Falconer January 2023 Issue

Writemeanessay Artificial Academics

Artificial intelligence chatbots disrupt TPHS classrooms

Jacob

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the release of ChatGPT – a large language model designed by OpenAI – artificial intelligence chatbots have found their way into humanities and science classrooms alike, forcing many educators to rethink their teaching methods and curricula.

ChatGPT takes questions from users and responds with human-like text. It can craft essays, provide solutions to homework problems and even give relationship advice.

“What should I do for Valentine’s Day?”

“Plan a romantic dinner with your significant other,” ChatGPT writes. “If you are single, you can still celebrate by treating yourself to something nice.”

Many TPHS students have tested

ChatGPT, with some even using it for schoolwork. One senior, who chose to stay anonymous, asked ChatGPT to write a poem for an English assignment. He never submitted it, fearing his teacher would grow suspicious as he found ChatGPT’s writing to be “definitely better” than his own.

Another student, who also remained anonymous, said he used ChatGPT to complete five chemistry assignments.

“[ChatGPT] prints out the notes, and I copy it down,” he said. “It makes things easier and faster.”

David Danks, Professor of Philosophy and Data Science at the University of California, San Diego, labeled ChatGPT as both a positive and negative “disruption” to education.

The main fear for educators, like English teacher Sara Boozer, is the

potential loss in critical thinking if students begin using, or worse, relying on ChatGPT for schoolwork.

“I’m already seeing this fear of being wrong. This fear of creating our own ideas. I’m concerned [ChatGPT] will feed into that,” she said.

With long-established websites like SparkNotes and Chegg that already provide homework answers, taking shortcuts to the solution is nothing new, according to English teacher Brianna Milholland. However, this reliance on the internet for answers – science teacher Brinn Belyea said – cannot be solely blamed on technology.

“Our school system has failed at getting students to understand that [learning] is a process, not a product,” he said. “If the product is an answer, then the answer is there – you can get

it from ChatGPT.”

Boozer and TPHS Principal Rob Coppo believe assigning more in-class essays can thwart the use of ChatGPT. Students in English teacher Brandon Keller’s class have already started handwriting their assignments. Others, like Milholland, have signed up to test GPTZero, an application that can detect AI-written text. Turnitin, a plagiarism checker used by many TPHS teachers, is also developing a similar feature.

As of now, ChatGPT’s answers are often inaccurate, as it produces answers using statistical patterns in language and does not fact-check, according to Danks.

Edward Sun (12), who tried ChatGPT for coding, said it usually makes mistakes on complicated problems.

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AI ACHIEVEMENT: Since its release, some TPHS students have used ChatGPT, a new artificial intelligence chatbot, on classroom assignments, eliciting concerns from some teachers. As AI technology enters the classroom, educators have begun to adapt their curricula to decrease student use of these platforms and ponder if and how AI should be used in education.

Zhang

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

Annabelle Wang (12), a creative writer, described ChatGPT’s writing as “cliche” and “uptight.” Boozer said a ChatGPT-generated essay would earn a “C” grade in her AP Literature class. A completely different system from ChatGPT would be needed to ensure accurate answers, UCSD Professor of

Data Science Mikhail Belkin said.

Belyea and Danks propose that ChatGPT could push education in the right direction by pressuring teachers to develop more complex assignments the AI cannot do.

“Teachers will have to teach higher order thinking instead of low-level stuff,” Belyea said. “Unfortunately, a lot of teachers are currently very

comfortable with surface-level questions.”

According to Danks and Belkin, one way to use ChatGPT in the classroom is by taking advantage of its shortcomings.

“A good teaching technique is to give people a bad argument and say, ‘What’s wrong with this.’ ChatGPT is pretty good at generating bad arguments,” Danks said.

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For Boozer, the release of ChatGPT reaffirms her philosophy that teachers should prioritize fostering conversations, something a machine cannot currently do.

School districts in New York City and Seattle have already banned ChatGPT from their networks and devices. Coppo expects that banning ChatGPT in SDUHSD is “forthcoming.”

Turn-In

15% of TPHS teachers have received an assignment they suspect was written by an AI generator.writing

Board rescinds interim superintendent’s resignation

Less than two months after Tina Douglas’ resignation as interim superintendent, the SDUHSD Board of Trustees unanimously rescinded their acceptance of her resignation after requesting she re-commit to her original term through June 30.

Following a closed session at the Jan. 10 special board meeting, Board President Rimga Viskanta announced the re-appointment, thanking Douglas for “her commitment to the district.”

This action came just three weeks

before Douglas’ resignation would have been effective.

Douglas’s Nov. 18 resignation came after a motion to appoint Executive Director of Planning Services John Addleman as the associate superintendent of business services failed to pass. Addleman had been filling in for Douglas, who previously held the business services role, since May without compensation – something Douglas said would not be “fair” to continue. The day after the motion failed, Douglas resigned, planning to return full-time to business services.

Now that Douglas has returned as interim superintendent, neither she nor the board has said whether they will try again to appoint a replacement for her in business services.

“We are committed to providing the support Ms. Douglas and the District need to get through the transition period until a permanent Superintendent is hired,” Viskanta said.

According to Viskanta, the board’s support for Douglas would be “more clear” after the Jan. 31 meeting, but she declined to specify what resources they plan to provide.

Douglas did not respond to requests for comment.

With the reaffirmed deadline of June 30 to find a new superintendent, the board began its search by looking for a consultant firm. The consultant search closed Jan. 20, and a selection will be made at a future meeting, Jacobs said.

“I’m pretty optimistic about [the superintendent search,]” TPHS Student Board Representative Julia Liu (12) said. Liu hopes for “someone who looks over the entirety of the district, celebrates our diversity [and] our students.”

Two TPHS students honored in music competition

Sophia Gorba STAFF WRITER

Caden Jiang (11) and Eric Kim (11) performed with the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association’s High School Honors Symphony Orchestra in Orange County on Jan. 21 after a selective audition process.

The SCSBOA is a non-profit organization that aims to provide young musicians with opportunities for development, including honors groups like the Honors Symphony Orchestra, and aiding schools with their music curriculum.

Jiang, a violinist, and Kim, a violist, have played their instruments since elementary school. They are both section leaders in the TPHS Chamber

Orchestra.

“The best thing about music is getting to play with other people in an orchestra or in chamber groups—it’s a lot more fun than playing by yourself,” Jiang said.

The students accepted into the High School Honors Symphony Orchestra, Jiang and Kim included, practiced their pieces for a month before convening in Orange County. Once there, they had two intense days of rehearsals and performed on the second night. The experience was unique because of the “really big difference in skill between the school orchestra and the All Southern orchestra” Kim said.

“[The honors groups] are great because some schools have really good music programs and some schools are

developing theirs, but those students who are playing at a higher level get the opportunity to play with other students at the same level,” TPHS music teacher Amy Gelb said. “There are university professors directing the ensemble so it gives the students a chance to work with higher level directors.”

As a member of the SCSBOA who often volunteers to help with the performance and the audition process, Gelb encouraged her students to apply.

The audition process required diligence and “recording many times to get the perfect excerpt,” according to Kim.

Additionally, the use of a metronome and paying special attention to intonation were integral when

practicing, according to Jiang.

“I also listened to recordings of professionals playing [the excerpts] because it tells you what it’s supposed to sound like. It’s like you have an answer key to a study guide; you know what you’re supposed to do,” Jiang said.

However, all the work put into practicing was time well spent. Beyond being able to play an instrument, studying music has many benefits, according to Gelb.

“There’s a lot of lessons that help kids further themselves as students and people; [music] teaches great listening skills, how to work with others, leadership, time management and how to work towards a goal,” Gelb said.

ORCHESTRAL HONORS: Caden Jiang (11), the first chair violin of the TPHS Symphony Orchestra, warms up before his music class. Joining Kim, he played with the SCSBOA Honors Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 21.

PHOTO BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

Anna Opalsky NEWS EDITOR

PHOTO BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

VIOLA VICTORY: Eric Kim (11), the first chair viola of the TPHS Symphony Orchestra, practices during his Orchestra class. After an audition process, Kim was accepted into the SCSBOA Honors Symphony Orchestra and performed with other winners in Orange County on Jan. 21.

49% of TPHS teachers say that AI-generated essays are difficult to spot.

TPHS senior honored in national science competition

Dixie Wallerius EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derek Liu (12) was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar in early January for his project titled “Arrangements of Simplices in Fine Mixed Subdivisions.”

With approximately 1,800 applicants per year, Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. In January, the top 300 applicants were named scholars, including Liu, and on Jan. 24, 40 of them will be named finalists.

Liu’s researched a new theorem by utilizing specific tilings.

“My project concerned a class of specific tilings of tetrahedra using smaller tetrahedra, triangular prisms and skewed boxes,” Liu said. “From that, we analyzed the tilings of tetrahedrons with those shapes and proved a new

theorem by taking a novel projection of a tetrahedron along one of its edges.”

Liu developed his project through the PRIMES USA Program for Research in Mathematics, Engineering and Science for High School Students -– a research program run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that pairs high school students with mentor students from MIT. Liu worked alongside Yannick Naunheim, a doctorate candidate at MIT.

“The research process consisted of weekly meetings where we discussed problems and potential approaches.” Liu said.

Having competed and placed in many other math competitions – like the International Math Olympiad and USA Math Olympiad – this one proved different for Liu as it was researchbased.

“Research is different because we

Derek Liu SENIOR

are trying to prove something that isn’t known yet – like you may be searching for something that simply doesn’t exist,” Liu said.

However, this is what draws Liu to math: the process of searching for

solutions through experimentation.

“I would consider it an art,” Liu said. “It’s about taking ideas that you’ve learned before and then creating something you’ve never seen before –and that’s really what art is.”

Library to be built near Canyon Crest Academy

Jerry Wu ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After more than 15 years of planning and development, construction is underway for the $27.6 million Pacific Highlands Ranch Branch Library on Village Center Loop Road, estimated to be completed in 2024.

The project — within walking distance of Canyon Crest Academy — broke ground in July of 2022 as a part of San Diego’s 10-year plan to build 12 new libraries and expand 12 existing libraries in the city.

In addition to San Diego’s longstanding efforts to invest in libraries, Gov. Gavin Newsom set aside $439 million of California’s budget last year to renovate community libraries.

“Many of our library branches are

small, outdated and unable to meet community needs,” Misty Jones, director of the San Diego Public Library, said. “To ensure that all San Diegans are provided an equitable opportunity for growth, investment in libraries is crucial.”

While funding was being secured, the library architect and construction team invited input from community members, who suggested including gathering spaces, study rooms, a maker space and public art in the design.

“It is my ultimate responsibility to make sure we are delivering a project that the community loves,” Jones said.

Community Planning Group Chair Frisco White, who helps lead reviews of all development and planning projects in Carmel Valley, is especially proud of

“I hope it goes to somebody who really represents the ethos of the school and is looking to make a difference in our community and the world and preferably someone who needs it,” Coppo said.

How do I apply?

1. Apply through www.tphssf.org

2. Write a prompted essay

3. Create an activities list

4. Explain your special circumstances

5. Submit at least 3 letters of recommendations

the library’s commitment to providing a diverse reading selection.

“We have a library that caters to people that want to have a book in their hands or those that would rather have it online or digital,” White said.

This wide accessibility is something community members look for in libraries.

“Libraries provide education in a environmentally friendly manner,” said Alyssa Wakefield (12), who volunteers on the teen advisory board of the San Diego Public Library, Carmel Valley Branch. “The whole point of the library is to make things accessible.”

The 18,000-square-foot facility will also be LEED Silver certified, being run exclusively on electricity to meet the city’s Climate Action Plan.

“[The city] has been working on taking gas and natural gasses out of buildings. So if we are powering buildings like the library with electricity alone, those buildings are not creating the greenhouse gasses,” said Brian Elliot, policy adviser for Councilmember Joe LaCava who oversees the northwest part of San Diego.

Looking forward, the new library represents another opportunity for young members of the community to grow.

“Libraries are a great place for communities to gather and a safe place for children. They really promote community and learning,” Sophie Richardson (11) said. “Libraries were somewhere I always felt so independent.”

and the winner is...

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The scholarships range from $500 to $2000. Since 1986, the TPHS Scholarship Fund has rewarded 1200 seniors with over $1 million in scholarship funds. In 2022, it awarded 53 scholarships totaling $39,500.

What is the TPHS Scholarship Fund? Scholarship

Attention TPHS seniors! A school and community-funded scholarship will be available through the TPHS Scholarship Fund for two-year college, fouryear university or trade school. Scholarships will be presented by the donor at an end-of-year ceremony directly to the recipient.

PHOTO BY COLE FROST/FALCONER

A MATH MASTER: Derek Liu (12), an International Math Olympiad Gold Medalist, works out a problem. Excelling in math both in and out of school, he was recently named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.

“It’s about taking ideas that you’ve learned before and then creating something you’ve never seen before – and that’s really what art is.”

Anna Opalsky &

Goodman NEWS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

U.S. scientists achieve nuclear fusion “breakthrough”

In a historic success on Dec. 5, 2022, a nuclear-fusion lab achieved ignition in a fusion reaction and produced a net energy gain. The Falconer spoke to Dr. Daniel Jassby, a retired principal research physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, to understand the physics and engineering of this achievement and its potential contribution to the developement of fusion energy.

Q: What did NIF achieve and how is it different from past experiments?

A: They achieved ignition of a thermonuclear plasma and instigation of a propagating thermonuclear burn. That’s what’s required in order to get significant energy output…The only time that’s been done previously is with large-scale thermonuclear explosives, colloquially called hydrogen bonds. [This is] the first time it’s ever been done in the laboratory.

Q: How does this reaction contribute to fusion energy technology?

A: It shows that it’s possible to have a system fueled by deuterium and tritium that can generate an infinite amount of energy, [or] at least it’s on a track to producing much more energy. Imagine somebody starting a fire with dry wood for the first time in history. But, it represents only the so-called scientific feasibility of fusion. There’s a large number of difficult technologies that have to be developed, in some cases invented, to make it practical.

Q: How far off are we from having fusion energy as an energy source?

A: If you’re talking about power sources that can be put on a grid that people can readily utilize, [it will be] at least 50 years because of all the technologies that need to be developed. There are a host of private fusion companies out there that say they’re gonna do this i n the 2030s. That is completely crazy. Their plans are all based on fusion systems that have not even been demonstrated and they have n’t come anywhere close to achieving what Livermore achieved at the NIF.

Q: What are the engineering obstacles to producing fusion energy?

A: The Livermore experiments at the NIF are using phases that are very inefficient, as the electrical energy requirement is huge. You have to have a laser that has much higher efficiency and they do exist, but with much lower power levels than the Livermore lasers. Also, the Livermore laser only pulses once or twice a day as everything needs to heat up and they have to wait until it cools down. But for practical reactors, it has to pulse about once a second. Also, the target that they’re using … is extremely expensive to make. The price of those targets has to be reduced by at least $1,000, probably $10,000. And there has to be efficient ways of capturing the energy that’s produced by the fusion reactions and converting it to electricity.

Q: If I gave you a blank check, where you could spend any amount of money on some aspect of fusion research and development, what would you spend it on and why?

A: If I had this infinite amount of money, I would develop either a laser beam or a particle beam with the characteristics that are required for a practical reactor. The laser at the NIF is great for doing experiments, but it’s completely unsuitable for any p ractical power production for two main reasons. One, it’s very inefficient, as it consumes so much electrical energy. And second, it only fires once or twice a day.

Heat & Pressure

The Breakthrough: For the first time, a fusion reaction produced a net energy gain

tritium: isotope with two neutrons

deuterium: isotope with one neutron

Answers have been condensed for length and clarity

The Location: The National Ignition Facilty at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

2 light nuclei merge to form a single heavier nucleus

The Process:

192 lasers target the hydrogen Isotopes & supply conditions for reaction

Elsa

LASERS HIT THE MARK: Lasers target the reaction capsule, activating ignition of the first nuclear fusion reaction to produce a net energy gain. The National Ignition Facility housed this breakthrough.

PHOTO BY JAKE LONG FROM NIF

TPHS dancer named finalist in national competition

Cass Love STAFF WRITER

Avery Hall (10), a finalist in modern contemporary dance in the nationwide YoungArts competition, attended the 2023 National YoungArts Week in Miami, Florida from Jan. 8 to 15.

The YoungArts competition, which recognizes artistic students ages 15 to 18 with honorable mentions, merit awards and finalist awards, receives more than 7,000 applicants in music, dance, theater and writing each year. Only 10% place in the competition.

Hall’s application consisted of a two minute solo video of her dancing, as well as a two minute video highlighting her dancing technique.

After submitting her application in October, Hall received a call in December that she had not only placed in the competition, but she had also achieved the highest level of YoungArts recognition: a finalist.

“I answered it and right when they told me [I won] … I was like ‘No way, this is crazy,’” Hall said.

Across the varying disciplines of dance, there were 19 other finalists, according to Hall.

Part of what has made Hall’s

dance journey possible is her studio, Danceology. Her instructors were thrilled to see her succeed.

“I feel very grateful to have the pleasure of teaching Avery and excited to see her accomplish such an amazing goal,” Tiffany King, one of Hall’s dance instructors, said.

While Hall was in Miami, she attended classes led by dance professionals with the other finalists in dance. These dancers are just as passionate as Hall, according to King.

“Being around dancers and educators of a similar dedication level from all over the country invigorated her aspirations as an artist and encouraged her to pursue even more future educational opportunities,” King said.

YoungArts week was also a great opportunity for Hall to stay active in this community of artists.

“It’s so special knowing that I could consider myself to be a part of such an inspiring group of young artists,” Hall said.

To King, winning a YoungArts award has big implications for Hall’s future.

“I hope the YoungArts program helps to shed a light on Avery’s amazing talents and open doors to other

opportunities for her in the future,” King said.

Hall and other YoungArts finalists may also be eligible to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts in their high school graduating years, an award organized by the White House Commision on Presidential Scholars.

Previous notable winners of the YoungArts award include professional dancers Gaby Diaz and Sarah Lane, but their footsteps are not the ones that Hall is most excited to follow.

Instead, Hall considers her second cousin, a 2019 YoungArts finalist in

modern contemporary dance, the person she is thrilled to share this award with because she is “a huge inspiration” to Hall.

Hall is a veteran in the dancing community. She attended a Juilliard summer intensive last year and is set to tour with The Dance Awards in Las Vegas, having placed in the top 13 in 2021.

For Hall, dancing is an escape, an art form that she fell in love with. Through her YoungArts award, her passion and talent for dance was recognized by the artistic world.

TPHS classes use finals to give back to community

Before winter break, TPHS students in history teacher Chris Drake’s classes donated 20 boxes of school supplies to the Monarch School, a drive that replaced their final exam.

The Monarch School, founded in 1987, provides kindergarten through 12th grade education for students with unstable housing situations in San Diego. Donations like clothing, hygiene kits and school supplies are accepted.

Many of the school’s donations come from places of worship, volunteer groups and schools, according to Zaira Martinez, one of Monarch School’s Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinators. They receive approximately 15 donations from academic institutions a year, and approximately three donations per week from other public institutions. The back-to-school and holiday seasons are especially popular times for donations.

After Drake informed students in both his AP and College Prep U.S. History classes that they would not have to take a final exam if they collected 15 boxes of donations, his five

classes brought in 20 boxes collectively throughout the week of Dec. 12.

“We just wanted to get a lot of donations to help [the students] out during the holiday season,” Melina Toppi-DeLeo (11) said. “There’s definitely a lot of kids with families struggling financially.”

Once the donation drive was over, some students enjoyed not taking a final exam, and instead were able to “feel really good while donating to people who need it,” according to Riley Huffstutter (11).

“I would 100% recommend this to other teachers and students; it’s a great way to get donations to people who need our help,” Huffstutter said.

The donations from Drake’s students may benefit other schools in need, Martinez said.

“Many schools have a large demographic of underrepresented students, and we support them with the excess donations we receive,” she said.

As of now, it is unclear if the students will be assigned another donation drive for finals week in June. Drake declined to comment for this story.

To combat food insecurity during

theholiday season, TPHS English teacher Lisa Callender encouraged students in her AP Seminar classes to participate in a donation drive benefiting the San Diego Food Bank in the weeks leading up to winter break.

“In AP Seminar, one of the philosophies that we focus on is utilitarianism and the true motivation behind doing good work,” Callender said.

During finals week, Callender’s three periods of AP Seminar walked to Ralphs in the Del Mar Highlands to complete the donation project and wrap up their Wealth, Poverty and Social Class unit.

In preparation for this trip, students recorded their meals for three days to observe what foods they ate. Students then located their dietary staples when visiting the store, noting the costs of each to figure out how expensive their diet was. In addition, students could voluntarily challenge themselves to buy food to donate to the San Diego Food Bank using $5, the amount that some must use to feed themselves for three days, Callender said.

This proved to be difficult,

particularly in a time of inflation and crowded stores during the holiday season.

“I paid the most attention to buying baby formulas, dry pantry products and canned goods,” Gigi Speziale (10) said. “Soon, I realized how difficult and frustrating it was to find a healthy and sustainable amount of food for under $5.”

Through their participation in the field trip, students were surprised to learn how high food prices prevent the impoverished from consuming a nutritional diet.

“I think Torrey Pines students should understand the entirety of our community and the vastness of different people’s needs,” Camille Kraft (11) said.

Taking the opportunity to donate packets of rice, AP Seminar student Krishna Visanakarrala (11) agreed.

“I learned a lot about the lives of some individuals and realized how fortunate I am to live the life that I do,” Visanakarrala said. “If you have the opportunity, volunteering will most definitely make a difference in our community.”

GROCERIES FOR GOOD: Students collaborate during Lisa Callender’s AP Seminar class. During finals week, the class collected donations for the San Diego Food Bank as a part of its Wealth, Poverty and Social Class unit.

SUPPLIES FOR STUDENTS: The Chrysalis is the Monarch School’s Center for the Arts. During finals week, TPHS teacher Chris Drake replaced finals in his classes with a school supplies drive to benefit the Monarch School, a school for children with unstable housing situations.

PHOTO BY NATALIA MOCHERNAK/FALCONER

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERY HALL

A PASSION FOR PERFORMANCE: Avery Hall (10) dances in Miami during YoungArts Week. A finalist in the prestigious YoungArts competition, Hall was among the top 10% of applicants.

Avery Hall SOPHOMORE

“It’s so special knowing that I could consider myself to be a part of such an inspiring group of young artists.”

PHOTO BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

Joy Ma and Liv Weaver STAFF WRITERS

On Dec. 20, Alameda County in Northern California passed a law banning landlords in both public and private housing from conducting criminal background checks on prospective tenants.

This progressive law should serve as a model for jurisdictions looking for a solution to combat homelessness among formerly incarcerated people. Alameda County, the first county in the nation to pass such a law, deserves applause for this bold move.

A guiding principle of our judicial system is that once an individual has served time in jail, they have paid their debt to society. This is why the background check ban is so critical –it allows formerly incarcerated people a better shot at having a home and starting anew.

According to The Guardian global news organization, approximately 8 million people in California have some form of criminal record, one in every five residents. Currently, the majority of California is working under laws that allow criminal background checks, which could deny housing to 1/5 of the state’s population. Nationally, 79% of formerly incarcerated people reported being denied housing due to their criminal records.

The number of formerly incarcerated people who are now homeless is already high enough.

According to a California Health Policy Strategies analysis from 2018, 70% of homeless people in California have a

Alameda County in Northern California, which includes major cities such as Oakland, Berkeley and Fremont, recently became the first county in the nation to prohibit landlords from conducting criminal background checks on potential tenants. While eliminating these checks hinders landlords’ ability to assess applicants as possile safety risks, it is necessary in order to give formerly incarcerated applicants a second chance.

reported history of incarceration.

It is clear that a landlord’s ability to run criminal background checks on potential tenants significantly contributes to the current detrimental ties between homelessness and having previous incarceration.

According to the nonpartisan policy institute, the Center for American Progress, the combination of excessive use of criminal background checks and the stigma of having a record are major drivers of poverty and racial inequality in the United States Alameda’s new law will directly combat that injustice by making it easier for formerly incarcerated people to find housing. That would provide significant support at a time in which virtually none exists for these individuals.

While it is easy to understand concerns for safety as it can relate to people imprisoned for violent crimes, those concerns do not justify discrimination against people who have already served time as the law requires.

This is especially true when it comes to something as important as housing; research shows that having a roof over one’s head can help lead to a successful reentry into society.

According to a 2019 study done by the Harvard Institute of Politics Criminal Justice Policy Group, having a stable home and a secure place to stay in which the former prisoners can orient themselves allows them to start the search for employment and rebuild their social networks. On the other hand, denying housing to those people will only result in higher rates of recidivism, according to the National Library of Medicine.

To deny former criminals the opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society because of a criminal background check for housing is clearly unjust. Banning the checks is a proactive and progressive step to help formerly incarcerated people find work and rebuild their lives.

Alameda County became the first county in the United States to ban landlords from carrying out criminal background checks on possible tenants on Dec. 20. This will prohibit both private and public landlords from requiring applicants to disclose arrests or convictions.

In theory, this seems like a solid idea. In reality, all it does is make it harder for landlords to properly assess the security of potential tenants, endangering the safety of their current ones.

There are many factors involved in evaluating a potential tenant, including credit score, rental history, income and criminal background. Background screenings allow landlords to get a more complete picture of a prospective tenant and can help them assess an applicant’s potential risk to other tenants and property.

Recidivism, the tendency for a convicted criminal to reoffend, is fairly common in California. According to the independent data organization World Population Review, the recidivism rate in California has averaged around 50% over the past 10 years. This number is higher than the national average of 44%, according to the National Institute of Justice, part of the U.S. Dept. of Justice.

This could spell trouble for landlords who rent or sell their properties to offenders with extensive criminal backgrounds due to possible

increased chances of damaged property or violence. With background checks gone, a landlord’s ability to guarantee the safety of other tenants is compromised. It eliminates an important factor for landlords when reviewing potential tenants. While the full effects of the ban will not be seen until later in the future, it does not seem to be headed toward a positive outcome.

Some may argue that former criminals should have a chance at redeeming themselves after serving their time in jail, but does that really apply to criminals who have committed horrifying acts such as rape or even murder? Some people do deserve second chances, but that should not apply to those who have committed violent crimes, since violent offenders have a higher tendency to reoffend. According to a study conducted by the United States Sentencing Commission, over an eight year period from 2005 to 2013, violent offenders recidivated at a rate of 63.8%.

Although landlords use background checks simply to maintain the safety of their property and tenants, it is also true that background checks do lead to homelessness amongst formerly incarcerated people.

However, there are other ways to deal with potential housing problems for former inmates. Instead of just blindly allowing the formerly incarcerated back into society, we should alternatively build separate networks for these individuals to have shelter and have their basic needs met while also helping them gain education and job opportunities.

Prohibiting the use of background checks denies landlords the ability to properly evaluate if a potential tenant is safe or not. Given the high recidivism rate in California and high crime rate in Oakland – which is in Alameda County – this move could pose risks to other tenants and surrounding communities.

ART BY KATIE MCVEIGH

David Zhang SPORTS EDITOR

Regan Guirguis SPORTS EDITOR

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE COLE FROST

»Sports Editor Cole Frost shares his story of living in Paris at the time of the Charlie Hebdo magazine terror attacks and how that experience shaped him into who he is today.

The two men wore black body armor over dark blue uniforms with the words “Police Nationale” emblazoned on their chests. Automatic rifles, like ones I’d seen in movies, rested in their arms. They stood giant and motionless by my school’s gate, eyes locked on the Montparnasse Cemetery across the street.

“They must be in a staring contest with the ghosts,” my classmate whispered in French as we entered the school’s cobblestone courtyard.

The year was 2015 and Paris, my adopted hometown, was reeling from the Charlie Hebdo terror attacks, which left 12 dead after Al-Qaeda gunmen opened fire at the headquarters of the satirical French magazine in the heart of the city. Overnight, police and soldiers were deployed around once-safe places – my school, the neighborhood crepe stand and favorite playgrounds. But within days, a stronger force filled the avenues: the French people, armed

not with guns but with tricolor flags and homemade placards proclaiming, “Je Suis Charlie” – I am Charlie –a declaration of solidarity with the magazine targeted by the attack.

From our sixth floor balcony, my little sister and I peered over the scrolled iron railing as thousands of chanting Parisians reclaimed the city. Their shouts filled the apartment and we begged our parents to let us join them. No luck – the threat was too new, too raw. So we painted our cheeks red, white and blue, made signs and stomped through the apartment shouting, “Je Suis Charlie!” At all hours, our house echoed with the sounds of breaking news on the TV. I was fascinated by the drama, the stories, the buzz.

Whether or not I understood it then, the attack on Charlie Hebdo was a threat to the values I had been taught to cherish: the necessity of a free press and the importance of debate across differing perspectives. The attackers

hoped to silence those freedoms, but I was coming to see them as essential.

Eighteen months later, my family traded the boulevards of Paris for the beaches of San Diego. Paris had been my home for six years; I saw myself not as an American who lived in France but as a French kid born in Boston. But soon, I learned to embrace my American identity. I recited the Pledge of Allegiance, joined basketball teams and learned from my new teammates and friends, seeing each as a window into American culture.

What a culture. The America we returned to in July 2016 was being made “great again,” or so some said. Once more, our TV was tuned to 24hour news channels that captured the surreal drama playing out in public. It didn’t make sense to me at first, but I soon realized that norms and values were being upended: news was fake, speech was weaponized, divisions were stoked, dissent was denigrated and

intolerance was encouraged.

I began to pursue the interests I had discovered that cold January in Paris. I chronicled a political brawl at the school board and detailed child poverty in downtown San Diego for the Falconer Through the lens of my camera, I captured the everyday humanity of the people and places around me.

Today, 17-year-old me understands what 10-year-old me didn’t: the attack on Charlie Hebdo was an attack on free society. It was about silencing disagreement with deadly violence.

Charlie Hebdo put me on a journey that continues today. Charlie represents freedom, truth, dissent and irreverence. He exists not only on the pages of a satirical magazine, but as a reminder of what must exist in a free and open society. He thinks broadly and goes beyond his comfort zone to seek, to challenge, to inform. Charlie is in my blood; I see him when I look in the mirror. Je Suis Charlie.

Publicizing criminal cases on TikTok benefits teens

If it was not for TikTok, the case would not have been broadcast as much as it was, especially to the younger generation. With the help of teens’ involvement in the case on TikTok, police were able to find Jessica Schultz, a witness from TikTok, who had seen Petito in the days before her death.

While TikTok is a source for dance trends and funny videos, it has also become a major news source for teens, from highlighting world events to bringing awareness to criminal cases that otherwise would not receive much attention.

Giving teens the opportunity to get involved with these cases provides the police with more tips, helps teens stay informed on what’s happening in the world and gives them an opportunity to assert their opinions in real-life discussions.

This trend was amplified in the summer of 2021, when the case of Gabby Petito blew up on TikTok. Videos about the case dominated TikTok users’ “For You” page, a scrollable feed of recommended content on the app. Using the platform to bring awareness to the case and even help solve it, teens became obsessed with trying to figure out what had really happened to Petito: was she murdered or did she run away?

Teens were finally able to voice their opinions and be a part of something that mattered instead of just mindlessly scrolling through their feeds. As seen in the Petito case, TikTok allows teens to gain more insight into the dangers and challenges of the real world and prepares them to contribute their thoughts in public conversations.

After the buzz around the Petito case died down, for a period of time, TikTok’s “For You” page took a break for a time from highly publicized cases, returning to the regular dance trends and comedy skits.

However, in the past few months, TikTok users have focused on their next major case. On Nov. 13, the murder of four college students took place at the University of Idaho.

With no suspects or clear evidence, the case’s popularity quickly skyrocketed on the platform. Once one person posted their opinion on what had happened, many others continued to share their theories and continued to build off others. After law enforcement found their main suspect, Bryan Kohlberger, many people who

previously had contact with Kohlberger posted their interactions with him on TikTok, allowing law enforcement to obtain a wider spectrum of witnesses. Casey Arntz took to TikTok to share her past with Kohlberger, giving law enforcement a deeper understanding of his personality and behaviors.

But alongside the benefits that publicizing criminal cases on TikTok brings, there are many negative implications to teens getting news of those cases from social media. Teens have a tendency to dramatize, over-analyze and react rashly to information found online, normally without spending the time to fact check the information.

It is the job of social media companies to crack down on misinformation. TikTok must implement stricter moderation policies, especially given the increasing number of people who are using the platform for their news, which has tripled since 2020, according to tech news website The Verge.

Using Tik Tok as an outlet to publicize criminal cases has proven to be useful in many different ways. With effective policies to combat misinformation, TikTok has the potential to become a platform, not only for mindless entertainment but for the younger generation of our world to engage in more impactful conversations about real-world issues.

PHOTO BY MARTIN LEE/FALCONER

Lexi Lamb STAFF WRITER

ART BY ADRIANA HAZLETT/FALCONER

A war is waging against journalism. It cannot continue.

A war is waging. Not one over sovereignty or territory, not one fought with weaponry. This struggle involves countless nations. It poisons societies. It broods in the mind. This is a conflict that threatens the foundation of democratic government, one that undermines civil rights. The world faces a war on journalism, and if not addressed, it could mean the beginning of societal decay. From harassment to growing numbers of killings and arrests, journalists everywhere face unprecedented threats in their profession. Society must take notice and take action; an awareness of the world is what fuels productive communities, and journalists’ ability to provide this information will deteriorate completely if society ignores the threats they face.

Online harassment of journalists has skyrocketed in recent years, which severely impacts their ability to effectively report. According to a survey of 12,000 U.S. based journalists conducted by the non-partisan Pew Research Center, 42% reported jobrelated harassment or threats; 78% of them said that this harassment came through social media at least once. However, the struggles journalists face online do not end at threats. In December 2022, Twitter banned eight accounts of prominent journalists, including Ryan Mac of the New York Times and Drew Harwell of the Washington Post. Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, claimed that the journalists doxxed him, the act of posting private or identifying information about an individual on the internet. According to Rolling Stone,

there is no evidence that the journalists endangered Musk or his family in any way. Coincidentally, the journalists had a similar history of reporting critically on Musk’s management of Twitter after taking over the company, as well as reporting on a conflict between Musk and the creator of @elonjet, an account that tracked the movement of Musk’s private jet. Musk later reinstated the accounts after conducting a poll about doing so on his private account, stating, “the people have spoken.” Of those polled, 59% voted for reinstatement, but is this really enough? The impulsive and unjustified censorship of these journalists cannot be left up to Musk’s whims nor the dynamic opinions of the people.

Freedom of the press is a civil right – it cannot be voted on or granted in case-by-case situations. Just as the government should not restrict publication, nor should a single man be allowed to censor the press. Society cannot stand by as the corruption of free press so publically takes place; rash censorship and obnoxious harassment dilutes and obstructs journalism –it bars public access to important information. With the disintegration of this pillar of civil rights, who is to say what will follow. Twitter users must demand more from the company –demand the same standards of freedom guaranteed by their government. If not for the sake of journalists, then at least for the sake of basic civil rights.

The censorship of the press is perpetuated even outside the realm of social media; adversaries of free press even target student publications. One example is the Viking Saga, the former student newspaper of Northwest High School in Grand Island, Nebraska. According to The New York Times, administrators ordered the student journalists of the paper, three of whom were transgender, to use the names they were given at birth for bylines, rather than their preferred names because it was “controversial.” In response, the paper dedicated their June issue to LGBTQ+ issues. In retaliation, the superintendent and

the school’s administrators shut down the newspaper program entirely. So, not only are well-established reporters facing censorship, but student journalists are too, the people on which the future of journalism depends. If the programs that aim to continue the profession are under fire, the entire industry is at risk. In light of this event, society should be in an uproar.

Yet this war goes beyond harassment and censorship. The physical danger countless journalists face is by far the most corruptive threat to journalism. For journalists worldwide, 2022 was the worst year on record, according to a report from Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, a non-profit organization with the goal of protecting press freedom. The report outlined record numbers of deaths and detentions: 57 journalists were killed, 65 were held hostage, over 134 were arrested and 49 remain missing. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2022 was the deadliest year on record for journalists in Mexico. The RussoUkrainian war caused a major spike

in violence directed toward Ukrainian journalists. According to the RSF, in recent years U.S. journalists faced an “unprecedented climate of animosity and aggression during protests, with unprovoked physical attacks on clearly identified reporters.” This worldwide display of violence toward journalists grows more daunting. The disregard for journalists’ safety, even the perpetuation of this threat, is unacceptable. It is time for citizens to demand safety for journalists in the field, for answers to missing persons and unexplained detainments.

The state of journalism affects everyone; accessibility to information promotes civic engagement and informs political decision-making –it strengthens democracy. Without concern for the safety of journalists, democracy, and a productive society as we know it, crumbles. No longer is it acceptable for the public to stand by as journalists are harassed, censored and killed. Now is the time to call for the upholding of a free press, and for the safety of journalists everywhere.

Addiction should be treated as a choice, not a disease

to be a choice, because it is rooted in a conscious decision to use a substance for an excessive amount of time, before becoming an unhealthy pattern that the addict cannot refrain from.

Macy Swortwood

Addiction: a pattern of obtaining and consuming the same substance over and over again until it takes over one’s mind and body. The debate over if addiction is a choice or a disease has been ongoing for many years now with no concrete answer. Some people believe addiction is a disease because it takes control of the mind and body, affecting the brain and its functions and often resulting in serious complications. Others believe it

Addiction is purely a choice. It indeed affects a person like a disease, but it all starts from the choice a person makes when they consistently keep using a substance despite knowing they should not. Making the mental decision to reach for that pill bottle when you know you have already had the prescribed amount, to hit the vape again when you have been hitting it consecutively the last few months, to smoke weed right before you go to sleep because you “cannot fall asleep without it” are all choices. Consistent use of a substance can quickly turn into a habit that spirals out of control. Yet addicts still have the choice to get help, and the lack of effort addicts take in the beginning before it becomes a habit is

in their own control.

The more someone uses a drug, the higher dosage they need in order to feel it or for it to work in some cases. No one intentionally makes the choice to isolate themselves from their whole family because drugs have taken over their brain. No one intentionally wants to be in physical pain from withdrawal, or potentially harm their body permanently by overdosing. However, these effects of addiction are only made possible by the personal choices addicts make to continue using drugs over long periods of time. Labeling addiction as a disease does not help recovery because it gives patients an excuse to believe their addiction is out of their control.

According to the article “Addiction is a Choice” by Brookdale Premier Addiction Recovery, a program based on providing information on drug and alcohol addiction and getting people the help they need, when patients are

convinced their addiction is a disease, therapy often does not work because they believe they cannot do anything about their situation. In reality, addiction is something these patients do have control over. They are aware of their own actions and have the conscious ability to change them.

Framing addiction as a choice can help motivate addicts to change their behavior, instead of convincing them they have a disease they cannot fix. Portraying addiction as a choice is a way, though blunt, to give addicts hope of recovery.

The mental and physical effects of addiction can be categorized as a disease, but the harmful consequences and change addiction makes to a human are still recognizable, even to the addict.

The choice to keep using and create an unhealthy pattern, or to stop and get help, has always been up to them.

Kathryn Reese FEATURE EDITOR

STAFF WRITER

ART BY CLAIRE HWA

ChatGPT: a highly impressive, somewhat alarming new artificial intelligence chatbot that provides its user with a complex, human-like answer to any prompt imaginable. From requests to write intricate Python code to a college-level essay, ChatGPT responds in a dialogue format, as if it were part of a conversation. The software was created by OpenAI, an AI research and deployment company led by Sam Altman. It was released to the public on Nov. 30, 2022 and is currently in a trial period, during which anyone can test it out. Just within a week of its launch, ChatGPT had surpassed one million users, according to CNBC.

Without a doubt, ChatGPT is revolutionary. The best AI chatbot to be readily available to the public, ChatGPT has been compared to the advent of the iPhone, and some have speculated that it could upend search engines like Google, according to the New York Times.

However, ChatGPT also raises major concerns about how it could affect writing as a skill, a way of learning and a force in society, not to mention its potential effects on certain industries and the job market. While its use may benefit some fields, it comes with significant drawbacks for education.

English classes are most notably affected by ChatGPT. Students can easily make the software write their essays for them, which complicates take-home essays and homework, potentially rendering these things obsolete. This would completely alter the way English classes operate and could even diminish their importance,

considering that AI could write in a matter of seconds what takes students hours or days. For now, ChatGPT opens the flood gate to an entirely new way of cheating, creating an additional obstacle for teachers to grapple with. Yet students who continually cheat with ChatGPT will suffer learningloss and poor grades, if they are not learning the skills necessary to do well on assignments like tests or in-class essays.

Generally, extensive use of ChatGPT could seriously degrade the highlyrelevant skills that writing teaches. Learning to write well is learning to communicate and articulate one’s thoughts well — a skill that is vital to operating in the workforce and in society. Writing is used to train the youth how to research, how to think, how to analyze. In a society already so consumed by extremes and neglectful of nuance, that skill is essential. Additionally, writing trains people to focus. With the constant stimulation from technology, the human attention span has already significantly decreased over the past years, according to a Microsoft study, and ChatGPT could be yet another nail in the coffin for humans’ ability to concentrate.

And the future of writing itself? With ChatGPT paving the way for AI being able to write in a human-like way but in a superhuman amount of time, will the importance of real human writing be lost? If mainstream AI makes it so less people write, then writing could become a sort of sectionalized intelligence, split along the line of who inherently values writing and who does not. The only

ones who will actively choose to write will be those who appreciate and enjoy it, resulting in a wider literacy gap in the general public.

These possibilities are frightening. But there is something comforting and important to consider: they have not happened yet. It is easy to catastrophize the situation, to worry that ChatGPT spells out doom for both the humanities and humanity itself. But at this current moment, humans have the ability to control AI and ensure that this software does not completely disrupt lives.

Some form of regulation on ChatGPT would be beneficial. New York City public schools have already decided to ban ChatGPT on their district’s networks and devices, according to CNN. Other schools should take this step, though it will be hard to completely eliminate use of ChatGPT since schools cannot truly control what students do during non-school hours.

Furthermore, GPTZero, an app that determines whether a text was written

FIGURES FIGURES FALCON FALCON

96% of Falcons said they have not used ChatGPT for any of their English assignments this school year

73% 27%

73% of Falcons said they do not think SDUHSD should ban ChatGPT on district networks and devices

We, the Falconer staff, are dedicated to creating a monthly newspaper with the intent of encouraging independent thinking, expanding our knowledge of journalism, and providing the TPHS student body and community with a truthful, unbiased news source, in accordance with our First Amendment rights.

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by a human or an AI, was recently created by Edward Tian, a student at Princeton University. Although it is still in development, the app represents a way teachers could oversee students’ AI use.

It is also important to note that ChatGPT in its current state has significant flaws. It sometimes responds with incorrect information or incorporates harmful bias into its answers because of the naturallybiased human data it is fed.

So, is ChatGPT the herald of a dystopian science fiction novel? No, it is not. As a society, we should consider the potential effects of ChatGPT and what it could change — not as a certainty or cause for fear mongering but as a guide to our regulation and application of AI. We can either choose to raise a generation that cannot write and think for themselves or to integrate this remarkable technology in a promising and positive way. It is in our hands.

-TheFalconerStaff

436 Falcons responded to an anoymous poll sent out by the Falconer. Here are the results...

60% of Falcons said they believe that ChatGPT and AI bots similar to it will have a major effect on the future of education

56% 44%

The Falconer is the student newspaper of Torrey Pines High School. Its content, which is the responsibility of the Falconer staff, is not subject to administrative approval. Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the staff, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective. Advertisements do not represent endorsements. The Falconer, an open forum, welcomes signed letters or guest editorials on pertinent issues from the TPHS community, which may be submitted to room 102, via email at falconer.ads@gmail.com or to Mia Smith’s mailbox in the administration building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

60%

Editors-in-Chief

Assistant Editors-in-Chief

Copy

44% of Falcons said they think ChatGPT makes it easier for students to cheat in school

Sophia Gorba

Dixie Wallerius

Jacob Zhang

Helene Gao

Jerry Wu

Natalia Mochernak

Anna Opalsky

Rami Kabakibi

Caroline Hunt

Kathryn Reese

Adriana Hazlett

Michele Kim

Cole Frost

Regan Guirguis

David Zhang

Maddy Miller

Martin Lee

Hannah Meltzer

Macy Swortwood

Makaylah Gerling

Joy Ma

Elsa Goodman

Liv Weaver

Lexi Lamb

Cassandra Love

Ellie Koff

Eric Lee

Adviser:

Mia Boardman Smith

EDITORIAL ChatGPT could wreak havoc on education. The good news?

or most people, their first experience with making money is opening a lemonade stand as a kid. Evan Patrick (12) was no different. With his close friend Jack Berman (12), he set up a lemonade stand on the corner of his street. With homemade lemonade, cookies and a poster, they were ready for business. Except, Patrick’s business model was slightly different than most.

“At the end of the day we’d count up all the money and go home, and my dad would say ‘Well, you can’t put it in a savings account,’” Patrick said.

Rather than spend his earnings on a new toy, Patrick’s dad helped him open a brokerage account in order to teach him about investing money and avoiding the depreciation of the dollar.

“[My dad] and I would take the money every time Jack and I would make our earnings from the lemonade stand and put it in a Standard and Poor’s, which is an index fund,” he said.

Most people do not start investing until their mid-twenties, but Patrick started at the age of five. Now, he is a passive investor, dabbling in stocks, bonds, indexes, crypto and real estate. According to a survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA, 37% of teens polled would not invest at all, with 20% saying the stock market is “too risky.” Yet, Patrick and teens like him represent a small group of young people who invest with the aim of building wealth for their future. For Patrick, investing is crucial for maintaining the value of his money, just as his father once explained to him with his lemonade stand earnings.

“Because of inflation, our dollar is worth less and less every day. So it’s important to hedge on inflation, bet on inflation, by investing,” he said. “My dollar right now will be less next week and the week after that unless I do something about it, which is investing in your future.”

has been investing since his freshman year, agrees.

“I think it’s just really important for kids to save money and put it into an investment,” Yang said. “It’s a good long-term way to build your wealth so that later on in life, you’ll feel more financially free.”

is to control your emotions. Despite this philosophy, Patrick has had a few times where his emotions led to some mistakes.

Yang first started investing after competing in an investing competition in his Intro to Business Class on Investopedia, a stock simulator that uses fake money.

“I remember one stock, it was CDEV, I think it was $4. We had an investing competition in our class, and one person went all in with that stock, and in those three weeks of the competition, it rose up to $8 and they won the competition,” Yang said. “When I first got my initial money, I put it into penny stocks, such as CDEV. But, I later realized its

“Luckily, it hasn’t been an extreme amount of money, but it’s all about learning,” he said. “In school, you get the lesson then the test, but in the market, you get the test and then the lesson.”

In the face of the lessons he achieves through investing, Patrick remembers to give back. According to him, one of the most important things he has learned is to “be generous” with the knowledge he has about the market.

“My view on it is that I don’t necessarily need to share how much money I have in it, I just need to share the wisdom, how you can get the best resources,” he said. “There’s so many things that people don’t know that you can help with.”

about investing. It’s a game about knowledge. It’s not necessarily how much money you have because I could have all the money in the world and I could still lose it all. If you have knowledge, if you understand what’s going on and you bet, it could work out for you,” Patrick said. “So definitely network and reach out to other people who know what they’re doing. They can guide you and give you the knowledge that they have pretty easily. It’s pretty accessible.”

by Kathryn Reese

growth potential is nowhere near that of Apple or Meta, and it’s not as safe.”

Jake Ashby, who teaches Intro to Business at TPHS, values this project for teaching his students about the importance of investing.

“Introducing [students] how to manage money in a big picture holistic aspect, like the stock market, allows them to start those skills earlier,” Ashby said. “With losing money in [the simulation], we take away all of the risk and so it is a learning experience.”

To Patrick, investing is all about balancing risk, but figuring out this balance is difficult. From penny stocks to shorting too soon, the industry is a minefield of missteps. For Patrick, the trick

In the spirit of this philosophy, Patrick offered his advice to investing hopefuls. From stock simulators like Investopedia to reading articles in the Wall Street Journal, there are countless outlets for information on the stock market. Most of all, Patrick suggests learning from the people around you.

“Reach out to everybody you know who knows anything

F lCONS Fa F WaLLSTREET O

William Yang (11), who

In school, you get the lesson then the test, but in the market, you get the test and then the lesson.

Evan Patrick (12) STUDENT

Zabarsky

In weighty dark boots and safety-pin-ribbed gloves, their hair standing out turquoise blue against the sea of black, Z Zabarsky (12) describes their own style as alternative and goth — specifically mall goth, a subculture with a Hot Topic-inspired look: chains, Tripp pants and dyed hair.

“I actually work at Hot Topic, so I get the deals and I also get to dress like this for work; it’s great,” Zabarsky said.

But whether at work, at school or at home, Zabarsky dresses so distinctively that it has become a “big part of [their] identity.”

“Whenever I don’t dress this way, people are like, ‘You look weird.’ And I’m like, ‘I know,’” Zabarsky said.

However, it was not always like this. Zabarsky developed their current style over quarantine, taking advantage of the free time to experiment.

“It’s funny, I’ll show people pictures of me [from before quarantine], and they think I’m lying to them. And then they’re like, ‘Wait you’re actually serious,’” Zabarsky said.

Drawing inspiration from the e-girl/e-boy style that was trending around the time, Zabarsky “dug deeper … and found more goth, grunge styles.”

“I scroll on the internet to see people [who dress] goth or punk, and I just take elements from them,” they said.

When school reopened, Zabarsky said it was initially nerve-racking to wear their unique aesthetic in front

of peers.

“It obviously puts me out there more, so it forces me to be more selfconfident,” Zabarsky said. “[It is] ironic because, fun fact, I don’t like standing out, but I dye my hair neon colors and dress this way.”

Over time, Zabarsky has learned to disregard what others might think about their style.

“I know a lot of people that want to dress like me, but they’re too scared because they don’t want to get stares or have people say negative things about them,” they said. “But I like it … I decided that I don’t care what people think. I’m gonna do this anyway.”

Along with owning your own individual style, Zabarsky has one more very important piece of advice:

“People ask me, ‘How do you dress [well]?’ I’m like, ‘Look, you’ve got to layer things. Layers!’”

by Adriana Hazlett

Fashion Forward Falcons Reece Dixon

Cruising around campus in groovy bell bottoms and vintage t-shirts, Reece Dixon (11) looks like a walking ‘70s fashion ad. Even so, Dixon did not just roll out of bed one day with his established “vintage” sense of style.

Sporting his grandma’s old Letterman jacket from 1961, Dixon is super keen on receiving vintage handme-downs from family members. One of his favorite hobbies includes thrifting and most of his closet consists of unique secondhand pieces.

“I haven’t bought a new item [of clothing] in probably two years,” Dixon said.

According to Dixon, his aesthetic is “vintage.”

“I like older stuff, I feel like it just suits me better,” Dixon said, explaining that his love for thrifting is what inspires his everyday wardrobe.

Dixon originally found his interest in fashion during COVID-19.

“There was nothing else to do, I was at home,” Dixon said. “So I just started experimenting.”

This trial-and-error process of fashion experimentation was important for Dixon, eventually helping him find his personal style.

After 2 years of experimenting, Dixon has landed on his current style.

“I started [out with a] 90s [style], like baggy, and then it just kept going down [in decades]. I’m [trying out the 70s] right

now,” he said.

With the help of his friend Brandon Choy (12), Dixon eventually decided to bring his style to the TPHS campus.

Dixon’s experience in discovering fashion has made him an expert in creating a staple closet that he can educate others in.

“Just go with yourself, match colors, and [stick] to earthtones.”

“It’s hard to just one day wear boots to school,” Dixon said. “So [Brandon and I do] it together, and [it’s] just more comfortable.”

Dixon and Choy’s love for creating and sharing their outfits went so far as blowing up on TikTok. In November of 2022, a TikTok posted by Choy, showing off Dixon’s and Choy’s school outfits, got over 1 million views and Levi’s brand’s official account even commented on the post.

Ever since Dixon began experimenting with his style during COVID he has fallen in love with the world of fashion.

“I [may] end up wanting to go to fashion school,” Dixon said. “[I might follow in] my [uncle’s] footsteps, [who] is very high up in Gucci.”

But no matter where fashion takes him, Dixon can sleep easy, having recently secured one dream of his. That dream being a pair of 684 Levis from the ‘70s.

by Elsa Goodman

The Falconer takes a look into the inspirations and aspirations of some of TPHS’s most fashionable Falcons by grade level

Nicole Koo

Inspired by Korean streetwear, Nicole Koo (10), is always on the hunt for secondhand pieces with stories.

Koo puts a spin on her looks with vintage pieces she finds from swap meets and secondhand stores, her favorites being Kobey’s Swap Meet by Pechanga Arena and CSU Thrift in Mira Mesa. To Koo, the key to shopping secondhand lies in looking for unique clothing pieces with personality.

“My interest definitely blossomed post COVID when I started going out again and traveling,” Koo said. “I would notice other people’s outfits when I was visiting cities and would get so inspired by them and want to figure out what their inspiration was.”

While observing others’ outfits, Koo looks for pieces that speak to her and then, “runs with that.”

“Fashion is a way I love to express myself and give people a glimpse of my personality with the clothes I present myself in everyday,” Koo said.

Koo explained that you can never go wrong with a couple of investment basics when it comes to building your unique wardrobe. She recommends investing in a good pair of Levi’s jeans, “that compliment your body type.”

When looking for basic staples to add to her closet Koo said Artizia is one of her go-to stores.

She also suggests personalizing an outfit is through jewelry. Koo wears lots of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets to add dimension to her outfits.

“My favorite piece of jewelry is this silver handmended twisted ring with a gap in the middle, that I got in Korea at a pop-up shop,” Koo

Andrew Taich

In a Helly Hansen sweater and his staple khaki pants, Andrew Taich’s (9) style combines comfort and class to create a casual streetwear look. While scrolling through TikTok and taking note of outfits he sees while out and about, Taich finds inspiration to create his favorite looks.

“My style has always been streetwear because it’s comfortable,” Taich said.

While he agrees that fashion allows for the opportunity to defy social norms by thinking outside of the box, to Taich, you cannot enjoy an outfit to its fullest without feeling your most confident.

“I dont wear clothes for other people’s approval, I wear what makes me comfortable and happy.” Taich said.

While Taich describes his current style as along the lines of “streetwear” or

said.

She also said that accessories like hair clips and hats “add a lot to an outfit.”

Koo touches on the importance of having a variety of shoes that are versatile. For those looking for shoe recommendations, Koo preaches that Converse are the way to go.

“You can never go wrong with a clean pair of Converse, ” Koo said.

Some of her other favorites include her Reebok C 85’s, Adidas Nizza’s, and her gray Jordan mids.

“I get a lot of inspiration from [my trips to Korea] which have caused my fashion sense to shift towards neutrals and warmer colors,” Koo said.

Visiting Korea once a year, she admires the “composure” she sees in Korean fashion, particularly in the Korean street style look featuring a long trench coat cinched at the waist. However, she enjoys putting a spin on these classic looks while avoiding clothes that are trending.

“Try not to go out and reach for things that are [trending], because in a couple months it won’t be popular anymore,” Koo said. “It’s more fun to develop your own unique look.”

by Ellie Koff

“active wear,” fashion has not always been on his mind.

“In seventh grade, I started putting thought into what I wear and how I look to get girls, and to be [shown] in a better light,” Taich said.

Through his newfound interest in fashion, Taich has discovered brands that allow him to dress comfortably, while still adhering to his favorite streetwear looks. Some of his favorite brands to shop from are Supreme, The North Face and Patagonia.

“Supreme has really cool designs and I like Patagonia and The North Face because they are very versatile,” Taich said. “I can wear their pieces to the beach and when I walk my dog. They keep me warm.”

When building a wardrobe, Taich wanted to encourage his peers to find “staple” pieces. These are items of clothing that are adaptable and can be worn with a variety of different outfits. Taich’s own clothes that he considers staples include his khaki pants, Empyre jeans and a Deathclub Batman hoodie. He touches on the importance of having an equal number of basics and standout pieces when building a wardrobe, increasing options for unique outfits.

While talking about some unique pieces in his own wardrobe, Taich mentions his favorite Deathclub Batman hoodie.

“[My Batman hoodie] has my favorite still from any Batman movie on the back.” Taich said.

It is important to collect items of clothing that speak to you and are a representation of your unique personality. This is one of the things that Taich admires about his favorite designer, Virgil Abloh.

Taich looks up to Abloh, the late designer of the well-known streetwear brand, Off-White and Creative Director for Louis Vuitton.

“Rest in peace Virgil,” Taich said. “He was a very innovative designer and his looks always received positive attention.”

As a designer who was “ahead of his time” according to Taich, Abloh has helped Taich inspire his own fashion by making him comfortable with trying new things and “being confident” in himself. And to Taich, that confidence and comfort is what fashion is all about.

by Ellie Koff

Bathed in a glowing red hue, a sea of joyous faces flow through the streets of Beijing. A rousing orchestra of noise brings the night to life — rhythmic thumping of drums, erratic crackles of firecrackers and the ringing of children’s laughter.

Thickening the air is a rich aroma of toasted garlic, scallions and thousands of spices. Partakers are enthralled by each twist and turn from weaving lion dancers and dramatic flips of acrobats.

This is the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, or chun jie, a holiday

the y ear of the rabbit welcoming

out long noodles, chang shou mian, while the young experiment with new flavors and create modern renditions of traditional favorites.

For Julia Liu (12), the president of the TPHS Asian Student Union (ASU), food plays an integral role in conveying the main message of the Lunar New Year.

“My family always makes a huge feast the night before the new year,” Liu said. “We make dumplings by hand all together, which are a symbol of community.”

Loved ones join together to enjoy other activities as well: adorning homes with fiery red and gold decorative couplets, dui lian, reciting poetry and retelling ancestral myths.

values to their children and young community.

TPHS AP Chinese Language and Culture teacher Lu Qi honors the traditional values of the holiday by including them in activities like making dumplings.

“I want to pass down these traditions to my own children and my students because it is important that they value their culture and their self-identity,” Qi said. “It is very important to continue these traditions through generations and generations.”

On Jan. 20, the ASU and Qi’s AP Chinese class organized a Lunar New Year celebration in the quad at lunch, setting up activities to teach students of all cultures about the festival.

“I think people who don’t celebrate this holiday should still learn about it,” Liu said. “If you want to understand your community and its diversity, learning about Lunar New Year can help you do that.”

Whether at a traditional ceremony or a modernized celebration, Lunar New Year evokes the same feelings of togetherness and gratitude for all those who celebrate it. It is a commemoration of dualism, of change and continuity, of bringing together the old and the new.

Rachel Yang (11) feels that these activities would be incomplete without close friends and family to enjoy them with.

“I think you can really feel the true energy of Lunar New Year when you are around more people, witnessing all of the awesome activities,” Yang said.

celebrated by over two billion people across the globe. For 15 days, ordinary life in countries across Asia like China, Korea and Singapore comes to a standstill as families gather together to greet the beginning of spring. This year, the holiday falls on Jan. 26, marking the start of the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

Originating about 3,500 years ago in China, the holiday is traditionally a time to celebrate the harvest and worship ancestors.

Over the centuries, the festival has evolved into a multitude of variations, though the main values have remained intact.

“The Lunar New Year usually means tradition to me,” AP Chinese student Zoe Huang (10) said. “It is because there are so many things from what we wear to the gifts we give that are steeped in superstition.”

A motif of kinship and familial harmony is infused into every aspect of the holiday, especially in the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner, or nian ye fan. The kitchen is a place where the orthodox family values of Lunar New Year gatherings are honored.

Older generations instruct their children and grandchildren on the meticulous process of steaming fish, yu, and delicately rolling

Dong-Yeop (David) Lee (10) welcomes the Korean version of Lunar New Year, Seollal, similarly surrounded by loved ones, playing folk games and making New Year’s resolutions.

“In joy of the new year, my whole family comes together in unity,” Lee said.

One of the most sacred activities seen across many variations of Lunar New Year is the gifting of little red pockets, hong bao, filled with money. These envelopes are usually given from elders to children, yet another instance of generational unity in Lunar New Year.

The multi-generational connections made during the celebration of this rich festival serve as a touchstone for second-generation students living outside of their parents’ home country to connect with their heritage.

“This festival is really great because it is a chance to appreciate my culture, especially in the U.S. where I feel like a lot of children of immigrants may sometimes feel disconnected from their roots,” Cindy Xue (11) said.

In parallel, first-generation immigrant parents and adults see the Lunar New Year as an opportunity to pass down their traditions and

In a world that so often tears people apart, Lunar New Year shows us humans’ great capacity for love and community.

by Joy Ma and Natalia Mochernak

In joy of the new year, my whole family comes together in unity.

David Lee (10) STUDENT

YEAR-ROUND

At Play Occupational Therapy Services Inc. is a full-service private practice that supports students whohavedifficultywithhandwriting,activitiesofdaily living,sensoryprocessing,self-regulation,visualspatial skills, and fine and gross motor delays.

Five cats prowl the colorful room at the San Diego Cat Cafe, stuffed with everything they could dream of: cat trees, toys, warm beds and fuzzy ledges. At this cat cafe, one can enjoy both a coffee and the warm presence of cats.

The cat cafe concept originates back to Taiwan, as early as 1998. As they became popular with Japanese tourists, they spread to Japan, where the first Japanese cat cafe opened in 2004. Now, there are over 150 cat cafes across Japan.

Inside one such cat cafe in Tokyo, it was “very clean, sort of dark and very calm. It was inside of a library, basically,” according to Kylie Lai (10).

In contrast, the cat cafe in downtown San Diego features large windows that let natural light in. The walls are covered in colorful decals, and a variety of cat toys, beds and towers fill the room. Three tables line a wall for people to sit and enjoy their drink and play with the cats. Sitting by one of the windows was a small cat named Jacey, undisturbed by the visitors streaming in and out.

Five or so cats wander around the room, though this number will likely be smaller by the end of the week as one or two cats are adopted. Every cat is up for adoption and provided by The Rescue House, an organization that helps with the adoption process.

“Some of [the cats] we develop good relationships with, and we start to like them a lot, and those are the ones that are hardest to see go but…we figure that if we didn’t send cats home, we wouldn’t have had a chance to meet them,” Tony Wang, founder and general manager of the Cat Cafe, said.

There are two cats he will never have to say goodbye to. Leo and Jacey are permanent residents of the cafe.

Since its opening in January of 2015, 726 cats have been adopted from the San Diego Cat Cafe.

Part of the reason for this high number of adoptions is that people are able to see and connect with the cats in a cozier atmosphere.

“I feel like [the Cat Cafe is] more accessible because you interact with them better and then you can see if the cat likes you back,” Tisya Nair (12), who visited the Cat Cafe, said.

In particular, Nair connected with Martin — a gray kitty with the sweetest green eyes — who sat perched atop one of the many palm-tree-shaped cat towers that dot the room.

Working with the Cat Cafe has been an ideal partnership for the Rescue House.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our cats in a more natural environment,”

Trace Cimins, a volunteer for the

Rescue House, said. “Our other adoption centers are at two Petsmarts and a Petco, so [the cats] are in cages, whereas at the Cat Cafe, they have free range of the facility, so people can get a much better idea of what their personalities will be like.”

One cat with the perfect personality for the Cat Cafe is Plaza, a medium-haired one-year-old. She is very sociable, something The Rescue House looks for when they place cats at the Cat Cafe.

The Rescue House also works closely with foster homes to ensure they will be a good fit at the Cat Cafe.

“When [the liaison between the Rescue House and foster homes is] assigning cats she’s working closely with fosters to make sure they are social…and that they are good eaters, not ones that are scared and nervous and will stop eating,” Cimins said.

Adoption is not the only reason people come to the Cat Cafe. Spending time with the cats is therapeutic as well. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, 95% of pet owners rely on their pet for stress relief.

“We’ll have folks who visit from Comic-Con, and they just like having us as an oasis to get away from all the crowds and the craziness,” Wang said. “People going to jury duty come here for the same reason.”

This proved to be true for Nair as well, as she felt “less stressed” after interacting with the cats. For Lai, the experience was simply “peaceful.”

The cats also seem to find as much peace as the people do. By the end of the hour, Jenny, a six-month-old shorthair kitten, curled up on a cozy ledge to nap.

Even during COVID-19, Wang helped the cats to keep their peace.

“During the pandemic when the world shut down, Tony, the owner of the Cat Cafe…wasn’t open for business to customers, but he was still open as basically a foster home…Tony was allowing us to bring interested people in to meet specific cats,” Cimins said.

Despite the challenges that COVID-19 presented, the Cat Cafe’s presence in downtown San Diego is thriving once again.

“We’re back stronger and better than we were pre-pandemic,” Wang said.

Gracing the visitors with his presence at the very end of the hour was Bernard, a six month old kitten with a tuft of white fur on his chest.

by Cass Love

PHOTOS BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

"It's a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our cats in a more natural environment,"

-Trace Cimins, Rescue House volunteer

Coppocast:

Gazing out the wall-to-wall windows in his office with two pairs of headphones, two microphones, a mixing board and his laptop in front of him, Principal Rob Coppo flips a switch. A sign above his office doorway lights up and his headphones go on. Watch out, podcasters nationwide: Coppo is on air.

Since his first episode in August 2022, Coppo has recorded and edited 11 episodes of the podcast “What’s Best for Kids,” a series in which he and his guests discuss the topics most important to them in today’s educational system, diving into “what educators wish parents knew about educating, and what parents wish educators knew about parenting.”

Coppo’s guests, former TPHS teacher Don Collins and Vice Principal Rebecca Gallow to name a few, have shared personal anecdotes and feelings on topics from smartphones to gun safety to ‘80s high school traditions. But like many other wannabe podcasters, Coppo’s momentum with “What’s Best For Kids” was not beginner’s luck.

himself, the overuse of the very phrase, “What’s Best for Kids.”

However, as episodes progress, Coppo balances the back-and-forth between himself and his guests. Highlights include the witty repartee between Coppo and Collins, longtime friends whose only shortcomings, from the student perspective, are some inaccessible ‘80s references. But then again, what would a Rob Coppo production be without a certain level of nerdiness?

“Going back [to my time in the film industry], I was asked a question: ‘Do you want to be a writer or editor?’ and I said a writer at the time…But when I started teaching film later, I realized that editing is my strength,” Coppo said. “So when it came to [the podcast], my face just lit up.”

Coppo uses the platform Anchor, a podcast-making service through Spotify. He uses an introductory music track provided through Anchor, adding a satisfyingly professional air to a podcast made in the TPHS administration building.

“The technical side of it, I like it too much,” Coppo said.

Between recordings, Coppo nervously checks the listening statistics for his episodes, hoping the conversations spark interest in his listeners.

“Even if you didn’t like anything you heard, I hope you stay curious,” Coppo said.

Most of all, he hopes to share productive conversations, not the “CNN crossfire,” he sees on other educational podcasts. With so many conflicting opinions on what is indeed “best for kids,” conversations focused on working through problems rather than ones that start them is refreshing.

“If I’m not taking any chances as an educator, what am I doing?” Coppo said. “And just like jumping into the deep end of a pool on a summer day when you think it’s gonna be cold, it’s incredibly refreshing and it worked out. And I wanted to keep swimming.”

Looking to the future, it would be interesting to see Coppo take a deep-dive into more uncomfortable subjects. His newest episode, “Sharer Beware,” is a great example, in which Coppo talks with two San Diego police officers about the dangers of social media for minors. Still, the series’ title, “What’s Best For Kids” reveals another missing perspective: students.

“I did a podcast years ago with a buddy of mine called ‘Postpunk Party’ where we listened to old ‘80s albums and just went song by song and talked about our memories of them,” Coppo said.

But “What’s Best For Kids” was backed by an entirely separate era in Coppo’s life, one that had nothing to do with Walkmans or synths: the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This office itself became a hotbed of educational discussion,” Coppo said. “I was like, man, I wish parents and kids could hear what we’re talking about.”

Though “What’s Best For Kids” made its first Spotify appearance more than two years later, Coppo quickly assimilated his new podcasting passion into what he jokingly referred to as his principal “day job.” That said, even the mightiest Falcon needs a little practice to get comfortable.

“I am a seasoned actor. I was president of Torrey Pines Players here back in the day. I did drama at NYU and acted in student films, and I love being on stage,” Coppo said. “And yet, I set up that microphone, started recording, and [I think], ‘Why does it sound like I’m talking out of my nose?’”

Listeners can pick up Coppo’s struggle to find his sea legs behind a professional microphone in the first episode of “What’s Best For Kids?” which is conveniently named “What’s Best For Kids?” The problem? Pointed out by Coppo

Whats Best For Kids

“The student voice is incredibly important to me and incredibly important to our school… it gets a little tricky because there are rights issues there,” Coppo said. “I want to be better at the podcast before I bring in kids.”

That said, Coppo’s aspirations are infectious. In what has been a “soul-satisfying” experience for him, Coppo hopes he can continue having conversations about education, but also about his other passions.

“In a perfect world, I’d have three podcasts, one on education, one on music and one on movies,” Coppo said. “It’d be awesome to travel around and talk to other schools, districts and educators all over the country and world.”

But no matter where his podcasting passions lead him, Coppo will always be open to having discussions, whether in his office overlooking the TPHS quad or on the air.

by Caroline Hunt

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And just like jumping into the deep end of a pool on a summer day when you think it's gonna be cold, it's incredibly refreshing and it worked out. And I wanted to keep swimming

Rob Coppo TPHS PRINCIPAL

Farmers Markets

Thousands of San Diegans wander through the streets of Downtown daily, without ever discovering the sacred treasure wedged between office buildings — the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market. One’s first time at the market feels like being let in on a dashing secret, like entering a dreamy fairytale world filled with exquisitely crispy croissants and beautiful bushels of mimosa flowers.

However, this fairytale is quickly shattered for the faint of heart. There is pushing and shoving (especially if you are fighting for a spot in the line for Artisan Crepes) and so many sounds, tastes and smells that you are constantly on the verge of a sensory overload. However, the trick to the market is to not fight against it. Let it take you in its current and it will spit you out exactly where you are meant to go. “The market knows best” is a rule best abided for maximum enjoyment.

The bazaar is a slice of foodie paradise — mouthwatering shrimp drunken noodles from Saranya Thai ($15), savory samosas from Masala Cottage ($5), powdery dulce de leche cookies from Alfajores Bakery ($5) and every other cuisine imaginable. Grocery store produce is left utterly in the dust by the vendors’ fresh fruits and vegetables; nothing compares to the godly experience of eating a market strawberry, its sticky juice

running down your arms.

More than food, the market also has trinkets galore; it is a perfect place to buy yourself or a loved one a thoughtful, personal gift like handmade macrame, Italian linens, a used book or an antique lamp.

Above all, the market is much more than only a place to buy and sell goods, though it executes that job brilliantly. For me, this streetful of temporary stands somehow holds the very essence of humanity. Everywhere you look, you can find little pockets of goodness. A couple swinging their giggling child in between them. A man buying a lovely bouquet of flowers for his grandmother. Dog owners chatting while their puppies excitedly sniff each other. A violinist playing “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay while a block away another street performer raps his own verses atop a beatbox. The Little Italy Mercato is a place for real human connection, a place rich with vibrant characters and stories better than in any novel or poem (ask the market’s very own Typewriter Troubadour to write you one). This is a place where you feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

I know that no matter what may be going on in my life, I will always leave the market with my heart full and an appreciation for life.

by Natalia Mochernak

Indecision can ruin any gathering. With a jumble of different tastes, planning a Sunday brunch or weekend outing can be impossible for a group of varied preferences. But not at the Leucadia Farmers’ Market, a local hotspot nestled at the heart of the coastal community.

The bustling market, housed on the campus of Paul Ecke Central Elementary School, offers visitors a rich array of fresh produce, gourmet products and homemade crafts. With ample seating and lots to explore, this market is ideal for a group excursion, as the variety of stalls ensures all guests will find something they like.

The trek to the market, winding through the eclectic neighborhood, offers visitors a hint of what is to greet them. The smells of more than 20 different cuisines waft through the air, from the warm spices of curries and samosas to the bittersweet aroma of freshly ground coffee.

Upon entering the market, the brightly colored produce catches the eye first. Baskets of crisp radishes, piles of rainbow-colored carrots and bushels of leafy greens fill the tables, displayed in front of the warm smiles of the stand owners who jump to greet those who meander past.

Golden Family Farms is a must-visit for produce or merely to take a photo of their bright orange beets and purple carrots, a collage of hues that

transform the table into a kaleidoscope of nature’s beauty.

Once a visitor adjusts to the myriad of colors, the rows of stands winding along the grassy quad invite further exploration. From homemade tempeh to fresh pasta, the variety of products will inspire anyone to plan a threecourse feast.

After perusing the stands, guests will inevitably develop an appetite. A favorite of visitors is Masala Cottage, self-titled the “Samosas King,” The vegetable samosas ($6) are a perfect start to the meal: don’t forget to ask that they ladle on their delicious curry to smother the pastry.

Another must-get is the lemonades ($7) at a gourmet tamale stand towards the center of the market — a perfect match to any meal.

While they are undeniably the highlight of the market, the food products are not the only attraction. From handmade jewelry to whittled kitchen wares to potted houseplants, the market is the perfect place to find a gift for a loved one.

Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, the Leucadia Farmers Market is the perfect addition to a weekend on the coast or the sole destination of a Sunday stroll; just remember to bring a friend.

by Anna Opalsky

There is something wondrous about feeling like a child. Everything — the warm kiss of the sun, the sweet scent of a flower, the bubbling vat of joy that is another human’s laughter — is reduced to its beautiful basics. So it is only fitting that the La Jolla Open Aire Farmers’ Market, which brought out the boundlessly eager child in me, is located on the blacktop of an elementary school.

It is at the La Jolla Elementary School, in fact, open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the sweeping eyes of an adult with no childlike values, the market would not spell out anything special. But here is the trick: let the child within you take over.

Stop for a few seconds, and let your senses deliver to your soul the simple and beautiful aspects of what is around you. Listen to the music floating out of an old man’s fruit truck, as he nods to the beat. Watch as children and parents alike clamber around a red playground in the corner of the market, the same radiant smiles mirrored in all their faces.

The child in you will jostle out of your heart, take the reins of your mind and the market’s charming simplicity will become beautifully apparent.

The soft smile of the vendor standing behind rows of beautifully

arranged flowers, vibrant table cloths or bottles of olive oil will set off fireworks of delight in your soul. The sweet and flowery taste of a fresh guava or strawberry from a fruit stand will make you close your eyes and grin in incandescent bliss.

The sheer variety of cuisines available — Jordanian sweet date cookies ($4.50) from Petra Kitchen, flaky empanadas ($4.50) from Milonga Empanadas and spicy Peruvian ceviche ($14) from Reel Street Eats — will awe you with a childlike fervor. The freshly squeezed orange juice from Papa’s Garden ($5) will taste like the warm rays of the sun, and you will let it dribble down your chin unabashedly, like a child, beaming all the while. You will sit down at strangers’ tables under a large canopy at the heart of the market, sharing stories, laughing and relishing the overflowing joy that comes with connecting with other humans.

This is what the market is all about. It strips away all the superficialities in life until what is left at its core is revealed: love, gratitude and kindness.

These are the simple things that matter in our world. These are the things a child appreciates. I am grateful to the Open Aire Market for reminding me of them.

by Rami Kabakibi

Opening at 9 a.m. on Sunday in the Del Rayo Village Shopping Center, the Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market attracts people like moths to a flame.

The city awakens to navigate the stands and shops, but instead of older shoppers, I also saw many young people enjoying the market.

It was refreshing to see people from a generation of “screenagers” being present for an hour or two to share memories — a perfect snapshot in time walking past the tents or chatting on benches in the inner area

Not only were the market’s frequenters lively, but the vendors were too! They were all so friendly and seemed truly grateful to be present, selling their passions. No matter how many crying babies or hungry customers they had, every worker smiled up through my last walkthrough.

If the atmosphere of the marketplace was not already enough to keep me returning, the food and attractions sealed the deal.

Upon entering, glorious smells infiltrated my nose so all I could think about was the bakery in front of me and the salsa stand next to me.

As I floated through the walkways blissfully, my parents set out on their own quest to try all the samples in sight, giving me an opportunity to browse the remaining non-food stands.

While perusing a house renovation stand, I came across a rather unique

stand of ceramics named “Tea Cup Candles & Vintage Treasures.”

The perfect teacup candles they were selling was something I knew I needed to bring home as either a gift or accessory, costing me $25. The stand had fantastic customer service and an environment that made my day sunnier.

Teacup in hand, I looked for my parents, finding them by an avocado toast truck with a built-in matcha bar that had my stomach rumbling. I ordered the Breakfast Toast ($10), topped with salmon and egg, along with an Iced Oat Milk Matcha Latte ($6), which were the perfectly complementary pair.

While we sat and ate, I was reminded of how appreciative I was to be there with all of the other customers. I even to heard one teen say to another, “Come this way, let’s go support some other [stands].” The care and neighborliness with which the San Diego people addressed the businesses was enlightening and a moment I will not forget anytime soon.

By the end of my visit, I was so entranced and enthralled with the amazing community I was met with and was saddened to leave. At least I know I can go back next Sunday!

by Liv Weaver

photos by anna opalsky and natalia mochernak/falconer

The Ambassadors

is no doubt that each member of the cheer team “recognizes that their sport is bigger than themselves,” cheer PE coach Heather Lopez said.

To Lopez, the sisterhood, collaboration and respect that define cheerleaders and allow them to be wellrounded students are evidenced by their role as school ambassadors. Not only does the team’s academic honor elicit pride in Lopez, but it also conveys that her athletes are being recognized for their hard work and “humble” sport.

“Their whole sport is about cheering other people on and I just think the nature of that is a beautiful thing,” she said. “I’m glad they’re finally getting recognized because their whole sport is about recognizing and taking care of others.”

She hopes that the award will get the team the “respect they deserve.”

Cheer was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an Olympic sport — a status that has long been debated — in 2021, an accomplishment that further validates the team’s work.

“Cheer being recognized as an Olympic sport is really great in the sense that now younger cheerleaders won’t feel insecurity about what they’re devoting so much of their time to,” Ezzet said.

While some on the cheer team feel that their audiences do not always recognize their dedication, the cheer team values each performance in front of their peers.

Sunday morning, while other students sleep in, the ambassadors of TPHS wake early.

“Sunday is a work day,” Julia Lane (12), a member of the TPHS varsity cheer team, said.

This side of the cheer program is often hidden. Their weekends spent studying after Friday games and team bus rides spent reading textbooks are veiled behind their ever-present positivity and overshadowed by their daring stunts.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a high school cheerleader, but I knew it was going to be hard,” Lane said.

This dedication has not only earned the cheer team their ambassador title, but also their most recent honor: recognition as the Mission Fed All Academic Team for Cheerleading in the North County Conference for Fall Sports, an award given to the cheer team with the highest grade point average in North County San Diego.

“I was surprised that we won because it’s such a big honor, but I wouldn’t expect anything less because I’ve seen all the hard work that my team puts in,” Lane said.

This is the second time in the last three years that the TPHS Varsity cheer team has won this award, according to cheer coach Suzanne Chodorow.

In addition to the team honor, Paloma Ezzet (12) was recognized by the North County Conference for Fall Sports as the Scholar-Athlete Captain, awarding her exceptional efforts in

both athletics and academics.

While this honor recognizes her individually, she says the cheer team is defined by collaboration and equal status, both on the field and off. Instead of a team captain, cheer is led by a senior class divided into various leadership roles, including a choreographer and a chant leader.

“The nature of having a captain is that the captain will become a little bossy. That’s not what cheer is about,” Ezzet said. “We’re very collaborative, welcoming and helpful.”

This bond not only allows the team to perform technical stunts that require immense trust, but also enables them to thrive in their academics.

“Cheer girls stick together,” Lane, who described the team as an expression of “sisterhood,” said, “If there’s friends on the cheer team in my class, we’ll help each other out by studying together … especially during practice.”

This year’s cheer team has 51 members. Spanning four grades and varying levels of experience, the team has found a way to maintain this familiar connection: respect.

“Seniority is a big thing on cheer,” Ezzet said. “We really place an emphasis on respecting other people, especially people older than you.”

Alexis De Fina (11), another member of the varsity cheer team, said that she relied on the advice of the seniors to build her class schedule.

“I definitely have a lot of girls that I look up to on the team,” she added.

Whether this respect emerges in the seniors’ ability to lead practices or the team’s academic collaboration, there

“I feel a wave of pride for our school because I’m so happy to see everybody coming together,” Lane said. “It goes from a typical school day with everybody in their individual groups to one big community all coming together to support each other.”

De Fina agreed.

“You get to feel part of something bigger,” she said.

As the cheer team enters the basketball season, they will don their uniforms for the next 11 months, cheering at charity events and practicing at summer training in addition to supporting TPHS sports. Their early mornings and studies on buses will continue, reminders of their dedication not only to their sport but also to their school. Their community will build, as each stunt and each homework session solidifies the sense of sisterhood. This commitment and love for their school is truly a cheerleader’s regular schedule, but what else could be expected from the ambassadors of TPHS.

Cole Frost SPORTS EDITOR

We have officially reached the mid-way point of the 2023 NBA season. In years past, this milestone has left the league’s Most Valuable Player award voters with one or two frontrunners to choose from. This season has six.

Typically, three main player archetypes emerge as potential candidates for the league’s most valuable award: the best player on the best team, the most statistically proficient player and the most outstanding player. However, the sheer number of elite players in this year’s race has sparked conflict and debate across the league, with no single frontrunner breaking away from the pack.

This season, the best player on the best team is – without a doubt –Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. At the helm of the organization with the best record in the NBA, Tatum fits this “best team” archetype perfectly. Averaging over 30 points per game, eight rebounds and four assists, he also has the statistics to back up his MVP bid.

Despite Tatum’s elite play and the Celtics’ league-best record, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets represents a compelling second option in the “best team” category. Still, despite his triple-double average and the Nuggets’ position at the top of the Western Conference, Jokic is bound to suffer from some voter fatigue after winning the award in both 2021 and 2022.

Next, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks presents an undeniably intriguing argument in both the “best statistics” and “most outstanding” category. Averaging a near-triple double of 34 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Luka’s monstrous numbers are reminiscent of James Harden’s 2018 MVP season. Still, the Mavericks’ merely average record of 25-23 makes a vote for Doncic difficult.

Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounpo and Kevin Durant present tantalizing arguments, each averaging over 30 points per game, while leading their teams to top seeds in their respective conferences.

Despite the unusual number of players in this year’s race, MVP voters and members of the NBA media have demonstrated an affection for winning players over the years.

With this in mind, Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic seem to present the most compelling arguments for the award.

As the league approaches its Feb. 9 trade deadline, fans should look forward to some potential changes in the race as teams will look to trade some star players.

PUMPING UP THE CROWD: TPHS Cheer performs their “explode ignite” chant at a football game. They perfomed at every varsity football game this season.

TPHS’ Varsity Cheer Team does far more than entertain the crowd. As the winners of the Mission Fed All Academic Team award, they excel on and off the field.

PHOTO BY ANNA OPALSKY/FALCONER

Anna Opalsky NEWS EDITOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MERAZ

DAY IN the Life

It is the day before the big game. The final bell has just rung. Players are either rushing out of class or returning from a nice two-hour free period spent at home. Now it is time for an afternoon filled with film and practice.

The girls team room is flooded with players rushing to get ready, cleats and shin guards flying as the girls are prepping for the next hour and a half of their day.

Starting off the league with a 1-0 record, the stakes are high. Practice starts at exactly 3:45 p.m., and anyone that is even a minute late has to run the stadium at the end of the week, a new tradition thought up by this year’s senior captains, Emma Levy, Kate Campbell, Sam Steele, Stella Mikolajewski, Ellie Davidson and Natalie Christmore. Practice begins with warm ups, consisting of dynamic stretching, sprints and a passing and possession drill.

Keeping the energy high and combating the intense coaching of Coach Martin Hansford and Coach Pam Kalinoski, the team keeps music blasting at all times. Coach Matt Rosendo’s occasional dances making the excruciating training a little more bearable.

“It’s a mixture of things, it is trying to accomplish our long term goals for the season, previous performances and what went well … things that haven’t gone so well, but it’s really about the opponents and what to expect,” Hansford said.

As practice ends the team prepares for mindfulness, a time where the players are able to connect and relax before the game. But first, the underclassmen get to work by cleaning up the equipment. Before starting the mindfulness session, Kalinoski leads an icebreaker to loosen everyone up, encouraging the girls to learn more about one another. Following the icebreaker a group talk filled with constructive criticism breaks out to help players understand what they can improve on. Occasionally, Kalinoski will turn on music from her eclectic music library and dance around the room to boost the players spirits.

Once the mindfulness session finishes, the team begins watching film of their last game to see what they can improve on. During every film session, Rosendo shares his knowledge of the other team from thoroughly researching the plays, players and coaches to get a better understanding of what to expect the next day. At the end of the film the players

prepare to go home and all run to their cars to escape the cold.

“We haven’t done much team bonding outside of school yet but we are planning some fun things for the future,” Steele said. “The team culture and chemistry is already really good, and we all get along and have fun together.”

It is the start of game day and players are required to wear their black TPHS girls soccer shirt, repping for the team all around campus. The day drags and classes seem to crawl by in anticipation for the game to begin. The excitement heightens until 5:30 p.m. when the players meet in the team room. Players and all three coaches discuss tactics, put on their gear and start braiding or tying up their hair.

An hour before the game, players meet on the field to begin warm ups. Players put their cleats on to begin their dynamic warm ups, stretching and passing lines, always with the music cranked. As warm ups progress, the coaches begin to get the players in the right mindset and spirit before the game. Following passing lines, the players break into an 8v5 drill to perfect their strategies for the game. At the end of warm ups, the captains of each team are called forth to speak with the referees, while the other captains lead the rest of the team in shooting drills.

As start time approaches, the teams gather at their benches to have last minute talks with the coaches in preparation for what is to come. Those who are injured take a quick trip to see the athletic trainer Zayna Green and then rejoin the huddle. The starters are announced one by one onto the field and cheered on by the crowd and teammates as the game begins.

After a long and challenging game, the girls pulled through with a score of 1-0 against Canyon Crest Academy. To end the day, the team meets with the coaches to talk about how the game went and what could have gone better to give them some insight on what to do next time.

“I think it went really well. We finished our chances and came off very strong,” Levy said. “It was the best result we’ve had in league so far.”

Breathing in the cold air as they walk out of the stadium, embracing loved ones and greeting peers, the anticipation that was once overwhelming has now vanished into the cold air.

by Lexi Lamb

Girl’s Soccer Team

Girls Soccer Team

PHOTO BY NATALIA MOCHERNAK

“It’s a mixture of things, it is trying to accomplish our long term goals for the season, previous performances and what went well”

Martin Hansford COACH

athletic rivalries define school culture

Eric Lee STAFF WRITER

The stands of the Olive Garden are filled to the brim with a sea of students cheering loudly, each side dressed in their respective colors of black or white in support of their teams. The sound of shoes fervently squeaking against the waxed wooden floor is almost inaudible over the roar of the crowd; no less than the environment expected of a rivalry basketball game between TPHS and La Costa Canyon High School. A passionate battle of skills and tenacity rages before the eyes of spectators. On the court below, player clashes against player as the pressure to triumph motivates them to give 110% of their effort.

Whether it be football, tennis, swimming or any other sport, there is no denying that competitive spirit is a factor in the success of any athletic team. At TPHS, the school’s competitive spirit, combined with its collection of outstanding athletes, has fueled these intense rivalries with other schools.

According to Principal Robert Coppo, TPHS’ greatest rivals in most sports are LCC, Cathedral Catholic High School and Poway High School.

When Coppo attended TPHS in the ‘80s, Poway was TPHS’ greatest sports competition.

“Back then it was just Torrey and Poway, those were the only two schools,” Coppo said.

As more schools were established throughout North County in the late

1980s and 1990s, TPHS added to its list of rivals. After its founding in 1996, LCC soon began to challenge TPHS on the athletic stage.

Robby Collins, head coach of the TPHS varsity football team, noted that LCC was not a rival in football until 2004 when LCC beat TPHS for the first time. An annual tradition would then originate in 2005 between TPHS and LCC dubbed “The Beach Bowl,” in which the winner of the football game would get a surfboard as a trophy.

Although CCHS was founded in 1957 as University of San Diego High School, Coppo said it has only grown into a serious competitor to TPHS in the last 15 years, when it moved to it’s present location on Del Mar Heights Road.

Coppo attributes the formation of these rivalries to the frequency and intensity of the games, along with the schools’ proximity to one another.

“The challenge of Torrey is we’re everybody’s rival because we’re very successful, so a lot of people want to take us down,” Coppo said.

The large sports community at TPHS means that students are more aware of and excited for games with rivals.

Scott Ashby, TPHS football coach since 1992, commented on the amplified energy at a rival game.

“The beauty of rivalry games is the fact that the school spirit for both schools is heightened … and there’s a concerted effort to create a great atmosphere,” Ashby said.

When it comes to the rivalry with

LCC, Coppo said it has become healthier over time.

“[The rivalry with LCC] is still pretty heated … I’d like to see the flame reduced a little bit … just so we can enjoy the games and not make it quite so personal,” Coppo said. “But it’s better than it used to be because it goes back and forth … when it’s one-sided, the rivalry can get worse”

Rivalry games hold significant value to student athletes, as the raised stakes can motivate players to perform better.

Gavin Conley (10), a player on the varsity football team, expressed how important rivalry games are to him.

“Rivalries are a big date on the calendar … you work all season and that’s the game you’re trying to get to, and trying to win, and be your best at,” Conley said.

The focus on winning a rivalry game can also boost team morale.

“It definitely brings team spirit up really high … this is a game you want to win to show you’re dominant for that sport,” Conley said.

Joey Levenberg (10), a player on the varsity football and lacrosse teams, said that individual pressure is increased as the performance of the team is based on the efforts of every player.

“It helps bring a team together to know you have a common goal and knowing you can’t do it yourself,” Levenberg said.

Marissa Gaut (12), a member of the cross country and track team, echoed Levenberg’s sentiment about

the importance of working together to achieve a win.

“When we’re heading into CIF, when we have a target that we’re looking for and we have a target on our back it helps motivate us because each runner makes a difference,” Gaut said. “If one runner doesn’t give all it can cost the team, it helps everyone work collectively.”

Collins nonetheless cautions that taking a rivalry game too seriously can distract a team and result in costly mistakes.

“The one thing we try to preach to our players is, it is just another game, but we’re human and it definitely means a lot to our players,” Collins said.

As TPHS does not seem to be running out of fresh talent and passion in its student athletes any time soon, rivalries will continue to stand strong as a testament to the school’s determination never to back down.

California NIL Bill to revolutionize college sports

Martin Lee STAFF WRITER

The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s NIL, or Name, Image and Likeness Bill, also known as the Fair to Play Act, went into full effect on Jan. 1, 2023, in California, allowing college athletes within the state to make money off their name, image and likeness. Years after the bill was passed in 2019, the landscape of college sports is undergoing some of its most drastic changes by allowing college athletes to finally take a cut of the billion-dollar industry.

The amount of money the NCAA made while the athletes made nothing had always been the subject of debate. According to Sportico, in 2021 the NCAA made a profit of $1.16 billion, with 85% of the revenue from March Madness, the NCAA National Championship basketball tournament, alone while “... the players receive zero compensation” according to Investopedia. Instead of awarding individual merit, the profits are spread out to support Division 1 and 2 sports as a whole. Historically, the NCAA distributed the profits across student scholarships, assistance funds and student-athlete services. Leading up to the NIL bill, it was illegal for student-athletes to secure sponsorships, preventing them from directly making money off their performance.

For years, the NCAA has operated on the idea that student-athletes were students first and athletes second, believing that college athletes should

not be financially compensated for their abilities.

“Student-athletes shall be amateurs in an intercollegiate sport, and their participation should be motivated primarily by education and by the physical, mental and social benefits to be derived,” the NCAA says in Article 2.9 of its 2021/22 Division I Manual.

As a result, the NIL bill’s implementation has many studentathletes excited.

“I think it’s really cool that college athletes can get some recognition for all the work that they’re putting into their sports. I think it’ll create a cool opportunity, just for college athletes to be able to get paid,” said Logan Noguchi (11), a TPHS varsity swimmer committed to Princeton’s admissions processes.

Although Noguchi still has two years to think about using his NIL in college, he is happy to have the opportunity to advance his athletics in the future if he chooses to do so.

Still, the world of social media sponsorships and company endorsements is not for everyone.

“I don’t already have a big platform [for sponsorships] and it’s just not something I’m really interested in pursuing,” said Marissa Gaut (12), a track and field and cross country athlete committed to Cornell’s admissions process. Instead, she plans to focus on being a student while also running on the side.

The NIL bill also helps athletes

where working a traditional second job is not always an option.

“The fact that they can make some money off of their own NIL, benefit themselves financially, and find different avenues to make money rather than having to find a job in their offseason is helpful,” said Ryan Bath, the head track and field coach and freshman football assistant coach at TPHS.

Equipping athletes with the ability to be financially flexible even helps those who do not plan on going pro.

“I’d say for 90% of college athletes, the goal is to be able to get … a free or at least discounted education in college and athletics is a way to do that,” Bath

said.

According to ESPN, even if an athlete plays a non-revenue sport, or an athletic activity that does not make money for the school athletes could make anywhere from $2.5K to $5K for camps and lessons.

Although the bill is still relatively new and regulations are constantly adapting for each college, it did not arrive a moment too soon. Because sports scholarships and student aid can be unpredictable and unreliable, equipping college athletes with the financial independence to support themselves helps them get a more affordable education and compensates them for their considerable labor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM MILLS

THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC

140 140 games games

80 80 teams teams

40 40 percent percent

from 55 cities in 10 states

played over four days

55 sites

of the teams attending the tournament are annual contenders

TPHS, St. Augustine High School, Carlsbad High School, Santa Fe Christian and Rancho Buena Vista

“The Holiday Classic is one of the best run tournaments and that’s why we always have to come back.”

“I think it’s a complement to the legacy of TPHS that we can attract such good teams from around the country ... so I think that says a lot about what we’ve done as a program.”

2023 Champs

Foothill (TUSD)

Victory Christian (RVUE)

La Costa Canyon (SDUHSD)

St. John’s (DC)

The Priory (GU)

TPHS basketball player Cody Shen (10)

Coach Kennedy from Archbishop Mitty High School

The Falconer's Burn Book

IT's Like We Have espn or Something!

To all the freshmen that don’t think they’re obvious about going off at lunch as underclassmen: you go Glenn Coco!

People do WHAT on top of the Falcon Head? It’s like the limit does not exist.

On Wednesdays, we have SC Time.

Get in loser, we’re going to pay an absurd amount for a party bus to formal that’s going to get us rolled when we get there.

Every girl is wearing slippers- it’s Monday. That’s against the rules, so you can’t sit with us.