September 2024

Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913

IN THE NEWS

COLOR DAY

The annual Color Day Assembly and football game will take place on Friday, Oct. 4.

MULTICULTURAL FAIR

APISU’s multicultural fair will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the South Pasadena Public Library.

SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST

SPHS student entries for the “Accepting Imperfection” theme are due Tuesday, Oct. 1.

SPHS INSTALLS SOLAR PANELS

In addition to reducing costs, SPUSD hopes to bring more awareness to the importance of the Earth. Other than routine maintenance, the solar panels do not need any maintenance.

The South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) completed its solar panel upgrade at the beginning of of the 2024–25 school year. The first installation was at Monterey Hills Elementary on March 29. The main goal is to cut electricity costs and benefit the community.

The total cost of installation reached around $9 million. The installation took two months to complete over the summer, and the panels are expected to be fully operational by November.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dave Lubs outlined three main goals: cutting school costs, protecting the environment, and providing shade for playgrounds and parking lots.

“It started with conversations with other school districts. The next step was to talk to school districts about which solar companies they used and narrow down the options. We interviewed those companies and chose Half Less to be our partner. It took a good two or three years of research to figure it out,” Lubs said.

SPHS Principal John Eldred said the high school’s annual electricity bill amounts to $900,000.

“These [solar panels] help us offset that and be more fiscally sound and physically responsible, especially with the budget cuts that are coming down from the state. I think it gives the school 40 percent of our energy,” Eldred said.

The district aims to save $400,000 on the electricity bill annually. They expect to return this amount over the next 20 years due to technological advancements.

LOST GIRLHOOD

Tiger dissects the premature sexualization of young girls by the media and sexist ideology that erases the once innocent culture of childhood in favor of a twisted idea of maturity.

“[The panels are] teaching kids that the Earth matters. We’re putting those [solar panels] to create shade so that [the students] don’t have to be in the sun anymore, so there’s a skin cancer component,” Lubs said.

SPUSD accumulated $98 million worth of bond money, which helped the cost to install the panels.

“We’re using some one-time funds and some deferred maintenance, the one-time COVID money that put us over the top to be able to have enough money to do [the solar panels],”Lubs said. “But it was the bond that initially, the $98 million bond project from a couple years ago.”

Solar panels have been installed at various schools in South Pasadena: on Monterey Hills Elementary’s roof, Marengo and Arroyo Vista Elementary’s playgrounds, South Pasadena Middle School’s pickleball courts, and the parking lots of SPMS and SPHS.

While the installation of solar panels marks a significant step towards sustainability, the project has not been without its challenges.

“Usually the case with building projects [is that] there are items below the school that you were unaware of,” Lubs said. “There was a pole underneath, so even if you change the slightest thing right now, the water doesn’t flow off in the same direction. We now need to reconsider our handicap placement entirely because it has an impact on the handicap spot.”

SPUSD hopes the scale of the project will bring a major positive impact on the community.

“Think about how much more environmentally responsible we are. You know, as a school district, all of our schools are doing it, not just one,” Eldred said.

Investigating the couple behind the “Zoo House,” Tiger peeks into the history of South Pasadena with a backyard of animal sculptures from around the world.

Despite representing progressive ideals, the Paralympics possess a limited “one size fits all” ideology. Tiger explores the ways in which the Paralympics are fundamentally unfair.

STORY EVELYN DIAZ

PHOTO MADELINE MADRIGAL

STORY CHRISTIANNE DULEY

PHOTO MAC SHROPSHIRE

Students and clubs filled the gym as SPHS’s annual Club Rush progressed during lunchtime on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 12. New and old clubs set up stalls in two circles around the gym, creating a path for students to discover new hobbies or hone their unique skills and interests.

Students were greeted with colorful handmade signs and advertising from each club the moment they entered the gym. Club members standing behind each stall called out to passersby, hoping to find new members. Students who approached could join clubs by scanning a QR code or accessing a Chromebook at the booth. Senior Commissioner of Clubs Chaemin Lim coordinated this year’s Club Rush and expressed they were thrilled with the positive turnout of the event.

“There’s an energy in that gym during Club Rush that I personally don’t really feel on the day-to-day basis,” Lim said. “It gives you an opportunity to really ask whatever you want and be whoever you are without fear of judgment ... I think clubs, no matter which one it is, it’s a way to bond.”

The clubs represented a wide range of interests, from broader categories such as science, math, and sports, in addition to more niche areas like mock trials, worldbuilding, and psychology. SkillsUSA, Compost Culture, and other returning clubs welcomed hordes of students, but new clubs were not short in visitors either. Across the board, every club saw an increase in members following the two-day event.

“Club Rush made me feel a little overwhelmed, very hectic, but it was really fun,” a Novel Bunch club member senior Samantha Yang said. “I think it’s incredibly beneficial to see all the clubs at once without having to go online or find a website … it’s beneficial for students to learn how to meet people and how to convey ideas.”

South Pasadena City Council elections 2024

STORY OWEN HOU

Five candidates across the city’s three districts are in the running to serve on the South Pasadena City Council in this year’s elections. In District 1, Evelyn Zneimer and Omari Ferguson are the competing candidates, while District 2 sees a race between Charly Lu and Sheila Rossi. Jon Primuth currently runs unopposed in District 3.

Ferguson, chairperson of the Public Works Commission, will run against Zneimer in District 1. A South Pasadena resident and a professional electrical engineer, he aims to ensure responsible spending on city projects, such as the SPPD’s switch to electric vehicles. Tiger requested an interview but has yet to receive a response at the time of printing.

Zneimer is the current mayor of South Pasadena and is running for reelection to City Council. She

SPHS hosts annual Club Rush

Students browsed various clubs in the gym during the two-day event.

Club Rush provided opportunities for students to explore engaging topics and for club leaders to discover people who are equally as passionate about their club. Sports Medicine Club President senior Ava Hartstein was grateful for the exposure Club Rush provided and hopes to teach more students about medicine.

“We focus on educating students on the world of medicine, and we offer education of career choices and opportunities to explore the field of medicine,” Hartstein said. “We hope

has assisted the community of South Pasadena for over 30 years. Zneimer was first elected to the City Council in 2020, and succeeded Jon Primuth as mayor in December 2023. She seeks to resolve issues with South Pasadena’s infrastructure, including streets, sewers, and water pipes.

“I actually will be launching the first multicultural event … My aim is to promote diversity and inclusion by introducing different cultures and traditions,” Zneimer said.

Lu, running for District 2, currently serves as the Public Safety Commissioner and has lived in South Pasadena for more than two decades, actively engaging with the city’s community and advocating for community collaboration.

Lu’s campaign priorities are safety in the city, improving both digital and physical infrastructure, and providing more housing.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities from the city,” Lu said. “Now, I’m eager to step up my service to make some impact and make our city better, more safe, and protect [the] small-town charm.”

to gain new members who are interested in medicine.”

The Homecoming Picnic, the next club-related SPHS event, will be held in late October. Students will be able to buy snacks to support various clubs and learn more about what each club has to offer.

Rossi will be running against Lu in the District 2 election. She currently serves as the vice chair of both the South Pasadena Finance Commission and the Finance Ad Hoc Committee. A 17-year South Pasadena resident, Rossi has been actively involved with the community, working with schools, PTSA, and community organizations such as the executive board of SPEF and the South Pasadena Arts Council.

“I’ve … been very active in the community, so I have a very broad network of community members that I’ve interacted with, have worked with, and have gotten to really understand their needs and know them,” Rossi said.

Primuth is the District 3 candidate and is currently running unopposed. He is the former mayor of South Pasadena and is currently running for re-election onto the City Council.

Primuth opened an estate-planning practice in Pasadena to focus on planning, trust, and probate matters for families and business owners. In the community, he was an elected trustee of the SPUSD school district for five years, and has served on multiple nonprofit boards for vulnerable populations.

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The vote that could change South Pas’s skyline

South Pasadena voters will decide on a height ordinance in the upcoming election, amid state housing mandates.

STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY

PHOTO MADELINE MADRIGAL

On Nov. 5, 2024, South Pasadena residents will vote on whether or not to uphold the city’s current building height limits. The proposed ordinance would increase the allowed building heights in high-density areas of South Pasadena, such as the Fair Oaks and Mission Street corridors, while still ensuring the preservation of the city’s single-family neighborhoods.

The new height ordinance is an important part of South Pasadena’s Housing Element, which is a state-mandated policy document outlining how the city intends to meet the housing needs of the population. At the start of the city’s planning cycle in 2019, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) assigned South Pasadena an obligation of planning for the addition of 2,067 new housing units based on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), a state-mandated process to quantify the need for housing within each SCAG jurisdiction.

During the city’s previous planning cycle, South Pasadena was only required to plan for the addition of 63 new housing

units. The significant jump in municipal responsibility reflects a broader demand for housing supply in California and the state’s efforts to increase access to it.

The city’s latest and most recently state-approved draft of its Housing Element was adopted by the City Council in May 2023. Following a series of community meetings and public engagement events, the Housing Element was drafted and approved by the state on the principle that increased housing would aim to improve the city’s downtown experience while still preserving the single-family neighborhood charm integral to South Pasadena’s character.

It is important to note, however, that the Housing Element was adopted under the presumption that South Pasadena residents would approve an increase in the city’s building height limit.

Currently, the building height limit rests at a maximum of 45 feet in high-density housing areas. However, in order to meet the RHNA requirement of 2,067 new housing units, the City Council was required to draft its Housing Element to allow for buildings at least 84 feet tall.

This increase in building height would only take effect in South Pasadena’s high-density areas, such as downtown Fair Oaks and Mission Street, as well as parts of Huntington Drive. The city supports this new development under the belief that new density in South Pasadena’s downtown area would facilitate a more robust and walkable experience for residents.

Additionally, the city’s focus on upward expansion in specifically high-density locations is indicative of an effort to protect the building heights in single-family neighborhoods. In this way, South Pasadena can accommodate more housing units without expanding outwards into lower-density areas, preventing what some call “horizontal sprawl.”

Likely the most compelling case for increasing the building height limit are the consequences that the city would face should the new height ordinance be rejected. In order for the City to maintain local control on zoning, development standards, and state funding, it must adopt a state-certified Housing Element that is contingent upon a building height limit of at least 84 feet in high density zones.

In 2023, when the City of La Cañada failed to meet housing element regulations, it faced a legal punishment known as “Builder’s Remedy,” where developers have jurisdiction over the city’s zoning and design standards. Similarly, the state denied home renovation and remodel permits for the city of Beverly Hills after they failed to create a state-mandated affordable housing plan.

In the spring of 2022, the City of South Pasadena was sued by Californians for Homeownership, a non-profit legal firm responsible for the litigation of multiple cities that failed to enforce state-mandated housing reform. Although the lawsuit was settled in April 2022, its closure remains contingent on South Pasadena’s updated Housing Element, which requires a repeal of the city’s current height limit.

South Pasadena is facing increasing pressure to meet state housing mandates, and the outcome of the height ordinance vote will have long-term implications for the city’s landscape and local control. This November, South Pasadena voters will decide whether or not to embrace taller buildings in the push to comply with state housing obligations, or maintain current height limits and risk state intervention.

The Preservation Foundation recieves eviction notice

STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME

PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

The South Pasadena Historical Museum has long been a cornerstone of the city’s identity, standing at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and Mission Street. However, it has been threatened with an eviction notice by the City Council. Founded in 1887 and managed by the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation (SPPF), the museum is a volunteer-operated program that educates the community about the town’s past and has continued to do so for the past 40 years.

The museum has served as the central meeting spot for groups fighting for South Pasadena’s future, such as the battle against plans for a 710 freeway that would run straight through the city. Local and national groups banded together along with leading women to organize peaceful strikes on the first floor of the museum. Also using the museum as a place to unite, the group known as the Freeway Fighters went on to eradicate plans for the 710 freeway and preserve South Pasadena’s tightknit community.

The building remains a collection of South Pasadena’s past through donated personal belongings given by citizens. Inside are relics of a bitter rivalry as San Marino broke away from South Pasadena schools to build their own. Ostrich feathers from back when puffy fur coats were stylish around town litter the shelves, and a sign holding a phone number when phone numbers went up to only three digits is hung in the back.

For South Pasadena residents, the museum has become a landmark of the city, offering a window into the city’s rich past and a lesson for the future. Schools frequently bring energetic students to the museum for its interactive presentations and hands-on exhibits of historical artifacts. Some pieces can even be felt by people who come to the presentation with examples including a burnt brick from the fallen Raymond Hotel, a hotel in South Pasadena, that burned down in a raging fire. Through these exhibits, the museum has highlighted important lessons, such as the significance of safety, and offered insight into how South Pasadena has evolved.

The museum additionally has provided volunteer opportunities to teens seeking summer jobs and a deeper connection to the community, allowing them to assist with filing and researching historically significant items.

“It’s not just a museum, it’s a community space where we have members come in, kids come doing school projects,

or we even had Marengo third-graders come through this year,” museum staff member Colleen Boken said.

However, the museum’s future was thrown into uncertainty when the city attorney delivered an eviction notice to the South Pasadena Historical Museum in late July. The eviction was centered around SPPF giving misinformation over new terms proposed by the city to formalize what the museum could be used for relating to the weekly farmers market. Problems arose when SPPF was not alerted about communication issues that confused city staff and the city council leading up to the eviction notice.

Public concerns about the museum’s future arose when the situation was brought to light on social media. Many noted that the issues raised in the eviction notice had never been alerted to the museum. Over 100 public comments were submitted to the city council, urging clarity on any potential misinformation and also highlighting the lack of communication between the two, as reported by the South Pasadenan. Despite these concerns, the city council has yet to provide solid, in-depth answers as to why the eviction notice still stands or address the lack of communication.

If the eviction notice were to go through, the collection of items would be put in jeopardy, as they would become inaccessible to the public for the foreseeable future.

“Why would we even remotely consider taking away a place that’s actively in the community and a place for education?” Boken asked.

The voice of the museum does not stand unbacked either, with people from in and around South Pasadena supporting the push to save the museum. After word of the eviction notice, people sent in digital and handwritten emails to save the museum, with 125 written comments being delivered.

“I hate it. I visit the South Pas museum whenever I can and it would break my heart if it was gone. It deserves better,” one resident commented when asked about the eviction.

As of now, the current progress of negotiations between city council members and SPPF has been kept under wraps. However, the aim is to come out with plans to continue leasing the building to SPPF.

Meet the team: SPHS’s new staff

SPHS welcomed new staff across four departments for the 2024-25 school year.

STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME, TRISHA CHAKRABORTY, EVELYN DIAZ, & RUBY FOUDY

Dennis Takeshita and Marissa Locke: English

PHOTO ZOE CHEN

SPHS is welcoming Marissa Locke and Dennis Takeshita to the English department faculty for the 2024–25 school year. Locke will be teaching AP Literature and Composition along with English 10. Takeshita will be teaching English 9 students about expressing identity and cultural heritage.

Takeshita saw the student-run clubs and the unwavering community support and decided SPHS was the school to join.

Takeshita aims to add to the ethnic studies for English 9 with topics such as identity, power, and justice. He has set the expectation to learn something new every class with doors open to a hopeful future school year.

Locke taught in Seattle for nine years before moving to South Pasadena, where she is also earning her PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University.

Her favorite part of the SPHS community so far has been the overwhelming support she has felt.

“I feel incredibly welcome here. I feel so safe on campus,” Locke said. “Everyone’s just been going out of their way … to be so kind and warm. And so I just want to say thank you and I’m so excited for what the year has. And hopefully, the many years to come as well.”

Seah Kim: Chemistry

Seah Kim is the new chemistry teacher at South Pasadena High School. Before SPHS, she taught at Herbert Hoover High School and worked under a mentor at Culver City and Ánimo Leader Charter High School.

Kim decided to become a chemistry teacher after being inspired by various influences throughout her life, including her previous chemistry teacher. She attended UCLA and Pepperdine University.

“My high school chemistry teacher made chemistry fun and inspired me,” Kim said. “Helping my sisters with their math and science classes was rewarding and inspired me to become a teacher.”

Kim feels supported by her department and said that the staff are always there for her. She finds the most fufilling aspect of teaching to be the relationships she builds with her students and the memories they share.

“Building relationships with students is the most rewarding part for me. It’s fulfilling to see them comfortable advocating for themselves and growing throughout the school year,” Kim said.

South Pasadena High School welcomes new teacher Janna Conner, who will teach virtual business this year.

As a parent and entrepreneur in South Pasadena, Conner found SPHS to be the perfect place to explore a new path as an educator.

Though she started teaching on Aug. 14, Conner brings years of experience from running her own business and substituting at Arroyo Vista.

Seeking a new challenge, she said she was drawn to teaching by her love for working with students in internships and classrooms, feeling a strong passion for educating the next generation.

Conner believes she improves as an educator becuase of her students. Her students’ reactions to lessons make her think of ways to improve. The class aims

to teach critical skills and let students enjoy learning and build a hopeful future.

“[It] opens up new opportunities, instead of just learning from a lecture … it’s a more collaborative, fun class,” Conner said.

Diane Murtha and Nathan Uribe: Special Education

PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

SPHS welcomes two new special education teachers into the 2024–25 school year. Diane Murtha has been teaching for three years prior to SPHS, and Nathan Uribe had been teaching high school students for two years in Jurupa Valley.

Murtha wanted to become a special education teacher to break the negative stigma around those with special needs.

“I feel like they’re just severely misunderstood, and it’s just something I feel connected to,” Murtha said.

Murtha came to SPHS because of its close-knit community surrounding it and the more intimate experience of working with a smaller district.

Uribe’s passion for helping those with special needs stems from his experiences before becoming a teacher. Uribe made it his mission to bring children who are often overlooked the attention they deserve.

“I started working as a behavioral therapist with ... severely autistic children … and they’re often thrown to the side,” Uribe said.” At the end of the day, a kid is a kid

they need love.”

ILLUSTRATIONS SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

PHOTO SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Janna Conner: Virtual Business

PHOTO MAC SHROPSHIRE

THE TIGER

ESTABLISHED 1913

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2024

CSPA SILVER CROWN 2022

CSPA SILVER CROWN 2021

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2019

CSPA SILVER CROWN 2018

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2017

CSPA CROWN AWARD 2016

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2015

CSPA GOLD MEDALIST 2014

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LINDA YUN

MANAGING EDITORS

BENJAMIN REGAN, Print

CLEMENTINE EVANS, Online

NEWS

CLAIRE MAO, Editor

OPINION

SONYA SHIMPOCK, Editor

FEATURE

MORGAN SUN, Editor

SPORTS

ZOE CHEN, Editor

DESIGN

OLIVIA CHIN, Editor ISOLE KIM, Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY

EMIKO ESSMILLER, Editor

COPY

ZOE CHEN, Editor

ETHAN KWAK, Editor

SOLANA SINGER, Editor

BUSINESS AND ADS

CAYNA GHALY, Staff Ads Manager

CHLOE LUONG, Staff Ads Manager

STAFF WRITERS

GAVIN BARTOLOME

TRISHA CHAKRABORTY EVELYN DIAZ

CHRISTIANNE DULEY

RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN RUBY FOUDY OWEN HOU

ISABELLA JONASEN

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ZOE CHEN

SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI KAITLYN LEE

MADELINE MADRIGAL

MAC SHROPSHIRE

ILLUSTRATORS

SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI NATHAN FRIEZER LANAH KIM

DIANA LOPEZ

PAGE DESIGNERS

HANA OBERLANDER

VIDEOGRAPHER

HELENA EASTERBY

FACULTY ADVISOR KAREN HAMES

VOL. 111 NO. 1 DISTRIBUTED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2024.

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STAFF EDITORIAL OPINION

AI limits students’ potential

Students who use AI to get an easy A are impairing their progress.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the new normal in society and school. People of all ages use AI platforms to quickly solve questions, generate prompts, or complete tasks in hopes of easing their workload. However, while AI can boost efficiency, it often diminishes the quality of both the work and the abilities of those who rely on it, which is especially harmful for students. Students who rely on platforms such as ChatGPT during the learning years of their life risk becoming unable to solve problems on their own or brainstorm unique ideas in their future careers due to the fact that they did not develop these skills in school. Educating students on the risks of AI and the benefits of developing original ideas will guide them towards a future with boundless potential.

One of the most widely known AI platforms, ChatGPT, has the capacity to write essays and solve homework problems. ChatGPT provides these students with an easy solution to obtaining a good grade, but this is not without drawbacks. Although it advertises itself as a helpful platform that improves efficiency and makes information more accessible, ChatGPT hinders students’ ability to think for themselves.

“[Kids] are just parroting back what the AI tells them and not what they think about the topic,” AP English Literature student senior India Garcia-Robb said. “I think it will harm them in the long run because they are not struggling or thinking about what they are writing.”

Another field that AI has rooted itself in is digital art. Before AI, artists would handcraft artworks using their own tools and skills. AI now allows non-artists to type in a prompt and create computer-generated art, but this does not count as progress. The increase in AI art has devalued traditional art and has stolen opportunities from skilled artists. Consumers are increasingly turning to AI for quick and cheap art, diminishing appreciation for the effort and creativity behind human-made works. Not only does this thin out existing art

jobs, but it also discourages prospecting artists from entering the industry.

“For years people have worked hard to hone their skills and talents so that they could work in this field, but now every challenge they faced means nothing,” AP Drawing student senior Cash Delossa-Storey said.

AI can be a useful tool that benefits the work process when used in small doses. Many computer science and coding programs currently use AI to simplify tasks and lighten the workload. The work that the people in these fields create is still complete and high quality because AI plays a limited role in the process. However, its overuse in education undermines the learning process. School assignments provide valuable experience that builds up over time and serve as a free trial for job assignments. By substituting their own ideas with a computer’s, students will be unable to craft solutions to their future problems, narrowing their future career options, especially in creative fields.

Despite efforts to eliminate AI usage in schools, such as AIdetecting software, determined students have still found ways to pass off their assignments to a computer. This can be combated with a return to physical assignments, but this change would be costly and time consuming. Regardless, this method will teach students how to rely on themselves and develop their individual skills.

Education is grueling and takes time, but it is necessary to succeed in life. There are no shortcuts to learning, and there is no cheat sheet for creativity. Challenges are what make life valuable — AI cannot generate the unique human experience. The transition from the teen years to adulthood are defined by each person finding their own voice. The real solution to AI lies in students recognizing the value of learning and the importance of developing their own abilities. The time has come to rediscover the joy of creation, the merits of critical thinking, and the success of achieving goals through hard work.

Tiger’s cheers and jeers for the month of September

BOO to plans. I have a concept of a plan.

BOO to dyslexic devil worshippers. They sold their souls to Santa.

BOO to grade reports. I was recovering, I swear.

BOO to nonchalant people. I saw you reminiscing.

BOO to the school Wi-Fi. At this point, it might be faster to send smoke signals.

BOO to magnets. They’re so polarizing.

BRAVO to ice breakers. Social anxiety fears you.

BRAVO to dabbing. It’s still a trend in my heart.

BRAVO to Nikocado Avocado. You really were two steps ahead.

BRAVO to Taste. You’re no longer the straightest pop singer.

BRAVO to Moo Deng. You’re the people’s princess.

BRAVO to the people who still catch my woah, I love you.

Uninformed activism is detrimental to progress

Engaging

in activism without a full understanding of the situation is as damaging as it is irresponsible.

STORY SONYA SHIMPOCK & ZOE CHEN ILLUSTRATION ISOLE KIM

Public protest and civil disobedience are essential to the health of a democratic society. In the United States, this is recognized through the First Amendment, which safeguards the right to petition and assemble as fundamental freedoms.

However, for activism to truly lead to meaningful social change, participants must develop a critical and nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. Passion is important, but engaging in movements without grasping the full picture can result in misguided demands, harmful rhetoric, or the reinforcement of stereotypes and disinformation. Misinformed protests can detract from legitimate causes and overshadow the voices of those who are genuinely affected by the conflict.

A clear example of this is the activism surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, where many college students have taken strong stances despite lacking a comprehensive understanding of the issue. UC Berkeley Professor Ron Hassner highlighted this through a poll of students from across the United States, testing their understanding of the slogan “from the river to the sea,” which calls for the eradication of Israel’s Jewish population. Alarmingly, less than half of the students knew that the phrase referred to the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, and had been unintentionally furthering anti-Semitic hate.

This type of uninformed activism perpetuates dangerous rhetoric and contributes to the spread of misinformation. Ignorance, when left unchecked, can snowball, creating a cycle that amplifies harmful

messages. Before engaging in any movement — whether in person or online — it is important to take the time to research and understand the different perspectives involved and ensure that one makes informed arguments rather than relying on oversimplified or biased content.

Another demonstration of the issues with uniformed activism was highlighted by the group “Campaign Against Antisemitism” when they interviewed protestors at a pro-Palestine march in London, aiming to ascertain whether participants understood the context behind the issue they were marching for. To gauge this, the group posed the question: “What was your response to Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7?” Shockingly, some of the answers they received from the protestors viewed the attack in a positive light or rejected the fact that it even happened at all.

One protester responded, “I don’t believe they did, did they? Hamas?” Another even admitted that they did not have the proper education on the situation to answer the question. The video clip of these events went viral, widely discrediting the protest and the individuals present.

Members of a democracy have a responsibility to make informed actions and choices, and breaking the dangerous cycle of uninformed activism can begin in schools like SPHS. By working to self-educate, students can better contribute to the overall quality of dialogue within movements. Informed activism is far more impactful than reactionary protests fueled by sensationalized media, further demonstrating how vital it is to make choices based on thorough research and ensure that advocacy efforts contribute to progress rather than hinder it.

Vice President Harris offers hope but not change

STORY RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ

This November, the presidential race will pit Donald Trump against Kamala Harris, a contest that could reshape the future of America. If Harris wins, she will likely follow in the footsteps of current president Joe Biden with a progressive domestic policy, though her stances on the border and foreign policy suggest a more hawkish approach.

One of Harris’ major agenda items is the creation of an “opportunity economy,” which would give all Americans the “chance to succeed.” If elected, Harris promises to restore the child tax credit, which would give families raising children a tax cut of up to $3,600. On top of lowering the financial burden for families who already have kids, the child tax credit would also encourage families considering having children to take that leap.

She would also try to curb rising prices. Since 2020, Americans have been complaining of higher and higher grocery prices. According to Harris, this is not

Losing to Laminar

Laminar flow is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid travels smoothly and consistently, through regular paths. Characteristically, the flow is seemingly frozen in time, undisrupted unless physically encroached upon. It’s as if someone has taken a photo and inserted it into reality, with no observable movement in the liquid. It looks to defy logical reasoning. The opposite is turbulent flow, or what most people know as regular flow.

Throughout my time in high school, so much of it has been spent in turbulent flow. The molecules of

the fault of inflation, but rather corporate greed. To address this, Harris has pledged to push for a federal ban on price gouging.

Perhaps the strongest pillar of Harris’ campaign is her stance on reproductive rights. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by conservative justices in 2022, 33 states have imposed either restrictions or a total ban on abortions. Harris promises that she will fight for abortion rights and will sign a bill to restore reproductive rights if passed by Congress.

Similarly, Republicans have spent the last four years relentlessly attacking queer Americans and their healthcare. Just in 2024, Republicans have introduced over 600 anti-trans bills in state legislatures and have passed 45. These bills, among other things, strip rights to gender-affirming care and restrict discussion of queerness in schools. Harris says that she will fight for the rights of queer people, but fails to offer much concrete policy.

On labor rights, Harris’ rhetoric sounds more promising. She backs pro-worker legislation like the PRO Act, which would make it easier for American workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. The PRO Act would also increase fines on corporations for denying labor rights. Harris also promises to fight for a higher minimum wage.

However, Harris’ foreign and immigration policies paint a different picture.

The first cracks in Harris’ supposedly progressive agenda appear when she gets to climate change. During her tenure as vice president, the Biden administration approved over 9,000 new oil and gas drilling permits. Although she does meet the low bar of acknowledging climate change, the only solutions she offers are empty words.

my life bounce together, knocking into one another and throwing each other off my path. The chaos was all outwardly intertwined, through sheer abundance of work. Every part of me was trying to race to the finish line, tripping over myself on the way.

For the past few weeks, however, it has all gone still — as if my life has been frozen in time, forever doomed to stay in this limbo between high school, homework, college apps, and whatever else may be perusing my mind at any given moment. It is a different breed of chaos — far more introspective, with a dozen tabs open and blaring in my mind yet appearing still to the outside world.

I find myself taking mental screenshots of each moment, but once the afterimage clears, my body has moved on without my conscious knowledge. My mind feels stuck in laminar flow, as if I am suspended in the realm of time while the world flits away in its inscrutable manner. I move from classroom to classroom in a heartbeat, from school to home at the bat of an eye. Time seems to skip so much

The cracks in Harris’ policy only widen with her stances on the border. After Republicans shot down a right-wing border bill that would have funded Trump’s wall and strip asylum rights, Biden and Harris took executive action to impose similar changes. Harris promises to bring back the bill and sign it into law — a move that directly contradicts her otherwise progressive rhetoric.

A Harris administration would offer a similarly right-wing foreign policy. Harris would continue to inflame tensions with China by maintaining the U.S. military’s massive presence in East Asia. She also promises to strengthen NATO and continue military aid to Ukraine.

Harris has also come under fire for her support of Israel’s war against Palestinians. In a CNN interview, she reaffirmed her support for Israel and refused to consider restricting military aid despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings finding that Israel could plausibly be committing genocide and is committing crimes “tantamount to apartheid.”

Harris says that she will continue to work for a ceasefire deal, but the truth is that these are just empty promises. These negotiations have been stalled for months, largely due to the obstructionism of the Israeli government, with the Biden administration complicit. It is hard to imagine any change under a Harris administration.

While Harris offers a relatively progressive domestic agenda, her right-leaning positions on foreign policy and immigration are cause for concern. Harris positions herself as the candidate of hope and joy, but that begs the question: Hope and joy for whom? She is certainly better than Trump, but that does not mean she deserves a free ride. Voters must hold Harris accountable and demand change.

faster when I am in this state, unburdened by the chaos of turbulence. In a way, it’s peaceful, if a tad unsettling.

But like laminar flow, I am still moving. Perhaps it is unobservable to me as of now, but I know I am moving. One of these days, life will turn up the playback speed control again, and chaos will be as it once was.

Maybe this is all just a remnant of sleep deprivation. Or maybe I’ve dumped too much of myself onto the page, the remnants of my personality left to soak up the scraps of my brain left untouched by the beasts of college admissions. Maybe this is a liminal space, a state of transition I have been left to flounder in as my consciousness takes a quick sabbatical.

But for now, I’ll enjoy my time in this limbo, moving parallel to time as long as this laminar state can last. Hopefully I haven’t left any pieces of myself behind in the process. One can only hope this transition will lead somewhere good — perhaps college?

The death penalty: a modern injustice

The death penalty must be abolished to ensure humane and reasonable criminal punishment.

STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME & OWEN HOU ILLUSTRATION SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

T

he death penalty remains a hotly debated issue, with supporters claiming that it deters crime and delivers justice through retribution, but the reality is far from the truth: The death penalty is simply an inhumane punishment that leaves no room for rehabilitation. The notion of “making an example” out of criminals — often justified by the archaic “eye for an eye” logic — continues to hold sway. However, there is no denying the slew of negatives that come with these possible upsides. This begs the question of whether it is truly worth it to sacrifice human lives in exchange for an ineffective deterrent and a sense of “justice.”

The drawn-out torture of having to count down the minutes until one’s death is inhumane no matter what viewpoint is taken. In the end, criminals remain people capable of feeling fear, pain, and regret. In comparison to alternatives such as a life-long sentence where individuals are given the chance to reflect and rehabilitate, the death penalty serves as an insurmountable wall giving no chance for reconsideration or amends. The death penalty is a relic of savageness that ignores any chance for growth, instead favoring pure, bitter retribution above all else.

The inhumanity of the death penalty is not confined to the moment of execution — even the process leading up to it is fraught with psychological torment. Lethal injection, the

most widely used form of execution, sedates the convicted before the actual act of execution to eliminate pain. In terms of physical pain, the justification is met. However, just because an injury cannot be observed on the outside does not mean it can be glanced over. For the inmate, simply knowing that they are about to die is cruel in itself. For the sentenced, they are not allowed the fleeting moment to exhale words of apology or regret. The death penalty may minimize physical suffering, but it completely disregards the emotional and psychological suffering of the person being executed.

In addition to the cruelty of the sentence, the financial cost of carrying out execution is staggering — often more so than sentencing the criminal to a life-long sentence. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, “The high cost of the death penalty are the longer trials and appeals required when a person’s life is on the line…Most defendants…sentenced to death…end up spending life in prison, but at a highly inflated cost because [of] the death penalty.” In most cases, the death penalty is not the final verdict. Instead, most defendants are sentenced to lifelong prison sentences after the death penalty is rejected for the individual by some manner of court, but at an inflated cost due to the lengthy legal processes tied to the death penalty. To avoid this convoluted process completely, the legal system could potentially eliminate the death penalty in its entirety. Not only would time and money be saved, but prisoners would be saved from counting down the minutes fearing the threat of execution.

Most punishments can be reversed if the recipient is truly innocent. Even a life sentence can be reversed if there is substantial proof of the offender’s innocence. However, if an execution is performed, there is no longer a second chance at life, and there is no undoing the decision. Death is final; it is the one judge whose verdict cannot be overturned.

No matter how certain a judge may be or how clear the evidence is left at a scene, there is no eliminating the chance that the convicted is not guilty. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, for every eight people executed, one is wrongly convicted. When added to the grief of already losing a loved one, the family of the victim would face immeasurable grief if the executed turned out to be falsely convicted. Even more devastating than this is the family of the executed, who may have already felt immense grief and shame over the supposed atrocities, only to realize that the accused was innocent all along.

The death penalty also undermines the possibility of rehabilitation. Redemption is possible for everyone, as it is never impossible for someone to become better and improve. However, for those accused, that chance is snuffed out. Instead of allowing felons to confront their crimes and seek forgiveness, the death penalty simply eliminates them, leaving them unable to better themselves, learn from their mistakes, or encourage anyone to do the same. This is what the death penalty does, and instead of felons coming to terms with what they did and begging for forgiveness, they simply leave a legacy of unresolved guilt, regret, and sorrow. Rather than growing, healing, and accepting responsibility, the death penalty forsakes them of this basic human necessity and rehabilitation.

Although families seeking justice may argue fiercely for the guilty to be executed, the death penalty will only worsen the state of the world. Times have changed. People have become civilized and the world has come to acknowledge the weight of each plucking of a life. As the message spreads throughout the nation, the need for such criminally unjust methods becomes obsolete. Putting soap in children’s mouths is now looked upon with disgust; how is death still allowed? In the end, what solace is there for someone who murders another out of pure anger and revenge without change and consideration? An eye for an eye will only blind the whole world.

This topic is one of much controversy — a convoluted mess of perspectives and narratives. But one thing remains clear: The life of a human being cannot be held in the hands of another. To protect the future, a step towards the right thing must be taken, as the world is no longer shaded in black and white. Death is not a righteous representation of justice, lest society wishes for a world of cruelty and error.

The premature sexualization of tween girls

STORY RUBY FOUDY

PHOTO SUNNY (SUNHYE) CHOI

Frappuccinos, slime, and Claire’s are all classic hallmarks of late 2000s tween culture. In 2024, the majority of those things are now deemed “embarrassing” by their target audience. Slime has been swapped with Sephora; acting one’s age is out and acting 21 at 12 is in. Thanks to social media, tween culture is dead, and their hypersexualization has been born. Young girls are being hypersexualized online and are forced to mature prematurely, erasing the tween phase and jumping head-first into adulthood.

Shopping at trendy stores and buying makeup at a young age seems harmless, but it leads down a much more sinister path. The common sexualization of teenage girls in the media, although unsettling, has been normalized by society. However, it seems that with every year that goes by, the bar for objectifying underage girls sinks lower and lower, beginning with even young girls aged 11 to 13. This, like many issues, stems from social media.

The male gaze often manipulates content directed to girls. This suggests that the only way to be romantically attractive is to be seen as sexually mature. The “hot school girl” trope perpetuated by the media and the objectification of childlike features is alarmingly normalized, leading young girls to see being sexual as a usual aspect of being 12. 13-year-olds posting harmless videos online host comment sections not unsimilar to those under the accounts of sex workers. TikToks of 12-year-olds wearing a full face of makeup go viral, buoyed by hundreds of suggestive comments by 40-year-old men. AI-generated underage nudity is circulated on the internet. Deep fakes of child pornography are all too common.

Girls are given the illusion that they are in control and that they want to be viewed as being mature and attractive. In order to justify this behavior, girls are typically assured that they are being “sexually liberated.” This is not the case. To be sexually liberated, they would have to be sexually oppressed and make a conscious

decision to embrace their sexuality. When it comes to underaged girls, it is just hypersexualization.

Sexist ideology is also a factor alongside social media. From a young age, many girls are told how much more mature they are than boys, and how they are practically “all grown up.” The idea of acting older than their age has already been planted in their heads by their own parents before they get to third grade. Of course, it is not done with malicious intent or ulterior motives, but in the end, the parents set their own children up to be sexualized. They lead little girls to believe being seen as mature is always a good thing, and that it is what is expected of them. This mindset only makes young girls

more susceptible to being influenced by their constant sexualization and playing into it, desperate to be seen as mature.

The concept of maturity has deviated into the hypersexualization of young children. Tweens are told to act like teens, and teens are told to act like adults. The once innocent and juvenile culture of young girls has been erased by social media and replaced with hypersexualization. Young girls are not toys for grown men to play with. They are not sex symbols for the media to tout across screens. Society needs to denormalize sexualizing tween girls and allow them to sip their frappuccinos and play with slime in peace.

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A greener future: South

SPHS’s efforts to the city making strides, South Pas sets an environmental

South Pasadena leads in sustainability

n recent years, the City of South Pasadena has gained attention for its proactive stance on environmental issues. The city’s push for sustainability includes many groundbreaking policies and programs aimed at reducing emissions and conserving energy. From promoting sustainable transportation to pushing for a reduction in air pollution, South Pasadena has emerged as a local leader in environmentalism.

These changes did not happen overnight, however. For over a decade, local environmental advocates have pushed for new sustainability policies and initiatives, including City Council member Michael Cacciotti, who has played a significant role in the city’s environmental projects. Cacciotti’s work to reduce air pollution and promote greener transportation is deeply rooted in his career, which began in state government before transitioning to local politics. After prosecuting a case against an auto repair shop involved in fraudulent smog checks, he realized he needed to switch to a cleaner vehicle as well.

“How can I prosecute these guys, knowing I’m driving a dirty car? … So I bought that [Prius], and it was the ugliest, but it more than doubled my gas mileage,” Cacciotti said.

“And I kept it as my experiment, because now I have 190,000 miles on it.”

In a landmark move just this summer, South Pasadena upgraded its entire police fleet to all-electric Tesla vehicles. This initiative, which Cacciotti supported for over a decade, is aimed at lowering the city’s emissions and improving operational costs. South Pasadena is the first city in the U.S. to have an entirely electric police force.

“We’re getting calls from around the nation,” said Cacciotti. “Half the cities in San Gabriel are interested.”

Police vehicles are particularly high emitters of carbon dioxide. The U.S. Department of Energy found in a recent report on police vehicle fuel consumption that police cars idle for 60 percent of their shift, using 21 percent of their total fuel consumption while parked.

“The taxpayers of the city, after a couple years, are going to save a lot of money on fuel or energy costs,” Cacciotti said. “There’s no gas.”

Despite these impressive strides, Cacciotti acknowledges that South Pasadena still has much to accomplish in the sustainability effort. In the future, he is looking forward to converting the city’s entire vehicle fleet to become zero-emission.

“One of the programs I’m working on right now is the fire department,” Cacciotti said. “That’s the next thing is to really transition our fire department [to fully electric vehicles].”

Additionally, Cacciotti is working with regional agencies to promote and aid organizations in their transition to allelectric lawn equipment. In a couple of months, Cacciotti anticipates Holy Family will use all-electric equipment.

“I bet you in two months, the first faith-based organization, Holy Family Church on Fremont, [will transition to allelectric lawn equipment],” Cacciotti said. “They may be the first faith-based group in the nation that’ll go over.”

In 2021, South Pasadena placed a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in an effort to cut down on the emission of their toxic pollutants, helping to improve the quality of life for many residents by reducing air and noise pollution. To help ease the transition for residents, the city partnered with the Air Quality and Management District (AQMD) to provide a Leaf Blower Exchange Program. Although there is no current ban on gas-powered lawn mowers, South Pasadena has also expanded the rebate program to help provide a Lawn Mower Exchange program.

Cacciotti is looking to expand the city’s public transportation and continue to further the development of public parks, trails, and bike lanes to create a more walkable and bikeable South Pasadena.

South Pasadena’s sustainability efforts have certainly contributed to its small-town charm, but they have also played a big role in creating a greener future for the city. Recognized as a “Tree City” for the past 25 years, and in 2016, the first city in the nation to be designated a Green Zone City by the Green Zone Alliance, South Pasadena continues to lead by example in environmental stewardship.

The city’s decision to invest in a 20-vehicle electric fleet is not only environmentally motivated, but financially as

In March 2024, the South Pasadena City Council voted to remove the bike lanes on Grand Avenue after multiple resident complaints. However, the decision was repealed in June when an overwhelming number of residents appeared before the Council urging them to

“I think there’s a lot more people in the city now, the newer generation moving in: they’re riding bikes,” Cacciotti said.

Potential for environmental

The world has known for a while now that changes must be made to protect the Earth. Excessive pollution from cities has been among the worst factors to nature’s deterioration, and countless scientists, activists, and citizens have acknowledged this. California is one of the states most open to environmental reform and sets an example for other states to turn things around. South Pasadena lives up to California’s progressive reputation by putting in the effort to nurture Mother Nature.

The impact of cities, technology, and humans has exponentially expanded along with the control over the planet over the past few decades. While America is one of the most developed countries in the world, it is also the country with the second-largest ecological footprint, or the amount of natural resources needed to support a civilization. Some Americans educate themselves and others on environmental issues and are beginning to create legal and social change, including South Pasadena’s citizens.

South Pasadena has recently made environmentally friendly changes, such as implementing solar panels in the SPHS and SPMS parking lots, investing in electric Teslas for the SPPD, and supporting the Compost Culture club. SPHS also educates many students on ecological concerns and policies through its science courses, such as AP Environmental Science (APES).

The solar panels, electric police cars, and Compost Culture are all ways in which South Pasadena has worked towards reversing environmental damage. The solar panels provide a clean alternate energy source to gas and electricity. Every energy source consumes certain resources, but solar energy makes use of readily available sunlight to cut down on external consumption. The SPPD going electric significantly cuts down on gas usage. Gas cars are one of the largest contributors

to pollution in cities, and the vehicles will decrease the Pasadena. Compost Culture is environmental aid by composting. alternative to synthetic fertilizers the natural nutrients it needs. set examples for nearby cities.

SPHS is one of the biggest Pasadena’s environmental awareness. club members volunteer to the community. Another area evident is the volunteer hours need to fulfill to graduate.

Although volunteer opportunities protecting nature, it is still may turn to. This graduation students to get involved in the getting involved in the environment. students on ecological issues, and how to combat them. Students with the necessary knowledge conscious in their lives. SPHS it comes to the school’s environmental needed to make a difference.

Despite the city and school’s falters in certain realms. While be seen as progress, there regarding the choice of using reputation of technical difficulties people getting hurt, resulting the decision. Another area prominence of littering on SPHS’s and brunch, the food eaten by the floor instead of in the trash. had to close off certain lunch

Pasadena’s environment

environmental example but can still progress.

South Pasadena has been going from steps to leaps in the ongoing goal of becoming more eco-friendly, with Tesla police cars and a multitude of environmental projects. SPHS is not far behind either. Through various efforts, organizations, and modernizations, SPHS has significantly increased its environmental friendliness. On campus, SPHS houses a growing

STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY, CHRISTIANNE DULEY, & OWEN HOU VISUALS ZOE CHEN, EMIKO

ESSMILLER, NATHAN FRIEZER, & ISOLE KIM

PAGE DESIGN ISOLE KIM

Various environmental efforts at SPHS

environmental growth

list of opportunities for environmental involvement. For example, Cleaning Litter Around South Pasadena (CLASP) and the Environment Club are both geared towards taking action and educating students about the environment. The Environment Club is focused on education in the hopes of inspiring, while CLASP is more related to building a strong connection with nature around us. On top of that, the school has constructed a garden in the freshman area, further highlighting its steady climb towards an eco-conscious future.

SPUSD also installed solar panels on its various campuses over the summer. These large silicone panels cover the parking lots. There are three main goals of the solar panels. The first is to reduce energy costs using a renewable source of energy. Using solar panels would also reduce expenses from spending money on nonrenewable sources of energy. The panels themselves were part of a 10-year project that started in 2016, and have been in the making for two years. The plan to install them was decided before summer 2024.

Superintendent Dr. Geoff Yantz said the purpose of the solar panels “was to reduce our energy consumption ... our expenses, [reduce] what we’re spending on energy ... and then being good stewards of the environment.”

the switch to electric police pollution created by South is an SPHS club that provides composting. Composting is an fertilizers and directly gives soil needs. South Pasadena’s efforts cities. biggest contributors to South awareness. Compost Culture help out and give back to area where SPHS’s efforts are hours requirement students

opportunities are not limited to still an option that students graduation requirement incentivises the city, which is a step towards environment. APES educates issues, how these issues formed, Students complete the class knowledge to be environmentally SPHS is worthy of praise when environmental aid, but more is

school’s successes, South Pasadena

While electric police cars can has been some pushback using Teslas. Teslas have a difficulties that can result in resulting in unease surrounding area for improvement is the SPHS’s grounds. During lunch by students often ends up on trash. The school faculty has lunch tables and areas for a few

Another project SPUSD recently implemented was the installation of new air heating and air conditioning units. This past summer, they successfully installed new units at the elementary schools, replacing old ones that had been used for over two decades. Environmentally, these new air systems are compliant with Title 24 energy regulations, meaning that they will operate much more efficiently. In the coming summers, more energy projects are scheduled, such as the replacement of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.

“We’re scheduled to complete the replacement of the HVAC units on the two-story Education building over at the middle school, and then the summer after that is the high school,” Yantz said. “So there’s several projects still in the queue with respect to energy.”

Although no longer a part of the school’s clubs specifically, Compost Culture is a community club and non-profit that spreads awareness to its participants about the value of composting. The club itself was originally a school club that was founded by Patrick Latting and Liam de Villa Bourke, but it grew into a non-profit.

Currently, the Compost Culture does a number of things for the community, such as collecting food scraps every Thursday from the local farmers market. They also have collaborated with both Huntington Gardens and South Pasadena Gardens, and have planned to begin projects with Marengo Elementary School as well. However, the club currently has an issue with funding. Due to inactivity last year, Compost Culture has slowly faded away from the forefront of composting in South Pasadena. As a result, it needs more financial donations to complete its mission. Although the club has been steadily growing back, it would still be grateful for any volunteers or donations to the cause.

“The goals of Compost Culture are to create a culture of sustainability in our community which lasts longer than we do,” senior Compost Culture President Shelby Collins said.

With Compost Culture’s upcoming projects such as the collaboration with Marengo or SPUSD installing solar panels at its schools, one thing remains clear: the prospect of a green South Pasadena is on the horizon.

days in an attempt to limit littering; however, they do this to no avail. Students continue to clutter school grounds, resulting in a lack of responsibility among them. While Compost Culture and APES spread awareness, they are unable to reach the entire school population.

South Pasadena and SPHS can still improve their methods and find new ones to help Mother Nature. In order to make a difference, civic and social change needs to extend past the point it is currently at. Two obtainable improvements are an increase in trash and recycling bins around the city, as well as encouragement for SPHS students to recycle and throw away trash instead of only punishing them for not doing so. Compost Culture has provided homes with recycling bins, but there remains a lack of these bins in town.

Providing residents with accessible recycling options will lead to a more environmentally conscious city. SPHS can promote cleanliness by offering more volunteer opportunities specifically related to environmental contribution. Providing an option for students to assist custodians or pick up trash at sports games will create a cleaner school environment.

The most important form of change that must occur is for citizens to want to contribute. Board members and teachers may call for change, but progress can only be truly achieved if South Pasadena’s common residents and students also involve themselves. While people can talk about making adjustments and doing their part, many citizens have yet to act upon these ideas. Adjusting the city’s culture to encourage recycling and participation, regardless of personal benefit, is what will set South Pasadena apart from the rest of the country. It was South Pasadena’s citizens who implemented the changes we see today, and it will be those same citizens who will lead the city into a cleaner future.

FEATURE

Wait no, let’s gatekeep this

one

Hollywood’s cherished Amoeba Records gives a stage and a spotlight to all artists.

STORY ISABELLA JONASEN

PHOTO KAITLYN LEE

B

ehind the long lines and colorfully dyed hair of the energized audience lies an unforgettable night at Amoeba Hollywood. On Sept. 17, Destroy Boys, a punk rock-esque band, performed in celebration of the release of their new record Funeral Soundtrack #4. Despite the small stage, the energy of the crowd was both infectious and through the roof. Amoeba Hollywood, the world’s largest independent record store, opened in 2001 and has had performances from some of the greats, such as Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, and Nancy Sinatra. With the iconic performances and the plethora of choices from different artists and genres, Amoeba rapidly became a hotspot for people and tourists alike.

When attending an Amoeba gig, there is genuine enthusiasm that comes from being surrounded by true fans. Amoeba gigs are consistently the place to be, featuring both small and big artists and revealing plenty of hidden gems. Everyone in attendance is there for a good time and, most importantly, for the true passion these performers have for their music.

Destroy Boys, with their raw yet playful sound, have seemed to have mastered an adolescent sound with insightful takes on mature themes, such as mental health and gender identity. Some of the central points of the record are believing in who you are and putting yourself first.

Shadow (I’m Breaking Down) is the nearly four-minutelong highlight of the record, discussing self-acceptance and self-growth. The song explores the idea of looking for control of one’s life again and determining where they fit in society through thoughtful lyrics as well as accepting the not-so-great parts of who one is. Although being the highlight, it definitely does not hold a candle to the lyricism of Praying, which presents

a truly authentic portrayal of the difficult experience of finding a genuine connection in this day and age, highlighting the main theme of not wanting to settle for inconsistency in relationships.

While listening to their discography in its entirety, the Destroy Boys record really transports the listener to early 2020 — in the best way possible. This record in particular has many Latin pop influences, with a whimsical rock feel while also maintaining the punk sounds. Destroy Boys has managed to stay true to their original sound, probably displayed best in their 2017 debut record Sorry, Mom, but the band has demonstrated clear growth and maturity through the undeniably evolved lyrics of their most recent record.

This is not Destroy Boys’ strongest record, nor is it the strongest of this year. However, for what it is, and how the industry is looking at the moment, it is definitely what is needed right now in 2024.

The show itself was something out of a fever dream; the chaos of it all played so much into the incredible stage presence throughout the whole show. It was like walking into an experience rather than an environment. Smaller venues tend to affect the outcome of fans and fan activity, but Destroy Boys can play absolutely anywhere and still have the same amount of fun and energy in the air.

With the surprise guests of The Linda Lindas, another California-based band that includes an SPHS alum, it would be difficult not to become completely immersed in the curated chaos. The overexaggerated amp and the comedic crowd work were done in the hopes of creating a more comfortable environment that would excuse any small mistakes that occurred. The entire experience is fun, light-hearted, and low stakes, which leaves no good reasons not to attend in support of LA’s new favorite rising artists.

Lately, by Linda LINDA

YUN

Like many others, I turned in my senior privilege card application late. Unlike many others, I turned it in so late that, upon asking if I could use the card the following day, the front office literally laughed in my face. I was to use the card the following Friday — nearly two weeks from then.

With my request denied, the trek from the front office to my lunch table felt like a walk of shame. I had climbed my way up the high school pyramid, metamorphosing from a studious freshman to a winded senior. Yet despite my efforts, I was forced to eat the same (healthy!) zucchini lasagna on the same campus as those who have never experienced a free-response question.

My dignity fully shattered, I met my friends at our usual table and walked them to the gate. As we lined up by the Diamond gate, their eyes glimmered with anticipation at the prospect of dining out, but I awaited with dread. One friend optimistically suggested that I make a run for it, but I knew my fate: it was only a matter of time before my lack of a senior privilege card would flag me as an escapee.

Unsurprisingly, I learned that I must stay within campus. As I waved my lunch-bound friends the most bittersweet goodbye, I was confronted with the question: What do I do during lunch without my group?

My mind assumed the worst: surely I would become a lunchtime loner. I would have to drift between groups, clinging onto the individuals I knew and beg for a morsel of their companionship.

That first day, I walked dejectedly to Mr. Ku’s room in hopes of finding some Tiger friends. To my surprise, everyone was there. We delved into an interesting conversation about basketball, flavors of Salt & Straw ice cream, and baguettes. “Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad,” I began to think.

In the following days, whenever my friend group left to eat out, I made an effort to sit with a new group. Over the course of the week, I found myself table-hopping, catching up with old friends across the quad and attempting to connect with new ones in various classrooms. At some point, I caught myself in an Astro Club meeting, attempting to guesstimate the diameter of the sun in a nearimpossible Kahoot — a meeting I never would have attended had I left for lunch.

I could oversimplify this entire experience and say that lacking a privilege card forced me to be more social, but that’s not entirely true. Rather, I think it’s one of many things from this year that have prompted me to become more open-minded.

Throughout high school, I’ve allowed the immediate group I was in to define my social circle, which creates a sort of artificial limit on who I could become friends with. Perhaps it’s my desperation of trying to live out a romanticized ending to high school, but I’d like to say I’ve changed as a person. Though initially dreadful, the experience being trapped in SPHS has allowed me to appreciate spontaneity.

So now, as I await the processing of my senior privilege card, I’m no longer filled with dread. As impossible as it sounds, I will await my first lunchtime Rice and Nori with newfound appreciation.

Passing the baton to the new musical leaders

SPHS

welcomes Tim Orindgreff, Walter Simonsen, and Jorge Padrón for the 2024–25 school year.

STORY TRISHA CHAKRABORTY

PHOTOS KAITLYN LEE

As the school year begins to unfold at SPHS, three new music directors are stepping into the spotlight: Tim Orindgreff and Walter Simonsen as the Band directors and Jorge Padrón as the Orchestra director.

After the music program spent 34 years under the sole guidance of Howard Crawford, the new directors are each taking on different aspects of the job for the school’s instrumental music program. The upcoming year will be unique for students, as they now have two Band teachers, with Simonsen as the Marching Band director and Orindgreff as the Concert Band director.

“For both of us, it’s a real honor to take over this program from Howard Crawford after 34 years,” Simonsen said. “He built this thing from absolutely nothing and left us the keys to it. It’s been really awesome. Just the community here is really unbelievable and really special.”

The directors bring a wealth of musical experience to SPHS. While earning his masters and doctorate degree at USC, Simonsen taught jazz studies and worked with the Trojan Marching Band. After graduating, he held adjunct teaching positions at both Colburn School and Citrus College. In addition to his current position as the

Marching Band director at SPHS, he is also the part-time Athletic Band director at Mt. San Antonio College.

When Orindgreff opened up a private instruction studio six years ago, he was inspired to pursue a teaching credential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five years, he has taught at SPMS and local elementary schools and is now continuing that role as he begins this year at SPHS.

Padrón has over 10 years of teaching experience, with teaching credentials in both music and math. After seven years of teaching in Florida, he moved to Los Angeles, where he spent time teaching various youth orchestras before arriving at SPHS.

Each director’s passion for music education is deeply rooted in personal experiences. Simonsen’s teaching philosophy extends far beyond playing the right notes. For him, music education is about guiding students as they become young adults.

“I feel like through music, not only do we get to teach art and music and all that comes with that, but we also get an opportunity to really teach individuals how to become adults and how to become solid contributing members of society, no matter what gets thrown at them at any point,” Simonsen said.

Orindgreff accredits his passion for teaching towards his own musical teachers. Padrón has always felt a strong connection towards education ever since he was in high school, but ultimately decided to teach music because of his love for the violin.

“I came back to education because I realized that the educators that taught me opened literally the entire world to me,” Orindgreff said.

All three directors have quickly formed positive impressions of SPHS.

“There’s not a single student that I haven’t run into here that I haven’t just been like, ‘Wow, this person’s amazing,’” Simonsen said. Orindgreff echoed his statement.

Padrón appreciates the versatility of SPHS students, enjoying the fact that despite being in multiple activities on campus, they still make time for Orchestra.

“I have students in both Band and Orchestra … or are in a group and then are also on the cheerleading team,” Padrón said. “It’s hard to get those things to coexist … but it seems like it’s encouraged [at SPHS], and I like that because that’s a very rewarding thing.”

Although having two Band directors is new for SPHS, Simonsen and Orindgreff both feel that their joint position is the best solution and an overall positive aspect to the program. “I think it helps that we get along,” Simonsen said.

Looking toward the future, all three directors are excited to collaborate with one another to reach the broader South Pasadena community.

“I think [what is] important moving forward is everybody gets more connected,” Orindgreff said.

He is especially looking forward to working across the department with Orchestra and Choir, in addition to connecting with the middle school’s music program.

“I think … a lot of enjoyment for students is their peers supporting them. And it’s really great if you … have a couple of friends that are in [Orchestra] or Band … go to one of their shows, [or just] support them,” Padrón said. “It’s always really nice … I think they’d really appreciate that.”

From war crimes to Hello Kitty: Japan’s big rebrand

STORY RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN

ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ

Japan spent the first half of the 20th century committing a series of crimes against humanity around the world. But if one were to ask someone what comes to mind when they think of Japan, they would probably say something along the lines of One Piece or Hello Kitty. That is not an accident. Instead, it is the result of a decades-long rebrand.

Most people know that during the second World War Japan was part of the Axis Powers, but what many do not know is the sheer scale of imperial Japan’s brutality. Some scholars argue that in its invasion and occupation of China, Korea, and other Asian countries, Japan inflicted destruction on the same scale as that of Europe.

Japan’s crimes are also infamous for their cruelty. In the Nanjing Massacre alone, Japanese soldiers killed as many as 300,000 Chinese people and raped up to 80,000. Japanese scientists also conducted biochemical tests on Chinese civilians and prisoners of war. On top of that, the Japanese government ran a massive forced prostitution scheme that victimized mainly Korean, Chinese, and Filipino women.

The Japanese government sought to shed its image as a brutal, fascist, warring nation in the aftermath of the war. Small efforts to rebrand began in the ‘70s and ‘80s when characters like Hello Kitty began to appear on items like coin purses and hair clips. These products quickly gained popularity in Japanese and Western markets.

With these products, Japan replaced dark, violent memories of itself with cute, positive characters. This character-focused strategy was meant to make Japan seem harmless as well as improve views of Japan around the world, especially in the countries it victimized in the war.

Efforts to revamp Japan began in earnest in the early 2000s with the so-called “cool Japan” strategy. The strategy, which was heavily influenced by previous efforts, focuses on associating Japan with Japanese intellectual property.

The strategy also gives Japan more sway in international affairs. Instead of gaining power through military might, which is not possible due to Japan’s post-war

demilitarization, Japan decided to cultivate soft power by exporting its culture to the world.

In a 2018 document entitled “Guidelines for Narrating Japanese Culture,” the Japanese government outlines what it considers to be key concepts in portraying Japan on the international stage. It focuses on the most positive aspects of Japan: eccentric streetwear, ancient crafts, anime, and even little trinkets. It also emphasizes shared history between Japan, China, and Korea.

All of this effort and planning has paid off. In both South Korea and China, Japanese media has seen massive success. In 2000, 33 percent of pirated Japanese media was consumed in China, and 17.6 percent of pirated media was consumed in South Korea. In 2016, the Japanese anime industry made $38 billion in China alone.

The increasing popularity of Japanese culture in China and South Korea mirrors public sentiment about Japan in those countries. In both countries, positive feelings towards Japan have seen a steady increase since the beginning of “cool Japan” in the early 2000s. The only large drop in popularity occurred in the beginning of 2020 when Japanese cultural exports slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These positive sentiments towards Japan are not just limited to Asia. Japan is also viewed very positively in

Western nations. In fact, Japan is probably viewed more positively by Westerners because Western countries were not as directly impacted by imperial Japan.

In a 2021 survey of 19 countries meant to assess global attitudes towards Japan, 78.5 percent of participants agreed with the statement that “Japan is cool.” The survey also found that 81 percent would like to have trade cooperation with Japan and 73.5 percent would like to “cooperate with Japan on security.”

The “cool Japan” strategy has been incredibly successful. In Asia, it has improved relations with other countries and has combated the precarity of those relations which is caused by Japan’s continued refusal to atone for its grievous crimes.

The strategy has pretty much erased Japan’s imperial history in the West. Instead, Westerners associate Japan with its cultural exports, and are broadly in support of military cooperation with Japan.

All of this is part of a wider pattern. Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister from 2006–07 and 2012–20, spent the first half of his career campaigning for the government to downplay the events of the Nanjing Massacre. Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo celebrates Japanese war criminals. “Cool Japan” is just the last piece of the puzzle in transforming Japan from a World War II villain to a beloved hub of culture.

The McCrary zoo: 50 years of animal magic

The McCrary’s incredible collection of animal sculptures has become a beloved landmark of South Pasadena.

STORY BENJAMIN REGAN

PHOTO HELENA EASTERBY

B

ob and Carol McCrary have lived in South Pasadena for 50 years. To South Pasadenans, their home is known as the “Zoo House,” the place on the corner with sculpted animal heads made from around the world and coming from a variety of habitats. All peeking above their fence, the sculptures are one part of a collection that houses an ever-growing home of more and more model creatures.

The McCrarys have 14 animals that are visible from their westside fence. The origin of the collection, the McCrarys’ beloved giraffe, looks out on South Pasadena with its long neck and pointed horns. The giraffe is joined by a monkey, rhino, bear, elephant, panda, horse, cow, pig, dinosaur, zebra, ostrich, and tiger, each given a name and accompanied by life stories that B. McCrary wrote.

“If someone asks us, ‘Where do you live?’ We say, ‘If you know South Pas, you know the Zoo House,’” B. McCrary said.

The tradition began in 2009 when the McCrarys took a trip to Kenya and were impressed by the giraffes there. They wanted to bring a piece of Africa back with them, and, particularly struck by the animals they saw, ordered a giraffe to display over their fence.

The McCrarys named the giraffe Kakuma after a small town in Kenya that they visited. Kakuma’s story is written by the McCrarys on a paper and pinned to the fence underneath her neck. It includes her background as a young giraffe from Kakuma that lived near a large refugee camp for children. The McCrarys say she grazes in the backyard and greets neighbors, encouraging South Pasadenans to “come back any time.”

“I write stories about each of them,” B. McCrary said. “I make up stories and also write historical ones.”

For their next addition, the McCrarys turned to South Pasadena history, identifying the ostrich as a symbol of the city’s past. South Pasadena was home to the Cawston Ostrich Farm, one of the first of its kind when it opened in 1896. The ostrich farm closed in 1935, and is now a historical landmark, further memorialized with an exhibit in the South Pasadena Public Library.

“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun if we could find an ostrich?’” B. McCrary said. “Ostriches have long necks, so I found someone who would make an ostrich … the person responded, and so I sent her a picture. Unbeknownst to me, the person was in the Netherlands, and about three weeks later, I got a text saying the ostrich was ready.”

Through this connection, the McCrarys received a unique package on their doorstop: the long, narrow neck of an ostrich with its detailed, big-beaked head. They named the custom creation Edwin the Ostrich. Edwin,

representing the great birds that used to pull carts in South Pasadena, became a new companion for the giraffe.

Paying homage to South Pasadena’s history with an ostrich, the McCrarys felt that their collection would be incomplete without the mascot of SPHS: the tiger.

“We’ve lived here 50 years; all my kids went to South Pasadena High School and all through the schools. I thought, ‘Let’s make a tiger!’” B. McCrary said.

The McCrarys brought the school’s symbol to their “zoo” yet again from the Netherlands. They also embraced a regular resident of the city, the vibrantly-colored and deafening parrots that fly throughout South Pasadena, with Polly the Parrot perched atop their fence. It is the smallest of their 14 animals, and is painted bright green with yellow claws and a red crown.

South Pasadena history and schools have strongly impacted which animals the McCrarys welcome to the “zoo,” though some models also reflect their family. The McCrarys added a trio of farm animals in honor of their

ranch in Northern California. The cow, pig, and horse have their own section of the McCrary fence, separate from the other animals.

The “Zoo House” is a staple of the city and is popular amongst South Pasadenans, especially students. The McCrarys love when people come to check out their collection. On one occasion, a pair of Marengo students saw the McCrary fence, sat down, and sketched out the animals for their fifth grade class.

“I think it’s a unification. The kids, they come down, and then they run and come on bicycles; it’s a unification for families and adults too,” B. McCrary said. “Many adults will come and say ‘I like your new [animal].’ It creates a friendliness in the neighborhood.”

The McCrary zoo has become more than a decoration; not only does the fence respect and represent South Pasadena history, but the charming animals also bring people together and are a recognizable landmark in South Pasadena. The McCrarys, loyal and long-term members of the city, have helped create a community through their collection.

Gen Z must revive trends, not subcultures

STORY ISABELLA JONASEN ILLUSTRATION LANAH KIM

From Nike Pros to the plaid pajama pants teenagers wear, trends are considered trends because of their accessibility. Wearing certain things and listening to certain types of music, whether trendy or not, results in one wanting to feel included. Being able to identify yourself with certain people and beliefs makes one feel a part of something that is much bigger than just the Sambas people wear. It is the culture and the understanding that these fads will be a moment in time that kids in the future will refer back to as nostalgia. Whether those conversations are filled with admiration or hatred, eventually it is understood that 20 years from now, these exact trends will be reciprocated or so much so elevated.

Articles of clothing will forever be on the wheel of the trend cycle, similar to velour tracksuits and corsets. The cycle moves quickly, and no one will ever be able to get ahead of the trends. Styles can be replicated as time goes on, but there will always be those people who will fight for their subculture, to revive and rebuild it. The biggest misconception is that nostalgia must only impact an older audience. But age has nothing to do with wanting to replicate a moment. The difference being some people actually miss it, and others who were not there, but wished to be.

The “Bring Back 2014” call, with the Rio De Janeiro filter over a photo of 2014 Ariana Grande, is a prime example. Old trends can be reworn, but subcultures are moments in time that cannot be brought back. One can idolize and glamorize the simmering allure of indie sleaze like The Dare, but it will never be authentic. It will always be reworked in a way that will be accepted by the new generation. Harrison Smith, also known as The Dare, has become the hottest DJ on the scene

after producing his first mainstream success — the song “Guess” off of the album “BRAT” by Charli XCX. Now, The Dare is becoming a prime example of a failed subculture movement.

The indie sleaze subculture trademarks fun times, less tech, and genuine human connection — something The Dare tried so hard to capture by conveniently being connected to the hottest artist of the summer, Charli XCX. By bouncing off of her success, The Dare was able to reach people in real life, and he created a community, becoming more than just music to these like-minded individuals. To them, he was reviving a dead subculture that they had gatekept in the depths of the internet threads.

This generation will never get to live in 2012, 2014, or 2016 ever again, and people need to stop pretending like they can. The issues of the past are not the issues of today. No one will ever be able to have a full grasp or understanding of a specific moment in time if they were not there.

The club culture of 2006, with bold flash photography and the aggressive side bang, are a time long past that people of the current generation cannot revisit. While The Dare can commercialize this to the masses, it cannot display its full authenticity.

New aesthetics and trends change quickly with the growth of social media and the obsession with being “niche.” Everyone wants to beat each other to the next hard-hitting trend, wholeheartedly removing any individuality that is left in the social side of social media.

The Dare did succeed in reviving a dead topic with a conversation of a culture that blurred the lines between trendy and trashy. Yet that does not mean we can all pretend to live in a different decade.

TAAGLAA: Boba around LA

TIGER’S AWESOME ADVENTURES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

Boba in Old Town was either a hit or a miss, but the overall experience was enjoyable.

STORY EVELYN DIAZ & RUBY FOUDY

PHOTOS HELENA EASTERBY

T he classic South Pasadena boba staples, TeaMorrow and Simplee Boba, are well-known among many SPHS students. As comforting as the tastes of home are, I could not help but wonder about the boba that lies outside of South Pasadena. Old Town Pasadena is a great area with popular stores like Sephora, Lululemon, and even an Apple store, as well as many different small businesses. Old Town Pasadena’s boba shops differ significantly from TeaMorrow and Simplee Boba. The atmosphere and taste of the boba provide two distinct experiences. Evelyn and I, along with Helena, were on a mission to find boba that was neither incredibly overpriced or extremely disappointing.

After a quick stop at Sephora, we visited the first spot, Sunright Tea Studio, on the main stretch of Old Town. As far as first impressions go, this boba shop was less than ideal. The color scheme was yellow and black, which, admittedly, is not a terrible combination. However, it was more of a killer wasp yellow — impossible-to-lookat-for-10-seconds-before-getting-a-headache kind of yellow. Aside from the strange color scheme, there was incredibly loud music blasting through the store, creating a migraine-inducing environment. Based on the interior of the shop, I assumed the boba would be less than ideal and overpriced, but to my surprise, it was neither. We ordered their signature iced milk tea with boba for $5.95. The drink had a simple and pleasant taste, but the amount of boba was a bit overwhelming. However, once I started drinking it, I found it hard to put down. I ended up finishing the entire drink, so besides the questionable interior design choices, it was a good experience. To be honest, I was the only one who actually liked this drink, so I would give the shop a 6/10, minus points for its lack of popularity among the rest of our group and the interior.

Though we did not have any exact boba shops planned out, there were so many around town that it only took

about two minutes to find another one. About one block down from Sunright Tea, we stumbled upon Prolece Tea. As we entered, we were greeted by a plethora of fall decorations, with copious amounts of fake pumpkins and leaves covering every imaginable surface. It seemed older than the previous shop, and had more of a well-lived-in, welcoming feel. Soft ‘80s hits played through the old radio, and despite the dust, it felt like a comfortable space, a refuge of sorts, especially compared to Sunright Tea.

Although the interior was better than Sunright Tea’s, the same could not be said for the boba. To be fair, we wanted to order something more fun than plain at this shop, though that turned out to be a mistake. We ordered an iced strawberry jasmine milk tea for only $5.22, which sounded and looked delicious but tasted awful. The boba pearls themselves were chewy and sweet, yet the overwhelming presence of sour strawberry jam and intense, lukewarm jasmine tea was too overpowering. The presentation was great, coming in a cute cup with a panda shaped lid, and the jam and strawberry milk were layered, but a cute appearance was all the drink had. If I am being honest, the drink was terrible, and only Helena liked it, giving it a 2/10.

Entering inside the Motto Tea Cafe was a different experience than the other boba shops. It felt fresh with an aesthetic look, as if straight out of Pinterest. Even though it was small, it had nice outdoor seating, which was helpful for taking cute pictures with boba. Located in Old Town at the corner of Green Street, Motto offers a variety of drinks, from Kyoto Uji matcha to Japanese genmai tea. We got the Matcha Mochi and White Peach Moonlight Oolong milk tea with regular sweetness, no

mousse, and brown sugar boba for $7. The drink tasted perfectly mixed, with not too much matcha and not too much sugar. It was heavier on the matcha than the peach flavor, but it was still sufficient. The texture of the drink felt thick because of the mochi, and the brown sugar boba felt nice and sweet. For once, everyone liked the drink, giving it a 9/10.

Setting foot in Miss Cheese Tea cafe was amazing. They had an Xbox installed inside their wall to play numerous games, along with a pool table, Uno cards, Guess Who, Chess, a public iPad, and a Street Fighter arcade machine. Playing all those activities was a great way to make the boba experience even more enjoyable. Located across from the Metro on Arroyo Parkway, they opened in 2019, offering cheese foam teas with boba, popcorn chicken, and Japanese fluffy souffle pancakes. We got the signature taro milk with boba and regular sweetness for $8.27. The taste of the drink was good, but not good enough to cost $8.27. The boba was stiff, making it unchewable, but the drink was nice and sweetened perfectly, dismissing the tough boba. The texture felt frosty and soft, and the boba felt tough and had no flavor. Everyone enjoyed the experience, but the texture of the boba was not the best, landing it at a 7/10.

Overall, Old Town had a lot of great boba shops. Of course, we could not get to all of them — we do not have that kind of money — but Sunright Tea Studio, Prolece Tea, Motto Tea Cafe, and Miss Cheese Tea were all good examples of what Old Town had to offer. However, the best one of all for our group was Motto Tea cafe, offering exquisite teas and food, making the experience memorable.

Dylan Auffret: scoring in soccer and studies

Senior Dylan Auffret, committed to University of Pennsylvania, plans to pursue a professional soccer career.

STORY ETHAN KWAK

PHOTO MADELINE MADRIGAL

Senior Dylan Auffret discovered goalkeeping at age 8, which then changed the trajectory of his life. Auffret was scouted by the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in 2019 and played for several years on their academy team until making his professional debut in August 2024 as part of LAFC’s second team.

To accommodate his rigorous training schedule, he is currently enrolled in online school for his senior year. He has also committed to the University of Pennsylvania, where he will pursue a degree in economics at the Wharton School of Business. Auffret moved from San Diego to South Pasadena in 2022 to pursue his soccer career with LAFC.

“San Diego doesn’t have an MLS team. MLS is basically the pro league for America, and so the opportunities just weren’t as good in San Diego as they were in LA. And LAFC, for my specific age group, is one of the top teams [in] the entire nation, arguably the top team,” Auffret said.

Auffret enjoys the competitiveness of soccer and the time spent with his teammates. However, playing on a professional team has its demands. Online school may be more accommodating to his schedule, but it has also socially distanced him from his peers. He estimates a visit to LAX every 10 days. Auffret has traveled to almost every major U.S. city and even as far as Belgium and Barcelona for some events.

“I like the team aspect of it. I could have got into a solo sport, but I kind of just wanted a social life with the boys… it’s fun traveling around with 20 of my best friends every

week,” Auffret said. “I feel like I’m a pretty competitive guy, so sports gives me that opportunity to showcase that and fight for titles.”

Auffret’s main objective is to secure a college degree while also continuing his professional career post-college.

He hopes to be drafted, but with a college education in economics, he otherwise aspires to end up on Wall Street if not everything goes according to plan.

“I think something hard is just balancing my schedule,” Auffret continued. “It’s just because this year, I’m taking six AP classes, but we’re also traveling a lot. So I just got back yesterday from a game in Portland, and so it’s kind of hard to stay on top of your studies when you’re at the airport, or you don’t have Wi-Fi, and you’re in the hotel trying to, stay on track.”

While Auffret aspires to continue his professional soccer career into adulthood, he is also focused on his academic future.

“I think right now UPenn is doing really well for soccer. They have a good program. And I talk to their coach a lot. I really like it. I want to go into an econ[omics] finance major. The Wharton School of Business is probably the best in the world right now for undergrad[uate] [students],” Auffret said. “Most of [my teammates] do not have any intention of going to college. I try to keep up with my studies. Most of [my teammates] are going to try to pursue the professional path straight from 18 years old.”

Striving towards perfection has carried Auffret through high school as he finishes senior year with a course load of six advanced placement classes while also goalkeeping for LAFC. Ultimately, Auffret aims to secure his best future as an economics major and an MLS player.

“...[I am] trying to just get into the best pro team that I can. If the soccer doesn’t pan out, [I can] hopefully end up on Wall Street somewhere for banking,” Auffret said.

Problems with Paralympic press and pigeonholing profiles

STORY MORGAN SUN ILLUSTRATION NATHAN FRIEZER

In 1948, a hospital was looking to rehabilitate its paraplegic patients made up of veterans of WWII. In 1960, the first Paralympics were held in Rome, six days after the closing of the Olympics. And 70 years later, the outdated disability classifications are largely still used to this day.

The range of disabilities has grown since 1960, but the impairment types in the Paralympics have not, with only 10 eligible impairment types in the International Paralympics Committee (IPC).

These classifications include impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, vision impairment, and intellectual impairment.

Though the list seems comprehensive, most of the diverse range of chronic illnesses and complex disabilities are oversimplified into their nearest arbitrary subset of amputations and spinal cord injuries. The IPC oversees the organization and classification of athletes and sports, though their execution of such a job

is questionable at best. Some sports in Para athletics, such as track and field, have combined athletes with different impairments into the same race.

There are fundamentally unfair competitions, with athletes missing a hand racing athletes missing a leg. Because both are considered a “limb deficiency,” they are classified under the same impairment.

People with intersecting disabilities tend to be grouped under one label, ignoring people’s multifaceted experience into one “degree of activity limitation.” An athlete with multiple limb deficiencies could be racing other athletes with just one, or a person with vision impairment and another physical disability may be racing other physically impaired athletes with full vision.

In an attempt to create a level playing field and “safeguard the integrity of fair competition,” the IPC retroactively adjusts and corrects athletes’ times based on their disability classification categories. However, this fails to take into account an athletes’ true abilities, creating a relative comparison that may or may not be fair. Instead of placing athletes into accurate comparable categories, the IPC uses objective measurements on the subjective impact of an athlete’s disability.

Instead, the IPC could consider expanding the range of classification types, or organizing heats and events based on the “severity” of the disability. There must be a greater eye for detail in the arrangement of the competition, otherwise the athletes are competing in a race against bureaucratic iniquity.

The IPC also creates hard and fast rules in the complex maze of disability accommodations. During the pandemic, competitors were only allowed to have “essential staff” with them, though the definition of essential staff was different for each disabled athlete.

Becca Meyers, a decorated Paralympic swimmer with Usher syndrome who is deaf and blind, was unable to attend the 2021 Paralympics because she was denied her request for a personal care aide to navigate the foreign setting. The IPC doubled down on their regulations, ignoring the fact that their commitment should be to equity. Flexibility is necessary to accommodate the wide range of disabled people that attend the Paralympics, because not all edge cases can be accounted for.

The high stakes nature of the Paralympics competition results in far more incentives to cheat. Though most athletes do not exploit the system, the unreliable constitution of classification leaves loopholes for some to exaggerate or fake their disabilities. In the most extreme case, the gold medal winners of the Basketball ID (intellectual disability) event in the 2000 Summer Paralympics were disqualified after the fact because 10 of the 12 players were not disabled at all.

But a vast majority of Para athletes do not speak up on the irregularities of the competition, for fear of being excluded and barred from future national competitions. At a Parliamentary hearing into claims that athletes were cheating the system, 11-time Paralympic champion Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson spoke out saying that British athletes were threatened with not being selected to silence them.

In the U.S., a Paralympic medal now generates the same payout as an Olympic medal, an increase of 400 percent since 2018. The threat of taking away the opportunity to compete on the national stage would ruin an athlete’s career, especially in one with as big of a payout as the Paralympics.

Through no fault of the athletes, the Paralympics are a contradictory combination of prized inclusion and shameful exclusion. For the Paralympics to live up to its name, they must afford equitable opportunities to their athletes, not a perverted imitation of it. The goal of the event is not to win — but the spirit of the competition necessitates a fair and equitable playing field for participants.

Change comes from mass outrage. The public has far more control than expected because organizations such as the IPC are reactive, not proactive. The lack of coverage on the Paralympics, let alone coverage of any whistleblowing substance, allows Paralympic athletes to fall into the background — even during an event that celebrates the forefronts of inspirational opportunity.

A lookahead at SPHS’s fall sports teams

STORY GAVIN BARTOLOME, TRISHA CHAKRABORTY, EVELYN DIAZ, CHRISTIANNE DULEY, RAFA ESTOLANO-SRIDHARAN, RUBY FOUDY, & OWEN HOU

Football

Football has had a steady record this season, going 3-2 against its neighboring districts. So far, the Tigers have been advancing and improving throughout their games. One key player has been Senior running back David Ortega, as he has led in both rushing yards and tackles.

The team has been putting up solid defense and stning passes, which have been key to their victories. Throughout wins and losses, the entire team has remained positive and inquisitive as their holes are patched with each mistake being a point to improve In the following weeks, they are lined up to play Pasadena Polytechnic, San Marino, Monrovia, Temple City, and La Cañada.

Girls’ volleyball

After losing many talented seniors, girls’ volleyball is working on improvement this season. As many new, younger players have joined the team, the primary focus of the season is to grow individual players and the team overall. After a 3-0 loss to Harvard-Westlake in the first game, the preseason was off to a shaky start.

So far, South Pasadena has only won 21 percent of their games, a dramatic shift from last season’s 74 percent. The games that girls’ volleyball has won can be attributed to key players junior opposite hitter Senya Dorny and senior outside hitter Ava Conti. Dorny has executed a total of 73 kills and 30 blocks this preseason, ranking 13th in the California 1/2 division for number of blocks. Conti has made 119 digs and 45 kills, ranking 15th in the California 1/2 division for number of digs.

The league season, however, is off to a solid start with a 3-0 win against Monrovia as well as a sweep against Blair. This places South Pasadena third out of six teams behind only La Cañada and San Marino.

UPCOMING GAMES

Boys’ water polo

Boys’ water polo entered the season with an uncertain start but is beginning to recover. Following multiple losses at the beginning of the season, the team has been working hard to improve.

Since their 18-9 loss to Arcadia in September, the Tigers have won six consecutive games, which shows that their efforts have not been in vain. In contrast with last year’s junior-packed roster, the team is mostly composed of seniors. Most of them are returners. The team has also brought on a new head coach, Jennifer Jamison.

Currently, the Tigers are first in the Rio Hondo League and are ranked 196th in California. They have won nine of their 14 games. After making it to the second round of playoffs last year, the Tigers are in position for an even longer CIF run this year.

Girls’ tennis

Girls tennis is on top of their game, flaunting a 4-0 overall record. As the season continues, they have been leading their games mostly up 18-0. In their first two games, tennis swept their opponents La Salle and Mark Keppel 18-0. Against Arcadia and Westridge, they won 12-6 and 16-2, respectively.

This year’s senior captains are Gwendolyn Culbert and Claire Chen. Tennis also has a new coach, Alex Muresan, who has been leading the team through their strong season.

“I think Arcadia and Westridge were pretty strong teams, but we were able to win,” junior Emi Fong said. “If we keep it up, we should be good for the season…I like the new coach and their coaching style; I think it blends well with the team. I think this will lead us to a really successful girls’ tennis season.”

Cross country

South Pasadena’s cross country team is poised for a remarkable season, following their strong kickoff meet on Sept. 11 at the Pacific-Rio Hondo League Challenge.

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams secured second place, with standout performances from senior Abigail Errington and sophomore Michael Scarince, who each placed first in their respective races. Errington broke the three-mile course record with a time of 16:46 and Scarince clocked in at an impressive 15:29.

The boys’ team finished with the best team time in at least 15 years at the Lacy Park course, and the girls’ team boasted an impressive number of personal records.

“This will be a historic season for the varsity girls’ cross country team,” Head Coach Mike Parkinson wrote. “This group of seniors have made it to the State Championships all three past years … I believe they can win State … ”

The Tigers are looking forward to the 45th Annual Asics Clovis Invitational on Friday, Oct. 11 in Woodward Park.

Girls’ golf

South Pasadena’s girls’ golf team is currently on track to have a successful season. The team started off strong by earning a non-league win against Westridge on Sept. 11 in Pasadena. This was their first meet of the season.

Girls’ golf has gained more wins than losses in the last four seasons. Last season, the team placed first in the league standings. These achievements suggest the team will continue their win streak and perform well this season.

Senior team captain Lana Yamagata continues girls’ golf for her fourth consecutive year and her first year as team captain. Yamagata has secured the team multiple wins in past seasons. The team’s next meet will take place on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. against La Cañada.

TUESDAY, OCT. 1ST @ 4 PM, GIRLS’ TENNIS VS. MONROVIA AWAY

TUESDAY, OCT. 1ST @ 4 PM, BOYS’ WATER POLO VS. SAN MARINO AT HOME

TUESDAY, OCT. 1ST @ 5:30 PM, GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL VS. MONROVIA AT HOME

THURSDAY, OCT. 3RD @ 1 PM, GIRLS’ GOLF VS. LA CAÑADA AWAY

The Tiger photographers’ first fall sports flicks

PHOTOS ZOE CHEN, EMIKO ESSMILLER, KAITLYN LEE, MADELINE MADRIGAL AND MADISON KIM & MIKE PARKINSON (CONTRIBUTORS)

South Pasadena steamrolls Alhambra on the road

RUNNING BACK DAVID ORTEGA rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown as the Tigers cruised past the Moors in their final non-league game of the season.

STORY BENJAMIN REGAN

PHOTO EMIKO ESSMILLER

The South Pasadena Tigers overwhelmed the Alhambra Moors on Friday, Sept. 20, winning 35-12. Led by a duo of running backs, the Tigers wore down the Moors and the defense was suffocating as South Pas improved to 3-2. The away bleachers were full of black and orange for Friday’s game, and were rewarded with a dominant performance.

On their first drive, the Tigers fed the ball to junior running back Trey Freking and senior running back David Ortega, powering past the Moors.

Freking and Ortega’s alternating runs set up play action, and sophomore quarterback Andrew Nott connected with senior tight end James Dowd. Freking continued breaking tackles and barrelled into the endzone, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

South Pasadena’s secondary played tight coverage on Alhambra’s receivers, and the Moors went three-andout on their first drive.

The Tigers moved the ball at will both on the ground and through the air. Nott, composed under pressure, found Dowd again. Ortega then knifed through the defense to put the Tigers in the red zone and Freking finished the job, scoring his second touchdown of the game and extending the lead to 14-0.

Senior cornerback Jack Miller came up with a key tackle when Alhambra got the ball back, and Dowd, who made an impact on both sides of the ball, sacked the Moor quarterback. South Pasadena continued their fast start by forcing a punt.

The Tigers’ offense kept rolling. Head Coach Jeff Chi relied on his backfield, with Freking and Ortega combining for 230 total rushing yards. On this drive, Ortega got into the end zone, adding to the Tigers’ lead. South Pasadena started the game with three straight touchdowns.

Up 21-0 in the second quarter, the Tigers took over on defense. Alhambra could not get anything going offensively and punted the ball away.

Sophomore receiver Lorcan Swift caught a pass on the Tigers’ next possession, but a sack of senior quarterback Zachary Lee stalled the drive. South Pasadena punted for the first time.

The Tigers’ offense had been flying around the field, but this time it was the defense’s turn. Senior linebacker Jordan Rodgers timed it perfectly, jumping the route, intercepting the pass, and returning it for a pick-six. South Pas led 28-0.

Alhambra got the ball back and got on the board. The Moors returned a punt to the Tigers’ 12-yard line, and it would have been a touchdown if not for a timely tackle by senior cornerback John Bruce. A few plays later, Alhambra’s quarterback took it himself for a score. After the missed extra point, the teams headed to halftime with South Pas leading 28-6.

The third quarter was quiet. Defensively, Dowd picked up his second sack of the game. On offense, the Tigers kept running the ball, but ultimately turned it over on downs. Alhambra did the same, giving the scoreboard operator a break.

In the fourth quarter, Ortega marched into Alhambra territory, refusing to be brought down. This time it was sophomore running back Rick Matsuda who scored a rushing touchdown, the Tigers’ fourth of the game. He gave South Pasadena a 35-6 lead.

On their next drive, the Moors scored for only the second time, again missing the extra point. The touchdown brought the score to 35-12, which would hold. South Pasadena went into victory formation and kneeled out the win.

After a bye next week, South Pasadena will begin league play, taking on the Polytechnic Panthers at home on Friday, Oct. 4 in their Color Day game.

Regan’s Row

BENJAMIN REGAN

Red, White & Blue

The South Pasadena student section only gets five home football games a year to show its school spirit, and so far in the 2024 season, we have delivered. ASB chose a tropical theme for the first Friday night lights of the year at Ray Solari Stadium, and the bleachers had a beach feel.

Alongside this energy, the Tigers put up a strong performance and gave us much to cheer about. While the same cannot be said for Friday the 13th’s contest, camouflage night was a success that brought black and green to the bleachers.

The best theme so far though, without a doubt, was USA night on Friday, Sept. 6, although it looked more like the Fourth of July. There was red, white, and blue face paint, American flags flying throughout the stands, and after every touchdown, seemingly every tackle, we chanted “U-S-A.” I wore USA shorts, face paint, and leis, one of many in a sea of stars and stripes. Only fireworks and maybe a bald eagle flyover could’ve made our night more American.

Our impressive showing on USA night was very patriotic as we proudly celebrated one of our country’s most ardent traditions: football.

But the American flag has developed some baggage over the years. For many, it has taken on the idea of unwavering loyalty to the country, no matter what, and the Republican party has claimed it as their symbol. It has become associated with the right wing and former President Trump, and attached to trucks and flown on porches, it could be taken as a sign of whom you’re voting for. The Republican party has worked hard to make everyone’s symbol, their symbol. Polls show it’s worked, as 83 percent of Republicans compared to 49 percent of Democrats view the American flag “very positively.”

No party should be able to claim the American flag, the unifying symbol of our country, and claim it as their own. It’s not a Republican idea to love the United States and bear our flag, it’s an American idea.

I think the left wants to hold our country in check and not blindly believe in it. Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the National Anthem was a sign of protest against police violence towards Black Americans, not a hatred for his country, but it cost Kaepernick his job. Sometimes, people lose faith in our nation.

For example, many Democrats felt like America had gone against them when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t proud to be American and fly our storied flag. It is possible to love America and simultaneously disagree with its decisions or stand up against its actions.

USA night at the football game two Fridays ago pushed back against the flag as a symbol of blind loyalty. Our stands of students, likely politically diverse but definitely leaning left, passionately chanted “U-S-A.”

There was some uncertainty about the USA theme when ASB announced it; I heard hesitations that we would be supporting Trump by wearing the patented red, white, and blue.

But I think one point of the theme, beyond its accessibility for everyone to participate, was working against the notion that the American flag is only for the right. It is a symbol for all: Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and high school students from freshmen to seniors, and our patriotic student section strongly showed that on USA night.