The Arrow October 2021 by The Westlake Arrow

the

Arrow 100 Lakeview Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91362 Volume XLIV | Issue 1 | October 7, 2021

pages 6–7

Afghanistan update

New generation of rap

Goodbye dress code

Page 3

Page 8

Page 9

EDITORIAL

Letter to our readers

New band director

by angela ling & soumya monga the editor team

‘90s fashion

6–7

Marvel real–life issues

Off–season sports

Arrow staff picks

Cover photo courtesy of public domain

www.westlakearrow.net westlakearrow@gmail.com @westlakearrow @whsarrow 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497–6711 ext. 4225 The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer.

PHOTO BY ANDY LYNCH

Forum: block schedule

It’s been a hot second. You may notice you’re holding a physical newspaper right now and not reading it from your computer screen (except for you ISSUU readers). Well, just like school this year, The Arrow is also back in–person! It’s such an exciting time for us to be back in our little corner of WHS in 42E: the home of The Arrow newspaper. You may also notice that the staff box looks a little different. This year, we have a small but mighty staff of 14. We’re so thrilled to be able to interview all of you in–person again and get to experience the WHS spirit as your friendly neighborhood journalists. Hopefully, you Marvel fans used your “Peter tingles” and understood that reference. On that note, one of the topics we’re going to be covering in this issue is real–life issues being addressed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the pandemic and international lockdowns came unprecedented activism for social issues such as racial and gender equality and much–needed acceptance for a diverse range of sexual orientations. Much of that activism spread to our beloved MCU, and while this is such an important step in the right direction, it’s been a long time coming. So, hopefully, you enjoy our center spread dedicated to addressing these issues and the changes being made in the MCU as a result. Speaking of the center spread, this year, due to our smaller and newer staff, we have decided to shorten our issue to 12 pages instead of 16. Please join us in a moment of silence for the excluded four pages. Don’t worry, our devoted fans. We know how much you would want to avenge the death of those pages. Rest assured, this change is only temporary. We hope to increase the page count once again to 16 later in the year as we become more confident in our abilities as a staff and adjust back to “normal” life after last year’s school closures. Another change you might notice this year is our social media presence. This year, we are striving to be more active on our social media platforms because we believe these accounts will be vital in reaching and interacting with the WHS student body and our other readers. We’d like to officially introduce you to our Instagram and Twitter accounts @westlakearrow and our Facebook account @whsarrow. You’ll see more frequent posts on all of these accounts, including polls, interactive quizzes, story sneak peaks and more, so watch out for those on your left! With that being said, despite the shorter issue, we are still fully dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and timely information possible. Our mission has not changed. We still recognize our duty to report truthfully and without bias. We assure you that that is one thing that will never change no matter how many pages are increased or decreased. Our reporters are fully aware of their responsibilities to you and the community

and strive every day to fulfill those responsibilities to the best of their abilities. As editors–in–chief, we are dedicated to making sure our entire newspaper and website are of the highest quality whether that be a commentary on a specific issue, a feature piece on our student body or any other type of news. We want to prove that we are worthy, even enough to lift Thor’s hammer. We appreciate your support and hope to continue to provide you with the tools necessary to be informed citizens. As Happy Hogan said, “You handle the suit. I’ll handle the music.” Queue “Hotel California” by Katy and Shang–Chi. And with that, we leave you with our first issue of the year, so happy reading! We’re going to sign off and try that new shawarma joint two blocks from here. We love you 3000,

Angela Ling and Soumya Monga The Editor Team 2021–22

theArrow Staff editors–in–chief

opinion section editor angela ling & soumya monga

co–web editors–in–chief

alyssa rice

opinion editor

makenna norman & vivian stein

tommy kackert

interim sports section editor

business manager

allan tieu

allison tieu

sports editor

news section editor

grace hefner

allan tieu

feature section editor

graphics editor makenna norman

feature editors

alyssa rice

photo editor andy lynch & julie rendon

alyssa joo

social media editors

arts & entertainment section editor

andy lynch, ella marcum & julie rendon

vivian stein

arts & entertainment editor

adviser shane douglas

karie lynch

NEWS

U.S. ends occupation in Afghanistan

The PSAT will be administered to students who registered on three dates in October. The primary test day will be on Wednesday, Oct. 13, and alternate test days will be on Oct. 16 and 26. The final day to register for AP exams for the 2022 year will be on Nov. 1. Any exams registered after this date will cost an additional $40 late fee.

–Over 2,400 U.S. service members, 66,000 Afghan national military and 47,000 Afghan civilians were killed in Afghanistan. –The 20–year war has worsened the effects of poverty, malnutrition, sanitation and environmental degradation. The war has also limited access to health care in Afghanistan. Sources: apnews.com, usatoday.com & watson.brown.edu

on ensuring women and girls have access to female health workers,” said WHO’s director–general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a press release. Now that the Taliban is in control of the country, it has made an effort to curb women’s rights to enforce a strict interpretation of Islam. Female workers and students have been told to stay at home. Female university students were informed that their studies would take place in a gender–segregated setting and that they must follow a strict Islamic dress code. “It’s our right,” said Marzia Ahmadi, a rights activist and government employee forced to sit at home, in a public statement. “We want to talk to them. We want to tell them that we have the same rights as they have.” With the United Nations’ annual General Assembly meeting at the end of September, the Taliban has requested to attend in place of Afghanistan.

IN ON DOMA

–An estimated $5.8 trillion was spent on the war in Afghanistan and other conflicts that stemmed from the 9/11 attacks. –Between 1.9 and 3 million U.S. service members have served in post–9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, Taliban fighters successfully took over Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, after U.S. troops had been instructed to evacuate the country. President Joe Biden decided to end the United States’ two decades of involvement in Afghanistan when he ordered the evacuation of American citizens, third–country civilians, vulnerable Afghans, Afghan allies and U.S. troops from the country. “American troops cannot and should not be fighting in a war and dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves,” said Biden in an interview with ABC News. However, Biden wants to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan until all U.S. citizens are safely evacuated. According to USA Today, Biden authorized the deployment of 5,000 troops to Afghanistan to assist with the evacuation of U.S. personnel, Afghan allies and military prior to the fall of the capital. According to CBS News, the last U.S. flight out of Afghanistan carrying U.S. troops took off on Aug. 30 at 3:29 p.m. EST, marking the end of America’s longest war. Twelve–and–a–half metric tons of trauma kits, emergency health kits and other supplies were delivered to Afghanistan from the World Health Organization on the same day. This was the first shipment of medical supplies to land since the Taliban took control. It can address the basic health needs of 200,000 people, treat 6,500 trauma patients and complete 3,500 surgeries. “There is an immediate need to ensure sustained humanitarian access and continuity of health services across the country, with a focus

20 years in Afghanistan

news section editor

PSAT & AP Registration

by allan tieu

In brief

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S COURTE

GRAPHIC BY ALLAN TIEU

The Taliban claims that it meets all the requirements necessary to be considered a recognized form of government in the U.N. Although the U.N. has not challenged the Taliban’s credentials, it has not given permission for the Taliban to attend these meetings in Afghanistan’s stead. The U.N. believes it could use this as leverage to gain assurances for human rights, women’s rights and political reform in Afghanistan from the Taliban. “If you’re in the U.N. and you want to represent the family of nations, then you want absolutely everything of the family there — even the distant cousin that not everyone’s proud of,” said Rohinton Medhora, president of the Center for International Governance Innovation in Canada. “So the U.N. needs Afghanistan and counties to demonstrate the value of many of its operations.”

To read the full story, visit westlakearrow.net.

WHS band Regiment Band will be performing at TOHS for the annual Sounds of Conejo on Oct. 9. They will also be performing on Oct. 16 for the 37th Annual Royal Classic Field Tournament at Royal High School in Simi Valley. The Fall band concert will be on Oct. 19 in the WHS Carpenter Family Theater.

CVUSD Equity task force The new CVUSD Equity Task Force members consist of various CVUSD students, parents, teachers and administrators. The new members are Ana Alvarez, Alysia Flamer, Mia Greenidge, Isaac Huang, Nadia Lucero, Sandra Martinez–Galvan, José Pino, Deja Townsend and Ava Zasloff. For more information about each individual Equity Task Force member, visit the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page on conejousd.org.

Compiled by Allan Tieu

Science department prepares for move into STEM building by vivian stein a&e section editor

PHOTO BY ANDY LYNCH

Three years after CVUSD revealed plans for WHS’s new science building, the process is now in the homestretch, with the science department slated to move in by November of 2021. Now that major construction on the building is complete, finishing touches are being implemented before science teachers can begin moving near the end of the year. “We have about a week to make the move, but we get our [packing] boxes earlier,” said Kristi Hronek, CP Marine Science and Honors Biology teacher. “As soon as we start getting our boxes, I think you’ll start seeing a lot of teachers packing things up.” Each floor of the building will be moved in separately to keep the process as organized and efficient as possible. Plans are tentative, but the overall goal is for teachers to begin moving in November and to fully start teaching in the building by second semester at the latest. “I’m most excited for the increase in space because we’re so densely packed into our current classrooms,” said Jennifer Boyd, AP Environmental Science and Honors Environmental Field Science teacher. “Just being able to move around and do labs and walk to the sinks without climbing over bags [will be nice].” This 27,000 square–foot building will provide a surplus of new space, allowing teachers that are currently sharing classrooms to move

SCIENCE BUILDING NEARING COMPLETION: WHS’s new science building is expected to open doors to students and teachers by the beginning of semester two. Students can view the building progress from the student parking lot path. Scan the QR code above to view a timelapse of the construction process.

into the newly freed classrooms in Building 4 once the science department has moved. Every science teacher on campus is moving into the new STEM building, with the exception of AP and CP Physics teacher Scott Holloway. “Because I have a maker space attached to my room, we wanted to continue with that in the future,” said Holloway. “So, I’m going to be taking over both of the current chemistry rooms. One will be the maker space, and one will be my physics classroom.”

With a large portion of WHS’s staff moving classrooms in a short time frame, the district will provide a moving company to facilitate the move into the new building. “Over the summer, I came in and did a large cleanout of things that I didn’t think I would need anymore, so that will make [the move] a little bit easier,” said Hronek. New furniture is also set for the STEM building, with lab tables on wheels to allow teachers to set up different configurations.

“There’s going to be flexible seating, lab tables and chairs, so it’s a little easier for us to set up how we want the lab stations to look,” said Hronek. “There will [also] be counters and cabinets on the sides.” As a whole, the new structure has three stories, 11 classrooms, a staff room, new student and staff restrooms and a chemical stockroom. There are also outdoor amenities to provide more learning opportunities, especially for biology classes. “Right next to my classroom there’s going to be an outdoor covered area, so if I wanted to do lessons outside in the shade, I could,” said Boyd. The layout of the new structure includes three classrooms on the first floor, a staff room and four classrooms on the second floor, and four classrooms connected by the chemical stockroom on the top floor. The building also has a rooftop learning area, windows in every classroom and increased technology, most notably touch screen TVs in the classrooms. “I think it will just be fun to be in something brand new,” said Hronek. “I’m excited to see what it’s going to look like and how to arrange the room, and it will be fun to have the science department altogether.” Construction officially began on Aug. 7, 2020, and now, a little over a year later, plans to begin the move into the building are in full swing. “I’m really happy that we’re going to have a new opportunity for a better learning environment,” said Holloway. “Hopefully, the community will see it was money well spent.”

FEATURE

WHS students create new clubs M PO

WHS UNICEF

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Adviser: Kirsta Andrew–Fischer Room 43G WHS UNICEF’s goal is to raise funds to help children gain access to basic necessities and raise awareness for social issues in the community, advocating for people who are overlooked.

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Calligraphers of the World

Adviser: Daniela Garcia Room 32E Calligraphers of the World aims to foster the interest of calligraphy through lettering positive messages and distributing them to philanthropies.

Physics Club

Adviser: Scott Holloway Room 31E Physics Club aims to provide students with the necessary tools to interact with others and build their knowledge. They provide students with the opportunity to explore different aspects of physics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN WANG

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARISSE CHUA

As another year begins at WHS, clubs from previous years are back, and along with the old comes the new. School clubs allow students to spread their ideas and explore interests at school as well as provide ample opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. Interest groups, on the other hand, are a type of club on campus that do not need a financial account or have any financial activities. Since it was established, WHS has been a home to a multitude of diverse clubs. In the 2021–22 school year, students are bringing on a new assortment of interest groups open for anyone to take part in such as Critical Conversations, Rising Leaders, Puzzle Club, Cubing Classroom and Physical Health. “I’ve always been really passionate about social justice, so I think it is very important that we incorporate that into the campus just to make it a safer environment for people,” said co–founder of Critical Conversations Summer Nichols ‘24. Critical Conversations is a new interest group this year, founded by Nichols and Catherine Xu ‘22. Their goal is to provide a safe space for students on campus and to communicate with one another on topics regarding racism, sexism and the discrimination of people in the LGBTQ+ community. They are currently working on creating an environment to openly discuss topics like these and planning to help fix the curriculum or any school policies that may need reform. “I hope that students can join if they need support and they feel like their voices or concerns are not heard, so we can highlight

Returning clubs spotlight

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a&e editor & business manager

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by allison tieu

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GRAPHIC BY ALLISON TIEU

Source: conejousd.org/whs

it and make sure we can do something about it,” said Jennifer Boyd, Critical Conversations adviser as well as AP Environmental Science and Honors Environmental Field Science teacher. “I think if we don’t have these conversations, then nothing will change, so we need to start it up and start hearing different perspectives.” Another interest group created in order to build people up is Rising Leaders, founded by Swasinya Jayaraman ‘23. “The basic [goal for Rising Leaders] is to inspire students to focus on mental health and really motivate everyone to reach their best selves,” said Jayaraman. “I really want to focus on mental health and do activities related to

building our leadership skills and whatever future skills [are] needed.” Jayaraman plans to bring in guest speakers to work with the Wellness Center on campus as well as Emily Nelson, the Rising Leader’s club adviser and WHS counselor. Jayaraman is excited to meet new people and to host discussions relating to mental health and leadership. In addition to being a space for students to build themselves up and receive help, interest groups are also a great way to find people who share the same passions and bring them together. “I have always loved all sorts of puzzles and find them enjoyable and relaxing,” said Puzzle Club founder Natalia Bajerski ‘23. “As a busy

student, I think having a time set during lunch to do something I love could be really beneficial not only to myself but also to others since I believe there are many people that enjoy this activity as well.” This school year, Bajerski created Puzzle Club, an interest group for anyone who enjoys and wants to engage their mind in solving puzzles. Some activities Puzzle Club plans to host are having jigsaw puzzles, Rubik’s cubes, logic puzzles and a variety of others in addition to the possibility of activities done outside of school such as escape rooms. Similarly, Cubing Classroom was created by Hunter Wang ‘24 as a way to share and spread speed cubing around campus. It is an opportunity for students who are interested in learning the basics of speed solving 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5 Rubik’s Cubes, and a place for experienced cubers to improve their times and participate in head–to–head competitions. “The original motivation that started all of this was actually due to [COVID–19],” said Wang. “I learned how to solve a 3x3 in fifth grade, but until last year, I never really got into speed solving. [COVID–19] gave me ample time to practice and improve my average times, and I want to share my experience with other people.” Clubs act as a safe space for students to participate in numerous different activities that focus on various topics, introduce them to new interests and form connections with fellow students. “I believe that getting involved in interest groups and clubs is very beneficial for students, especially since the social aspect was lacking in the past year,” said Nichols. “It allows students to branch out and connect with people that share common interests.”

Band program welcomes new director

director Allison Davis and former band director and current studio jazz instructor Brian Peter. A new year at WHS began on “Fortunately, Mr. Peter is Aug. 18, welcoming students back helping train me on the position,” said to in–person learning after a year of Forrester. “He talks to me everyday, online classes. As the campus buildings and it’s been really helpful, so I’m not and halls came to life with new staff alone. I have a lot of support.” and students, the WHS band program Along with Peter’s guidance, welcomed their new band director. Forrester learns from her students while d’Lainey Forrester is WHS’s new she teaches them. band director, teaching Wind Orchestra, “She’s been teaching me a lot Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, of stuff, and I’ve been teaching her Concert Band and Regiment. Before … our traditions [and] … how Mr. working at WHS, Forrester marched Peter ran things,” said Regiment professionally senior drum with the drum major Kyle he best part corps group Blue Ashamallah is definitely ‘22. “But she’s Devils and taught working with the taking a lot of at her former high school, San students and the musicians freedom on her Marcos HS. own … She’s here because the students are taking things “To me, they’re my really great.” in her own role models –d’Lainey Forrester hands instead and heroes,” of relying on said Forrester. other people.” “They were just such a great example Forrester works hard on being for how to run a program. I really responsible for both minor and major learned a lot. It was a really, really happenings within the band program. valuable experience.” “As a drum major, … so many In addition to old mentors, things can go wrong,” said Ashamallah Forrester works with the staff at WHS, “[But] she’s really on top of solving including assistant band director problems as soon as they arise.” Matthew Ray, symphonic band Forrester understands the

by alyssa joo photo editor

PHOTO BY ALYSSA RICE

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CONDUCTING BAND REHEARSAL: d’Lainey Forrester conducts period three Wind Ensemble, rehearsing pieces such as “Cajun Folk Songs” by Frank Ticheli.

importance of having a variety of different perspectives, so she is always promoting collaboration and feedback from students and staff alike. “She brings in her friends from her freshman marching band, so it’s good because we get input from different professionals,” said Wind

Ensemble and Regiment member Tanya Patel ‘23. “It’s really cool to hear all the input from everybody that has done this professionally.” Forrester places value on a lot of aspects of working at WHS, including time management and quality. Above all, though, she values her students and their musicianship.

“I would say the best part is definitely working with the students and the musicians here because the students are really great,” said Forrester. “[They] are very talented and very smart as well as very respectful ... The students are really kind and compassionate and caring towards one another.”

FEATURE

Breaking down gender fashion barriers

Ka itl in er st Au ‘23 h (S he

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Rachel Langhorne ‘24 (She

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(He/she

construct, and [people] should not be forced to look or act a certain way [because of it].” Gender identity has been a long debated topic, with both sides of the debate arguing whether a person’s identity is determined by their physical characteristics, their upbringing and nurturing environment or if it is a form of nature, dictating a certain feeling about themselves since birth. “I definitely think that the environment you are in has a heavy influence on your gender expression and how you might present yourself,” said Miwa. With the past generation of Millenials, gender expression was mainly limited to conforming to the gender one was born as. However, in today’s age, gender identity is expanding, and with the increase in fluidity on the spectrum, clothing has adapted with the rise of gender expression. “We have started building and [have gotten] to a place that is better ... but we have to deprogram ourselves from the society we were normalized to,” said Luff. Clothing is an important part of people’s identities and with this form of self expression, younger generations have the opportunity to experiment with clothing expression without the confinement of gender limitations. “Clothing has this interesting property that we discover as kids — that you don’t have to just be something and [stay] that,” said Dr. Jo Paoletti, professor at the University of Maryland, in an interview with Quartz. “You can be a different thing — a different you — every day.”

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their presence because they are trying with their clothing,” said Luff. “My feature editors mind tends to put [people] in a box based on what they’re wearing.” Clothing is a statement, an Because of today’s age of younger expression displaying one’s identity generations and their access to social and personality towards the public, media, which shows all forms of and with modern culture evolving to gender fluidity and expression, there become more accepting, clothing is is so much room to explore different adapting along with that change. kinds of fashion that are personal In this generation, the idea of and unique to everyone. Generation gender labeling through clothing Z is starting to break down gender has begun to dissolve, with teens and norms by not influencers conforming normalizing definitely love that now to “typical” fashion in clothing for there are more options a “typical” all forms for for people to identify gender. all genders. F o r “I think with, but sometimes, there is example, we’ve turned so much pressure for people to [ g e n d e r dresses find a label that it can turn toxic. norms] into and skirts, which have Gender is a social construct and s o m e t h i n g always been that we can [people] should not be forced mold into trapped to look or act a certain way whatever we between the confines of [because of it].” want, which femininity, is amazing,” –Keira Miwa said Keira have been adopted into Miwa ‘24. all sorts of wardrobes, and gender “Everyone can just [wear] whatever neutral clothing is the new norm in they want.” most fashion statements. However, with more people “My goal is to wear whatever I identifying with different labels, really want to wear,” said Tyler Luff some people may not find a label fit ‘23. “I don’t buy clothes that don’t for them because there are so many express myself.” umbrella terms for identity and Clothing is a leading factor in gender expression, which can affect many people’s impression of others, one’s clothing choice and image. and style can impact one’s image “I definitely love that now and identity in the face of another there are more options for people to individual’s judgement. identify with, but sometimes, there “When I see people who try is so much pressure for people to more with their outfit, it gives me find a label that it can turn toxic,” more of a sense of wanting to be in said Miwa. “Gender is a social

by andy lynch & julie rendon

‘90s fashion makes a comeback by ella marcum & makenna norman feature editor & feature section editor

uff ‘23 )

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Rein Lourenco ‘23 (He/they/it)

old thrifted clothes,” said Delgrosso. Many teens are also basing styles off of what their parents wore 20–30 years ago. The clothes that parents kept through the decades in the back of their closets have given today’s teenagers a sense of what it was like to be living during the peak of ‘90s fashion. “My mom has been a big help [with my style],” said Amelia Daisa ‘23. “I usually just take stuff from her closet. She had lots of cute clothes from the ‘90s because [during that time] she was living in New York.” Above all, ‘90s fashion has a common theme of individuality without regard to a specific style or a niche trend. The ‘90s has provided inspiration for people in the 21st century, who reshape the vintage looks to best express themeselves and their own personality. “I admire that it’s not cookie cutter [fashion],” said Morstad. “I admire that it’s different.”

L Tyler

Imagine school 30 years ago. You would probably picture a group of students in the classroom with a teacher using a chalkboard and students writing on actual paper. You might even imagine the students sporting the crazy styles from the ‘90s. And while the students might not have been texting under desks or typing notes on a laptop, they actually looked a lot more like today’s students than you might think. Fashion trends from the 1990s have recently made a comeback, from total grunge looks to more subtle inclusions of ‘90s themes through plaid flannels or fanny packs. Students have found inspiration for their ‘90s inspired styles through music, thrift shopping and even their parents’ closets. “My favorite music artists [have

inspired my style],” said Valerie Morstad ‘22. “I don’t think I live up to [their style], but I respect and love their style so much.” As music and fashion go hand in hand, a wide variety of teens have found that music has influenced their fashion sense. Rock bands especially influenced the era of grunge clothing in the ‘90s and have the same effect on teens today. “I think my style is heavily inspired by the music I listen to,” said Olivia Delgrosso ‘23. “I basically listen to everything my parents listened to, so I was raised on a lot of grunge, like Nirvana, SoundGarden and Alice in Chains.” In addition, people have often found the old clothes that have shaped their styles through thrifting. The affordability of thrifting has made vintage clothing accessible to many, and the low prices are even a characteristic of certain styles. “A big part of grunge is just you don’t spend a lot of money on your clothes, it’s just hand–me–downs or

Compiled by Andy Lynch & Julie Rendon

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Heartbreak changed rap forever

Pass the AUX

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Thousands of songs have grown in popularity due to social media platforms such as TikTok. What’s a song you enjoy that you’ve seen on Sofia Moscovitch ‘22 social media? OU OC PHOT

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“Just a waste” by PinkPantheress

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Ilan Falevitch ‘23 “Jail” by Kanye West

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Julia Gehle ‘24 “Lithium” by Nirvana

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Compiled by Vivian Stein

Ben Zheng ‘25 “Dark Red” by Steve Lacy

commentary by tommy kackert

opinion editor Hip–hop and rap have become prominent in American pop culture. Over the past decade alone, the interconnected genre (hip–hop and rap will be used interchangeably throughout this article) has seen countless new albums and artists who are expanding and innovating the category more than ever. Artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator and Playboi Carti are largely revered for the constructive change they have brought to hip– hop. Not only that, but albums such as Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Jay–Z’s The Blueprint and Travis Scott’s Rodeo all come to mind as game–changers for the genre. Despite the plethora of rap projects that exist, few have been as influential as Kanye West’s fourth studio album, 808s and Heartbreak. In fact, the album’s creation is regarded by many as the most influential moment in rap history as it changed the foundation of hip–hop and produced a new generation of rappers. Released in 2008, 808s and Heartbreak was a turning point for hip–hop. The project was the first of its kind — a slow and melodic electro–pop album that blurs the line between genres. Unlike rap of the past, which consisted mostly of spoken or roughly sung words, this album featured

heavily autotuned lyrics which created a polished, robotic sound. Its inception largely drew inspiration from the cleanliness of R&B and established what had previously been associated with genres like pop and soul as a form of rap. This style is appropriately referred to as autotune rap. Although it is considered part of the rap genre, autotune rap significantly contrasts with conventional rap. Not only is its sound different and more harmonically– oriented, but its soulful nature conveys a broader range of emotions than its conventional counterpart. The style’s ability to communicate more complex feelings serves as the primary reason for its conception as West aimed to produce a quieter album, distant from the harshness and grittiness of conventional hip–hop, as a method of coping after his mother’s death and estrangement from his fiancé. The album exhibited that rap can be used to express a broader and stronger range of feelings. Many people underestimate how significant the album’s effect has truly been. 808s and Heartbreak turned rap on its head and created a schism within the genre. Although some rejected what the album provided, many artists embraced the change it created. In fact, the resulting generation of rappers has now outgrown and dwarfed that of the old, conventional rap generation. Newer rappers like Lil Nas X, Future and Lil Baby, who

owe their careers to the finesse of autotune, consistently outsell their musical ancestors. However, out of all artists, Toronto rapper Drake is likely the most obvious and direct product of 808s and Heartbreaks’ influence. His songs were some of the earliest to embrace autotune rap and, since then, Drake has arguably become the best– known proponent of the style. Houston rapper Travis Scott’s music is another example of West’s influence on rap. Scott took autotune rap to the next level by fusing it with trap music and employing the use of psychedelic, hypnotizing melodies that give the genre a unique pace. Many rappers such as Kid Cudi even cite the album as the inspiration for their musical style. The same vulnerability and expressiveness West portrayed can be seen the following year in Cudi’s debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day. It is undeniable that today’s rap scene would look incredibly different without West’s artistry. Regardless of the divide it has created within hip– hop, most rap fans can agree that 808s and Heartbreak is one of the most powerful hip–hop projects to date because it unlocked a new generation of aristry and created an advanced generation of rap. West took a painful heartbreak and turned it into a whole new, transformative genre. That’s the beauty of the album.

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Should WHS change its daily school schedule next year? In October 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill stating that starting in the fall of 2022, California high schools can no longer begin before 8:30 a.m. Some people believe this change is an opportunity to introduce a new schedule that will better benefit students, while others think it is better to leave the schedule how it is.

AGAINST by makenna norman feature section editor You’re sitting in your most boring class, staring at the ticking clock as the 50 minutes slowly come to an end so you can leave and head to your favorite class of the day. Now, imagine your most boring class of the day is two or three times as long, and afterwards, you can’t even go to the one period you enjoy because you don’t have that class for another couple of months. Block schedule has many variations, but most mean having about three classes every other quarter, each about two hours long or alternating every other day instead. A block schedule was enacted last year during remote learning, and many students feel it had more negative aspects than positive ones. Despite the fact that it cut down on the amount of homework students had to do each night, and in some cases, helped students feel less overwhelmed, it also made AP classes more stressful and the school day more unbearably monotonous. Assuming the proposed block schedule would be similar to that of the remote school year, but with slightly longer classes, where

students had usually three classes each quarter, With the current school schedule, students in AP classes would suffer considerably. students have a balance of academic and During remote learning, students who elective classes, but with a block schedule, were taking AP classes were under extreme that variation would be lost. stress as AP tests neared. Many had to self– Since students would have no control study for tests in May because they didn’t have over which classes they have each day or those classes since March. quarter, they could On the other potentially have all the he current classes they struggle to hand, those who had their class in the fourth schedule also has get through in one day or quarter block had less quarter and the classes the advantage of they enjoy or somewhat time to prepare, even if shorter classes. While longer tolerate in another. they took the later tests offered in June. The current schedule classes may be beneficial for The separation also has the advantage tests, labs or timed writing, of shorter classes. While between the two it is much harder to sit a longer class may be quarters and resulting disconnect in through during a typical beneficial for tests, instruction also gave labs or timed writing, lesson, especially if the topic it is much harder to sit students plenty of time doesn’t pertain to a student’s through during a typical to forget all the material they learned in their interests.” lesson, especially if the first quarter. topic doesn’t pertain to a No matter which student’s interests. block schedule is enacted, students would likely Having a block schedule has its benefits, like not have elective classes everyday and could starting school later and having less homework, possibly not have them for an entire quarter. but it would impact so many classes that would Electives are the only classes that struggle to adapt. students get to choose and are oftentimes Students would likely find themselves the only classes that students actually enjoy. more overwhelmed as they struggle to adjust to Taking those away from students’ everyday the new schedule and sit through long painful schedules would make the school day even classes than they would if the current six to harder to get through. seven class schedule was kept.

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the amount of class time, students will be able to remain more focused, leading to a more effective learning experience. While decreasing class time seems like a preferable solution, especially to students, some people worry that it will negatively affect students’ educational experience. However, this is far from the truth. Online learning proved that teachers can teach all the necessary material in a shorter time frame. A new schedule can be adopted to maximize students’ learning, and teachers can adjust their lesson plans to focus on the topics that are really important without all the extra material that is not beneficial. For instance, removing just five minutes from every class period cuts down the school day by 30 minutes and shortening classes by seven minutes removes almost 45 minutes. A block schedule that alternates between classes by days allows teachers to maximize their instructional time, and it might even give students 10–15 minutes at the end of class to start homework. A final solution would be implementing a block schedule alternating classes by quarters to allow students to focus on half of their classes at a time, allowing for a more in–depth understanding of the material. The educational system is deeply flawed by putting too much pressure on students, harming their overall high school experience in so many ways. It is time to put the well–being of students first and lower academic expectations by decreasing the number of hours in school.

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Additionally, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends at least eight hours of sleep for high schoolers, but the reality is that many students do not even get close to eight by alyssa rice hours, with six hours of sleep a night being opinion section & graphics editor typical for the average student. Altogether, school, homework and a full You finally make it home from school at night’s sleep take up an average of 16–and–a– 3 p.m., jumping into homework in hopes of half hours a day, and this does not even include finishing before practice. But by 6 p.m., you are projects assigned on top of daily homework, nowhere near done and end up having to stay commuting to and from school, getting ready in up until nearly midnight for the third time this the morning, meals and so much more. week to simply finish your homework. With this tight schedule, students at This is the unfortunate reality for many WHS likely do not have time to keep up with students at WHS who many extracurricular miss out on sleep, time activities, proving that new schedule the number of hours with friends and family can be adopted spent at school and on and even important commitments, such as to maximize homework needs to be sports or extracurriculars reduced. students’ learning, and substantially because of school. Less time in school teachers can adjust their would also allow for The school schedule needs to be changed to lesson plans to focus on students to improve allow for fewer hours mental health by the topics that are really their in class to give students having more time to important.” de–stress, receive an more time to focus on extracurriculars, keep appropriate amount of their mental health in sleep and explore other balance and create an overall more engaging interests that would make them more well– school experience. rounded individuals. Students usually spend around six–and–a– Teachers would benefit from less class half hours in school a day, take three to four core hours as well because students would be more academic classes and have at least two hours of engaged in the lesson. By the 40–minute mark, homework a night on average, with Honors and if not sooner, most students tune out, go on AP students having even more. their phones or even take a nap. By decreasing

Opposing Opinions

OPINION

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Goodbye dress code by makenna norman featured columnist On the first day of school this year, you probably heard the news that the dress code had been almost entirely obliterated. Despite the fact that the dress code has never been harshly enforced at WHS, this is a huge (and kind of underappreciated) win. I was completely overjoyed when I heard this news, but because the old dress code was so lenient, I don’t think many realize how truly amazing this development is. When I was in kindergarten, I asked my teacher why the dress code existed. I was told that it’s based on what’s “too distracting” for a classroom environment. From what I remember of my elementary school, the dress code stated that shirt straps must be at least three fingers wide and shorts must be below the knees. I actually cried when I first heard the dress code in kindergarten because I was devastated that I had to wear knee–length shorts (which for some reason I thought were the ugliest things ever) and because I was overall an incredibly dramatic five–year–old. The shorts rule was largely ignored; however, my principal did once stop me in fourth grade to measure the length of my shirt straps. They were only two fingers wide, so I was told to put on my sweater. But then in middle school, the dress code got worse. Shorts had to be as long as your fingertips with your arms at your side, and girls couldn’t wear leggings unless they wore a dress or a long shirt. I had a deep and unexplainable hatred for jeans when I was 11–years–old and owned only leggings and shorts, so I had a very fun time rebuilding my wardrobe and wearing clothes that I hated everyday. When I transferred school districts in seventh grade, I was thankful that there wasn’t a leggings rule, but I now had an affinity for high waisted jeans and crop tops. To top it all off, the new rule was that your midriff couldn’t be showing if you lifted your arms. So again, I could never wear clothes I liked and had trouble finding shirts to buy that were long enough for the school’s standards. I spent way too much of my life thinking that this was normal. Of course, by middle school, I had realized how sexist it all was. By high school, I had grown angry that girls’ bodies were being policed and sexualized in what is supposed to be a safe environment, all because boys apparently can’t control themselves and might get distracted in class (and to anyone out there who has caused a girl to miss class because her outfit might be interfering with the boys’ ability to learn, please re–evaluate your priorities). On behalf of anyone who’s ever struggled with the dress code, I’d like to thank those who played a role in the updated rules. You took a step in the right direction and have given students the freedom we deserve.

OPINION

Underclassmen should remain on campus for lunch

by grace hefner

sports editor

Every school year, hundreds of incoming juniors and seniors have earned the privilege to leave campus for the entire 40–minute lunch period. During this time they are able to relax, unwind and step away from school. This luxury is not given out freely, however. It is rewarded to the upperclassmen who have earned it. Now, imagine double that amount of students, with freshmen and sophomores roaming the streets and rushing to make it back to campus in time for sixth period. Although it is early in the 2021–22 school year, many students at WHS have been discussing whether or not it is fair that the upperclassmen are given the opportunity to leave campus for lunch while freshmen and sophomores are not. WHS should not fall victim to these overzealous arguments and keep the rules just as they are. Some students argue that these rules are unfair because they push the narrative of “superiority” among the upperclassmen, giving them more privileges. With everyone being able to gain this benefit of off–campus access, it would create a fair and equal atmosphere at WHS. However, offering off–campus passes for

How to earn an off–campus lunch pass as an upperclassman

Keep up your GPA: In order to earn an off–campus pass, students are required to have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Be aware of your attendence: The attendence office will review students’ attendence records before approving their request for an off–campus pass.

Avoid being tardy: The attendence office will keep track of student’s tardy records. The fewer tardies a student has, the more likely they are to earn an off–campus pass. GRAPHIC BY GRACE HEFNER

all students would create more problems than benefits, such as causing unnecessary chaos for students and administrators due to the majority of the student body leaving and returning to the school campus at the same time and within such a short period of time. Additionally, these rules are a matter

of tradition, and there have been no major setbacks with only having juniors and seniors leave campus for lunch. These rules are followed by numerous schools all around the country, and there is no need for that to change. Putting new rules in place would wreak havoc on the staff and students and

take too long to adjust to. Especially with the challenges still being brought forth by COVID–19, WHS should not put any additional stress on parents, staff and administrators for something insignificant. Furthermore, this freedom is not just handed out to every single junior and senior. It is earned. These privileges apply only to students with a 2.0 GPA or higher, and the attendance office considers tardies and truancies. While this issue is a matter of privilege and tradition, it is also a matter of safety. The majority of freshmen and sophomores cannot drive, meaning if they were to leave campus at lunch, they would have to walk to crowded local hangout areas and expect to make it back in 40 minutes. The WHS lunch period correlates with the lunch break of employees at many businesses within proximity of the school. Freshmen and sophomores crossing streets and running around during a rush hour is dangerous and accidents are easily avoidable if the school does not expand off–campus lunch to underclassmen. It is important for schools to regularly re– evaluate their policies and make sure the rules best serve the needs and safety of students, and in this case, the assessment suggests that for the well–being of students and staff, WHS should not expand off–campus lunch privileges to freshmen and sophomores.

SPORTS

Rocky start for WHS sports teams by ella marcum social media editor

(as of Oct. 1)

PREPARING FOR THE SEASON: WHS hosts off–season girls lacrosse practice for players to practice with their sticks in order to strengthen their arms and wrists and become acquainted with the basics for their upcoming season.

scrimmage the other team, then switch off [teams] usually every day,” said Sage Ruby ‘24. “If we’re not doing that, we’re doing different types of drills like passing.” On the bright side, those participating in online P.E. still have hope for a potentially successful season. With online P.E., athletes maintain basic fitness necessary for their sport in the interim. In fact, it is encouraged that athletes partake in more general exercises in their time away from the season. “During the off–season players usually have a period of downtime and are encouraged

to engage in light physical activities away from their focus sport,” said fitness coach Paul Winsper on behalf of the National Academy of Sports Medicine for sharecare.com. “They then engage in serious physical preparation in the later part of the off–season in readiness for [our] pre–season training camps.” Overall, there has been a substantial amount of time lost to online P.E. However, Henderson keeps a positive attitude for the future. “I think that if we continue working hard we will be ready for the season,” said Henderson. “Especially with the coach we got.”

Emma Sun prepares for final season at WHS by alyssa rice

boys

Record: 3W–2L Next game: Oct. 8 vs. Sierra Canyon Location: Sierra Canyon

Cross Country Record: N/A Next meet: Oct. 9 at Santa Clarita Invitational Location: Santa Clarita

Water Polo

Record: 12W–4L Next game: Oct. 14 vs. Calabasas Location: Calabasas

Tennis

girls

opinion section & graphics editor

Record: 4W–0L Next game: Oct. 12 vs. Calabasas Location: Calabasas

ON THE COURT: Emma Sun practices during tennis season, sharpening her tennis skillset at Dos Vientos Park in Newbury Park.

be a positive influence on herself and the team. “The way she treats others on the team is really inspiring because she is kind to everybody,” said Winter. “She is a really good team player, cheers everyone on and is a good sport.” Megan Sun views her sister in a similar way, describing her as hardworking, fearless, helpful and smart. “She motivates me to try harder and work toward my goal,” said Megan Sun. “She was a late achiever, so it inspires me to think that I can still get to her level if I keep working.” Aside from her talent, Emma Sun’s teammates see her as a leader on the team, helping to bring everyone together. Winter said

Emma Sun’s optimism allows her teammates to feel and play their best. “[I would describe her as] positive because no matter if she wins or loses, she will come off the court and have a smile on her face,” said Winter. Even from when she was younger, Emma Sun’s biggest goal was to play for Stanford University. She has been in contact with the coach and hopes to play there, but until then, she will keep working to improve her skills. “There is always a higher goal no matter what you are going for,” said Emma Sun. “There is always someone better, and that is a good way for me to push myself.”

girls

Volleyball

Record: 9W–9L Next game: Oct. 12 vs. Oaks Christian Location: Oaks Christian

Golf

girls

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEI HU

WHS tennis standout Emma Sun ‘22 is ready to close out her four years on the WHS tennis team with a powerful senior performance. Emma Sun is currently ranked in the top three in California and top 15 in the nation. She was also MVP of the WHS tennis team and Maramonte League for the 2020–21 season. “One of my favorite parts [of tennis] is winning,” said Emma Sun. “Winning [as a team] makes it even more fun because everyone can celebrate together.” Emma Sun gets to celebrate with her sister, Megan Sun ‘24, who also plays for the team. Megan Sun usually plays singles matches, so she finds it interesting to see how her sister thinks on the court when they play together. “She has been playing since a really young age, and she always tries her best,” said Megan Sun. “That is part of the reason why she has improved so much.” Emma Sun started playing tennis at the age of six because her parents preferred the idea of her playing a non–contact sport. She quickly found a love for tennis, and one of her favorite parts is that the sport “is not restricted by your physique.” Megan Sun followed in her sister’s footsteps, feeling both inspired and motivated by Emma Sun’s successes. Megan Sun encourages Emma Sun to “keep being herself.” “When she is on the court, she is very fearless and just goes for it,” said Megan Sun. “That is something I don’t do very well, so I look up to her for that.” Emma Sun’s teammate Kaylynn Winter ‘23 finds Emma Sun’s attitude and kindness to

Football

boys

PHOTO BY ALLISON TIEU

The off–season WHS sports teams await the start of their on–season in the upcoming winter or spring. For some teams, practice has begun with a smooth start to the year. However, numerous teams have faced the obstacle of losing their coach, directing athletes to online P.E. As of the start of the school year, the girls lacrosse team went a month without a coach and experienced the consequences. In situations like this, teams with no coach are left with online P.E. While virtual P.E. serves as a great option for general fitness, athletes feel they lack the necessary preparation for their sport. “We’re unable to do off–season and we’re stuck in online P.E., so we can‘t be practicing for the season,” said Nicki–Jean Henderson ‘24. “Online P.E. focuses on more of a fitness aspect, whereas if we had a coach we’d be focusing on skills [specific to our sport].” As of mid–September, the girls lacrosse team secured a coach, and lacrosse practice has begun. “We just had our first practice yesterday, and as far as I know, I’m out of online P.E.,” said Henderson. “We have practice two days a week which is better than nothing.” For comparison, girls soccer has gotten off to a more typical start to the year, and the team is training in preparation for the start of the season. “We usually split into three teams,

Fall Sports Stat Box

Record: N/A Next game: Oct. 13 vs. Agoura Location: Westlake Golf Course For the latest sports updates, stories and scores, visit the WHS athletics website at westlakeathletics.net.

Compiled by Grace Hefner

STAFF PICKS

from the California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo campus. Choppy accounts of Smart’s whereabouts provided little information to where she must have gone. Like many others, Smart’s case became just another file in a large pile of cold cases. However, this case caught the attention of Lambert who started on his own journey to solve the mystery. Listen along to Lambert as he investigates the crime, interviews suspects and reveals new information in every episode of his podcast Your Own Backyard.

READ by Vivian Stein

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas is a must–read, depicting the powerful story of a teenage girl following in the footsteps of her father and believing in herself. Sixteen–year–old Bri Jackson has ambitious dreams of hitting it big and becoming a rapper, but as the daughter of a late rap legend, she has to fulfill the high expectations of her friends and family. After Jackson’s first song goes viral, she has to battle controversy, help her struggling family and pave her own path. This book dives into social

justice and perseverance and is a perfect escape from the chaos that comes with school, sports and outside activities. The story truly stands out to me because it’s one of the only books I’ve read in just one day — that’s how much it transported me. Thomas calls On the Come Up her ode to hip–hop, which is what originally caused her to fall in love with telling stories. Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu from Paramount is directing

the film adaptation of this influential novel, with production starting in the next couple months. Get your hands on this book before it comes to the big screen!

TRAVEL

by Allison Tieu

TIE AN ALL Y B PHOTO

If you are looking for a fun place to hike, Zion National Park in Utah is your place. Before even arriving at the park, the drive up is already gorgeous in its own right. Approaching from a distance as the sun rises, the sight of the canyons lit by the soft glow of the rising sun, painting the sky orange and pink, makes a magnificent sight. Zion’s steep cliffs and tall sandstone canyons create a gorgeous sweeping landscape with a beautiful, warm color scheme. The park has numerous trails, providing visitors with a multitude of choices. There are trails following rivers and streams, trails that weave

through the bottom of the sandstone canyons, caves to traverse and trails with waterfalls and high peaks, providing a splendid view of the park from above. Visiting Zion during late autumn is the perfect time as the park is less crowded and visitors can avoid the summer heat. The park also provides a shuttle service that takes visitors from trail to trail. Zion National Park is a great place for hikers to visit and enjoy the vast rock formations and the ecosystem that is home to over 1,000 species of plants and a diverse number of animals, including the bighorn sheep, the endangered California condor and the mule deer.

From the fresh food to the sports theme, Cronies Sports Grill on Kanan Rd. is a great place to dine–in, watch sports and eat quality food; however, the restaurant has been under scrutiny as of recently. Cronies is known for being sports–centered. For example, jerseys of former athletes hang on the walls, along with autographs and team photos. The interior of the restaurant is covered with TVs both inside and outside, which always have the day’s most popular sports games on live or replay. At Cronies, all the customers are in an atmosphere with tons of fellow sports fans, so if you’re a sports lover, Cronies is a great place to go on game night. Back during the beginning of the COVID–19 pandemic, L.A. County and Ventura County banned any sort of dine–in, both indoors and outdoors. However, Cronies refused to obey these restrictions and continued dine–in eating anyways. According to The Acorn, as a result

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It’s a sunny day and you’re sitting in your backyard enjoying the podcast Your Own Backyard. The voice of Chris Lambert narrates the tragically true story of a crime scene found on an unsuspecting owner’s property. Your heart sinks. Could the ground beneath you reveal a decades–old unsolved tragedy? North Carolina student Kristen Smart captured the attention of every news station in 1996 after her baffling disappearance

by Shane Douglas

by Ella Marcum

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of the restaurant’s actions, public health officials took away their health permit. Despite this, Cronies continued to operate without it and has been sued by L.A. County for this. Even though Cronies is an impressive place to enjoy sports and have quality American–style food, their inappropriate responses to COVID–19 restrictions should be taken into account before deciding to eat there.

WATCH by Andy Lynch

always time to watch some more One Piece. After spending hundreds of hours with his crew of nine, Captain Monkey D. Luffy leads them on a journey across the sea to find the mysterious treasure “One Piece,” a treasure famed world–wide by the previous Pirate King Gol D. Roger. I recently conquered the mammoth of a series, watching every single episode F and reading over 1023 chapters O Y ES of manga. Every second of this RT C OU S O T O H P series is a non–stop rollercoaster. From the sandy beaches The Strawhat Pirates are out of Alabasta Island, where the exploring the Grand Line ocean, as they crew fought against the Warlord fight their way through Marines and Crocodile, to the island made entirely Pirate Warlords to reach the ultimate of sugar and sweets, ruled by evil treasure and the title of Pirate King. pirate Emperor Big Mom, Luffy and his crew fight their way through the Who could want more in a TV show? One Piece has been my current Grand Line Ocean that wraps around obsession, and with it being an over their world. After all, Luffy is going to 990–episode anime series found on be the next King of Pirates. There is streaming services like Crunchyroll, no doubt about that! Compiled by Alyssa Joo Funimation and Hulu, there is IC DO M AI N

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STAFF PICKS

If you aren’t sure what to do this fall season, let our staff recommend some of their favorites!