SEPTEMBER ISSUE
@ T H E G R O W L I N G W O LV E R I N E
THE GROWLING
Friday September 27, 2019
WOLVERINE
Volume XXVII Issue I
28000 WOLVERINE WAY, ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656
Pg. 2 -Advice for Freshmen
Pg. 6/7 - New Staff Members Take on Aliso
Pg. 10 - Football
season is off to a great start
Students React to Solar Panels By: SAMEEHA KHAN Photographer This school year began with the installation of solar panels. The process began in the summer and has ultimately provided a new source of energy for Aliso Niguel High School. Many students and staff see both the benefits and negatives of the solar panels. Max Morales, an ANHS senior, says, “I think they’re an excellent investment that not only provides more energy to the school lowering costs but also allows shade for car owners so they don’t have to enter a scalding, hot car.” The 2020 bond has allowed the school to make advancements since the bond is being used to “to repair and improve Capistrano Unified schools.” Solar energy is becoming more popular as there has been a reported a 35 percent increase in the U.S. and by 2024 those numbers will double.
A School Bus passes by our newly installed solar panels.
“I think solar panels are one of the multiple ways we can convert raw materials into energy,’’ says Annicka Grosz. However, there are some construction left over in the staff parking lot which has been a hassle for many staff members. Mrs. Harlan recounts, “It has been a struggle for me to find
parking, especially since I cannot always arrive early due to the new addition of a baby.” Thus, parking seems limited and those who have zero period have the upper hand for better parking. “I’m really glad that the school is taking initiative to make the campus more environmentally friendly, even though the construction is
Photo by Cassidy Lo.
causing traffic right now, I am sure that the panels will be worth it in the long run,’’ says Megan Long. The solar panels are not only saving energy but also give the school a modernized look. “The solar panels returned out better than I expected; they make our school look much more established, fitting in with
other campuses in the capo district”, claimed Ewa Cook. Despite the aesthetic of the solar panels, there is talk that the solar panels are facing the wrong direction which ultimately makes the panels less efficient. Some also believe that the money and energy spent on the solar panels could have been used somewhere else. “I think building solar panels was a great idea in terms of energy efficiency, but at the same time, I feel like the school could have invested their money in other things such as better bathrooms and functioning air conditioning,” reported Jessica Tadakoro. The bathrooms have long been an issue as plumbing, lack of toilet paper and seat covers have all affected the students. Despite the differing opinions, everyone can agree that the shade provided by the solar panels and the attempt to go eco-friendly is well appreciated.
Homecoming Ticket Prices Rise By: SKYLAR SCHLICHT Layout Editor The Homecoming dance is the first and perhaps most anticipated dance of the school year. Homecoming is also known as the cheapest dance of the year. However, students have noticed that the price has begun to rise. This year, the starting price for a ticket was $40 with an asb card and $50 without. Each week the ticket prices grow by $10, with the highest possible price being $60 with an asb card and $70 without. The prices for Homecoming tickets this year shocked students. In previous years, the upperclassmen bought homecoming dance tickets that started at $25 their freshman year, causing them to question the rise in prices. After speaking with the Mrs. Hosseini, the new activities director, she stated that the prices were decided by looking at ticket price history and what other schools were charging for their Homecoming dance. Tesoro High School starts their sales at $35 with an ASB card and $45 without, while Dana
2019 Homecoming Theme. Hills starts theirs at $50 with an “ASU card” and $65 without. In comparison to these schools in our district, our prices are on the low end. Mrs. Hosseini states, “The goal is to host an event that is fun and consistent with what other schools
Photo provided by alisoniguel.com. are offering their student bodies.” She also mentioned that while a lower price is offered, 60% of students wait until the price has increased to purchase their tickets. The Homecoming Dance is also our school’s biggest fundraiser. The profit goes towards each
class’s account, which is used towards things such as senior events, class videos, and pep rallies. In addition, new features are added to the dance every year. For example, last year, since the dance sold out of tickets, the layout of Homecom-
ing had to change in order to accommodate more people. In essence, ASB is selling an experience to students and as the number of students attending the event increases, so does the cost of each ticket.
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
FEATURES
2
UPCOMING EVENTS Date
Event
Sept. 27
Homecoming Game
Sept. 28
Homecoming Dance
Oct. 3-4
Club Rush
Oct. 11
Pink Out Game!
Oct. 24-25
Start Up to Success College Campaign Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 28-31
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE Editor-in-Chief Brooke Orrill Senior Editors Simon Jovanovic Amani Taraman Audrey Xia Layout Editors Brian Kim Sophie Warth Copy Editors Natalie Glennon Brian Kim Natalie Rudin Jessica Tadokoro
Staff Writers Sanaz Ahmadi Pedram Bazargani Ariel Campos Sam Eicholtz Kayla Jin Taylor Kennedy Megan Lawritson Cassidy Lo Madisen Rollins Natalie Shin Katherine Stefanides Antonia Velasquez
Ads Manager Cris Pineda
Photographers Sameeha Khan Tara Dukes Armando RodriguezGarcia Anesh Solanki
Cartoonist Taylor Kennedy Sam Eicholtz
Media Coordinators Sophia Parizadeh Skylar Schlicht Faculty Advisor Mrs. Alvarez 28000 Wolverine Way Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Room 305 ANHSCopy@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in The Growling Wolverine are those of individual staff writers and they do not necessarily reflect the views of the Aliso Niguel High School administration and/or the Capistrano Unified School District. The Growling Wolverine is a self-funded organization and unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited and subject to penalty. Submissions are appreciated, but they must include a name--anonymous articles will not be published.
Mental Health Cartoon.
Welcome Back Tailgate By: ARMANDO RODRIGUEZ Staff Writer On September 6, 2019, Aliso Niguel High School had its first annual tailgate offering In-N-Out burgers, Chick-Fil-A, and a D.J. to students. The tailgate was indeed a success, with both a never-ending line of students waiting for their food and a mosh of students dancing to the music.
Alex Camacho (9) thought that it “was fine, and if you were with friends it was fun. But I wish there were more things to do… and the music was alright.” While it was not how she had envisioned it, Camacho did enjoy it and hopes that more events like this do occur in the future. Kyle Jamora, the sophomore president of ASB gave his piece in the matter: “the main problem was setting up a location for the
caterers, but luckily we got In-nOut and Chick-fil-a to set up their food stands.” Jamora said, “In the future, if we do get the right funding we could do similar events, but on a greater scale which would be interesting for all the grades.” The tailgate took place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and was merely a trial run, but a privilege to all students who had tailgate food.
Advice to Class of 2023 By: KIRA STEFANIDES Staff Writer The transition from eighth grade to high school can be tough on students, socially and academically. It is as if everything changes at once. As ninth-graders, students are given almost more responsibility than they can manage and are expected to handle it like adults. The shift in size between middle school and high school also makes socializing difficult. But the class of 2023 is not the first to struggle in their first year of high school. Students have learned that it is all about time management and putting yourself out there. Reflecting on last year, sophomore Kenton Bui says freshman should “listen in class and review their notes right after” but also stressed the importance of “taking time to have fun.” On a dreary day it can be easy to daydream in class, letting what
the teacher says go in one ear and out the other. However, life as a student is so much easier if kids fully dedicate themselves to school during class. Some kids simply like to enroll in difficult classes and spend the entire weekend locked up in their rooms doing homework. However, socialization is an important part of high school as well so it is important to not let opportunities pass you by. Attending school events, like sporting games and dances, are a great way to engage and make friends. Everyday life can become pretty overwhelming if kids do not set aside time to simply enjoy themselves and the company of others. Making friends can seem like an overwhelming task, but it is not as daunting as it might feel. According to Amanda Kreidler, a junior at Aliso Niguel High School, a great way to reach out and make classes more enjoyable is to “say hi to people you sit next to in class if you don’t know
them.” Especially in the first few months of school, everyone is feeling anxious towards their new environment. Small gestures help break the ice and make everyone feel a little more comfortable. As far as academics go, Kreidler suggests that students should “study when they can and be on top of their work or else it’s easy to fall behind.’’ Long-term projects are much more abundant in high school. Freshmen need to learn how to manage their time so their work does not start to pile up. Upperclassmen can attest that getting behind on schoolwork just makes their lives more difficult, so it is easier to just put in the work along the way. Most importantly, just remember to enjoy this year. It is a unique time in everyone’s lives and it goes by so quickly. In the blink of an eye the class of 2023 will become sophomores themselves. So this year, in all aspects of life, work hard and have fun!
Drawn by Taylor Kennedy.
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
NEWS
3
District Adds More Security Cameras BY: NATALIE RUDIN Copy Editor Over the last four years, Capistrano Unified School District campuses have maintained and added to a video surveillance system of public areas. Shortly before the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, more cameras were added to ANHS’s system with the intent to enhance on-campus student safety. Security cameras are present at most locations on campus, although not in areas where there should be a reasonable expectation of privacy by staff or students. Such areas include restrooms, locker rooms, private offices, conference rooms, and staff lounges. Furthermore, footage from the cameras can only be accessed by parties approved/ authorized by the Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent or designee. According to district policy (AR 3.34), authorized district
Photo By Amani Taraman.
Two Secutiry Cameras at Aliso.
personnel must limit surveillance system usage to that for which it is intended (i.e. property conservation and assurance of student safety). Students are by no means allowed to access any surveillance footage, and any footage including students/minors must have faces blurred before being shown to the
public in the case of public records requests, court cases, or other public showings. While images and video footage (without sound) will be continuously recorded throughout the day, there is no expectation or policy that camera systems will be monitored at any time. Footage of a given event, though, can be
recovered within 30 days and used after the fact as evidence of an investigation. Any usage of information obtained through video surveillance is limited to security, discipline, and law enforcement purposes. Mrs. Puccinelli, one of the Assistant Principals, relayed some pertinent informa-
tion that extrapolates on the purpose of the surveillance system. “[The cameras] are there in case something comes up. If people report something or if an incident happens at a certain location on campus, we’re able to go to the cameras and backtrack the video, watch it, and identify the details of any issues happening,” she said. Mrs. Puccinelli also noted how helpful the surveillance system has proven to be in solving on-campus student disputes. “If a student reports an incident that has occurred or if there was a fight on campus, we can look back at the security footage to see what actually happened, so it’s been super helpful,” she explained. As the cameras continue to roll, student safety and adherence to discipline guidelines remain top priorities at ANHS.
Current Mass Shootings Create Gun Control Debate
Pt\otesters hold signs about gun safety. BY: SANAZ AHMADI Staff Writer The recent mass shootings that have occurred in the United States have led to a heated debate over gun control. There have been 283 mass shootings this year alone, bringing up the question of what is to blame. On August 3, a gunman opened fire in an El Paso Walmart, killing 22 and injuring 26. The shooter was armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and began the attack in the parking lot, targeting
Hispanics. Just hours after this act of domestic terrorism, nine people were killed and 27 were wounded after a 24-yearold gunman opened fire in a bar in Dayton, Ohio. According to Time magazine, the victims died within a span of 32 seconds from the AR-15 assault rifle. President Trump commented on the shootings, saying, “We must stop the glorification of violence in our society. This includes the gruesome and grizzly video games that are now commonplace.” This
Photos by Google. statement received backlash as many claimed that he was ignoring the topic of gun control. Activist groups, such as Moms Demand Action, held rallies across the country urging senators to expand background-check laws. “People are fed up. This keeps on happening,” said Christian Heyne, Vice President of policy for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. However, others do not believe guns are the real issue. Many gun control opposers
blame the rise of mass shootings on mental health issues. President Trump stated, “Mental illness and hatred pulls the trigger—not the gun.” Supporters of this idea have called for more action to be taken to treat mental illnesses. Following the tragedy in Texas, Walmart has announced that it will no longer sell handgun ammunition and requests that customers do not carry firearms in its stores. Recently, Texas lawmakers passed looser gun laws, making it easier to have guns in
many public places. In Ohio, there are many firearm bills pending in the Ohio General Assembly. One of them suggests allowing people to carry concealed weapons without permits or background checks. These are examples of the nation’s fairly loose restrictions on firearms, but advocates of gun control are working to strengthen these laws. The rise of mass shootings in America has certainly led to a controversial debate over the second amendment.
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
NEWS
4
Greta Thunberg: The Hero We Need By: AUDREY XIA Senior Editor In a world that is alarmingly heating due to human-caused climate change with no cohesive action by political leaders to stop it, Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old climate activist, leads the movement to counter climate change through raising awareness and encouraging climate strikes. On Sept. 4, Greta Thunberg arrived at New York by an emissionfree, two week long trip across the Atlantic Ocean in preparation for the United Nations Climate Action Summit. Upon arriving, she was asked if she had a message for Donald Trump. In response, she said, “If no one has been able to convince him about the climate crisis — the urgency — then why should I be able to do that?” Instead, her goal is to raise awareness about climate change in American teenagers and joined the other activists for a climate protest in front of the United Nations on Aug. 6th. These protests in New York — called Fridays for Future — have been occuring every Friday in front of the United Nations building. During the protest, Thunberg stated, “We shouldn’t be talking about ‘believing’ in the climate crisis,” Thunberg said during the rally that followed the students’ quiet protest. “Either you under-
Greta Thunberg smiling at the protest outside the White House . stand and accept the science, or you don’t.” Thunberg has also spoken at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which took place in Katowice, Poland. In her speech, Thunberg speaks about the necessity to take action and calls out the politicians who refuse to listen to the science. In her speech, she states, “Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being
sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few.” She directly address those in positions of power to act, asserting, “Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We cannot solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis.” She concludes on a warning to those who refuse to act. “We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you
Photo Provided by Google. like it or not. The real power belongs to the people.” Thunberg’s activism has been met with lashback from conservatives who continue to vehemently deny the existence of climate change. Over Labor Day weekend, Thunberg addressed haters who levied personal attacks about her appearance and her Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis. In her post on social media, Thunberg says, “When haters go after your looks and differences, it means they have nowhere left to go. And then you know you’re
winning! I have Asperger’s syndrome and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And - given the right circumstances - being different is a superpower.” She continues on to address why she didn’t make her Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis public. “I’m not public about my diagnosis to ‘hide’ behind it, but because I know many ignorant people still see it as an ‘illness’” or something negative. And believe me, my diagnosis has limited me before. Before I started school striking I had no energy, no friends and I didn’t speak to anyone. I just sat alone at home, with an eating disorder. All of that is gone now, since I have found a meaning, in a world that sometimes seems meaningless to so many people.” In the comment section of her post, a supporter wrote, “They are trying to humiliate you because [people in power] are so embarrassed. Because YOU have shown the world how pathetic, greedy and useless they all are. They won’t succeed in humiliating you because you’re bigger than them. You’re bigger than all of us. And we are all behind you, pointing our fingers at them with you. Thank you for your tireless efforts. You’re going to win, and change the world.” Greta is attending the U.N. Climate Summit, which will take place on Sept 23rd.
Discussing The Democratic Debates By: ARIEL CAMPOS Staff Writer The 2020 election is more than a year away and the debates for the democratic nominee have kicked off. 21 Democrats have since been campaigning to win the Oval Office. The debates have to be split into two nights and the candidates are sorted randomly. The third debate will be hosted by ABC and Univision on Sept. 12. Due to recent events in America, the focus topics will likely be gun control and climate change. Those who qualify for the third debate are Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke, Berni Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang. The most widely known candidates are Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Berni Sanders, Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris. Warren’s approval ratings have been rising while Biden’s have been dropping; Biden was the frontrunner of the race before the debates and, according to CBS News, Warren is under consideration by more
Greta Thunberg smiling at the protest outside the White House. Democrats (60 percent) than Biden is (50 percent), which implies that her campaign had even more room to gain. Sanders is a favorite amongst young American voters primarily because of his socialist views. Harris gained some traction when she confronted former VP Biden about de-
fending white nationalists in the Republican party but has since lost it due to her questionable and heavily critiqued actions as a prosecutor. As for Pete Buttigier, he has slowly made his way up the popularity ladder, appealing to liberals with his stance on abortion, and
Photo Provided by Google. the fact that he is the youngest candidate, a veteran and openly gay. Many of the candidates have similar views on issues, so “the moderators will try to find space between the candidates,” according to Hans Noel, an Associate Professor at Georgetown Uni-
versity’s Department of Government. With the third debate approaching and more to come, it is only a matter of time before America poses its Democratic nominee against incumbent President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
FEATURES
5
Forever 21...Or Temporary 21 By: JESSICA TADOKORO Head Copy Editor One of the most popular retail stores, Forever 21, is preparing for potential bankruptcy filing according to several sources. The fast-fashion company operates around 800 stores worldwide and has made more than $3 billion in annual sales. Forever 21 faces massive debt and sales have dropped by 20 to 25 percent. According to Forbes, “the company brought in a team of advisers to help restructure debt and re-evaluate its 815 store portfolios.” Founders Do Won and Jin Sook are trying their best to restructure the company’s debt. However, Bloomberg reported that Do Won has “been trying to maintain control of the company in any restructuring and that his desire to do so has limited the company’s ability to find funds it needs.” Forever 21’s looming downfall relates to the expansion of online retail. The internet has changed consumers’ shopping habits, which has led to many American businesses closing such as Toys R Us, Sears, and Payless. Other inexpensive stores that teens once gravitated towards—for example, PacSun, Claire’s, and Charlotte Russe—have also found themselves in the bankruptcy court. To add to the tension, Ariana Grande has sued Forever 21 over a “look-alike” model. Forever 21 has collaborated with many
A Series of Tweets and Memes Regaurding the Bankruptcy brands including Cheetos and Pepsi. The brand tried to make an endorsement deal with the pop star; however, the deal never went through, and the company decided to hire a look-alike model that was dressed like Ariana Grande from her 7 rings music video instead. According to Grande’s defense team, “the resemblance is uncan-
Looking Back at Summer 2019 By: JESSICA TADOKORO Head Copy Editor Summer 2019 came to an end too quickly. Though somewhat excited to come back to school, students are still remembering the sunny days and long nights they spent with friends and family. After talking to some Wolverines, we’ve concluded that Summer 2019 was one for the books. Que the nostalgia and wistful longing for freedom, fun and sun. Josh Licata (12) said, “I went to Greece and I loved the food and the people. My favorite part was swimming in the ocean and not having a reaction to the cold water.” April Liu (11) said, “I did travel 40 days in Europe.” She especially loved “[her] ten day Nike golf camp in St. Andrews, Scotland.” Not only did Liu spend time in Europe vacationing, she was also working and playing hard. Some students, like Licata and Liu, enjoyed their vacations abroad. Whether you are in Europe or Asia, summertime is the perfect time to venture through the beautiful streets of foreign countries. Traveling has so much to offer, and these students explored worlds beyond Aliso Viejo. On the other hand, many Wolver-
ines travelled through the United States, having just as much fun and making just as many memories as those who went overseas. The U.S. has so much to offer from the West Coast to the East Coast. Adventures are waiting everywhere in the States. Josh Dormaier (12) said that his favorite part of summer was “going on a cruise through Alaska.” He enjoyed it because “it was a very different type of environment compared to here and there was always something to explore there.” Hawaii is one of the world’s best travel destinations and is a great place to soak up the hot summer sun — it was also a popular vacation spot for many Wolverines! Sherydan Schel (11) said, “I went to Hawaii with my friend and my favorite part was snorkeling.” Eugene Hwang (12) said his favorite part about summer was “going to Chicago with [his] friends. [They] went shopping and toured around the city and colleges.” Many Aliso students spent their summer adventures both abroad and at home. Whether they were on the other side of the globe or in one of the 50 states, all of them had a wonderful summer and are already eager for what Summer 2020 has in store.
ny and Forever 21’s intent was clear: to suggest to the viewing public that Ms. Grande endorsed Forever 21, its products, and was affiliated with Forever 21.” Their claim is that the company launched an unauthorized marketing campaign that misleads Forever 21 customers. Ultimately, Grande is suing the company for $10 million.
Photo Provided By Google Despite the lawsuit and potential bankruptcy, Forever 21 still has the opportunity to restructure their payments and debt. The company is not tied down to a particular style and offers a variety of clothing, which brings in a wide range of customers. Financial advisers recommend downsizing stores and slowing down the pace of new clothing.
Many customers felt that the intimidating size of the stores themselves caused them to prefer other retail stores. Some consumers even express happiness that Forever 21 is closing due to alleged complaints on poor working conditions and wages.
What is Teal Cares?
PTSA’s Graphic for Teal Cares By: BRIAN KIM Copy Editor Aliso Niguel High School offers many extracurricular activities and opportunities to be rewarded including CSF, the California Scholarship Federation, and NHS, the National Honor Society. Both groups are obligated to complete volunteer or community service hours. Some students in these clubs utilize their hours to be recognized in multiple places. Yes, students can be rewarded hours for completing service for clubs, required or not. But there is a program at ANHS that only
Photo Provided By Google requires the recording of service hours provided by the PTSA: Teal Cares. Teal Cares encourages students to spread the Teal Wolverine Spirit throughout the community by volunteering 25 hours to charitable organizations or events of their choosing. The PTSA believes “when students care about their community, they learn the joy of giving back and a compassion for helping others which lasts a lifetime.” To take part in this, all students have to do is go to www. anhsptsa.org and complete the Teal Cares Volunteer Hours Log with the appropriate hours and
signatures for each time they volunteer. Only 25 hours are required to be documented, though additional hours are encouraged. The program is not mandatory, but the students who go above and beyond to take part will be invited, once per year, to receive a certificate from the ANHS Principal and PTSA President. 25 hours may not seem like too much, and you may think it will not make any impact on the community, but if just 1/50 of the student body volunteered, it would amount to over 1000 hours. “Together, We Can Make a Difference.
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
NEW STAFF
7
I got my undergrad from San Diego State University and my masters from Long Beach State. I like the school culture the most. I’m into Sneak Up on Kindness and the involvement from students and staff.
Mr. Johnson
I love everything from rap to metal to folk music. I’m alsoa musician and have been a drummer for 22 years. This is my first year at Aliso, but I’ve been teaching for 5 years.
Ms. Ceballos
My favorite thing about Aliso is the mascot and Sneak Up on Kindness. I also love working with students and getting the right services for the right needs.
Mrs. Dittrich
New Staff o Niguel
kes & Sameeha Khan
ted By: Tara Dukes, n Lawritson, Antonia
I love being able to help students make the most out of their high school career. I love to hike and read. I am always up for an iced coffee or tea with friends!
Mr. Ghalebi
I hope to promote a positive school culture and create ways for students to be connected to our school. I want to make everyone’s experience meaningful and memorable.
Mrs. Hosseini
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
4
COMMENTARY I like to go to heavy metal music concerts. I like to travel and go on hikes. I have taught Spanish I and Spanish II for 5 total years of teaching. I love Aliso and hardworking students.
Mr. Esperanza
I went to Pepperdine University and USC and I have been teaching for over 20 years. I like to golf and make large trips and travel in my spare time.
Mr. McCoy
I’ve been teaching for about 10 years and this is my second position teaching French. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and I try to travel as much as I can around this area.
Mrs. Maloncon
I was an architect and engineer for seven years before getting into my teaching career. I have been teaching for two years after getting my credentials.
I love doing yoga, I like stand up paddling, working out, and going to the beach; I’m a big beach person. I got a job at a charter school in San Diego for 5 or 6 years, then I went to Canyon High School, a fi a y as res Middle School.
Mrs. Fallman
Mrs. Solarzano
Welcome N to Aliso
Photos By: Tara Duk
Interviews Conduct Natalie Shin, Megan Velasquez
THE GROWLING WOLVERINE
EDITORIAL
8 “Make Normalcy Normal Again”
The Rumored “Straight Pride” Parade Actually Happened
By: SAM EICHOLTZ Comic Artist On Saturday, August 31st, the rumored “Straight Pride Parade” took place in Boston. Run by the company ‘Super Happy Fun America’, the parade was set to advocate for the “straight community” under the belief that they are an “oppressed majority,” as stated on their website. Many of the marchers held signs and banners which expressed support of President Donald Trump, reading “2020 Trump” and “Build the Wall”. Several of the messages displayed during the march had minimal correlation to the set purpose of the parade. The parade itself clashed with approximately 600 anti-protesters, who were barricaded by po-
Straight Pride Parade. lice. The anti-protestors were furious with Boston police and officials, disappointed that they were protecting the march. This disappointment turned into rage, as some anti-protestors unleashed their anger on the police, which resulted in more forceful acts of suppression.
Photo provided by Google. Several people took a less aggressive approach in expressing their disappointment of the protest. On the same day of the parade, Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, tweeted, “Let’s continue to turn our backs on hatred, using our voices to continue spreading the message of love”, reinforc-
How Airports Are Limiting Plastic Bottles By: NATALIE SHIN Staff Writer
Today, many of us find plastic bottles to be a convenience, which they are until we think about the negative impacts they have on the environment. Plastic water bottles are bought cheaply at stores, and many enjoy the easy drink and disposal they offer. Unfortunately, because of reasons like their inability to naturally decompose and how they are made with oil, they aren’t eco-friendly. San Francisco International Airport, according to the Los Angeles Times, has stopped selling plastic water bottles. Though it may seem extremely inconvenient for people who visit the airport, it’s one step closer to eliminating the amount of plastic consumers use. For its zero-waste plan, the San
Francisco International Airport has installed many hydration stations and even liquid pour-out stations for drinks. The airport hopes to help the environment by banning the sale of bottles and promoting the usage of reusable bottles. Though it is the only airport doing this, there will be a much larger impact if others join. For example, the Los Angeles International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the world, with around 87 million people passing through annually. If it was to join the movement, its influence on others could be monumental. The Los Angeles International Airport has a large economic impact around the world, so changes they make could affect others. CreditDonkey says that the average American spends at least $100 on water bottles per year and the industry only continues
Airport Terminal and Hydroflask.
to grow. Bottled water is costly as the price builds over time, hence why we have Hydro Flasks and Contigo. These reusable bottles save us money over time, can be used for many years and are multi-purposed. We can save money while simultaneously saving the environment because while many plastic water bottles get recycled, it is cheaper for companies to incinerate them or send them to landfills or such. The San Francisco International Airport is one of the first airports to advocate a healthier environment so that our Earth can stay green. Just as a large airport can make an impact, so can we. Even if giving up plastic water bottles seems like a small act, it will cause a big impact on the planet and ensure that future generations will be able to inhabit a healthier Earth.
Phoros provided by Google.
ing the city’s value of “inclusion, love of the community and acceptance of all.” However, some took a more aggressive approach on social media. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, “For men who are allegedly so “proud” of being straight, they seem to show real incom-
petence at attracting women to their event. Seems more like a ‘I-Struggle-With-Masculinity’ parade to me.” The controversy that surrounded the parade was not a result of the march itself, but rather, what it had undermined. It is a fact that the LGBT+ community has endured centuries of hardships, violence, and stigma for something they have no control over, while straight people have not. It has been received by most anti-protestors that these marchers turned the parade into a political scene that executed the same stigma that the LGBT+ community has been demonized for; and that is forcing one’s own beliefs down the throat of another.
Trump’s Presidency By: PEDRAM BAZARGANI Head Staff Writer Donald Trump’s presidency so far has arguably been the most controversial and unusual presidencies of all time. Over the course of his presidency, there has been a monthlong government shutdown, a collection of horrendous lies, a trade war with China, near war with Iran, widespread racism, and a series of countless scandals. I could fill a general biology textbook with the irrationalities of the Trump presidency. However, instead of emphasizing these flaws like every other news outlet, in this article, I will highlight the success of his presidency. In an economic context, the Trump Administration has done a lot of good. According to Fox News and the White House’s website, the manufacturing industry has grown tremendously under the Trump Presidency at an unprecedented rate not seen since the 1990s. With that growth in the manufacturing industry came over 400,000 new jobs in the industry. Furthermore, consumer confidence in the U.S. has reached an 18-year high, and in 2017 the real median household income had risen to a post-recession high. Also, the unemployment rate currently stands at a strong 3.7% and job openings have outnumbered the unemployed for the first time in U.S. history. African-American unemployment has dropped under 6% for the first time as well, and Hispanic-American and AsianAmerican unemployment have dropped to record-breaking
lows concurrently. Trump has also used his controversial negotiating skills to strike new deals that prioritize benefitting Americans more than anybody else. These new deals have also proven to be successful by increasing America’s real GDP. In addition to striking new deals, the Trump Administration has also withdrawn from many one-sided deals that hurt the American economy. The Trump administration withdrew America from the Paris Climate Accord, Iran Nuclear Deal, and NAFTA. Withdrawal from these deals resulted in better job security for millions of Americans and, once again, a rise in real GDP. As for crime, President Trump has taken steps to reduce the national crime rate by signing legislation to provide funding to fight the Opioid Epidemic, to build the border wall, and impose a travel ban to those from high-risk countries. Overall, while the positive actions of the Trump administration may not surpass the negative ones, there has been substantial progress made in the White House. The Trump administration addressed problems that were ignored during the Obama Administration and ensured U.S. financial/economic stability for years to come.
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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The Best Netflix Shows to Binge By: PEDRAM BAZARGANI Head Staff Writer School can be very stressful at times and sometimes the best way to relieve that stress is to binge a great TV show. The Growling Wolverine staff has put together an amazing list of the greatest shows to binge. The shows listed below are available on Netflix and will be placed in three main categories: Action, Comedy, and Drama. Nearly all of these shows have multiple seasons and many are not finished airing on cable yet. Netflix has a great selection of binge-worthy action TV shows. The first notable show on the list is Jessica Jones. The show is one of the four Marvel-based TV shows on the platform and is about the hectic life of a private investigator who is targeted by a mind-controlling psychopath because of her supernatural powers. The second show on the list is
Assorted TV Show Covers. The Flash. The show has been among the most popular shows for at least four years and will not disappoint. The third show on this list is The Protector. This Turkish show is the only foreign show on the list and has captivated a wide international audience. Another show is The Walking Dead. This show speaks for itself and, like The Flash, has been ranked among the most popular
Photos provided by Yahoo! Photos. TV shows for many years. The last notable action TV show is Godless. While it only has seven episodes, this western show is ranked among the top five of all Netflix TV shows by techjunkie. com and is about an outlaw on the run from a former boss. If Netflix is known for anything, it is its great selection of comedy shows. The first show on the comedy list is Lucifer. The show is about the devil taking a vaca-
tion in Los Angeles, and its five seasons will not disappoint. The second show is The Good Place. This show is about a woman who was accidentally sent to heaven instead of hell, as she tries to prove that she belongs in heaven. Another notable show is Hart of Dixie, which aired from 2011 to 2015. While it may be slightly older than other shows on this list, is a great show about a big city doc-
tor being forced to move to rural Alabama. Perhaps the most notable comedy shows to watch right now are Friends and The Office. These shows have many entertaining seasons and will unfortunately be leaving Netflix by 2020. While action and comedy shows are entertaining, drama shows often prove to be the most popular in the end. On the top of the list is the hitshow Stranger Things. This popular show has a vast fan base and will leave all viewers wanting more. The second show is 13 Reasons Why. The show, while controversial, is highly recommended and will likely leave viewers in tears. The last show on the list is Breaking Bad, which has been a top drama for many years and has viewers from nearly every age group.
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SPORTS
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Football Tackles the New Year By:ANTONIA VELASQUEZ Photographer The Aliso Niguel Varsity Football Team was having a good preseason until falling short in the fourth quarter against Newport Harbor. Aliso had two touchdowns by Chase Christner (10) and Sky Ellis (11), giving Aliso the lead 14-3 by the second half. Then, a fumble made the game take a turn for the worse. This gave Aliso Niguel their first loss of the year and Newport Harbor their third win. Senior defensive linemen Charlie Weiler says, “we need to make less mistakes and not as many penalties.” The team knows what they need to work on to achieve its goals. This should have fans excited for when the season starts. Senior Quarterback Kyle Kyckelhahn says, “Our team goal is to win CIF Championship.” With our quarterback and defensive linemen ready for a winning season and willing to work, we
Football players standing on sideline. should have a good chance at winning CIF. Last year, the boys came second in league, winning three of their four games. They were right behind San Juan Hills winning all
Photo by Antonia Velasuez
four of their games, and making it to the second round of CIF. With this under their belts and the team’s new improvements this year, this season has some high hopes has they work has a
Girls Tennis Starts Swinging
team and clean up the penalties. As the pre season games keep going, they are working on getting stronger, improving their football skills, playing as a team, competing every second, and having
fun. Every game matters, which is why they are always looking to improve for when the season starts. Has Aliso Niguel Varsity football brushes off the loss in pre season they have to gear up and face Santa Ana which from last year beating them 42 - 21 the odds are in our favor. This loss only motivates and pushes the boys more and to not let penalties and mistakes happen in season when it really matters. With the team’s motto being “Annihilate the hills” Charlie Weiler says, “because a lot of the teams we play have hills.” With that motto the hills should be scared because Aliso Niguel is working every second to get better and has their eyes on what they really want which is to win CIF Championship. With all of them working together for the team captions to lead their team to victory there shouldn’t be a reason why they shouldn’t win.
Aliso Runs to the Top
Ben McKenna (12) at last year’s race. Girls tennis takes a swing. By: NATALIE GLENNON Copy Editor Six matches into the season, the members of Aliso Niguel’s Girls Varsity Tennis team show off their skills by winning all but one of their games. The captains are confident that they are on the road to CIF. The team has 20 total matches, not including CIF or league finals. Eight of those are for season, and 12 are non-league preseason games. “Because we had such a successful season last year during season and CIF, we got moved up from Division Two in CIF to Division One,” said Varsity Captain Raya Johnson (12). “We are doing our best to keep
Photo by Armando Rodriguez. us there with the best teams.” In their first match, the team faced Newport Harbor in a close game. Aliso won 9-9, marking a close yet undeniable victory to kick off the season. This was followed by matches against El Toro and Irvine, both of which were won 13-5 and 14-4, respectively. The fourth match against San Juan Hills was a tough one. Aliso lost 7-11, but the girls did not let that discourage them-- they immediately followed up with a 10-8 victory against Woodbridge and another remarkable feat against Mission Viejo. Regarding the match against Mission, Johnson confirmed, “we beat them 18-0, and many of our starters didn’t play past
the first round... It proves that we have an all around really good team, and it boosted our spirits after coming off of a tough match against San Juan Hills.” Considering the rarity of the outstanding victory against Mission Viejo, the team is holding out optimism for the rest of the season. “Last year we got second in Division Two, so I’m hoping we can do just as well in Division One this year,” said Varsity Captain Savannah Anderson (12). “Hopefully we can win league.” Both of the varsity captains as well as the members of the team are motivated to maintain their Division One position in CIF and win league this year. As always, they have Aliso’s full support.
By: MADISEN ROLLINS Staff Writer The boys and girls cross country teams are gearing up for the new season. Both teams are working on different skills in order to prepare for the upcoming season. Emily Richards (11), Carly Schuerger (12) and Ellie Armstrong (12), the captains of the girls’ team, say that they are very excited and looking forward to the new season. Most of their training has been focused on traversing different terrains. Richards says, “We have been focusing lots on hills and speed work.” The girls hope “this training will lead to a fast season with a lot of personal bests.” Keegan Fredriksen (12) and Ben Mckenna (12), the captains of the boys’ team, say that their training will hopefully, “en-
Photo by Google.
sure we are at our best once the season begins.” Their training consists of, “Hard work outs, recovery runs and long runs.” The boys say that, “The ultimate goal is to compete in the State Meet.” Coach Walsh, the boys’ head coach, aspires to, “Qualify as a team for state [championships], and if not as a team, [that] some individuals make it to state.” Walsh says that he is mixing things up this year to better prepare for the season. He says that the team has made modifications to the workouts on certain days and as of this year. the team will “go to bigger meets.” Regardless of training differences, both teams have the same goals to have fun during practice, do well during each meet, and achieve their best. Let’s cheer them on until the end! Go Wolverines!
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SPORTS
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Boys Water Polo Begins H2O Domination BY: ANESH SOLANKI Staff Writer The Aliso Niguel boys water polo team began with a rocky start to the season with a 1-2 record. Currently, they are 4-3 with a 1-0 league record, demonstrating their promise as a team. Also, the boy’s 14-13 record last season shows promise for a good season this year. Last year, boys varsity won five of their eight games against league, trailing closely behind Capistrano Valley with an 8-0 record in league. Team Captain, Zach Morcos believes “that the new additions to our team have allowed us to change up our play style from a slower paced play style to a high intensity and speed based play style allowing us to compete at a higher level.” This year they may improve with the new additions to the team. However, if Capistrano Valley maintains their undefeated record, Aliso may struggle to surpass them. Recently at the Weisz Tournament, the Wolverines beat El Modena. However, they lost to Corona Del
Boys Waterpoo Game Mar at Valencia High School. Team Captain, Connor Haslinger dedicates their win to their “diverse playing styles in the pool.” However, the team is feeding
Photo by Anesh Solanki off of each other’s developing strengths and building chemistry through their countless practices. The district has presented great competition from schools such
Bump It, Set It, Spike It
Girls Volleyball Game By: NATALIE SHIN Staff Writer The Girls Varsity Volleyball team at ANHS is entering the 2019 season with a strong 7-3. Varsity captains Jessica Smith (11), Katie Smith (11) and Hana Murphey (12) guide the Wolverines in hopes of a wellplayed season and success. The team’s dynamics remain strong as they continue to progress through their games both current and upcoming. Girls volleyball is an extremely competitive sport and many continue to support the ANHS varsity team—family, friends and teachers alike. As a team, they hope to win League and go far in CIF and State. Smith, who has been playing volleyball at Aliso Niguel for three years, hopes to“[become] a more effective and consistent outside
as San Clemente and Capo Valley. San Clemente and Capo Valley both were 8-0 in their respective leagues. This tough competition only motivates the
players more to beat their rivals. Haslinger believes that they “can change how we are playing and capitalize on the strengths of our team’s players in order to win games.” This will help them be able to beat other strong competition. Varsity captains Haslinger and Morcos, shared how they felt about the team and the rest of the season. Morcos said, “this year will be the year that goes down in history with our team being the first water polo team in ANHS history to win the League Champions and hopefully CIF.” Haslinger, however, said the boys’ “unique camaraderie where each of us on varsity are friends and thus bond well in and out of the pool.” Both captains believe that the varsity boys can take their talents and intimacy to have one of the most successful seasons in Aliso history. Despite the season’s tough start and the strong competition, the Aliso Niguel boys water polo team will regain its dominance over other teams in league once again. Aliso Niguel’s motivation will allow for a reclamation of dominance over the league.
Swinging for Victory
Photo by Amani Taraman hitter and reliable passer” because it is her second season in another position. Outside hitters typically pass the ball in serve receive, cover others, and go on offense. She feels optimistic and believes the team can have a memorable time and be successful together. Smith also deeply appreciates the fans that come to their games, both at home and away, cheering them on. Last year the girls’ volleyball team ranked an outstanding 32nd of 175 teams in state rankings, making them top-notch athletes. Richelle Whiting has been coaching them and has been successful in her endeavors of teaching them to be great athletes. Whiting hopes the team will continue to show a good work ethic and show desire for practice and getting better. The team improves constant-
ly both as individuals and as a group. Jessica Smith, who has also been playing for three years at ANHS, feels the team has strong dynamics and is good at hyping each other up. She has had a memorable career, being selected for the player of the match in the game vs. Foothill on Aug. 29. Coach Whiting described her to have “had a standout match, perfect passing and 30 kills in four sets played.” Smith wishes for a triumphant season and possibly a record-break and making it onto the board in the gym. The volleyball season is far from over, but ANHS wishes them victory in their matches and will continue to support them. They will hopefully dominate their matches and the team, including their three captains and great players are a great foundation to success.
A Golf Player Takes a Swing.
Photo by Google.
By: KATHERINE SPUSTA Staff Writer
yet occurred, the team practices two to three times a week on the range and against private schools. They have been performing well. Ashely Chan said that “Varsity has won one match.” This, however, is not surprising considering the high expectations Coach Biggs and the girls have for the team and the team’s immense skill. They have been League Champions for two years in a row, went undefeated in the 2018-2019 season, and only lost their first match in the 2017-2018 season. For the past two years, the girls have been unable to move past the first round in CIF. However, with a powerful team led by two superb captains and an exceptional coach, there is hope that the girls golf team will do better than ever before in the 2019-2020 season.
With numerous experienced team members and Coach Biggs, the girls golf team shows promising signs for the 2019-2020 season. The team is composed of two captains, Kaitlyn Vetica (12) and Chloe Lorenz (12), as well as Annabell Le, Alina Le, Hikaru Fijii, Kanamu Yamashita, Malia Matsuura, April Liu, Lauren Chou and Ashley Chan. Liu states that she feels the team is in “great shape with strong players.” Only one member of the team was lost last year, but several others moved up from the JV division. The only new member of the team is Alina Le, Annabell Le’s freshman sister. Though no league matches have
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BACK PAGE
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Horoscopes By: SKYLAR SCHLICHT & SOPHIA PARIZADEH Media Coordinators
Virgo
Pisces
(Aug23 - Sept 22)
(Feb 20 - Mar 20)
You probably spent your whole summer on Tik Tok memorizing dances and trying to get on the “For You” page and that’s okay.
Do not download TikTok. Repeat. Do. Not. Download. TikTok. The app will consume every spare minute you have and you’ll find yourself lost in the endless loop of watching videos at 1 A.M.
Libra
Aries
(Sep 23 - Oct 22)
All the losers calling you a VSCO girl are secretly jealous of you. They wish they were as hydrated, eco-friendly and woke as you. Don’t let them hold you back. Shine bright.
Scorpio
(Oct 23 - Nov 21)
It was a hot girl summer so you know we burnt and crispy. Enjoy your skin recovery this school year.
Sagittarius
(Nov 22 - Dec 21)
(Mar 21 - Apr 19)
This year will be your best yet. You’ll be productive, happy and relaxed. Don’t let small problems faze you because they won’t last long. This year, you’ll learn that drama is overrated and not worth your time.
Taurus
(Apr 20-May20) 2019 is all about getting out of your comfort zone. No more wasting time wondering “what if.” You won’t hesitate to do things that would normally terrify you. This change is for the best; you’re becoming your best self.
Gemini
(May21- Jun 20)
Summer was hot, but you’re hotter. You know that it’s more important to be nice, even if it doesn’t make you popular. Don’t let the haters get you down, because in the end, you’ll be smiling on top.
You are going to get brand new fresh friends this year! Congratulations! Enjoy ditching the boring people you’ve been wasting your youth with and have fun breaking in some new pals.
Capricorn
Cancer
(Dec 22 Jan 20)
Sleep. We all know it’s important, but you still choose to pull all-nighters for no reason. Trust me, TikTok and Instagram will still be there in the morning. Do yourself a favor and get some sleep.
Aquarius
( Jan 21 - Feb 19)
Your parents’ expectations and the expectations you put on yourself are slowly becoming too much. You’re so obsessed in trying to be the perfect version of yourself for everyone else that you forget to make sure you’re happy.
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@THEGROWLINGWOLVERINE
(June 21- July 22)
Alright, ladies, listen up!! You might’ve had your hot girl summer, but now it’s hot girl study time. Remember the seven B’s: Books Before Boys Because Boys Bring Babies.
Leo
(July 23-Aug22)
The next hurricane will be named after you.