HBDragon Daily
Girls Flag Football dominating in Inaugural Season
Flag Football is dominating in their inaugural season
by Luz Nunez and Kenneth Gutierrez
The Girls Flag Football team is currently 12-6 overall and 12-2 in League Play for their inaugural season, sitting atop the CIF Central League.
Girls Flag Football was approved by the California Interscholastic Federation as a sanctioned sport in Feburary 2023. The 24-25 season is the 2nd year that the sport has been offered to LAUSD schools.
The rules for Girls Flag Football are different from traditional Boys Varsity Football. The game is played on an 80-yard field in two 20 minute halves. Each team has four downs to advance the ball over the half line. There are no punts allowed.
Dance Company is the New, Hot Elective
by Staff
Dance Company is a new Visual/Performing Arts elective on campus.
Ms. Bell, the Dance Teacher, was able to open an advanced dance elective that will center around having students perform in assemblies and in outside of school dance productions.
“My plan this year is to give my students as many opportunities as possible to exercise their own creative voices and to collaborate with their peers to create high quality dances to perform onstage at Bernstein. My ultimate goal is for my students to experience the joy of performing and develop their confidence in the process,” said Ms. Bell.
“Dance Company gives students a chance to experience a pre-professional dance experience.”
HBEDITORIAL
Bernstein classed as a ‘Priority School’ by District
By Sasha Kravets, Editor-in-Chief
Over the summer, Helen Bernstein High School was marked as a ‘priority one school’ by the Los Angeles Unified School District.
According to Law Insider, a priority school often refers to a school that has below average performance of students, based on standardized testing measures such as the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). Other measurements such,as I-Ready diagnostic scores are also used in factoring a school’s performance.
What does it mean for a school to go to priority one status? The district uses data to see what schools are the lowest performing. Once schools have been identified, the district provides additional support fore three years to schools and teachers by providing observational feedback and instructional support.
“In the next three years, we need to show improvement on SBA scores and graduation rates,” said Principal Ramirez.
It is important to note that 25 percent of LAUSD schools are considered priority schools. This includes other area schools that feed into Bernstein such Le Conte Middle School, Hollywood Elementary, and Bancroft Middle School. Other the resources deployed to the school was a new Assistant Principal, Mr. Vaghei, who transferred from Evergreen HS in the SF Valley to assist with administration.
There has been much debate over why many LAUSD schools are now struggling. Some point to the pandemic learning loss in the current generation of students who grew up during the pandemic. The school board voted this summer to ban cell phones during the course of the school day, citing devices as a distraction to academics and to curtail the rise in cyberbulling.
Let’s talk about the Mental Health of BIPOC Athletes
by Sofia Garcia-Vielman, Staff Reporter
Athletes of color have an unbearable amount of pressure put on them because of unfair stereotypes. These athletes feel the pressure put on them everyday and it even leads to the concern for their mental health.
Many BIPOC athletes may feel like they’re not able to express how their mental health is because their community doesn’t understand their suffering. When athletes open up about their struggles, they claim they’re “crazy” or that they’re just letting people get in their head.
Mental health is a serious matter for everyone, but it’s different for black and hispanic athletes because of the pressure causing these issues.
Students attend LAUSD’s ‘Summer of Learning’ in Summer 2024;
HBEDITORIAL
LAUSD School votes on Cell Phone Ban - Now What?
LAUSD School Board votes to ban cell phones, sparking debate over phone usage at school
By Daniel Ferrell, News Editor
As of August 2024, the Los Angeles Unified District School Board voted to ban cell phones during the course of the school day.
The district board policy that was voted on was that starting Jan 2025, cell phones are to not be used at all times during the course of the school day - in classrooms and in school break and lunch areas. Students will be no longer able to have cellphones on their person along with not be able to use their phones during lunch or breaks.
One of the biggest problems I have with this rule is that it is an invasion of our very little free time during most of the school day. We are being told what to do and how to do it. Along with this is, I also believe this is a invasion of privacy many students including myself find it relaxing to be alone for a while and enjoy a brief intake of some media.
School Board member Nick Melvoin said in an interview to CBS "I think it's just a good idea for the school to reinforce interpersonal relationships instead of just using the phones all the time.” It should not decided by the school how or when a student should socialize. This gives the school too much control over the students considering the only half hour we get to ourselves.
With that being said, I do also understand the counter arguments such cyberbullying prevention. However, cell phones are necessary for us to stay connected to family members in an emergency event. On the first day of the school year, we had an earthquake during lunch that sent students into a panic. This would be a time where we need our phones.
TikTok trends are getting out of hand
by Alyssa Hernadez, Staff Writer
New TikTok trends emerge every day, and they're the reason why TikTok is one of the most entertaining of all the social media platforms.
Unfortunately some people don’t realize the risk and dangers they can come across while doing these TikTok trends and posting them on social media. For example, that one “Blackout” had that went around TikTok for quite some time back wherebyan unfortunate 9 year old girl tragically passed away doing this trend.
Dangerous TikTok trends need to stop, no matter how “popular” no matter how many views and ikes it gets it’s not worth risking your life over a trend that can easily take your life away.
School Board member Nick Melvoin was one of the most vocal supporters of the Cell Phone Ban
Jason Derulo, a famous singer-songwriter, tried to eat corn with a drill, as a result, chipping his teeth
HBOPINION
Why FIFA Corruption ruins the Ballon D’or
by Dylan Rodriguez, Staff Reporter
There has been many robberies in the history of the Ballon D’or from players like Andres Iniesta, Wesley Sneijder, Virgil Van Dijk, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland.
Starting off with Andres Iniesta, Iniesta was robbed during the 09-10 season. He won the sextuple with Barcelona and then the next season won the World Cup for Spain, scoring the lone goal in the World Cup final against the Netherlands. He didn’t win the award because of his teammate Lionel Messi’s prolific performance for Barcelona in the same time period.
Robert Lewandowski was robbed by Messi as well. He was the Bundesliga top goalscorer, won the sextuple with Bayern, and the best season of his career, and somehow still lost the Ballon D’or to Messi, who only won the Copa Del Rey that season.
In 2023 Erling Haaland had a phenomenal season. He won the treble with Manchester City, helping them win their first ever Champions League and breaking every record in the process. He was the Premier League Golden Boot Winner and the Top Scorer in Europe. He should’ve won right? No, he lost to Messi, who won a World Cup for Argentina and the Ligue Un Title, before making a move to Inter Miami in the United States. Despite winning the World Cup, Messi had nowhere near the season that Haaland had.
Messi ended up winning his 8th Ballon D’or which is honestly so dumb. These players havd the best season of their life and somehow still lost it because of FIFA’s favoritism to one player. This prestigious individual award is supposed to be given to the best player of the season not given to someone because they’re liked a lot in the community this trophy is just an absolute disgrace now.
Marvel Universe is better than DC
by Carlos Leon, Staff Reporter
The Marvel Universe is better than DC.
When I was younger, I was a huge DC fan because of the Batman Arkham's game, for the past couple years I've preferred watching Marvel movies. Marvel has better backstory and lore of each character in the movies and the comics. They have one of the strongest characters - for example Galactus, Infinity, Molecule man, and Thanos. Those are one of the few other characters strong enough to solo the DC universe.
DC has some cool characters like Batman, Joker, and Catwoman. The rest are pretty lame or just basic.
DC movies recently have been trash and the stories in them seems rushed or very boring. Even though Marvel had a rough past two years, they came back with Spiderman across the Spider verse and Deadpool and Wolverine. The stories in Marvel are better. Some DC movies are boring. The only good ones I enjoyed recently were Batman, Harley Quinn, and the Joker but other than that they never seeked my attention. Marvel announced all the movies they will make in the next for 100 years, with Dr. Doom coming next year. The only good DC movie that is coming out right now is The Joker. I would pick Marvel over DC 100 out of 100 times.
Lionel Messi won his record 8th Ballon D’Or, beating out young players Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe
HBOPINION
by Juan Gasca, Staff Reporter
This weekend, the Premier League started their season. No surprises as the teams that had to win their games, won them. However, I don’t want to discuss who played good or bad or who should’ve won or lost.
Instead, I want to talk about the question that has been throwing around more recently, is the Premier League a “Farmers League”?
What is a Farmer’s League or what is considered one? The term Farmers League is a term (ironically created by Prem fans) to insult leagues like the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 that have the same champions (PSG and Bayern) year after year. Another way to be considered a farmers league is if the league has the same teams going to their continental tournaments and not make it far.
So with that being said, is the Premier League a Farmers League? In my opinion, the Prem is indeed a farmers league. As much as many people want to deny or “ignore” the question, they are a good example of the term farmers league. Ever since the English First Division got rebranded to the Premier League in 1992, only 7 teams have won the league. Out of the 7 teams, only three of them won one time, Leicester City in their Cinderella run in 2015, Liverpool during the peak of covid in 2021 and Blackburn Rovers all the way in 1994.
What doesn’t help their case either is that Manchester City headed to the season defending the league after winning the league 4 years in a row. The literal definition of a “Farmers League” is when the League has the same champion year after year. Sure it’s only a four-year domination, however if Man City won the season during peak Covid, they would’ve been champions for 7 straight years.
Who’s the LA team? Rams or Chargers?
by Alexander Castellanos, Staff Reporter
Do people want two Los Angeles teams? Most people wouldn't know what to say. I feel like LA only needs one team in town. The Rams have to share their stadium with the LA Chargers.
LA really only needs one team. The Rams have a larger fan base. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at the time “Due to the size of the city and the market, the NFL took the opportunity to expand its fan base and have two teams in the city. Hence, the people of LA have two NFL teams to root for. Moreover, having multiple teams in a city creates a local rivalry”.
But really, they did this for the money.
The Rams have a history in LA, since 1946. That’s almost 80 years in LA. The San Diego Chargers were ok and had a loyal fanbase when they were in San Diego.
There are some who think that the Chargers should find a new home ethier back in San Diego or somewhere else.
What led to the Chargers downfall? Some say it was whenPhilip Rivers was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. He was probably so mad at that he only lasted a season with them and retired. If you’ve ever been to a Chargers game, you can see that the stadium is packed out with away fans. Most Chargers fans won’t make the trip to Los Angeles from SD.
Erling Haaland scored 36 goals in the Premier League in 22-23, beating Alan Shearer’s record of 34
HB FEATURE
Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Willoughby
By Christopher Orellana, Staff Reporter
Ms. Willoughby is a new teacher at Bernstein High School. Willoughby comes to Bernstein by way of Alabama and spoke to the Dragon Daily about their experiences at Bernstein.
What is the reason why you wanted to become a teacher?
It took me a number of years and careers to finally decide on and commit to this profession, but I’ve always loved working with young people, and I’ve always loved books, Even on the hard days, I believe in the power of language and literature to open doors and change lives and feel lucky to do this work with these students and coworkers.
What did you do before becoming a teacher?
I taught English in France, got my Masters in Translation Studies in Switzerland, and then worked as a youth librarian in Alabama.
Do you have any advice for students on how to succeed?
Trust yourself, your vision/version of success, and your own genius. Be curious, creative, and a critical thinker. When it doubt, always seek common ground and connection with others. Do your best to create harmony between your inner life – your values – and the world around you.
If you were stuck on a Deserted Island and could only bring three music artists to listen to, what would you bring?
Mitchell, Mitski, and Big Thief.
Leadership Spotlight: Siamus Shakiba
by Cristal Hernandez, Staff Reporter
Siamus Shakiba is a leadership student. She is also the Managing Editory of the Dragon Daily.
What is your favorite subject?
“My favorite subject is History”
What do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I want to attend a 4 year college, majoring in either journalism / international affairs and hopefully be involved in the college I attend.
Siamus Shakiba is a Leadership student; She is also the Managing Editor of the Dragon Daily
Ms. Willoughby, a new Bernstein English teacher, currently teaching Freshman English
Joni
HB FEATURE
This month’s Student Spotlight... Luz Nuñez!
Advice from Luz...
“Honestly I want kids to know that yes our grades matter but once and then you have to take a break and take care of your mental health. But if you don't take them seriously you will regret it. If you grow as a student and do leading roles you will love it. This is barely my second year here in Berstein but I got a good position in journalism as a Sport Editor.
Know a student who should be featured?
Email us at hbdragondaily@gmail.com to share a story about an extraordinary student!
Her favorite subject is Video Production.
Three words to describe them: Outgoing, Leading, Strong Willed.
She has three bunnies
She would like to study health and travel the world teaching other people about their health.
Classified Spotlight: Mr. Mosley
by Christopher Siguache-Naxi
Q: When did you come to Bernstein and did you feel when you came to Bernstein?
I came here in 2017. I was excited because it was going to be my permanent school as a manager at a high school level, so, pretty much, I was excited.
Q: How have been your experiences at Bernstein?
“When I first came here at Bernstein in 2017, we were feeding around, like, six-hundred and fifty students. Right now, on some days, we are feeding about over a thousand students. and so I believe that I’m happy that I’m helping develop the school into something a little bit higher.”
Q: At the end of the day/work, do you ever wish to work at another school?
A: “No, I’m happy here at Helen Bernstein. I like the community here, and I like that we have multiple schools here but you guys all have the same teamyou all come together- so to me, you know, that benefits for this story here. I just like being in this community here at Helen Bernstein.”
Quote of the Month:
“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which have never happened.”
Mark Twain
ELECTION 2024
Presidential Election 2024: Know Your Candidates
Republican Candidate: Former President Donald J. Trump
Former President Donald J. Trump is running for the 2024 presidential election, having previously served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021.
Economy and Jobs
•Cut taxes and reduce regulations
•Bring back manufacturing jobs from overseas
Law and Order
Supports law enforcement and wants to increasing funding for police departments
Border Security and Immigration
Secure US-Mexico Border by building a border walk and enforcing stricter immigration laws
Energy
Increase oil, gas, and coal production to make US energy independent
Democartic Party Candidate: Vice President Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris is running in the 2024 presidential election, replacing Joe Biden on the Democratic Party ticket. She is looking to be the first female president and the first president of Asian origin.
Energy and Jobs
•Wants to raise the minimum wage
•Invest in clean energy and renewables to create new jobs
Healthcare
Climate
Change
•Wants US to be a leader in clean energy
•Supports the Green New Plan to make US carbon neutral and create millions of jobs
•Make health insurance more affordable
•Lower the cost of prescription drugs
•No cuts to medicare and social security
Education
•Make education more affordable by offering free community college and reducing student loan debt
•Increased funding for public schools and pay teachers better
Social Justice
•Address racial inequality
•Supports police reform
•Project LGBTQ+ rights
• Protect Women’s rights, including access to health and and abortion services
If you will be 18 before or on Election Day, make sure you pre-register to vote at RegistertoVote.- ca.gov/
Education
Foreign Policy
•Stay out of Foreign wars
•Renegotiate trade deals
•Have other countries pay for their own defense
Emphasizes school choice, allowing parents to decide where their children attend school.
Former President Donald J. Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris
ELECTION 2024
Is the US Presidency in Crisis?
By Alyssa Hernandez, Staff Reporter
On November 5, 2024 the United States Presidential Election of 2024 will be held, in which Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris will face off against Republican candidate Former President Donald Trump.
Back in June 2024, Joe Biden performed poorly during a debate with Trump on National TV. Due to public pressure and pressure from party donors who were concerned over Biden’s fitness for office, Biden ended up withdrawing from the race and endorsed Harris to replace him on the campaign trail.
Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a lone gunman shot at the Former President with a .22 rifle.
Currently, Vice President Harris leads Trump by a narrow margin of two percentage points over Former President Trump.
Presidential Debate: Harris and Trump Face-Off
By Julieta Sotelo, Staff Reporter
I am currently going to be rating the Kamala Harris and the Donald Trump debate and who I think should win and why.
First of all, I am still very unsure who can win because it could go either way. Both sides are bringing good and valid arguments to the debate. In my opinion, I think that Harris should become President of the United States of America. I think her campaign strategy of promoting videos are very funny, and it would be great to finally have a female president of color.
It’s hard to ignore Trump because of his past and his criminal record Donald Trump has also said many hurtful things about Hispanics. He is calling for bolstering ICE and building the border wall. He also said some unsupported things in the debate, such as immigrants are eating people’s pets in Springfield, Ohio.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice Presidential Candidate debated on CNN
Kamala Harris, left, replaced Biden as the Democratic Party Candidate. Former President Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
HBNEWS
Mr. Vaghei is the new Assistant Principal at Bernstein HS
By Itzel Crespin, Staff Reporter
Mr. Ali Vaghei has joined Helen Bernstein HS this year as a new Assistant Principal.
Mr. Vaghei comes to Bernstein from Evergreen HS in Sylmar, where he was principal.
“One of my goals at Bernstein is to create a school climate where kids enjoy coming to school and want to learn”, said Mr. Vaghei.
Mr. Vaghei was born in Iraq and moved to the United States as a child, his family coming with no money or speaking English.
He started his educational career as a Math teacher at Madison MS. He became an administrator at Fairfax HS in 2019.
“I dream to be personally better, to be more athletic, and to be a better father for my kids.”
He has two kids ages, 6 and 8.
Afterschool Tutoring helps struggling students
By Christopher Siguache, Staff Reporter
On September 11, 2024, Helen Bernstein announced on Schoology that they would be hosting after school tutoring, which is available for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The after school tutoring will be located in Helen Bernstein's Library, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, giving students about two hours for the after school tutoring.
Afterschool tutoring can be really helpful and impactful to students and could result in a change for students' academic studies. For example, if a student has homework but he can’t finish or concentrate because of the many sounds his family is making and as well as getting easily distracted or sidetracked, afterschool tutoring can be a place to get homework done.
When I got to the library at the end of school, I met a guy who was the tutor that helped me with my work. I was able to get it done and save time. As a result, after school tutoring is helpful whenever you are struggling to concentrate and do homework at home. work.
Afterschool tutoring is available in the library after school to students who are struggling
Mr. Ali Vaghei comes to Bernstein having served as a teacher for 14 years and been a VP at Fairfax HS
HBNEWS
Two students and teachers killed in Georgia HS shooting
ByAlexanderArriaga, Staff Reporter
On September 6, 2024 Apalachee High School in Apalachee, GA, a fourteen year old boy named Colt Gray entered the school early morning carrying a AR-15 rifle. Police reports say that Colt Gary then proceeded to kill four people, two students and two teachers and injured nine others.
One of the teachers, Christina Irimie, a math teacher, was killed shielding a student from the shooter while Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher, was the first victim that Colt killed.
Colt also killed two students, both 14 years old. Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo were both walking in the hallway where reports say that Colt opened fire at the two teens.
Colin Gray is facing several charges of manslaughter child endangerment, and second degree murder.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton ravage East Coast
By Staff
Two hurricanes have ravaged the East Coast in a span of two weeks.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, hitting the Florida panhandle heading north inland through Georgia into Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The hurricane caused flooding inland in places such as Atlanta and in the Appalachian mountains, ravaging the city of Asheville, NC. At least 214 people have died as a result of the storm.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in the early morning of Oct 9 near the Tampa Bay area, cutting across Florida. Milton has caused sea line destruction and flooding inland, with water levels rising at least 15 feet. Three million people are said to have lost power. Observers have said that the destruction of the hurricane was “biblical level proportions.” The two powerful hurricanes have sensed sparked debate about how climate change is affecting hurricane formation in the Atlantic.
Above: Hurricane Helene aftermath in Asheville, NC; Below: Hurricane Milton Aftermath in Sarasota, FL
Students mourn the loss of two students and two teachers who died in a mass shooting in GA
HBNEWS
CA to ban Plastic Bags starting January 2026
By Dominic Cadenas, Staff Reporter
CA Governor Gavin Newsome had passed a law banning the use of plastic grocery bags by 2026 and instead, encouraged shoppers to bring their own grocery bag. This ban is an attempt to reduce plastic waste that is harming our environment and polluting the land and waters.
Previously in 2014, The California Legislature passed this plastic ban law, but loop holes were found by plastic companies to make stronger and “more reusable” plastic bags.
Many Californians agree to ensure a further percentage of plastic waste to develop, and in our efforts, we have influenced parts of America in our movement for a cleaner home for all.
Israel invades Southern Lebanon, Iran retialiates
ByAlex Lopez, Staff Reporter
On Monday, Israel launched a bombing campaign on southern and eastern Lebanon killing over 500 Lebanese people and injuring more than 1,600 in just one day. Israel has invaded Lebanon on different occasions in the last forty years.A group called Hezbollah launched rockets over the border as a warning to Israel to stop its assault on Palestine in Gaza.
Israel has declared war on Lebanon claiming Hezbollah is hiding civilians and the U.S. has enabled Israel’s attacks with an almost constant variety and stream of weapons and political cover throughout the war in Gaza. So while the international human rights groups and the UN experts have said Israel’s commuting genocide against Palestinians, Israel’s is using Gaza’s techniques and using it on Lebanon and they’re trying to justify their attacks on Lebanese civilians.
Iran, an ally of Hezbollah, retaliated against Israel by launching a missile attack. 200 missilies were launched and whereas most were intercepted, landed in suburbs and targets in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Tanks amass at the border of Lebanon, launching a ground invasion to defeat Hezbollah
CA passed an initial bag ban in 2014, but supermarkets began using heavier plastic bags as a result
HBSPORTS
Fall Sports Update: Flag Football dominating
▪ Other rules include:
▪ Linesman cannot screen or block during a play
▪ Players cannot spin to evade a tackle
▪ There are no fumbles
The team opened up the seaosn with five straight wins. The team lost to Fairfax high school away 20-18. The girls opened up league play with both wins in a doubleheader at home against Mendez.
“So far we have been playing together as a team, playing together and playing off each other emotions. Makes a huge difference. We want to win League, and then make a good run at a run at a city title It's been a great pleasure coaching this amazing group of young women”, said Coach Finch.
Girls Volleyball Update
By Staff
The Girls Volleyball team is currently 11-6-1 on the season and 3rd in the Central League.
The Girls Volleyball team opened the season with three straight losses before going on a 9 game unbeaten streak that ended with a loss to Triumph Charter HS.
The team is currently 6-4 in Central League Play. The team lost to Hollywood on both legs away at Hollywood HS.
The team has two final games to played, at home against Belmont on 10/16 and away at Contreras HS on 10/21.
Standout players include Katherine Rojas, America Villa, Aisha Baylon, and Allison Guardado.
DRAGON ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:
Lady Dragons in action trying to salvage a play as the ball hits the net
Aylin Campos, senior, carrying the ball for the Lady Dragons
HBSPORTS
Varsity Football: Dragons beat Mendez 55-6
By Staff
The Dragons beat the Mendez Jaguars 55-6 in the homecoming game on Friday Oct 4.
The Boys Varsity Football team is currently 3-3 overall on the season. The team opened up with three consecutive losses away to Santa Paula, Bishop Alemany, and South East High School. The team bounced back on Sept 13 to beat University High School 55-0 and Locke HS on Oct 20, 26-18.
The team currently has two players who are top ranked in the Central League Section. Senior QB Ivan Palma is currently ranked No. 1 in Passing Yards (524 yards) and Rushing Yards (441), and WR Senior Pharo Naea leads in Receiving Yards (349). Naea and Palma both top the table in total touchdowns and total yards.
Cross Country Update
By Staff
The Cross Country season is currently underway.
The team has two new coaches after longtime Coach Viso stepped down. Ms Estella and Ms Figueroa are the new coaches who are also coaches of SRLA (Students Run LA).
Bernstein Girls are currently hanging in the middle of the pack at their least few meets. Bernstein Boys are placing in the the bottom half of their time trials.
In their last meet against Belmont, all runners improved by an average of four minutes.
Senior Sasha Kravets ran a 27:18 in the last meet. Standout runners include Kravets and Senior Rueben Pasamba.
DRAGON ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:
Varsity Football: Ivan Palma, Senior
The Dragons beat Mendez Jaguars in the Homecoming game 55-6
HBENTERTAINMENT
Hamilton at the Pantages: Review
Hamilton is back the Pantages until Oct 13
By Daniel Ferrell, News Editor
On Oct 8 11th and 12th grade students were invited to a viewing of the broadway musical “Hamilton”.
The musical is a retelling of the story of the founding father Alexander Hamilton and other figures in American history such as Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, Elizabeth Schuyler, andGeorge Washington with key events in our history such as the construction of the Constitution, the American Revolution, and the first murder case in America. using the art of rap and pop music along with dance. With a great sense of humor I personally found it very impressive how the story can have amazingly melancholy and somber scenes but also a great balance of humor and overall liveliness.
Personally i found the musical to be one of the best i've seen. I found the music to be incredible with songs like “Non-Stop” being dense with building both aaron burr and alexander hamilton as characters while also progressing the history of the country in ways such as the construction of the Constitution while still being incredibly catchy with a great rhythm and a downright fantastic instrumental.
In conclusion I thought the musical Hamilton did a marvelous job in explaining a dense brick of history into a smooth song and dance.
Upcoming Shows at the Pantages: Kimberly Akimo Oct 15-Nov 3
Back to the Future: the Musical Nov 5-Dec 1
Wicked Dec 4-Feb 2, 2025
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Feb 15-June 22 2025
BookReview:RichDad,PoorDadbyRobertKiyosaki
By Ricardo Molina, Staff Reporter
The book Rich Dad Poor Dad talks about a kid named Robert and how he gained knowledge to become rich and his two dads, one being his real dad and the other being his friend's dad who is rich. The rich dad or soon to be rich dad tells the kid many ways to use his money to gain even more money and the poor dad just tells Robert to save his money. Robert sees both worlds when talking to both dads and understands that they are both right in a way but he sees two different perspectives.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a good book because it explains in real life situations how a 10 year old can become richer than all his friends while his friends remain the same without the knowledge of investments. There are other books that talk about financial literacy and they are not even close compared to Rich Dad Poor Dad, all the other books have an extremely high vocabulary and are very difficult to understand as the books already expect you to know the basics of investments while this book explains the basics and fundamentals on investing.
The poor dad on the other hand tells Robert to save money and buy what is called liabilities. Liabilities are things that won't benefit you in the long run and produce wealth, they are basically needs. Rich dad tells Robert to spend money buying assets. Overall this is a good book for beginners trying to build wealth.
HBENTERTAINMENT
Movie Review: Deadpool vs. Wolverine
Summer Blockbuster marks the return of Deadpool and brings Wolverine out of retirement
By Kenneth Gutierrez, Staff Reporter
In the movie Deadpool and Wolverine starring Ryan Reynolds and Jack Hughman is about a superhero Deadpool trying to save his world with the help of a Wolverine variant. The duo go through the entire movie arguing and getting to know each other but also had ups and downs. But somehow both of them managed to save Deadpool’s world and the Wolverine variant ended up staying in Deadpool’s world being apart of Deadpool’s family.
People have seemed to enjoy the movie with many being super excited about the cameos that the movie included such as wolverine variants, Chris Evans returning as Johnny Storm, Elektra, Blade and X-23. Many people conclude that Deadpool and Wolverine could save the MCU as previous MCU films and series weren’t as good as people hoped for them to be. The movie was also comedic and included a lot of violence but people still managed to enjoy the film with family and friends.
Foxverse had made the X-men movies but during 2019 Marvel got the rights for all the X-men characters meaning Fox can’t do nothing with the X-men no more. Disney had also ended up buying the 20th Century Fox. But whatsoever there hasn’t been to much hate comments dedicated to the movie but only X-men and Marvel fans enjoying it. Rating: 10/10
Upcoming Movie Releases:
Wicked Nov 22
A Complete Unknown Dec 25
Venom: The Last Dance Oct 24
Conan Grey: ‘Found Heaven’ Review
By Daniela Gonzalez, Staff Reporter
Conan Gray is an American pop singer who has many hits, including the extremely popular “Heather”, “People Watching”, and “Maniac” etc. Gray has made a big impact on Gen Z and their emotions, he writes the most beautiful and heartbreaking tracks that only make you want to cry and relate. His entire discography is sonically different every album he releases.
“Found Heaven” is Gray’s latest third studio album released back in April 2024. He came back and gave us a very 80’s synth pop sound. All these songs are a mix of heartbreak and the act of embracing your true self. me was the title track “Found Heaven”.
“Found Heaven” is the first track of the album. It is truly the most heartbreaking song, and the lyrics are there for easy interpretation. It is a 3 minute track that is so bittersweet. In this track Gray sings in his point of view, to which he is telling someone that they should embrace who they really are. In my personal opinion I believe he is touching on the topic of being able to openly be part of the LGBTQ+ community unapologetically.
This is really big of Gray to say because of the controversy between mixing homosexuality with religion. This is self explanatory, this is just a way to say that no matter who they are in love with, they have found heaven. They should not be ashamed of who they choose to love and to be unapologetically.
Deadpool vs Wolverine was a highly anticipated release that brought Wolverine out of retirement
FOOD&LIFESTYLE
Food Review: Leo’s Taco Truck
By Alan Coronado, Staff Reporter
Today I am reviewing Leo’s Taco Truck. This truck has different locations located in different parts of the city in Los Angeles. The one I am going to talk about is the one here located on Sunset and Western located inside the WSS parking lot.
The food truck has many different tacos to choose and order from. You are able to choose the type of meat you want in your taco.There are many different varieties you can order. Some examples are asada, pollo, pastor, buche, cabeza, chorizo, carnitas, and tripas.
All the tacos taste amazing. The amount of seasoning is perfect. You can add different toppings like sauces or onion and cilantro which in my opinion enhances the flavor and taste of your tacos. Even if you aren't a fan of tacos then don't worry! They still got different food choices like burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and papas. Rating: 9/10
Fashion Spotlight: Leah Neal
By Nigel Coronado, Food and Lifestyle Editor
For this month’s fashion spotlight, I interviewed Leah Neal (Junior):
How would you describe your personal style?
LN: A bit of everything, I sometimes try to go Gyaru.
What inspires the way that you dress?
LN: My imagination on what would look good, also Aaliyah Interlude.
How has your style changed over time?
LN: Yeah, I used to wear baggy jeans and shirts but now it’s just crop tops and shorts)
Do you have a favorite fashion icon or designer?
LN: Honestly Britney Spears, Nara Smith, and Vs Angels.
Don Shuco: Guatemalan Restaurant Review
By Bryan Orozco, Staff Reporter
Don Shuco restaurant is a Guatemalan street food restaurant that makes food from Guatemala in which I am going to review. In my opinion, I think that the restaurant was good for many reasons. One of the reasons was because of the food it has 3 options which are Shucos, Mixtas, and churrascos. Shucos are made of hot dog buns, beef franks, chorizo, freshly made guacamole, yellow mustard, ketchup, may and hard cheese.
The ambience for the restaurant is good because there are people that make lines that sometimes you have to wait around 10 minutes so that you can order your food. After you finish your food you can go to a small store an buty guatemalan soccer shirts ups, plates, baskets they also sell soccer shirt replicas. Rating: 4.5/5
HBCARTOONS
Pizzaboarder by Gabe Garcia
Read the Dragon Daily! by Alumni Jasmin Barrientos
HBCLASSIFIED SPOOKY SZN CROSSWORD!
DRAGON TRIVIA!
(First person to respond with the right answer wins a $25 Amazon Gift Card!)
Halloween is said to have derived from a Celtic celebration dating back to 600 AD. What is the name of the Celtic Holiday that Halloween derives from?
Staff Directory
Editor-in-Chief: Sasha Kravets
Managing Editor: Siamus Shakiba
News Editor: Daniel Ferrell
Sports Editor: Luz Nunez
Entertainment Editor: Vancancy
Food & Lifestyle Editor: Nigel Coronado
Cartoonists: Sasha Kravets, Andrew Gonzalez