underclassmen
and upperclassmen. “On the field, I always try to use positive words and pick people up instead of bringing them down with negative criticism,” stated Baumgartner. “Off the field, I love to host pasta parties and coordinate team events.” With a few new players on the team in starting positions, a big factor is trying to establish trust so the players can play united as a team. “What helps a lot is communication and encouraging the girls even if you get down or even if we are up,” explained Bradner. “Just encouraging them to stay strong and play our game is what’s best.” Being a captain is more about being an advocate for everyone on the team and making sure that the friendship extends beyond soccer than just being a leader. “I want my girls to love soccer as much as I do, and hopefully they feel that they can look up to me,” said Sullivan. “I want them to be able to talk to me about anything, even if it’s not about soccer.” Overall, the soccer team has taken great strides to achieve a high level of athletic ability. Combined with consistent coaching ability and strong leaders, the girls soccer team has become more like a tight knit family.
Honoring The legacy of Kobe Bryant
Story by Zach Singer Graphics by Noor Baber and Jasleen Arora On Jan. 26, at approximately 11:24 AM, celebrity-gossip site TMZ sent shockwaves around the world when they reported that Laker legend Kobe Bryant was amongst those killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA. Bryant was on his way to a youth basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy with his daughter Gianna Bryant when the helicopter crashed. Along with Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter GiGi, seven other lives were lost in the fatal crash. The Paw Print mourns the losses of the John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli, as well as Sarah and Peyton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan. In 41 years of life, Bryant compiled many accomplishments both on and off the court. In 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, he became the 4th-leading all-time scorer in the NBA, with five championships and two Finals MVP awards. Bryant was also an 18-time AllStar and the 2008 MVP. In the film industry, Bryant was just getting started. His short film, “Dear Basketball”, won an Oscar in 2018 for best Animated Short Film. Kobe Bryant changed the landscape of basketball for not just LA, but for the entire league. Whether it’s throwing a paper ball in a trash and shouting “Kobe!” or hitting a Kobe-like jump shot in pick-up basketball, his legacy left a lasting impact on the sport as a whole. The “Black Mamba ‘’ has hundreds of moments that Lakers fans remember like it was yesterday. Though he had many unforgettable moments, there are certain memories that will define his legacy forever. On Jan. 22, 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Toronto Raptors in a mid-season game in the Staples Center. With the majority of America focused on championship weekend in the NFL, Bryant dropped 81 points leading the Lakers to a 122-104 win over the Raptors. Marked in history as the second leading scorer in an NBA game, Bryant created another chapter to his storied legacy. Even at his lowest moment, Bryant left us with an extraordinary display of will and the Mamba Mentality. On April 12, 2013, he was cruising through the Golden State Warriors’ defense. With three minutes left in the game, however, disaster struck. Bryant was driving into the lane, then fell to the floor clutching his leg with a torn Achilles tendon. Rather than walking off of the floor as most players would have done, the Mamba fought through excruciating pain to sink two foul shots before limping off to the locker room. These two points would prove to be all the difference, as the Lakers would win 118-116 thanks to Bryant’s 34 points. And of course, no one can forget his final game against the Utah Jazz. On April 13, 2016, Bryant put up a stunning 60 points, including 23 in a fourth quarter where he outscored the entire Utah team to rally the Lakers from a 10-point deficit late. It was a fitting finale for an incredible player. There is no denying that Kobe Bryant left his mark on the NBA forever and changed the game for the better of the league. Rest In Peace, Mamba. The world misses you.
To perfect their performance, dancers and artists have to practice for countless hours. Freshman Camaron Steen is part of the West Ranch Hip Hop team and knows all about the time, commitment and effort that is put into dancing. Steen’s passion for dance has led him to dance professionally for the past five years. Even when he was just five years old, Steen “would always run home from school and just watch Michael Jackson videos, trying to follow his moves.” Ever since then, Michael Jackson has been a huge inspiration throughout Steen’s dancing career. Although many high school students are struggling to find their passions and goals, Steen has already set his mind to working hard to go on tour with a professional artist. As he continues to receive opportunities, Steen hopes to turn his hobby into a job after high school. He has also received numerous opportunities for his talents. Steen has starred on Disney and Nickelodeon, and danced for many artists such as Justin Bieber, ASAP Rocky, J Cole and Becky G. He also performed at the BET awards and the Kids Choice Awards. “Dance can be challenging sometimes when I get in my head and when I have the fear of people judging me, so I feel insecure,” says Steen.
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let the music move and guide you
However, he always keeps a positive mindset and is able to get rid of his nerves. There have been times when Steen felt stuck or afraid that people might judge his dancing, but what kept him going was thinking positively and persevering to be the best he can be. Steen states that dancing has taught him “that it’s okay to express how you feel and to let the music move and guide you.” He explains that dancing is not just about moving to the music, but expressing yourself and putting your heart and soul into it. When he dances, he connects to the music and “feels like a part of it.” Dancing will always be a huge part of Steen’s life. The Paw Print hopes to see Steen achieve his dreams and succeed as a young dancer.
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Story by Alyssa Chang and Jasmine Wongphatarakul Photos and Graphics by Ryan Factora and Brooke Johnston
camaron steen.
Aadya Abhyankar & Chad Park in Story by Jasmine Wongphatarakul and Lauren Guss Graphics by Timothy Kang Photos by Chika Winston Playing an instrument takes a lot of commitment and practice, especially for a talented group of musicians in the Wind Ensemble here at West Ranch. This band is made up of students who are outstandingly skillful in playing their instrument. The students who play in this program are dedicated to both the complex music they play and to keeping their skills above all expectations. To secure a place in the Wind Ensemble, ambitious musicians must complete a competitive audition process. Freshmen are rarely accepted into the exclusive ensemble. Mr. Marshall, the Wind Ensemble and marching band director, accepted two extraordinary freshmen musicians this year: Aadya Abhyankar and Chad Park. Mr. Marshall only places the extremely talented in the ensemble, and Abhyankar and Park certainly top the charts. Since elementary school, Abhyankar has played the flute and Park has played in percussion. “I have been playing since fourth grade. I am not actually sure what inspired me to start, but I just remember always wanting to do music because I played piano since I was little,” explains Abhyankar. Transitioning straight from playing elementary school and junior high music to now learning much more difficult pieces in Wind Ensemble proves to be challenging to many. Playing in the Rancho Pico band provided musicians with a solid foundation, but Wind Ensemble offers a much more advanced experience. Park is now playing more intense music that he is very invested in. “I improved in the Wind Ensemble because we play much harder music than junior high,” emphasizes Park. Being in the Wind Ensemble may be difficult, but the memories and friends made along the way are what make the hard efforts truly worth it. For Abhyankar, it is her favorite class to go to because it has introduced her to many new friends. Wind Ensemble gives students opportunities to meet new people in other grade levels, which some programs don’t allow them to do. This creates an inclusive environment for the freshmen to form bonds with people they wouldn’t have met otherwise. Another challenge of being in the Wind Ensemble is
being able to perform in front of a panel of judges that score the band on a scale consisting of poor, fair, good, excellent and superior. All three levels of band, concert band, symphonic band and Wind Ensemble participate in these competitions, each playing two pieces of music they’ve prepared. However, only the Wind Ensemble takes part in sight-reading, which is another part of the competition. The group of musicians receives a piece of music they’ve never heard before; then they have four minutes to review the sheet music and prepare to play it for a judge. This is a very difficult activity and takes a lot of knowledge and talent to sight-read properly. In addition, Park confesses, “I am really nervous at concerts because I don’t want to mess up and make the band sound bad, but it is fun.” Being a freshman in the Wind Ensemble comes with the responsibility of meeting tremendous standards. They must keep up with the upperclassmen in practicing their music to keep their skills up to par. Freshmen cannot hold the band down if they think the music is too difficult. However, some students like the challenge, and it motivates them to practice and become better. “I like that the music is challenging but fun at the same time,” expresses Abhyankar. She adds, “It’s actually my favorite class at the moment and I look forward to it every day.” Abhyankar plans on continuing her passion for music after high school. She is considering minoring in music in college, but will certainly continue playing flute and piano after she graduates. Park wants to become better and improve his skills in percussion as he progresses in Wind Ensemble. He will certainly be continuing in the band. Abhyankar and Park definitely deserve their spots in the Wind Ensemble. Their dedication to music and hard work paid off through the experiences and lessons they learned from being in this program. They wish to continue playing in the Wind Ensemble throughout all of high school because of the fun memories they made this year.
Wind
Ensemble
Story and photo by Brooke Johnston The Rubik’s Cube: The classic puzzle that captures our attention but intimidates us away from actually attempting to solve it. According to The Telegraph, even its inventor Erno Rubik couldn’t solve his “magic cube” after he completed building the puzzle in 1974. But if you’ve been in a class with senior Cory Brick, you’ve seen what quick work he makes taming the beast. He can solve a 3-by-3 Rubik’s Cube in only 13.4 seconds and a 2-by-2 in three seconds, averaging from 19 to 20 seconds each time he solves a 3-by-3. How does he does he accomplish this? Are his fingers lightning quick? Is it just trickery? For him, all it takes is a steadfast blend of passion and practice. “The first time I picked up a Rubik’s Cube,” Brick began, “was probably about two to three years ago. My friend Adam loved doing the Rubik’s Cube, and I had a class with him. He told me, ‘You should pick one up and see how fast you can go.’” In the beginning of his journey, the quickest he could solve a standard Rubik’s Cube was in one minute and 19 seconds. After some experimentation with a 4-by-4 Rubik’s Cube, he realized he could tackle a 3-by-3 in under a minute, and his enthusiasm only snowballed from there. Everyone wants to successfully solve the complex puzzle, but most are unsure where to start. The plethora of guides and YouTube videos appear daunting at first, but the seasoned speedcuber broke down the best methods of turning the difficulties inside-out. “There’s a couple methods you can learn, but there are two good ones. One is your beginner’s method, and then there’s another one that’s most widely used,” he explained. “It’s called
“Don’t tell yourself you can’t solve a Rubik’s Cube.” CFOP. Basically, you start off with the cross, your first two layers, and then you do your last layer in two steps.” With a clear idea of how to approach the cube, time becomes the next major hurdle. While Brick acknowledges the tediousness of learning every configuration, he contends that anyone can learn, no matter their schedule. In fact, according to Brick, “It’s really not that hard to learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube, but it gets progressively difficult when you try to go fast.” He mastered the beginner’s method in a day; when he shifted his focus to the CFOP method, it took him two to three months to learn its every algorithm. He couldn’t conquer the cube’s ins-and-outs without serious motivation. Propelled by curiosity and a desire to continually improve, the tenacious learner almost always has his Rubik’s Cube on hand.
In fact, Rubik’s Cubes double as fantastic objects for sharpening concentration. “If you have ADHD like I do, or maybe some form of autism or something like that where you have to keep your hands moving or some part of your body, it’s a really great thing to do during class if your teacher lets you do it,” Brick said. The versatility of Rubik’s Cubes is part of their fame. They’re both brain-stimulating puzzles and agents by which thousands of new people meet every day. Speedcubing, as experienced puzzle-solvers call it, unites passionate cubers across the globe every single day. The WCA, or World Cube Association, is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that governs international competitions in which participants compete to solve a Rubik’s Cube the fastest. Someday, Brick aspires to be a speedcuber competing for cash. As of right now, he admitted that he’d like to improve his time to accomplish such a goal. Events aren’t just defined by the competitions. Interested cubers gather together to purchase new cubes, express their passions and make new memories. “It’s kind of like Comic-Con,” Brick illustrated. “We bring our cubes, maybe more than one, and we just hang out.” Brick’s core maxim is similar to Chef Gusteau’s “Anyone can cook.” “Don’t tell yourself you can’t solve a Rubik’s Cube,” he insisted. “It’s really not that hard to learn how. The hardest thing to do is to test yourself on how low you can get your time.” Brick firmly believes in the universal capacity to improve and aspires to beat his own records every day. There is something to be learned from his doggedness and relentless pursuit of improvement. Take his advice and try solving a Rubik’s Cube yourself! You never know how quickly you’ll catch on.
star Wars: The Franchise Future Story by Allison Alben, Graphics by Timothy Kang
It is a dark time for “Star Wars” fans everywhere. Whether you’re a Rebel fighter or a First Order fanatic, the Skywalker saga has ended, and the future of one of our favorite franchises remains unknown. Our thousands of questions can be narrowed down to one: What now? After 40 years, nine films, countless spin-offs and millions of fans and critics alike, we’ve reached the end of the Skywalkers’ journey with the Dec. 2019 premier of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Regardless of your thoughts regarding the film, it is indisputable that this ending is bittersweet. For some of us, this franchise has always been a part of our lives. And now, the future of one of our favorite franchises is somewhat uncertain, which is scary to think about. Not Emperor Palpatine-scary, but scary nonetheless. From what we can tell so far, it looks like “Star Wars” will live on in our hearts -- and on Disney+. While Disney’s new streaming service offers nearly every show and movie in the “Star Wars” universe, the most popular by far is the brand new show “The Mandalorian.” Jon Favreau’s hit series has already begun production on its second season, which will drop sometime later this year. “The Mandalorian” is quite different from anything we’ve seen in “Star Wars” so far, perfectly blending nostalgia, new content and plenty of action in a show that’s pleasing to both die-hard fans and casual viewers. Also, two words: Baby Yoda. This little whatever-he-is has captured the hearts of millions around the world, spawning hundreds of memes and causing outrage that plush figures can’t be in our arms any sooner. Both Mando and The Child have caused quite the uproar, but they aren’t the only additions to the “Star Wars” franchise. Ewan McGregor will be reprising his role as ObiWan Kenobi in another new live action series that will take place post-”Revenge of the Sith,” sometime after Luke and Leia have been safely placed in with their respective caregivers. From there, who knows where it will go? We do have one interesting tidbit of information, however; it has been reported that Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen will be making a cameo at some point throughout the show. How exciting! Disney+ isn’t only focusing on live action shows. We will also be getting a new season of the animated series “The Clone Wars” six years after its sixth season was released. Although this will be the show’s final season, many fans are excited to have their favorite
storylines resolved. Don’t have Disney+? At best, we recommend just borrowing a friend’s account, but fear not: There will likely be more “Star Wars” content in theaters, too. Allegedly, there will be a new trilogy unrelated to the Skywalkers that will hit theaters in 2022. While we aren’t sure who’s spearheading this project, all reports regarding the film’s release remain unaltered, so it is likely still in pre-production. Rian Johnson, the director of “Star Wars’”’ controversial Episode VIII “The Last Jedi,” is also reported to have begun a trilogy for Lucasfilm, “although it isn’t expected to be the one released in 2022,” according to reports from CNBC. Several sources also report that Marvel’s Kevin Feige has also begun production on a “Star Wars” film, although not much more information has been reported. The Hollywood Reporter has said that another Marvel director, Taika Waititi, has also been approached about a “Star Wars” film. Not much more is known beyond that, however. They stated that, “It is unclear where things stand in those talks. It is also unclear whether the project is separate from the one being developed by Kevin Feige, with whom he closely worked on ‘Ragnarok,’ or a separate ‘Star Wars’ project.” No matter what, we’re excited to see what this potential partnership may bring. It is likely that we can expect more “Star Wars” video games, too. 2019’s “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” has been hugely successful among a generally hard-toplease fanbase, so it’s safe to say that sequels can be expected. Some are speculating that this new game will actually be a reboot of another popular “Star Wars” game, “Knights of the Old Republic.” Only time will tell, but we’ll be waiting with our money in hand. And of course, we can’t forget about the new “Star Wars” content in our own backyard. As of Jan. 17, Rise of the Resistance has officially opened at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. While not featuring anything new about the franchise, it has overwhelmingly positive reviews and is even being hailed as “the best theme park ride ever.” Updates have also come to the fanfavorite Star Tours, with new locations like Endor’s ocean planet Kef Bir and the mysterious Exogal. Clearly, there is no reason to fear for the future of “Star Wars”. There is an abundance of content planned that is sure to keep our “Star Wars” fan base overflowing with fan theories, conspiracies and excitement. Until then, may the force be with you!
Story and Graphics by Iman Baber My friend and I looked at each other with a look of mingled confusion, dare and disappointment. We then directed our attention towards what had incited these emotions in the first place: sitting directly in front of us was a box, all but empty except for three fat chocolate cupcakes, each with a heap of frosting on top. See, it was someone’s birthday, and they had brought these cupcakes for the rest of the class to celebrate. But they couldn’t guarantee that the cakes didn’t have nuts, so, my friend and I, both deathly allergic, stared at the other kids in envy and contemplated whether we should take the chance and eat a cupcake. “Well!” my friend suddenly exclaimed, breaking the silence. “I’m going to eat it! Can’t be afraid of everything, and I should take the chance!” I nodded after listening to her sage wisdom, and watched as she picked one up, hesitated a little, and then promptly swallowed half of it in one bite. I never ate the cupcake. My elementary school experience was marked by instances similar to this one. From being one of the only kids who couldn’t eat whatever the birthday kid brought to class or having kids throw nut granola bars at me (thankfully still in their wrappers) during lunch time, my food allergies always seemed to cause more problems than they needed to. Another memorable incident was in fourth grade. The teacher had brought packets of Oreo-like cookies for the class, but again, there was no guarantee that they didn’t have nuts. Everyone else ate the cookies, savoring it. “Oh my gosh,” the boy in front of me exclaimed. “These are so good!” “Yup!” the girl next to him agreed. “But these definitely have
nuts.” I know it might seem like a really childish thing to get upset about, but, as a kid, it really bothered me. It’s not my choice to be allergic to nuts. Furthermore, I can’t help it that I will have a potentially fatal reaction from eating one. And I’m not the only kid who has experiences like these. According to Food Allergy Research and Education, approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies. This number includes the 5.6 million children who have food allergies. The eight common food allergens are fish, tree nuts, milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish and soy, and they are responsible for the majority of serious allergic reactions. An allergic reaction can range in severity — the most mild reactions will have symptoms such as a rash, watery eyes or an itchy throat. However, the more severe reactions — the types of reactions that I have — can have many more painful symptoms. Allow me to describe. First, my tongue starts itching — a lot. This is immediately followed by my throat going painfully dry and itchy. My lips feel really warm and start swelling. By this point, panic sets in — I know I’m having an allergic reaction but am trying my best to remain calm about it, so I take a Benadryl pill hoping it will work its magic. Soon, I start itching all over my body and hives break out, followed later by wrenching stomach pain. At this point I’m probably lying on a bed or couch, trying to wait it out. About an hour in, my blood pressure drops, causing me to go pale and start shivering. It’s now getting harder to swallow and breathe, and I’m probably muttering under my breath, annoyed that I have to go through this yet again. The last few stages are the worst. With all of the stated symptoms culminating in a head, I start feeling a strong fluttering feeling in my chest —
seemingly
trivial: food allergies
almost like I’m dying — and a sense of hopelessness so strong that I start drafting my will. Hopefully then, I throw up and get whatever was causing the reaction out of my system. The reaction that I experience is called an anaphylactic reaction — a severe form of allergic reaction. Others who also experience anaphylaxis may exhibit additional symptoms such as vertigo. It can cause unconsciousness or be potentially fatal; in fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, anaphylaxis can result in death in under half an hour in extreme cases. In emergencies such as these, an epinephrine shot — also known simply as an Epipen - must be administered in order to stop the reaction. Thankfully, in my case, we’ve never had to use an Epipen and have only had to take me to the ER once. Unfortunately, not everyone’s symptoms will get better like mine do. According to CBS News, 200 people die annually in the United States from food allergies. As Food Allergy Research and Education reports, about 200,000 people must receive emergency care as a result of allergic reactions. Despite the dangers surrounding food allergies, there is a lack of awareness about how food allergies can affect a person’s life. A survey conducted in 2015 and cited by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that 49 percent of the participants had little to no knowledge about food allergies, and 82 percent expressed that there should be education surrounding food allergies. The data well reflects my own experiences — I have met many people who weren’t aware of how dangerous an allergic reaction can actually be. The lack of awareness may seem harmless, but it can be an unwanted stresser for those with allergies. My worst nightmare includes menus or ingredient labels that fail to mention if an item has nuts, and I have gotten quite a few reactions because of this. There was that time when I ate a bread roll I got as a party favor from a friend’s birthday. The box held no indication
that there were any allergens in the bread, yet I ended up in the ER. We later learned from the bakery that it was made using a powder of all the major nuts. Another time, a family friend brought ice-cream which the creator ensured had no nuts. A few bites in, and I started to feel symptoms of a reaction. Turns out the bits that we thought were chocolate chips were actually bits of hazelnut — the nut that I am most allergic to. I was dangerously sick for four hours after that. Mistakes such as these are not only disastrous, but can potentially be fatal. As NBC News reports, 18-year old Owen Carey died after eating a burger to celebrate his birthday. His family notified the restaurant that he was allergic to dairy, and he was brought a burger that the restaurant assured was safe for him to eat. Unfortunately, the chicken within the burger had been battered with buttermilk, and Carey tragically died soon after eating the meal. Many more stories like these have made headlines in the past few years, and they show that mistakes and unawareness are not harmless, but they can take lives and break families. However, mistakes like these can be avoided, and awareness can be spread. We all can take steps in order to help those around who have food allergies. Simply asking what they cannot eat and offering alternatives can make a big difference - I cannot tell you how amazing it is when the people around you take great care to make sure that what you are eating is safe. Learning about the symptoms of allergic reactions can also be an important way to help. If we all take steps to increase our awareness about the dangers of food allergies, we can all help to make the world a little less stressful for those of us who do have them. And maybe someday, everyone will be able to eat whatever the birthday kid brought.
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A Day in
Santa Clarita Emily Chang Ryan Factora Timothy Kang Minjun Kim Gaby Lesmana Quynn Lubs Vanessa McLaughlin Mary Waugh Emily Yoon
A great way to start the day in SCV is with brunch at The Daily Harvest café in Newhall. Their nutritious, healthy and delicious options will give you energy for the rest of the day. From oatmeal pancakes to avocado toast, there’s something for everyone. Upon walking in, the friendly staff greet customers with a smile. Plant decorations and big windows create an open and bright atmosphere, perfect for enjoying breakfast with a friend. The Daily Harvest focuses on elevating traditional breakfast foods by using fresh, sustainable and high quality ingredients in innovative ways. Take, for example, their rendition of the classic steak and eggs. They add a fresh spin on the dish by serving the steak with a bright green chimichurri sauce. The fragrant chimichurri cut through the richness of the rosy medium-rare flat iron steak, leaving a pleasing aftertaste in the mouth. Their omelet was massive, stuffed to the brim with peppers, zucchini and onions. The sweet gentle flavor of the vegetables paired
perfectly with the creamy white sauce and the acidic hot sauce. Other dishes, like the breakfast pizza, were entirely novel. The steam rose from the surface of the pizza as it came to the table straight from the oven. The crust was a thin and crispy flatbread with the perfect combination of toppings: runny eggs, caramelized pancetta, pecorino cheese, fresh green onions and basil. But where Daily Harvest really shines is in their açai bowl. The artistically arranged bananas, strawberries and granola on top of the vibrant purple smoothie base instantly brightens up the table. The sweet-but-tart açai smoothie was a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the banana and peanut butter granola. The açai bowl is a great breakfast option to feel light and energized for the day. Daily Harvest’s modern ambience and farm-to-table food are not something often seen in SCV. Try something new and start the day right!
Also in Newhall is the record store Voodoo Vinyl, which offers a much-needed escape from modern life. Many of the stores on Main Street are independently-owned shops possessing a certain lived-in charm, and Voodoo Vinyl is no exception. The Santa Clarita location is operated by young adults who dreamed as teenagers of opening a record store. They own two, with the other location being in Lancaster. When patrons visit Voodoo Vinyl, they can’t help but feel nostalgic surrounded by new and old music on vinyl — the first way people could listen to music after the phonograph. A visit will be accompanied by the chaotic yet refined tunes of rock, transporting customers back to the late 80s or early 90s. A myriad of albums are on display; vintage jazz and underground punk records reside next to hits by The Beatles and Nirvana. The shelves are lined with album upon album, while the walls are covered in colorful reprints of old concert posters. The record player in the corner is blasting whatever the managers are feeling at the time — sometimes punk, sometimes surf, sometimes slow rock. With the resurgence of vinyl in pop culture, it’s a no-brainer for teens to want to shop around for their favorite music to play on records in their rooms. What separates Voodoo Vinyl from the other record stores are its dedicated managers: Dante Pinker and Kiana Green. Their experiences playing in the LA-based band The Freakees gives them all the knowledge they need to smoothly operate a store filled with music. “Kiana and I wanted to have a paid label, and then a record label, and then a record store because we were like 17 or 18, and we just really wanted to do that ourselves,” shared Pinker in
an interview. “My grandparents had a record store. At the same time, my dad had a T-shirt pressing company thing. I guess they had taken our enthusiasm for wanting to do it ourselves as to just convert their antique store and t-shirt thing into this. So here we are, four years later.” Today, Voodoo Vinyl thrives as a haven for artists and musicians. “We have a lot of people that we’ve met at the other store especially that we’re friends with still. I think that’s a pretty cool thing,” Green told The Paw Print. “Building connections, too. A lot of artists and musicians will come in.” Punk shows used to be held at the Lancaster location; however, due to the overwhelming crowds of teenagers and the inevitable destruction of merchandise from crowd-surfers and rowdy punk kids, it’s unlikely that shows will be held any time soon — especially at the Santa Clarita location. Pinker and Green also expressed concern at Santa Clarita’s tendency to stomp out any sort of underground culture, as well as the rapid emergence of corporation after corporation in the city. Pinker remarked, “The city here, they definitely try to stomp out any sort of non-corporately-owned culture. Newhall is the last part where you can have a family-owned shop.” “Santa Clarita is a capitalist Disneyland,” concluded Pinker. Green added, “There’s days where it could be kind of slow just because, I don’t know, people are at the mall or something. A lot of people don’t know we’re here.” If SCV residents have free time, Voodoo Vinyl on Main Street is the perfect place to indulge in new music while experiencing a blast from the past and supporting a small business.
After indulging in a hearty brunch and a quick trip to the record shop, grab some friends and take a scenic hike at Towsley Canyon. There are various hiking trails around the Santa Clarita Valley. However, Towsley Canyon offers its hikers two unique paths where they can enjoy sunny SCV. The first trail is commonly known as the Towsley View Loop. This path is a 5.4-mile loop and has a 1,075-foot elevation increase. While hiking on this trail, you can explore a V-shaped canyon near the river that includes a rock tower for hikers to climb. Further down the Towsley View Loop, people can hike through a narrow trail to find the Towsley Gorge. While passing through the gorge, hikers
can observe oil and liquid asphalt residing in the tar pits. The second trail, called the Canyon View Loop, is shorter and less intense than the Towsley View Loop. The Canyon View Loop is 1.9 miles and has a lower elevation. On this trail, people can bike and rock climb right next to the creek. It also passes through wide scenic fields that are perfect for photoshoots. This trail is not as strenuous, so hikers have the opportunity to see a large amount of wildlife such as deer, rabbits, red-tailed-hawk and many beautiful flowers. To add to the view, there are also many scraps of metal and old bridges that create a rustic feel around the trail — however, some may not find this as appealing as others. But no matter what trail, Towsley Canyon will provide a challenging, yet enjoyable workout.
When it’s time to wind down, take a trip down Valencia Boulevard and have dinner at El Cubano. El Cubano specializes in serving up a wide variety of authentic, homestyle Cuban food. The experience starts with a complimentary pan frito, crispy fried garlic bread, that is served to every table. After ordering, the food came out quickly. The unexpected star of the dishes was the mojo sauce — a flavorful blend of citrus, garlic, olive oil and other spices that was generously added to almost every entrée. Whether it was covering juicy, plancha grilled steak in the bistec de palomilla or crispy fried chunks of pork in the masas de puerco fritas, the mojo sauce added a bright, complex flavor to the dish. The combination of earthy black beans, sweet plantains and fluffy white rice
provided the perfect backdrop to the mouthwatering meat. If you’re looking for something other than the classic Cuban dinner plate, try the arroz con puerco: a dish consisting of pork and a colorful array of vegetables cooked with a mellow, fragrant tomato and saffroninfused rice that tastes like something one of our nonexistent Cuban grandmothers would whip up. That seemed to be the unifying theme in this restaurant — everything, from the quiet Spanish music playing in the background, to the warm attentive service, to the gentle, familiar taste present in every dish seems to scream “home.” It’s truly the ultimate way to end the ideal day in SCV.
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