October 2023

HOMECOMING DANCE

SENIOR MEETING

FALL PLAY

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

The Peer Mediators held their first ever campus Mental Health Week from Oct. 3 to 6, hosting various lunchtime activities in correspondence with National Mental Health Week, the first week of October. These activities aimed to relieve the mental burdens that students can experience. The Peer Mediators are led by seniors Marlee Foster and Rowan Smith.

“The idea is to get people to know that we’re posting resources, so we hope that they’ll be more aware of how to benefit their mental health,” Foster said. “These activities, we hope, are like a way to get students involved and learn about their mental health.”

Activities were hosted each day of the week across the high school campus, advertised by hand-painted signs hung on the wall of the 300s building and posts on the Peer Mediators’ Instagram page. Students were welcomed into room 316, SPHS teacher Rama Kadri’s classroom, as the mediators kicked off the week with Tuesday’s Reality Tea-V event. Students enjoyed freshly brewed herbal teas while watching reality TV, which provided them with the opportunity to take their minds off academic stressors.

Yoga with Jaroch took place on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The activity brought students to the language balcony, on which yoga mats had been rolled out. Students were invited to join in as Katie Jaroch led a series of yoga poses under the warming sunlight, a calming activity for students to unwind. With the week nearing a close, a popular rock painting activity was held on Thursday. Tables set up outside of the counseling center

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The number of students eligible for the Special Education department at SPHS increased significantly during the pandemic, putting faculty through unreasonable stress and responsibility.

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were supplied with the necessary materials for students to create what the mediators called “rock friends,” or pocket-sized rocks painted with unique facial features.

The mediators wrapped up the week with Friday’s Community Picnic, a grand finale of sorts aimed at improving students’ overall social well-being. The event took place on the outer grass of the softball field and featured organizations from all across campus. The Hidden Opponent, a campus club focused on athlete mental health awareness, set up a stall for the event, as did Natasha Stebbins, the school’s social worker. Free pizza was catered in to be given out to all student attendees, and puppies were brought to campus to playfully interact with students. The picnic also included music, gift card giveaways, temporary tattoos, and a smattering of craft projects like gratitude flowers and bracelet making.

Mental Health Week differs from the mediators’ Wellness Week, which is held biannually before finals each semester. Wellness Week is specifically designed to help students relieve stress brought by finals. Mental Health Week directs at a broader spectrum, aiming to help improve all aspects of students’ mental health. While Wellness Week targets school-related stress and anxiety specifically, Mental Health week branches out to educate the student body on additional mental illnesses and the available help resources.

“[The goal of] Mental Health Week is we’re trying to educate [students] on different mental illnesses,” Smith said. “Not just in school, but throughout life.”

Both Smith and Foster were extremely pleased with the outcome of the Peer Mediators’ first Mental Health Week. They hope that the Peer Mediators will continue to host activities for National Mental Health Week in years to come.

SPHS BATHROOM POLICIES

Tiger discusses the numerous complications that arise from the lack of security personnel in SPHS, most notably the inaccessibility of campus bathrooms.

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ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Tiger examines the impact and science of antidepressant medications, while touching upon the ironic duality of their influence on a patient’s overall well-being.

ASB will host the dance at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 21.

SPHS Drama will put on the fall play on the weekends of Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12

The Class of 2024 will host a senior organizational meeting during late start on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

STORY ZOE CHEN

PHOTOS RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

STORY ETHAN KWAK

PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

Seven finalists are annually selected among a crowd of highly qualified students from schools in the Rose Bowl District during the Tournament of Roses. These finalists become princesses of the Royal Court, and a single princess is later chosen to be the Queen. This long standing Pasadena tradition was first conceived in 1895. Ever since, the prestige and honor of the Royal Court has become an international spectacle with the Rose Bowl Parade.

The 2024 Royal Court was announced in the morning of Monday, Oct. 2. SPHS senior Phoebe Ho was selected as one of the seven out of original 28 finalists to be named a Royal Court princess.

“I was really shocked,” Ho said. “I thought my mouth dropped open. Apparently [it] didn’t. I watched the video and I didn’t make an expression, but in my head I reacted significantly more than I did.”

The rigorous application process includes multiple interviews before the selections are made. Royal Court applicants must show traits of leadership, teamwork, and a desire to give back to the community.

Ho was also required to submit her transcript, a resume, and a letter of recommendation. Before applying this year, however, Ho had never really considered the Royal Court to be an option. When her parents first told her about the opportunity two years ago, Ho was semi-interested but didn’t fully understand what it would entail.

“I thought it was a pageant for the longest time… kind of like a Chinatown, or Miss America kind of thing. I wasn’t too interested because I had a really busy

Senior Phoebe Ho among seven selected for Royal Court

On Monday, Oct. 2, the 2023 Pasadena Royal Court was announced. Royal Court princesses participate annually in the Rose Parade.

schedule, especially with dance,” Ho said. “And then last year, I attended the first meeting at school. The interview process started on the morning of.”

Ho is the only SPHS student to be a part of the 2023 Royal Court. She is excited to represent the city and SPHS, and looks forward to her responsibilities as a princess.

“Responsibilities [of being a princess] are being reliable, having leadership, and serving back to the community,” Ho said. “Teamwork is definitely one of the things [I embody]. We all have to work together and collaborate. Also understanding and listening to one another. That’s very important. Leadership as well. I hope I can bring warmth and welcom[ing].”

Ho recalls losing her voice during the first interview and seriously doubting her chances at becoming a Royal Court finalist. During the process, Ho decided to keep each stage of the application to herself and her family until the results were made public.

“So I didn’t actually tell anyone I was applying throughout all the processes because after each interview, I felt really bad about it. Even when I got finalist, I didn’t tell people. But my parents supported me through it,” Ho said.

On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the princesses met at Disneyland and were given the opportunity to interact with the community and workers. It also served as a socializing event for the princesses to bond with each other.

“[The dynamic between the other princesses and myself] is really amazing because we clicked really fast. The moment we all got called, we were jumping on stage, and it’s kind of like we already knew we were

going to be really good friends,” Ho said. “Yesterday, at Disney[land], we were just having so much fun and we talked so much about everything and it wasn’t a formal kind of fake talk and it didn’t feel competitive anymore… because we were now just like a family.”

The most anticipated event is the Rose Bowl Parade, which attracts millions of national and global spectators to celebrate the new year and participate in festivities. From the stands to the comfort of one’s home, the parade is the pinnacle of the Tournament of Roses. As a princess, Ho will be featured in the parade, which will be broadcast on national television on January 1, 2024.

A Queen will be chosen from the princesses of the Royal Court later in October.

ArtCenter Faculty Federation undergoes contract negotiations

ARTCENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN FACULTY unionize with the California federation of Teachers for more benefits.

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK

PHOTO ZOE CHEN

The Pasadena ArtCenter College of Design has unionzed with the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) and are currently undergoing contract negotiations with management in order to obtain equitable performance evaluations, fair process for pay increases and promotions, equal pay and job security.

The ArtCenter Faculty Federation’s website details that while “different hopes and concerns inspire

80th anniversary of Twohey’s

STORY BENJAMIN REGAN

Twohey’s Restaurant at 424 Fair Oaks Avenue recently recognized its 80th anniversary with commemoratory events throughout the week of Sept. 20 to Sept. 24.

The restaurant, known for its burgers and fountain specialties, was founded in 1943 at the Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena. Eight decades later, it has stood the test of time. Owners Tanya Cristos and Greg Mallis hosted the milestone anniversary celebration.

our call for change, they are united under a common principle: Our working conditions are our student’s learning conditions.”

ArtCenter faculty is severely underpaid. Despite shouldering a teaching load that is 50 percent larger than at other art schools, they are still paid around 30 percent less than art school teachers who instruct a much lighter curriculum.

“We are among the lowest paid faculty of any art school in the country, and we live in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.,” Elizabeth Chin, who teaches Graduate

The first event took place on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Cristos and Mallis were honored for their contributions to the community at a brunch celebration.

Among many notable names on the attendee roster, Los Angeles Dodgers Historian Mark Langill was the master of ceremonies for the event.

Live music accompanied the brunch. The cover act band Woodie and the Longboards performed, and Rompers of Eagle Rock Car Club supplied vintage cars for show at the event. Accordingly, Twohey’s catered the event, along with 80 cent sundaes, a staple of the menu.

The week was capped by a “family night” on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event, which included performances by the SPHS Marching Band, symbolized the restaurant’s status as a family owned business for the entirety of its 80 year history.

Media Design, said at a recent ArtCenter Faculty Federation (ACFF) rally.

The rally was supported by the attendance of Congressman Adam Schiff, a variety of supporting students, and a wide arrangement of faculty members who were ready to speak for their union. Clips of the individual speeches that took place at the rally, given by both students and staff, were posted to the ACFF Instagram.

ArtCenter faculty have almost zero job security beyond their skewed pay. . Currently, initial and more experienced professors are in danger of having some of their classes taken and given to new faculty.

This practice is even more concerning for faculty who are not teaching full time — a loss of one of their classes could mean a complete revocation of PT-X, which entitles them to benefits like healthcare.

“I think that a union in 2023 for faculty at universities, as well as lectures, is important. You have this situation where many of [ArtCenter faculty] are teaching multiple schools and trying to make a living in Los Angeles… and the only solution I see is shared governance and for faculty to be treated with respect… and have security and be able to make fair wages going forward,” Kim Fisher, who teaches Grad Art, said.

Though there is a wide campus support for the union, ArtCenter management has not been so accommodating. The union stated that it had filed around three Unfair Labor Practice charges against the ArtCenter, for issues ranging from retaliation to changes in the working system and changes to the system that determines salary increases and titles.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 80 years in business. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this community. We wish to thank our loyal customers for making it possible for us to keep our doors open all these years,” Christos said in an interview with The Pasadena Now.

Those in attendance included Langill, State Senator Anthony Portantino, South Pasadena City Councilmember Jack Donovan, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, former South Pasadena Major Robert Joe, Assemblymember Mike Fong, President of the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees Kristine Kwong, and President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Alex Aghajanian.

Twohey’s is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

SPHS special education program strain

The number of students eligible for IEPs has increased, placing the special education department under strain.

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK

PHOTO LINDA YUN

South Pasadena’s special education program, headed by department chair David Baughman and composed of six additional teachers, fulfills the advanced educational needs of students possessing Individual Education Plans, which are otherwise known as IEPs. These IEPs are granted for various reasons, including severe anxiety, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, autism, or other medically verified conditions that significantly impact student learning.

Typically, the program enrolls 115 students — roughly about eight percent of South Pasadena’s school population, which aligns with the state’s recommended range of eight to 10 percent. This range is intended to ensure that special education administrators do not over-qualify or under-qualify students for the program. Maintaining this manageable enrollment is crucial for the mental and physical health of both students and staff.

“We’re all very seasoned, and we know when somebody is facing too much stress, and know when someone has a tough case… and we’re all very supportive of each other,” Baughman said, referring to the other close-knit teachers who make up the special education program.

South Pasadena faculty is limited to instructing five classes each to ensure steady individualized attention. This practice helps assure that students who frequently require one-on-one assistance will obtain it and maintains a manageable workload for staff.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these policies. Upon students’ masked return to in-person schooling, the number of students qualified for IEPs surged significantly.

Parents, alarmed by the sheer scale of their children’s emotional and academic challenges during the pandemic, sought IEP testing. Learning impairments, exacerbated by stress during the pandemic, began to drastically inflate the number of students enrolled in the special education department.

Moreover, the special education staff couldn’t perform cognitive and academic testing during the pandemic, which resulted in many “initial cases” of students who were eligible for and required IEPs going unrecorded.

The backlog created by the lack of tests caused the number of initial cases to jump from eight to 10 percent to 25 percent when in person classes tentatively resumed in the 2021-2022 school year. Since most cases are identified in middle and elementary school, such a large jump like this is unprecedented.

The situation has escalated even further this year, with the special education department registering over 50 initial cases, nearly five times more than pre-pandemic levels. With over 165 students, who represent about 12 percent of the student population and are currently exceeding the state’s 10 percent cap, the South Pasadena special education staff face an extreme strain.

“We’re not able to offer as much individual or small group support as were in years past just due to the volume of numbers,” Baughman added.

Each special education teacher now oversees six classes instead of their permitted five. Additionally, the department is operating with fewer staff than before the pandemic, stretching the remaining teachers thin.

SPHS on site admin and Dr. Dennis Leferve, the Executive Director of Student Support Services, was able to help the

special education teachers receive “6/5” pay, which allows them to receive compensation for teaching six periods in their five period days.

“They’ve been very helpful,” Baughman said. “They got the 6/5… and we’re able to spend more time with our students.”

This surge in students requiring special education services is not unique to South Pasadena and has been observed in other schools. Since many schools across California have observed a steep increase in special education students, the state has been taking minimal action.

Baughman plans to meet with district officials in early October to discuss the potential addition of more Special Education staff.

“You definitely need another full-time teacher to kind of alleviate the caseload, because [our teachers’] caseloads are mandated by federal law… you can’t have more than 28 per caseload, and we’re hitting six times 28 at 168 students,” Baghman elaborated.

The department will finally be able to alleviate the extreme stress that has been imposed upon the students and faculty if his proposal is accepted.

Housed, unhoused, searching for a home: living in South Pasadena

A highly desired suburb with a school district consisting of five California distinguished schools, South Pasadena draws a slew of interested to-be residents. However, exorbitant housing costs make the city an outlier. SPHS students are far more financially diverse within the affluent facade beyond South Pasadena’s borders. Meanwhile, the unhoused population is confronted by overnight parking regulations as the city puts forth plans to increase housing units.

PAGE DESIGN EMIKO ESSMILLER

STORY ZOE CHEN, ABIGAIL KIM, & SOLANA SINGER

Repercussions of overpriced housing Housing crisis’ effects on students

South Pasadena is an extremely sought after neighborhood. Its location is prime, and it boasts an excellent public school system. However, South Pasadena occupies a mere 3.44 square miles and holds about 10,500 housing units, which is six times less than Pasadena. South Pas’s high housing demand and low quantity make finding a residence in the city extremely difficult.

“It took us about six months to find our place,” one student, who moved to South Pasadena this past summer and wished to remain anonymous, said. “We visited a number of different places…I’d give finding our South Pas home [from a scale of 1-10, ten being the most difficult] a nine.”

The cost of living in South Pasadena is estimated to be almost double that of the national average. Housing prices are more than triple the national average. While South Pasadena is generally regarded as a wealthy neighborhood, this does not warrant the assumption that all residents are affluent.

“In my opinion, the expensive housing prices can make living in South Pas really hard for some people,” another anonymous student said. “South Pasadena has great public schools, but they’re not exactly public when rent in the city is so expensive…I mean, they’re technically public, but only for the specific people who can afford to live in the city.”

A signed housing contract does not guarantee an easy ride.

Rent in South Pasadena is estimates to be 24 percent higher than the national average, and a survey conducted in 2021 by the US Census Bureau estimated that 52.5 percent of South Pas households are rented.

Another survey, conducted in 2023 by CNBC, estimated that over 70 percent of Americans feel financially stressed.

While LA county and the state of California have various assistance programs in place to help qualifying residents pay their rent, programs such as these have extensive waitlists and are only useful to those who qualify. This creates problems for families who need help in the now.

The high costs of both renting and home ownership in South Pasadena can make residing in the city extremely difficult, and the city’s high housing demand and low supply only add to the problem.

The nonprofit organization Californians for Homeownership filed a 2022 lawsuit against the city of South Pasadena which was based on charges of the city’s failure to identify legitimate sites planned to be developed into housing within the next eight years.

Overnight parking permits

South Pasadena has had a long-standing law regarding overnight parking. The city has implemented the use of required parking permits to be able to park through the night anywhere in the city. The parking permits are obligatory for both residents and visitors in order for their cars to remain on the street.

The official law states that parking permits are required from 4 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Monday through Friday in the Mission-Meridian Village Parking Garage. Parking is free daily from 12 p.m. until 2 a.m., and on holidays and weekends. The official South Pasadena government website states that permits are required for anyone parking on the street for over 30 minutes between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Multiple preferential parking districts are scattered throughout the city. In these districts, permits are free. In the Mission-Meridian parking district, permits are valid in three-hour zone areas of the city. Business owners are able to receive as many permits as employees for their businesses. In the Ramona-Oak, Ramona, and Oak parking districts, permits are only valid on the selected streets.

Typical parking permits range from $2.40 per day to $144 per year. A monthly pass for all residents is $35. Lowered costs for annual permits are only attainable for senior citizens and alternative fuel vehicles. The permits are not cheaply replaceable with replacements or transfers costing $19. For all parking violations, including parking without a permit, there is a $50 fine.

One to three day parking permits have been available online since 2011 and are available

Every Californian city is required to formulate a “housing element” plan to further property expansion. The majority of the parcels listed by South Pasadena were not likely to be developed into housing, and a new, more effective plan was not put into place by the state-ordered deadline. Upon the organization’s request to view the city’s public records, the city withheld files pertaining to its housing element, which led to another lawsuit.

South Pasadena is widely recognized as a highly desired suburb. SPUSD boasts five California Distinguished Schools and attracts many new families every year, causing housing costs to skyrocket. Nevertheless, based on population and housing data, South Pasadena’s planning division appears to have been down-zoning to limit new housing and the influx of prospective residents.

A main factor of this is finite space; with only 3.44 square miles to accommodate its 26 thousand residents and so many hopeful customers, housing in South Pasadena is a hot commodity. Up 10 percent from last year, the average sale price for a home in the city is $1.88 million, even in a community where over half of people rent.

The city’s extremely competitive property market does not help, either. When they are not being purchased off-market, houses and apartments sell within a number of weeks after first being listed.

Taking population growth into account, the state has ordered 2,067 new housing units to be constructed in South Pasadena by 2030.

Excessive housing prices in South Pasadena, along with the city’s struggle to meet its development goals, harms its diversity by restricting the demographic of its residents despite its efforts to be an inclusive community. Addressing these issues will require effort on both the part of the city’s lawmakers and citizens to shape a more equitable South Pasadena.

for purchase at the South Pasadena Police Department. One to three month permits are limited to one resident per household annually. If more than one permit is requested, the city requires a site inspection. The official city website states their intention to prevent offstreet parking at the location.

Alhambra is located just southeast of the city, and in contrast, their annual permits cost just $60, two times less than in South Pasadena. In Los Angeles, the annual permits are $34, over four times cheaper than South Pasadena. These regulations significantly limit overnight parking to those who can afford the expenses. This excludes unhoused people, especially those who live in their cars and park them on South Pasadena streets overnight. However, these permits also affect residents living in the city.

“It helps from having unhoused people from sleeping in their cars in front of houses, but we feel it’s inconvenient,” an anonymous resident said. “When [we] have friends over they have to park in my garage since if they don’t the police might file them [a report].”

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, feels that these regulations help make South Pasadena safer, even if it might be inconvenient for residents.

“Overnight parking permit enforcement helps to reduce street congestion and also keeps our neighborhoods safe,” the resident said.

ISOLE

CSPA

CSPA

2019

CSPA SILVER CROWN 2018

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017

CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2013

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2011

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HANNA BAE

MANAGING EDITORS ELLIE NAKAMURA, Print

BENJAMIN REGAN, Online NEWS

ETHAN KWAK, Editor OPINION

LINDA YUN, Editor

FEATURE MORGAN SUN, Editor SPORTS ROSE VANDEVELDE, Editor

DESIGN EMIKO ESSMILLER, Editor ISOLE KIM, Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY

SAMANTHA SHIROISHI, Editor

COPY

CLEMENTINE EVANS, Editor RALUCA TUDUSCIUC, Editor

BUSINESS AND ADS

ADA BORREDON, Editor KATE LIU, Staff Ads Manager

STAFF WRITERS ZOE CHEN ABIGAIL KIM CLAIRE MAO

SONYA SHIMPOCK

SOLANA SINGER

PHOTOGRAPHERS ZOE CHEN

RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

EMIKO ESSMILLER KAITLYN LEE LINDA YUN

ILLUSTRATORS

SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

HEEJOON (JOON) LEE ISABELLE WONG

SPHS

security needs reformation

When students cannot access bathrooms, campus’ inadequate security is to blame.

SPHS has over 1,500 students, yet only one security guard to cover the entire school. Attempts to make up for the lack of security have only led to the closing of bathrooms throughout campus, leading to longer lines, overcrowding, and overall inconvenience towards many students. While it is true that the bathrooms need to be monitored, the blame should not be placed on students but rather upon the lack of security at SPHS.

The main purpose of campus security is to monitor activity in the bathrooms, lock gates, and make sure campus is safe. However, our security team is wholly understaffed. One major concern is that the lack of diversity in SPHS security creates an unsafe environment for many students. Unfortunately, the school does not have any female security personnel. During brunch and lunch, Mrs. Blackwood, one of two assistant principals, has stepped in to watch the female bathrooms while Mr. Eldred watches the male bathrooms. This is simply an unrealistic long-term solution.

“The reason why they [Mrs. Blackwood and Mr. Eldred] monitor the bathrooms during brunch is because I need to watch other areas of the campus,” Jaime Garcia, the only campus security guard, said.

The lack of security interrupts the role of different staff members, as there is not a sufficient number of people to be able to cover all areas of campus.

“I think we should have at least four [security personnel] with one of them being a female security person,” an anonymous teacher said. “One issue for security is that because they can’t monitor the entire campus during lunch, they have locked the gate to the 900s building and locked the restrooms.”

On Sept. 18, SPHS administration sent out a notification informing students and families that the 200s and 900s bathrooms would be open to use during classes and breaks. However, the 200s and 900s bathrooms are often closed during classes. Not only does the email contain false information, it invalidates the frustration that many students face when trying unsuccessfully to access the bathrooms.

Furthermore, this leaves clubs that meet during lunch in the 900s building with a problem: they are unable to use the bathrooms that are closest to them, which creates an inconvenience for students and teachers alike.

“As students need to use the restroom, there is not an accessible restroom in this area,” an anonymous teacher said. “If they can’t use the restroom, then after the club meeting they have to make their way to the 500s or 200s restrooms, which undoubtedly has a long line and they become late to class.”

Many students have voiced concerns involving the lack of accessibility to bathrooms. In some cases, bathrooms are locked and students have to walk across campus to reach an open one. In others, the limited bathrooms are simply overcrowded.

“Personally speaking, it has definitely affected the efficiency of my schedule when I’m trying to use the restroom in between classes or [in the] afternoon. The process of having to walk across campus to check if there are any restrooms open when I’m in a rush is frustrating and an inconvenience for many,” junior Anica Ngu said.

Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared similar feelings.

“For me, the school bathrooms are always crowded and I think it’s because of the lack of bathrooms that are open during class periods,” the student said.

SPHS has a reason for closing the bathrooms. While its goal of preventing illegal activity is valid, accessing the bathroom is a fundamental human right, and the school is unable to simultaneously keep campus safe and allow students to use bathrooms they require.

In Chapter 4 of the SPHS WASC Self-Study Report, which was written in April 2023, one of the identified critical areas for growth was adding more security to campus. In the report, which was written by administration and teacher representatives, they mentioned adding a female security guard. From this, it is clear that the school is aware of their problems, but have yet to act on it.

“I think that it’s really doing students a disservice if their solution for the lack of supervision is to lock gates up so that they don’t have as much campus to supervise,” an anonymous teacher said, “so I think this is an issue that’s been many, many years long overdue.”

Boos & Bravos

Tiger’s cheers and jeers for the month of October

BRAVOS BOOS

BOO to emergency exits. No one can tell me where I can and cannot exit.

BOO to cuffing season. If I’m still single by December I’ll end up in cuffs.

BOO to every celebrity that reposted the first Israel post they saw. Jamie Lee Curtis you can do better.

BOO to y’all who claim to like an artist after listening to one 7 second clip on TikTok. I’m looking at you, Laufey fans.

BRAVO to the Spanish department. 5/6 honors was in the preterite but I’m still imperfect.

BRAVO to Travis Kelce. You really put Taylor Swift on the map.

BRAVO to The Chords. Life really could be dream. Not mine though. I’m stuck in a nightmare.

BRAVO to my mattress. Thank you for being the only thing that has my back.

Gerontocracy is ruining our political system

The advanced age of federal officials furthers the lack of intergenerational equity in American government.

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG

The average age of Americans is currently around 38.1 years, but the average age of Congress members, a body that enacts laws that impact every American life, has reached an all-time high of 65 — nearly double that of the common people. America’s current political landscape is overwhelmingly shaped by a gerontocracy. Elderly lawmakers characterize most of the government, retaining power in seats that they have held for decades and will probably cling to for many more. These politicians perpetuate a form of leadership that is dangerously unrepresentative and fails to address many of the needs and concerns of a majority of the American public. The lack of intergenerational equity

and representation in this political system is a pressing issue that must be addressed as society continues to grow and evolve. This issue is not only present in our higher forms of government — it’s also evident among South Pasadena’s governing bodies, like the City Council (made up entirely of individuals above the age of 55).

America’s trend of aging leadership has unfortunately increased steadily since the 2000s, even as younger lawmakers begin to advance into the political arena. The refusal of elderly politicians to yield to those with more current, contemporary experience hampers the ability of more qualified candidates to advance within the system. Our current representatives are legislating for a society that ceased to exist two or three decades ago, and are stifling innovation and progress. The development of new ideas and policies slows under the hands of America’s elderly politicians, who reached their political prime in a bygone era.

The perpetuation of an antiquated leadership system not equipped to deal with today’s challenges poses a very real threat to our democracy. The demographic makeup of the government does not reflect the diversity and generational range of the American populace. Younger generations are forced to abide by policies that may not serve their best interests — not out of malice, but due to a lack of understanding and proper communication. By allowing one sole generation (Baby Boomers, who were born from 1946 to 1964), to dominate the ranks of the government, leadership can no longer adapt and grow with its developing population. The entirety of America is no longer represented, and now instead of participating in democracy, America is presided over by gerontocracy.

To revitalize our government and ensure it meets the demands of today and tomorrow, legislators must become more reflective of our society and better equipped to deal with modern obstacles. The top rungs of elective

government need to be cleared to make room for new blood, new ideas, and new solutions — and it has to be done without violating or proscribing the fundamental tenet of democracy, a system where citizens choose their leaders.

This can be done through the implementation of term limits. Restricting the length elected officials can serve in office is a well-used, if unproven, way of creating space at the top — clearing political positions in an effort to accommodate more diverse government officials. Incumbency gives elected officials sometimes overwhelming advantages in an election: better name recognition, better ability to raise money for voter contact, and more infrastructure to build campaigns. Elections are not equal and candidates do not have equity in their ability to campaign. By periodically leveling the playing field, that can be changed. Enacting term limits will guarantee open offices where no candidate has the benefit of incumbency, which will prevent elected officials from growing old in office, and constantly replenish the ranks of our elected officials with newer, potentially younger, representatives.

The key to promoting intergenerational equity in government is to create more opportunities. Ideas and growth are stunted by the limited demographic present in leadership, but giving the younger generation more chance to present themselves to voters and remove elderly incumbents from office will allow America to gracefully revert from a gerontocracy to a democracy. As SPHS students become eligible to vote, it is imperative that they exercise their fundamental rights to cast their ballots in support of younger, more representative politicians. Even if high school students are not yet eligible to vote, they can still participate in fundraisers or volunteer on campaigns. Students must ensure that the government officials that will influence their lives are ones that will correctly understand current problems — or at least be a member of this generation.

Race change to another: an unhealthy TikTok trend

STORY CLAIRE MAO ILLUSTRATION SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Trends come and go, some faster than others, some stranger than others. However, sometimes trends can go too far. “Race change to another,” or RCTA, is a trend that picked up steam in the summer. The trend became increasingly popular as influencers began to claim to be Asian.

Asian entertainment and pop culture take social media and the world by storm. From anime to manga, music, and the explosion of K-pop groups, Asian culture has become a global phenomenon. However, as people become increasingly engrossed in this cultural wave, some take their admiration to extreme lengths by aspiring to transition into the Asian race.

The behavior of mimicking those who one admires is commonplace. However, the rise of RCTA, which is under the guise of cultural appreciation and admiration, has taken this concept to an entirely different level — it is not about adopting a few polite customs, it is about attempting to assume an entirely new racial identity through morphing one’s physical features.

The RCTA trend is harmful and toxic. While trends cannot be entirely ceased, those following it should realize it is harmful and inherently racist because it is founded on racist stereotypes. It propagates specific “Asian facial features,” such as fair complexions, round eyes, and pale skin, some

Baes and Nays

HANNA BAE

Columbus Shlumbus

Monday, Oct. 9 marked 46 years since the resolution to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. It also marked over 200 years celebrating Christopher Columbus Day and 131 since the proclamation officially commemorating the historic voyage taken by the Spanish explorer.

I was in the car with my dad that day coming home from a cello lesson, when it hit me that I had gone to school. That shouldn’t have happened. Columbus Day had meant a day off from school. Well, at least ten years ago.

of which individuals go as far as undergoing surgery to achieve. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and blurs the line between Asian appreciation and Asian fixation.

Having an Asian appearance does not determine if one has an Asian identity. Regardless of how many influencers claim to be Asian, they look nothing like the vast majority of the race and have no previous heritage. A small number of Asians actually have fair complexions and pale skin. What viewers see on the screen are selected individuals who are picked and chosen according to their beauty. If one truly wants to appreciate Asian culture, they need to understand it and the truth beyond phone screens.

It’s clear there’s been a significant shift in the attitude and mindset regarding the celebration of Chistopher Columbus since the establishment of the holiday and even the global recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative, and that’s become especially true in the classroom.

One of my earliest memories is sitting in my kindergarten classroom coloring in a picture of Santa María (maybe it was the Pinta, who knows). I accidentally colored the red on the flag outside of the lines, and attempted to use a white crayon to cover it up, and ended up turning my entire flag pink. Pink flag in hand and Columbus rhyme in heart with my day off from school, I started to idolize the “founder of America.”

Each year we would emulate the same activities. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He came and he conquered. It was because of this incredible man that I was able to call this grand country, the United States of America, my home. Disregarding the fact that I found it completely silly that he thought the Native Americans he encountered (that were supposedly in what we now know as the continental US) were Indians, Columbus was a hero.

What Christopher Columbus and his Spanish party actually did when they made four trips across the Atlantic

Millions of individuals showcase their affection for Asian entertainment, which contributes to the widespread appreciation of the culture. Nevertheless, it is essential to distinguish between respecting the culture and embracing Asian culture through a very superficial lens.

Changing one’s appearance and identifying as Asian does nothing to show appreciation for the culture. It only contributes to the harmful stereotypes associated with the Asian population. If an individual truly wants to respect Asian culture and entertainment, they should immerse themselves by learning its customs, language, and history instead of perpetuating harmful Asian stereotypes.

Ocean and landed in the Bahamas is beyond grotesque. Christopher Columbus didn’t “discover” the Americas. There’s nothing to “discover” about an entire continent of people, culture, and civilization that has been around for thousands of years prior. Columbus was not the first European to make landfall in the Americas, and he would not be the last.

As I’ve grown and the general social consensus regarding Columbus has drastically shifted, I’ve taken time to reflect on influences of environment and education and just how much my surroundings have impacted me and my past. It’s shameful. I’ve said things I shouldn’t have, I’ve worn things I shouldn’t have, and I’ve done things I shouldn’t have. But so did the rest of my kindergarten class.

But now I know. I learned. There’s a sense of achievement I feel, knowing that I’ve left these kinds of things behind and I look forward to making a difference for myself. It’s the path of growth, learning to not repeat history, and taking action beyond simple recognition that’s truly valuable. I think I’ll be continuously reminded of my own personal growth each Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and never Christopher Columbus Day.

When Gen Z stumbles upon AAVE

Hours of media consumption led to this one realization — white girls did not invent “slay queen.”

STORY LINDA YUN ILLUSTRATION HEEJOON (JOON) LEE

F rom text threads to TikTok comment sections, a growing number of media communication has been strung together with words like “period,” “slay,” “sis,” and the like. Quite frankly, it would not be a day in the life of a teenager in 2023 without encountering (or using) slang of some sort slang that the digital generation often claims as an invention of their own. Yet while we are quick to accredit ourselves with the honor of “inventing” the modern internet “lingo,” that could not be further from the reality.

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) — a style of English often spoken in African American households — is the root of internet slang. According to Deandre Miles-Hercules, a PhD candidate at UCSB, the language was created by enslaved people living in the South who were separated from their native countries and tongues. As Black Americans moved north and west during the Great Migration, they allegedly took the language with them. Language is the stronghold of culture, and AAVE has been incorrectly chalked up as the language of Gen Z. In doing so, the younger generation takes on Black speech without acknowledging uniquely Black struggles.

Misuse of AAVE phrases invalidates the Black experience when many Black Americans have been ridiculed for the way they speak. For centuries, Black people have been mocked for the way they speak and carry themselves. Their behavior is seen as “ghetto” and they are condemned for acting out of line with common Western culture.

Historically, AAVE has always been regarded by many sectors of American society as a sign of a lower socioeconomic status and the absence of formal education. But after American culture (through predominantly Gen-Z apps like TikTok) began to play catch-up with cultures they once condemned, like Asian American features, the “clean-girl aesthetic,” and now AAVE slang, a small (but growing) subculture has begun to idolize “gangster” and “from the hood.” Conduct that was once life-threatening is now popularized and seen as commodities that can be readily reproduced.

Yet it is not only the misuse of Black culture in itself that is problematic — it is the implications of its misuse that carry the most weight. Language is intrinsic to culture. If it is misused, the cultural origins of language are erased. This is evident in the popularization of the “clean-girl aesthetic” — a replication of a look that women of color have been doing for decades.

Similar to internet slang, the “clean girl aesthetic” was stolen from the closets of women who once were labeled “hood” or ghetto” for wearing it. When white women finally discovered the beauty of style and began, say, using heavy globs of hair gel to slick their hair back into a flawless ponytail and wearing neutral tones, it was finally accepted into popular American culture. Trends like this reveal that, no matter the lengths the plagiarized trendsetters go to conceal it, it does not matter what the trend is, it only matters who is doing the trend. In other words, cultural things are only cool if white people do them.

Those who use AAVE without looking into their meaning perpetuate the belief that Black culture does not deserve the same level of respect. AAVE is too often used as entertainment — filler words to add a tinge of flare into an otherwise boring conversation. Yet AAVE is a complex dialect that transcends internet culture. The Linguistics Society of America released a statement in 1997 that affirmed the validity of AAVE, writing that “the systematic and expressive nature of the grammar and pronunciation patterns of the African American vernacular has been established by numerous scientific studies over the past thirty years. Characterizations of AAVE as ‘slang,’ ‘mutant,’ ‘lazy,’ ‘defective,’ ‘ungrammatical,’ or ‘broken English’ are incorrect.”

While the act of using slang is not disrespectful in and of itself, using it without understanding its complexities is. Not only is this a blatant disrespect to the generations that ‘founded’ this language, it is near impossible to use AAVE correctly when one does not fully understand the Black experience, when one does not fully understand that words such as “slay,” “period,” “extra,” and “cap” take on slightly different meanings in the context of AAVE — a concept which many non native speakers are unable to fully grasp.

As slang makes a comeback in the 21st century, it is important to approach our usage with caution and intent. The line between casual usage and cultural appropriation is thin, yet artfully drawn out. Internet language comes and goes. As people of color continue to struggle to accept themselves, the worst agenda to push is one that portrays the language Black vernacular as meme-worthy or pawns of the realm of scrollable short videos. At the end of the day, language itself deserves respect. No matter what context it exists in.

Oscillating between two worlds and two families

STORY CLEMENTINE EVANS ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG

My grandmother, my halmoni, once told my mom something that she found absolutely ridiculous. She said that if you go to sleep with an electric fan on, it will blow the oxygen away from your face and you will “wake up dead.”

My thoughts about how crazy my halmoni was (and still is) were confirmed with this story. This, however, is also something I thought of the other side of my family, the white side.

I have a white dad and a Korean mom. My Korean side of the family is large and extended. The white side is small and contained.

The two sides are a stark contrast to one another. My dad’s side of the family is…white. From the interactions I have had with my dad’s mom and siblings, there are some interesting things that make me think about how I can fit into two very different families while being very different from both of them. These are in no way judgments or criticism towards them, just observations that have encouraged me to think about my relationships with two families I have never felt like I truly belonged with.

I look nothing like either of my parents. If anything, I have the complexion of my dad and the height of my mom. Those are the only similarities. When I was younger, my mom was mistaken for my nanny several times when we lived in New York. Although I was too young to remember it, the feeling that my mom and I could be treated any differently because we looked nothing alike still remains inside me.

My grandma, my dad’s mom, would always take me to a Thai restaurant whenever I would visit her in Portland. There, I would use chopsticks — like I have

always done. My grandma and her friends would always look at me, in shock that I — a white-presenting child — could fathom the complexities of handling my food with chopsticks.

I did not understand what was so spectacular about me simply eating the way that I would. This is one of many examples that have made me feel more and more separated from my own family.

My grandma also once told my mom before I was born that she was excited to have an “Amerasian” grandchild. This, as you can probably imagine, peeved my mom. My grandma was oblivious to the fact that this term was probably not a great word to use. Race and ethnicity should not be the adjectives in front of the word granddaughter. It should just be your granddaughter, not your Amerasian granddaughter, not your chopstickwielding granddaughter, and certainly not your granddaughter who uses “exotic” Korean words.

Also, I do not speak Korean. I am functionally illiterate. I can read Korean, but I have no idea what I am reading. I can hold a conversation for about 10–15 seconds before I have to call my mom over to translate. My entire Korean side of the family speaks it fluently and often. The conversations that they have in Korean make me feel like the girl left out of Regina George’s conversations. The difference? I am not even able to understand what they might be chattering about. Although I know that none of my Korean relatives judge or look down on me because I do not speak Korean, I still feel a sense of guilt and unworthiness because I do not.

The traditions and myths that I hear from my Korean side of the family are far more interesting than the simple family history from my white side. The Korean legends give me a deeper understanding of half of my culture, while in contrast, my white side plainly describes a boring family tree. I can see where I come from, who my ancestors were, how they came to be in

America, but I can never truly understand their culture, and their ways of life, and the stories they were told.

I try not to let my race affect the way I interact with my family, but it is an inescapable barrier that everyone sees, on both sides of my family. Even though being biracial should not influence the way my family sees me, it inevitably does.

I love my family and I know they love me. But there are times it feels as if I am a separate entity from both sides of them. Sometimes, I feel like I cannot breathe because I am trapped between two worlds. Maybe the electric fans have actually blown the oxygen away from my face.

COLOR

EMIKO

ZOE CHEN EMIKO

Oranged-out SPHS students filled the gym with spirit to ring in the 84th annual Color day on Friday, Sept. 29. Head to toe in tiger spirit, students and teachers alike celebrated the long-standing tradition with more passion than ever before. Student judges opened up their doors for the annual costume competition early in the morning as students and teachers alike lined up to try their hand at the prize.

Commissioner of Assemblies senior Noble Jones (Captain Orange) led the festivities, beginning with the famed class roll call. In a series of skits, following a proclamation of war from San Marino High School in a video released by ASB two days prior, Captain Orange reigned victorious. SPHS dance put on a stunning Barbie-themed number, followed by pep performances that kept spirit high. The seniors (Class of 2024) emerged victorious in the traditional class competitions, including a tug-of-war and pool noodle relay race. The seniors also took the best class banner with their The Simpsons inspired design, followed closely by the sophomores (Class of 2026) and their The Incredibles rendition. Commissioner of Spirit senior Wendi Zhang announced the three freshmen, three sophomores, three juniors, and nine seniors homecoming nominees.

The Tigers faced a tough loss against the San Marino Titans at the football game, falling short 7-10. The members of the court were announced at a pep rally on Friday, Oct. 6 and the most Royal Tiger will be announced at the Homecoming

DAY ‘23

STORY HANNA BAE

RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

ZOE CHEN

RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

FEATURE

Behind Diamond’s haunted houses

Every Halloween, the street is covered in decor and lights.

STORY ZOE CHEN & ABIGAIL KIM PHOTO RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

Halloween brings candy, scares, decorations, and costumes every year. With these come haunted houses, which have become an integral part of the holiday since their creation in the early 1900s. Year by year, people of all ages enjoy the thrill and surprise they hold.

The block of Diamond Ave. between Monterey Rd. and the public library is famed throughout South Pasadena for its unique and extensive Halloween decorations.

The block, which stands as an outlier compared to the rest of the neighborhood’s decorations, annually features almost all of its houses decorated for the holiday.

One house on Diamond stands out in particular, known to many trick-or-treaters as the house with both insane exterior decorations and an internal haunted house.

Todd Schroeder, a USC science professor, is the owner of this iconic house. Schroeder plans and builds the haunted houses himself, changing the theme yearly.

He has been making haunted houses since he was 12 years old, and after his move to South Pasadena in 2004, his home has become a pivotal stop for trick-or-treaters throughout the city.

“I just enjoyed doing it, creating scares and unique scary experiences for people,” Schroeder said. “It’s just a passion thing for me…the mystery with costumes and being able to transform people into different characters.”

Schroeder’s haunted houses’ popularity has grown over the years, and his extreme decorations prompt the neighbors to decorate as well so as not to look bad.

Schroeder began closing off the street on Halloween night in 2008 due to the mass of the crowds his block was attracting. Since then, the number of trick-or-treaters on Diamond has increased exponentially.

“I remember someone said ‘oh, you’re gonna have, like, 500 trick-or-treaters on Halloween.’ I said ‘no way, I’ve never seen more than like, 25 or 50 trick-or-treaters,’” Schroeder said. “But then, yeah, we had, like, 500 trick-ortreaters and now we get over 3000 on Halloween night.”

Schroeder’s process for creating the haunted houses is not simple. Lots of preparation and planning goes into making the haunted houses, especially given the large audiences they attract each year. Planning often takes the better part of a year.

“First of all, you got to think of a theme. Then, it’s what scares and or environments you can create out of that theme and [be] resourceful with, and that’s where building your own props [comes in],” Schroeder said. “It’s a year round process. Let’s just say that that’s the key.”

Schroeder’s yearly haunted houses have become a staple on many trick-or-treaters’ paths, and this year’s house is one thrilling attraction to check out this Halloween. Despite the line, entrance into the haunted house comes with no cost attached. Schroeder does not build his haunted houses to have any unsafe or dangerous elements, coining them as “family-friendly.” However, the houses are meant to scare, so he cautions children under the age of 10.

“We want everybody to have fun, but there is that part of me that has a sense of satisfaction when someone comes out crying, because that means you scared them so bad that they couldn’t handle it,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder hinted that this year’s haunted house will have a more open setup than previous years and will include an “under a lake” experience.

“It’s gonna be a Zombie Outbreak theme. So, all zombies this year. Trying something different,” Schroerder said. “This year’s going to be a bit more open, set with a zombie theme, zombie outbreak theme with some quarantine area and an experience in there…think of being under a lake.”

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte Dekle

I do not have the same affinity for “The Sound of Music” that many people do. Sure, it could be because I am a musical theater snob who views it as the most simplistic of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s catalogue, both score and story wise. But I cannot deny that many people love it, and that is their prerogative. My main problem is that I find that it tries to have its cake and eat it too; it tries to be both a firm denunciation of apathy to fascism but also a light and fun escapist (literally) story with doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.

So instead of bloviating about my critiques of the Sound of Music, I want to discuss, in my opinion, a far better Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that brings many of the same virtues as “The Sound of Music,” great songs and memorable characters, while also being an authentic portrait of American culture: “Oklahoma!”

The synopsis goes as follows: in the Oklahoma territory during the turn-of-the-century land rush as the territory is on the verge of statehood, a boastful cowboy named Curly and a surly ranch hand named Jud are both in love with Laurey. But this synopsis is rather reductive as to what Oklahoma is truly about: the normalization of American violence.

I admit, when I first saw Oklahoma, I viewed it as a fluffy, escapist musical. The title song describes an almost utopian land “where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.” The opening song, sung by Curly, also has this air of perfection, singing that “everything’s going [his] way.” It paints a rather idyllic picture of the American west, before Oklahoma joins the union. My view on the musical based on these points is similar to how I had a rather uncritical view of America because it was painted as the “greatest country in the world.”

But of course Curly and I could have reverence for our country, it wasn’t innately against us. This is not the view of Jud and millions of Americans. In Oklahoma, Jud is ostracized for no real reason. There is vague menace and a hint of the capability of violence. But, in one song, Curly sings to Jud, trying to coax him into suicide (Pore Jud Is Daid) so that he could have Laurey all to himself. If anything, Curly is the one with violent capacity, but he’s the all-American hero. This surface ideal of Oklahoma dissipated quickly when I saw the Daniel Fish production when it toured to the Ahmanson a few years ago. It was billed as “sexy Oklahoma” which I maintain is a misleading way to characterize it. Yes, this Oklahoma was sexy. But it was also bloody and real, without changing a single word of the score or book.

By the end of this production of “Oklahoma!,” Jud crashes Laurey and Curly’s wedding, and apropos of almost nothing, Curly shoots him point-blank. Blood splatters on Laurey’s white wedding dress. After Jud’s death, Curly is soon acquitted for the murder claiming self-defense because Jud was “pesterin’ Laurey” also, and more tellingly, “we ain’t gon’ lock the boy up on his wedding night.”The Oklahoma that ignored Curly’s constant abuse of Jud is the same Oklahoma that had little regard for his death which is the same Oklahoma that acquitted his killer because he’s a ‘good man’ and is the same Oklahoma that congratulated itself for its fairness and equality. The actors stand on the stage and reprise the title song, singing with conviction and aggression, “We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand. We’re only saying ‘you’re doing fine Oklahoma. Oklahoma. OK.”

The depressing side of antidepressants

Patients in the preliminary stages of antidepressant medications may experience ironically exacerbated symptoms.

STORY EMIKO ESSMILLER ILLUSTRATION SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Antidepressants are one of the most crucial medications for those within the mental health community, especially in a time period of ever-growing importance for such support and resources. Based on a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it was shown that about one in 10 Americans over the age of 11 take some form of antidepressant medication. This number has increased steadily through the years and is predicted to continue to grow worldwide. The prescriptions aim to treat a variety of disorders, including but not limited to depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are most commonly found in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), though others include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Patients on an antidepressant of any kind most often find themselves somewhere on this spectrum, working with a psychiatrist who prescribes them the medication. What is often not talked about, however, are the side effects of such drugs.

All antidepressants are equipped with a black box warning — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s most stringent caution. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased suicide rate because of the way the class of drugs works: targeting the chemical imbalances found in the brain causing the disorder. All antidepressants work to rebalance these messengers — most often serotonin.

The increased suicidal thoughts or anxiety are all linked to the chemical messengers in which they seek to balance. When the brain goes from a period of stress and imbalance to a state of equilibrium within the chemicals, it does not quite know how to respond. Just as people react in unexpected ways when a large change happens in their life, the nervous system reacts in the same way. As a result, some patients may feel heightened depression and anxiety symptoms when first transitioned onto the medication.

“Antidepressant therapy typically involves a substantial delay before clinically obvious improvements occur. During initial…recovery, it is possible that suicidal impulses as well as the energy to act on them may increase,” the National Library of Medicine states on their

website. “Patients should be forewarned of this likely delay in treatment effects, [and] should be given encouragement and monitored especially closely in the initial days and weeks of treatment. If full response to treatment is not observed, adjustments in medication dosage, or a change to a different antidepressant, may be necessary.”

There is no functional method of predicting how someone may react to an antidepressant. The spectrum ranges from major hair loss to weight gain or depletion of appetite. The list goes on and is constantly growing every day. The side effects of increased suicidality and anxiety typically last about one to six weeks from the start of treatment. In other words, patients who are most vulnerable — most at risk for suicide — have to be thoroughly observed by their psychiatrist or other qualified medical professionals during this period of time.

This is the reason for the FDA’s black box label. It refers to the serious and possibly detrimental side effects of antidepressants — not the idea that antidepressants cannot be taken, nor that patients should shoulder their mental illness alone.

There is no alternative for antidepressants. All patients who use them have reached a point in their lives where this was the most or only effective solution. Whether they were prescribed by will or not, these medications are what keep some of these patients alive — and certainly are not something to take lightly. They come with unavoidable, sometimes life-altering side effects, but it must be acknowledged that there will never be a cure-all for mental illness.

If only it were possible to offer help by finding a way to exempt people from the harshest symptoms of antidepressants — or even to assist them in finding small instances of peace in their lives. In an ideal world, they would not have to be subjected to an even greater influx of hardships. The last thing that those struggling to get out of bed in the morning need is an increase in their depression or suicidal thoughts. Hoping for the impossible is both mindless and futile, but it should be desired nonetheless. There is a cost, and the only resources we have to lessen the impact are found in education and support.

The irony of antidepressants should not keep people away from them, nor should communities stop providing as many mental health resources as possible to people of all ages. It is crucial that we maintain focus on the issue at

hand and offer support to those who need it. Nobody can see what individuals are struggling with behind closed doors, and nobody knows when or who may end up dead because of it. This is not a case that should be disregarded.

If you or a loved one is ever is at risk of suicide or crisis, please call or text the National Suicide Helpline: 988.

Behind the phenomenon of “The Sound of Music” sensation

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK ILLUSTRATION ISABELLE WONG

“The Sound of Music,” released in 1965, is a globally recognized phenomenon and one of the most commercially successful movies of all time. The musical film grossed around $286 million worldwide — a frankly ridiculous sum that would be roughly equivalent to $2.8 billion today — which is a testament to its resonance with its audience.

Fans were captivated by the uplifting and emotional story of Austrian postulant Maria (Julie Andrews), who was sent to care for the seven children of a widower marine captain, Baron Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and eventually fell in love with him — even with the looming Anschluss and World War II in the background. 58 years later, most people can still recognize some of the classic songs from the movie, like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “My Favorite Things” (which was sampled by Ariana Grande for “7 Rings”).

The film provides a compelling theme of escapism beyond its financial success and perpetual popularity. In our modern world, one that is often marked with

hardships and defined by complexities, the film offers a welcome retreat. “The Sound of Music” is a world of enchantment and hope — one centered around the youth and innocence of Maria, who explores her life among the rolling hills and lush meadows of the Austrian Alps. The stunning landscapes of the film invite viewers into a personal space of beauty and growth. They urge them to partake in a journey of joy.

This transcendence is aided by the musical accompaniments of the film, which create auditory gateways into a realm of optimism and strength.

Amplifying the carefree and uplifting spirit of the story, the audience is gifted a music reprieve from the burdens of the real world. “My Favorite Things,” for example, serves as an uplifting ode that Maria sings to comfort the von Trapp family during a thunderstorm, and is later played during the family’s daring escape from the Nazis. It is a musical reminder of bravery that allows the audience to revel in and share the exploration of the emotion. These songs serve as vehicles of escapism that allow viewers to enter a place where problems seem solvable, and life’s challenges can be met with a song and a smile.

“The Sound of Music” also possesses a certain depth and charm that continues to captivate new generations alongside the undeniably escapist elements to the film. Maria’s personal transformation over the film, a journey that is shared with the film’s viewers, impresses the magic of the human spirit.

As she discovers her own strength and courage outside the strict walls of her convent and begins to develop into a courageous and self-assured woman, Maria’s unshakable determination becomes central to her newfound family’s escape from the Anschluss. Maria’s journey only further cements the lesson imparted on the audience: a confirmation of the innate human triumph over darkness.

The historical context of the film elaborates upon this theme as well. “The Sound of Music” is set against the backdrop of the impending Anschluss, which was the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany during World War II, and consistently displays Georg’s complete aversion to the looming threat of Nazi totalitarianism. The von Trapp family’s rejection of — and eventual escape from — the Germans serves as a symbol of resistance and courage in the face of tyranny. The film serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest of times, individuals can find the strength to resist oppression and uphold their principles.

A culmination of the themes in the film is its timeless portrayal of love and the transformative power of the emotion. Beyond the romantic love between Maria and Georg, the film celebrates love in many of its different forms: the love Maria displays for the children of the von Trapp family; the love she feels for her surroundings; the love she feels for her parental figures at the convent; the love she feels for music; the love she feels for life.

This portrayal of love helps to reinforce the idea that love — when properly fostered, shared, and nurtured — can break down barriers, heal injuries, and provide a shining beacon of light in darkness.

“The Sound of Music” is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a powerful form of escapism and a reflection on love, life, and the relationship between humanity and darkness. As countless people across the world continue to cherish and revisit this beloved classic, the film remains a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that offer an escape into a world where the human spirit soars and possibilities are boundless.

Coriolanus Snow: Songbird or Snake?

STORY ELLIE NAKAMURA ILLUSTRATION ELLIE NAKAMURA

Suzanne’s Collins’ “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” published on May 19, 2020, is the longawaited prequel to the New York Times’ bestselling “Hunger Games” trilogy — “The Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire,” and “Mockingjay.” Despite being written 10 years after the release of “Mockingjay” and now being adapted in the series’ message has remained disturbingly relevant. Albeit exaggerated by the dystopian setting of Panem, “The Hunger Games” demonstrates that, due to an overflow of violence in the media, people have been desensitized to the permanence and grief of death.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” focuses on young Coriolanus Snow, the original series’ antagonist, 64 years before the Hunger Games storyline. Panem, the Hunger Games’ dystopian setting, is an independent country split into 13 districts in various states of poverty. It is ruled by the wealthy totalitarian Capitol, a city where its residents live in fiercely performative extravagance.

In this time, Panem is being rebuilt after the First Rebellion, a deadly uprising between the districts and

Capitol. To punish the rebelling districts after their loss, the Hunger Games are created — children from each of the districts are picked at random to survive and fight to the death.

A different, younger Coriolanus Snow is depicted in the prequel. There is a stark contrast between his character in the trilogy as a tyrannical president and the naive Snow. 18-year-old Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute of District 12, in the 10th annual Hunger Games. Intolerable in the Capitol, the House of Snow is secretly suffering from poverty, and Coriolanus must win the Hunger Games to save face and bring honor back to his namesake.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” explores the complex relationship between Lucy Gray and Snow, which ultimately reveals the choices that divide “songbirds” and “snakes.” The storyline’s depth and intricacy poses an interesting challenge to filmmakers to encompass every aspect of the book.

The prequel connects to many unanswered components to the series, among them being the emphasis on music and how the Hunger Games became the highly televised battle royale it was in the trilogy. Katniss

was known as a talented singer in the Hunger Games, taught by her father “The Hanging Tree” — a song she sang in the Hunger Games and later used as a rallying call. We learn that Lucy, a member of the performing group known as the Covey, composed this song.

Another well-known song, “Deep in the Meadow,” was sung by Lucy to her cousin, Maude Ivory, and later by Katniss to Rue in the 74th Hunger Games. Snow is linked to the entertainment aspect of the Hunger Games, as he worked to keep Lucy alive in the Hunger Games arena.

The trilogy has already been adapted by Lionsgate Entertainment and although they did not surpass the fame of the books, it received widespread approval, known for its intense action and creative costumes and makeup design.

The cast of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” has proven to be extremely promising despite turmoil over Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, and Tom Blyth as young Snow.

This well-anticipated movie adaptation, directed by Francis Lawrence, is set to release in theaters on Nov. 17, 2023.

The joy derived from watching bad movies

STORY CLEMENTINE EVANS & ROSE VANDEVELDE ILLUSTRATION ISOLE KIM

Movies that may not be considered “good” and were rather shoved into the category of “bad” have long been a staple of the television industry, and while deeper meanings may be absent, the comfort these films bring is priceless.

The descriptions of good and bad movies are ambiguous without hard facts of how viewers interpret the plot. The ranking of “good” is typically reserved for movies that immerse the audience, and take viewers on an emotional as well as cinematic journey. “Bad” movies, while ubiquitous,

explore superficial emotions, and distance the watcher from the movie itself. Plotlines have no true feelings or moral themes that are passed onto the viewers.

However, while “bad” movies come with an obviously negative connotation, the emotional detachment is a welcome relief to people looking for a break. Although the production quality and plot may be poorly constructed, the simplicity of these movies provide emotional stability for viewers, creating easy and simple distractions.

Bad movies bring out the sentimental side in viewers. The nostalgia that comes with poorly made films is another way for people to escape the realities of their own lives. Viewers

enjoy coming back to things they love but do not have to think about. The bad plots are a peaceful moment where people can simply watch and not think about their existential crises.

Movies like “The Kissing Booth,” “The Bee Movie,” and “The Twilight Saga” are commonly watched movies, despite the seemingly mainstream ridicule of their quality. While the premise of these movies appear vastly different, the conclusions all but guarantee dry eyes and a few hours of comedic, if cringey, entertainment.

“I watch bad movies, because I enjoy making fun of the movie itself. Oftentimes these films are so bad that you can’t even take them seriously after a while, that just makes the viewing experience 10 times better,” sophomore Emma Matsubayashi said.

“Binge-watching” is a term that was popularized in 2003, and an action — or rather, inaction to pause — that picked up steam around 2012. It may not involve watching “quality shows,” but it provides comfort as well as entertainment nevertheless. As movies became more accessible, audiences began watching shows or movies for hours at a time. The isolation of the pandemic was undoubtedly a time where distraction was hard to find, and the trends in bingewatching point to that.

Many turned to television to escape the isolation that the global pandemic brought. According to statistics from HBO Max, the television company saw a 65 percent increase in subscribers watching three or more episodes at a time, starting in March 2020.

Not only do low quality movies deliver simplistic entertainment and comfort, but the nostalgic value alone cannot be underestimated. People return to their favorite movies time and time again, not necessarily for the thrilling twists and turns of the plot, but for the sentimentality of the familiar films.

Whether it is spending the night laughing at the “flawless” special effects, or feigning surprise at plot twists seen from a thousand miles away, or simply enjoying the familiarity of an often-watched movie, people seem to derive joy from these poorly produced and poorly executed movies. If the value of a movie was determined solely from the joy of watching, “bad movies” might not be so lowly valued after all.

Suzanne Collins’ newest release continues to demonstrate the challenges of morality and war. PAGE DESIGN OLIVIA CHIN

TAAGLAA: Carved at Descanso

TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

STORY ZOE CHEN

PHOTOS EMIKO ESSMILLER & KAITLYN LEE

Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden located in La Cañada Flintridge, about a 20-minute drive from South Pasadena. Descanso features nine different botanical gardens, including the largest camellia garden in the country. Also at Descanso is the Market Cafe, a gift shop full of trinkets, a Japanese tea house, and a rideable miniature railroad that snakes its way through the gardens.

Descanso puts on a variety of annual festivals throughout the year. Happening during the month of October is their Carved festival, a family-friendly event consisting of an outdoor nighttime exhibit featuring glowing pumpkins and other spooky Halloween-spirited displays. Emi, Kaitlyn, and I visited the attraction on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Emi and I carpooled and arrived first. Since we were early, the two of us made a beeline for the gift shop, which despite being packed, welcomed us inside with its cozy atmosphere. Unique, but greatly overpriced, trinkets lined the shelves, from birdhouses and stationary to puppets and parasols. “Overpriced” would become a recurring topic through the night.

We were immediately greeted by a large illuminated sign with the Carved logo upon our entry into the festival. A line of people waited to snap pictures in front of the sign, so we walked on. Further down, a small stream exhibited a serpent sculpture rising out of the water, covered almost entirely in pumpkins and various other gourds. We moved to the reverse side of the serpent, and I was awed by the stark change of color — the serpent, which had looked orange before, now glowed a neon green. My amazement was cut short upon the realization that lights shining on the serpent were color changing, and my incredulity was quickly replaced with peals of laughter.

The serpent’s attraction soon wore off, and Emi and I traveled onwards to the next set of exhibits. As we turned

the corner of our winding path, we were immediately greeted by a cheerless display of a giant spider sitting on a four-foot-tall chair, completely surrounded by ceramic teacups. From afar, the spider appeared to be constructed of a large pumpkin, its body dwarfing spindly black legs that splayed to the side. However, upon closer inspection, the spider was, in fact, not a pumpkin, but actually made up of an intimidating lumpy, red material. The strangeness of this display intimidated us, and we quickly moved past it into a larger clearing.

Emi’s hatred of spiders was tested when we discovered three more lumpy spider displays scattered throughout the clearing. After observing a traditional ofrenda set up in the Descanso Amphitheater, we popped into a drink stand so Emi could grab some water. To her dismay, the smallest bottle, at 12 ounces, cost almost $6.

Kaitlyn joined us at 8:30 and the three of us, still in the same clearing, decided to enter a hay bale maze. With walls a mere foot high lining a dusty dirt path, we soon realized that making a wrong turn was impossible — the path did not branch at all.

Our completion of the maze led us to the next exhibit, a dark path that wound through the Camellia Forest, lit on either side by hundreds of glowing jack-o-lanterns. Resembling a pumpkin graveyard, this proved to be the largest exhibit of the festival. Rows and rows of carved faces smiled up at us from the ground, and water droplets from fog machines were illuminated in eerie spotlights. Making our way through the pumpkins proved to be more of a maze than the designated haystack one, given the darkness and the confusion of the twisted paths.

We traveled onwards, soon finding ourselves in a transformed Rose Garden. Thousands of green, twinkling lights wrapped around the branches of rose bushes, illuminating the otherwise dark clearing. The illusion of fireflies wowed onlookers, and a snaking line formed

as people waited to take pictures in front of the main attraction, a lit gazebo.

A bright pavilion stood just past the fireflies and displayed a large selection of intricately carved and painted 200-pound pumpkins. The designs were mostly entertainment characters, and ranged from Elsa to Yoda, Barbie to Batman. The two carvers of the pumpkins, who were seated at a table towards the back of the pavilion, explained to guests that new pumpkins constantly had to be carved because the completed ones rotted within a few days.

Another food and drink stand was set up in the same pavilion. This stand, however, advertised glow-inthe-dark churros for only $7 — still expensive, but considerably cheaper than earlier. Intrigued, Emi and Kaitlyn got in line for churros while I got into a separate line for apple cider. Emi and Kaitlyn concluded that their churros, despite looking like mochi donuts and not glowing all that much, were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The cider was, to my surprise, burning hot. Unable to drink it, I took it with me to the next section. We walked underneath what looked like a laser obstacle course raised 10 feet into the air to get to our next exhibit, which was a path with overhanging baskets that were hung upside down to resemble luminous jellyfish. The jellyfish path ended up being the final stretch of our loop through the gardens, and its end returned us to the Carved sign.

My cider proved to be pleasant as the cooling breeze settled around us, a nice conclusion to the experience. While waiting for our rides, Emi and I took Kaitlyn back to the gift shop, which she had previously skipped, to show her the $15 sticky notes and $30 notebooks we had discovered earlier.

I finished the last sips of my cider, by then lukewarm, as Emi’s dad drove us back to South Pas.

The unsung heroes of Friday Night Lights

Football players aren’t the only ones with victories on the field.

STORY BENJAMIN REGAN PHOTOS EMIKO ESSMILLER

South Pasadena High School students and fans fill the bleachers on Friday nights to see the culmination of a week’s work of preparation: preparation by the team itself, the cheerleaders, the band, and Color Guard. There are others who play a role in the well-oiled machine that is a Tigers’ football game, including the trainer Mike Lee, junior statistician Annika Selsby, and photographers representing Tiger Newspaper, the South Pasadenan, and the South Pasadena Review. Behind the scenes, a lot of work goes into Friday night lights.

The SPHS Band has a week-long regime similar to that of the football team to get ready for Friday. At the game, the band welcomes fans to the stadium by performing the national anthem. After the opening, they return to their designated section on the far side of the home bleachers to play “Eye of the Tiger” before kickoff. The band plays their fight song every time the Tigers score a touchdown, and given their recent offensive performances with senior Jason Hong at running back, the band has been busy. After the game, the band plays the alma mater and then marches out of the stadium.

“We get to play our songs each game which is really cool,” junior trumpeter Sebastian Thompson said. “If it’s going well, we play our fight song a lot.”

The week begins with Monday practice for the band, where they are tweaking their music and improving their pieces from 6 to 8 p.m. They practice once again on Wednesday, this time from 6 to 9 p.m., working on their halftime show. Between the second and third quarters of every home game, the band and Color Guard take the field and perform for the 15 minutes between action. The halftime show is often elaborate, with props, a sort of eerie sound, and the massive bass drum providing the heartbeat of the performance.

Band will then stage the same show the following day at their weekly competitions. Instead of playing on a football field, the Tigers travel to other schools to compete against their bands while under the scrutiny of a panel of judges.

“[During the week] we will be prepping our show to perform during halftime,” Thompson said. “We’ll be focusing on cleaning up one section of the show that we’re playing. Our halftime show is like a rehearsal for the day after.”

The band awaits the next Tigers’ touchdown to erupt into song. But Selsby, who can’t miss a single snap,

is on the sidelines tracking every play. Selsby is responsible for recording the individual stats of the South Pasadena players.

“I take the stats for the team which means I’m tracking how many yards each guy gets on each possession. I have to track on which yard line the ball starts, and then I pay attention to how many yards they travel. I add it to their total throughout the game and it gives you a final number,” Selsby said. “I also track how many tackles all the defensive players make.”

The numbers that Selsby tallies are important to Head Coach Jeff Chi, who analyzes the data to understand the strengths and shortcomings of his team each week.

“[The stats] just sum up what happens in the game for the players and the coaches to look at after,” Selsby said. “I give them to Coach Chi and I know he shows the players which gives them a summary of how they played.”

The fans’ attention is focused on the field, and deservedly so. But while the Tigers push towards the end zone, there are other people working hard to ensure the best Friday night atmosphere and experience.

Life beyond South Pasadena’s high school sports

STORY CLAIRE MAO

PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

Sports are long-term projects that require unwavering amounts of dedication, countless hours of practice, and persistent mindsets. While most high school athletes do not continue playing sports in their adult lives, the experiences they have had playing continue to stay with them.

First-year UCLA student Chloe Auyeung was in SPHS girls varsity swimming for three years, excluding her isolated sophomore year. Auyeung started swimming at the Rose Bowl at the age of five and has improved her strokes ever since. Upon entering high school, she joined SPHS’s varsity swim team.

Auyeung spent almost 13 years of her life swimming, but decided to quit because she wanted to have the capacity to experience new opportunities and try new things.

“I do miss it sometimes,” Auyeung said. “I love the team atmosphere. I love the thrill of racing.”

In the future, Auyeung hopes she can continue swimming with others.

“From the outside, it might seem like an individual sport. You just swim in your own lane, see who touches the wall first,” Auyeung said. “But at practice? We’re always pushing each other, encouraging each other, laughing, struggling.”

Aueyeung hopes to gain new experiences now that she is in college; baking, in particular, has caught her eye. As for sports, Auyeung hopes to try out for UCLA’s Ultimate Frisbee Club.

Andrew Sakahara also swam at SPHS. He started swimming competitively in fifth grade and progressed into high school. Additionally, Sakahara joined a club team on which he swam for four years before joining SPHS’s JV team in his freshman year. However, due to COVID, Sakahara’s swim season was cut short and resumed in his junior and senior years.

Sakahara’s involvement in swimming was a large part of his high school life. However, due to the hours of practice he poured into swimming, the earliest Sakahara could start his schoolwork was 9 p.m.

Sakahara chose to not commit to swimming and is currently at Reed College in Portland, Ore. Sakahara instead joined Ultimate Frisbee, which was introduced to him through dryland practice at swimming.

Reed College does not currently have a swim team, but Sakahara plans to connect with swimming during the summer for recreational purposes.

Tyra Williams, who is attending UC Santa Cruz, was involved in two sports at SPHS: soccer and track and field. During Williams’ first two years of high school, she joined JV soccer and track. Later on, Williams would play her last year of soccer in varsity during junior year and move on to the varsity track team for two years.

Williams began playing soccer at age six and kept it up for the next ten years. She played for both a club team and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). During her years of soccer, Williams learned the deeper meaning of teamwork and bonded with her teammates.

“Soccer is a very intimate team. You only have 20 people on the team,” Williams said. “My experience in aspects of sports definitely made me value [the] team and teamwork and the community.”

Williams had no prior track experience before joining SPHS’s track and field team. She ran the 800 and 1600 meters, and connected with many teammates during long distance races.

“With long distance track, you’re running for hours every single day, even the weekends,” Williams said. “So you’re spending that much time with all these people while on the team and it’s just amazing.”

South Pasadena High School sports taught her many things, one of which being to appreciate athletes even more.

“It made me respect athletes, and the time commitment that athletes put into their sport. Before high school

sports, I thought sports [were] fun and kind of something you could do in your free time,” Williams said. “But when you actually want to be good and want to reach your best, you have to put in a lot of time and work. So I think that they’ve taught me that lesson.”

Sabrina Bluml, who is currently attending USC, played varsity soccer during her sophomore through senior years. Bluml did not play soccer during her freshman year because she was involved in the Developmental Academy soccer league, or DA. The league did not want athletes to be involved with high school sports given the risk of injury.

Bluml played in club soccer and Anderson Youth Soccer League (AYSL). Bluml has been playing soccer for 13 years.

“I really, really love and enjoy playing both in my free time and as kind of a more competitive extracurricular activity,” Bluml said. “I like to play with my dad when I’m home. And I’ll play with my friends whenever they’re here, too.”

Bluml greatly enjoys soccer, but she values her academics more.

“As much as I love my sport, my mindset is more towards career opportunities and professional development,” Bluml said. “My life was not the sport. It was a big part of my life. But it wasn’t my life.”

Participation in South Pasadena High School’s sports have given student athletes memories and skills that continue to affect them, even after they played their final high school seasons.

South Pasadena High School alum and UCLA student Chloe Auyeung.

The pressure to perform leaves athletes in the dust

Pushing through injuries is outdated and needs to end; sports must prioritize athletes’ health.

STORY ABIGAIL KIM ILLUSTRATION SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Athletes of all ages find pressure to perform through injury, a dangerous notion that can lead to the illusion of performance over health. Disregarding injuries only intensifies them, which can lead to further injuring oneself.

Injuries come with every sport, but a study conducted by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in June 2023 showed that serious injuries in high school athletes have increased. Due to this, some coaches and organizations have begun to enact changes to combat this and protect athletes’ health.

Buddy Teevens was a Dartmouth football coach and was the first coach to take proactive measures to eliminate tackling during football practice. Teevens did not want athletes to get injured in practice, and believed that no-tackling rules would help prevent head injuries. Starting in 2010, Teevens officially eliminated tackling from all practices to reduce head trauma, concussions, and brain damage.

It has been proven through research done by the National Institute of Health that football increases one’s risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of brain damage caused by repeated head injuries that can increase the risk of death. CTE also leads to increased risk of dementia and shows similar patterns to brain damage of those with Alzheimer’s.

Teevens’ no-tackling rule was so popular that the entire Ivy League adopted it in 2016. However, the NCAA still permits three days of contact practice per season. The sports world needs to adopt Teevens’ philosophy to eliminate further possibilities of injury.

“In my experience, the pressure was mainly self-inflicted because I wanted to be able to run well for my team,” sophomore Eva Stephenson said. “It’s sometimes hard to remember that recovering takes time and that jumping right back into things after an injury can be even more detrimental in the long term.”

UPCOMING GAMES

Stephenson has been injured for the past four months due to a stress fracture in her foot.

Some coaches and athletes will also push a competitive attitude of not taking time to rest. There can even be an extent to it where one can be labeled as “weak” for properly resting.

“I have definitely heard of people on my team and other teams training through their injuries because they wanted to do well in competition,” Stephenson said. “There’s a common mindset that taking the time to heal from an injury makes you weak or less competitive, so many people keep training through pain to seem strong while really the injury is getting worse and worse.”

There are many examples of pushing through an injury that can worsen an athlete’s condition, rather than improving it. For instance, pushing through injuries, such as shin splints, can lead to stress fractures. Stress

fractures are common in athletes, as they are caused by overuse.

Stress fractures generally take at least six weeks to heal, and can take even longer depending on the person. This means if someone were to get a stress fracture from overuse, they would not be able to play for over a month. Athletes may want to push themselves over their limits to perform better. Limiting the pressure to perform can help reduce this, as this issue would be less ignored and athletes would be more supported. Coaches and parents should put less pressure on athletes to do well and more emphasis on maintaining one’s health.

It is no secret athletes want to do their best; to satisfy themselves, their peers, their coaches, and their team. However, in order for athletes to compete to the best of their abilities, the mindset of “pushing through injury” must be eliminated.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19TH @ 4:00 PM, GIRLS TENNIS VS. SAN MARINO AT HOME

THURSDAY, OCT. 19TH @ 4:00 PM, BOYS WATER POLO VS. SAN MARINO AT HOME

FRIDAY, OCT. 20TH @ 7:00 PM, FOOTBALL VS. LA CAÑADA AT HOME

FRIDAY, OCT. 20TH, CROSS COUNTRY MT. SAC INVITATIONAL

Jason Hong: the thrill of winning in football

STORY CLAIRE MAO

PHOTO SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Senior Jason Hong loves the thrill of winning football matches. Once he steps onto the field, Hong’s competitiveness drives him to win game after game.

“Off the field, he’s just very, not serious, just having fun,” head football coach Jeff Chi said. “But on the field, he just turns it on and becomes a very competitive individual. And he doesn’t want to lose.”

Hong has played on SPHS’s football team for all four years of high school. During freshman year, Hong played for

the frosh-soph team. However, because of COVID, Hong’s first season was heavily modified. When Hong entered sophomore year, he gradually played more games and participated in varsity football for his remaining years of high school.

Hong first started playing football during middle school and has continued playing ever since seventh grade flag football. As he got more interested, he poured more effort into games and into learning about the sport.

The world of football was revealed to Hong by his older brother who played football for four years at South Pasadena High School. Hong’s brother became a huge source of inspiration for him and was one of the reasons he eventually immersed himself in football.

“I got more interested in the sport. Over time, I fell in love with it,” Hong said.

Hong serves as the running back on the SPHS varsity football team. Hong’s job as running back, or RB, in the game is to stand in the offensive backfield and see if he can cut through any openings on the defensive side. Hong also receives the ball and blocks others who have the ball during pass plays.

The senior ranks 45th nationally and sixth in California in total touchdowns. Additionally, Hong is placed first for ranking of the Southern Section and Rio Hondo League, and is placed second for the CIF, or California Interscholastic Federation.

Hong also completed five touchdowns and 31 carries in the win-game against Monrovia.

Hong contributes not just powerful plays to the team but also strong leadership. He dedicates much of his time to football, and to his team, through practice and games.

Hong first begins training by warming up with the coaches and other captains during football practice. Later, players settle into their offense and defense windows and play from there. In addition to school practice, Hong lifts weights with coaches and finds time during his weekends to dedicate to practicing on his own.

“He was still working out on weekends. He was always putting an extra hour and extra effort into things to improve his skills,” Chi said.

Hong’s years of football involved many injuries, but his teammates and his own unwavering passion kept him playing. Their energy and persistence bounce off one another, creating a great environment.

Each member of the team pours their heart out into football. When Hong witnesses this, he says it has a great effect on him and brings him much joy.

South Pasadena High School’s football team gets closer to the championship each year. This constant improvement has kept the fire in them alive and burning.

“I guess just how close [we have] been every year to win the championship, which is motivating us to get there,” Hong said. “[It has] been one game away every single year. That’s pushing us.”

Winning, for Hong, is a breathtaking experience that he values with all his heart. Despite the stress of the games, when Hong wins, it is all worth it.

“After we win is probably the best part I could experience,” Hong said.

Hong hopes to advance to a higher level of football in the near future and continue at the collegiate level. However, he is not committed and is keeping his options open.

SENIOR JASON HONG plays his last year of varsity football as running back.

SPORTS

Volleyball advances to CIF playoffs

Girls volleyball placed first in league after destroying Monrovia 3-0.

STORY ZOE CHEN PHOTO RACHEL (SHIN-HYE) CHOI

Girls volleyball’s final league game took place at Monrovia High School on Thursday, Oct. 12. The Tigers swept the Wildcats, which finalized their league score at 7-1. The win secured South Pasadena first place in the Rio Hondo League, a title they share with La Cañada.

“I think we played really well…we all really wanted to come out as first in league,” senior outside hitter Helena Foord said. “This has been a goal for us for all of our four years here at SPHS, so we’re all super excited.”

Two consecutive kills by Foord kicked off the first rallies of the season’s final game. However, Wildcat tips and blocks soon tied the score 6-6, and the teams stayed neck-and-neck until 14-14 when the Tigers called a timeout. Following the timeout, the Wildcats were unable to gain a single point for the remainder of the set.

A skillful kill by Foord gained the Tigers their first point after the timeout, bringing the score to 15-14. From there, the Tigers began to consistently win rallies. A strategic back row attack from freshman setter Evan Taylor combined with six impressive aces by junior defense specialist Ava Conti gained the Tigers the final points they needed, winning them the set with an imposing 25-14.

South Pasadena came into their second set with even more energy than before. Two kills and a tip by senior opposite hitter Ingrid Zahn gave the Tigers an early lead, and two consecutive tips by Foord and senior

middle blocker Maggie Hunter put the score at 10-6.

The Tigers kept up their streak of energy, and sensing a Tiger win at 18-7, the Wildcats began to fumble. A final serve by senior libero Mia Ramos combined with a tip by Zahn ended the set in the Tigers’ favor, an impressive 25-10.

The Tigers fell short early in the third set as Monrovia blocks and aces gained the Wildcats a seven-point lead, 3-10. However, a Tiger timeout proved to be a useful move, and the Tigers steadily diminished the difference between scores. An ace by freshman libero Ella Garner and a tip from E. Taylor finally tied the score at 15-15, and with a Foord kill at 18-17, the Tigers at last pulled ahead.

The Tigers maintained their lead with newfound energy as the game neared a close. A set by senior setter Kendall Taylor surprised the Wildcats, gaining the Tigers their penultimate point.

The final point of this season’s final league game was gained from a strategic kill by Foord, winning the Tigers the set 25-19 and placing them first in the Rio Hondo League for the first time in four years.

“It was a good way to end out the season,” Head Coach Ivy Chew said. “This is something our team has been working for every single day, every single year that we’ve had, and it’s nice to finally accomplish that goal.”

The Tigers’ outstanding first place league title, a first in four years, qualifies them for the first round of CIF playoffs. Their game is at home on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. against the Chaparral Pumas.

Nak-nak! Who’s there?

ELLIE NAKAMURA

Proximity Friendships

I’ve realized a lot of the people I know are “proximity friends” — people who only talk to me because I’m around and vice versa. Sometimes I dread the day we graduate high school because it’ll be the end of those comfortingly cordial, mundane interactions, and other times I can’t wait to leave behind the people who remember every embarrassing, flawed person I was as we grew and developed into people we’re hopefully proud of being.

Last week, I made someone cry on our first FaceTime. I underestimate a lot of my friendships because I’m afraid I’ll be hurt if they don’t reciprocate and value our relationship as much as I do. I had idolized this person as someone who was never lonely because who wouldn’t want to know them? I put them on a huge pillar, so much so that I assumed I wasn’t valuable to them at all. We only spent time together when I made excuses to. How could I have known they considered me one of their closest friends? Had I known they were reaching out to me because they were lonely, not because they were bored, I would’ve let myself care more.

My biggest fear is a relationship that only I care about. I never considered the prospect that my protective measure of not allowing myself to care as much could cause me to not reciprocate someone else’s. I thought so lowly of myself, believing no one would want to be friends beyond what is convenient for them, that it ended up hurting the other person. For so long I felt alone and unwanted, when I was the reason for my own isolation. Who would’ve thought holding everyone at arm’s length tends to make hugging more difficult?

As I enter my last year of high school, one of my many regrets is that I’ll never know if my proximity friends could’ve ever been more. All those people I wanted to know but were scared to talk to will remain unreachable, and I’ll leave wishing something happened. One could say it’s not too late, but I’ve lost so many friends that I thought were of convenience that I can only cherish the ones I have now. I’m not lonely anymore, but maybe one day a lot of these friendships will break the proximity barrier and become something more durable. Instead of a glance or quick closed-mouth smile at graduation, we’ll share a farewell over coffee a couple days later and I’ll know that there was a time we were really, truly friends.

The road to Fresno: Clovis Invitational 2023

STORY ROSE VANDEVELDE

PHOTO MICHAEL PARKINSON, CONTRIBUTOR

South Pasadena Cross Country traveled to the annually held Clovis Invitational on Friday, Oct. 11, and returned home with impressive results. The girls varsity took first place in the medium schools division, while the boys took fifth. Boys JV secured a win, and girls JV finished in seventh. However, as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” and this journey was a memorable one.

We embarked on a crisp early morning, and watched as students headed to a normal day of classes, completely unaware of the magnitude of the journey that our team was about to undertake. In order to transport 14 members of the boys varsity and JV team as well as 11 members of the girls varsity and JV, runners were split up into three vans.

The team filed into the vans, slowly arranging themselves and multiple bags of travel supplies into the compact vehicles. As I carefully made my way to the back, I wondered how the sight would appear to the random driver on the freeway as our unmarked white vans that were filled with children drove past.

Time flew by, and the upbeat Spotify playlist kept the mood high. I watched out the window as the colorful suburbs transformed into the rolling hills that signified our entrance into central California. Once we officially made it to the middle of nowhere, a gas station stop seemed appropriate. I tumbled out of the van and headed to the restroom. After successfully intimidating the other road-trippers headed for the bathroom line, we headed to the corner of an abandoned parking lot to take in the view. The beautiful, if monochromatic, golden landscape stretched out before our eyes. After getting my fill, I turned to head back to the van.

The rest of the drive passed uneventfully, and we soon arrived at Woodward Park in Fresno, the location of the course we would run the next day. Passing the iconic Woodward sign for the first time of the trip induced nerves that I would remember the next morning arriving at the course.

The harsh, blazing sun was unrelenting as we unpacked and prepared to run the course. In order to learn the strategy — after all, “just run” was insufficient — we stopped frequently at notable pebbles and anthills to discuss whether to run fast or to run slow; the answer was always fast. “Run the tangents, run the tangents!”, we were told, running in as straight of a line as possible in order to lessen the distance rather than staying on the inside of the curves of the course. Nevertheless, the run passed in relative silence other than the occasional awkward wave to much better coordinated enemies. After the longest three miles of my life, I arrived back at the tent ready for a smushed PB&J that looked almost as sad as I felt.

The lengthy lunch concluded, and we traveled to our hotel for the first glance at the luxuries of the Marriott Courtyard. The drive was no more than 15 minutes, easily accessible from the park. The first impressions of the hotel were promising, appearing capable and modern, the wellfurnished lounge and complimentary cucumber and lemon water only confirming the clear quality of the residence.

The long journey over, I dropped my bags on the weirdly comfy bed with a huge relief. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of Netflix, broken only by a trip down to the pool to simply float in the cool bliss of the water. After a dinner of spaghetti and ramen, numbers were handed out for the next day. Preparing for a 5:05 a.m. wake up time, I willed myself to sleep — with only partial success. The next morning, we stumbled around the hotel getting dressed, ready to depart the now beloved Marriott for the final time. Gazing out the window, I yawned, my brain

unable to register the morning as the pitch black scene broken by urban lights.

We started to warm up an hour prior to our race as the girls varsity event took place at 7:15 in the morning. I began to feel the typical nerves, and the time period before the race passed in a blur. All too soon the sun rose, and I found myself at the starting line among over 200 other athletes. “On your mark… set… bang!” The gun went off and the race started. The races were completed many, many hours later, and the trip was finally finished. Tired but happy, I once again saw the familiar sight of the SPHS school gym as the sun began to set on the eventful weekend.