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PALOS VERDES HIGH SCHOOL - ISSUE 2, VOLUME 29 - NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Get a Clue at PV’s Next Play By Ella Hansen and Kelly Bojorquez reporters Get ready for an evening of mystery, suspense and laughter as the PVHS’s drama department presents Clue, a thrilling and suspenseful stage adaptation of the classic board game released in 1949. The production promises a memorable experience for students, teachers and faculty members. Clue is unique not only for its intriguing plot and colorful cast of characters, but also because of its chaotic, disorderly and energetic elements. With components of mystery and crime scene investigation, Clue will keep the audience guessing and laughing from start to finish. “The shows are really high quality and the actors put in a lot of time and effort and all the little details like the costumes and makeup and the set are really thought out. I’m excited to see the funny bits and characterization [the actors] all
bring to the show,” junior Maryam Soliman said. Clue blends features of comedy and mystery, consisting of a small cast of seven main roles and no ensemble chosen by directors Nicole Thompson and Andrew Miller through an audition process. “We had a huge turnout for the audition process this year. It was as much as a musical which is crazy because there are only about 10 roles for this show where a musical would have double or triple that amount, so it was really exciting,” Thompson said. Before gracing the stage, the select cast, crew and teachers prepare for opening night through frequent rehearsals ranging from three to six hours after school beginning in September. The department’s extensive rehearsals result in a special experience. “The main seven characters all get a moment to shine and you can really see their character and personality,” assistant director
senior Maddie Sherman said. Clue has many uncommon factors as it is multigenerational because of its release as a board game and later a movie. The script for the play stayed true to the movies, allowing for its lively cast to exhibit their new and distinct personas. “The play is unique because last year we only did two musicals and this [production] is a play. All the characters are very specific types and we are all on stage for the majority of the play,” senior actress Lauren McDonald said. Behind the scenes, the multiple crews and directors work to make the elaborate sets, costumes, makeup looks and theater ready for opening night. “I’m the stage manager and tech lead for Drama Club so I’m in charge of every single technical element like props, set pieces, lighting and sound. Anything that isn’t actors is what I’m in charge of. I have to go to rehearsals and when we move into the theater I can make sure
everything is where it needs to be and is running smoothly,” stage manager and tech lead senior Senna Neimen said. Supporting the arts at school is important, as it encourages creativity and teamwork while showcasing the talent here in our own hallways. Plus, it’s a great way for the entire school community to come together and share in a unique and engaging experience. Don’t miss out on this exciting production opening Friday, (Photo courtesy of PVHS Drama Department) November 8.
2024: The Year of Elections
Recapping recent local, state, federal elections By Olivia Kao and Ella Sherry editors-in-chief
Bond Measure SOS SOS is PVPUSD’s Classroom Repair and Student Safety Measure. On Tuesday, November 5, 55.72% of voters voted Yes on SOS, while 44.28% voted no. Needing at least 55% of votes cast in favor of the measure for it to pass, SOS exceeded this mark by just 0.72%. The bond measure will authorize nearly $300 million to be used for repairing outdated classrooms, labs and schools to support a quality education. The money received will also be used to repair leaky roofs, faulty electrical systems, poor plumbing systems and improve natural disaster safety on campus.
Being a bond measure, SOS will increase local taxes. With improved school facilities, however, it is estimated local property values will increase. SOS will ensure the funds will be utilized strictly for improving PVPUSD campuses through fiscal accountability protections. These protections include the establishment of a citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits. Additionally, no funds from SOS can be taken from the State nor can they be used to raise staff salaries, benefits or anything other than school campus facilities improvements, including administrative buildings.
PVPUSD School Board With two PVPUSD governing board member seats available and four candidates who ran for the position, voters cast their ballots for no more than two of the candidates. The two candidates at the top of the ticket are returning Board President Ami Gandhi and Mayor Pro Tem of Rancho Palos Verdes Eric Alegria, with 12,582 (31.64%) and 10,688 (26.88%) votes respectively. Candidate Jeremy Vanderhal came in at a close third with 9,949 (25.02%) votes cast and candidate Alexandria Kay Blumer in fourth with 6,544 (16.46%) votes.
Returning to the school board, Gandhi’s goal is “to continue to be an advocate for our children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed,” and aims to “foster a positive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and nurtures the potential of every student,” according to gandhi4pv. com. As a member of the school board, Alegria plans to “tackle the problems our schools face head-on,” including fixing campus facilities, engaging parents, supporting mental health, expanding extracurricular and STEM opportunities (ericalegria. org).
State Assembly
United States United States Congress President
(Photo courtesy of California State Assembly)
(Photo courtesy of U.S. House of Representatives)
(Photo courtesy of Shaleah Craighead, Wikimedia Commons)
The candidates for California’s 66th District State Assemblymember were Al Muratsuchi (D) and George Barks (R). 58.28% of voters chose Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to represent the 66th District of California, and 41.72% of voters selected George Barks, keeping Muratsuchi in office as Assemblymember. During the Assemblymember’s steady time in office, he has served in the positions of Chair of the Education Committee and Chair of the Aerospace Select Committee among others. Assemblymember Muratsuchi has focused heavily on issues surrounding environmental advocacy and education during his time in the State Assembly.
The candidates for the US Representative of the 36th District of California were Ted W. Lieu (D) and Melissa Toomim (R). Approximately 67% of voters chose Congressman Lieu, with the remaining 33% went for Toomim. Representative Lieu will remain a member of Congress, now for nearly a decade, as he first assumed office in 2015. Rep. Lieu has been involved in committee work surrounding issues of national security and foreign affairs, local issues and government oversight and ethics. Rep. Lieu is also an active advocate for civil rights and social justice, also focusing on other topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technology and the environment.
After a close race in the late hours of Election Day, Donald Trump (R) secured the necessary electoral college votes to win the presidency. As of Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4:30 PM, Trump leads with 295 electoral votes while Vice President Kamala Harris (D) has won 226. Trump won five out of seven total swing states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Trump’s success is the result of a months-long campaigning process in which both candidates held rallies in a variety of states, discussing their policies and plans if they were to be elected. In the weeks before Election Day the polls were remarkably close, further contributing to the tension of the race.