MARCH 13, 2024

Fontana Sheriff’s Station Successfully Apprehends Suspect in Bloomington Shooting Incident

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Matthew Amaya, Paola Escobar Pivaral, Jacqueline Flores, Giovoni Gonzalez, Brenda Hernandez Diaz, Jocelyn Martinez-Lopez Arizdelsi Martinez-Perez, Nayeli Melena, Ryu Oshiro, Damaris Preciado, Phillip Radomski, Marco Rimicci, Estela Rodriguez, Estevan Vega

Staff Writers are comprised of students enrolled in COMM2391 Practicum: Print & Online Journalism taught by Dr. Gregory Gondwe.

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San Clemente Rail Progress from Soil Landslide

By Damaris Preciado Staff Writer

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Metrolink are making progress on the construction of a catchment wall, which will hopefully protect the OCTA-owned rail right of way in San Clemente from soil movement and debris caused by a recent landslide on a privately owned hillside.

A catchment wall which is a coverage basin for all drainage. This is being built at Mariposa Point, and the construction is expected to be completed in midMarch 2024. Once completed, the wall will be between 10 and 15 feet tall, approximately 200 feet long, and will be supported by steel beams placed 30 feet below ground. The project area is complex, with multiple underground utility lines that need to be navigated, including a large sewer trunk line, a reclaimed water line, and a fiber communications trunk line.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) freight traffic remains halted through the area as a result of the ongoing hillside soil movement. The project is closely monitored, and the team is working to allow freight trains to resume their service through the area safely as soon as possible. Regular passenger rail service may resume as early as late March or early April, but this is subject to the construction schedule.

The rail line was closed through San Clemente on January 24th, following a

on private property above the Mariposa Trail Pedestrian Bridge. The landslide caused major damage to the bridge and scattered debris onto the track. OCTA, which owns the track, quickly mobilized emergency crews who used heavy machinery to remove debris and haul away two large spans of the bridge, each weighing 24,000 pounds.

The project to construct a catchment wall is a part of the ongoing efforts to repair and strengthen California’s transportation infrastructure in the face of storm or even soil-related damage. But for the past three years, the bluffs in San Clemente have been weakening over time and affecting both city and private properties. As a result, the rail line has been repeatedly closed time after time, despite operating for over 125 years with minimal to no interruptions. This recent closure is representative of a larger trend in California. Where transportation infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to storm or soil-related damage.

Other recent examples of such damage include indefinite nightly closures of a 6-mile stretch up on the Pacific Coast Highway north of Malibu and significant damage to roads and buildings in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes after record-setting rains that caused a landslide of major debris.

The ongoing rail closure in San Clemente underscores the importance of well-grounded and resilient transportation for passengers who rely on the Metrolink for their daily

commute or travel needs. This disruption highlights the significant impact that stormrelated damage can have on rail services, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and driven measures to safeguard against events like this in the future.

For passengers, this situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that stable maintenance plays in ensuring the reliability and safety of the rail network. It undervalues the importance of regular inspections, timely repairs, and the application of preventative measures to alleviate the risk of closures due to natural disasters or other unforeseen events.

Additionally, the prolonged closure of the rail line due to soil movement and debris highlights the challenges associated with managing and mitigating the environmental impacts of foundation projects, especially in sensitive coastal areas like San Clemente. It represents the need for sustainable and environmentally conscious development practices to ensure the long-term reliability of rail services while protecting the natural environment.

For the latest updates on the project and rail service, passengers are encouraged to visit the OCTA’s website (octa. net/railupdates), Metrolink’s website (metrolinktrains.com), and Pacific Surfliner’s website (pacificsurfliner.com/alerts) for real-time updates.

San Clemente Bridge is currently out of commission from the soil movement. Photo credit: Orange County Transportation Authority

landslide

“Know Your Limit”

DUI Checkpoints hit Norco, California.

By Jacqueline Flores Staff Writer

On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office will work alongside the Norco Sheriff’s Office in a safety enforcement operation. From the time of 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the operation will be conducted within the city limits of Norco. While specific locations are not currently disclosed, the county states that DUI checkpoints are held on streets with frequent crashes.

On February 26th, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced they would be conducting a DUI Saturation/ Safety Enforcement Operation in the city of Norco. Alcohol is not the only substance that police will be in search of as the county reminds the people of Norco that taking both illegal and legal substances can be flagged as driving under the influence. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can also interfere with one’s driving ability.

This comes after the checkpoint results in the cities of Palm Desert DUI operations.

On February 23rd, 2024, during that 8-hour inspection, in the streets of Fred Waring Drive and Portola Ave, seven were arrested for DUIs, three for driving under the influence of alcohol, and one for driving under the influence of drugs combined. Out of the 1,075 drivers that were stopped, 84 went through a secondary screening, and 14 were given sobriety tests. Other problems were licenses, as 32 drivers were cited for driving without a license and two others were arrested for driving with a suspended license.

California itself has a lengthy past of DUIs. The Annual Report of California DUI Management Information System reported that in 2019, there were 124,141 total

Riverside Law enforcement spread awareness on drug-impaired driving

DUI arrests and according to the Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV), fatalities were up to 48% in 2020 with DUI-involved crashes In the last couple of years we’ve seen a decrease in alcohol-involved crashes but an increase in druginvolved crashes. California’s Office of Transportation Safety also reported 751 fatalities happened in 2021 alone.

The consequences aren’t pretty. Drivers who are charged with a DUI can end up with fines as large as $13,500 and can have their licenses suspended.

First-time DUI drivers can face up to six months of jail time or three years of probation for their offense, as well as having their car impounded. According to Shouse California Law Group, second and third-time offenders suffer harsher consequences.

Second-time offenders can face up to $2300 and an 18-month program for a Drug and Alcohol Program. Third-time offenders can face $3000 and a 30-month program and even an installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 2 years.

In the past, Riverside County pushed for a way to lower the DUI rates by introducing a program as “Know your Limit”. “Know your Limit” was created to educate the public and make better choices when having a fun night out on the town. These programs

would have officers stationed by the openings of various entertainment buildings, such as bars and clubs, promoting safe choices. Volunteers would guess their BAC ( Blood Alcohol Concentration) before blowing into a breathalyzer. Many would be surprised to see just how high their alcohol levels were. The campaign included handing out flyers of information and a car designed to imitate both a taxi and a police car, with the words “Choose YOUR Ride”.

Riverside County continues to push for safer drinking habits with grants given by California’s Office of Transportation Safety. OTS funds the DUI checkpoints in Riverside County and considers drug-impaired driving as one of the toughest safety challenges they face. The OTS shares on their main website their goals for this problem: Train law enforcement to detect better those driving under the influence, to reduce the number of people harmed by druginvolved accidents, and to reduce the fatalities from drug-involved accidents.

Norco’s safety enforcement operation will not be the last, as the county continues to crack down on drug-impaired driving. While Riverside has made quite a difference in conducting these checkpoints, more work remains to be done.

Fontana Sheriff’s Station Successfully Apprehends Suspect

Continued from page 1

location. The severity of the incident prompted Deputies Rapisardi and Detective Ryan Cook to spearhead an intensive investigation, resulting in the swift issuance of an arrest warrant for Mata.

The following day, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 7:09 a.m., investigators displayed exceptional diligence by locating Mata alone, seated inside his vehicle in a commercial parking lot in Menifee. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, members of the Menifee Police Department were alerted and provided vital assistance. At 8:58 a.m., a meticulously executed operation by the Menifee Police Department’s Special Response Team culminated in Mata’s peaceful detention without incident.

Mata was promptly transported to the Fontana Sheriff’s Station, where he underwent thorough questioning before being officially booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

The charges levied against Mata underscore the severity of the alleged crimes committed during the Bloomington incident.

Simultaneously, in a meticulous process to gather evidence and ensure the safety of the public, Mata’s vehicle was towed to the Fontana Station. A search warrant, duly

authorized, paved the way for a comprehensive search of the vehicle. To the investigators’ alarm, a loaded firearm was discovered meticulously concealed underneath the back seat.

The recovery of the weapon underscores the potential danger that Mata posed to the community.

As the legal process unfolds, the victim, unfortunately, remains in critical condition at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. The Fontana Sheriff’s Station extends its thoughts and support to the victim’s family during this challenging time.

The successful resolution of this case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. The Fontana Sheriff’s Station commends the exemplary efforts of Deputies Rapisardi and Smoot, as well as Detective Ryan Cook, for their dedication and professionalism in swiftly addressing this grave incident.

The collaboration between the Fontana Sheriff’s Station and the Menifee Police Department exemplifies the importance of inter-agency cooperation in the pursuit of justice. The Fontana Sheriff’s Station extends its gratitude to the Menifee Police Department for their crucial support in bringing the suspect into custody without further incident.

AWS and Owkin Join Forces to Advance Drug Discovery with AI

data efficiently and effectively.

By Ryu Oshiro Staff Writer

In a very revolutionary move that’s intended to drastically change the landscape of drug development and discovery, a TechBio company that specializes in the fusion of human and artificial intelligence, has announced that they will be collaborating with AWS (Amazon Web Services).

AWS, known for its “cloud infrastructure” and advanced AI tools, aims to advance and innovate in biotech and precision medicine.

Owkin plans to utilize AWS’s advanced storage capabilities, improved data security, and sophisticated computing capabilities to further help researchers and scientists work with huge amounts of

Owkin’s has three main goals in this partnership:

1. Intended to transform and advance drug discovery, which helps speed up the method of developing new pharmaceutical drugs or therapies for consumer use.

2. Intended to reduce risks and speed up clinical trials, which basically means they want to minimize the risks to volunteers that participate in clinical trials before new drugs are sold to the public, as well as speeding up that process.

3. Develop diagnostics with AI, which involves the use of algorithms and technology to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases and medical conditions within patients more effectively.

Owkins CEO, Thomas Clozel, shed more light on the

company’s goals to analyze the already existing, extensive patient data that is available in hospitals or research centers, while still ensuring privacy and security of every patient’s medical information. With security and flexibility of AWS’s cloud, Owkins goals are within reach. In the press release, Clozel stated, “Beyond our cutting-edge technologies, our strongest asset is in the power of collective intelligence though collaboration.”

This collaboration between AWS and Owkin will propel innovation in biotech to new heights through the “high performance computing” and “machine learning tools”. By integrating Owkin’s expertise in biotech research with AWS’s secure and flexible cloud infrastructure, the partnership aims to develop advanced AI

applications, and build new foundation models that are important for discovering new drugs; all this will be supported and stored into the cloud’s very expansive “petabyte” storage. The general manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences at AWS, Dan Sheeran, also commented on Owkin’s partnership in the press release, “We are excited to support Owkin in their journey to lower costs and discover and develop better, more targeted treatments faster.”

Amazon SageMaker will also have a very crucial role in this partnership. Owkin will utilize SageMaker to build, train and deploy machine learning models more effectively. Owkin aims to deploy its portfolio of AI solutions all across research partners, pathology labs, and biopharma, which ultimately helps with patient

outcomes. The collaboration plans to create a huge shift by utilizing already existing, advanced AI technology to even better address healthcare challenges many people face.

With experts from both AWS’s Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Owkin collaborating on one goal, their partnership’s end goal is to address the detrimental challenges faced in precision medicine. By using their advanced technology and expertise in each respective subject, Owkin and AWS aims to create innovative solutions for global healthcare challenges, which eventually means every patient will receive the right treatment for whatever ails them.

health

Scientists working with technology in order to create something new. By: Sanjeri from Getty Images

Feature Riverside County Office of Education Announces Annual Young Genius Science Fair

By Paola Escobar Staff Writer

Riverside Unified School District’s generation of young geniuses will be participating in the Science and Engineering fair this weekend. The Science and Engineering Fair is a competition of science and engineering projects designed, developed, and displayed by students in grades 4 through 12. This fair gives many students time to shine, to share and discuss their knowledge, their skills, and the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals. The Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair is affiliated with and supported by the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

There will be 29 participating districts and charter private schools, totaling to 519 students and 361 total science and engineering projects coming together at the Riverside Convention Center. With 40 submissions pertaining to chemistry, these students will be displaying their knowledge on everything they know. From assessing soil that was involved in forensic investigations crime scenes to analyzing the effects on social media relating to teen depression. Don’t be fooled by the age of these participants, some are ready to take on the discussion of how marginalized communities are treated in

comparison to higher income communities; with projects titled “Water Quality in High vs. Low Income Neighborhoods.” and other extremely thought provoking experiments titled, “Spinning Towards Sustainability: Revolutionizing the Salton Sea’s Direct Lithium Extraction With Novel Geothermal Brine Centrifugation” These projects are certainly hard to miss.

Judgment day for the student engineers will be held on Friday March 1, 2024. Experienced judges will critique and provide constructive criticism

when looking for quality of presentation, content clarity and originality. While the public is not allowed to participate on judgment day, free admission will be granted on Saturday March 2, for everyone to enjoy. The awards ceremony will take place publicly on Saturday March 2 at noon. Gold and silver medals will be awarded for the winners.

19 categories will be discussed and displayed in 3 separate grade divisions. The 4/5 division will be competing with grades 4th and 5th submitting

115 science projects. The junior division containing middle school grade levels will be displaying 142 projects. Lastly the senior division containing high school grade levels will be contributing with 104 science and engineering projects. The junior and senior division winners have the opportunity to advance at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering (ISEF) Fair as well as the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge competition, to be held May 11-17, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Be sure to come and support our local youth in their scholastic endeavors! It is imperative that we, as a community show up for our youth, as it only benefits them in the future. Who knows, one day we might see the same faces participating in our local engineering fair on the news because they might have made a significant discovery in the science community. All of our great, renowned geniuses like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie and Nikola Tesla were all curious children once, too!

Photo Credit: Martin Luther King High School

Filming of “The Mandalorian & Grogu” Takes Center Stage in California

By Jocelyn Martinez-Lopez Staff Writer

“The Mandalorian & Grogu,” a Lucasfilm production directed by Jon Favreau, is breaking new ground as the first film within the franchise to be entirely shot in California. The heightened anticipation surrounding this development stems from the expectation that the production will generate nearly 20,000 job opportunities, featuring at least 2,252 crew members, 598 cast members, and 16,800 background performers.

Film sets are consistently on the lookout for production crew and extras, presenting students interested in the industry with potential side jobs during filming, provided they know where to look. Beyond the immediate employment prospects, this venture is

poised to make a substantial contribution to the growth of the California economy. This exciting development not only holds a promising outlook for prospective job seekers but also stands to create a positive impact on the state’s economic landscape. The film is set to commence production in June 2024, with the anticipated release date scheduled for May 2026. It will seamlessly continue the story initiated in the three-season series.

Here’s what Governor Gavin Newsom has to say about the filming: “From Earth to Arvala-7 to Mandalore, there is no place to film like California. Our iconic entertainment industry has delivered classics across generations, and through this program, we are ensuring that the state continues its production legacy, generating billions of

dollars for our communities, creating thousands of wellpaying jobs, and training our future workforce.”

However, “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is not the sole film anticipated to be shot in California. Additional productions, such as “Untitled Disney Live Action,” “Untitled 20th Film,” and two Amazon MGM Studios projects, “The Accountant 2” and “Mercy,” have also selected the state as their filming location.

Notably, nearly 41 percent of the planned filming days for these announced projects will unfold in various California locations, such as Alameda County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, San Francisco County, Upland, Joshua Tree, Marin, and other yet-to-be-determined locations. This emphasizes the

diverse and widespread impact these productions aim to have across the state.

Here is the list of productions anticipated to be filmed and shot in California:

Animals of Los Angeles by Concept of Mind, LLC

California Convergence by Jeff Deverett

Cuate by FFAM Group, LLC

Josephine by Sclera Pictures, LLC

Lurker by Lurker Movie, LLC

Mercy by Amazon Studios, LLC

Secrets by Secrets Film, LLC

The Accountant 2 by Amazon Studios, LLC

The Mandalorian & Grogu by Huckleberry Industries (U.S.), Inc.

Untitled 20th Film by TCS US Productions 17, Inc.

Untitled Disney Live Action by Switch It Up Productions, Inc.

Untitled NRP Project by New Regency Productions, Inc.

Untitled Thriller by FYF Film, LLC

Untitled Vernon Chatman Project by pg County, LLC

What You’ll Remember by Spiral Stairs Entertainment

Keep in mind that films often utilize alternate titles and placeholders to maintain secrecy and prevent leaks.

These developments bring an exciting wave of opportunities for California and its residents. Stay vigilant for intriguing yet suspicious film titles, as they may unveil behind-the-scenes action. Whether catching a glimpse of filming or exploring

Photo Credit: Lucasfilms

Why there needs to be a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip

By Phillip Radomski Staff Writer

The main purpose of the event is to show the beauty of the way of life before the war and how the war has disrupted everyday life in Gaza. On February 12th-13th organized events that symbolized what life was like before the war in Gaza through virtual reality. The event showed that the people of Gaza are trying to make nothing out of what they have and how more relief can provide the people of Gaza with a way to overcome the conflict and return to a vibrant life.

The images showed that they were able to live meaningful lives but then the war happened. The conflict in Gaza has destroyed their way of life and their culture because of the war with the residents’ way of life being destroyed to where the residents are treated like collateral damage. It appears Israel does not have any empathy for the people of Gaza and wants to continue to wage a war without paying attention to the damage that has been done.

Innocent people are not able to go on with their lives and what makes the situation worse is that the residents of Gaza do not want to associate themselves with the organization Hamas that is responsible for invading Israel. We can learn from this event why we need to have empathy and treat everyone the same no matter where they are in the world.

There must be more action internationally to forge a ceasefire. The images displayed on the event through virtual reality display that most of the residents of Gaza lived vibrant lives before the invasion. The residents of Gaza were able to provide for themselves and live a life filled with happiness. They

were able to find employment and provide for their families while going about their everyday lives.

It was an environment where the people of Gaza could pursue an education, find meaningful employment, or even receive meaningful services such as medical care for illnesses or

health conditions. The images seen on television and media outlets show images of how the war has devastated the region but do not show how residents were able to provide for themselves before the conflict. The images that the public sees show that the healthcare system has collapsed, and residents are not able to go

back to their everyday lives but fail to address why there needs to be a ceasefire.

It seems like we are being brainwashed by media outlets and are not told the truth about why there needs to be a ceasefire. After the war began all these necessities were taken away because of the war. People living in Gaza have been displaced and can’t provide a living for themselves and international efforts have failed to do enough to provide relief for those affected by the war. What makes matters worse is that there is more chaos that will occur in Gaza and that there will be more conflicts that will occur that lead to more people in the Gaza Strip being displaced.

According to Professor Muhtaseb, the war has caused death and destruction with no end in sight, and it has been almost four months since Israel invaded the Gaza

Strip. Their images from the event show what life was like before the conflict can why there needs to be an international intervention for a ceasefire. The images displayed on television do not show images that were like the images displayed for the virtual reality event. Most of the information we receive is half-baked.

Most of the information we receive on virtual reality is images that have not been seen before. The images seen at the event portray the people of Gaza going about their lives while the images on television show life after the invasion and do not give us information on what life was like before the invasion. The events showed that the people of Gaza were able to live a life full of resilience that included culture, life, and laughter. The images show that there needs to be a ceasefire because the residents of Gaza were able to live a life filled with Happiness and may be able to preserve the places that are being destroyed by the war that show their way of life.

Through the virtual reality event held at the Santos Manuel student union, we can learn about the importance of the virtual reality event held from February 12th-13th on why there should be a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel. We can learn the importance of why there needs to be virtual reality events on campus that call for a ceasefire in Gaza so we can help preserve the way of life that has survived before the conflict began. When initiating a ceasefire, we must keep in mind that we are dealing with humans who have been devastated by the

be restored.

The animosity between parents and their transgender/ nonbinary teens

By Paola Escobar Staff Writer

“It is clear that LGBT are at greater risk of violent victimization, but the question is why,” said lead author, Andrew R. Flores, Affiliated Scholar at the Williams Institute. In recent news, A non-Binary teenager by the name of Nex Benedict passed away earlier this month due to head injuries. While the argument of whether teenagers now openly waiver in their gender and sexuality because of liberal idealisms, could it be that the recent rise in teen-on-teen violence begins at home?

The unfortunate case of Nex Benedict and her unidentified transgender friend began during the 2023 school year. Benedict was sixteen years old, identifying as they/them. Benedict was in the girls’ restroom with her transgender friend when three girls jumped her in the stall leaving her with head injuries. Benedict sadly passed away on February 8, due to head trauma complications.

The state of Oklahoma recently passed a bill stating that every child must abide by the sex on their birth certificate to be able to determine what restroom to use. The bill was passed by Oklahoma Republicans and Governor, Kevin Sitt. The clear and heavy influence on nonbinary and transgender exclusion in the state of Oklahoma runs heavy in households, with opinions trickling down to their teenagers. There is no doubt in my mind that the cause and effect of parent-child influence have played a role in the recent spike in violent assaults within transgender and non-conforming communities. The disdain toward

gender among teens. Dr. Angela Goepferd, medical director of Gender Health at Children’s Minnesota Hospital, states in an article written by The New York Times, “It’s developmentally appropriate for teenagers to explore all facets of their identity — that is what teenagers do.”

Secondly, It is known that politics and gender identity do not go well together in the majority of the United States. Parents or heads of household can quite possibly project their political stance, hoping to influence the developing minds they’re raising. Nex Benedict was a Cherokee native, living in the state of Oklahoma where the recent bill passed cost them their life. Could it be argued that having a gender-neutral restroom in their school, be a solution to their problems and the problems of other non-gender-conforming students? Maybe it could have, had it been passed.

Lastly, The “phobias” that many parents project onto their children can be detrimental to the mental health of the child, and can potentially harm those around them. A recent research

to be victims of a violent crime. The research article concluded a few key findings, but it was the last finding that stood out the most. “About half of all victimizations are not reported to police. LGBT people are as likely as non-LGBT people to report violence to police.” Benedict’s grandmother said in a recent interview that while she took Benedict to the hospital for head trauma, she was informed that the school had not informed the police. It was not until Nex Benedict suddenly passed away that a police investigation was launched.

The question still stands, can parents create animosity among their teens and non-binary teens? Many can argue that teenagers are capable of making their own decisions and judgments, without the influence of their parents. If you take away everything you were raised with, the past twenty or so years of parental influence wiped away from your memories, do you believe all your decisions in life could have still led up to this very moment? Do you think back to the personality you were at sixteen and still resonate with

By Ryu Oshiro Staff Writer

Balancing Safety & Rights: Gun Control

The debate over gun control has been one of the more controversial topics in the United States—each side of the argument having passionate reasons as to why they are right. Our nation has been the only one that has been plagued by frequent incidents of gun violence, which have only intensified the conversation surrounding firearm regulation. It’s a complex issue that encompasses various aspects such as fundamental rights or public safety. However, with each tragic incident, the urgency to address and rectify this issue becomes prominent. It is time for us to prioritize public safety and create stricter gun control laws in order to save lives and protect

so many statistics regarding gun-related deaths, the time to finally come to a conclusion about this issue should be very soon. It is our moral obligation to implement much steeper measures to purchase a weapon that could potentially cause devastating tragedies such as the Sandy Hook Elementary incident, or the Columbine High School incident. Enacting measures such as, much more in-depth background checks, raising the age to purchase firearms, banning assault weapons, or authorizing “red flag” laws (laws permitting a court to confiscate weapons from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others).

These measures are not focused on taking away rights from law-abiding citizens, but rather to ensure individuals who own firearms are responsible

wMitigating these tragedies, especially in schools, should be of the utmost importance and it’s unbelievably selfish to argue against that.

Many countries all over the world have already authorized similar laws and have demonstrated the effectiveness of said policies in reducing gun-related deaths and maintaining public safety. Our nation has to follow their proactive approach to firearm regulation to finally put this issue to rest.

On the other side of

this topic, there is individual’s that constantly refer to the Second Amendment in order to justify their resistance to these life-saving regulations. It is important to point out that this Amendment about “the right to bear arms” was not intended to be unlimited. Just like we impose reasonable limits on other rights in the constitution, like freedom of speech, we should do the same with the right to bear arms. Another justification this side uses is summed up in the phrase “guns don’t kill people, people kill people’’. This statement is a

more gun-related deaths.

Ultimately, the debate over gun control is not just a political issue—it’s a matter of life or death. It is our moral duty as responsible citizens to advocate for these policies that prioritize the safety of the public and further prevent the senseless loss of life. Enacting stricter gun laws is a step in the right direction. Simply put: Strict gun laws equal less gun violence.

our communities.

People that advocate for stricter gun laws argue that we cannot ignore how devastating this issue is to our society. With

and do not pose a threat to society. These laws are focused on keeping people safe, keeping communities safe, and just protecting human life.

gross oversimplification of the issue and really just ignores the simple fact that easy access to devastating weapons plays a significant role in facilitating violence. Studies, as well as common sense, show that more lenient gun control laws equal

Photo Credit: Milan stock.adobe.com

Social Media’s Influence on Body Image and Self-Esteem

The emotions cause by scrolling through social media Image provided by

herzindagi

By Nayeli Melena Staff Writer

The use of social media has become increasingly popular over the years and will only continue to do so over time. The main users of social media are the younger generation. Social media platforms like TikTok stand out as one of the most used platforms by teenagers. This can be concerning to see how the younger generation may be making social comparisons to those who post false realities on social media. With this all-time rise of social media usage, it’s important to bring awareness of social media’s negative influence on body image and self-esteem to promote a positive sense of self-worth and self-love.

Social Media platforms allow individuals to post quick videos or pictures of their lives that can be easily fabricated. Nowadays, the use of Photoshop and filters has been normalized to the point where people alter themselves heavily enough to where they look nothing like their photos in real life. These heavily altered images have promoted an unachievable look to society. These unrealistic beauty standards can take a toll on the average person who is constantly coming across an unattainable look on their social

media feed. These types of images only encourage people to compare themselves to these exaggerated photos which then leads to poor body image and self-esteem.

Not only do comparisons on social media decrease the well-being of individuals but also comparisons of social media engagements. People can engage with social media content through likes, comments, and follower count. People have been using these ways of engagement as validation and approval from other users. Social media users have become hyper-fixated on engagements and used it in a way to understand how other users view their page. This has only caused people to constantly feel the need to attain a certain image for their audience.

Social media influencers are constantly reshaping what should be considered the beauty standards and life expectations in society. They often promote expectations that are unattainable to the average person. The lifestyle they portray online is often filled with luxurious merchandise and lavish experiences. Most of the time these lifestyles are fabricated in a way to make their life look way more exciting and appealing than it is. People have fabricated this lifestyle by photoshopping, making

purchases of counterfeit designer items, or even going into debt to upkeep this unattainable lifestyle. This can be harmful for the younger viewers who will likely have a harder time differentiating something from being real or fake.

It can be alarming knowing the top users of social media are young adults and adolescents. These individuals are at a stage in their lives where they look at others as role models and mentors. Social media may not be the greatest place to use these influencers as role models, especially with how easily they can fabricate their real lives to the type of life they showcase online. It is common for the younger generation to have a harder time pointing out false depictions online than the older

generation. These depictions can also be harmful to the way the younger generation perceives themselves.

In an era dominated by digital platforms, it is crucial to understand the trend of showcasing false realities on social media. Influencers should be held accountable and exposed when they decide to post harmful depictions online to their audiences. For this reason, it is also crucial to promote selfworth and self-love so that others do not fall into social media’s trap of unrealistic expectations. When people look at the profiles of other individuals, it often lowers their self-esteem. People should be encouraged to limit their screen time usage on social media platforms and connect with reality. This disconnection

can promote a greater mindset and self-esteem. The greater the use of social media platforms, the greater the chance users will compare.

There is an evident correlation between how social media triggers social comparison amongst their users. With how easy it is for individuals to fabricate images and their lifestyles on social media, it makes sense why viewers will feel the need to compare their lives to those online. The only issue is that they may need to learn that these portrayals are altered. For this reason, we must be a bit more mindful when we decide to be on social media and have genuine connections with people in real life.

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The Moral Imperative: Questioning the Ethics of Breeding French Bulldogs

By Giovoni Gonzalez Staff Writer

In the recent world of canines there has been a surge of popularity with one breed, the French Bulldog. Their charming personalities and unique appearance have captivated the hearts of many people in recent times and have become very popular for dog-lovers across the nation. Unfortunately for them, the features that make them so cute are the same features that handicap them. Many celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Megan Thee Stallion have helped popularize French Bulldogs and have helped increase the demand for this breed.

French Bulldogs, characterized by their distinctive bat-like, flat faces and compact size, have risen in popularity over recent years, endorsed by social media and celebrities. While their adorable looks make them irresistible to potential pet owners, a closer examination reveals a darker side to their breeding practices that raises serious ethical questions. The primary concern is for the health and well-being of the French Bulldog. Selective breeding for particular traits like their flattened faces has caused a multitude of health issues for these dogs. They face respiratory problems, dental malformations and have trouble regulating body temperature which ultimately leads to an overall lower quality of life.

In addition to the hereditary problems that accompany the French Bulldog, the high demand for this breed has led to a surge in irresponsible breeding practices that contribute to an abundance of puppy mills and immoral breeders. Many breeders prioritize quantity and money over the health and well-being of the puppies produced. According to the ASPCA website French Bulldogs are prone to suffer from Brachycephalic Syndrome, which can lead to airway collapse, allergies, snoring, and an elongated soft palate which can obstruct airways. They are also prone to chondrodysplasia, hemivertebrae, hip dysplasia or patellar luxation which is when their kneecap slips out of place. Approximately 40% of French Bulldogs experience breathing difficulties.

Another moral dilemma to consider is the overcrowding

of pet shelters because people are eagerly searching for new puppies. Potential dog owners unconsciously contribute to the overcrowding of pet shelters when they choose to buy from breeders rather than getting a dog from a shelter. When people adopt from a shelter, they are giving a loving home to a dog in need. Breeding French Bulldogs encourages a culture that prioritizes aesthetics over the well-being and fair treatment of animals. The desire for a certain appearance has led to the degradation of this dog breed and only at their expense. I urge all pet owners or future pet owners who are considering a French Bulldog to reconsider and support your local pet shelters instead.

Another issue with their rising demand is thieves stealing French Bulldogs right from their owners because they are sold for such a high price.

In 2021 Lady Gaga’s dog walker was held up at gunpoint and both of her French Bulldogs were stolen. She offered a $500,000 no questions asked reward for whoever returned her dogs. They were eventually returned by a lady named Jennifer McBride who was later charged with receiving stolen property. McBride and 4 other people were charged in connection to the theft of Lady Gaga’s dogs.

A few dogs are very similar to French Bulldogs in appearance and character which could be a good

alternative to this inbred breed.

The most similar is the Boston Terrier which has the same bat-like ears as the Frenchie but doesn’t share the same respiratory or skeletal issues. Another option is the Boxer which is larger than the French Bulldog but has very similar facial features without the overwhelming health concerns.

It is important that everyone understands the immorality that comes out of breeding the French Bulldog. They are undoubtedly adorable and filled with personality, but it comes at the cost of their quality of life. They live not knowing what it’s like to breathe normally or having constant joint pain or frequently coming close to heat strokes.

For those of you that have been considering a dog, go visit your local animal shelter and they will have plenty of pets that are in need of a good home and deserving of love.

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Starbucks Offers Reusable Cup Options

By Estela Rodriguez Staff Writer

On January 3, 2024, customers were granted the opportunity to begin using their own personal cup for every visit at Starbucks. This experience allows customers to interact and make each experience more personal with their local Starbucks baristas. All Licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada will participate in allowing reusable cups. You may provide your own cup in all location settings including the drive-thru, Starbucks mobile app, and in café.

Starbucks is the only national coffeehouse in the U.S. to offer customers the option to use their personal cup when they make a mobile order. The idea of allowing reusable cups originated in order to reduce waste. Starbucks has a set goal to try and reduce the company’s waste by 50 percent by the year of 2030. Majority of Starbucks beverages are already on-the-go, this provides opportunity for customers to choose reusables and supports Starbucks commitment mission to reducing waste. The This benefit

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? Customers

A barista is taking initiative to use the new contactless vessel providing the customers drink in a reusable cup .

bevrage. If you are unsecure ask your barista questions to clarify your concerns. When ordering in thecafé, customers must notify the barista when they order that they

When customers order via the Starbucks app, first they will hit the “Customization” button and then select “Personal Cup” in the customization

menu and continue ordering as normal. When they get to the store, customers will be given the chance to connect with their barista at the pickup area, and

hand over their clean personal cup without the lid. The barista will hand the beverage back in a contactless vessel.

Starbucks is able to offer personal cup ordering in all channels as a direct result of its test and learn approach, informed by partners (employees) in Starbucks Tryer Innovation Lab and at pilot locations across the U.S. This idea was created off of a successful personal cup experiment across Colorado last spring allowing 200 drive-thru stores to participate.

A barista named Brook who participated in the experiment to better the environment explained “as long as we are following all our procedures and steps, it doesn’t add any more time, and it is actually making customers happier, this has been a really big hit.”

Starbucks has been championing reusable cup options for 30 years, and in recent years Starbucks has conducted more than 20 reusables tests in stores around the world with more planned in the year ahead. The idea behind these tests is to prevent waste and provide a safer, clean environment for our future.

Photo Credit Starbucks

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