The Arrow December 2022

Brittney Griner returns to United States

by shane douglas sports section editor

WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in a Russian airport for attempting to carry her medically–approved cannabis oil in Russia, a country that restricts the narcotic, on Feb. 17, days before Russia officially declared war against Ukraine. She was then transported to a Russian penal colony to serve a nine–year sentence as punishment for her crime.

Griner stated her motive for entering Russia was mainly economical, as she wanted to play professional basketball in the country for financial gain during the WNBA off–season.

“I just think it’s cruel,” said varsity girls basketball player Alyssa Jackson ‘23. “It’s inhumane, not just because she is an American citizen [and] should get benefits, but … because she is there to play basketball … She did have an illegal substance on her, but I think the treatment should be different.”

The average salary for a WNBA player is just over $120,000, while the average NBA salary is $5.4 million, according to National Public Radio. Considering this, Griner and other WNBA athletes often participate in basketball tournaments in foreign countries to compensate and accomodate for lower salaries, which Griner wanted to accomplish by traveling to Russia.

“I think she was there for a reason — an economic gain,” said Jackson. “Just because of how badly women are paid in this industry, … [her punishment is] unfair because she [was] there to gain a better economic incentive … In the past they have never had a problem with this in other foreign countries.”

Griner was originally held in a Russian detention facility; however, when a court validated her nine–year sentence, she was

PHOTO COURTESY OF LORIE SHAWLL CC BY–SA 2.0

PRISONER SWAP: WNBA player Brittney Griner (right) arrived in the United States on Dec. 8 after Russia and the United States completed a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, the convicted Russian arms dealer. The trade ended the 10–month captivity for Griner when Biden finalized his negotiations for her release.

transported to Female Penal Colony IK–2, located in Yavas, according to cbssports.com

As described by the New York Post, penal colonies throughout Russia have, for the most part, remained old–fashioned in their operations. Many have very limited access to medical professionals, unbearable food, abusive guards and long and strenuous working hours composed of manual labor upon inmates. Current work camps share shockingly similar inhumane characteristics to Joseph Stalin’s gulags that existed more than 60 years ago.

“I think people should be punished, whether it’s jail time [or] a bail posted, but I think what she’s [been] sent to do, having to work at a colony, is unjust,” said JV boys

basketball player Elias Jamal ‘24.

For a few months, it seemed Biden’s negotiations to aquire Griner were to no avail. However, Griner’s terror has subsided as the United States conducted a prisoner exchange with Russia on Dec 8. Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was traded to Russia in exchange for Griner. Bout is a Soviet military officer who pleaded innocent back in 2008 for “aspiring to kill Americans,” according to USA Today

“Even if she has to serve more [from] the prisoner exchange, she could serve time in jail [in the United States rather than in Russia],” said Jamal. “We’re not excusing her crime, [but] we are just saying it should be under U.S. soil or under reasonable circumstances.”

Elon Musk gains ownership of Twitter

by sydney elias news editor

Elon Musk bought full ownership of Twitter, one of the world’s largest social media apps, for $44 billion on Oct. 27, 2022.

Musk’s Twitter takeover has accumulated various opinions, with some praising Musk for stepping in and others fearing the negative consequences this situation may yield.

Musk plans to boost revenue, loosen content moderation and adjust Twitter’s algorithm to make the platform more entertaining. Many support his efforts to increase free speech and innovate the app with additions such as an “edit button,” so users can adjust past tweets. Some even believe that Musk’s big name will help generate more popularity with the platform.

“I think there were a lot of things wrong with [Musk taking over Twitter] initially, but if the board changes and if a greater diversity of people are hired to get new thinkers on the board, we will see more positive changes and feedback from the overall Twitter community,” said Anastasia Falls ‘24.

However, many others fear what Musk will do with the platform as he now has essentially absolute power over the app. Musk quickly fired several top executives and cut nearly 75% of Twitter’s 7,500–person workforce. In addition, remaining employees have

reportedly been urged to work 12–hour days and weekends to make the service changes Musk has demanded.

“It was far too drastic,” said Sam Hronek ‘23 in regards to Musk’s layoff spree and treatment of remaining employees. “But it does make sense in the business sphere because that’s just what you do when you take over a dying business.”

When Musk first attempted to buy Twitter, he claimed he wanted the company to do a better job of promoting free speech. However, employees and social media researchers have expressed concern over Musk’s attempts to loosen policies. This could undo Twitter’s safeguards, leading to the platform becoming

Changes to Twitter under Elon Musk

On Oct. 27, 2022, Elon Musk closed his $44 billion deal to purchase Twitter

144 64 16

The new verification system includes Twitter Blue, an $8 monthly subscription for a blue checkmark and fewer ads.

For public figures, such as celebrities, there will be a secondary tag to avoid impersonation attempts.

overrun with hate speech, trolling and misinformation under the facade of free speech.

“Weaker [content] moderation policies would ironically hurt free speech,” according to computer science researcher Filippo Menczer in an article with Flaglerlive. “The voices of real users would be drowned out by malicious users who manipulate Twitter through inauthentic accounts, bots and echo chambers.”

Musk has also implemented another new feature — Twitter users can now pay $8 a month to have a verified account on the platform. This means that anyone who subscribes to this monthly due will receive a small, blue checkmark by their name, signifying a verification. Once reserved for celebrities, professional athletes, politicians and more, this verification is now available to anyone willing to pay for it.

Briefs

PHOTO COURTESY OF CANVA

“Many people will argue that any fake account or scammer can get the blue checkmark as it’s too easy to get verified now,” said Falls. “But what people fail to realize is that you have to give out your credit card information, ... and that credit card is going to have your full name and your other information on it, so if you are not the person you claim you are, it is pretty easy [for the app] to check that.”

Once Musk became the sole owner of Twitter , existing shareholders received a payout of $54.2 per share. After that, they no longer have any say in the day–to–day affairs or general direction of the platform.

To read the full story, visit westlakearrow.net.

The United Nations Human Rights Council implemented a fact–finding mission, investigating the “alleged human rights violation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” This mission was proposed following protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, according to a post by the UN Human Rights Council. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called for this investigation, stating that the security forces have used violence against protesters in around 150 cities and 140 universities in the Iranian provinces.

Iranian protests RussiA, Ukraine

Following the Russian military strikes hitting Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that all thermal and hydroelectric power stations have been damaged with varying decrees of damage occuring to 40% of high–voltage network facilities, according to cnn.com, as of Dec. 10.

Moreover, in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press briefing on Nov. 27, it was stated that the “Grain for Ukraine” initiative gathered around $150 million worth of grain from more than 20 countries in order to help export Ukrainian grain, one of the world’s major grain producers, to countries most affected by the food crisis, such as countries in Africa.

CVUSD ELECTION RESULTS

WINTER ART show

Compiled

by Allison Tieu

CVUSD School Board candidates Lisa Powell, Bill Gorback and Cindy Goldberg won their designated races in the Nov. 8 general election. In Area 2, Powell won 55.69% of the 11,280 votes cast, in Area 3, Gorback won 55.47% of the 7,797 votes cast and in Area 4, Goldberg won 56.62% of the 10,077 votes cast.

WHS’s Art Department is hosting its annual Winter Art Show on Dec. 15 during periods A–6, excluding lunch, in Room 32E. The show will display works created by WHS artists in printmaking, art media and life drawing classes. All classes are welcome to attend; teachers should contact Visual Arts teacher Julia Bush at jbush@conejousd.org if they wish to visit with their students and include which class periods they will attend.

Banned books movement spreads nationwide

by summer nichols & lanza peretti co–business manager & a&e editor

Across the nation, individuals have witnessed a long–lived debate among academic settings: banning books.

Banning books is not a new concept. In fact, the topic has been reintroduced time and time again, impacting a wide variety of institutions. In 2021 alone, 1,597 books were affected by censorship attempts, according to the Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Although these attempts to challenge pieces of literature stem from an abundance of places, the majority is initiated through parents.

“I think parents are concerned about what their children are reading, and ... if they are old enough ... to comprehend and process some of those concepts,” said Nicole Weinberg, English 9H and 12CP teacher. “We’re in a world where there’s a lot going on, and there’s a lot of diversity in the world as well as more and more diversity coming to the classrooms with new literature options. That also [comes with] some heavier material.”

The process of removing or restricting books in curricula often takes place in school libraries, public libraries or other academic institutions. In many cases, the restrictions tend to be on books with protagonists of color or in the LGBTQ+ community, according to data from pen.org

“It’s very specific to [each] district, so it depends on the district [and] where its own personal beliefs lie along with policies that have probably come out of those beliefs,” said Weinberg. “If you have a district that’s particularly conservative, it will be … the loudest when it comes to board meetings and making a motion to ban a book.”

Approving literature for CVUSD has its own process. When the CVUSD English department wants to add a new book to the curriculum, it goes to the leadership team at the

school site which is composed of department chairs and administration. If it’s successful there, it goes to English Articulation which houses all of the English chairs.

After being processed by English Articulation, the book is reviewed by the Shared Curriculum Assessment Committee which comprises all different departments throughout the district together alongside the district office. Following this, there is a viewing period where parents can assess how they feel about the new book. The CVUSD School Board votes on its approval, and only then can it be introduced to the list and taught.

“There are new books being brought in this year,” said English Department Chair Joe Nigro. “There are three or four that I know of in that process [and] definitely new books being added periodically.”

With each new book introduced to the curriculum, CVUSD has a priority of modeling inclusivity and diversity with its literature and author choices.

“In particular, we are interested in diversifying our curriculum with more people of color and [having] authors on the list who are people of color, so that we have some underrepresented voices in the curriculum,” said Nigro.

However, books featured in CVUSD’s curriculum have been challenged in other U.S. schools. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which is read in English 9CP and 9H, has shifted from a piece of required literature in some districts to being removed, according to marshall.edu

“It’s definitely controversial,” said Zoe Curtis ‘25. “Dealing with topics of Mayella Ewell and the sexual and physical abuse that she faces ... is something no parent wants their kid to experience ever, so I think that could cause a little bit of hesitancy. In my opinion, I think it’s important to expose kids to this especially when you’re at the age of 14.”

Along with To Kill a Mockingbird, the book

Bless Me, Ultima, newly introduced to CVUSD’s curriculum, has faced backlash as well.

“Those advocating for restricting the book charge that it demeans organized religion, advocates occult beliefs, contains offensive language, depicts violence and is sexually explicit,” according to Dylan McDonald in “The banning of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima.” “To the horror of many, including the author, conservative lawmakers drafted legislation that deemed the work [has] the potential to teach students to “resent or hate other races or classes of people.”

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is another work of literature taught in CVUSD that introduces a newly explored viewpoint, but it has since been challenged by academic institutions.

“We read Just Mercy, and [it] is from the perspective of a Black lawyer in Alabama,” said Brooke Beck ‘24. “You’re never going to get that perspective from anywhere else except from watching a video or reading a book.”

Though core literature may contain controversial themes, educators have developed strategies to relay more emotional or sensitive content without excluding books entirely from curricula.

“At the high school level, you guys know more, have seen more and have access to more things on the Internet that are far worse than literature,” said Weinberg. “A teacher who’s really responsible and passionate ... is a helpful participant for a student to process [content] in a way that’s appropriate and healthy.”

Club Corner: Craft and Crochet Coalition

by james miller co–business manager

Craft and Crochet Coalition, a new club founded at the beginning of the 2022–23 school year, meets every Tuesday during lunch in room 63C. Students learn how to crochet while having fun and supporting the community.

“It’s pretty chill,” said co–founder and president Riley Bateman ‘23. “We have a bunch of yarn that people donated, and we pull out our crochet hooks.”

In addition to socializing with others,

club members can help the community by donating crocheted products to the homeless and the elderly.

“We crochet Christmas gifts or make cards, and they get donated to the elderly community,” said co–founder and vice president Mia Willis ‘23. “We also crochet beanies and blankets for the winter time to donate [to the homeless].”

Furthermore, for some, crocheting can act as a recreational activity to relieve stress from school.

“I’ve always liked crocheting, and it was kind

Club Corner: LEAP Outreach

by summer nichols co–business manager

WHS’s LEAP Outreach club is a group that works to provide an extension of educational opportunities for LEAP students, specifically those who are interested in the STEM field.

The club meets every Wednesday at lunch in room 42B, and all students are welcome to participate.

“LEAP at WHS is wonderful,” said president and co–founder Min Park ‘24. “We

have [a] wonderful staff, but I always felt like the LEAP students were not receiving the same equitable education as we do.”

To compensate for the lack of STEM programs, LEAP Outreach meetings involve thorough planning for numerous science experiments. Another important aspect of meetings is discussing how to adhere to specific safety measures.

“[LEAP] doesn’t have a variety of different scientific labs, so what we mainly do is try to provide labs,” said Park. “We just did an

elephant toothpaste experimentation, and it went really well. We are doing a crystallization reaction next.”

From brainstorming new experiments to facilitating various labs, LEAP Outreach aspires to create a comfortable, educational environment where LEAP students can explore the wonders of science and foster a passion for the STEM field.

“Our main goal is to provide some equitable education and spark some scientific interest ... in the STEM fields,” said Park.

of a coping mechanism for me,” said Bateman. “It was a break from studying, and I thought it could be cool to share with other people.”

Craft and Crochet Coalition seeks to create a relaxing environment and a close–knit group of people. All students are welcome to join.

“You should totally join because it’s just a community of other crochet nerds that you can hang out with, talk with, learn new stitches with and be creative with,” said Bateman. “[That’s why our slogan is] building a community, one stitch at a time.”

PHOTO BY JAMESMILLER

PHOTO COURTESY OF CC LICENSE

CROCHETING FOR A CAUSE: From left to right, Caroline Jung ‘23, Sophie Atkins ‘23 and Josh Buice ‘23 crochet beanies for Harbor House.

PHOTO

BOOKS CONTINUE TO BE CHALLENGED: The American Civil Liberties Union Freedom Concert both emphasizes and defends the freedom to express one’s opinion, in every form, whether it’s written words, a song, poetry or art.

OUTREACH DAY : James Lewis ‘23 creates a colored paper turkey for Thanksgiving.

The Arrow’s must–see winter break destinations

Rediscover the beauty of California in winter with these scenic holiday sites. Featuring natural landscapes and hidden gems, these locations are the perfect winter break getaway destinations.

Inyo National Forest Lake Tahoe Ojai

With skyscraping trees, a glistening lakeview and plenty of snow, Lake Tahoe is a must–visit during winter.

For most ski enthusiasts, Tahoe is a beginner to intermediate mountain that provides a fun and unique experience due to its beautiful lakeview vistas and opportunities for fun even when the mountain is closed.

For those who do not ski, Tahoe’s beaches offer freezing water to refresh anyone accustomed to Southern California’s intense desert–like weather. Fanette Island, located in the middle of the lake, is also worth a kayaking visit as it provides a unique look at Tahoe’s history.

Tahoe is not exclusive to skiing as it houses lift access and mountain entry for snowboarders as well. It provides an alternative to Mammoth with less people and nicer views.

Tahoe is an ideal travel destination for skiers, snowboarders or anybody who appreciates the cold and brisk climate of a mountain lake. All the scenery is entrancing, and each visit is just another way to diversify the winter season.

Nestled between the Sierra Nevadas and the White Mountains, Inyo National Park is a secluded environment full of naturally–formed water features that calm anybody who visits.

The Palisade Glacier trail provides a long and arduous hike and rewards hikers with a view of the lake. Anybody wishing to camp within 100 feet of the glacier lakes will have to get a Wilderness Permit online.

Obtaining a permit can be a lengthy process, so it is advised to camp in one of the designated campgrounds within the park or just outside of it.

Visitors will be greeted with a secluded camping experience. The natural lakes formed in the mountains nearby are perfect for an icy, polar bear challenge plunge and hiking with awe–inspiring views.

The Inyo Mountains provide an excellent opportunity to camp away from the reality of the world and calmly escape to some illustrative vistas. Be sure to check the weather report and come prepared for cold weather and possibly even some snow.

Ojai is like a second home for many Los Angeles locals and provides a warm holiday atmosphere for anybody wanting to escape the frigid winter weather. Ojai prides itself on adobe architecture and an intimate environment.

It is a very relaxed and welcoming area for anybody planning a weekend visit. The appeal of Ojai resides in the natural landscapes that surround the adobe and stucco across the town’s terrain which offer pleasant greenery.

The enticing arroyos of Ojai offer a chic shopping experience as well; most can find epic cowboy fashion or Mexican country–style clothes.

Visitors can enjoy activities like horseback riding, hiking and golfing, providing fun for people of all ages.

A trip to Ojai constitutes a slow paced and relaxing experience that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ojai is just a one–hour car ride from Thousand Oaks and is the perfect destination for its warm, homey environment and local flair.

PHOTO BY LUCAS VAN PARYS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE VAN PARYS

Compiled by Lucas Van Parys

The Nutcracker returns for annual show

by sania gali feature editor

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza will be hosting its 27th annual ballet performance of The Nutcracker by the Pacific Ballet Company. The ballet will be performed on Dec. 17–18 with tickets ranging from $37–59.

The cast is comprised of dancers aged six–18 with high school students having the opportunity to play lead roles. This year, the lead Clara is being played by Emily Joseph ‘25.

“It [can] be a lot [as there are] lots of rehearsals, [but] it made me feel special [getting Clara],” said Joseph.

For many of the dancers, the grueling rehearsals can be overwhelming with up to six days of practice a week. The demands of ballet can sometimes interfere with school, work and other after school activities.

“It’s really hard [to balance], and I don’t even think I have the hang of it yet,” said Lilly Thompson ‘24, who plays Senora Valor in the ballet. “I have to make sure not to procrastinate as much as possible [because] I really want to do well in school ... and represent myself in [the best way] possible.”

The dancers have formed a tight–knit community as the older dancers, who are 17–18 years old, often help and mentor the younger dancers to perform to the best of their abilities.

“[The older dancers] are all so nice,” said Joseph. “Some of them have been [the role of Clara] too. They all help me with what I need, and it’s great getting to watch them because they’re an inspiration.”

The dancers also make sure to encourage each other through positive reinforcement and try to help each other out with their respective dances. This becomes crucial, especially

as the opening night draws nearer and the schedule becomes more demanding.

“We’re all such good friends because we all spend so much time together,” said Julia Gehle ‘24, who plays Marzipan in The Nutcracker . “We all just try to help each other, especially if we forgot some of the choreography, and it’s just a comfortable [atmosphere].”

Director of the production Kim Maselli has been supportive of the dancers and is responsible for putting the play together. The dancers often benefit from her leadership, especially in terms of performing.

“Everyone is super hard–working,” said Thompson. “We just want ... to do our best [in the ballet] ... and it’s a really positive atmosphere. “Our director Kim is the most creative person ever … [and] she just wants everyone to do their best, [so] she’s strict in the best way possible.”

For some, ballet has become a method of self–expression and a way to channel their creativity. The dancers also enjoy the lack of dialogue throughout the performance.

“I really like the whole process of putting the whole [ballet] together,” said Gehle. “I also like being on stage and not having to talk ... It’s really fun.”

–Lilly Thompson

Ballet also serves as a way for the dancers to channel their passions in an artistic manner. For the dancers, ballet provides a safe space to challenge themselves past their limits.

“There’s nowhere else I would rather be,” said Thompson. “It’s a way I can just dance, but it just makes me so happy when I’m doing it.”

Doing performance ballets such as The Nutcracker has also inspired some of the dancers to continue performing after graduating high school.

“If I got the opportunity to continue [with ballet], for sure I would definitely [do it], ‘’ said Gehle. “If I had the opportunity to join a company as an apprentice, I would take it.”

The pressure continues to mount as opening night approaches, and the dancers work hard to give their best performance and delight the audience.

“I just want the [audience] to enjoy it and to come out thinking that it was a good hour and a half or two hours that they spent,” said Thompson. “I want them to come back next year, and I just want the [audience] to have fun.”

Studio Jazz prepares for Chicago Midwest Clinic

by laura teegarden a&e editor

WHS Studio Jazz is one of three high school jazz bands in the United States to be invited to the Midwest Clinic. After months of tirelessly preparing, the band will attend the Chicago clinic from Dec. 19–22 to perform its 11–song set.

The Midwest Clinic is a convention comprising of instructors, performers and the invited schools. Students receive master classes on all types of music and learn about technique, articulation and other musical skills.

The WHS Studio Jazz band was chosen to attend based on a video audition that it submitted during the 2021–22 school year. The invitation came at the beginning of the 2022–23 school year.

“We also attend performances of other schools, military bands and certain colleges while we’re there,” said tenor saxophone player Rex Callaway ‘24. “We get to listen to the best of the best talk about why they’re good and what they’re good at.”

Besides other bands performing, professional musicians come to the convention to talk about their work. Attendees are able to learn about their musical journeys and different aspects of music theory.

“We’re given mini master classes by guest musicians on their take on how to play the music,” said lead trombone Luciano Soriano ‘24. “They’re some of the best in the world on their instruments.”

In addition to learning about various facets of music from different instructors and guest performers, the bands also perform their own pieces. Studio Jazz has practiced every day, rehearsing the 11 songs to perfection.

“Some songs have a higher difficulty, so for those, we have to really go into detail,” said Callaway. “It’s important that we define each note length and value, dynamics and other aspects of the song.”

Precision in each song’s execution is essential in order for the music to highlight the different instruments and blend seamlessly. The pieces also vary in genre and difficulty, so every class period spent working on them counts.

“We play a lot of jazz music, as well as some salsa music, Brazilian music and other Latin charts,” said Soriano. “There’s also some rock and hip–hop funk. It’s a very diverse set.”

With different instruments playing in each song, the band will usually split up during class and work on songs in sections.

On Fridays, members go over the whole set, focusing on one or two songs. This ensures that they have put in enough work on each song

individually and perfected the set as a whole.

“As a vocalist, I am performing in five of our songs,” said main vocalist Gabrielle Scanlan ‘23. “I perform mostly as a soloist but also sing in a few of the other songs that the band is performing.”

Some of the songs the jazz band will perform feature guest musicians that will play alongside the band at the clinic. The convention gives Studio Jazz members a unique opportunity to gain extensive and profound knowledge in many musical areas from an array of experienced performers.

“I most look forward to being in that environment [where we are] surrounded by thousands of performers, composers and directors,” said Callaway. “It’s really great to have this opportunity to expand on my knowledge and have a great time with my fellow musicians.”

Every member of the band plays an important role in each of the songs and has contributed to what the band has been able to accomplish. The members have all put in many hours of work, both in and out of school, to create the best performances possible and represent WHS.

“We’ve put in so much time and effort, and you can really feel the connection between everyone in the band,” said Scanlan. “I think it’s safe to call us artists rather than just

“

There’s nowhere else I would rather be. It’s a way I can just dance, but it just makes me so happy when I’m doing it.”

students anymore.”

“Y

ou can really feel the connection between everyone in the band.”

–Gabrielle Scanlan

THE NUTCRACKER COMES TO THOUSAND OAKS: The Nutcracker ballet will be presented by the Pacific Ballet Company at the Civic Arts Plaza from Dec. 17–18.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: WHS Studio Jazz practices in preparation for the Midwest Clinic. Class time is spent perfecting each song to put on the best performance possible.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT YEAGER

PHOTO BY LAURA TEEGARDEN

YES Opposing Opinions

by harrison weinberg graphics editor

The winter holidays have always been a time of happiness and fun. People often look forward to giving and receiving presents and spreading winter cheer.

However, in recent times, this vision of the holiday season has become less present. Plagued with consumerism and greed, the holidays have drifted closer to the superficial and further from the core values they once held. The over–glamorization of the holidays is what has inadvertently led to their downfall.

are willing to take on debt due to holiday shopping, according to capitalcounselor.com

People are willing to spend a lot during the holidays, and businesses know it. Companies take advantage of the holiday spirit in order to rack in sales, often by making their products holiday–themed even when some of them don’t fit that criteria.

Major brands tend to come out with exclusive holiday products and encourage people to buy them immediately since they’re only available a few months of the year. Some companies just put holiday–themed designs on packaging to make their products more festive and attract more customers.

Many joke about how the holidays seem to start earlier each year, but this is actually largely due to businesses starting holiday trends earlier in order to prolong the holiday spending season and make a greater profit.

The majority of corporations try their best to capitalize on the holidays, and it has become a tradition to do so. They heavily strain this idea with advertising campaigns, marketing and products to make it seem normal, and even encouraged, for consumers to spend a lot on frivolous holiday goods.

by makenna norman co–editor–in–chief

For many, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year — a shining light through the dark and bleak winter, or at the very least something to look forward to when begrudgingly doing hours of homework or spending weeks working on the AP Physics roller coaster project.

Granted, the holiday season can be very overwhelming. Before Halloween is over, stores are already fully stocked with Christmas items and decorations, and the over commercialization of Christmas is often frustrating.

Although the holidays can go a little overboard with dozens of new Hallmark movies, Christmas music blasting in every store and everything from Starbucks cups to the trees at the Westlake promenade becoming holiday–themed, the holiday “overkill” can bring great joy to many during an otherwise cold, dark and lonely time of the year.

With shorter days, gloomy weather and snow keeping people indoors in many parts of the country, many people develop seasonal affective disorder during winter months.

“Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts,” according to clevelandclinic.org. “This seasonal depression gets worse in the late fall or early winter before ending in the sunnier days of spring.”

It’s also common for people to get a mild version of seasonal affective disorder that is sometimes referred to as the “winter blues,” where people tend to feel down during the colder, darker months.

For many people with seasonal affective disorder, the holidays are something to look forward to and something people can focus their energy on. The brightness and happiness associated with the holidays is great for detaching from the bleakness of winter and improving people’s spirits.

“A lot of people in my peer group aren’t into Christmas [because] they find it stressful and obnoxious,” according to David Clover in “What Celebrating Christmas is Like When You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

“That’s cool, I get it, but I love Christmas and want to do it up right. I listen to Christmas music … I insist on having a real tree [and] I drink copious amounts of hot cocoa … All of those things help to distract me, which helps me to cope with the fact that it is seriously the darkest and worst time of the year and everything is terrible.”

Even people who don’t suffer from seasonal affective disorder can look forward to the holidays as a time to connect with friends and family and unwind with a hot chocolate and a cheesy Christmas movie. Hallmark, Netflix and other platforms bombard the public with new holiday movies every year, but it can be nice to sit back, get cozy and watch a nonsensical rom–com with painfully bad acting in order to escape the stress of work and school.

Another disputed aspect of the holiday season is family gatherings. Spending time with family can often feel like an obligation during the holidays, and everyone has their own family issues that can make gathering together stressful or overbearing. However, because many people spend the holiday season stuck inside, especially in places with snow, celebrations with family and friends can be an

One of the main constants of the holiday season is the often unspoken focus on spending money. Much of the holiday tradition revolves around the purchasing of gifts, decorations and all sorts of other holiday–themed items.

The average American is expected to spend $832 — nearly $1,000 — on holiday–related goods this year, according to investopedia.com, and nearly half of all Americans

“Marketing stimuli such as discounts, advertisements, and the visual layout of a store cause 62% of in–store purchases to be impulsive,” according to amhsnews.org

These clever ploys are especially used by businesses during the holiday season as yet another way to encourage this trend in holiday spending, such as with promoting holiday sales and decorating their stores.

The holidays should not be a time focused on capitalizing off consumers. Businesses have ingrained the idea of over–the–top holiday shopping in order to ingrain the idea that people have to spend a lot in order to have a proper holiday.

This trend has drained the true meaning of the holidays, and people have become more fixated on enjoying the season through purchases rather than enjoying each other’s company. The holidays are supposed to be about family, community and togetherness, but these values have slowly become lost in the murky waters of consumerism and frivolity.

escape from this loneliness and, in some cases, a little bit of family drama can add some spice to the monotony of winter life.

control?

Despite houses on every corner being fully and somewhat obnoxiously decked out in lights and inflatables and all stores displaying any and every holiday product, there are still some relaxing aspects of the holidays. Tastefully decorated homes, strings of warm, white lights across town and mellower Christmas albums by Johnny Mathis and Josh Groban bring peace and joy during a stressful season.

So although the holidays can sometimes be a little much, and some take it a little too seriously, they continue to be a light during dark times for many and simply a fun time of year.

So yes, the holidays have gone too far, not in the sense that the holidays themselves have been overdone but because the superficial values associated with them have become too instilled into the season. This detracts from the true meaning of the holiday spirit.

As the holiday season rolls around this year, make sure to focus on what truly matters. People should not have to pay to enjoy the winter season.

Spend time with loved ones and enjoy the holidays for what they truly should be.

Theholiday seasonisatimeoffunand festivity, markingtheendofothersanotherlongyear.Somebelievethefestivespiritisperfectthewayitis,but feelthe celebrationshavegonetoofar. Hasholidayspiritgottenoutof

WHS student athlete commits

Softball

“The school itself is gorgeous. I love the team and the coaches were very nice … The girls at the school were very friendly and so supportive. I’m looking forward to being on a team like that.”

“I love the coaching staff. They made me feel really good about the program and the whole department itself.”

“For athletics, it really comes down to the team and that kind of environment, and the area itself is beautiful.”

by kalia bell & sania gali a&e editor & feature editor

The California Interscholastic Federation voted on Sept. 29 to allow girls flag football to become an officially recognized high school sport for the 2023–24 school year and onward. With this recent approval, California becomes the eighth state in the United States to allow this sport to be officially recognized.

For many teen girls across the state, this approval was a step towards equality in sports. The decision served as a victory for young athletes especially as Title IX, the bill passed by Congress in 1972 which ensured gender equality in sports, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

“I always wanted to play [football], but I was never able to because … I am a girl,” said Kaitlin Knight ‘24. “It’s about finally recognizing that girls can do the same things guys can do.”

The sport has garnered more popularity in recent years with the NFL and Nike pairing up for a $5 million grant towards girls flag football in 2021.

The movement to make girls flag football a CIF recognized sport in California was spearheaded by two local NFL teams: the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I think it’s very nice and thoughtful that [they’re doing this], and that they want us kids to succeed and be happy,” said Tess Doucette ‘24.

As more than 70 schools across California are creating girls flag football teams, some athletes want WHS to offer it as a sport in the next school year.

“[It] would just bring another level of

by kalia bell

equality for girls,” said Calista Bani ‘25. “It would also bring more girls together.”

If WHS were to offer it as a sport, many feel that the girls team could become an important contribution to the high school athletic legacy.

“I think we have a lot of very athletic girls here [at WHS] which will help make the team very [good],” said Bani.

There are hopes that a girls flag football team could bring in the kind of turnout that the boys team does, as well as making the games a significant high school social event.

“I honestly feel if we publicize it enough and hype it enough as much as we do the normal football games [then] we can [get a turnout],”

said Knight. “I feel like it might get a lot of people out there just because it’s something that’s never been done before [at WHS].”

A concern that has arisen is the fact that most future girls flag football athletes have already committed to a fall sport.

Balancing both boys football and girls flag football is a potential difficulty in terms of getting field time, as the two sports are going to be held in the same season, but the introduction of girls football allows for both sports to have popularity.

“It evens out the playing field in terms of sports and the popularity of sports because football is just so popular, and maybe girls can have a popular sport [too],” said Delaney Bronk ‘26.

Girls flag football becomes official sport 2022 World Cup intensifies toward final

a&e editor

The 2022 World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Nov. 20, with the first match between Qatar and Ecuador. Qatar lost 2–0 and became the first hosting team in World Cup history to lose its opening match. This World Cup beginning promised a collection of intense games and matchups littered with upsets and shocking results.

Since 1930, the World Cup has brought nations together to compete in front of the largest crowds in sporting history every four years. This year, 32 countries of different backgrounds, languages and cultures combine to make the World Cup possible.

“I grew up watching [soccer],” said Ivan Seimandi ‘25. “It’s a big sport where my family’s from, Argentina … I’m rooting for Argentina because I believe it’s the best team there.”

Argentina, with forward Lionel Messi, is a favorite this year to win. After Messi announced that this would likely be his last World Cup, soccer fans across the world hope to see a positive ending for him and Argentina.

“I want to see Messi get [to the final],” said Sebastian Miranda ‘23. “I want Messi to win as well because I want him to be crowned best of all time.”

The matches can be intense as people root for their teams, but fans often overcome differences with their shared interest in the tournament as their passion brings together soccer fans worldwide.

“[The World Cup is] something that you can talk about, and [you can] compare people from [the team you support] with [other] international teams,” said Seimandi. “You

start talking about it and comparing your team with other teams around the world.”

A big reason why the World Cup has such a huge fanbase is due to its limited occurrence. The Men’s World Cup only occurs once every four years, and the Women’s World Cup follows one year later. Players from various leagues and teams come together to represent their nation.

“What makes it enjoyable is that the teams play so differently compared to when they’re at [their] clubs, so it’s a different atmosphere,” said David Gonzalez ‘24. “[Players] have to adapt to different teammates, and so many teams have so many players from different countries.”

The 2018 World Cup drew over three billion viewers of different backgrounds and lifestyles. A big draw of the matches come from

soccer players of all ages who want to learn from professionals.

“[When watching] other people [play soccer], you pick up on what they do, and it’s definitely helped me [with] my vision when I play,” said Alexis Sahagian ‘23.

On Dec. 18, the tournament will close with a final between Argentina and the winner of France vs. Morocco game on Dec. 14. With the World Cup trophy and national pride on the line, it’s sure to be a high–level match.

“You are usually on the edge of your seat, especially with [good teams like France and Argentina],” said Tahirih Vahdat ‘25. “They’re playing two different styles of soccer, and it’s cool to see them both put together on such a big world stage.”

Kaitlyn Bartlow ‘23

Nolan Johnson ‘24

Ariella Per ‘23

PHOTOSBYJOCELYN GLICK

NATIONS FACE OFF: Uruguay and Korea Republic battled at Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan on Nov. 24, ending in a 0–0 draw. Urugray and Korea Republic have both been eliminated from the tournament in the group stage and Round of 16, respectively.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEO MANJIN CC BY-SA

Cal Poly SLO

Miami University

University of San Diego

Compiled by Jocelyn Glick

TOUCHDOWN: Girls flag football is no longer just for fun or for charity events. The California Interscholastic Federation voted to approve the sport for high schools in the 2023–24 school year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO SHOOTER CC BY–ND

Baseball

Track & Field

Gym culture bulks up among teens

by alyssa joo a&e section editor

Since the COVID–19 pandemic, gyms have seen an increase in memberships, in part due to teen gym culture, which has been on the rise in social groups and media.

Many teens find themselves going to the gym on a regular basis with a common goal of bodybuilding.

“I go to the gym probably four times a week,” said track and field captain Marcus Nortey ‘23. “[90 minutes] gives me enough time to hit an entire muscle group and do a couple exercises for two muscle groups.”

Many agree that the most important factor of working out is consistency. One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this is to workout at set times and days.

“When I first started going, I planned my schedule around going to the gym because … if I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t go,” said Samantha Chen ‘23.

Despite the benefits of the gym, it can scare off newer members who may feel intimidated by the strength and endurance of those around them. Everyone’s gym journey is unique and can progress at different speeds in different ways.

“It was really intimidating at first, and I felt like I had to assimilate with gym culture,” said Chen. “But after a while, I realized I don’t need to do that, and I can just do what I’m comfortable with.”

Sometimes, the best way to find motivation for consistently going to the gym is by finding enjoyment in it.

“At first, it was definitely really scary,” said Chen. “But over time, I just forced myself to do the uncomfortable things, and I

really like it a lot now. If I’m ever stressed, I’ll go to the gym.”

Another way to stay consistent is going with friends and gym bros, people who frequently work out at the gym, as they are helpful assets to working out regularly.

“My gym bro [and I] motivate each other to go to the gym,” said Nortey. “If he’s going, I want to support him, and if I’m going, he wants to support me. It’s a partner thing, and I realize that we’re both in this together, so we should keep that going.”

At the end of the day, going to the gym is primarily for one’s own health, and it is a way to begin and maintain healthy habits.

On top of building muscle, working out can help build character and self esteem,

two common aspects that many teenagers struggle with.

“My confidence, I would say, is a big part [of why I go to the gym],” said Braden Eldridge ‘24. “I used to be shy and timid, but when I started going to the gym, I realized I don’t really care what people think, and I’m doing things more for myself now.”

Along with confidence, the gym can be a place for students to improve their views on self image, as it provides more perspective on what “healthy” looks like.

“I wanted to be skinny for a really long time, but then I started going to the gym and started really focusing more on my abilities,” said Chen. “I just don’t care about my weight anymore, and it’s made me a lot happier now.”

Local mountain biking soars in popularity

by junior rendon sports editor

The Newbury Park High School mountain biking team was founded in 2013 by a group of freshmen and has since risen to the top of the SoCal High School Mountain Bike League, as it is ranked third in the state. High schoolers and middle schoolers from CVUSD and the Las Virgenes Unified School District are able to join the composite team.

Mountain bikers ride bicycles off–road on rough terrain consisting of mountains, desert or rocks. There are specially–designed bikes that often include more shock absorption and larger tires than a standard road bike.

Members of the team practice and train at various trails in Newbury Park three–four days a week for 90 minutes. Members also practice on Saturdays for three hours.

“There’s always a route plan, so you go wherever the coaches [tell you],” said mountain biking team member Rae Rae Castagna ‘26. “[Then] there’s the weather. Some days there’s rain and some days there’s sun. You have to adjust.”

The mountain biking team has several coaches in order to accommodate the multitude of riders and differing skill levels. There are ten different divisions within the team with level one consisting of the most experienced riders and level 10 consisting of beginners.

“[Coaches for] the mountain bike program train you to be better,” said mountain biking team member Brooke Davis ‘25. “They

test your skills and then put you on a team with people of the same skill. You get better with the guidance of a coach, so you do your best when race season comes.”

Mountain bike races begin in February and end in May with one race per month on average. The team often has to commute to places like Lake Cachuma and Lake Perris because these locations offer longer trails and more variety in terrain.

“You can either camp the weekend there, bonding with your team [and] practicing riding the trail, or you can just go for race day and still have a good time,” said Davis.

Hundreds of people from different teams and grades join together for these weekend races. Each grade competes at a different time of

day, with middle schoolers racing on Friday and Saturday and high schoolers racing on Saturday and Sunday.

“There’s over 1,000 people at most of the races and a bunch of different teams from all over,” said Castagna. “[The races are] usually three hours away.”

The races consist of uphill and downhill portions as well as jumps, drops and singletracks, which are narrow trails that are about the same width as the bike and rider. Because of the course’s unexpected terrain, the rider must stay focused and on high alert.

“[I enjoy] the split–second decisions you have to make to not fall and go on the right path,” said Castagna.

With all mountain biking practices taking place in Newbury Park, some members wonder if WHS should create its own mountain biking team.

“I think adding a mountain biking team would be fun,” said Davis. “It just may be too much work as Newbury has all the facilities and [WHS] would have to start from the ground up.”

Mountain biking is a time–consuming sport with lots of training involved, but riders often benefit from the intensity. There is always room for these athletes to improve, but there are also ample opportunities for them to focus on success.

“I enjoy the competitive nature of it and seeing how good you can really be,” said mountain biker Clayton Collins ‘26. “[Everyone is] just trying to do the best [they] can.”

Winter statsportsbox

(as of Dec. 13)

asketball girlsB

Record: 6W–2L

Next game: Dec. 20 vs. Santa Barbara

Location: WHS

asketball boys B

Record: 6W–4L

Next game: Dec. 15 vs. Oak Park

Location: OPHS

S occer girls

Record: 4W–0L–1T

Next game: Dec. 14 vs. Oak Park

Location: OPHS

occer S boys

Record: 7W–0L–1T

Next game: Dec. 15 vs. Valley Academy Location: Warrior Stadium

Wrestling

Record: 2W-0L

Next match: Dec. 15 vs. Calabasas

Location: Warrior Gymnasium

girlsW

ater polo

Record: 7W–4L

Next game: Jan. 3 vs. Newbury Park

Location: NPHS

For the latest sports updates, stories and scores, visit the WHS athletics website at westlakeathletics.com.

LIFTING SPIRITS AND WEIGHTS: Adan Vargas ‘24 (right) spots Ethan Curtis ‘25 (left) as they train and condition together during sixth period in the weight room.

Compiled by Shane Douglas

PHOTO BY CARLOS SMITH CC BY-NC-SA

RACING TOWARD SUCCESS: Mountain biking becomes an increasingly prominent sport across the nation.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA JOO