The Oracle February 2026

SPOTLIGHT

LIFESTYLE

The Oracle investigates recent local anti-ICE student protests following deaths in Minnesota.

Forum Editor Melody Song reviews a book that has never been checked out before.

PAGES 8,9

PAGE 15

Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306

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Permit #44 Palo Alto, Calif.

THEOracle Henry M. Gunn High School

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Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 Volume 63, Issue 4

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Psychiatric facility set to open, aid youth mental health

Mayher Dulani and Claire Jittipun Reporter and Forum Editor

A

21.9%

fter years of limited access to inOF SURVEYED STUDENTS county psychiatric care for youth, do not know where Santa Clara County is preparing to to seek mental health open the new Child and Adolescent resources Psychiatric Facility. The facility, part of the Behavioral Health Services Center, is Source: Self-selected survey sent out to Gunn students by The Oracle set to open in spring 2026 on the Santa from Jan. 25 to Feb. 3 with 73 Clara Valley Medical Center campus in San responses.

Jose, and will provide both inpatient and outpatient care.

The project aims to address longstanding gaps in youth mental health care, as demand for psychiatric beds continues to outpace availability. According to Palo Alto Online, Stanford Health professionals OF SURVEYED STUDENTS are stressing the need for expanded local believe that there are mental health treatment options. not enou g h m enta l The effort traces back to 2010, when h e alth resources i n Palo Alto resident Sigrid Pinsky learned Palo Alto during a county advisory board meeting Source: Self-selected survey sent out to that children in psychiatric crises were Gunn students by The Oracle from Jan. 25 to Feb. 3 with 73 responses. routinely being sent outside the county for treatment. Due to a severe shortage of psychiatric beds, patients were transported The new facility finishes construction for the upcoming opening in San Jose. to facilities in Marin County, Bakersfield Photos by Mars Ezakadan and across the East Bay. According to SCVMC Interim Hospital Clara County youths were left out of access to approximately $422 million.

Executive Dr. Brian McBeth, the lack of to specialized mental health care. Due O nc e c omple te d , t he BHS C w i l l local psychiatric help often forced families to delays, county supervisors formally consolidate menta l hea lt h ser v ices to travel during medical emergencies, reapproved the project in May 2021, currently spread across three buildings disrupting continuity of care. adopting updated environmental findings into a single three-story facility at 751 “The relocation from the area added and finalizing the facility’s design.

South Bascom Ave. Of its 77 inpatient beds, to t he stress for “The inspiration several will be dedicated for children and p a r ent s a l r e ad y behind the facility adolescents. dealing with work is to allow teens Proximity plays a critical role in whether requirements and (The new psychiatric facility) a nd c h i ld r e n t o families seek care, according to Alum t he i r c h i ld r e n’s is an acknowledgement that r e c eive t he c a r e Rock Counseling Center CEO Dav id well-being,” he said. mental health is as important they require close Mineta. When a suitable acute facility “Our communit y to our community as physical to home,” McBeth — a specialized hospital for short-term de s er ve s a c a r e health. s a i d . “ I t i s a n intensive care — is hours away or out of location close to acknowledgement state, families are more likely to delay —SCVMC Interim Hospital that mental health treatment. Having a facility nearby where home where family and friends can be Executive Dr. Brian McBeth is as important to loved ones can stay informed and visit nearby.” our community as may help both a patient and those in their In response, Pinsky and then-Santa physical health.” support circle.

Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian Construction began in February 2023 “(Fear about confidentiality) is usually began pushing for structural change, after multiple delays caused by labor why people don’t raise their hand early initiating what would become more than shortages, material costs and pandemic- and say, ‘Hey, I need some help,’ and they 15 years of advocacy. The center was related disruptions according to the County wait all the way till they get really serious later approved by the Santa Clara Board of Santa Clara. Originally estimated at and really feel bad,” he said. “Depending of Supervisors in 2017 when 689 Santa $222 million, the project’s cost increased on people’s ethnicities, backgrounds and

41.7%

where they’re from, in certain cultures there are no words for mental health conditions.”

The facility’s location and emphasis on privacy may encourage early intervention, which can help address childhood traumas or monitor psychological signs before they evolve into complex disorders in adulthood.

Stigma remains a barrier even when mental health resources are available, according to Reach Out, Care and Know Club co-president junior Alina Fleischmann.

“In this college-focused environment, people understand that mental health and the amount of resources are important, but the second that something is considered not school work, students consider it to be unproductive,” she said.

Internalized stress can also prevent those in need of seeking help.

“I think it’s awesome that the county is trying to be more aware and is creating new resources,” Fleischmann said. “But at Gunn, (I think) there is this normalization of stress, so people think they are not struggling enough to receive help.”

For McBeth, providing youth with a place to decompress and directly access those resources is essential, particularly given the many pressures they face.

“Being a teen can be difficult enough, given the stress of academic work, family and social pressures,” he said. “Many teens deal with anxiety, depression and more complex mental health challenges, and the BHP will be a center where those in need can receive specialized mental health care by experts in their fields.”

—Additional reporting by Vanisha Vig

If you are worried about yourself or a friend, contact the National Suicide Prevention lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Wellness Center, suicidepreventionlifeline.org, therapist, doctor or school counselor. If the threat is immediate, call 911.

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New downtown Teen Center slated to open on Feb. 11 Vaani Saxena lifestyle editor Palo Alto’s new Teen Center on Bryant Street is set to open on Feb. 11, offering a safe space for teens to hang out, study and relax. The center plans to partner with local businesses and nonprofits to host workshops for teens to learn life skills. The building will also serve as the headquarters for La Comida, a nonprofit that provides meals for seniors.

For Recreation Coordinator Christofer Sanchez, teen perspective in the design process was crucial. To get that input, he worked with city council members, Children’s Theatre representatives and community members to send out surveys to determine what types of programs, classes and workshops to hold at the center.

“We asked a couple of teen groups, such as Teen Advisory Board, Palo Alto Youth Council (and) the teens that already come to (the Mitchell Park Library)

Teen Center, what they think about the different amenities that will be provided in the space,” he said.

PAYC member senior Dolly Wu is excited about the teen center, but raises concerns on the accessibility issues.

“One thing I’m a bit nervous about is how much reach this new center will have,” she said. “I don’t think its purpose would be maximized if it is only marketed as a place for teens to hang out, so I really hope it will work with community organizations (in addition to La Comida)

to make it feel more integrated.”

The center was designed for one purpose: to support Palo Alto youth.

PAYC member senior Ruddhra Gupta looks forward to seeing the new location in action.

“I think it was a good idea that they (put) the teen center downtown,” he said.

“It’s nice (that it’s) in a place (that) is more lively and has more traffic so teens can use it more. I also heard that they are adding many more amenities compared to the Mitchell Park (center) which is exciting.”

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News

THEORACLE

California laws take effect, impact student safety and education Sarah Grupenhoff News Editor As students settle in for a new semester, state lawmakers have implemented new legislation. In response to statewide and local issues on student safety, these bills focus on education and heightened national political tensions.

The enforcement of these laws means major changes to student life. According to Palo Alto Vice Mayor Greer Stone, youth perspectives carry weight in city government.

“As elected leaders, we’re so used to hearing from older people in the community,” he said “But when young people speak up, especially regarding local government and their towns and their communities, our ears really perk up.”

Senate Bill 98 Under Senate Bill 98, which took effect on Jan. 1, California schools must alert students and staff if immigration enforcement agents are on campus.

Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted several arrests across the nation that civil rights advocates and local officials say were warrantless, including instances in which agents entered homes without court orders. The new measure limits ICE’s ability to enter certain school areas without a warrant or court order, a move Stone says responds to the Trump administrations current actions and strengthens protections for the community. “(The current government) reminds me of more authoritarian types of regimes that we’ve seen around the world,” he said. “Anything our state can do to be able to push back is a worthy endeavor.”

Senior Lauren Murakami — co-president of the Civic Engagement and Education Project — works to educate students on civic issues and current events.

She maintains a similar viewpoint,

82.2%

placing schools as important sanctuaries for education.

“I think (SB 98) will increase student safety and transparency within communities,” she said. “Schools are a place to learn, not a place where we should have to worry about our safety.”

PAUSD hosted a training in March 2025 for staff on appropriate safety protocols in the event of an ICE raid, according to Assistant Principal Kat Catalano in a press conference with The Oracle on Jan. 21.

California law decrees that state police officers cannot check immigration status. Under that law, when reporting a crime to the Palo Alto Police Department, officers will not ask about legal status. If they do discover that someone is undocumented, they are precluded from reporting that to any federal agency.

Senate Bill 640 Senate Bill 640 took effect on Jan. 1, expanding the California State University Direct Admissions Program to include every school district in the state. All qualified California high school students who maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are now guaranteed admission to a CSU campus, beginning the next fall 2027 application cycle.

The measure could be especially helpful for students who lack access to private college services due to financial barriers.

“I know a lot of people who don’t have access to things like college counselors or (other) higher-level resources to help them with their college application process,” Murakami said. “(SB 640) will give them some sense of comfort in knowing that they already have at least one option to go to.”

Stone said he supports SB 640 as part of a broader effort to ensure access to free public education for all students.

“We have some of the best state schools in the country,” he said. “I think (this is) a step in the right direction to ensure that all students do have a state school that they are able to get into because we all learn at different phases. We all find success at our own pace.”

Assembly Bill 461 Assembly Bill 461, which went into effect on Jan. 1,

of surveyed Students oppose implenting stricter attendance policies

students by out to Gunn t n se ey rv responses.

-selected su eb. 3 with 73 F Source: Self to 28 . n from Ja The Oracle

relaxes school attendance policies, repealing laws that once allowed parents or guardians of chronically absent students to face misdemeanor charges.

Stone, who also teaches high school history, raises concerns about how this bill might negatively impact students’ work habits, both in school and later in the workplace. He notes attendance issues as a challenge persistent among his own students — one that he said lawmakers may not fully understand without classroom experience.

“We have seen chronic absenteeism increase across the state,” he said. “(They have) been removing accountability from the classroom, (and) we’re now seeing what is happening when you have students who have grown up in environments without those types of consequences entering the workforce.”

According to Assistant Principal Erik Olah, addressing the root causes of chronically absent students’ records is more effective than harsh punishment, which he said can add to the existing issues that being regularly absent causes.

“Ultimately, for me, it’s about finding (out) the why: Why is it that you’re not coming to school, and (how can we) help break barriers down?” he said. “There are natural consequences of not going to class, and that (affects) your grades. (Gunn administration’s approach is) really focused on solutions-based discussion, not punishment.”

Olah raises concerns about these students’ futures, pointing to the extreme potential consequences that such behavioral patterns can lead to in the professional world.

“What happens in the future when you have a job, and you’re missing it, or you’re late?” he said. “You’re not going to get paid, and then you’re getting fired. So it’s (important to instill) that kind of mindset at this point and understanding why it matters now to set that character for yourself going forward.”

19.2%

of students are not certain they will get admitted to a four-year college

Source: Self-selected survey sent out to Gunn students by The Oracle from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 with 72 responses.

Photo illustration by Vin Bhat and Azuki Radhakrishnan

News

THEORACLE 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 354-8238 www.gunnoracle.com

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Sylvie Nguyen Managing Editors Yu-Ming Liu Ya-An Xue News Vin Bhat Sarah Grupenhoff Vanisha Vig Forum Kaylee Cheng Claire Jittipun Melody Song Features Gwen Domine Lena Duggan Eanam Maor In-Depth Roy Lao Melody Na

Friday, February 6, 2026

February festivities, upgrades kick off the semester ELIMINATION

Social Media Vaani Saxena Photo Editor Mars Ezakadan Graphics Editor Azuki Radhakrishnan

Staff

Photographers Inaaya Ahmed Vin Bhat Evelyn Chow Maryam Maskatia Victor Peng Claudia Wolff de Tourreil Chloe Wu Reporters Arjum Ahluwalia Annabel Brown Mayher Dulani Athena Gao Ellen Kim Yuji Song Fiona Wu Noa Zeitlin Cici Zhang Michelle Zhou

get to know new people and build connections.”

From holding a plushie in a specific hand to wearing wigs, the game has daily rules that protect players from being tagged. Participants must simultaneously hunt their targets and adhere to these constraints to stay alive in the game.

For many students, like freshman Ellie Fidanboylu, Elimination is the social highlight of the year. As the competition stakes intensify throughout the weeks, shared memories and new connections are made along the way.

“It’ll be a fun activity to do with my friends,” she said. “There will be something new every single day that gives everyone something to look forward to.”

Maryam Maskatia

Love Week

Lifestyle Anne Dong Ezra Rosenberg Vaani Saxena

Graphics Artists Vin Bhat Hannah Jung Kai Knutson Sophie Kou Michael Lu Alexandra Liu Sahana Mahadevan Dani Massarweh Nina Pankov

JAN. 26 to feb. 17

—written by yuji song

Gunn’s annual Elimination game is underway, sending the campus into a frenzy of animal plushies and avid strategic planning.

Dating back to the first game in 2017, the SEChosted tradition continues to brew excitement and light-hearted competition among students.

Each year, hundreds of participants register through the student-created game website and receive a target. The goal is to tag that student with a plush toy to eliminate them, enter their code into the site and climb up the rankings.

Student Body Secretary junior Esther Li describes Elimination as a friendly atmosphere that brings out everyone’s inner child.

“The fact (is) that your target can be anywhere in this school,” she said. “It could be someone you know or may not know (which) makes the process of trying to eliminate them a fun way to

Sports Yael Gottesman Olivia Lee

Business/Circulation Eanam Maor

Sarah Grupenhoff

feb. 10 to feb. 12

—written by noa zeitlin

The Student Executive Council will host the annual Love Week on the quad, where students can celebrate on-campus connections from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.

On the first day, students who completed the Match-o-Matics survey distributed through Schoology, will receive their results revealing their most and least compatible matches across all grades.

Sophomore Naomi Weiner, who participated last year, enjoyed the sense of community and opportunity for new opportunities to bond.

“I think (SEC) fosters a great sense of community from Match-o-Matics, especially because you can find people that you bond with or are similar to you without actually ever meeting them before, and you get to meet new people that way,” she said.

The following day, students can make bracelets together before the week culminates in a symbolic “marriage” under an arch with fake rings and flowers. The Love Ceremony is the most popular event of the week, according to Student Activities Director Lisa Hall.

“People all gather together, and it’s nice because significant others and friends can get married under the arch,” she said.

Special Events Commissioner junior LeeAh Ji said the organizing team is changing the Matcho-Matics algorithm to fix previous years’ flaws.

“Some people got the same person in their sheets (as other people), so we’re hoping to create a better system that’s more varied,” she said.

SPANGENBERG CONSTRUCTION Students started the second semester with a refurbished Spangenberg Theater, complete with new rigging systems, trusses for stage lights, updates to the control booth, electrical upgrades and a new fire curtain.

The renovations prioritized lighting upgrades to bolster the audience experience, introducing color-changing LEDs and moving fixtures with remote pan, tilt and zoom control, according to PAUSD Supervisor of Theatre Production and Facility Rental Kyle Langdon.

“The theater is much more evenly lit when you walk in,” he said. “These improvements benefit all performers, designers and attendees for events at Spangenberg Theater.”

While the equipment improves production capabilities for Gunn’s performing arts programs, the primary driver behind the construction was

REOPENED JAN. 6

—written by ROY LAO

safety and compliance, according to Assistant Principal of Facilities Dr. Mycal Hixon in a press conference with The Oracle on Jan. 21. “(We had to) make sure we were up to fire code with the fire marshal,” he said. “California changes things on a consistent basis to make sure that things are sustainable.”

During the construction period, Gunn’s performances, including instrumental music concerts, the staff-choir musical and theater productions, were relocated, primarily to Paly’s Performing Arts Center.

“It is a lot of work to take a show on the road, and everyone involved did a great job to help those changes run smoothly,” Langdon said.

There are no current plans for further major construction. Performances have since resumed.

Kaylee Cheng

INBOX

Adviser Kristy Blackburn

Have feedback on this issue? Complete our feedback form at tinyurl.com/OracleFebruary2026 and view our digital issue at issuu.com/gunnoracle.

The Oracle strongly encourages and publishes signed Letters to the Editor and Comments. Comments are generally shorter responses, while Letters are longer pieces of writing.

Please include your name, grade and contact information should you choose to write one.

Vin Bhat

3

—December 5, 2025—

Letters and Comments may be edited to meet space requirements, and the writer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Letters to the Editor, Comments and ideas for coverage may be sent to oraclegunn@gmail.com. These letters do not need to be from current students.

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Ad generated by AI

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Forum

Friday, February 6, 2026

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AI needs more regulation, government control Gwen Domine Features Editor Hallmark of early facial altering technology, the Snapchat face-swap filter is a fun lens well-known to many longtime Snapchat users, reaching peak popularity in 2016. However, image alteration platforms take on a new role when considering the evolution of softwares: platforms used to have a goal of fun, interactive experiences for users. However, artificial intelligence has entered the realm of dangerous possibilities for the many who are unable to distinguish AI-generated videos from real media. While cats baking a cake or Donald Trump singing a viral song are relatively harmless uses of AI, much of the work created by generative AI can have lasting, dangerous effects that run rampant due to a lack of effective regulation.

Without proper legislation and enforcement, AI has the power to spread misinformation in the hands of those with dangerous intentions. In January 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14179, effectively removing the limitations on American AI development that Biden had previously set to mandate safety testing.

In addition, Trump signed The Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act (TAKE IT DOWN) in May 2025, which prohibits the publication of AI-generated explicit images, and in case of publication, requires the photo

to be taken down within 48 hours. However this act has not yet been effective. For instance, deepfakes — false videos of real individuals, often sexual in nature — carry malicious intents that endanger the lives of subjects, and are still found commonly across the internet. The potential to ruin lives with AI-generated nudes or impact careers by creating a video of someone using a slur is far too easy. In 2023, the U.K.-based charity Internet Watch Foundation found that AI-generated images of children in a sexual nature are becoming available on a subscription basis, allowing users of specific sites to pay to receive pictures monthly. The lack of generative AI moderation causes harm to unsuspecting minors, permanently altering their online, and real, presence and perception.

Left unchecked, AI can be weaponized in political campaigns to attack opponents, manipulate public perception and mislead voters. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, prominent cybersecurity company FireEye found images that were artificially-generated in order to promote the Lebanese political party. AI skews how constituents form their beliefs due to abusive and unethical tactics utilized by international politicians, jeopardizing the integrity of governments.

To solve this pressing issue and fix the shortcomings of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, legislation should mandate watermarks that clearly label AI-generated content.

While it may be impossible to altogether stop the creation of deepfakes and other products of generative AI, as seen with the TAKE IT DOWN Act, there is still a path forward. To fix the problem, it must be addressed at its roots: the companies. TAKE IT DOWN has failed

largely because it leads to delayed reactions that allow for over two days of reshares, screenshots and potential to go viral. Google’s creation of SynthID, an invisible tool marking AI products, is a first step. However, invisible watermarks may fall short in any setting beyond the academic. To protect the public, visible watermarks are necessary to ensure users can immediately recognize fabricated media. For example, OpenAI’s Sora features a small logo on each AI-generated video, indicating its origin. California has also begun promoting legislation in a similar direction. Effective in January, the California AI Transparency Act requires generative AI platforms to have a feature where users can detect AI content or add a watermark. This bill is a start to the regulations that need to become much more widespread.

Of course, there is the issue of national versus international jurisdiction. That is, if the United States is the only country to regulate AI-generated content, companies may move operations abroad to bypass domestic laws while still influencing U.S. audiences.

This reality calls for world-wide cooperation. As with international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Geneva Conventions on humanitarian law, effective AI governance should require coordination beyond national borders.

As technology grows more powerful, so do the risks.

Generative AI has increasingly fallen into the hands of those willing to exploit a public that cannot distinguish altered media from the real world anymore.

Overwork hinders success, dilutes sense of purpose Yuji Song Reporter In a society that equates late nights and packed schedules with ambition and future success, being busy has become a source of pride. Ask any of your friends or coworkers if they can make plans for the weekend. The most common response is, “Sorry, I’m busy.” The words double as a signal of productivity and importance, as if constant exhaustion is proof that achievement is made.

However, continuous activity is mistaken as success, and making the two synonymous can obscure the damaging consequence of burnout.

Being busy is a measure of activity, not accomplishment. Spending numerous hours answering emails, working on tasks and attending meetings can count towards the amount of work done but might not even have a goal behind all the tedious labor and time spent. A 2012 research from the University of Chicago found that people set goals to justify themselves being busy, not from pure passion and motivation. More people preferred doing

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a task rather than nothing, even if it meant that task was pointless. In fact, excessive worry can mask one’s motivations: people may focus on filling their schedules rather than stopping to question what truly matters or what meaningful results they want to achieve.

Across careers, overworking is rewarded and constantly praised. Employees who work longer hours and take on multiple tasks are characterized as hard working and disciplined. Meanwhile, equally efficient workers who finish their work without extra hours may be devalued. Research conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2006 found that in the early 2000s, employees who worked over 55 hours per week earned a weekly salary 24.5% higher than workers working 40 hours. While this may seem beneficial, this 24.5% salary increase is due to an over 35% increase in working hours, which is less bang for your buck.

According to the American Psychological Association, multi-tasking can cause a person to lose up to 40% of their productive time. During the course of rigorously replying to the numerous emails and notifications along with processing information, those who burden themselves with too many tasks have less time for deep thinking and problem solving, some of the most important skills in life. Busyness can be counterproductive: adding temporary work to fill a void but undermining the true goal and ambition.

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Vin Bhat Vin Bhat

The same pattern extends into classrooms. Students overpack their time with multiple extracurriculars, advanced classes and other fulfilling opportunities, hoping this lifestyle is the ticket to a good college.

But chasing quantity over quality can backfire. While there are benefits to having a variety of interests, being overpacked with excessive work severely impacts mental health, increasing depression, anxiety and burnout, leading to an obscured vision of pure interest and passion. In 2013, researchers at Lewis and Clark College surveyed over 4,000 students, revealing that overloaded schedules directly linked to symptoms like headaches and exhaustion. Success in education, or in any field, comes hand in hand with passion, learning and growth, not the volume of work done. It starts with a goal and deliberate actions that pursue it. The most accomplished students and professionals are not necessarily the busiest; they know what they want, prioritize and enjoy life along the way. To succeed is not to pile on but to balance work and self-love.

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Forum

THEORACLE

individualism, ‘lone wolf’ mindset Forming authentic connections requires break down friendships, communities dedication, effort Vin Bhat News Editor Something has shifted in how people think about their place in the world. More and more, a simple philosophy has taken hold: “You don’t owe anyone anything.” “Look out for yourself.” “Invest time only where there’s a clear payoff.” It sounds liberating, even empowering. But this mindset comes with costs that are only beginning to be understood.

What happens when people actually care

people feel but rarely name. When you’re not constantly braced for disappointment or exploitation, your body stands down. Over time, that calm accumulates, shaping mental health, physical resilience and how long people stay well enough to show up for others again and again throughout their lives.

Across studies, stronger neighborhood trust and mutual support correlate with better moods, less loneliness and greater life satisfaction. In these settings, social networks function as emotional infrastructure, scaffolding that holds people up when everything else threatens to collapse.

Strip that away, and what’s left? The answer is already being lived around the world. Loneliness and isolation increase risk for depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.

They diminish quality of life in measurable, devastating ways.

The “I owe nothing” attitude doesn’t free anyone. It isolates.

Why “reciprocity” isn’t a dirty word

In a massive Seoul National University-led 2020 study tracking 636,055 adults in South Korea, people living in The objection is predictable. It sounds like guilt-tripping neighborhoods with higher collective trust and reciprocity lived longer, with lower rates of death from cardiovascular people into obligation, as though social connection requires disease and cancer. This wasn’t because they smoked less or self-sacrifice in the name of some outdated sense of duty. But exercised more. The protective effect remained even after that fundamentally confuses what reciprocity means.

Reciprocity isn’t a burden carried for someone else’s accounting for those healthy lifestyle choices. This suggests that social cohesion itself may shape population health in benefit. It’s an investment in a system that benefits everyone, including the person making the investment. ways individual choices alone cannot.

According to a St. Louis University study published in 2013, When communities operate on trust and mutual aid, they across many populations and study designs, communities become resilient. They can weather economic downturns, natural disasters and personal crises. with stronger trust and reciprocity They create environments where tend to have better health outcomes information flows, where help is compared with less connected ones.

Beyond mortality, large systematic Real freedom isn’t the accessible and where people look out reviews and meta-analyses show absence of connection but for one another not because they have that people living in more connected the presence of meaningful to, but because it works.

Perhaps the deepest misconception communities tend to be healthier. choice within a web of about the “owe nothing” mentality Studies on social capital research — is that it represents true freedom. It which focuses on the networks, trust relationships that sustain. doesn’t. Real freedom isn’t the absence and norms of mutual aid — associate higher levels of social connection with better self-reported of connection but the presence of meaningful choice within a web of relationships that sustain. health and reduced risk of death overall.

Research from the Finnish Department of Health in 2013 adds another layer to this picture by showing that social participation is independently associated with healthier behaviors and better self-rated physical and psychological well-being. All in all, this too complicates the preconceived Communities built on trust and reciprocity are dramatically notion that individualism and the “I owe nothing” attitude healthier and happier. When people tell themselves they owe are helpful or advantageous. nothing to anyone, they make a trade without full awareness.

They exchange the illusion of total independence for the very real benefits of interdependence. Isolation gets chosen over resilience, loneliness over belonging and — whether anyone Physical health tells only part of the story. When people realizes it or not — sickness over health.

The path forward isn’t complicated. Society doesn’t need withdraw from contact with others, convinced they owe nothing to those around them, they lose something harder revolutionizing. Autonomy doesn’t need sacrificing. Mutual to quantify but just as vital: the buffer against life’s inevitable responsibility, civic engagement and social reciprocity aren’t constraints on human flourishing. They’re conditions for it. hardships.

Trust isn’t some abstract virtue floating above daily life. It The question isn’t whether communities are worth investing shows up in small, ordinary moments, like a friend checking in. It’s whether anyone can afford not to. in with you when you go quiet or a coworker sharing advice without guarding it. Those moments lower stress in ways

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Freedom doesn’t mean isolation

A loneliness epidemic

Graphic by Azuki Radhakrishnan

Kaylee Cheng Forum Editor In our post-pandemic, AI-andtechnology ridden, politically hostile, fastpaced life, the loneliness epidemic, this grey filter blurring the warmth communities and connections are meant to offer, is now a more pressing problem than ever.

I read a quote somewhere (from TikTok, unfortunately) that said, “In order to have a village, you have to be a villager.” It all sounds so simple, but what does it mean to be a villager?

I’ve grappled with that question in a lot of friendships in the past. Does being a villager mean 100% sacrifice with no expectations of a favor being returned? Does it mean perpetually prioritizing the happiness of others over yourself? Or feeling responsible for their every bad day? As someone who has been trapped in those scenarios before, I can tell you that it doesn’t equate to fulfillment, just deep burnout and stress.

There’s definitely a delicate balance, but in a world where social media artificially creates friendships that are low-effort to maintain, it’s difficult to find genuine, nontransactional relationships. When you post a birthday story, comment on a post and tag your friends in videos, it’s easy to feel like you’ve done enough for the friendship, that you’ve done all you’re “supposed to do.”

The account feels settled. Yet this thinking doesn’t encourage us to spend quality time with the people we love, pick them up from the airport at 4 a.m. or offer to make them soup when they’re sick. After all, the saying refers to it as a village, not an E-community.

Another one of the biggest reasons for our widespread loneliness is a collective loss of empathy when humanity is impersonalized through a screen. Especially following the boon in mental health awareness, we are encouraged to always put ourselves first, build a space where we are the most comfortable and prioritize our own comfort always. I’m not saying at all that this is wrong. In fact, I think past-peoplepleaser-Kaylee would have benefitted a lot from adapting this philosophy. However, this mindset can’t be the only way we move through the world. You can’t avoid everything that is an inconvenience by making the case that “you gotta put yourself first.” Don’t cancel plans just because you suddenly don’t feel like hanging out. Don’t cut people off without putting in the effort to have a genuine conversation and try to fix the issue — because when it comes to people you love, those hard conversations are the things that prove you care.

I am grateful every single day for not only having met my friends, but more importantly, for feeling my effort, vulnerability and presence reciprocated in a tangible way needed to keep real relationships alive. This metaphor of finding my “village” has been an unspoken mentor in my journey to unlearn previous instincts and reach out to others with a renewed confidence. Being part of a village does not mean forgetting yourself and who you are. It is an assurance of the important role you hold in other’s lives.

Ultimately, if we crave community and fear loneliness, then making interpersonal connections remains a choice we consciously keep making, and eventually, you will find the people that you mutually ride or die for.

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Friday, February 6, 2026

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Driving the stereotypes away: girls on campus participate in auto activities From Hot Wheels toys to Lightning McQueen bed wheels. Having grown up watching her dad work on pursuing more male-dominated hobbies. sheets, the idea that cars are made for boys has been his own car, she started her sports photography career “I definitely think that the way that cars are spoken imprinted into young minds for decades. Meanwhile, two years ago and enjoys taking photos of motor sports about from a young age impacts a lot of women’s young girls are expected to gravitate towards Barbies or while also watching Formula One racing. outlook on cars, and especially in F1 because it almost pretend-play kitchens, interests which are labelled as Throughout her journey, Noh mentions that the bias discourages women from wanting to look into it further, feminine. For sophomore Natalie Noh, these examples she has felt in the motor field has only grown stronger. out of the fear that they’ll fall out of being womanly or of early gender-specific marketing can influence how She has noticed that there are differences in people’s elegant,” Kimhi said. girls view themselves and limit future opportunities. behavior when she is alone in contrast to when she is Nevertheless, Noh has been able to overcome barriers “Cars being primarily targeted towards boys can with her male counterparts. by finding a supportive community and leaning into definitely delay interest for a “At car meets and events, I’ve her passion. Photography helps create bonds between lot of girls from a young age,” definitely noticed that the owners people in the same hobby. Shooting different car shows she said. “Guys are exposed (of cars) are more likely to explain with her friends keeps her motivated to keep going. to (things from) toy cars and it could also be good to the specifications and the details “I think through car photography, I made a bunch trucks to video games or other have women coming into the of the cars when I’m with guys, of friends with other photographers, some of whom media while girls might not be automotive industry and whereas when I’m only with other also shoot motor sports, which eventually got me to as exposed to the same things.” representing that diversity girls that doesn’t always happen,” bring my camera to different car shows and events,” This marketing framework among genders. That’s what I’m she said. she said. “I think what keeps me interested is getting to is reflected in research from trying to do.

Even in sports entertainment, see different cars for the first time. It is always such a the Geena Davis Institute on women often must fight for surreal experience.”

—junior Vanessa dahl their place as a fan. Sophomore Gender in Media. The study Carrying her love of sports photography and a sense found that in advertisements Gaia Kimhi considers herself a of self-confidence, Noh pushes past gender norms and distributed during 2022 for F1 superfan, from waking up at plans on continuing on the motor sports photography best-selling toys, boys were three to four times more dawn to watch races and traveling across the world to path in college. likely to be shown playing with cars, weapons and sports attending the F1 Grand Prix. Her love for motorsports “I think that if you know your stuff and are just toys than their female counterparts. These patterns in stemmed from the influence of her dad and older confident and passionate about it people respect that representation do not end in childhood: They become brother, as she often attended no matter what your gender is,” prevalent in the workforce too. While women in the car races with them starting she said. automotive industry have grown in numbers recently, from the age of six. Throughout Although the stereotypes put according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women the countless events she has what keeps me interested is onto girls in the field are not easy only held 23.9% of manufacturing jobs, which includes attended, Kimhi has noticed getting to see different cars to deal with, Kimhi prefers to food and transportation manufacturing, and 12.1% of the large gap in attendance for the first time. It is always think of it as motivating rather automotive repair and maintenance roles in 2022. between the two genders. such a surreal experience. than discouraging.

As the only girl in her auto class, junior Vanessa Similar to Dahl and Noh, she “It’s easy to be thrown off by —sophomore natalie noh subtle observations such as the Dahl pushes past assigned gender roles by but leading believes this disparity stems projects amongst her male peers. Her interest in cars from societal beliefs that smaller attendance of girls like began in Fletcher Middle School where she took the women are not interested, or me or stereotypes that I feel like Industrial Tech, and has remained a defining part of her cannot handle the technical side of auto. are constantly being placed on women,” she said. “The life. Responsibilities like changing engine oil, working “I think one of the biggest (stereotypes) is that truth is, I feel even more passionate to prove my gender on her own car outside of school or completing projects women only like the sport because they’re attracted to right in a hobby full of men which is why I keep showing in Gunn’s auto class have inspired Dahl to pursue a the driver and that’s the only reason they would keep up and doing what I love.” career in automotive engineering. up with the sport,” she said. “So it’s almost like having ­—Written by Lena Duggan and Ellen Kim “I feel like (the automotive industry would) be to explain why you’re a fan of something that other more inclined to have men just because it (may) seem people may be too, but because you’re a woman, you like they know more about the cars, just because it’s have to answer to that stereotype of only supporting the considered a manly kind of thing,” she said. “But I feel sport for the drivers.” like it could also be good to have women coming into Kimhi also thinks that the the automotive industry and representing that diversity stereotypes to always maintain among genders. That’s what I’m trying to do.” traditionally ‘woman like’ Dahl not only enjoys working on cars, but spends characteristics — imposed some of her leisure time watching motorsports and on young girls — researching car parts. Completing projects like fixing prevents them from car engines and working on the transmissions while pushing against gender expectations has also struck a chord.

“I find it really interesting just to know the little nitty gritty stuff (about cars),” she said. “So if I have an issue with my car, I kind of just take the time to research it a little bit and see what I can do to fix it.”

Noh is also familiar with the world of engines and

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Lena Duggan

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Spotl

THEORACLE

Local, district student

Following the deaths of Minnesota residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, stud Gwen Domine, Eanam Maor and Ezra Rosenberg Features Editors and Lifestyle Editor

P

alo Alto students from across grade levels and schools took to the streets in recent weeks, joining a wave of nationwide youthled protests in light of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Students gathered in the senior quad on Friday, Jan. 30, to begin a march from Gunn to El Camino Real, holding signs and chanting phrases such as “Melt the ICE!” Four days later, on Feb. 3, students across PAUSD schools — Gunn, Jane Lathrop Stanford, Fletcher, Greene, Palo Alto Middle College and Paly — gathered on California Avenue after unforeseen circumstances prevented them from realizing the original plan of meeting at Paly and progressing to the district office.

Student Organization Junior Kalissa Huang and sophomore Noa Zeitlin (who is also a reporter for The Oracle) led the first walkout, promoting it largely through Instagram on their account @walkoutatgunn. The students amassed hundreds of followers in just days. Friday’s protest stemmed from a nationwide movement protesting ICE’s actions, referred to across social media as a “day of strike.” Students ended up gathering around the Tesla dealership and surrounding areas with signs and chants. Other students drove by in their cars and honked in support of their peers as the protesters cheered. Before the protest, Huang and Zeitlin reached out to Assistant Principal Kat Catalano in order to gain more information as well as go over legal regulations regarding student demonstrations.

Tuesday’s walkout, however, was Bay Area-centric and included five other PAUSD schools. While it was organized by members of Gunn’s Latinos Unidos Club and Black Student Union, it was not an official club event. Spearheaded by juniors Sophia Chakos-Mitchell and Keylee Villanueva Dominguez along with seniors Khloe Hisatomi, Megumi Estrada and Natalia Martinez, their goal was to show support specifically for Latino and immigrant communities rather than protest ICE and the Trump administration.

Chakos-Mitchell helped organize the logistics and communication.

The intention was to advocate for the district to release a statement or letter to marginalized communities assuring them of their support, similar to previous district protest responses, according to Chakos-

18.1%

of students do not feel safe at Gunn as mass deportations ramp up nationwide Source: Self-selected survey sent to Gunn students by The Oracle from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 with 72 responses.

Mitchell. However, as of Feb. 4, there has not been an official publicized statement from PAUSD. She mentioned that while she believes the district has made some good choices and is doing a better job than many nearby districts, students are advocating for a more empathetic response. “(I would urge people to) listen to marginalized groups when they are telling you of their experiences,” she said. “Just because it’s something that you haven’t heard of (or) something that you’re not aware (of) doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

District Involvement and Safety District staff are prohibited from supporting any political agenda during working hours, according to PAUSD board policies that cite California Education Code sections 7050-7057. Essentially, staff are not allowed to officially endorse protests or personally encourage students to attend during working hours. Although PAUSD cannot advertise or label a protest as a district-sanctioned event, they have the power to advocate for safety, which they took measures to promote.

“Our administration team wants to support student efforts,” Catalano said. “We also sent some information out through ParentSquare that was posted yesterday afternoon (Jan. 30), just to inform the community.”

The ParentSquare post detailed the walkout plans, and read that the administration’s priorities are “student safety, respectful learning environments and clear expectations,” stating that instruction would continue regardless of the walkout.

According to Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer Robert Andrade and Gunn administration, safety is the largest priority of district staff. However, once students step off campus to protest, they are no longer the responsibility of the district. Andrade noted that the majority of students participating in the Jan. 30 event followed safety protocols and remained on sidewalks. Some students, however, instead stood in the road or filled a vehicle above capacity — prompting safety concerns.

“At that point, you’ve taken (the safety) out of the district’s hands,” Andrade said. “Safety always begins when you come to school and are at school. Safety ends once you leave school and are off of school property.”

Challenges and Concerns Although the protest drew large turnouts, the organizers of the first and second protest faced challenges coordinating their efforts. Friday’s protest followed the model of a larger, nationally planned strike day that schools across the country took part in. The organizers of the Feb. 3 protest encouraged students to participate in the Jan. 30 strike — including avoiding purchases, skipping school or work and staying at home — as opposed to attending the Jan. 30 walkout. The leaders’ differences in planning led to contrasting messages on social media, generating uncertainty about which of the events should be attended.

Latino students were at the forefront of leading the Feb. 3 walkout, according to Hisatomi. She believed it was vital they take that role because of the

disproportionate targeting of the La “We wanted (Tuesday’s protest) t personally show and shed light on “A lot of people didn’t understand hosted by Latinos, and it was a maj the same time, we have to do what w support us or not, that’s their decisi Another concern was the lack whereabouts as a result of attend allowed one school day of excuse engagement events, according to Ca an excused absence, students were their absence at least 24 hours in submit the form, causing a high v leaving a significant number of stud “The turnout was a good deal hig we had turned in for excused absenc

Student Per

Through both the Feb. 3 and J confidence in the state of youth voices. Students from each middle s demonstrating a level of involvemen national events affected adolescents JLS eighth grader Rhea Page feel peers have a duty to speak up and b a necessity even when young.

“I showed up here because I wan out for this, and for those who are ge “It doesn’t matter who’s who (or) wh together to support it.”

Dominguez encourages studen political activism locally, especially just in response to national moveme “We want to do more walkouts, t more people,” she said. “We don’t w specific day.”

Jan. 30 protest attendee senior Ar for students to vocalize their opinio make change and mobilize awarene “We have to come out and show going on in our country,” he said. “W and the deportation of immigrants w opportunities. We’ve got to change t

Community

While the Jan. 30 and Feb. 3 pr were not entirely student-populate walkouts, adult volunteers were

light

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ts protest against ICE Friday, February 6, 2026

dents exercise First Amendment right to peacefully protest in mass walkout

atino demographic by ICE. to be hosted by Latinos to be able to our community’s issues,” she said. d why we thought that it should be jor problem at the beginning, but at we want to do, and if people want to ion.” of knowledge regarding students’ dance discrepancies. Students are ed absence to participate in civic alifornia Senate Bill 955. To receive required to fill out forms detailing advance. However, many did not volume of unexcused absences and dents unaccounted for. gher than the number of forms that ces,” Catalano said.

rspectives

Jan. 30 walkouts, students gained activism and the power of their school in PAUSD also participated, nt that reflected the extent to which s. ls that regardless of age, she and her believes that spreading awareness is

nt to support those who can’t speak etting deported unfairly,” Page said. hat grade you are: We’re just all here

nts to continue to participate in y regarding current events and not ents. the bigger the better, so that there’s want to do it for the trend or just a

rjun Sinha thinks that it is important ons on issues they care about to help ess. w that we really care about what’s We really want to stop all of the hate who come to this country looking for that.”

y Support

rotests were both student-led, they ed. At both the Jan. 30 and Feb. 3

present at the events to ensure both safety and support. Through a network of online news, emails and various forms of communication, the word spread to adults in the community.

Former Youth Community Service director and current Rotary Club of Palo Alto member Leif Erickson attended the Jan. 30 walkout at Gunn after attending the one at Paly. He did so to make sure students were safely crossing the streets they were protesting on during the event.

“The only reason I’m here is to keep students safe,” he said. “I think it’s a very positive development, and the fact that it’s happening not just at one school but all over the country shows great solidarity.”

Indivisible Palo Alto Plus, a local activist organization promoting democratic values, brought eight members to Tuesday’s California Ave. protest. These peacekeepers, IPA+ member Steve Wagman explained, went through training and were prepared for contingency plans in the event of the protest going wrong.

“We’re out here to make sure that no counter-protesters come and start arguing with the protesters,” he said. “I think it’s great everybody’s yelling and making people honk and having a good time and keeping people aware.”

Next Steps The community continues to look ahead for next steps while holding space for grief and remembrance. Freshman Kayla Barile, who attended the Friday protest, is the daughter of an immigrant and was taken aback by events on the news regarding ICE arrests, describing them as “unjust and unlawful.”

“It honestly makes me feel a little bit sad that we have to miss our school to come here and protest,” she said. “But it’s kind of empowering that everyone’s coming out here to show up.”

According to a Feb. 2 Schoology post from Assistant Principal Erik Olah, Board Policy 1445: “Response to Immigration Enforcement” is on the agenda for consideration at the Feb. 10 school board meeting.

Chakos-Mitchell highlights that there are still gaps that must be addressed, leading her to personally email the district to advocate for the upcoming policy to include mental health and emotional support for students in these demographics.

“I saw that they had an ICE policy in place, and that’s good (because) that can give students a little bit of reassurance,” she said. “But a lot of it also is making sure that emotionally, students know that the school and the district is there for them.”

According to Chakos-Mitchell, changes to the plans for the Feb. 3 protest prevented the event from achieving its original goal: going to the district office and pushing PAUSD to implement specific policies and actions. Still, she mentions that the high volume of student support made an impact, which led to an email back from the district and drew the attention of district officials, including Superintendent Don Austin.

She continues to advocate for students to stand up against inequalities.

“It’s important to show people that you do care and it’s important to show up for communities that you’re not a part of,” she said, “We should always be supporting our underrepresented communities as much as we possibly can

and it doesn’t matter if other people aren’t following in our footsteps. It matters that we’re doing what’s right.”

This emotion and community connection is what drives action.

Looking to the future, sophomore Edgar Cruz believes that political activism should be used as a catalyst to create changes that combats perceived injustices.

“We’re doing a peaceful protest so we can make it right and help the community,” he said. “(ICE is) going to start terrorizing things, breaking things, getting people and taking them. We want our community to be a safe place where people won’t be scared.”

—Additional reporting by Vin Bhat

Safety Precautions for a Student Walkout your protected rights •

•

• • •

SB 955: allows students to have one excused absence per year for participation in a civic or political event if they provide advance notice 1st Amendment: right to protest, record video and photograph police, government officials and anything in public spaces 5th Amendment: right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination 6th Amendment: Right to seek legal counsel If arrested or detained If stopped, ask if you are free to go. If yes, calmly walk away. If not, ask why.

UNPROTECTED ACTIONS • • • • •

inciting violence threatening and/or swearing at people. carrying weapons interfering with law enforcement trespassing on private property Source: ACLU, CA Senate Bill, U.S. Constitution, InFocus

Gwen Domine, Mars Ezakadan and Eanam Maor

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Features

THEORACLE

COMMUNITY FIGHTS BAY AREA HUNGER, CONNECTS THROUGH FOOD DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERING

While the Bay Area prides itself on tech innovation and with little for basic needs like consistent groceries. Food promote this event. Organizers hung posters around education, hundreds of thousands of residents struggle to insecurity extends further into income inadequacy, with Gunn’s hallways and in many classrooms, and numerous put food on the table, as they face food insecurity as a lower-income households struggling to afford the cost of teachers across different departments took class time to daily reality. In fact, 16.6% of people still struggle to access food with stagnant wages, while high-income households promote the event to their students. consistent meals in the Bay Area, a number significantly thrive.

“A lot of the effort (and the success of the food higher than the national average of 13.7%, according to P.E. teacher Jill Naylor, who has volunteered with drive) was possible because of other parts of the Gunn Feeding America. In response, Gunn students and faculty Second Harvest, encourages people to volunteer at food community coming together,” Kim said. “It felt really are taking action, both within the school community drives to combat food insecurity. good (to be part) of something that was able to make and across the broader Bay Area. Among these efforts is “Unfortunately, (food insecurity) is very prominent,” people’s lives easier.” the community’s collaboration with Second Harvest, to she wrote in an email. “Families are being impacted all Kim was also involved in expanding the food drive provide nutrition and volunteering opportunities in food over the Bay Area. Food is a basic beyond the campus community, drives. necessity that should be given to including elementary and middle The largest food bank in Silicon Valley, Second Harvest all. Not defined by income, status schools within the district. serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties by distributing or race but by the basic human It made me feel grateful for the According to him, schools such free, nutritious food. The nonprofit also connects families need for fuel.” free food that we have here (at as Hoover and JLS also collected with resources like CalFresh, which provides monthly Students and faculty have Gunn). I know a lot of people donations, which were transferred Electronic Benefit Transfer debit cards to aid low-income also taken further steps. could benefit from it. to Gunn to be redistricted. individuals and families. Operating across more than Social Emotional Literacy “(We were) trying to expand 400 different sites, Second Harvest serves approximately and Functionality Program —Senior daniel schwartz the food drive at other schools in 500,000 people per month.

Coordinators Laurel Howard and PAUSD, besides just benefiting the For many Gunn students, Second Harvest has become Christina Norberg partnered with communities at Gunn,” he said. a familiar name through volunteering. The organization the Student Executive Council to organize a food drive The P.E. department played a particularly high role, is a popular option for fulfilling the 15-hour requirement from November to December in 2025. The event raised urging participation in the food drive by announcing for graduation. The website sign-ups allow volunteers enough donations to feed approximately 20 families, that students who donated at least one bag of food items like him to book their three- to five-hour shifts up to a which accounted for over 95 members of the Gunn would be excused from participating in the upcoming day before the event, making it community receiving the $2,000 mile. Naylor, alongside P.E. teachers Amy Anderson and a convenient way to complete worth of donations.

Paul Medeiros, has been using this tactic to promote the service hours.

Junior Site Council food drive for the past decade.

Senior Daniel Schwartz, Food is a basic necessity that Representative Chanew Kim helped “Knowing that there could be students or families in who has volunteered at Second should be given to all. Not organize. The drive aimed to offset our community struggling to meet the basic necessities Harvest, says volunteering has defined by income, status or the pause in benefits — such as we all need to function has never sat right with me,” she proved to be an eye-opening race but by the basic human the Supplemental Nutritional wrote. “When your stomach is growling, or a headache reminder to have gratitude.

Assistance Program, which provides occurs because you have not eaten for a while, it can make need for fuel. “(I learned) that maybe I don’t monthly grocery funds to low- basic things like concentration, attention, and other know as much as I think I know —P.E. Teacher Jill Naylor income households — caused by the physiological reactions unbearable. My students and I (about food insecurity),” he said. recent government shutdown. couldn’t sit idle and not take action.”

“It made me feel grateful for the “A lot of families in our Naylor believes that “paying it forward” is a way for free food that we have here (at Gunn). I know a lot of community weren’t able to put meals on their family communities to connect for the better good. She showed people could benefit from it.” table,” he said. “That was a pretty big issue that we students the importance of giving back.

Touching moments stood out in particular. Schwartz realized was affecting our community as well, not just “(The students) realized (that) their incredible recalls handing out food to kids at the distribution site, other communities as we previously saw in a lot of the gestures were going to help many people in our Gunn which further inspired him to continue volunteering. (other) current political issues.” community have a meal or two that otherwise may not “Just seeing them smile when you gave them food To promote the food drive, the SELF coordinators have happened without their assistance,” she wrote. really impacted me,” he said. created a competition between grades and SELF cohorts “Seeing their proud faces made me want to do something Even as community efforts grow, questions remain as an incentive for students to donate or volunteer. for them in exchange.” about why food insecurity is significantly higher Cohorts earned points for donations, and the winning Approximately 300 students across multiple teachers’ in the most affluent area in California to group got pizza at their next meeting. The grade with the classes participated in the incentive. For Naylor, the begin with. The rising price of most points got another reward, such as ice cream. turnout reflected what is possible when the community housing, childcare Many different communities on comes together and discovers a shared purpose. and transportation campus took efforts to “(It showed me that) we all can fight this fight leaves many families together and help stop this terrible food insecurity from continuing,” she wrote. “We can make this happen if we all commit to helping one another along the way, showing kindness, and recognizing it’s happening right here in our own backyard.”

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—Written by Athena Gao and Eanam Maor

Photo illustration by Azuki Radhakrishnan and Eanam Maor Courtesy of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

Features

Friday, February 6, 2026

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Students assist in family-owned businesses, develop life skills Sophomore Enzo Wolff de Tourreil: Lonohana For sophomore Enzo Wolff de Tourreil, the chocolate industry has been a constant thread in his life. He started learning the craft as part of his mom’s business, The Chocolate Garage.

Now, he helps his stepdad run Lonohana Estate Chocolate on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

With extensive knowledge of both Lonohana’s history and the creation process, Wolff de Tourreil’s role varies as a young chocolatier. On the island, he turns cacao beans from their farm into the finished chocolates sold in their stores, leads exclusive factory tours and guides guests through flavor profiling during tastings. His usual recommendations include Salted Milk, Cardamon Milk and Passion Orange Guava.

“What’s helpful about working with (my stepdad) and just being there as part of the family business is whenever he has to do something special and needs an extra pair of hands, I’m able to go and assist,” he said. “I can also just fill in for people when they’re out, which is very useful because usually they don’t have someone to do that.”

He may not have a formal role at Lonohana, but his family ties give him the opportunity to

create unique bonds with his co-workers.

“You can convey to your parents, who are the owners, basically what the workers want and what they would be afraid to go and tell the owners directly,” he said.

Wolff de Tourreil often returns to Oahu every other break or for half of the summer to see family and help out at the store.

“It’s nice to know that I can always go and work without having any commitments of always being there,” he said. “That’s the nice thing about not having a traditional job — it’s that you can just show up when you want (and) leave when you want.”

Lonohana’s mission is one that Wolff de Tourreil prides himself in and a key reason for why he enjoys working there.

“It’s regenerative agriculture because we source cacao from our farm on Oahu using sustainable practices and good working conditions,” he said. “It really fosters a sense of community and pride, and I’m proud to be a part of (Lonohana).” ­—Written by Michelle Zhou

Sophomore Melike Serbest: Oklava The rich smell of coffee and fresh Turkish pastries greets sophomore Melike Serbest the moment she steps into Oklava Cafe. As the morning crowd begins to fill the store, she ties on an apron and takes her place behind the counter, ready for another weekend shift.

For Serbest, Oklava is a family story. The cafe is co-owned by her uncle Aziz Asla and partner Elif Asli Uzun. They both opened the downtown store to bring more authentic Turkish food to Palo Alto. While carrying plates of authentic dishes that range in flavors from sweet and airy to savory and flaky, Serbest has discovered a variety of new tastes from her heritage.

“I’ve been introduced to a lot of Turkish desserts,” she said. “We sell things that I didn’t even know existed before. To name a few, there’s muska shape, diyarbakir burma, shobiyet baklava and halep burma.”

Weekend mornings at the cafe are Serbest’s intentional scheduling choice to help her balance school and work. While juggling both activities was difficult at first, she found a routine that lets her manage the responsibilities efficiently.

“I spend my weekdays trying to finish all my homework,” she said. “That gives me time on the weekends to work.”

Serbest had wanted to work alongside her uncle since Oklava first opened in 2023. When she started the job, the family-run aspect made the cafe feel welcoming rather than intimidating.

“I felt less pressure,” she said. “I think part of the reason was because my interview wasn’t really formal. I was introduced to the manager and then just started getting taught how to do things.”

The cafe attracts a diverse customer base, whether its regulars and newcomers or those who come to reconnect with the flavors of home.

“Some people come to just sit down, get coffee and enjoy the feeling of the cafe,” she said. “Some come to try Turkish food, and some come because they miss the Turkish food from their homes.”

That sense of community at the cafe has led to strong relationships between her and the customers, according to Serbest.

“I see some people every week that I work,” she said. “Some customers even gave big tips or presents during Christmas. It’s nice. It creates a feeling of community.” ­—Written by Fiona Wu

Senior Rachael Rickling: Dave’s Backyard Bees Sticky-sweet air wafts through the Sunday farmers market as glass jars of honey bask in the morning sun. As shoppers weave through various produce stands, senior Rachael Rickling can be found twisting lids shut, loading the honey into bags and answering customer questions for the family business her father started: Dave’s Backyard Bees.

Originally started as a hobby of hers during the COVID-19 lockdown to both cure boredom and get his kids out of the house. What started from a single beehive in their yard blossomed into 150 hives across the Bay Area. The products are now available at local farmers markets, as well as at DeMartini Orchard and Country Sun. “My dad is the head beekeeper and he takes care of all the news and getting honey,” she said.

“Then my siblings (and I), and whoever else he hires, help sell the honey and package it into the different things that we offer like beeswax, candles and fresh honey on the comb.”

Once the honey is extracted, Rickling fills and labels jars, packaging and packing orders.

Additionally, she helps out her dad at weekend farmers markets in Palo Alto, Cupertino and San Jose.

Graphics by Hannah Jung

However, with a part-time job of her own as a Winter Lodge employee, Rickling has to compartmentalize her time between helping out with the business, her own job, school and extracurriculars.

“I tend to only work long hours for my dad’s business on the weekends, which is when I don’t have schoolwork or skating,” she said.

Over time, Rickling has seen a big change in her dad’s attitude towards work since Dave’s Backyard Bees took off and is very proud of the progress they’ve made. She plans to continue to contribute to the business in the future when she visits from college.

“The best thing I’ve learned is to follow your passions no matter what age you are,” she said.

“Before this, my dad worked a boring office job for decades before he started beekeeping. But he’s much happier now and actually enjoys his work, which I think is important.” ­—Written by Kaylee Cheng

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SPORTS

THEORACLE

Bay Area businesses, hotels experience short-term revenue increase from Super Bowl LX visitors As one of the biggest sporting events of the year the Super Bowl extends far beyond the field because of its scope. While millions of fans focus on the match up, the halftime show, commercials and local communities experience notable economic effects as thousands of visitors from all over the country travel to the Bay Area.

Although the Super Bowl will be played at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, Palo Alto — situated a short drive away from the stadium — experiences spillover effects through hotels, restaurants and local businesses. Visitors need a place to eat, stay and spend time, creating both opportunities and challenges for the local economy.

According to the Louisiana Economic Department, Super Bowl LIX generated an estimate $1.25 billion in total economic output, with the combined visitor and vendor spending totaling $658.4 million. However, the event still involved significant investment, including over $70 million in infrastructure upgrades and $24 million for hosting. Alongside increased media attention these numbers can be a reason cities submit a bid to host the event.

Many football fans, like senior Min-Jae Kim, associates the Super Bowl with family traditions and team rivalries rather than the greater economic impact that it leaves.

“I don’t think students really think of the Super Bowl as more than a big game,” he said.

Still, even if students and fans do not actively weigh in on the economic aspect behind the event, its presence can be felt in subtle, indirect ways, like increased traffic, busier streets and more crowded local businesses throughout the area.

One of the most noticeable economic effects of the Super Bowl is its impact on local hotels. An increase in demand for rooms often begins months in advance, with the lodging seeing price fluctuations and being sold out the

weekend of. According to Crowne Plaza Palo Alto by InterContinental Hotels Group, while prices usually stay around $142 to $230 in the days leading up to the Super Bowl between Feb. 4 and 8, the prices stay between $325 to $425.

Crowne Plaza Palo Alto hotel front desk worker Anne — who preferred to keep her last name confidential — verified the increased demand for rooms, explaining the hotel’s pre-planned procedures to deal with large-scale events.

“We’re basically sold out the day before, the day of, the day after, with rooms only being available the Friday before,” she said. “The amount of staff that we have, we’re prepared to handle this large volume of people. This hotel, in particular, is a business hotel, so we get a lot of corporate bookings. So along with that, we also get price increases.”

While hotels and certain local businesses may have a temporary increased revenue and demand, the overall economic impact is more complex. Economics teacher Philip Lyons explained that large sporting events like the Super Bowl often produce significant short-term gains, but do not always lead to long-term economic changes, and sometimes even have a negative impact.

“The amount of money that people spend to put these events on, they anticipate getting all this money

back and more,” he said. “And what happens is they end up spending more than they generate, and long term, it’s a disaster. But there isn’t any proof to say it has a long term benefit, and it also depends on how much money you have to put in to run the event. If you only put in a small amount, then you can maybe have a benefit.”

The Super Bowl may differ from other large-scale international sporting events, such as the Olympics or the World Cup, which often require extensive new infrastructure. For example, according to CNN, for the Sochi Olympics in 2014, the budget was around $12 billion, but the actual cost ended up at an estimated $55 billion. The total cost surged due to large infrastructure projects such as new railroads, roads and several venues.

In the Bay Area’s case, Levi’s Stadium has already been built, reducing the need for additional spending and leaving the possibility for a longer-term net positive for the area.

“The Super Bowl here in the Bay Area might work out because the stadium was already built,” Lyons said. “They don’t really have to do anything. So everybody just comes for one weekend, spends a bunch of money and leaves. So it might have a one-time short term impact, but I don’t think it’ll have a long term impact.”

—Written by Olivia Lee

Alexandra Liu Alexandra Liu

Super Bowl brings people together through food, traditions

Every Super Bowl Sunday, sounds of laughter, chatter and snacking fill living rooms, drowning out the whistles and commentary of the game. While some avid fans crowd around the screen, focusing on the rivalries and action, others discuss iconic commercials or the upcoming halftime show. For many, the Super Bowl is more than just a football game: It’s a special annual tradition.

With the Super Bowl happening on Feb. 8, excitement is building among students.

Freshman Benett Clifton enjoys watching the game with his family and friends every year. A key part of this event for them is the food.

A l o n g w i t h food, his

family also plays Super Bowl bingo and participates in Super Bowl pools, guessing scores for prizes.

“There is always a Super Bowl pool,” Clifton said. “You pick the score and you can win money or prizes. I do sometimes believe in superstitions like saying something is not going to happen (and) then it does. (Our) traditions started with my parents and because I like sports and like watching sports.”

For junior Anish Mathan, the event is about being surrounded

by those who matter most.

“It’s a time to gather around with everyone that you love and people you hold close to your heart,” he said. “All my aunties, all my uncles, we all come together and have a big barbecue together.”

The Super Bowl calls to more than just sports fans: With brands pouring large figures into commercials, the event encompasses American entertainment and culture. According to sophomore Tai Ford, the football game itself is not always the center of attention.

“It’s not even about being super into the game,” she said. “I care more about the halftime show.”

The game often serves as a mere backdrop for countless memories and stories shared in living rooms and on backyard patios across the country.

“Food is another community thing,” Ford added. “Bonding getting to enjoy snacks and homemade food with friends and family is really a big facet of the game.”

—Written by Arjum Ahluwalia

Kai Knutson

Sports

Friday, February 6, 2026

13

scheduling issues, resource complications reinforce sports favoritism, spectator numbers Student stands in Titan Gym were packed in support different sports.

“Track is a really big sport with more people of the varsity boys basketball game vs. Paly on Saturday, Jan. 10. Just two hours before, for the girls’ game at 4:30 (participating) so there’s more people that go watch the p.m., the audience was almost a quarter of the size, and games,” she said. “They have a food truck that shows up there, and its really cool, but you don’t see that stuff for the reception towards the former match was visibly less.

This favoritism is part of a larger national trend. lacrosse, partially because we just have less people.”

Smith found that the many instances where her sport According to a 2023 study by Wasserman’s “The Collective,” women’s sports make up only 15% of total felt unfavored could stem from miscommunication, like sports media coverage. Moreover, certain sports take the lights turning off in the middle of evening practice or two spotlight. A 2024 survey from The Economist highlighted years of senior nights in different locations.

“In freshman year, our athletic director scheduled that 10% of U.S. sports fans’ favorite sport was soccer, a middle school track meet (at was 36% and 17% was basketball the same time), so that made it football. difficult to set up for the senior patterns these Gunn, At In freshman year, our athletic night, and the track meet wasn’t continue. Flag football captain director scheduled a middle even for our school,” she said. senior Aliya Sidhu has noticed bias school track meet (at the same “And last year, we had to have our against her team, especially with time), so that made it difficult senior night at Paly, so not even resources. In some instances, while to set up for the senior night. at school (due to a home game for the of use full had football tackle the Boys Lacrosse team), which field, flag was not prioritized. was kind of frustrating.”

“Last year, for example, we would —Junior Trinity Smith Lacrosse’s late practice and practice on the black tops or on the game times are also a factor that bad grass field with all the potholes, and people just kept getting injured or falling,” Sidhu said. may dissuade both spectators and potential players.

“It was really hard to get a workaround to actually be able However, Athletic Director Justin Halas says that many factors go into the complicated scheduling process due to to practice.”

Both flag football and tackle football involve fields the number of events Gunn must host.

“Many coaches have full-time jobs and families, which with end zones, forward passes and a “down” system which helps advance the ball down the field. The main determine the times they are able to hold practices,” he differences are that flag football replaces tackling with de- said. “Multiple teams often share the same facilities, so flagging and fewer people on the field. These similarities coaches must communicate and coordinate their make the difference in student support between the two schedules with other teams.”

Smith also added that despite the frustrations, she still sports even more puzzling to Sidhu, especially since flag appreciates all the efforts from the staff. football has had a more successful season.

“All the athletic directors and school staff are “We tried to get cheerleaders to come to a flag game,” she said. “And they’re like, ‘No, we can’t do that. We have definitely trying their best to help all athletes equally, practice.’ But they go to every single (tackle) football but when it comes to teams as a whole, that’s when some unintentional favoritism might happen,” she said. game.” junior player lacrosse girls something also is Turnout —Written by Vanisha Vig Trinity Smith noticed, but attributed to the sheer scale of

By the numbers

92.2% of student athletes who practice late get less than 8 hours of sleep per night, according to the national library of medicine

1.3 million fewer opportunities provided by schools for Females to play sports than Males, according to the national Women’s Law Center

88.9% of schools report that their athletic facilies are shared, according to the national library of medicine

”

under pressure: athletes adapt to higher stakes Light spills onto the ice as sophomore Dennis Frenkel — who has been playing hockey for 12 years — weaves between his teammates, battering an ink-colored puck across the rink. Outside, darkness envelopes the building.

“Getting fundamentals such as skating, using the stick properly and shooting goals out of the way early was nice,” he said. “I still need to practice, but I can focus on more important skills that really set me apart as a player.”

As student-athletes grow and progress within their sports, perseverance becomes a requirement — teens invest thousands of hours of training, drilling and scrimmaging to obtain a chance at medaling in competitions.

“I’ve been told by my coaches, trainers and doctors that hockey is half physical and half mental,” Frenkel said. “You gotta want (success) more than your teammates. So much of that mental toughness (in sports) is oriented around staying focused, even when your team is losing.”

T h i s mindset isn’t unique to ice hockey.

As athletes transition from middle to high school, the majority of programs shift from leniency to an approach that demands the unyielding commitment of participants. Practices skyrocket to dozens of hours per week, and athletes saturate the field of competition, capitalizing on small advantages to best their opponents.

“There’s different types of pressure: Friends, family, and supporters all express their

expectations in different ways,” Frenkel said. “However, before you start playing, you begin to really focus on your game, and the pressure doesn’t bother you as much (and) motivates you to keep going and to push yourself to the highest level that you can.”

Social expectations increase, too. From freshman year, junior Shreya Jog has found herself in the water.

However, when she switched from swimming to water polo, Jog had to rebuild her confidence in the pool.

Refining her technique and mindset through training naturally translated into results.

“Before, I was really nervous to take risks,” she said.

“Now, I’m more confident in doing so, because what’ll happen if I don’t? A win is a win.”

As she progressed in her athletic career, and eventually making it onto the varsity team, she noticed a phenomenon: Young players mirrored her behavior.

“When I first started, I was on JV,” Jog said. “Then I moved to varsity, and people looked up to me, setting expectations for me to keep my team together, to raise morale and just to stay focused on whatever drills we’re doing.”

For junior Nico Cortez, his sport — soccer — isn’t just about earning recognition for his investment. Although winning inevitably offers satisfaction, the relationships built hold just as much significance to him.

“One of the most important things in soccer is mental strength,” he said. “Anyone can have all the skills in the world, but if they don’t have that mental component, they can’t

perform well — whether it’s pre-game nerves, resilience when dealing with injuries or keeping composure in the middle of a game.”

After playing for over a decade, he believes that players define the atmosphere of their teams, and closeknit environments such as soccer are the perfect places to build lifelong friendships.

“I think that the people you surround yourself with are really important,” Cortez said. “If you have good relationships with your teammates, it’s so much easier (to perform) because you kind of get into that zone where you know what to do, and you just focus on the process.

Ultimately, passion for their sports is what drives these athletes to practice and to perform.

Late-night and early-morning practices, losses at competitions and injuries are everyday challenges that they relentlessly work through.

“If someone were to ask me what my three favorite characteristics of myself were, soccer would be among them,” Cortez said. “I feel like it shapes my everyday life.”

—Written by Cici Zhang

Courtesy of Dennis Frenkel, Nico Cortez and Shreya Jog Photo illustration by Azuki Radhakrishnan

14 LIFESTYLE ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 lives up to expectations THEORACLE

Following the emergency room staff in the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center as the doctors handle drug overdoses, stab wound victims and more, “The Pitt” is unlike any other show I’ve ever watched, medical drama or not. Now, it’s back for Season 2, and if there’s one word to describe it so far, it’s this: unrestrained.

Jumping forward about ten months after the end of Season 1, protagonist Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) rides his motorcycle (helmet-less, I might add) to work on the morning of the July fourth holiday, ready for his final shift before heading off on a sabbatical.

Ready to take the reins as the attending doctor on the hospital floor is Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), who’s in the emergency room early.

Coming into Season 2, I was worried that I would see a reduction in quality as the new characters introduced in Season 1 were no longer new. I needn’t have worried. Through the released episodes so far, “The Pitt’s” veterans seem different but the same, in a good way. Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell), whom we last saw as a fourthyear medical student, is now serving his first year as an intern and seems much more confident, leading the new rotation of medical students. The pace of the show hasn’t slowed down at all, either: Without closed captions, I definitely wouldn’t catch the blood pressure readings or medical terms used (Someone tell me what “V-fib” means, please!) whenever a new trauma patient wheels in. As the doctors and nurses handle one patient after another, viewers get no breaks in the action, making the medical procedures all the more intense.

Thankfully, the visuals are more than enough to make up for what’s lost in the terminology barrier. The sheer detail put into the crafting of injuries makes it almost difficult to keep watching instead of switching to a more peaceful show like “The Wire” —

and yet my focus is still locked on the disgusting maggot-infested wounds or the volatile condition of motorcycle accident victims. Going into Season 1, I had no idea that the amount of gore per episode was comparable to “The Walking Dead” and “Dexter” — the degloved foot set the stage for me. Twenty minutes into Season 2, a gruesome depiction of open heart surgery complete with a lateral opening of the chest and a prosthetic beating heart proves that the makeup department has not slowed down at all.

To make things even more hectic than the blood already does, the format of “The Pitt” shoves the entirety of its exposition and drama into 15 hours. Since each season encapsulates a single hospital shift and each episode corresponds to one chaotic, jam-packed hour of that shift, tensions escalate as the story moves forward without taking any breaths.

Season 2 has one slightly large pitfall thus far, though: the new medical staffers. Compared to Season 1, where the doctors and nurses all had their own unique dynamics and personalities, Season 2’s fresh medical students seem a little cliché.

The know-it-all likeness of newcomer medical student James Ogilvie (Lucas Iverson) does not bring the same air of intrigue as that of Nebraska farmboy Whitaker or veteran combat medic and amputee Dr. Jack Abbott (Shawn Hatosy). Hopefully, we’ll get Photos courtesy of Warner Bros to see some kind of development in that wheelhouse soon to prove me wrong, since Ogilvie and Dr. Al-Hashimi are a little one-dimensional as of episode 4.

New episodes of “The Pitt” release weekly on Thursdays at 6 p.m. PST on HBO Max. —Written by Yu-Ming Liu

Science of the Sitcom: Staffer compares humor in classic comedy shows ‘The Office,’ ‘Seinfeld’

Most are familiar with the two classic comedy shows, “The Office” and “Seinfeld.” Perhaps you binged “The Office,” with its homey vlogstyle look at the crazy antics of the workers at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, or the bustling, quirky “Seinfeld,” where every day is a day to eat lunch at Tom’s Restaurant and getting to know your next-door neighbor is a rite of passage. No matter which comedy you switch on when you grab the remote, both shows have a distinctive writing style that makes their loyal viewers beg for more episodes.

But this poses the question: Which show is funnier?

To accurately compare the two, I selected some of the highest-rated episodes of each series on IMDb. For “The Office,” I watched “Stress Relief Part 1,” rating 9.7/10.

The show opens in a panic when Dwight, the rule follower, simulates a fire in the office to see if his coworkers effectively follow fire safety protocol.

Unsurprisingly, no one does the safe thing and Michael, the boss, tries to find strategies that relieve stress after the chaotic occurrence.

What truly made this

episode stand out to me is the disarray of the fire alarm intro, which many people consider the best opening of all television. Many comedians call this a “subversion of expectations,” where an event is expected to happen but a completely different outcome occurs. Additionally, the smaller plotlines were crafted with extreme care.

For example, when Angela tries to save her cat from the “fire,” she throws a $12,000 realistic prop into an open ceiling tile. When Jim, Pam and Andy watch a fake pirated movie, it features actors Jack Black and Cloris Leachman in an unexpected cameo.

In “The Opposite,” in which Jerry’s close friend George feels unlucky, so he decides to approach everything the opposite way he normally would. Jerry notices that while George is the luckiest he’s ever been and his other friend Elaine is curiously the opposite, everything evens out for him. This joke is brought up several times throughout the episode, such as when he loses a $20 bill and finds another one minutes later in his pocket, and when he surprisingly breaks even in his poker games.

The best part about “The Opposite,” rating 9.5/10, is the repetition of jokes that are brought from the opening to the end. “Seinfeld” uses a tactic known as the “Rule of Three,” where two ordinary things are mentioned in a list and the third is an unusual item that serves as the punchline. In this particular episode, George and Elaine are two ordinary people having good and bad days, whereas the outcome of Jerry’s day remains completely neutral. In contrast to sitcoms like “Friends” and older shows such as “Three’s Company” and “Happy Days,” “Seinfeld” creates laugh tracks from live audiences.

This results in more genuine reactions, without actors

having to pause awkwardly for the canned laughter to subside. However, due to “Seinfeld” being a sitcom that started airing over 37 years ago, some jokes concerning gender and race may not land as well in today’s world.

While both shows have their strong points, “The Office” is the one that I truly hold closest to my heart. While “The Opposite” is based on everyday events being entertaining, “Stress Relief” s u r p a s s e s expectations. It isn’t just funny because of the chaos, but also because the audience has been acquainted with the cast of characters for several seasons, making their frenzy even more witty. I think the key to creating timeless TV shows is making a conscious effort to interweave techniques that are sure to make people laugh, while also remaining consistently funny, regardless of how many years have passed.

—Written by Annabel Brown

Graphics by Dani Massarweh

Lifestyle

Friday, February 6, 2026

15

THE ORACLE’ S NEW YEAR’S CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

1. Swedish quartet 5. Cheek 9. Ill-fated Hawkins teen 13. “Modern Family” actress Winter 14. Chevron competitor 15. Common movie theater drink 16. Murder makeup 17. Stop sign suffix 18. Part of a pool 19. 2015 Tony-winning “Fun __” 20. Nearby CSU campus 21. Lawyer’s workload 22. “The clock strikes __” 24. Harvest 26. Lascivious looks 29. Rare blood classification 33. Aladdin’s monkey 36. Traditional Spanish lucky New Year’s snack 38. Downtime 39. Date preceder 41. Poseidon’s realm 42. Italian airplane 43. Too 44. Salad type 46. Spooky season, per AP style 47. Producer of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” 49. Two, in cards 51. Wave producers, at times 53. Larynx locale 57. Daisy relative 60. El __, Texas 63. Curly hairstyle 64. Musical break 65. Gyro bread 66. Once more 67. Greek group 68. Marine mammal 69. 2026 Chinese zodiac 70. Indian wrap 71. __ and crafts 72. Up the __

1. Cupid’s projectile 2. Tundra, e.g.

3. “Stay healthy” 4. Lou Gehrig’s disease, for short 5. Bay Area Mediterranean restaurant 6. Greek heroes led by Jason abbr.

7. Search thoroughly 8. Laertes, to Polonius 9. Where the biggest crowd is on NYE 10. High cards 11. Philosopher Descartes 12. Dancing insects 13. Eight in German 20. Oracle 21. Low island 23. Lyra’s brightest star 25. Organisms not from earth abbr.

27. Tabula __ 28. Scalar velocity 30. Continental currency 31. Singer Benjamin 32. Directional scientific test 33. Hail __ (2) 34. Utilities payment 35. __ Major 37. Simplicity 40. Thrown out of Manhattan’s windows 42. St. Louis landmark 44. Negative quality in a T-chart 45. Not manual 48. Beetle, e.g.

50. Novel by Christopher Paolini 52. Person with binoculars, maybe 54. Work __ (2) 55. Get up 56. Vocal quality 57. Barks 58. Blood fluids 59. Nicholas II, e.g.

61. Reversed British goodbye 62. “Do the Right Thing” pizzeria 65. Educational ad 66. “Take On Me” band

1.

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5.

5.

13.

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16.

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22.

23.

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34.

35.

39.

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19.

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24.

28.

36.

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—Crossword by Anne Dong

Finished the crossword? Come to P-115 during lunch or 5th period with your completed puzzle to collect a prize!

Staffer discovers unturned pages: ‘Rubyfruit Jungle’ highlights feminism, queer identities

Vin Bhat

TRY NOT TO FUMBLE OLLIE’S WORD JUMBLE Unscramble the words to find a message in the circled letters

EMBLA ARAYWI DUNOTR NORFIEN HARST

The Oracle staffer Melody Song went to the library, found a book that has never been checked out and reviewed it.

Although relatively unheard of by younger generations of readers, “Rubyfruit Jungle” by Rita Mae Brown is often considered a classic in literary circles — at least established enough to warrant a SparkNotes page. Published in 1973, it follows a young girl named Molly Bolt, who comes of age in the ‘50s. On the surface, Molly seems to have it all figured out: excellent grades, class president and a full ride to the University of Florida. Secretly, though, she feels more alienated.

Molly has known from a young age that she likes girls instead of boys. Privately, she’s never had any qualms about her sexuality. Publicly, though, she stays discreet. Still, that doesn’t stop the scholarship committee from discovering her relationship with her roommate and rescinding her financial aid. Unable to continue her education, she heads to the city. After all, “there are so many queers in New York that one more wouldn’t rock the boat.”

In the Big Apple, she badgers admissions officers and finds her way into New York University, shielding her dream of being a Hollywood director from assailants in the form of bitter lovers, bigoted professors and crippling poverty. Is this when she will finally break?

Through Molly’s internal monologue, Brown strays away from traditional values and conformity. Through Molly’s intense authenticity and self-belief, readers come to understand a worldview that is both childlike and wise in its simplicity. “I don’t feel like having to fight until I’m fifty,” she thinks. “But if it does take that long then watch out world because I’m going to be the hottest fifty-year-old this side of the Mississippi.” As art historian

Jonathan D. Katz put it: “(Molly’s) story, for all the struggles it contained, was about something we hadn’t yet even named: queer joy. No wonder it shepherded so many coming out; it made queerness heroic.”

Her bravery, after all, is contagious. As readers, we live vicariously through characters, with the most attractive being ones who make you feel like a greater person than you currently are.

To inhabit Molly Bolt is to live fearlessly, trust yourself completely and devote yourself entirely to chasing your dreams. “I’m the hottest thing since Eisenstein; they’re lucky to be able to help me in my formative stage,” she tells herself.

Even so, “Rubyfruit Jungle’s” merits are not limited to the protagonist. As a lesbian author writing about a lesbian protagonist, Brown also finds ways to celebrate womanhood, criticizing misogynistic social institutions and cultural phenomena including marriage, higher education and workplace harassment. For anyone worried, this novel has no man-hating agenda — Molly’s father is a trustworthy, dependable character, encouraging her to go to college and pursue her dream of becoming a director. This novel is simply committed to a single idea: a “pure” feminine existence, completely liberated from the patriarchy.

Yes, “Rubyfruit Jungle” is for the girls and the gays, but in there is a message for everyone because insecurity and fear don’t discriminate.

It is a reminder of the miraculousness of life and a call for everyone to live honestly despite what society thinks, because the person you are is more special and valuable than anyone you could ever pretend to be.

—Written by Melody Song Photo illustration by Sahana Mahadevan and Victor Peng

Answer: A waist of time

16

Lifestyle

THEORACLE

2016 trends resurface, emphasize individuality Evelyn Rodden believes students feel TV series like “Stranger Things” have pressure from the media to keep up with produced their long awaited finales. these mainstream trends.

2016 was an era known for pop artists “We are moving through trends so releasing albums that emphasized more much quicker now,” she said. “Social creativity and connection. Artists using media is playing a part in spreading high energy and themes to execute their consumerism and a lot of microtrends.” performances contributes to the 2016 The fast-changing algorithms lead to atmosphere. Zara Larsson dressing in expectations and judgment within society. outfits covered in sequins and bright blue The need for the “perfect” photo rather accompanied with full-glam maximalist than expressing one’s authentic self and looks, for instance, sets the nostalgic unfiltered life prevents the 2016 carefree mood. Music artists and other celebrities lifestyle from catching on. have also begun reposting their old photos “As social media to help bring back evolves, it is pressing an era where life was people down and unfiltered and fun. ruining their self“I really like that In 2016 trends, people esteem,” Volchek said. were more outgoing and we’re going back to “In 2016 trends, people extroverted, so I feel like that kind of (positive were more outgoing they want to bring that and upbeat) music,” and extroverted, societal culture.

Volchek said. “I think so I feel like they if more people listen to —Sophomore Iolanta happier music (then) want to bring that Volchek they’re going to have a societal culture back instead better mood.” of being compressed by social However, 2026 mirrors 2016 in more media.” ways than expected. While many view 2016 through rose-tinted glasses, the political atmosphere at the time was similarly polarized to today, parallels that can be attributed to the reelection of President Donald Trump. In 2016, fashion, culture and physical connection were used as a way to cultivate a carefree and transparent environment. In our current uncertain political atmosphere, society yearns to experience an enjoyable and less divided time.

“A lot of people want to get rid of social media and would rather go back to physical media or just older times where we would connect more,” Volchek said. “Not only is it about dressing differently, or having a different vibe, but it’s about connecting and not being afraid to be yourself.” n

”

The start of 2026 is met with the revival yourself),” she said. “Do whatever your of vintage filters, full glam makeup, iconic thing is, whether it be statement necklaces skinny jeans and bittersweet splashes of or neutral colors: If it is you, then it is you.” nostalgia from the infamous year of 2016.

As the modern-day aesthetic preaches However, this trend of 2026 being the new the idea of neutrality and tameness, 2016’s 2016 is not society copying 2016, instead influence brings back rejecting typical it’s being influenced by it. beauty standards and embracing natural For senior Maya lifestyle.

Drews, this 2016 “(It’s) that idea of being revival is about yourself and being out more than just Do whatever your there,” Drews said. “That fashion, but rather thing is, whether it be it’s okay to be messy. As a shift in societal statement necklaces or someone with curly hair mindset and culture. neutral colors: if it is (which) I definitely didn’t The year of color you then it is you. embrace when I was was synonymous little, I’ve started wearing —Senior Maya Drews my hair down a ton, and with 2016: Detailed patterns, vibrant accepting my hair as a part colors and bold looks dominated fashion. of who I am (this year).”

There was no concept of “doing too As the fashion atmosphere shifts, so much,” and the mindset of the time was does society. People now have to unapologetically be your true self, the desire to step away from authentically expressing it through style. electronics and return to a more “I think that 2026 being the new 2016 is p h y s i c a l about people bringing back that nostalgic, w o r l d . fun, colorful, maximalist aesthetic,” Drews said. “People are embracing their inner weirdos and being a little more creative.”

The trend has spread through social media, breaking a period marked by minimalist and cleangirl aesthetics that focused on incorporating neutral greys, blacks and navy blues.

Sophomore Iolanta Volchek, who creates lifestyle and fashion content on Instagram, compares the nostalgia of 2016 with modern-day style as she does on her platform.

“The modern-day muted colors are more aesthetically pleasing to people, because many are used for minimalist outfits with less detail and patterns,” she said. “(There were) more single-color outfits with, one layer. It used to be multiple layers, accessories, and lots of belts.”

Although items like over-theknee boots, bomber jackets and off-the-shoulder tops are making a comeback, the biggest component of Devices including 2016 fashion that has made a resurgence flip phones, wired is the focus on accessories, where one earbuds and fidget statement piece of jewelry would be styled spinners are making around. Lack of right or wrong in fashion a comeback, further contributed to a carefree lifestyle. enhancing the fun atmosphere.

“Fashion is more about not being one Due to the large scale and accessibility style or the other, but if you are bright of social media, there is a new “in” item and colorful, (to go) all out and (embrace and aesthetic to follow daily. Junior

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—Written by Mayher Dulani

2026 Ins and Outs The revival of 2016’s trends also reintroduces nostalgic pop culture.

Music artists are debuting new albums, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is making a comeback and

IN

OUT

Vibrant colors

Minimalism

Minimal use of technology

Conforming to norms

Being yourself

Superficiality

”

Faces in the crowd: what are your new year’s resolutions?

“I want to be able to try new things, because I think it’s important to get a better idea of what I want to do in the future. I also want to get better at working, because right now, I get easily distracted by my tech. I want to (improve) my attention span.”

“A big thing for me is to work out without someone like a coach telling me to, because I’m bad at working out on my own. I haven’t been staying on a super strict schedule, but every so often, I will do some exercise on my own and feel good.”

“My New Year’s resolution for this year is to find what I find interesting and really pursue that and spend more time doing what I enjoy and love. I’m going to set some time aside every week for a bit of hobby time so I can do things that I value.”

“My resolution is to be on my phone less. I’m doing that by using focus apps. I’m keeping myself busy in ways that don’t require me to be on my phone like spending more time with friends, working on robotics and spending time with my family.”

—Scarlett Mao, 9

—Isaias Chavez-Wright, 10

—Henry Dominik, 11

—Riya Chaudhary, 12

Graphics by Nina Pankov

—Compiled by Michelle Zhou