The Point, Issue 2, Volume 30 - November 7, 2025

By Kathryn Stewart reporter

For years now, PVHS’ award winning drama department, headed by Nicole Thompson, has shown consistent quality over and over again. This year they are debuting the musical “Into the Woods” which puts a new twist on old fairy tales.

This story is a dark comedy infused with childhood characters.

“What this musical asks is what happens after ‘happily ever after,’” co-director Andrew Miller said.

Traveling into a mythical fairy tale kingdom, the audience is met

with a baker and his wife wishing for a child, a hungry little girl who wears a red cape, a young maiden with a wish to go to a festival, a young lad wishing to keep his best friend, and many more nostalgic characters.

Most people grow up with these fairy tales.

“It gives everyone a common ground, like oh I know this,” stage manager Zara Shippee said.

The opening night of the show is on Friday Nov.7. The following shows are on Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 13-16.

Audience members might be familiar with other performances of this show but Thompson believes this particular version of

the show is unique.

“What is different about our take on it is that we are not putting it in the actual woods, we are really focusing on the story telling aspect and the characters,“ said Thompson.

Cast member sophomore Brayan Baker also believes in the unique quality of the show.

His knowledge of the script gives him an appreciation of the storyline and how it creates an experience for the audience that

Return of Rivalry Week

Venturing Into the Woods to Find a Great Musical Who Owns The News?

By Justin Whitehead reporter

On Friday Oct. 21, Palos Verdes took on Mira Costa in their rivalry game. Rivalry week is always one of the most spirited weeks on campus, and this year was no different.

Leading up to the game, there were many activities on campus, put on by ASB and Red Tide, to get everyone hyped up for the game. These included “trick or trivia,” a horse costume race, water balloon toss, and a Halloween costume contest.

Every day had a different outfit theme as well, with Monday through Thursday being Pajama Day, Adam Sandler Day, Country Day, and Pool/Beach Clothes Day respectively. And of course, Friday was Hallowen– the biggest spirit day of all.

Palos Verdes has alway played Mira Costa, but they did not

become Palos Verdes’ official rival until last season, when Peninsula changed divisions.

“The rivalry has always been big with Mira Costa, so it’s not new to us,” head coach Guy Gardner said.

The game went back and forth the entire way. Late in the fourth quarter, Sea Kings kicker Niko Dragin made a field goal that appeared to tie the game at 15. However, a penalty on the Mustangs gave the Sea Kings a first down in the red zone, granting them another shot to take the lead. Seconds later, junior quarterback Ryan Rakowski connected with sophmore running back Christian Reis for a 5-yard touchdown pass, putting the Sea Kings up 18-15. After the defense got a big stop, the Sea Kings were able to run the clock out and secure a win. Winning a rivalry matchup is

always satisfying, but a close game like this makes it even better.

“It feels really good. We haven’t lost to them in nine years so it’s good to keep the streak alive,” senior cornerback Nick Yakubik said.

The stakes of this game were extremely high. With this win, Palos Verdes jumped ahead of Mira Costa for second place in the Bay League, officially securing a spot in the Division 3 CIF Playoffs. The first playoff matchup is on Friday, Nov.7 against Valencia High School.

The team has very high hopes for this year’s playoffs.

“I feel like we have yet to reach our peak and have a good mentality going into the playoffs,” senior wide receiver Morley Boyd said. After winning the state championship last year, Palos Verdes will be on a mission to repeat as champions.

pulls them through a whole range of emotions.

“It’s very heartfelt. I think that one thing that is very special about this show is it’s not just a comedy or it’s not just a drama.

The show does a good job balancing the really comedic elements and the really touchy, emotional elements,” Baker said.

This musical is not just about a baker and his wife or Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk.

“It’s cool to see how they thread the stories together and make them into one huge story.” junior Caroline Conrrad, playing Little Red Riding Hood, said. Tickets can be purchased online at pvhsdrama.com or at the door for $25, but be careful because tickets may go faster than the wolf can gobble up granny, leaving the chance for audience members at the door to be left out in the woods.

By Elisa Crespo Mirat reporter

Many news outlets sway one way politically. People may think that by reading or watching different news outlets they are getting the full story, but because of media consolidation, that might not be the case.

Media consolidation happens when a few large corporations own most media outlets. This process is largely driven by deregulation, which allows corporations to own a limitless amount of stations, channels, or publications.

The goal for these corporations is to reduce costs and maximize profits, which comes at the cost of our media’s diversity in news coverage.

The cable industry is known as a “natural monopoly” because it has very high fixed costs, but very low costs to add a new customer. This structure discourages competition and helps large companies dominate the market.

The illusion of choice refers to a situation where a person feels like they have options, but in reality those choices are limited or manipulated.

“While choice of media to consume seems limitless in the age of both streaming and user generated content, a small number of media conglomerates owning a majority of media output combined with media algorithms affecting and curating what usercontent we consume, the choice is in fact limited,” librarian Ashley Brockman said.

In other words, as the number of independent outlets

decreases, so do the different versions of stories available to the public.

Government deregulations have played a significant role in enabling media consolidation. One major government policy involved was the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, “The goal of this new law is to let anyone enter any communications business -- to let any communications business compete in any market against any other.”

While the intent was to make a positive change in the media industry, this law ultimately made it more difficult for smaller corporations to be successful.

The act allowed big corporations to own multiple assets and enabled mergers, eventually making it nearly impossible for small outlets to compete with them.

Media giants refer to large corporations that own and control multiple media outlets. Some of the biggest examples of this are Comcast, Time Warner, News Corp, ViacomCBS, and Disney. Many of these media giants have monopolized the media since the beginning of the film industry.

“They built all these studios in Hollywood. You had Zucker, you had Paramount Pictures, all of them started there. Eventually, they died off, and then what took over is many of their family members sold to these corporations,” film teacher Jeffrey Beaucar said.

(Continued on page 3)

Collaboration with PVPUSD: How Students Are Helping the District

By Eason Kaewprasert web editor/social media

Students across the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District (PVPUSD) are shaping the future of their schools.

From participating in district board meetings to being a part of the Superintendent Advisory Committee, students play a vital role in representing the student population at the district.

As the PVHS representative of the PVPUSD student board, junior Malia Tamilin helps represent Palos Verdes High School at meetings.

She is one out of three students from across the district chosen to represent their respective high school at PVPUSD board meetings.

The position is competitive and requires a rigorous application process, and prospective candidates started the application process as early as the last school year.

Applicants had to go through an interview process, then give a speech on Live From 205. From there, the entire school got to vote on the candidate they wanted.

Other high schools across the district also have their own student representatives.

“Malia is super organized, I’ve had her in English class and Be the Change and she pays close attention to detail,’’ English teacher and BTC advisor Karen

Kostrencich said.

As a student representative, she reports on events that are happening at school.

“Every single board meeting I have three minutes to report on what happens at PV High, as well as any of the agenda items that we talk about. So for example, we talked about AP scores, and I got to put my input in on that,” Tamilin said.

Tamilin’s involvement in these meetings are heavily motivated by her love for the school.

“I really like being a Sea King. It’s just something I’m very proud of. I want to show the board how great we are doing as a school as well as being able to work with fellow students and staff members to improve PV High,”

said Tamilin.

In addition to student board representatives, several PVPUSD students also contribute to the Superintendent Advisory Committee (SAC). Students discuss different topics about both the district and the school at monthly meetings.

The SAC consists of a group of juniors and seniors from both PV High and Peninsula High School.

“So far, we’ve talked about the caps on APs and the upsides and downsides to it.

We also mentioned if it was beneficial or not to adopt Precalc AP to the curriculum,” junior Paige Tydlaska and SAC member said.

Tydlaska was inspired to join the SAC after her experience at Capital Convoy last year, where she got to be around the superintendent and see the behind the scenes of the district.

“I wanted to give back in any way, and [this was] a great way to collaborate with my peers to fix any problems,” Tydlaska said.

Representatives from across the district play an important role in accurately representing the student body. They speak about many specific issues and address any changes that might benefit the schools.

Student representatives play a crucial role in helping the district understand all of the students’ needs.

PV Fights for Friday Night Lights

By Anthony Trutanich reporter/social media

Palos Verdes recently had Friday Night Lights (FNL), and it was the most highly attended game of the season. Students, families, alumni and the community all cheered and came together for Friday night light football.

Across the United States, Friday night lights are a tradition. It’s not just about football, but also celebrating with the community. When there are a lot of people and the lights are on, it brings high energy to fans and players.

“The atmosphere was crazy. Playing under the lights is an amazing experience,” senior Jace DeMoss said.

Students believe that bringing Friday night lights to Palos Verdes High School would make a big difference. It would mean more attendance, and more students participating in the full high school experience.

“There is something special about seeing those stadium lights turn on,” parent Rebecca Ruberg said.

Without the lights, PVHS’s games are held in the afternoon when many students are still busy. That means fewer people show up, lowering school spirit.

A night game, on the other hand, gives everyone an opportunity to come and support Sea King football and have a good time.

Installing the lights also comes with a lot of questions and concerns. Some worry about safety, how neighbors might

(

not enjoy the lights or question energy use. But with the proper technology and correct planning, these problems can be solved. LED stadium lights are energy efficient, eco friendly, and have noise and glare control.

They can be turned on and off easily and are designed to minimize light pollution, so neighbors do not feel annoyed or complain.

Friday night lights are not just about football. They are about pride in our schools, connection and tradition. They bring students, teachers, families and friends together in one place.

“I liked seeing more people come out and support,” senior Ivana Case said.

Under Friday night lights, people create memories that last a lifetime. It is an experience every high schooler should have. Many students, staff and community members believe it is time for Palos Verdes to join permanently adopt Friday night lights and give their students the full high school experience.

A Long Awaited Announcement

By Walter Kim reporter/social media

This fall, the hit rock band Radiohead announced they would return from a seven year hiatus to tour across Europe. The band’s last live show was on Aug.1, 2018, and it concluded the tour of their ninth album, “A Moon Shaped Pool.”

Since the band’s hiatus they have explored a variety of side projects. Namely, frontman Thom Yorke and lead guitarist Johnny Greenwood started another band, The Smile, which has been creating music and touring on and off since 2022.

Additionally, Greenwood has composed the soundtracks for several movies, most recently writing the score for the hit movie “One Battle After Another.”

The eclectic involvement of Radiohead’s members in other projects has added to speculation regarding the band’s return, which magnified fans’ excitement upon hearing of their return.

The announcement of the European tour through Instagram was electric and currently sits at 766,000 likes. Tickets for the shows sold out immediately, and no resale tickets have been made available.

Many fans were pleasantly surprised upon learning of the band’s return.

“I saw [the announcement] on Instagram. I was really happy because they haven’t been on tour in a minute,” freshman Noah Baik said.

The excitement of fans is widespread, however, another question arises: will Radiohead tour in major cities across the United States? Currently, the answer is no.

Even the most die-hard fans who thought of traveling to Europe to attend a show are out of luck. Radiohead, who has historically been known to cater to true fans through fair ticket distribution, has once again established a unique

sales system which favors fans that reside near their venues in Spain, Italy, England, Denmark and Germany.

However, hopefully with time, waiting American fans can be satisfied with an announcement of their own.

Radiohead’s decades-long following continues to grow as a new generation of fans have access to the band’s music. However, the possibility of experiencing a live show was a question of “if,” not “when.”

Newer fans either discovered the band when they were too young to go to their concerts or when the band had stopped touring. The return to the international stage finally gives these supporters an opportunity to see their favorite band live.

“I came across [Radiohead] in middle school and started listening from there,” junior Noah Galindo said.

Through social media platforms like TikTok, a new influx of fans discovered the hit band. Their edgy rock music and the general heavy, sad sound of hit songs like “Creep” and “Let Down” were perfect for edits and videos. Through the bestselling tracks, people were introduced to Radiohead’s wider discography, unintentionally creating a new generation of followers.

“I saw a video on Tiktok, and I thought the song was cool. It was like an edit with ‘Creep,’” freshman Nathan Wu said. “I got interested, so I looked at one of the albums and it wasn’t all depressing stuff. so I thought it was pretty cool.”

Radiohead’s return was a monumental event to the music world due to the band’s absence from the main stage.

A lot can change in seven years, and the seats at the band’s shows will be filled with longtime fans along with new faces of the next generation of listeners.

The Promenade Revival Sparks New Energy and Spirit

By Sofia Daizadeh reporter/social media

One year ago, the Peninsula Promenade felt like an abandoned mall. Now, it is being revived.

The Promenade used to be the heart of the community and a spot for the locals to walk around or eat. Everything was going well until the pandemic hit.

The Promenade lost the spark it once had as stores closed due to quarantine, online shopping and DoorDash.

The diner Good Stuff has been there to see it all.

“A lot of regulars come in every single day, so we’ve built a good foundation through that, [but] we’ve seen some kind of a slowdown a little bit,” a Good Stuff Manager said.

Many locals would pass without stopping, and the area felt lifeless and forgotten.

Everything began to change when Mochinut, a trendy spot serving mochi donuts and corndogs, opened its doors. Its fun concept and delicious food brought fresh energy to the Promenade and gathered more visitors.

This marked the beginning of a positive shift, but still the Promenade was not how it used to be.

Recently in 2024, new shops have created a remarkable transformation. Over eight new shops and restaurants have opened including Pho Redbo, misc.coffee and more.

“Ever since the new places at the Promenade have opened, I’ve been going there more often,” sophomore Sloane Hollingshead said.

Many students see potential in the new Promenade.

(Photo by Sofia Daizadeh)

“I think these new stores are really opening up new opportunities for kids and for people our age, like high schoolers, to hang out,” sophomore Jake Ward said.

The Promenade decided to take a different approach by catering to a younger generation.

New locations like Sky Photo, a fun photobooth place, or ZenesisX Gaming Lounge, a gaming arcade, are great spots for teens and children.

It doe not stop there.The Promenade is expecting Dilly D’s Delicious Burgers,Terra Mia Woodfire Pizza, Riiya Noodle House, Asian Bites, Level Up Bowl & Bistro and more restaurants coming soon.

Now, the Peninsula Promenade is buzzing with anticipation and activity.

In just a few short years, the Peninsula Promenade has gone from being a quiet, undervisited spot to a vibrant and thriving community.

Thanks to the successful openings, along with the exciting new businesses on the way, the Promenade is once again a place where people gather and enjoy themselves.

Honoring Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

By Sophia Dominguez reporter

Every November, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month sheds light on the neurological disease that has affected over 1 million people diagnosed each year.

Families worldwide experience various struggles and have to handle difficult decisions when caring for their loved ones.

The quality of life is put at the hands of the caregiver, making profound changes in daily routine while adjusting to new responsibilities.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline.

Patients with this neurological disorder experience difficulty in daily tasks and communication frictioning against memory lapses.

“The damage to brain cells causes a more severe and more rapid decline in function, along with significant changes in personality and mood that isn’t seen with normal aging,” said Sports Neurology Director Vernon B. Williams at CedarsSinai Medical Center.

Many question if Alzheimer’s can be prevented, and what lifestyle factors may contribute to the progression of this disease.

“Neurodegenerative disorders go along with making healthy habits, as simple as a good diet, stress reduction and good sleep all play into effect,” Neurosurgeon Juan Jimenez of Riverside Medical Center stated.

Though many assume that

this disease is associated with old age, Alzheimer’s can be detected as early as your 40s.

Prevention starts with our daily choices while taking note of the little things we tend to look over. However, progress against this disease also depends on participation in research.

Jimenez mentions “being aware of different research trials out there and getting involved in programs primarily in academic institutions is extremely important. As they can establish the diagnosis, contributing with data and demographics to help determine the ideology and potential treatment options.”

This month is important to raise an understanding of this disease, while lending a helping hand to those in need of support.

This topic can be hard to grasp, and emotionally painful as this condition affects everyone differently.

“Finding support in talking to other family members, friends, or even support groups can make a big difference,” Mary Salehpour, caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, said.

Helping as a caregiver

becomes centered around their loved ones’ needs, making sure they are fed, clean and comfortable.

Alzheimer’s changes behavior and memory but it doesn’t take away from the person’s needs to be loved and respected. It is so important to be their voice, especially in care facilities and hospitals.

Salehpour stressed “you must fight for their dignity and care when they can no longer speak or advocate for themselves.”

Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s, can also take a toll on one’s own mental health as well as physical needs, Salehpour highlights that “rest, proper nutrition, and small breaks are necessary to prevent burnout.”

Being a caregiver is a 24hour responsibility that requires patience and commitment.

Living through this experience teaches people to let go of their frustration and live in the present moment, as they must find a routine that’s best fit for the caregiver and their patient.

Alzheimer’s disease shows the world how fragile and dominant the human brain is.

Raising awareness about this disease is not just about understanding memory loss, it’s centered around recognizing the people behind the diagnosis.

Through the insights of doctors and caregivers, it’s clear that awareness can lead to better care, and hope for a better future.

The more we talk, learn, and act, the closer we get to breaking the stereotype surrounding Alzheimer’s.

Who Owns the News? (cont. from front)

Disney, which began as the small Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, has since expanded far beyond film production and now owns a vast network of companies and platforms.

By acquiring so many outlets, Disney has effectively become a monopoly within the entertainment industry, shaping what much of the public watches and consumes.

Comcast is another major example of media monopoly. Its dominance is sustained largely by a lack of competition.

Some sources suggest that Comcast has influenced state laws to prevent competition and that government regulators have also enabled this situation.

Another major factor of media consolidation is mergers.

The merger between CBS and Viacom, now known as Paramount Global, has majorly increased their domination of the media and press.

Together, they control major assets such as Paramount Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Showtime.

This consolidation demonstrates how even formerly separate giants continue merging to expand their influence over the media.

Nevertheless, there are some obstacles for corporations to increase media ownership.

News Corp, one of the largest players in the global media, faces challenges to continue expanding its assets.

Although News Corp has come under scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers, it has also been entangled in antitrust lawsuits that could possibly result in the company being broken up.

How does all of this affect the people? Some say it violates the spirit of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment states the freedom of the press. This means the media has the right to publish anything without government censorship.

As ownership becomes concentrated in a few hands, those corporations effectively determine what stories get told.

This undermines the spirit of press freedom by allowing private interests to control public information, even if the censorship isn’t from the government.

At the same time, the First Amendment also prevents the government from passing laws that would limit ownership concentration, since such actions could be interpreted as restricting the press.

This creates a complex tension between protecting free speech and preventing monopolies from dominating it.

“I guess since everything

comes from the same places it’s easier to access [information], but it is a disadvantage to the companies that they own because they don’t have much freedom over what they can do,” sophomore Drew Jacobs said.

In contrast, the novelty of media being distributed through the Internet changes the idea of restriction of information.

The internet allows for smaller media and information to be heard, and is information less likely to be distributed by big corporations.

“The Internet vastly changed the way the public interacts with information and put an emphasis on the idea that information should be free,” Brockman said.

Media consolidation has reshaped the way information is produced and consumed.

While deregulation and corporate mergers have increased efficiency and profits for large companies, they have also reduced the diversity of voices in the media.

Understanding who controls the news is essential to protecting the free flow of information and ensuring that the press remains truly independent.

Biggest Heart

on Campus:

Despite Hardship, Custodian Shawn Kim Brightens Sea Kings’ Days

By Ainsley McGuire reporter

It can be easy to forget what goes on behind the scenes on campus, or better yet the people, who are constantly sacrificing their time to better improve the lives of others. Shawn Kim is an extraordinary human being with a story filled with tragedy, yet he’s made a new life for himself. He was born in Cambodia during the peak of the Vietnam War and was just 12 when he was forced away from his seven siblings and parents.

“People were dying in the streets,” Kim remembered. “I do not know where my mom goes, where my dad goes, where my brothers and sisters go. We just run for our lives.”

He ended up in Taiwan and from there the United States, where he stayed. His wife, two grown kids, and particularly his 5-year-old granddaughter have been a huge part of Kim’s life. His affinity for his family does cause occasional moments of sadness, especially around the holidays.

Kim has only seen his parents three times since he was 12. Plane tickets to go see them in Cambodia are not cheap, and the whereabouts of his siblings are still unknown to this day.

“You know, it is better to celebrate with a big family. But when it is only yourself [do] you know what that feels like? Like, when can I get my family back?” Kim said. He remains optimistic, though. The school looks so well put together because of the amount of time he puts into ensuring the campus stays beautiful.

“I want to do a good thing so the students can follow [in] my steps,” he said. So much work goes into cleaning the school, and he goes above and beyond. Picking up every bit of trash,

working games and events, and even planting a garden for a staff member who unfortunately passed away three years ago. “I [used] my own money to plant it and I pray for him,” he said.

When it comes to having an impact on others, no one has as strong an impact as Kim. Campus supervisor Mauricio Pena described him as incredibly reliable and would do anything for the students here.

“He would rip the shirt off his back and give it to anyone who needed it,” said Pena. “That is just the kind of person he is.”

Kim’s selflessness and resilience through hard times has made him a wonderful human being and a phenomenal part of the Sea King family. He has worked here since the beginning and has dedicated his life to the improvement of ours. PVHS is so grateful to have such an amazing person with the biggest heart here on campus.

“Try to get along with good people,” said Kim. “Any problem that you have you always speak up for yourself.”

While not many people know him or understand his story, he is a big part of our lives on campus and is more than worth getting to know.

The PVHS Parking Problem

By Anna Kalty reporter

The PVHS parking problem is wellknown among the student body and the staff. “Creative” parking jobs, staff spaces being taken and students parking illegally have been issues plaguing PVHS for years. Not only that, but it can only get worse due to the school’s continued growth.

People like Mauricio Pena, one of our campus supervisors, sees increased enrollment at PV High as a good thing but the issue that it poses requires some thinking.

“For next year [and] the following year, we’re going to have to figure out some new ideas,” Pena said. Even now, there are not enough spots for the drivers of the student body, which has led to some interesting incidents. The staff may have been working on a fix, but students have started to take the issue into their own hands.

the junior lot.

Many students at PV see these parking jobs as something that is almost necessary.

Michel said that she does not regret her parking job despite having gotten in trouble for it. She’s “had to start driving a motorcycle type [moped] to school and parking on PV Drive West because [she] can’t handle the heat anymore.”

Some of these parking jobs are down right illegal, but campus supervisor Elena Stewart said that they’re lenient “just because we know that there’s a lot of kids on campus.”

Despite this, there are instances where they can not be as tolerant. No matter how understanding the staff try to be, Stewart said that when students park in “some of the other spaces like handicap and anything that’s super egregious,” those students may have to suffer some consequences

Still, in regards to whether there are actually enough spots on campus for all of the student drivers to park acceptably, Stewart says “yes and no.”

The main issue is that it disproportionately affects students without a zero period, like senior Cami Michel

Even though she gets “to school at around 8:15, miraculously there’s never any parking,” said Michel.

This led her to come up with a creative solution by parking on a patch of grass in

There are not enough spaces on campus but some off campus spots help with the issue.

The parking spot drought does mean that occasionally, students may have to park in non-traditional parking spots, such as the woodchips next to the senior lot, and the woodchips near the administration offices.

Machines, Monsters, Music

By Nikki Mogilefsky reporter

From bringing monsters to life to singing and playing lead guitar in his band, junior Winston Golovitser is a jack of all trades.

As an entrepreneur with multiple hobbies, he has a lot of diverse interests. His commitment to learning everything about what he loves makes him stand out in a crowd.

His musical career started around ten years ago, when he began playing violin. This later led to him trying out other instruments, like when he decided to try out playing guitar, where he learned to play the instrument all by himself.

Later, with his friends, he started his band, Shatter, which can be found on Instagram from the profile samgarcia858, where he’s “lead guitar and vocalist, until we find another vocalist,” Golovitser said.

His band is currently working on an album of cover songs, and have played in open mic nights around PV.

On these nights, he can be seen bringing a new kind of energy to the stage, singing with his bandmates in a bright blonde wig while playing guitar.

His artistic style isn’t just limited to his music, but his creativity is also evident in class.

“When you look at his work, it feels like an artist has touched that image, and he’s very focused in class,” photography teacher Kristy Jimenez said.

He has also developed a knack for engineering and has worked on many projects.

“My favorite thing that I worked on was

a little project on my own. I made a guitar amplifier from scratch from a mini fridge I found in the trash,” Golovitser said.

This engineering prowess and a lucky meeting with the director of Universal Halloween Horror Nights landed him an internship at that very program.

He is not only creative, but the people around him also sing his praise.

“He’s always building stuff” and that “he’s such a kind person.” junior Vania Sanhueza said.

After graduating from PVHS, he is still unsure what he would like to do outside of school, though he said that he would like to go to a good college and further develop his interests.

In an era where many are afraid to put themselves out there for fear of not being accepted, Golovitser’s drive and initiative make him stand out, especially in a school with so many diverse students.

Long Days, Late Nights, Lots of Lines

By Jemma Johnson reporter

The auditorium is loud and filled with music and laughter. Someone is practicing lines in the corner, and others are doing their harmonies with a group.

Whether it is a weekday afternoon or a late evening, rehearsals are a big part of theater life.

The process takes a lot of time and energy—memorizing lines, learning blocking, and running the same scenes over and over until they finally feel right. It can be tiring, but there is a certain satisfaction in watching everything slowly come together.

The work that they put into the production, however, makes people wonder how theater kids must balance schoolwork, theater, and everything else in life all at the same time.

The truth is that during tech week, things can get super stressful and everyone involved in the show has to stay to work on perfecting it until 9-10 at night, making it hard to balance their performances and personal lives.

props, snacks, drinks and people everywhere singing, getting dressed and doing their makeup.

“It’s a lot of finishing touches— getting hair and makeup done, getting into costume, and running through the whole show. A lot of the time, I try to get my hair and makeup done at lunch, [because] I don’t have any free periods,” senior actress Maya Liebetrau said after school during tech week

For theater kids, the stage almost becomes a second home. It is where they spend hours with their friends creating something together, and when it comes together, it is magical to watch up on stage.

Backstage, it is a mix of focus and chaos. Costumes,

By Olivia Kim reporter

By Evalyn Yu news editor

When you were a child, you played make-believe. You whispered to animals and frolicked through grassy fields and chased misty rainbows in the sky. When you were a child, time bent and slowed to your will. However, now that you have grown up, time doesn’t spare you that same liberty anymore. You rush from school to practice to homework like you’re acting out a predetermined script: eat, sleep, repeat.

Somewhere along the way from childhood to adulthood, your whimsy quietly slipped away.

Yet in the midst of this routine, there’s a movement taking root on social media– one that inspires people to not just spend their lives, but savor it.

Content creator Anni Kim, or nuffsaidchannel on Instagram, is on a journey to rediscover childhood whimsy. In her 3-month “Rewire Your Brain” series, Kim tries a new challenge each day to “wake up [her] brain” from “living on half asleep on autopilot mode.”

The actions don’t have to be grand. In fact, her most viral videos are of her doing seemingly mundane activities– dancing in her room, admiring a sunset, wrapping herself up in a “blanket burrito,” standing in the rain, drawing a comic strip, and staring

The SAD Season

Many do not notice it, but November can have a way of bringing in a heavier energy. The days shrink, the sun slips behind clouds, and suddenly, it’s harder to get out of bed, focus in class or feel excited about hanging out with friends.

For many students at PVHS, November is not just the start of colder weather, it is often the start of something tougher: seasonal depression.

Also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), seasonal depression is like a shadow that creeps in with the fading light.

It affects millions every year, especially teens, who are already juggling school, friendships and the chaos of adolescence.

While it is sometimes dismissed as just the “winter blues,” the truth is, SAD can seriously impact how students think, feel and perform.

It mainly has to do with the fact that the sun shows up less and less during the winter, with Allison Hardesty, one of the Sage therapists at PVHS saying that since “it’s darker for longer and our bodies are not getting as much sunlight… [it] can impact our sleep/wake cycle, our moods [and] our irritability, affecting our emotions.”

Francesca Kagy-Lauro, another PVHS Sage therapist, said that though there are many signs like falling asleep in class, one of the biggest signs of SAD is irritability, which can take many forms, like “snapping at people,

not wanting to hang out with people as often, not checking in with your friends, missing a lot of assignments when that isn’t like you.”

Teachers at PVHS have noticed these changes too and they are trying to help their students make it through these tough times.

Biology and Environmental Science teacher Marie Kuhn said that “[she] thinks [they] can just model for students how an adult goes through a difficult day and still be able to look forward to the next day,” since everyone has been through their own struggles in their teenage years.

It’s not just her, but History teacher Louis Harley also said that he works to make his classroom a place of relief while bringing a light hearted mood to the class.

“When kids are having a hard time, it’s usually the same stuff. It’s a class they’re not doing well at, or a class they’re stressed out in. Or it’s the idea that they’re not going to get into an Ivy League college and I just try to explain that it doesn’t matter that much.

banner,” Harley said.

The Wonder of Whimsy Something Wicked this Way Comes

The SAGE team encourages students to care for their basics: sleep, hydration, food and movement.

“Even if there is no sun, and you’re like, ‘it’s not working.’ It’s still working,” Kagy-Lauro said. “The sun is still there. It’s not gone from the universe.”

Not only that, but if any students ever need extra support, there are QR codes around the school to schedule meetings with the SAGE therapists.

While November brings colder weather and darker days, it also reminds us to slow down and take care of ourselves. Seasonal depression is real, but so is the support available here at PVHS.

Between teachers who care, counselors who listen and friends who check in, no one has to endure anything alone.

That’s why I have [that] ridiculous Idaho State

at herself in the mirror for five minutes.

It’s not the task itself that sparks her whimsy, but rather the intention behind each task.

When Kim rolled down a hill for Day 61 of her challenge, she didn’t worry about muddying her clothes or other people staring. All that mattered was her laughter and reflection afterwards.

“I’m not gonna lie, I had more fun than I thought,” she said in one of her videos. “Initially I was scared because I was like, oh, people are gonna think I’m weird. And then I realized nobody cares. I think it’s good to do these things [to remind me] it’s my life that I’m living and not theirs.”

Oxford Languages defines whimsy as “playfully quaint or fanciful behavior,” but at its core, people like junior Ananya Balaji say that “being whimsical is embracing the activities or forms of expression that you want to but haven’t gotten around to.”

For Balaji, her whimsy comes in the form of art. She uses a variety of mediums to make sculptures that are infused with unexpected elements.

“I like incorporating [whimsy] in kind of contrasting what’s expected with what’s not. If you see a sculpture that is made

out of clay, you can contrast it with glass. You go from really dense to really vibrant and clear and translucent, [which] gives it a nice effect,” Balaji said.

For others, whimsy is built into their daily routine, like junior Alice Emelianova

“I’ve been making outfits since middle school. I wear greens usually, like whimsical forest fairy vibes,” she said.

Whimsy is not just an abstract concept, but a way of life that leaves people feeling more fulfilled.

All it takes is finding delight in the small moments throughout the day.

“We should all be doing small things to enhance our monotonous lives [and] break up the days that flow into each other,” Balaji said. “Go embrace what you like and [act on] those ideas floating around in your head.”

By Fiona Cammidge reporter/social media

People around the world are getting ready for another adventure in the world of Oz, since Wicked: For Good is hitting theaters on Nov. 21, 2025.

After the first movie left audiences hanging with Glinda and Elphaba going their separate ways, the next chapter promises a very satisfying ending.

This is not the first time that the story shows up in the public consciousness, since Wicked was originally a book before being turned into the hit broadway musical. Of course, it is heavily inspired by the 1939 movie, Wizard Of Oz.

Rather than focusing on Dorothy, it focuses on the two witches Elphaba and Glinda, which are portrayed by actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande respectively.

the sequel.

“I am looking forward to seeing the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba unfold as they go on their journeys together and grow a stronger bond.” sophomore Eden Lasry said.

The movie wasn’t a universal hit, however.

Sophomore Ashley Neese gave a different point of view on the movie.

“I will not be seeing the second movie and when I saw the first one. I thought it was honestly pretty bad. I didn’t really like the plot and I feel like they really dragged the movie,” Neese said. Of course, if dragging the

movie on was a good decision or not is a matter of personal opinion.

Wicked was directed by Jon M. Chu, who also made hit movies such as Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.

Not only that, but the team behind the scenes helped it win two Oscars for both best costume design and best production design.

Students at PV high have a lot of opinions when it comes to Wicked and are expecting from

“It was a great idea because it really makes the viewers interested and keeps them on their toes. I think way more people will come because the first movie was phenomenal.” Freshman Lacey Kakazu said.

Despite some people criticizing something, other people may love it for that very reason.

(graphic courtesy of Universal Pictures)

(graphic by Olivia Kim)

Kale, Kombucha, and Culture: The Stereotypes

California’s Health Craze

By Genie Choi centerspread edior

California is linked with an image of health and wellness. California’s obsession with being “healthy” is evident in what Cali residents eat and drink. The grocery store chain Erewhon has become a status symbol, where a smoothie costs as much as a meal. Fast food in California also has a health twist. Many people at In-N-Out choose to get rid of the bun when ordering their burgers, and instead go for a protein-style burger. Fitness and wellness trends are throughout California - from Yoga studios to Matcha lattes in the mornings. Whether it is to be healthier, look better, or to keep up with the latest trend, California has turned healthy living into a lifestyle.

Stereotypes That Define California Living

Erewhon in LA and Its Exclusivity

By Izzy Tholan reporter

Erewhon has been striving to enhance the health of our community. It does this by providing organic foods that support the planet and our bodies.

Social media has caused an increase in rave for purchasing from there. Over time the pricing of these items has become normalized to customers.

“I like their food and smoothies but I don’t think they need to be that expensive for what you’re buying,” junior Michelle Amalfitano said.

Many citizens have different opinions on Erewhon and the pricing.

Influencers have uploaded videos and posted photos of them eating there and getting their grocery shopping. This has caused an increase of interest from customers.

“There is not really a difference in taste between their food and just a normal grocery store or just making your own food at home,” senior Payton Norman said.

A lot of people who have shopped from Erewhon and tried their food and smoothies think that although they taste good they could find something with the same ingredients for cheaper somewhere else.

During the pandemic, Erewhon started to grow. It had become a social hub for celebrities to hang out at.

The “Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie” also known as the “Hailey Bieber Smoothie” is priced at 20 dollars. On the other hand, at Jamba Juice their smoothies cost around 9 dollars and 29 cents.

Many customers also bought a singular

20 dollar strawberry that influencers were trying on social media. This strawberry was imported from Japan and served in a clear packaging to display it.

“I don’t really go there much but I think it's the same as every other grocery store it just is like popular for celebrities and influencers,” senior Siya Khanna said.

Erewhon’s popularity shows how social media and influencer culture can turn a grocery store into a status symbol.

During the pandemic, Erewhon became a social spot for celebrities, with items like the $20 “Hailey Bieber Smoothie” and the $20 imported strawberry adding to its hype. As Khanna mentioned, it is seen as just another

The City That Runs on Probiotics

By Molly Sullivan reporter/social media

Walk into any store in LA and you will find thousands of products labeled “Gut Healthy.”

What exactly are probiotics and why is everyone willing to spend so much money on them?

Has the obsession with gut health become more prevalent due to social media or is there science behind these products?

Dr. Alice Madani at Cedars-Sinai explained that your gut affects many things in your body, the first one is your mood.

“The vagus nerve which starts in the brain stem and branches down to your gut connecting your gut to your brain and affecting your overall mood,” Madani said.

By caring and fueling your gut properly you are setting your mood up for success.

The second thing your gut targets is your energy levels.

“When you eat food it is digested by your gut then is absorbed into your bloodstream, then transported to all the cells in your body then broken down into energy,” Madani said. Madani explained that your gut is like a

garden in the sense that if you put nutrientfilled things in, its flowers will grow. But if you give your body unhealthy foods and toxins like alcohol and tobacco your flowers will die.

Luckily in Los Angeles, there is an abundance of fresh produce and probiotics. Some common foods that locals enjoy include yogurt, kombucha, and fermented foods, all of which are products sold with the impression of improving your gut. You have to do outside research before buying a product because not all work. One study found that 15 out of 29 products are labeled gut healthy or have probiotics.

When social media took off in the early 2000s, media platforms like YouTube and Instagram began promoting the idea of “clean eating.” These new platforms increased access to information allowing people to educate themselves on their overall health and get motivation to eat better. However, it also spread misinformation, and made people over-obsess with their health.

Often times, stores will have items labeled gut healthy or “with probiotics.” When a product is labeled gut healthy it is advertising that it will help with your digestion and overall gut

function. If a product is labeled with probiotics it means there are live bacteria within the product to balance your gut. However, it is important to realize that most of the time, when products

OPINION

Is It Worth It to Make Your Passion Into a Career?

By Julian Noc reporter/social media

Passions are external forms of emotions that show how much someone enjoys doing something or how something affects an individual. A passion can be a sport, a form of art or any type of hobby. Many people believe that turning a passion into a career could be negative in the long run, believing one could get tired of it, and instead of a passion it would become something annoying or it would not be a profitable career.

The reality is passion-based careers provide purpose and motivation since they are something that someone loves and provides happiness, something that a high salary can not guarantee.

When someone is working in a place, doing something they love, creativity and happiness are reflected in their work. Being comfortable and motivated, their mind will be more clear, and more excited to think and to create things.

Creative professionals like artists, writers, and designers state that they feel more alive when creating since they love what they do. In his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That quote perfectly sums up why creative passion should fuel our careers; because passion creates excellence.

Also, as mentioned previously, doing something someone loves will allow them to work more

effectively and it will also make them happier. Of course there are going to be stressful situations, but that is a constant in any job. On top of that, stress is also a part of becoming successful and confronting struggles.

At the end of the day many will realize how lucky they are to have found what their passion is and how lucky they are to be able to make a living out of it.

Cinematography is a good example; it is a big industry in the world and most people that are known in the world of cinematography are very wealthy. But when many think about it, they only know about the

successful ones, the ones that make it due to their passion.

In the artistic community people often struggle to achieve success, but at the end of the day, they are working towards something they love, with hard work and improvement, they will achieve their goals.

To achieve success you need motivation and mental strength to make it through the hard times. When someone is going through these situations, it is important to be around people who are chasing similar dreams in order to support each other.

(Graphic by Jessica Hickman)

When Is the Best Time to Decorate for Christmas?

By Kasey Garth reporter

For many people, Christmas time is on its way. As the holiday season approaches, many ask the question “When should I start decorating?” It is widely discussed when the best time to decorate is. Is it the week before or after Thanksgiving?

Deciding when to start decorating is a very personal decision. Christmas is a special time, as it evokes feelings of happiness and joy to many.

As we grow, we often reminisce about the nostalgic, enjoyable times as a younger kid. Whether it is family traditions, cozy holiday mornings, gift shopping, or simply just being surrounded by loved ones, the holiday season brings joy for many.

We often rush into things too quickly and this can spoil the moment, causing things to become boring.

The Secret of Trader Joe’s Marketing

By Nicolas Boixo Fernandez De La Cigoña features editor

For years now, Trader Joe’s has been a staple of grocery stores, renowned for its fun snacks, quality products and great customer service. However, how do people even know about it? When’s the last time you saw a Trader Joe’s ad?

That is the secret behind their marketing model, really. Starting outside the store, all the way through the shopping process and as they go home, Trader Joe’s makes sure the people who truly care about getting good food and a good experience find them, and keep coming back.

Trader Joe’s starts to get customers outside of their store, as most stores do. Their marketing strategy starts with a small handful of customers. These customers will buy their products and show them off to friends. These friends will be interested in those products, and might visit the store as a result.

This makes sure that the store leaves a good impression on the customers, as opposed to more traditional yet intrusive ways which associate the store with an annoying pop up ad.

Now that Trader Joe’s has customers in the store, they do not just stop there. Having the customer come to the store only once is better than them not coming at all, but Trader Joe’s wants repeated customers.

So, Trader Joe’s came up with another genius idea. They move around the products in the store daily, and they do not have

any aisle numbers to say where specific items are located.

Instead, Trader Joe’s has employees constantly restocking products. This increases the amount of customers coming to employees for help. When the employee helps the customer find their desired product with a smile on their face, the customer starts subconsciously associating a nice customer service experience with the Trader Joe’s store.

Soon they will think that the store is a nicer store to shop at, and they will be more likely to come back.

Trader Joe’s actually keeps marketing their products to you even after you have bought something there. Just look at the Fearless Flyer, their in-store magazine that they have at the register. When you see it, you have already bought something, checking out, on your way out the door even.

You grab it, since it’s free, and you start to leaf through it. There are crosswords and good looking food so it looks like there is so much that you have missed out on.

This subtle yet impactful way of making you buy stuff from them is nothing less than pure genius.

Trader Joe’s has an incredibly good way of marketing, to the point where most people do not even know that they have it.

From their reliance on pure quality and word of mouth, their constant attempts to create a good customer experience and the way that they bring you back before you’ve even tried the stuff, Trader Joe’s should be the example for all other stores.

The Death of Black Friday Where did the Spirit Go?

By Jessica Hickman opinion editor

In the past, Black Friday seemed like a consumerism rampage that never failed to overwhelm store employees. Workers are burdened by working a shift on that Friday in the third week of November. But now, the spirit of Black Friday has dwindled away to the point where this holiday feels just like any other normal day. So, where did the essence of Black Friday go?

interactions, furthering the shift toward online consumerism.

So even though the intense spirit of Black Friday might have seemed to fade away this has opened many new opportunities like shopping online. This allows many more people to enjoy this holiday spirit without having to push and shove to get a deal on the year’s hottest item.

On the other hand, it could just be enjoying the cold weather, and cuddling up in a warm blanket that brings them the most holiday spirit.

Decorating for Christmas is arguably one of the most enjoyable parts of the season.

The first waves of nostalgia hits with the holiday smells of gingerbread and sugar cookies, as well as the various classic Christmas songs, known word for word, that help bring the spirit alive.

The question is, when is it the proper time to unlock all of these fun times?

Although starting right on November 1st, just when the spooky times of Halloween conclude, seems like a great time to start, it can take away the special feeling of easing into true winter weather and spirit.

After Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start decorating and embracing Christmas. With the November holiday still in full swing, putting the decorations up too early could reduce the Christmas spirit, causing the anticipation for the holidays to dwindle. With the winter excitement slowly depleting, many can be left weary and less spirited for the coming holiday. At the end of the day, there is no wrong time to start decorating for the holiday season.

Whether it is the beginning or end of November, or even early December; whatever makes you the happiest is something that is hard to argue with. Either way, Christmas is about what makes you feel the happiest, not about when the decorations should go up.

(Graphic by Kasey Garth)

One cause of this can be the decrease in the discounts, as well as discounts lasting longer than just Black Friday. Nowadays, the “Black Friday” sales last for weeks which causes the “insane” discounts to diminish. This creates a lack of urgency for indulging in deals which defeats the whole purpose of creating the holiday.

On top of the more spread out sale schedule, the dwindling of instore deals is another reason why Black Friday has seemed to lose its magic, many consumers are turning to online shopping.

This twist in the post-Thankgiving holiday has been coined as Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is now characterized by cheap deals on many online platforms such as Amazon. This has increased in popularity as many people also do not want to wait in the long agonizing lines of stores, but rather have a package arrive on their doorstep.

On top of this, the COVID pandemic decreased the amount of in-store

So maybe Black Friday has not faded away but is evolving into something new, something better that can adapt to our fast-paced society of today. But now the discounts are fading and the deals seem to be nothing but ordinary. As the Black Friday spirit seems to dwindle away many consumers are turning to deals online.

A Letter From the Editors

What does high school truly prepare you for?

A common question in regards to high school is whether it prepares students for the real world, or just acceptance into college.

A typical day of high school consists of core classes such as mathematics, English and history but many argue that these classes aren’t essential in building a student’s basic life skills needed in adulthood.

In California, about 80% of schools provide five or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes and the average student will take three AP classes per year.

PVHS is in a competitive region of the South Bay, where schools typically push students to take advanced or honors classes in an attempt to look more appealing to college admissions officers.

This leads to the questionWhat happens if an individual does not plan to attend a fouryear university or community college?

While high school develops a student’s mind and teaches them a wide variety of subjects necessary for continuing education in a university, some may choose to go on a different career path.

A possible solution to the missing pieces in the curriculum could be inclusion of more classes to prepare students for

Are

By Adele Chen reporter

trade schools such as welding construction, emergency responders, etc. While these classes are offered through SCROC, not many students may know about them.

After high school graduation a senior can solve for X, recite elements on the periodic table, describe various wars throughout history, but often lack important foundational skills such as cooking,laundry, or balancing a checkbook.

Oftentimes once students are living by themselves for the first time, they tend to have trouble with everyday tasks.

The absence of social and life skills can negatively impact the youth of society as a whole once students are on their own in the real world.

In addition to adding trade school courses, schools should also offer elective classes for students interested in home economics to learn about personal finance, cooking, sewing and basic life skills in order to truly complete the high school experience.

The courses taken in high school set a student up to be appealing to colleges during the application process, oftentimes once students are living by themselves for the first time, they tend to have trouble with everyday tasks.

Teens

As a child, many yearn to grow up. As an adult, they wish they kept their childhood.

Nowadays, it is common that teenagers seem much more adult-like than the teens of past generations.

Senior Year:

Not as magical as the Movies

By Ethan Woo reporter

When kids are younger in high school or middle school, they don’t see the difficulties that teens in senior year have. Many kids think that senior year would be this magical moment.

Seeing certain shows and movies like “High School Musical” and “Cobra Kai” also drive many to believe that senior year is a fantastic time where everyone just has a great time and easily gets into an awesome college without dealing with any of the stress.

But, many have come to realize that these movies don’t show the work it took for those characters to get to the moment they are in.

college applications, school work, extracurriculars, sports, etc. According to CollegeData, applications and writing essays take up more than 50% of time for seniors, 12% of students reported feeling stress from outside school activities like sports, and 11% found themselves stressed from

when then he magically gets into Stanford while putting in seemingly no work at school besides him practicing karate. In the 6th season, Miguel is in his senior year, and we hear word about him applying, but not about working on the application itself.

Viewers often just jump to certain conclusions because that is the plot line they have set. These movies come up with a reality that is really unlikely in today’s world.

In reality, many kids face numerous difficulties and a ton of stress since there is a lot to complete, whether it’s

schoolwork.

In “Cobra Kai” one of the main characters, Miguel Diaz is seen always working on karate and we never really see him doing anything academic-related or anything related to college applications. In fact, it seems like he is always training. It gets even better for him

Stanford’s acceptance rate is 3.9% and in reality, if someone like Miguel were to apply, they would likely not get waitlisted and instead have a better chance at being deferred due to the competition of other students applying.

After watching Cobra Kai, many thought that if characters like Miguel can easily get into Stanford without dealing with any college problems it would be an easy step in life.

This year, students are not only facing stress from college apps, but are also having difficulty balancing extracurriculars and schoolwork. That just goes to show that you can’t judge life based on movies, as they don’t depict what reality actually is.

This is evident in the way they dress, the makeup they wear, and their obsession with anti-aging skincare.

In the early 2000’s, a teenage girl could be characterized by a flip phone, an orange spray tan, and a closet full of Abercrombie & Fitch. Through the lenses of these now grown adults, the new generation of teens are viewed as much more “mature” than what they had experienced.

For a teen nowadays, a low cut top could be the standard, and tiny shorts is the norm. A full face of makeup is common, and it is now often hard to tell a teenager apart from a young adult.

Losing Their Childhood Too Quickly?

One major cause of this seeming maturity is rooted to social media and teen presence online.

According to Pew Research Center, 63% of teens use TikTok, 61% use Instagram, and 55% use Snapchat. With the internet being much more accessible to everyone in this generation,

it seems teenagers know a lot more than

Constant access to the internet leads to many teenagers modeling themselves after older influencers they idolize. Young teens who follow in their favorite influencer’s footsteps often forget that they are not the same age, or that their entire page could simply be a fake internet

is understandable that teens are trying to prevent aging that will not yet be an issue for a long while.

Peer pressure also plays in teens’ lives.

Editors-in-Chief Ella Hansen James Lew Adviser Cynthia Mindicino

With the rise of filters in social media, it is often overlooked that the faces seen online have been meticulously edited and

To a teenager, these seemingly “perfect” faces bring about a need to look the same

Makeup is often worn to appear more mature and to cover up “imperfections.” Skincare is applied to clear skin, and to

Features: Fernandez De La Cigoña Opinion: Jessica Hickman

Staff

How teens see their friends dress and behave are often rooted in their own personalities and appearances. What might appear appalling to the adults of this world, could simply be the social norm forced upon a teen.

Body image is equally as important in guys as in girls.

While social media creates a standard to maintain a slim figure for teenage girls, guys also feel pressure to fit in with the standards. Working out in the gym, bench pressing at least 120 pounds and maintaining a fit body are all standards they have to live up to.

Between the widespread usage of social media, the increase of peer pressure amongst classmates and the many standards that teens are forced to live up too, growing up too fast feels less like a phenomenon and more like a reality.

So perhaps it is not that we are growing up too fast, but that the world we live in simply has.

Graphic by Adele Chen and decpits a teen’s Pinterest board of inspiration

Time To Say Goodbye

By Stella Gallai social media/reporter

LeBron James has spent more than two decades redefining longevity in professional sports.

From his 2003 debut in Cleveland to his latest season leading the Los Angeles Lakers, James has remained an indomitable force: four NBA titles, 20 All-Star appearances, and more than 40,000 career points.

But even legends are not superhuman. At age 40, James’ minutes, speed and recovery are subtly declining. Whether or not he can keep playing, it is doubtful that he should. For all he’s done to transform the game, James deserves to exit before time tarnishes his legacy.

“He’s doing pretty good but not as good as the past, he should retire,” said freshman Xavier Clemons. “You should leave the game when you’re ahead in almost any scenario.”

Retirement before an immense decline in performance would forever define his career by greatness, not gradual fade. We’ve seen the latter take its course on players like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal, examples of legendary careers shadowed by their regrettable endings.

But what comes after basketball? With a platform and following that bridges generations, James can focus his impact on philanthropic endeavors even more so than he already has.

Having faced no major offcourt controversy in his career,

James is adored for both his athletic prowess and personal character.

Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he’s opened schools, funded college scholarships and supported disadvantaged communities. His public stances on voting rights and racial equity have proven him able and ready to make a socio-political difference.

In a political landscape as tumultuous as that of today, it is even more valuable and important that celebrities make the most of their platforms. People like James have a unique advantage; he is already familiar to and deeply loved by the people.

Those who miss him even before he’s hung up his shoes are many in number. Seeing James on the sidelines will mark an entirely new era of basketball, one that is difficult to even picture.

The prospect is nostalgic and bittersweet as the world has grown up alongside him. Over 23 years we have watched him defy odds, rise to brilliance, break records, and inevitably start to slow down, inspiring millions along the way.

Putting our attachments aside, shouldn’t such an illustrious career deserve a

dignified ending?

His retirement should be respected and especially celebrated, for all he has contributed to the sport and its culture. The end of this era only gives way to an exciting future of nameless possibilities.

As he closes this chapter and navigates a new beginning, our support and trust in him are more meaningful than ever.

No matter where LeBron James goes from here, he will have behind him a legacy unrivaled and admiration unwavering.

Fantasy Sports Flaws

By Alex Ioannou reporter

Throughout the football season, millions of fans tune in to watch their favorite teams. But with the rise of fantasy sports, many fans now find themselves more invested in their favorite fantasy players rather than the teams themselves.

Fantasy leagues have changed the way people experience football; it shifts attention from the actual game to the individual performances.

“Fantasy sports can take you away from supporting your teams because you want your fantasy players to do well even if they are going against a team that you support,” said junior Chance Voytilla

When fans start to support players on opposing teams, rather than their own, it shows how fantasy sports have reshaped loyalty in football. The excitement of fantasy leagues can overshadow real fan support of their favorite team.

Since fantasy sports focuses on individual player stats, fantasy teams get points for how each individual player plays, not how the actual football team plays. Voytilla said that “Your players are rewarded many more points in fantasy football than any other stat,” showing how fantasy sports focus more on stats than the actual love of the game.

While fantasy leagues bring people together and create another level of competition, it can also make fans forget why they started watching sports in the first place.

“When the Patriots were

playing the Dolphins and I had Waddle on my team, I had to root for [the Dolphins] so I didn’t lose in fantasy,” junior Jake Pekarek said. “But, I love seeing my guys catching passes, scoring touchdowns, and I love seeing them ball every Sunday. Fantasy makes football so much more enjoyable.”

Fantasy sports have undeniably made football more engaging for many fans, giving them a reason to follow every matchup, not just their favorite teams.

However, it’s easy to forget whether you’re cheering for your team or your fantasy players.

“When I watch football, I want my fantasy players to play well, but I also want my favorite team to win,” sophomore Brian Coulon said. “I started playing fantasy because my friends did, and it just makes watching football more fun.”

According to Coulon, fantasy brings people together, but also takes away true team support. When fans focus on how well their fantasy team is playing, they care less about their actual team winning.

Fantasy sports can be entertaining, but still changes the way fans support their favorite team. Fans rooting for opposing team’s players over their favorite team changes what being a real fan is.

A real fan loves the game, and roots for their team over anything else. With fantasy sports, that passion for the game starts to fade.

If you care more about your fantasy scores than the actual game in front of you, can you really call yourself a real fan?

Who’s Got It Hardest?

The Ongoing Debate: PV Athletes Defend Their Sports

By Ivy Ruberg sports editor

The debate over what sport is the hardest has gone on for years, and almost everyone seems to have a different opinion.

Some argue that the hardest sports demand the most endurance or physical strength, while others believe that precision, coordination, or mental toughness matter more.

Online polls and rankings show just how divided people are - ESPN’s famous “Degree of Difficulty” study puts boxing at the top citing its combination of physical and mental strength, while another social media poll by Pubity Sports with more than two million votes, crowned soccer as the hardest sport to play. The results make one thing clear: the hardest sport really depends on how you define “hard.”

To understand how athletes themselves see the question, we asked PV’s very own to share their thoughts.

Junior baseball player Asher

Friedman didn’t hesitate: “Baseball’s the hardest for sure. It’s a round bat and a round ball coming at you super fast and you have to hit it square.”

He added, “You can practice your swing day in and day out, but you just never know what the pitcher’s gonna throw at you.” Baseball demands precise timing and focus — even the best players fail most of the time.

Another junior baseball player, Lucas Kim, had a different take.

He says “I’d say the hardest sport is horseback riding because the amount of coordination and physical skill it takes to ride that horse is extremely hard and it takes big tolls on your body.”

His answer highlights how body control and balance can define difficulty just as much as strength.

Soccer player Mila Jacsik, sophomore, argues that her sport is the toughest because of its “non-stop” nature.

“You’re really doing it all,” she said. “Everyone has to run forward and run back, help

PVHS Welcomes Father-Son Coaches

By Owen Hardesty reporter

With years of experience and visions for success, Coach Frank Salceda Sr. joined the PVHS basketball program this fall as interim head coach.

Now, with Greg Clark coming back as head coach, Salceda Sr. will stay on the coaching staff as an assistant varsity coach.

Salceda Sr. isn’t just any coach. He has personal connections with each of his players, and works to get to know them both on and off the court.

Frank Salceda Jr., Max Cui, Frank Salceda Sr. (Photo courtesy of Frank Salceda Sr.)

“Relationships are everything,” Salceda Sr. said. “My players know I’ll go to bat for them every single time.”

Salceda Sr. is a well known coach in the South Bay area, and has coached many of the current PV basketball players in years prior.

“Coach Frank has been my coach since sixth grade, so having him as my high school coach is a really cool thing to witness,” junior Grant Beshear said.

Salceda Sr. is a big advocate for positivity and having his players lift one another up, on and off the court.

“Every player wearing a Sea Kings jersey should understand what it means. The work, the sacrifice, and especially the brotherhood,” Salceda Sr. said.

“He constantly gives me confidence on the court, and he always tells me to shoot with confidence,” Beshear said.

attack, help defend, and if you stop working and take a play off, it could cost you the game.”

While some may argue that soccer is “slow” or “boring”, Jacsik points out how this makes the game even more difficult.

“You only get a few chances per game, so if you mess it up you might not get another one.”

Soccer demands high levels of endurance, teamwork, and constant focus, which might explain why so many people in online polls voted it as the hardest.

Basketball’s up there, too.

“Basketball is the hardest sport because it requires a lot of coordination that most people don’t have,” senior Savanna De Leon said.

While basketball isn’t as punishing as combat sports, the combination of quick decisionmaking, agility, and skill makes it a challenge for both the body and mind.

For some athletes though, the hardest sport happens in the water.

“Water polo has got to be the hardest,” said sophomore volleyball Tobin Gilmartin

“It’s a full contact sport where you have to swim, jump out of the water, pick your passes, and find your shot all while treading water the whole time.”

Junior waterpolo athlete Nathan Mayer added “It’s a combination of swimming and wrestling in the water.”

“That adds a level of conditioning and athleticism on top of swimming, which makes it just really hard.”

Players must stay afloat, battle defenders, and make splitsecond decisions — all without touching the ground.

Other athletes had completely different answers. Junior Keegan Leslie chose mixed martial arts.

“I think MMA is the hardest sport because it takes the most dedication and a lot of willpower,” he explained. “When you’re in the cage there’s not really anyone that can help you. It’ll strip you down from everything that you have — it’s just you, the cage,

and your opponent.”

For Leslie, the hardest part isn’t only physical pain, but the mental test of being completely on your own.

Other PV athletes pointed to sports that require technical mastery. Sydney Kechter, a junior track athlete, argued for the unique athleticism required in gymnastics.

“You could take any gymnast and they could be good at another sport, but you can’t take an athlete from any other sport and they’d be good at gymnastics. Gymnastics requires strength, flexibility, and precision.”

Junior tennis player Aileana McFerson made a case for hockey.

“It’s really hard to skate on the ice and score a goal with a tiny puck and a skinny stick while going back and forth really fast.”

Maybe the hardest sport isn’t about what happens on the field, on the court, or in the ring, but about how much you’re willing to give to truly master it.

LA Dodgers Winning Back-To-Back World Series

By Sarah Fujinaga social media/reporter

With the 2025 MLB season coming to an end, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays made up one of the best World Series in history.

In Game 1 of the World Series, the Blue Jays took control. Retired Blue Jays pitcher and current teacher Brian Bowles said, “If the Blue Jays can steal Game One or Two, all of a sudden more pressure is put on the Dodgers because of the expectations to win.”

His words proved true, as the Blue Jays went on to win with an 11-4 victory.

Salceda coaches alongside his son, Frank “Frankie” Salceda Jr., who coaches the JV team.

“Coaching alongside my dad has been a really meaningful experience. He’s tough and holds everyone, including me, to a high standard,” Salceda Jr. said.

Salceda Jr. has high aspirations for his JV team this year. “I want the guys to understand the game, compete the right way, and be ready for that next step to varsity,” he said.

Salceda Sr. and Salceda Jr. have a strong coaching connection and are constantly learning new things about the game together.

“I’ve learned a lot from [my dad] about leadership, accountability, and how to connect with players on a deeper level,” Salceda Jr. said.

With both coaches bringing experience, support and commitment to their players, the Salcedas are going to make a lasting impact on the boys basketball program this year.

In Game 2 of the World Series starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominated.

The pitcher had a complete game with only one earned run and eight strikeouts. While Yamamoto controlled the Blue Jays offense, the Dodgers offense started scoring.

Catcher Will Smith was 2 for 4 with an RBI single and a solo home run. Smith also had an RBI forceout, that along with Max Muncy’s home run lead the Dodgers to win the game 5-1.

In Game 3 the Dodgers and Blue Jays went all the way to 18 innings. This was the longest game in the 2025 MLB season and tied for the longest in World Series history.

The game was tied in the seventh inning by Shohei Ohtani with a home run to tie the score at 5-5. Both teams used up almost all of their 26man roster, bringing in relievers constantly.

After veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw closed out the 14th inning, Dodgers rookie Will Klein came in. Klein dominated with 5 strikeouts and no earned runs as he finished the

18-inning game.

The score stayed the same until the bottom 18th inning when Freddie Freeman saved the game with a walk-off home run.

With the Dodgers’ offense shakier than usual this series, the long break between the NLCS and World Series may have been a key factor.

Former Yankees and current Angels catching coach Jason Brown explained, “Offensively, a long break can be a disadvantage if hitters go too long without game at-bats.” This was shown in Game 5, when the Dodgers managed only three hits—their fewest of the postseason.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto started Game 6 strong, pitching six innings with one earned run and six strikeouts.

Will Smith’s RBI double and Mookie Betts’ RBI single in the top of the third gave the Dodgers a 3–0 lead.

In a tense ninth inning, Addison Barger hit a ball that lodged in the fence for a ground-rule double, but the game ended soon after on a shocking double play by Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas.

With the Dodgers forcing a Game 7 of the World Series, it was all or nothing for both teams. Shohei Ohtani struggled early, giving up a threerun homer to Bo Bichette that put the Blue Jays ahead 3–0.

Teoscar Hernández’s sacrifice bunt and Tommy Edman’s sacrifice fly cut the lead to 3–2. In the top of the eighth, Max Muncy crushed a solo home run to make the gap 4-3. Both teams’ pitchers were looking promising, and it seemed the score would hold until No. 9 hitter Miguel Rojas launched a game-tying home run in the ninth. On just 24 hours’ rest after starting Game 6, Yoshinobu Yamamoto entered and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth, keeping the Dodgers alive.

In the 11th inning, catcher Will Smith delivered a go-ahead solo home run to make it 5–4, and the Dodgers sealed their backto-back World Series title with a game-ending double play from Mookie Betts.

The Dodgers battled back as

SNAP and so Much More:

Summarizing the Government Shutdown

By Ashlyn Matulic reporter

As of Nov. 6, 2025, the U.S. government has been shut down for over 4 weeks and counting starting on Oct.1.

Here is what the citizens should know:

Day 1: The shutdown began at midnight, resulting from Congress’s failure to reach a balanced budget agreement. Republicans and Democrats pointed fingers at each other due to differences of opinion regarding healthcare subsidies. Researchers estimate that this crisis will cost $15 billion weekly.

About 1.4 million Federal workers will not get paid or go to work, many U.S. government services are temporarily suspended, citizens’ plane flights and trips are canceled, educational factors including student loans are impacted and most workers might have to take on a second job.

The Republicans and Democrats have continued to appear no closer to an agreement throughout the weeks. According to the facts from News POLITICO, 69% of Democrats say the shutdown is a “major problem,” expressing more concern than the 59% of Independents and the 37% of Republicans. Republicans want to leverage the Grand Old Party’s (GOP’s) need for bipartisan support.

Day 2: Oct. 2, 2025. The federal government is in a solid shutdown. There are whispers and hints on BBC.com news that the Trump administration is starting to let thousands of federal workers go in order to create a smaller, more efficient government.

“I think that we really need to collaborate better and get to a point where more than just what we think is working and actually effective,” Social Science teacher Anna Driver said.

As people have seen, this shutdown will cause a lot of issues and disturbances in the United States. Some of these include federal workers missing their first full paycheck and military families needing to rely on food banks and other organizations to help pay bills and obtain other

necessities. One of these groups is the.

In addition to this, npr.org reported that state agencies would not have the funds to reimburse schools, resulting in free and low-cost meals not being provided to students. In some areas, national parks are being closed, people are losing food assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and loans are being turned over.

Moreover, “When you shut down the government, bad things happen, and the longer the government is shut down, the more bad things will happen,” said Federal Fiscal Policy Team member Devin O’Connor on NPR.org news.

This is the 18th government shutdown in the history of the United States. When we passed Day 22, Oct. 22, 2025, we officially entered the third-longest funding lapse in the books.

“I feel like they need to both listen and come up with a better solution to the problem right now; the longer it goes, the more people are going to be affected,” Driver said.

Week 3: The Senate still fails to advance the GOP bill that is needed to pay federal workers. The House has been out on leave since September 19, with no plans of return until the shutdown is resolved.

The Supreme Court is expected to run out of funding. The Judicial branch is scheduled to run out of money for full operations on Oct. 20. Lastly, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled voting on the following dates: Oct. 7-10 and Oct.1417, according to CBS News.

Week 4: The GOP expected Democrats to crack on the shutdown; it turns out that the Democrats have only hardened their position, not relenting on anything of the sort. Now, for the 12th time, Senate Democrats have closed the Republican Party’s Government funding legislation for the fourth week. Not one senator has begun to switch their place or voting decision.

Week 5: The Senate has failed to make the next step for a Republicanbacked funding bill to end this government shutdown for the 13th time. The

pressure is continuing to rise on both political parties who are unwilling to back down. The Government workers finally say it is their time to take a clean step forward and end the shutdown.

The Federal employees and many more have officially missed their first full paycheck as of Oct. 27, 2025.

According to CBS news, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “Despite the outcome, lawmakers from both parties have hinted at emerging deals to end the stalemate.”

However, no deal has been reached and public is dealing with the consequences.

On Nov. 1, the Department of Agriculture stopped funding SNAP benefits for people in low-income jobs needing assistance to pay for basic necessities such as food.

In accordance with CBS News, 25 states are suing the Trump Administration with SNAP over the food cuts because it is a mandatory and required entitlement program.

(Graphic byAshlyn Matulic)

Finally, people who have health issues, instability, and need money loans are really starting to worry about their families and others.

On the contrary, this shutdown will have different impacts and problems that will show up in the future. This could mean that the government may not have enough money stored to undertake projects and new loans.

Moreover, some small businesses could be put on hold due to funding, and a group of national parks will be closed. Additionally, educational grants as well as other resources could be cut or no longer available.

The Government Shutdown has been a long, hard, and unpredictable journey so far. However, the Government does see a point where both the Republicans and the Democrats can come together, to make a compromisable agreement and continue to run the government as it should be run, in unison.

Lights, Camera, Beaucar!

By Riley Volman reporter

The camera rolls from the coast to the classroom, its shutter captures dozens of faces, capturing sunlight bouncing off Palos Verdes Ocean. But 205 isn’t the only class at PVHS that knows how to tell a story.

Jeffery Beaucar’s video production class is not only a sort of “workshop” class for 205, but also teaches students how to tell a different kind of story: the kind of story that gets sent to film festivals, wins awards, and connects people’s perspectives on unimaginable levels.

Inside Beaucar’s Film Production class, stories come to life.

Several of his students have already made steps in the film world. Quinn Kozinski, class of 2025, was accepted into Chapman University and has also been recognized for his short films after having submitted them into a film of excellence and received amazing feedback.

“Mr. Beaucar’s class reminded me why storytelling matters. It wasn’t just about film, it was about creativity, laughter, and finding our voice behind the camera,” former student and American actress Sanai Victoria said.

The class’s success speaks for itself. Beaucar has led his class and has won

four Student Television Network awards in a row, earning top placements in categories like Nat Package and Anchor Team, with him mentioning that “Lauren Kim won that, who was also in my video production class- she won first place for that.”

Beyond student awards, Beaucar emphasizes how significant film festivals can be for young filmmakers.

“If you get into one of the major fifteen film festivals, that’s huge,” he said. “And if you could win a major film festival? That’s a major feather in your cap.”

But the real story starts with Beaucar himself. His love for film began much earlier in life.

“I remember my dad; me and my dad would go back and forth when I was little and quote lines back to each other from films,” he said. “1994 was the year that I really fell in love with movies.”

Later when he joined ASB in high school, he began making short films with nothing but a camcorder and an idea.

“I had a camcorder and I put a movie together. I wished they had programs like this, where we could actually learn how to edit.”

So, he brought this program to life, and teaches students what he wishes he could have learned. The credits may roll at the end of the film, but for this class, the story is still being written.