El Paisano Newspaper Vol.72 Issue 4

Rising Costs, Rising Stress: How California’s High Living Expenses Are Shaping Student Life

By: Damian Zamora

California, long admired for its beaches, cultural diversity, and innovation, is also one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. For college students, this reality hits especially hard. From rent prices to grocery bills, the dream of pursuing higher education in the Golden State now comes with an increasingly heavy financial burden.

Across cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, housing costs have skyrocketed over the past decade. A 2026 report from the California Budget & Policy Center shows that the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment now exceeds $2,200. Even in smaller college towns, students often pay hundreds more than the national average. This leaves many juggling between choosing affordable housing dozens of miles from campus or squeezing into shared living spaces with multiple

roommates.

The financial pressure doesn’t stop at rent. The price of everyday essentials— including food, transportation, and health care—continue climbing. For students relying on part-time jobs, scholarships, or family support, making ends meet feels increasingly impossible. According to data from the State Student Aid Commission, nearly 70% of California college students report experiencing some level of food insecurity. Cheap takeout and instant noodles have become staples not by choice, but necessity. The impact runs deeper than budgets. High living costs often translate into high stress levels. Students working long hours to cover bills find themselves drained before even opening their textbooks. Studies show that financial strain contributes to increased anxiety and depression among college-aged adults—making academic success harder to achieve. It’s not uncommon for students to make difficult

trade-offs: skipping meals to pay rent or reducing credit hours to pick up more shifts.

Colleges across California are responding with a range of initiatives. Many campuses now operate food pantries or offer emergency grant programs for students in crisis.

The University of California system, for example, launched “Basic Needs Centers” to provide support for housing and nutrition challenges. Still, these programs are often limited in scope and funding, leaving many students feeling the gap between institutional support and real-world costs. Despite these challenges, students are showing resilience and creativity. Some are advocating for oncampus affordable housing expansions, while others are building networks for resource-sharing and mutual aid. Meanwhile, state leaders continue debating policies aimed at easing the burden— such as increasing financial aid packages and creating rent controls near college campuses. Yet the root problem remains systemic. If housing markets outpace wage growth, college’s affordability will remain elusive for many Californians. Education may open doors to opportunity, but skyrocketing living expenses keep those doors harder to reach.

For students striving to build a better future, the message is clear: financial hardship should never stand between a young mind and its potential. With continued advocacy and smarter policies, California can ensure that students learn, grow, and thrive—not just survive.

Forensics Speech and Debate Team at The PHI RHO PI National Championships

Top 5 Places to Visit in Japan

By: Jordan Lopez

Japan is an extremely popular tourist destination with many sights to see. It is important to plan a trip to Japan accordingly, as first-time visitors can be disoriented by the language barrier. The extremely fastmoving environment can catch many off guard and quickly become overwhelming for foreigners. Planning a trip to another country is a lengthy process that requires months of preparation. It is very important to spend this time studying etiquette and the layout of the country to travel with ease. The following are five popular tourist destinations that are worth visiting for anyone planning a trip to Japan.

Japan’s Shibuya Crossing is a popular tourist attraction that brings in crowds of people from all over the world. The intersection is considered the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and is an excellent example of Japan’s chaotic but organized travel system. For those who may feel uncomfortable in large crowds, Shibuya Sky is the perfect vantage point for viewing the crossing from overhead. The popular rooftop observation deck is 47 floors up and gives a perfect 360-degree view of Tokyo. The price of an adult ticket is $16, and visitors are welcomed by a short light show.

are also allowed to influence the artworks themselves by downloading the app and creating their own artworks to be shown on the walls of the exhibit.

#1 - Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa

Japan is rich in culture, and many collectors visit Japan for its inexpensive but highquality goods. For those who are interested in exploring Japan’s anime subculture, Akiba Cultures Zone is a large outdoor shopping center that carries a variety of animerelated goods, sweets, and more. Some shops include Lashinbang, Culpop, and even an at-home maid café.

#3 - teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills

For those interested in interactive art galleries, teamLab Borderless is the perfect digital art museum. Popular for its immersive and futuristic art installations, teamLab is a maze of colorful rooms that are constantly changing. Each room has its own unique visuals, but the artworks travel from room to room, creating a brand-new artwork each time. Visitors

Japan is the perfect place for animal lovers. For those who love deer but have never been given the opportunity to see one up close, Nara Park is the perfect place to visit. Nara Park is a large public park that is famous for being home to over 1,200 wild sika deer. It is one of Japan’s oldest parks and also has major cultural landmarks like Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple within it. Visitors are given the chance to feed and pet the deer, and there are plenty of shops around with deer-related memorabilia. It is very important to be careful carrying food and other personal items around, as the deer may think it is for them, but the deer are extremely well behaved and will even bow to visitors for treats.

Cicada AB.3.2 Covid Variant

By: Damian Zamora

International health organizations are closely monitoring a newly emerging COVID-19 variant, informally dubbed “Cicada CoV_AB3.2,” as it begins to surface in multiple regions around the world. The strain, scientifically classified as BA.3.2, is part of the Omicron lineage and has drawn attention due to its unusually high number

of mutations and its recent resurgence after a period of dormancy First identified in South Africa in late 2024, the variant remained relatively undetected until late 2025, when cases began increasing across Europe and North America. As of early 2026, Cicada CoV_AB3.2 has been detected in at least

23 countries and multiple U.S. states through clinical testing, traveler screenings, and wastewater surveillance systems.

Health officials say the variant nickname, “Cicada,” reflects its pattern of reemergence like the insect known for lying dormant underground before resurfacing in large numbers.

One of the key concerns surrounding Cicada CoV_ AB3.2 is its genetic profile. Scientists report that the variant carries approximately 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, significantly more than many previous Omicron subvariants. These mutations may enhance the virus’s ability to spread and partially evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.

Despite these characteristics, global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, currently classify the variant as a “variant under monitoring”

Ichikawa City Zoo is one of Japan’s many hidden gems. It is only $2.50 for entry and has a variety of animals, including macaques and orangutans. The zoo is fairly small but features a petting zoo, small train ride, and several different animal-themed play areas. Recently, the zoo has gained a massive amount of attention online for being the home of internet star Punch the monkey. Punch is a baby macaque who was born in July

2025. After being rejected by his mother, Punch began carrying around an orangutan plush toy everywhere he went. Internet users all over the world adored Punch for his humanlike attachment to the doll and began to follow Punch’s story as he struggled to fit in with the other monkeys of the enclosure. Although Punch no longer carries around his plush, he is slowly becoming accepted into the group by the other monkeys and is even said to now have a “girlfriend” named Momo.

rather than a variant of concern. Early data suggests that while the strain may be more transmissible, it does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier COVID-19 variants.

Symptoms associated with Cicada CoV_AB3.2 remain largely consistent with previous Omicron strains. Patients commonly report sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, congestion, and headaches, with some cases noting a more pronounced sore throat.

Public health experts emphasize that existing vaccines and treatments continue to provide protection against severe disease, even if the variant shows some ability to bypass immune defenses. Preventive measures such as vaccination, mask-wearing in crowded settings, and testing when symptomatic remain key strategies in limiting transmission.

In the United States, Cicada CoV_AB3.2 currently

represents a small fraction of total COVID-19 cases, though officials warn that its trajectory remains uncertain. Some experts suggest it could contribute to a seasonal uptick in infections, particularly during the summer months, but stress that more data is needed to assess its longterm impact.

Epidemiologists continue to study the variant’s transmissibility, immune escape potential, and clinical severity. For now, health agencies worldwide are urging vigilance without alarm, noting that ongoing surveillance systems are designed to detect and respond to such emerging threats.

As the virus continues to evolve, officials say the appearance of variants like Cicada CoV_AB3.2 underscores the importance of sustained global monitoring and public health preparedness in the next phase of the pandemic.

Deep-Fried Dreams: Inside the Popular Food Stand DnJs Delicious Food

By Sylvia Martinez

Springtime has just begun and that means fun in the sun, the Pico Rivera Farmers Market has just begun. Every Wednesday, from April through July, starting at 5:00PM9:00PM, enjoy the live music performance and different vendors the city of Pico Rivera has to offer at Pico Park. With just a couple of minutes away from Rio Hondo, you too can enjoy a few sweet treats or homemade goods.

As soon as you enter the parking lot the air is filled with the delicious smell of kettle corn churning and the smell of bacon wrapped hot dogs that intoxicate the air with a delicious aroma. You walk through the market with live music performances in the background and laughter of children running around the playground. So while you shop and support the small businesses, your kids will tire themselves out while playing for a good night’s rest.

The Farmers Market has a lot of vendors who participate in selling throughout the night.

They have sweet treats such as Dubai chocolate strawberries, cookie dough ice cream and pastries such as chocolate croissants and fruit tarts. Other items being sold are fresh produce such as strawberries, tomatoes, carrots and eggs.

The Farmers market is not just to support small businesses but also allows the community to come together and take a breather from a long day at work.

Highlighting one of the vendors, DnJs Delicious Food owner David Sosa shares a little of what it’s like being a part of the farmers market. His business first started out in 2010. “I have been doing the Pico Rivera Farmers Market since 2015/2016, when it first started out at Smith Park in Pico Rivera,” says David.

DnJs Delicious Food currently partakes in two different farmers markets. So if you can’t make it out on Wednesdays they also do La Puente Live, another farmers market on Friday evenings. “Pico Rivera definitely gets the most active as of right now. My

most popular food items are the fried quesadillas and fried potato tacos,” David says. For some of the vendors there this is the only line of work. “ I come from a long line of people who have been self employed and in food sales. So for me, particularly it made sense, however the way I have executed my vision has been more persistently and dedicated than other family members that don’t pour their heart into as I do, shares David. “Being a part of the farmers market allows me to create new friendships and build on relationships with the community.”

First time attendee, Missael Sanchez, first heard of the Pico Rivera Farmers Market from coworker, Ernesto. “He invited me to attend so I could try the fried quesadillas he always talked about all the time,” states Missael. The fried quesadillas in question are from DnJs Delicious Food Inc. “The fried quesadillas were really good, the long line that they had throughout the night proves it, “ says Missael.

Missael Sanchez talks about his first impression of the farmers market. “My first thoughts about the farmers market is that it gave off a nice relaxed vibe, perfect for a family night out or if you’re on a date. The atmosphere again was pleasant, calm and fun,” says Missael. After spending the night with his coworker, Missael states, “I would highly recommend the market just because of the environment that it’s in. It’s really calm and

everyone just looks happy being there. I would 100% attend again, mainly for the fried quesadillas.”

Whether you’re looking for something to do or somewhere to eat, Pico Rivera Farmers Market is the perfect one stop shop. You support small businesses and local community vendors. Plus, you’ll also leave with a happy and full stomach.

Why People Are Going Back To The Gym

By: Bryan Mares

As fitness trends continue to evolve in a post-pandemic world, more people are returning to gyms, not just to improve their physical health, but to rebuild routines, reduce stress, and reconnect socially. For many, the gym has become more than a place to exercise; it’s a space for mental reset. Alex Cetino, a regular gymgoer, says his motivation goes beyond physical fitness. “I go to the gym to work on myself and get my mind off of any stress in my life,” he explained. Like Alex, many individuals are finding that structured workouts provide a sense of control and clarity in an otherwise fast-paced

and often overwhelming daily life. The repeated routine of exercise, combined with physical movement, helps grow physical strength, reduce anxiety and can even improve mood.

Social connection is another major factor drawing people back. During lockdowns, many lost access to shared fitness spaces and the sense of community they provided. Now, that social element is proving to be a powerful motivator. Dominic Martinez says he finds strength in numbers. “I go with friends who help me push through the pain and better myself,” he said. For Dominic, the gym isn’t just about lifting weights— it’s about accountability and

encouragement. Working out with friends can increase consistency, make sessions more enjoyable, and help individuals push beyond their usual limits. Additionally, the rise of remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, making it harder for people to “switch off.” The gym offers a physical separation from work environments, helping individuals create healthier daily structures. Many are using gym time as a way to

reclaim balance.

Fitness facilities themselves have also adapted, offering more flexible memberships, updated equipment, and a wider variety of classes to attract new and returning members. From strength training to group fitness sessions, gyms are catering to diverse preferences and fitness levels. They hav also slowly started to change their equipment adding in new fresh ones while also keeping the old original feel of the old one, with some

hand sanitizer dispensers initially needed at the peak of Covid.

Ultimately, the return to the gym reflects a broader shift toward self-care and wellbeing. Whether it’s for stress relief, social interaction, or personal growth, people like Alex Cetino and Dominic Martinez represent a growing movement of individuals prioritizing both mental and physical health one workout at a time.

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Warriors’ Explosive Middle Innings Sink

Roadrunners in High-scoring Matchup

Rio Hondo Falls Short as El Camino’s Offense Erupts

The El Camino Warriors (21–4), led by head coach Grant Palmer, overpowered the Rio Hondo Roadrunners (6–19) under head coach Mike Salazar in a game defined by momentum swings early and a decisive offensive surge in the middle innings.

Rio Hondo struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, showing early promise against Warriors starting pitcher Cameron O’Neil. Leadoff hitter Joshua Oh (#8) worked a full count before lining a single into right field, setting the tone for the inning.

After a flyout, Mario Morton (#24) followed with a single to center, and Anthony Baez (#30) advanced both runners with a groundout. With two runners in scoring position, O’Neil issued a walk to load the bases. Elias Mota (#32) capitalized, delivering a clutch RBI single to center field to give the Roadrunners a 1–0 lead. However, the inning ended with a strikeout, leaving additional runs on the table.

That missed opportunity proved costly as El Camino responded emphatically in the top of the second inning. After a quick first out, Matthew Sandoval (#16), Rio Hondo’s starting pitcher, surrendered a solo home run that tied the game. The Warriors continued to apply pressure with a combination of timely hitting and defensive miscues. A single and an error advanced

a runner into scoring position, followed by a double and a bloop single that pushed the Warriors ahead 3–1. With the bases loaded, another extrabase hit cleared them, capping a five-run inning that gave El Camino a commanding 6–1 advantage.

Rio Hondo showed resilience in the bottom half of the inning. Nicholas Gonzales (#28) sparked the offense with a leadoff double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. A defensive miscue allowed Oh to reach base, and Morton came through again with a two-RBI single, trimming the deficit to 6–3 and restoring some momentum.

After a quiet third inning for both teams, El Camino extended its lead in the fourth with another home run, making it 7–3. Despite putting runners in scoring

position, Rio Hondo managed to limit further damage with key defensive plays, including throwing out a runner at home and executing a pickoff at second base.

The Roadrunners mounted their strongest rally in the bottom of the fourth. Gonzales reached base again, and Oh delivered another timely hit to put runners on the corners. A sequence of singles and disciplined at-bats resulted in a three-run inning, cutting the deficit to 7–6 and putting significant pressure on the Warriors.

However, that would be as close as Rio Hondo would get. El Camino seized control in the fifth inning following a pitching change to Nathan Leyva (#25). After placing runners on base, Kai Nagashima (#13) delivered a pivotal two-RBI triple, followed by a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 10–

Rio Hondo head coach Mike Salazar brings his team together in the bottom of the fourth inning, rallying the Roadrunners as they surge back to within one run, 7–6, in a momentum-shifting moment against El Camino.

6. The Warriors continued to capitalize on Rio Hondo’s pitching struggles, adding two more runs in the sixth off another triple, stretching the lead to 12–6. From there, El Camino’s offense remained relentless. In the seventh inning, they added five more runs, highlighted by a basesloaded walk and a three-run triple that blew the game open at 17–6. Multiple pitching changes by Rio Hondo— including appearances from Christian Ortega (#5), Dominic Elias (#37), E.J. Felix (#17), and Efren Miranda (#12) were unable to contain the Warriors’ consistent offensive production.

Rio Hondo’s offense, which showed flashes of competitiveness early, stalled in the later innings. The Roadrunners managed only a handful of baserunners after the fourth inning and were unable to convert scoring opportunities. El Camino’s bullpen, including Jett Lim (#33), Kona Agena (#30), and Anthony Solis (#29), effectively closed out the game, limiting any potential comeback.

Despite early signs of promise and a mid-game rally, Rio Hondo could not sustain its momentum against one of the top teams in the conference. El Camino’s balanced attack, highlighted by power hitting and situational execution, proved too much as they secured a decisive victory.

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Sylvia Martinez Sports Editor

Drew Perez Opinion Editor

Calvin Trudeau Podcast Editor

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Aaron Martinez Instructor

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