High Tide: Nov. 17, 2023

PHOTOS BY ROMI RISS

THE FAMILY

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UNIT

As the apperance and makeup of modern households evolve and diversify, students connect to family in unconventional homes.

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2 news

4 features

November 17, 2023 Vol. CIV Edition 4 Redondo Union High School Redondo Beach, CA

Mock Trial returns to in-person competitions at the renowned Stanley Mosk Courthouse

Acrobat and gymnast Aya Robb performs with atraveling circus www.ruhsmedia.com

@ruhsmedia

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news Mock Trial, Mosk Court

Mock Trial returns to in-person competitions at the renowned Stanley Mosk Courthouse

by Katarina Sapina

high tide

staff editors-in-chief Lucy Davis Ethan Lerner Romi Riss online managers Cristina Couch Stavyah Naveen sports manager Ethan Chi news editors Summer Puterbaugh Victor Simoes features editors Ethan Chi Daniella Gross Marley Van Pelt opinion editors Ariya Anvari Meara Fay entertainment editors Scarlett Mische Claudia Turner sports editors Ava Anzivino Malina Young

Redondo Mock trial takes a group photo on the roof of Stanley Mosk Courthouse. The courthouse is also the site of famous court cases such as the Britney Spears conservatorship case. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL HENGES

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ne murder case—76 schools.

Redondo’s 10th Mock Trial is here, and this year’s fictional case is about Toby Clark, a general counsel member accused of killing the CEO of the company he works for, Sunshine Medical Components.

Mock Trial was on Zoom for the past three years, but this year, the club finally got to compete in-person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. Currently, Mock Trial is in Round 3, placing them in the top 16 in LA County.

“It’s a really fun experience. I’d never been in a courthouse before, and it’s pretty there and awesome,” sophomore Sage Claxton said. “I was kind of stunned by everything that was going on because although all the other Mock Trial teams were there, there were also people who were there for their real court cases, so that was interesting.”

Each student is put on either the A team (advanced) or B team (beginner) and is assigned to be on the defense or prosecution.

They then compete against other schools each week to see who will ultimately win the case. This is decided by professional judges and lawyers who train the students to be “good lawyers and how to be good witnesses,” according to Samantha Marcon, one of the Mock Trial coaches and AP Psychology

and Modern World History teacher.

Although Marcon didn’t participate in Mock Trial in high school, she has seen as a coach how much the students enjoy being in Mock Trial and how much time they devote to it.

“I was a senior at Redondo when they started [mock trial], but I didn't know what it was. I wish I did because I like how the kids are so involved,” Marcon said.

Marcon enjoys the in-person experience because it is just as new to her as it is to the students, having little personal experience with a real case before or with law in general.

“This is my first year [in-person] because it's been on Zoom for the last three years, so it's really fun to go to the courthouse,” Marcon said. “It was interesting to see how an actual court case would work.”

Jack Raynor, a senior and co-president of Mock Trial, came into the club in eigth grade somewhat interested in law, an interest that has “only grown” since he joined.

“We made it really, really far in the competition my freshman year; we made it to the top three in LA County. I thought the competition and the camaraderie was just awesome. I knew it was something I wanted to do,” Raynor said.

Claxton describes the emotions she felt during her first trial as a first-year

Justice Gary Hastings reviews sophomore Joshua Mow’s pretrial argument by highlighting his use of Constitutional precedent. PHOTO BY VICTOR SIMOES

member in Mock Trial.

“It’s definitely very nerve-racking because all of your hard work from the past few weeks is finally getting put down, and you never know what’s going to come next, especially during cross-examinations,” Claxton said.

According to Claxton, the experience feels so much different and more authentic being in an actual courtroom against complete strangers versus the practice trials.

“Being in a classroom with a teacher and a few other students is nice, but actually being in a real courthouse with a real judge in a courtroom is insane,” Claxton said.

Despite senior Yuma Kaneko not being interested in pursuing law in the future, he still participated in Mock Trial for the past four years because he feels it helps him academically and has also built lifelong skills that are helpful outside of school.

“It’s a great thing to do in high school because it’s fun and builds skills,” Kaneko said. “[I’ve gained] attentiveness [because] you have to listen to what’s going on in the courtroom and think a lot on your feet as you use what you hear to build the questions you ask as a lawyer.”

Kaneko recommends that “everyone that thinks they can join, join,” whether they see themselves one day in the field of law or not.

“Next year, we will have many spots opening up, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to have a fun club after school or build skills to help with academics,” Kaneko said.

Claxton agrees with Kaneko that Mock Trial is a good experience for all students, and is the most helpful specifically for students who plan on doing law as a career.

Overall, Raynor saw this year's trial as a success so far, and if they continue with their current momentum, their final trial will be on Dec. 4, determining the winner out of all of Los Angeles County.

“This is kind of an unprecedented moment in Mock Trial history that both teams will be moving onto round 3,” Raynor said. “I was hoping for it, but it’s never happened that both teams have made it.

I’m so proud.”

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high tide nov. 17, 2023

A Nostalgic Nook

The library hosts its first Scholastic Book Fair for students to relive memories

by Delilah Aguilar

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ibrarian and AP Seminar teacher Cassandra Jones brought the Scholastic Book Fair to Redondo, inspired by childhood memories and an ongoing effort to promote literacy.

“Despite Scholastic not traditionally doing high school level book fairs, I remember how special the book fair was for me in elementary school, and I felt we had to have one, at least for my own nostalgia,” Jones said.

To organize the fair, held Nov. 6-9, Jones emailed Scholastic on multiple occasions, requesting to bring the book fair to RUHS. While waiting for a response, she encountered a Scholastic booth at The National Council of Teachers of English conference and made her request in person, as well. This final request pushed Scholastic to reach out that same week and bring RUHS the Scholastic Book Fair.

“I kept pushing and pushing, and I finally got them to do it. The books they wanted to send us were very young titles, so I kept pushing them to send us high school books.

I still feel some of these books are not high school level. But, I’m hoping the nostalgia of going to the book fair compensates because that's what we’re really after,” Jones said.

Sophomore Patricia Amaya-Jackson especially “appreciated” walking around the book fair.

“I liked how the school put so much thought into bringing joy to students’ faces while they got to see their childhood again as high schoolers. I know many friends who would buy so much stuff they’d run out of money just because of how cute this all is,” Jackson said.

Sophomore Rowan Betterton shared the

same “nostalgia” Jackson described. He is a member of The Library Club, which takes volunteers to help out around the school library by assisting with book drives, library beautification and sponsoring events. The Scholastic Book Fair was their first event of the school year. Betterton and fellow club members helped run the event by offering to manage the register and ensuring nobody stole any items.

“I think [the book fair] is really refreshing. Seeing all this stuff brings back a lot of memories. I remember looking at a lot of the trinkets rather than the books, and always wanting them but never remembering my money,” Betterton said.

He emphasized how “great” it is to return to the book fair as a high schooler with money. Jackson, like Betterton, was too

young to “remember to bring money,” and when she did, she spent it on the novelties, but that never hindered her “joy” when the book fair came around.

“There were so many times I was there from when it opened to when it closed because I was just too busy reading the books that I didn’t intend on buying to save money for trinkets,” Jackson said.

Discussions regarding the books, stemming from universal nostalgia, can foster friendships among fellow readers, as experienced by Jackson.

“I have this one memory of the book fair where I was sitting reading “Wings of Fire” and this one girl came up to me and said, ‘Oh, you read ‘Rings of Fire’?’ and it sparked a conversation. Afterward, she said ‘I’m happy to have a friend now'."

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I liked how the school put so much thought into bringing joy to students’ faces while they got to see their childhood again as high schoolers.

PATRICIA JACKSON Sophomore

Students observe the featured school supplies and bookmarks. PHOTO BY DELILAH AGUILAR.

AROUND REDONDO Students share their favorite family memories and traditions

"Every Christmas Eve we have this family tradition where we cut an apple and see if it forms a star or a heart. If it’s a heart then you’ll have a good year, and if it’s a star then there might be some challenges.

Then we would throw chestnuts into the corners of the room and make wishes, and the closer you get to the corner, the more likely your wish is to come true.”

Zara Schwar, 11

"My favorite family memory was a trip to Universal Studios. It was one of the last times I got to see my great grandma. She was 92 at the time, yet was still walking around and going uphill and everything.

It was amazing. A lot of my family was there, and it was a really fun gathering. Overall it was just a great experience. ” Dylan Thomson, 12

" Back when my brother used to play tenor and alto [saxophone], we would find music for our whole family to play. I would play the trombone or tuba, my brother would play tenor, my dad would play trumpet, and my mom would play piano, and we’d all have a fun time playing together.”

Sama Bonn, 10

" [My family and I] always go to my mom's uncle's house to have Thanksgiving dinner. My cousins and his friends would come over and it felt like we were a small family."

Isaiah Johnson, 11

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features

New Dog, New Tricks

RBPD's Sharon Rose shares her experience training the new facility dog

by Carson Chi

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hile Meredith paved the way, the Redondo Beach Police Department’s (RBPD) newest pup plans to leave a new paw print on students. This year sees the new facility dog in training, Cadbury, pick up where the beloved Meredith left off after her passing last year.

Like Meredith, Cadbury was first trained to be a service dog for two years with the program Canine Companions, before getting paired with Sharon Rose of the RBPD to become a facility dog. Cadbury will be trained to calm and relax victims in court that are nervous or who h a v e experienced traumatic events, meaning she is atuned to their needs. One of those students would be senior Mia Hoffmann.

“Meredith helped me so much when I was struggling, and when she passed I felt

so heartbroken, but I’m so excited for the new dog, Cadbury, to come in whenever she is ready,” Hoffmann said.

Hoffmann is one of many students at Redondo who attends the Wellness Center on campus, where she goes to destress. The center is also where Meredith spent a lot of her time on campus, comforting students when needed. Throughout her years at the school, Meredith gained many admirers, which made her passing that much harder for those who she touched.

“It was pretty traumatic because she left in four months from the time of diagnosis to pass. It just left a big hole in my heart, and I think in the community as well, and I didn’t just grieve for my dog, my pet, my girl, but the whole community, as well. I just wanted to be there for the community, and it’s just such a higher purpose. I wanted to continue even without Meredith, it's different but the same with Cadbury,” Rose said.

Although Rose was devastated after Meredith’s death, she knew the community that she created still needed the comfort and security of a facility dog. Rose applied with Canine Companions for a successor shortly after the passing of Meredith, and was later matched 1 with Cadbury based on the de-

“A big thing for me was that Cadbury be black because Meredith was a yellow lab, and I think if I got another yellow lab it would be harder for people to not constantly make the comparison to Meredith.

Because Cadbury looks so different than Meredith, I think it will be easier to realize they won’t be the same,” Rose said.

Rose is still in the process of familiarizing Cadbury with people petting her, as The biggest thing for me is she is only two years old and has encounmaking people happy. I miss tered a select number of people.

“Cadbury was with her trainer for seeing people smile, no the majority of 18 months in training to matter what dog is beside become a service dog, so that was her me. As long as we’re making Mama. Then after that, I became her Mama, so it would just be a lot to put on people happy then we’re her to have students come up to her and doing our job.” pet her right now. She’s a very kept to herself type of dog, so I want to ease her into the whole petting thing,” SHARON ROSE Rose said.

CIVILIAN SERVICES Even though Cadbury varies OFFICER from Meredith, she still serves the same purpose of impacting the community and students through every dog is different. Cadbury is providing a bit more subdued and quiet than comfort and security.

Meredith was, but I see more and “The biggest thing for more of Cadbury’s personality comme is making people happy. I ing out. She doesn’t do the same tricks as Meredith, but she loves to pick things up miss seeing people smile, no matter what and give them to me. I think that is going dog is beside me,” Rose said. “As long as we’re making people happy then we’re doto be her distinguishable trick,” Rose said.

Rose was very clear she did not want a ing our job.”

Meredith “remake” but rather a “sequel,” as she wanted it to be a fresh experience 1. RBPD civilian service officer Sharon Rose posing for both herself and the students, and a big with the new service dog, Cadbury PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON ROSE. part of that was Cadbury’s appearance. scription of requirements she wanted in her new dog. According to Rose, Cadbury is a blank slate and is only focussed on being herself.

“She’s very different from Meredith, and

“

Senior Jevan Dorbor starts his hair cutting business in his bathroom

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by Mia Nishimura aying out his scissors, razor and other tools for cutting and styling hair, senior Jevan Dorbor prepares his next client after being shown a photo of his desired new haircut.

As Dorbor’s peers started noticing his uneven haircut done by his dad, he set out to “solve this problem,” and began teaching himself how to cut his own hair. Since October 2023, Dorbor’s haircutting business has successfully bloomed with different clients through his peers and from ads he posts on social media, with senior Romel Kassaye being his first client. According to Dorbor, Kassaye approached him and asked him where he got his haircut to which Dorbor revealed he cut it himself. “ S o I was cut-

ting his hair, and I got paid for it. That’s unique bond with somewhen I decided I wanted to turn this into one. It’s cool to have a business and actually get money from it,” that kind of experience,” said Dorbor.

Dorbor Even with said.

Dorbor’s busy Kassaye, s c h e d u l e one of his clifull of sports ents, recalls “This haircutting busiand school, the profeshe manages ness teaches you life sional yet many clients comfortable by keeping an skills, like how to be an atmosphere efficient sched- efficient worker in the that Dorbor ule.

Dorbor creates for his only operates business. I see this as I’m customers that his business on allows them to talking to clients, when weekends and be at ease. communicates I’m cutting their hair, and “He is a realwith the clients ly cool guy, and I regularly.

He I’m getting experience. like talking to him said the busiduring the cut.

It’s a unique bond with ness “doesn’t He did a good get in the way of someone. job, and was, other activities,” I think most as he balances it importantly, with a pragmat- JEVAN DORBOR open to sugSENIOR ic schedule. gestions be“This haircause I know cutting in my experience, it’s a bit intimbusiness teaches you life idating to ask for changes or some things skills like how to be they could do. When it’s one of your peers, an efficient work- a cool guy like Jevan, he’s a lot more aper in the busi- proachable and professional,” Kassaye ness. I see this said. “If you’re too timid to go to a real baras I’m talking ber, getting your cut by Jevan is a great alto clients, when ternative because he’s really good and cool I’m cutting about it.” their hair, and While building connections with his I’m getting ex- clients to motivate him, Dorbor is able perience. to express and bring out his creative side It’s a through his different techniques in his cuts.

“I feel like an artist when I’m cutting others' hair because when I’m painting

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something, I have to blend colors and it’s the same as blending in the haircut. You do the same motion. I feel like [being a barber] can mix between the two subjects,” said Dorbor.

Dorbor’s craftsmanship comes

from his inner creativity but additionally credits his parents who have been “extremely supportive” of him since the first steps, especially his father, who was the first to move Dorbor to start cutting hair by himself.

“They honestly really supported me.

They said, ‘You got $20, good job,’” Dorbor said. “My dad is the guy that gave me my hair cutting set in the first place since he used to cut my hair. This is pretty much the base of my business.”

As of now, he considers his haircutting business just a hobby and doesn’t have any concrete plans for his business’s direction after high school. He is naturally thinking of expanding his business.

“I would like to keep on doing it, but it just depends where life takes me,” Dorbor said.

1. Freshman Nathaniel Wellen immitating a cut

by Senior Jevan Dorbor ALL PHOTOS BY SASCHA PERDUE

high tide nov. 17, 2023

Walking the TIGHTROPE Acrobatist and gymnast Aya Robb performs with a

by Marlena Lipan traveling circus

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linding stage lights illuminate the performer's face as she gracefully glides through the bars of a heavy metal cube, holding her partner's weight in addition to her own. The two dismount the dangling contraption as the audience roars in applause, feeling fulfilled upon the completion of their act. Performances like these are something that senior Aya Robb trains for at the Le PeTiT CiRqUe gym, a circus training facility and professional production company.

Robb began acrobatics at a young age and began searching for a circus to perform with in second grade. However, it was only after the COVID-19 pandemic that she joined her current gym, Le PeTiT CiRqUe, where she has found a channel for her creative side to shine through.

“I’ve always been a very artistic and creative person. I think that the circus has been a really good outlet for that because before I was constantly trying to find something to do. This sport gives me exactly what I need, and it’s also very athletic,” Robb said.

She has traveled and performed all around the United States with her circus, and they will soon be departing to Ohio, as well as Norway and Dubai in the future.

“Traveling has helped me become a more confident person. Being in high school can make you so self-conscious. When I have

to wear all my gear and look like a clown, I have to remember that I’m never going to see these people again. I don’t even have to care,” Robb said.

Through switching gyms, she has formed lifelong bonds with the peers she performs with.

“What keeps me going is honestly the girls that I train with. I get to see them a lot more than I see people I go to school with because I train about 14 hours a week. It’s created a bond that I would share with my sister,” Robb said.

She has performed a multitude of circus acts such as aerial, hoop, trapeze and specialty items like a 3D cube, a sphere and a spiral. Her unique abilities have led her to selective opportunities.

“We get to train with people who have performed in Cirque du Soleil. Working with professionals makes me see that I could actually go somewhere, instead of it just being a hobby. Seeing these people get to a point in their career where they travel and perform with a really prestigious 1 circus is inspiring for me to be doing it myself,” Robb said.

Along with being able to train with performers from Cirque du Soleil, 1 the largest contemporary circus in the world, she also received invitations to exclusive events such as the Pageant of Masters in Laguna Beach and a preview for Cirque du Soleil,

which was “mesmerizing,” according to Robb.

Although she has had an abundance of amazing experiences because of her unique hobby, the work that she has put in throughout her circus career has also had negative affects on her health.

“I have dislocated both of my knees twice. And I pulled the muscle in my shoulder four times.

I f you k e e p hurting your knee over and over again, the muscles keep getting weaker and weaker, which makes it easier for you to get hurt again,” Robb said.

Regardless of the physical challenges that Robb faced in the past, she has learned to work through them and progress.

“As I’ve become older and trained more, I’ve kind of come to an understanding of how to deal with [everything],” Robb said. “ I’ve always been a nervous person, but it's different when you step on stage.

You get to put on this costume, a wig and makeup and you’re in this place where nobody knows you. It creates this safety that you get to give yourself.”

Bixby Baker, a fellow member of Le Pe-

features 4

1. Robb and Le PeTiT CiRqUe performers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AYA ROBB

2. Aya Robb with her stunt partner in mid air performing their hoop act.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AYA ROBB

TiT CiRqUe has performed acts with Robb and has become close friends with her over the past two years.

“We were doing an act one time where she had to replace somebody. It was good to see how fast she could work and see how she’s really good at adapting. When you're first going in for an act, you’re really nervous, and she showed us that she could do it,” Baker said.

Robb plans to stay in the circus for as long as she can, although she also has other goals for her future.

She plans to go to college and become a physical therapist, as well as take classes according to her circus schedule so that she can “do what [she] loves" for as long as possible.

Robb’s life experiences have been largely molded by the engagement she has in her hobby and career and the challenges 2 to which she has had to adapt.

“You can have a lot of doubt for yourself, but when multitudes of people are telling you that you can do it, it makes working hard a lot easier,” Robb said.

Sophomore Scarlett Blundell gains new perspective as an exchange student from New Zealand by Kate Brucia

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tepping off of a 12-hour flight from New Zealand to Los Angeles, sophomore Scarlett Blundell prepared to spend the next five months in Redondo Beach, thousands of miles away from her home, family and friends.

Blundell lives in Queenstown, New Zealand, with her parents and two sisters.

Since she came to Redondo Beach as a foreign exchange student for the first semester, she has been staying with family friends, the Cole family. “[The Cole family is] so nice and are such lovely people. They take good care of me,” Blundell said. “They're busy people because they have their own activities.”

Blundell isn’t the first member of her family to live in the US, as her mom is originally from Iowa. In fact, it was her mom who introduced the idea of being an exchange student to Blundell and her older sister.

“Once, [my mom] was talking about American school to my sister and I, and then she asked if we wanted to experience it. She talked about doing an exchange program and going [to America] to experience what she had,” Blundell said.

Last year, Blundell’s older sister, Harriet Blundell, took their mom up on her offer and transferred to Redondo Union as a foreign exchange student for the first semester of her junior year. As Blundell watched her sister make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she felt that she had to do the same.

“She had the best time, and it was so interesting to see what she [experienced],” Blundell said. “It looked super fun.

At first, I [wondered] if it was going to be the exact same, and if it would be boring doing what she did. I was worried I might miss out on too much [at home]. But then I thought, ‘What am I doing? I have to go and experience this for myself.’”

From extra traffic to American accents, Blundell had a lot to get accustomed to upon arriving in Redondo Beach.

“It was weird at first,” Blundell said.

“The life in LA [compared] to my small town is so different. Staying in the [Cole] house was basically like staying in a hotel for a bit, and getting used to being by the beach and living in a city with this many people took some time.”

Though being away from home can be very upsetting for some, Blundell says she hasn’t had too many problems with it.

“Obviously, not seeing my parents everyday is kind of weird, but it hasn't bothered me too much, which is surprising,” Blundell said. “I don’t really get homesick, which is great because I know lots of people who do struggle with it. If I feel sad, or I’m missing my friends, I'll just call them.”

A few weeks after arriving in the United States, Blundell began attending school. According to her, US and New Zealand schools are “the complete opposite.” “[RUHS] is massive compared to my school. Making new friends was a bit of a shock because normally I wouldn't have to because I've had friends my whole life. It was weird the first week or two,” Blundell said.

While making new friends was a challenge, it was made easier by the fact that Blun1 dell got to know some of her

fellow students before the first day. Her host family introduced her to sophomore Sam Coye, their family friend. Blundell and Coye spent some time getting to know each other, and Coye even introduced Blundell to some of her friends.

“When I first met her, it was a little awkward because I didn't really know her,” Coye said. “She was just someone I wanted to be friends with.”

Luckily for both of them, they lasted through the “awkward” phase and have become close friends.

Blundell considers Coye to be one of her best friends now, and Coye is already planning to visit Blundell with some other friends after she moves back to New Zealand.

“She’s a very outgoing and social person, and she’s fun to be around,” Coye said. “I think that it's helped her make a lot of new friends, and sort of fit in and find people that she enjoys being around.”

Blundell has plans to return to New Zea-

land before the semester is over, so she can be with her family for Christmas.

“It's going to be so much fun going back and going into summer because of the season switch, and seeing my friends, but it's just really sad to leave everything. I’m going to miss my friends here the most and obviously living by the beach,” Blundell said.

According to Blundell, being a foreign exchange student is an experience that she will “never” forget. She “100 percent” recommends it to other high schoolers. “[The best parts of being a foreign exchange student are] getting to experience a whole different country and what people are like,” Blundell said.

“It's just so much fun getting to know new people and going 2 somewhere else.”

1. World globe displaying New Zealand and Oceania.

PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK 2. Scarlett Blundell at Anapai Bay in the Abel Tasmans with her sister Harriett Blundell.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCARLETT BLUNDELL

nov. 17, 2023 high tide

6 features

From the field A

to the waves

Outerknown sponsors surfer Morrisroe, providing him more surfing opportunities

by Jayla Dorbor

s an ahtlete, sophomore Dylan Morrisroe never thought his transition from soccer to surfing would be a change that would open his world to new opportunities. Morrisroe was recently sponsored for surfing with Outerknown, a company that supports sustainability in clothing industries. Outerknown co-founder John Moore, who lives in Venice Beach, where Morrisroe first started surfing with his dad, has watched Morrisroe grow up surfing.

1 1. Morrisroe carves through a wave as it crashes down on the water.

2. Morrisroe waxing one of his boards before going out on the ocean.

PHOTOS COURTSEY OF

“[Moore] has always seen me out there. I’ve always been nice to him and paid him respect,” Morrisroe said. “One day he’s like, ‘You know what? You’re ready,’ and gave me an opportunity to be a part of Outerknown.”

After his dad introduced him to the sport, he fell in love with it. Surfing gave both of them something to do together that they enjoyed. According 2 to Morrisroe, the natural highs that come with surfing keep him going back to the water.

“There's nothing like it. There's a dopamine rush and something about it makes you want to keep doing it because it’s so fun,” Morrisroe said. “I love being in the ocean because nothing is guaranteed. It’s ever changing.”

Morrisroe played soccer for the majority of his life, but he kept getting injured. He started surfing four years

ago, and after COVID hit, decided to commit to the water instead of the field. This transition created some challenges for Morrisroe, however.

“I started really late. Most people start surfing at four years old. We live in an area where the waves aren't that good, and there aren’t very many other people [at our school] that are trying to be surfers,” Morrisroe said.

Freshman Stone Erikson is one of Morrisroe’s teammates and can testify to his talent in surfing and how he has overcome challenges. “[Morrisroe] has grown as a surfer because he surfs all the time, which shows how practice makes perfect,” Erikson said.

“He also lets people catch waves if they have priority, which shows how he is a good person in and out of the water.”

As a result of his positive attitude and perseverance, Morrisroe has gained many sponsorships, including his most recent one with Outerknown. His sponsorship includes posting on social media with their brand and getting photographed while wearing their clothing. Through this sponsorship, Morrisroe gains exposure. “[The program] is going to give me a lot of opportunities to pursue surfing, and it'll help fund going places [that] benefit me,” Morrisroe said. “I’m planning on going on a trip to Mexico soon with another one of my sponsors.”

Though surfing brings Morrisroe a lot of joy, it requires a lot of work. When there are waves good enough to surf, Morrisroe is in the ocean at least four hours a day.

“There's always new things to learn, and you can always improve,” Morrisroe said.

“I set goals for myself, so I don’t get bored of it.”

Erikson has seen how Morrisroe has worked hard to improve his skills in surfing. “[Morrisroe] surfs a lot of small bad waves, which can be frustrating and difficult to do because the waves don’t have as much power, so it’s harder to get speed and do turns,” Erickson said.

Morrisore began to commit to the sport, joining the RUHS surf team, and has since then won several competitions, including the “18 and Under South Bay BoardRiders” competition last winter.

“When I’m in a contest, I’m trying to be aggressive and win, but if I’m just free surfing, I'm just relaxed and having fun,” Morrisroe said.

According to Morrisore, the Redondo surf team and the surf community have really influenced him. He fell in love with surfing as he is able to be a part of “a whole community.”

“All the locals in Redondo help me ou.

They teach me new things and are very respectful,” Morrisroe said, “They’ve been surfing there for 30 years, and they still share the waves with me.”

Morrisroe’s involvement with the surf team has given him many opportunities to meet people with the same passion for the sport that he has.

“Dylan has been surfing super consistently in the past couple years, from good waves to bad waves,” Erikson said. “He has always been nice, supportive of others, has never been cocky and is a great surfer on top of all of that.”

Langa volunteers at multiple musuems, immersing herself in history and art

by Calvin Bonn

A

fter-school job activities range from helping younger siblings or tutoring, but few teenagers can say that they are “awed” by these tasks. As a docent at the Museum of Tolerance and a volunteer at the Hermosa Beach Museum, senior Madeline (MJ) Langa gets to share her love of history in some of her favorite places.

“I like how [museums] try to preserve history. It’s really fascinating,” Langa said.

“You can spend the day learning about one topic in a safe haven of all the historical artifacts.”

Planning to be a historian in the future, these two volunteer opportunities allow Langa to further explore her passion outside of the classroom.

“History is definitely my favorite subject. It's like a storybook. I could read about history for hours and not be bored because there's so much that happened,” Langa said. “Personally, I find the classical Greco-Roman and Macedonian times to be the most interesting.”

After applying two summers ago to be a teen docent at the Museum of Tolerance, which centers on teaching the history of the Holocaust and other instances of prejudice and discrimination around the world, Langa helps with a variety of tasks. From greeting visitors at the gates, handing out tickets, explaining exhibits and helping clean up at the end of the day, she never gets "bored."

“I was in the exhibit about the Holocaust [for instance], in charge of handing out little cards in the waiting room before you did the walkthrough tour,” Langa said.

“They have artifacts from Simon Wiesenthal there, a person who helped find Nazis

following WWII and get justice. I would explain his historical significance and all the journals and diaries that they have of him.”

Langa found the volunteer opportunities at museums difficult to get, as it took her several attempts at different places to find out how to get involved. Now, Langa enjoys the opportunity to meet other history-minded people, making the effort “worth it.”

“It’s fun because you can give a rundown of the museum to those that are genuinely interested in what they're about to experience. You can give them the best experience for what they want to do, especially at the Museum of Tolerance,” Langa said.

According to Langa, the multi-story Museum of Tolerance in downtown Los Angeles is vastly different from the threeroom Hermosa Beach Museum where Langa also volunteers. Here, Langa serves on the Youth Council with fellow senior, Allison Lin, where their roles involve planning community events to build teen engagement with the history of the museum.

For one memorable Halloween event, Lin recalls how Langa dressed up as the titular character from the horror movie “Carrie,” filmed at the museum.

“Since [MJ’s] a redhead and Carrie’s a redhead, she dressed up as Carrie from the final scene where she gets dumped with blood,” Lin said. "As part of the event, we planned on giving guided tours of the museum. I guided the group into this gymnasium, where the lights were turned off and [MJ] was already inside. I got them all in and she scared them really badly.”

Through their time together on the outreach council, Lin has seen the dedication Langa has put into the work at this museum, especially after an injury sidelined her from lacrosse.

“Even when she tore her ACL and was off sports last year, she would go there after school and organize the artifacts or help to restore old photographs,” Lin said. “This was good for her to gain the exposure and hands-on experience working as an intern in the museum, especially because she wants to go into classics and history.”

Aside from her work at the two museums, Langa also takes history extracurriculars in her free time and runs the Digitizing History Club on campus, where students can earn volunteer hours by transcribing pictures of historical documents for the Smithsonian into a searchable format.

These activities continue to help her learn more about history, which she sees as an underappreciated subject.

“It's really cool to be able to educate others on the past because I find the past fascinating, and I like sharing my interests with others.

It's even more important, going forward, to know what has happened [in history] to make sure not to make the same mistakes again,” Langa said. “We have a lot to learn from the past and that only the past can help us create a better future.”

Langa looking at a painting featured at one of the musuems she visited last year. PHOTO COURTSEY OF MADELINE LANGA

features 7

high tide nov. 17, 2023

Racquet to retirement Coach Ball announces retirement after years of teaching and coaching

by Simra Zargar

teaching came “naturally” in college at the University of Southern California. fter teaching in the classroom “I was taking all these science classes to for 20 years and leading pracbecome a doctor, but when that didn't work tices on the court, junior varsity out, I switched to teaching. [After being tennis coach Jim Ball has announced his hired at RUHS] a couple of the adminisretirement. With experience as a coach for trators of Redondo knew that I had played 56 years, he will "miss the energy on the tennis, and they said that their tennis coach court." was retiring,” Ball said. “I thought, ‘Wow, “The harder I work, the luckier I get. I that would be something that I would enjoy try to pass that on to my kids. The best playdoing.’ I started that year as a teacher and ers I've ever had were the hardest working the boys’ tennis coach and the girls later players,” Ball said. “One of the best singles when we formed the girls’ tennis program.” players I ever had would get up early in the Ball shifted his career’s focus to teaching morning and then run in, so that when he his students to succeed on the court. Sophgoes to tennis he would be in really good omore JV tennis player Lula Fung appreshape. People who are self-motivated have ciates Ball’s advice and feedback. Having the most success.” never played competitively in tennis prior Hired as a chemistry teacher, Ball to joining the team last year, Ball encourcoached multiple sports teams throughout aged her to get into it, according to Fung. his career such as water polo, volleyball “Coach Ball pushed me to work harder. I and softball. Initially committed to the transitioned over to doubles this year, so he pre-med track, Ball found his passion for would give me a lot of praise for my efforts of trying to become a better player and picking up the strategy super fast,” Fung said. “I improved a lot over the summer, and he gave me a lot of recognition for that, which was really nice.”

Throughout his coaching career, Ball worked to positively instill a passion for tennis in his students. With his athletes, he highlights the importance of emphasizing conditioning and practice to help engage in fitness.

“I would do a lot more conditioning with the kids, but I discovered that we got more practice doing drills and playing sets, and so they got their conditioning that way. I always try to make my JV players understand the purpose of the drill, so that they can enthusiastically do it,” Ball said. “If someone [wasn’t following the exercise] that day, you'd them run a lap. That 1 have was coaching back in the old 1. Ball next to each of the 50 yearbooks over his years of teaching. days. Now, you don't want 2. Ball on the court playing tennis. them to think that running is a

A

PHOTOS COURTSEY OF COACH JIM BALL

punishment because that gets them in better shape for their matches.”

With years of experience in tennis himself, Ball aims to propel his students forward with “excitement and determination,” so that they can enjoy the sport the same way he does. Ball also helps them to perfect their technique, so that they can effectively win singles and doubles on the court. Throughout his years teaching, Ball has instructed his students on the three main strategies that “good” players employ: lessons, practice and competition.

“I've had some real success with my doubles teams over the years. We have a ball machine that shoots balls at them, and we work on strategy,” Ball said. “This year, my JV team finished second in the league, and t h a t is very rewarding to a coach and to see the kids, especially the freshmen this year, to have so much success.”

According to Fung, Coach Ball, in addition to pushing her and other team members, is supportive through every game.

“He's devoted so much time to the school, and we've had so many great games this past season, and he praised us a lot for that,” Fung said. “Especially this year, he gave a lot more recognition to specific players and how they were uplifting the team.

He was proud of us for big wins, but also if we didn't win or do well.”

According to Ball, some of his best coaching comes after losing. He gathers his players for a team meeting where they go over the match, any turning points in the game and how to improve in the next match, even after a “good loss.”

“A ‘good loss’ is when, even if you play someone that's supposed to crush you, you play well enough to make it a competitive set,” Ball said. “Seeing the kids practice during the week, win matches and seeing how enthusiastic they are and how thankful they are for the coaching they've received is a real blessing to a person.”

Despite wins or losses, watching his students improve and grow throughout their high school years and later their success in

college and beyond is what Ball finds most rewarding.

“I get to see the kids and their improvement for four years. In the classroom, you might only have one year and see they're writing as a sophomore, but not as a junior or a senior,” Ball said. “I see their tennis improved with the things that I've taught them. This year I watched some of the varsity girls doing things in doubles that I know I taught them when they were sophomores or freshmen, and it’s very rewarding to see that improvement.”

Although he is retiring, Ball feels attached to the school, especially the sports teams.

He aims to contin2 ue watching matches, and even announcing football, basketball and softball

games to continue supporting the teams.

“Each of my different sports made it to CIF competitions.

The tennis teams, girls and boys, both won CIF championships. It’s very rewarding [to see them win],” Ball said. “I show them the pathway, the big picture. I call them all the future varsity players when they're on JV, and seeing them do that is a real blessing. It's a payment for my time.”

Rivera focuses on her dancing passion and will be in "The Nutcracker"

by Jameson Boddy

F

rom the time sophomore Sophia Rivera could walk, dancing has continued to be her source of self-expression and a way of “escaping from reality.” With stress from school and trying to maintain and balance friendships, dancing gives Rivera the ability to “get out of [her] own head.”

“It's one of the few things in my life that has always been very consistent,” Rivera said. “Certain things are always the same when it comes to dance.”

Outside of dance, Rivera is committed to school and theater rehearsals, which means having to transit to multiple places in one day.

“My schedule is absolutely crazy with school and rehearsals and classes,” Rivera said. “I wouldn’t be able to do half the things that I do without my mom’s support and willingness to constantly take me everywhere.”

For a long time, Rivera has struggled with time management and balancing her social life, as well as getting her school work done amidst the business of her schedule.

“I’m starting to figure out where my priorities are, and I have to be very honest about that with myself,” Rivera said. “I need to keep time for myself so that I can still function because, at the end of the day, all this work doesn’t mean anything if I’m

barely functioning.”

Not only does her mom play a key role in her dance commitments, but so does her girlfriend, sophomore Myra Borgic, who has shown support for Rivera’s passion for dance and theater.

“I hope that she knows that I love her s o much, and I’m glad she is doing better and taking care of herself,” Borgic said.

With the help from Borgic, Rivera now manages her time more effectively, especially after participating in Sweeny Todd when she had consistent rehearsals.

“At the beginning of the year, [Rivera] was very extracurricular based, and she wouldn’t take care of her mental health,” Borgic said. “I always pushed her to [take care of her mental health]. and now I’m really proud of her because she is now taking mental

health days.”

Rivera tends to think about her days in thirds: first is school, second is theater rehearsals, and then she ends with dance practice. With her upcoming winter dance performance, “The Nutcracker,” Rivera has decided not to do the school play, “Lost Girl” as doing both shows would require more time than Rivera has to give.

“I have to turn down invitations, and I can’t see my friends often because of dance rehearsals,” Rivera said. “ M y dance classes are usually later at night, and these classes are around an hour and a half every day, except Tuesdays.”

For Rivera, it is important to “ask for extensions and be honest about [late work]” since many teachers are consider her workload and willing to be flexible.

“I’m really lucky that a lot of people

that I'm close to are very understanding of my schedule,” Rivera said. “But sometimes I wish there were more hours in a day.”

Though dancing isn’t a set future career for Rivera, she believes her passion is worth dedicating her time to as she continues to work towards her performances.

Dancing has also given Rivera life lessons that she’ll carry with her, regardless of the career path she chooses.

“I’ve learned a lot of time management and knowing when and where I have to be. [It’s required] a lot of screenshots of schedules, a lot of emails, a lot of communication,” Rivera said. “If I go into theater as a career, I can say I have 15 years of classical training. It's stuff like this that builds a resume, especially in a performing arts career.”

For Rivera, thinking about the future can be both overwhelming and exciting but as for right now, she is focused on being the best dancer and actress she can be.

“I can’t imagine not performing. It's always been a part of me,” Rivera said. “For as long as I’ve remembered, I’ve been a dancer. Dance is a core part of who I am.”

Rivera at Youth America Grand Prix competition performing in a costume inspired by a piece from Don Quixote. PHOTO COURTSEY OF SOPHIA RIVERA

8 in-focus

nov. 17, 2023 high tide

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS “

My parents were counting down to be “100 percent” authentic and confident the days until they could meet me. in their identity.

When I was 11 months old, they “My nationality is very different from arrived in South Korea to bring me to the my parents. I was the only one who miUnited States.” These were a part of the grated from a different continent,” Bernfirst words of junior Ro Bernberg’s 5th berg said. “It's something that will always grade report about their background and define me because I'm Asian-American. upbringing.

BernI still keep that Asian berg wrote two to part of me really close three pages about to my heart because their life journey, that's who I am. That's beginning with their how I was born. It [My brother] sees that move from South Kohelps me be my full self rea to America. and nothing can take I'm his family, that I'm “I immediately that away from me.” was taken into this his sister. That really Bernberg experifamily that loved me, pushed me and made enced new opportuniand I've loved them ties and cultures after back. They support me who I am, is the fact moving to America me in what I want that I was not but is still committed to do and in my pasto connection and imsions, and I love acknoledged as the msersion in their South them for doing that,” adoptive sister. To my Korean background.

Bernberg said. “We “We celebrate make more memo- family, I'm the daughter.

Asian [American Paries every single day. cific Islander] History I'm the sister.

They're an amazing Month,” Bernberg said. family, and I'm hap“We get as close as we py that I was adopt- RO BERNBERG can to the authened.” tic food, and we try to JUNIOR When Bernberg emerge ourselves with came into their home, they joined Bern- the culture and celebrate it, so I'm not left berg’s parents’ biological son, Teddy Bern- out.” berg, who was also on board with the adopGrowing up away from her homeland tion. like Bernberg, junior Xiao Wang Eng also “My brother and I would get into argu- immersed herself in her culture in America ments, but as we grew up, we found our and connected to others that had a similar own passions, and we started to actually upbringing to her. Eng, born in Hunan, talk things out and communicate with each China, moved to America at 10 months old other. Now, we have definitely gotten a bet- to be adopted by a single mother. ter bond,” Ro Bernberg said. “He sees that “I lived [in Redondo] and then I moved I'm his family, that I'm his sister. That real- to Santa Monica and then I moved back. ly pushed me and made me who I am, is the One of my friends in Santa Monica, her fact that I was mom and not acknowlmy mom edged as an made a adoptive sislittle comter. I was just munity me. To my with a family, I’m bunch of the daughter. adopted I’m the siskids and ter.” had a ChiBernese New nberg is aware Year party of the visual where we contrast as a would see result of the each othdifferent ether every nicities beyear,” Eng tween themsaid. “My self and their mom defifamily but nitely tried feels “enlight[to connect ened” when me to my hearing stoculture] ries about through their childthat party hood and feels every sin“informed of gle year. I who [they] got introwere when duced to Junior Ro Bernberg as a toddler, with their foster mother in China. [they] were a different PHOTO COURTESY OF RO BERNBERG child.” types of “I'm the only one that has been adopt- food that I would be eating if I was still ed in our family, so it's a weird dynamic. in China and was surrounded by people They would take us out for dinner, and I who were like me, and were from the same would be crying non-stop, [then when] my place.” mom [took me outside] people would walk The annual party served as a “safe place” in and be like, ‘Are you stealing this child?’ for Eng because she didn’t feel “forced to because I looked so different,” Bernberg talk about [her adoptive background].” In said. “I don't look anything like my parents, Santa Monica, Eng’s mother enrolled her but that never really defined me. in a Mandarin Immersion program that Bernberg feels "lucky” to live with a taught subjects in English and in Chinese family who created a “very inclusive and and she learned in the two languages up welcoming” environment. Bernberg is able until her move back to Redondo for her 7th

Changing family units emphasize emotional ties rather than biological ones

grade year.

“It helped that the school I went to was a Mandarin Immersion Program, so there

by Marley Van Pelt

“My brothers are younger and I've noticed the trend with their age group is that they are more close-minded,” Olson said.

“

Sophomore Archer Olson and her family gather at the beach for their annual family photo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCHER OLSON

were a lot of Chinese and Asians there and “My brother told my mom about the times I wasn't in a school that was dominated by he would get bullied for having two moms. white people. I was in a school that was It was a lot harder for them than it was for dominated by Asian and Hispanic people me.” because Spanish immersion and Chinese After some time had passed, the family immersion were split into two,” Eng said. got accustomed to the new situation, Olson According to Eng, her family believes recalls the unity that came with her parents the reason for her getting put up for adop- supporting their kids. tion had stemmed from the One Child Act “[My favorite memory] is when all three in China, a policy in effect from 1980 to of my parents were there at my eighth 2016 to lower the population growth. grade graduation,” Olson said. “There was “We've always wanted to know if I have no fighting or arguing or anything. We siblings because I’m an only child right were all just a family.” now,” Eng said. “My mom was married and According to Olson, with the exposure then she got divorced, but that was before to a different family unit, she grew to be I came into the picture. I feel like for me, I “more accepting” and learned to consider don't really have an idea of normal, obvi- what other people are going through in a ously, but I feel how I was raised wasn't any situation. different than my friends.”

“I would say Eng learned life lessons I was bigoted from her mom that she’ll carbefore. For a ry on with her for the rest of while, [the] peoher life and recognizes the For a while, [the people ple [around me] values she’s gained from her were very hoaround me] were very upbringing. mophobic, and “My mom has taught me homophobic, an then then my moms that trying your best is really being together all you need. It's shaped how my moms opened my mind I've taken things head on in eyes up to being together opened and school and with friends,” Eng say ‘Oh, I guess said. “I learned to just try my my mind and eyes up to this isn't weird. best in those relationships should love say, 'Oh, this isn't weird. You and whatever comes out of it who you want comes out of it and she real- You should love who to love,’” Olson ly contributed to that growth said. “It's made you want to love.' mindset.” me more unSophomore Archer derstanding of Olson’s birth parents also ARCHER OLSON different famidivorced, with her mom now SOPHOMORE ly dynamics or remarried to Olson’s steppeople's personmom. Olson, the oldest child with two al problems. I learned to be open to things younger brothers, experienced this transi- and learned to not be aggressive or try to tion in 2016, at age 8, and later had to ad- shut [the situation] down.” just to the movement between two houses.

Bernberg, Eng and Olson all find that “It was a very strange transition at their backgrounds are stories that they enfirst. It’s not a thing that you typically see joy sharing with other individuals because, and when a lot of people ask what was go- as Bernberg said, “Sharing stories really ing on, I didn't really know how to explain helps grow a community.” it,” Olson said. “I was very used to having “It's taught me that you don't know a everything in one place, and then going to lot about where someone is from, or what two houses, I would forget which house I their home life is like if you don't ask them was going to or forget to bring some of my and choose to learn about it,” Eng said. stuff with me.”

“You learn that everyone's story is differOlson and her two younger brothers ent and you should choose to want to learn each took the divorce differently, with Ol- about it.” son helping them get used to the new situation.

“

in-focus 9

high tide nov. 17, 2023

LESSONS FROM THE NEST

Practical and personal skills learned at home impact students' readiness for life after high school

by Daniella Gross

O

mitting rigorous classes from her schedule this year was something that junior Liusa Behmard felt was necessary in order for an overall improved well-being. However, it was certainly not her parent’s first decision or favored route.

Omitting rigorous classes from her schedule this year was something that junior Liusa Behmard felt was necessary in order for an overall improved well-being.

However, it was certainly not her parent’s first decision or favored route.

“As immigrant parents, my mom and dad have a harder outlook on everything.

They expect me to be perfect and also tend to be influenced by other family members' opinions. So the pressure can be difficult,” said Behmard.

Both of Behmard's parents share a Persian ethnicity: her mom is half German and her dad is half Italian. This has enabled Behmard to become fluent in Persian and become familiar with the German language.

“It was harder for them to adapt to the cultures here because they do everything differently. I got my first C in Honors Bio freshman year, and instead of helping me and allowing for improvement, they said, ‘What's going on?’” said Behmard. “It was difficult bringing myself up to a better grade and mindset when they were upset, and I understand them 100%, but it was hard on my end, coming back from a hardship like that.”

Expectations to be flawless in every aspect of life, even extracurriculars such as volleyball, pushed Behmard to excel throughout most of her high school years.

Even at home, Behmard has responsibilities, such as taking care of her pet duck named Golden.

“I’ll feed Golden and take him on walks, give him all the hugs and cuddles he needs.

I also make sure he gets sufficient food and water,” Behmard said, “But really, Golden has helped me realize how much care and love is needed [when taking care of an an-

imal or human]. Even if I’m having a bad day or if I’m mad at him, his face makes me so happy and it makes every other problem disappear. Golden has shown me how much love overpowers every other decision made to benefit his happiness.”

As well as caring for Golden, Behmard consistently assists her parents with household chores. Though cooking is not her preferred skill, she still tries to help her parents with small tasks.

“My mom loves cooking and baking. I’m a terrible cook, mac and cheese is the limit.

But I still enjoy helping my mom out for an hour and prepping the food. I think It’s me putting in the effort that she recognizes.”

Behmard said.

The traditional recipes from both of her parents' mixed cultures are difficult to follow and make according to Behmard, so she has trouble seeing her future self-cooking in a college dorm with limited space and supplies. Planning for meals using appropriate financing is also troubling to Behmard.

“Growing up, I never got an allowance. I think it has had a negative effect on me now because I am really bad at budgeting, and when my mom was my age, she had an allowance and learned how to manage money.” Behmard said. “I think self-discipline has a lot to do with money though, because if I don’t get a good grade, for example, I won’t reward myself with something like a coffee.”

Similar to Behmard, sophomore Alexsandra Manns did not receive an allowance while in elementary and middle school.

With separated parents, Manns grew up with two stepsisters who were presented with allowances, and it became difficult at times for her to accept.

“When I was younger I got frustrated that I didn’t get an allowance and they did, but now, I am glad that my parents never allowed me to have one because I have my own bank account and I get money through tutoring other people or dog sitting. I feel that it teaches you to have a better value of money rather than just helping around the house and earning money, I feel that [help-

in school and around the house. So when my parents were arguing, I felt that they never had to worry about me,” Manns said.

Due to the majority of her schedule being self-planned, Manns is comfortable with systems and organization. With dishes, the person who didn’t cook will help clean up the mess, and she and her family members rotate cooks for each day of the week. This aids in future independence, which junior Joaquin Escarcega similarly feels he will succeed in because of his love for cooking.

“I really enjoy cooking for my family,” Escarcega said. “We have bonding moments where we make tamales together every year, and it’s always nice when my parents can come and help me in the kitchen because they teach me how to cook in an everyday setting. It has helped me prepare a lot for the future.”

Talking to others and watching influencers online, Escarcega is surprised that some students his age don’t know how to make simple foods such as scrambled eggs. He finds that cooking is a skillful lesson that when taught early provides multiple lessons and advantages.

“When I end up living on my own, I feel that I will be able to keep myself maintained and fed. I won’t be confused or clueless when putting clothes away or doing laundry. I will be able to keep everything clean,” Escarcega said. “I don’t feel that I am causing problems for the people I am living with by leaving messes, and I don't depend on my parents as much.

Though some chores can be annoying, they definitely have benefits.”

2/3 of American parents give their children allowances, averaging $30 per week for about five hours for household chores.

INFORMATION FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES AND THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

ing] is a given.” Manns said.

As far as daily chores are concerned, Manns from a young age felt that she had to set standards for herself and make sure that she was organized due to her parent's separation.

“My parents being divorced made me have to mature much younger than most kids. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and always held myself to higher expectations

Also include photo captions for illustrations. ILLUSTRATION BY VINCENT VAN GOGH

Junior Joaquin Escarcega and his family on a trip to the mountains. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOAQUIN ESCARCEGA

opinion

Lights, Camera,

10

QUEERS

We need more LGBTQ+ representation in movies

by Calvin Bonn

L

et’s do an experiment. Think of any LGBTQ+ character in any movie or TV show. On the small screen, we’ve got lots of great options, from Mitch and Cam on Modern Family, to the entire cast of Pose, to any of the young teen romances: Heartstopper, Young Royals, Elite for instance. Now think of any LGBTQ+ character in a movie. It’s a little harder, but we have the recent release of "Red, White, and Royal Blue" to give us two fantastic gay protagonists. Keep thinking of a queer movie character that is not a gay man. I’ve got Stephanie Hsu’s portrayal of the lesbian daughter in "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once." Now think of a transgender character in a movie. I’ll wait. It’s challenging, considering that there were only 13 named trans characters in any movie released in 2022—and that was the most of any year. Despite recent strides in queer representation in films, movies have work to do to ensure that the full spectrum of diverse LGBTQ+ people see themselves on screen.

GLAAD, the world’s largest media advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people, released their 11th annual Studio Responsibility Index, analyzing the queer representation of 350 movies released by the 10 biggest American studios during 2022. 100 of the films included at least one named LGBTQ+ character, only 28.5%, which is certainly an increase over the last decade. Of the 292 characters represented in these films, however, over half (56%) had a screentime of less than five minutes. Queer representation needs to be genuine, not just checking a box on the diversity checklist. Forget the background character or gay best friend trope. We want to seem like an organic and important part of the plot.

It is extremely important to see queer people in movies, since we don’t typically see queer adult role models in our real life. For starters, since queerness is not inherited, there is no queer culture passed down familially, as with an ethnic identity. Additionally, many queer people, especially gay men in urban areas, died during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s-1990s. A sombering photo of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus taken in 1993 shows the just seven surviving members of the chorus of 122 people a decade earlier. This epidemic, and the government’s lethargic re-

sponse to it, robbed many queer people today of real-life queer elders to look to for support. Finally, many older generations were (and are) more homophobic and transphobic, creating hostile environments for Generation X and Baby Boomer queer individuals to come out to, leaving many closeted. All of this reduces the real-world examples of queer figures (but keep slaying, Billy Porter and Elton

A DVD covered in pride flag stickers.

PHOTO BY ARIYA ANVARI John.)

Movies provide an opportunity for queer people to gain these role models, via examples of successful queer adults. Queer people can be good parents. Queer people can be successful business owners. Queer people can be superheroes, both literally and figuratively. Queer people can also just exist happily single into their sunset years.

Movies have a responsibility to try to accurately represent all aspects of the queer experience, to help prove that it’s possible for real life queer people.

join us as

allcove Beach Cities turns free food! live music! jewelry making!

Saturday, November 18, 4 – 7 p.m. location allcove Beach Cities, Located at Beach Cities Health District 514 N. Prospect Avenue, 4th floor, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Come celebrate our 1-year anniversary with us. There will be live music, art show and contest, jewelry making and other interactive activities. Food will be provided. Ages 12-25 and their families are welcome.

Submit your artwork here

Register here

Visit allcove.org/beach-cities for more information.

Movies also need to ensure that the role models they provide are as diverse as our community. Continual inclusion of BIPOC queer representation is essential, as is increasing trans, nonbinary and disability representation in movies. These movies also don't necessarily need to center around a journey of self-discovery and acceptance as is typical for the plot-lines of many trans portrayals in films. I want to see Yasmin Finney (who portrays the trans woman Elle in Heartstopper) starring in a major action or science-fiction movie where being a boss and saving the world are her most important qualities, rather than her gender identity. That's when I know we will have reached the necessary amount of representation on screen.

Some people claim that the inclusion of queer characters in movies is indoctrinating the children to be gay. I promise y’all, I watched "Cinderella," "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid," and every other Disney movie, and despite the ever present heterosexuality, I’m still gay. I guess that indoctrination didn’t work! In reality, LGBTQ+ representation on screen allows cisgender, heterosexual people start to become more used to the idea of queer people in everyday society, and queer people are reassured that they do belong in everyday society. Especially now, when transgender rights are under attack in our country, having strong trans representation in particular in movies would serve as a reminder that they belong.

And to the studio’s credit, they are gradually stepping up. "Moonlight" compellingly and heartbreakingly told the story of a gay Black man’s journey of self-discovery and won Best Picture in 2017. In terms of popular franchises targeted for young audiences, Marvel had a gay couple in "Eternals," and Pixar briefly showed a lesbian couple in "Lightyear." While notable as the first gay rom-com by a major American studio, "Bros" also featured a supporting cast that included four of five transgender characters in the 100 highest grossing movies of 2022. We just need more.

To the other 72.5% of movies that didn’t have any LGBTQ+ representation last year: wake up. We’re here to stay, so do your part to normalize the presence of queers in society.

Next year, start by including some fabulous diverse trans and nonbinary role models.

opinion 11

high tide nov. 17, 2023

Shifting news narratives W

News should focus less on massconsumption and more on uplifting personal perspectives by Kat Otey

e have become hesitant to say er the moderate perspective, and if nothing what we mean. In our obses- else, take your information from objective sive need to have our opinions sources to make absolutely, perfectly sure validated, we have begun to water them that you have all the information there is down to the point that they are no longer to know about this issue before you open even our own. The line between genuine your mouth. discourse and overcompensating for any And to be clear, of course there are plenpossible objection has become incredibly ty of issues that are genuinely controverblurred by the sheer number of informa- sial, that have valid points on either side, tion and expectations we are exposed to. and that you should be well informed on So, why? Why do we care so much about before you spew misinformation to the having the “correct” opinion? It begins with next person. But knowing the facts is the the exponential increase in misinformation prerequisite to forming an opinion, not the and platforms to spread it.

Take Twitter, for instance.

Twitter is synonymous with misinformation, strong opinions, heated arguments and death threats–and to make it even worse, Twitter has a word cap of only a few hundred words. Surely one couldn’t fit a valid, fact checked, well sourced opinion in that little box—“Well sourced” meaning mostly long-form articles by academics, by allegedly credible newspapers like the “Los Angeles Times” and “The WashJOHNATHAN FOSTER ington Post.” This causes us to SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY, JOURNALISM compare the screaming masses to PROFESSOR the clean-cut academics. A sanitized mainstream, which delivers on its journalistic promise of objectivity, opinion itself. The assumption that a neulistens and mediates between both sides of tral stance is the only valid stance in any every issue. situation is wrong; that’s not an opinion, It is better, apparently, to get our opin- that’s false objectivity. ion by carefully deliberating, reading the The way that we view the voices of “exnews cover-to-cover and considering every perts” versus the way we view the individangle. If you watch “CNN,” then surely you ual and collective voices of regular people also have to watch “Fox News,” so that you displays a clear bias towards the former. can “get both sides.” And then also consid- I’m not saying we dismiss credibility and

“

well-sourced news, I’m saying that in our search to avoid conflict in favor of validation we have silenced the voices of ourselves and others and forgotten that they matter.

It is the job of the corporate-sponsored, mainstream media to cover issues from all sides because it makes them appeal to the biggest audience possible, and appealing to more people means more revenue.

The really cool thing about us, as normal people, is that we are not the mainstream media. We don’t have to appeal to anyone, or say things that we don’t believe. There is no monetary incentive to us saying “well, I think this, but obviously other people think this and that’s valid too. Personally, I don’t think that it’s valid, it’s actually just blatantly untrue, but this article says there’s someone somewhere who disagrees and therefore I shouldn’t say it.”

It is utterly exhausting and unreasonable to hand out dithering apologies to an imaginary audience that is poised to strike at any given time.

Again, this is not a blanket rule for every subject it’s possible to have an opinion on. Misinformed opinions can be hurtful to real people, so that’s exactly who we should be listening to: real people.

That real person might be someone else, or it might be you.

As someone who is biologically female, I do not have to respect a cisgender man’s opinion on reproductive rights. As a queer person, I do not have to respect a straight

If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. Your job is to look out the window and find out what’s true.

DATA VIA PEW RESEARCH CENTER, JUL. 2022

55% of journalists surveyed say that every side does not always deserve equal coverage in the news

person’s opinion on whether or not kids should be outed to their parents without consent. I don’t have to tack your opinion onto the end of my opinion as a disclaimer just because it’s different. Not all opinions are created equally. An easy phrase to simplify this was coined by Johnathan Foster of Sheffield University: “If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. Your job is to look out the window and find out what’s true.”

This is what happens when we take issues that affect real people and make them political, or even worse, try to make those politics appease everyone. Instead of listening to the people that this topic actually affects, we give people the right to say “actually, I’m not affected by this issue, but here’s my opinion on it and you have to honor it, otherwise you’re not being objective.” Because otherwise you’re pushing an agenda, and otherwise you’re not respecting my opinion, and my opinion from inside this house is that it’s not raining.

But it is raining. These are deeply personal issues that hurt certain groups of people, and those people are being discredited. There are other opinions, but there are not other options. Full stop.

Performative activism on social media diminishes the true meaning of advocacy

A

by Yasmeen Ford

s I open Instagram, my feed is plastered with my classmates’ latest vacation photos, cooking tutorials and graphics from acclaimed newspapers, informing me of the latest discussions and news. Eventually, on this seemingly endless scroll, I come across an Instagram story or post stating something along the lines of, “Repost if u stand with [insert marginalized group that does not benefit from this post at all]. I can see if u skipped!”

After viewing these horrendous attempts at blackmail, I usually put down my phone and fathom why anyone with a single brain cell would think this was helpful.

Over time, activism’s prevalence has grown to predominantly take place on social media, with the lines between social apathy, performative activism, and true allyship blurred almost to nonexistence. In a world where reproductive rights are in the hands of ancient men, and academic courses have been removed from school curricula for discussing “controversial topics” like sexuality and critical race theory, the need for activism has never been more obvious.

In this sea of digital activism, where reposts and likes substitute genuine engagement, the consequences of social apathy become more and more prevalent. The importance of active participation is now drowned out by the noise of performative gestures, like the simple click of a share button solely to display a false sense of empathy to all of your devoted followers. The internet, a powerful, tangible tool for activism, now serves as a double-edged sword, enabling genuine and superficial expres-

sions of support.

Performative activism, evident in instances where users mindlessly reposted black squares to support the Black Lives Matter movement or simply used social media activism when convenient or “trendy,” diminishes the impact of true advocacy by resorting to acts that undermine the credibility of your cause. As a facade where individuals seek social validation rather than striving for meaningful change, performative activism dilutes the true essence of advocacy, making it a trend rather than a sincere effort to address prominent societal issues.

Now, I’m not saying anyone who reposts Instagram graphics detailing relevant facts about a societal issue is indulging in the benefits of performative activism. Reposting these images still helps spread awareness, especially considering the fact that many teenagers spend the majority of their screen time on social media. There have been many instances where an abundance of social media discourse users has contributed to good–For example, the allocation of humanitarian aid to areas in desperate need, like the donations and resources sent to Lahaina, Hawaii via crowdsourcing.

However, share buttons lose their worth when you become silent after these issues lose their sense of “trendiness” in media and news. In return, you become the problem; a bystander whose involvement relies upon other people. Just because the prevalence of the issue decreases does not mean that the significance does as well.

According to Christopher Blattman, an economist and Professor of Global Conflict

Studies at at the University of Chicago, "It seems reasonable for any society to care more about conflicts that are geographically closer, share a social identity (which could include race and religion), share a language or share an imperial or colonial history [with the former]." In America– where white supremacy is as prevalent as ever–we tend to pay more attention to issues that feature individuals who possess light skin, as exemplified in the immense media coverage of the Russo-Ukraine war compared to the Middle East and Africa’s often overlooked, yet deadly, ongoing conflicts.

True activism requires genuine dedication, informed advocacy and a commitment to endorsing meaningful change around the world, rather than selectively speaking out on issues that directly pertain to you. Volunteering, actively participating in protests, petitioning congresspeople for the change of legislations or policies and even writing op-eds to engage in informed discourse are all viable–and valuable–examples of the commitment needed.

However, the constraints of busy lives and the limitations of certain circumstances inevitably diminish these more time-consuming possibilities. Regardless, impactful activism does not solely take on these forms of participation.

Armchair activism does not always (emphasis on always) go hand-in-hand with performative activism. When done thoughtfully and thoroughly, armchair activism can serve as a beneficial contribution to issues desperate for recognition in the media. Donating to organizations sup-

porting a genuine cause, supporting businesses owned by marginalized groups and avoiding businesses and corporations that oppose those groups are all more accessible ways to indulge in genuine allyship. Even educating yourself on all sides of these topics provides a more in-depth understanding with which you can form more well-informed opinions.

Your voice does count. But before you decide to post that ineffective, cringe-inducing Instagram story, regardless of intent, remember that true activism is a reflection of genuine commitment to a cause, not merely a way to adorn ourselves with fleeting symbols of virtue.

12

entertainment

Hello (or maybe goodbye), BobaHi

Despite BobaHi's appealing boba shop vibe and excellent customer service, their products fall short of their advertising, leading to the shop being just average

T

by Meara Fay his month has been monumental for middle and high schoolers alike: a new boba shop, BobaHi, has opened in walking distance from both Parras Middle School and RUHS. Boba shops are like a magnet for teenagers after school, and I am merely one of them—who can’t resist a good milk tea after a hard day’s work?

What most people don’t understand are the intricacies that come with making boba. I have been working at restaurants that serve boba for almost a year and a half, so I would say I’m pretty experienced.

Tapioca pearls take hours of work to make right, and it’s an art that only some can perfect. Good boba is sweet, with notes of brown sugar and some type of syrup, and isn't too hard or soft but rather the perfect level of chewiness—and that’s what I was looking for in BobaHi. Everyone knows the indescribable feeling you get when you walk into a boba shop: the distinct scent hits your nose, you’re in awe at the variety of choices on the menu, and you feel comforted. BobaHi definitely had the typical boba shop vibe, and although the seating is a little squished, they make up for it with their

outdoor patio area. The customer service was great, and all of the workers were very friendly towards me from the get-go.

As soon as I looked up at the giant television screen menus, the specialty crème brûlée drink caught my eye. I was so excited to try this drink and expected it to be the liquidated dessert of my dreams. To my surprise, it was not.

After puncturing the plastic seal and sipping through the boba straw, my eyes lit up—and not in a good way. The taste of the drink was purely overwhelming. The only accurate description is milk times 1,000, with a little bit of burnt sugar. The hints of crème brûlée flavor were there, but definitely not stealing the show. And when I tried to taste the boba, the taste of the drink was so overpowering that I couldn’t make out any aspects of the pearls except their texture. I was disappointed to find that the boba was more jelly-like, as I’m a bigger fan of—and more well versed in—classic tapioca pearls.In BobaHi’s defense, the caramelized brown sugar pearls may taste wonderful by themselves, but the flavor of this drink dominated them so much that there was no recognizable flavor. Being both my most anticipated and most hated drink, the

Crème Brûlée With Boba receives a firm 1/10 from me.

At every boba shop, or any restaurant that serves it, I will always be a Thai tea girlie. When made well, I think of Thai tea as classic milk tea but better. However, after working with the tea for over a year I know that it’s harder to perfect than it seems. If it steeps for too long, it’s bitter. If it has too much sugar, it’s nauseating. If it’s left out for too long, it’s gone bad—even without the milk in it. So, whenever I go to a new restaurant Thai tea is my favorite drink to taste test. BobaHi’s Thai tea was not horrible, but not on par with my standards. The flavor of the tea was almost overrun by the amount of sugar in it, but it was not bitter at all—which is even more important in my opinion. Although the drink was still enjoyable, the sweetness was far too much for me, so it gets an 8/10.

I almost wasn’t going to order it, but as I was looking at the electronic menu waiting for my drinks, a pop-up of the Guava Milk Tea caught my attention. At the boba shop where I used to work, there was a honeydew milk tea that I strangely enjoyed, so when I saw the guava tea, its seemingly similar flavor enticed me. It looked super

aesthetic: the light pink liquid complimented by the darker shaded “Pink Crystal Boba.” Upon first sip, the tea tasted okay but not amazing. It was sweet and sour, with an aftertaste of cream from the milk. I was disappointed by the texture of the crystal boba, but it did have a subtle flavor with a remnant of lychee. With time, the flavor of the jasmine tea became more prominent which added to the fruity flavor. However, also with time, the drink began to taste unpleasantly sour, making me question the combination of such syrupy tea with dairy.

Overall, the drink tasted like the fancy HiChew flavors you can only get at an Asian market. The tea was drinkable but I probably wouldn’t order it again, causing me to rank it at a 7/10.

I really had “Hi” hopes for BobaHi, and their customer service was wonderful, but unfortunately I couldn’t get fully behind the drinks I tried. Their crystal boba seemed like it dominated their menu, more so than the classic tapioca pearls I prefer.

Personally, BobaHi definitely won't be my new sacred boba spot, but if I’m ever in dire need of tea close to school it’s good to know that there is a new option available.

PHOTO BY MEARA FAY

"A Short History of the Girl Next Door" weaves together the challenges of teenagehood and tragedy, creating a coming-of-age narrative that defies expectations

A

by Cristina Couch t first glance the title made sense to me: “A Short History of the Girl Next Door," by Jared Reck. Sounds like a simple story revolving around a teenage dude’s inability to tell a girl his feelings, which I assume would ultimately diminish any possible future with that girl. So if their short lived romance faded into history, my assumption of the plot and title would check out. As I made my way through the book, however, my understanding began to falter. How could this book, a book focused on something as common as the life of a high school boy, make me feel so understood and broken at the same time?

Reck’s novel follows freshman Matthew Wainwright, “Matty” to his childhood-bestfriend-turned-unrequited-love Tabby and “M. dub” in his internal monologue. I’ll just call him Matt. All Matt wants this year is two things: make the varsity basketball team next year and get Tabby to fall in love with him—which is why his heart breaks when she drives away in “senior stud athlete” Liam Branson's black Accord, taking any hope of reciprocated feelings with them. His pent up jealousy fuels his hatred for the popular jock and kick starts the conflict of the story.

As he navigates this unwelcome change, Matt’s voice rings with a universal consensus to teenagehood that gives the book its own personal touch. Through persistent humourous additions and a twinge of emotional maturity, Reck successfully dis-

plays the otherwise anxiety-filled mind of a conflicted teenager. As Matt maneuvers through each uncomfortable challenge, his character refines itself and the complexities of his reality begin to fully resonate. I love how the book spotlights different aspects of relationships beyond romantic motivation. Although the book is driven by Matt’s interest in Tabby, its presence does not outshine the other ways she is integral to his life. He loves Tabby, romantically and in all the awkward teenage boy ways that come with it, but through the comfort of their shared upbringing, Tabby is more than just a crush—she’s family. His parents changed her diapers alongside his and his grandparents loved her as their own. Matt’s little brother, Murray, orbited around her whenever she was in the vicinity of their house, begging her to play stuffed animals with him. She never misses a holiday with them and–until Branson came along–

she rode the bus to and from school with Matt every day.

It is these facets of their relationship that build the complexity of the book and its ability to go beyond the stereotypical coming-of-age story. Matt doesn’t analyze his life from a single view, and although he is flawed in many ways, he is not a bad person. He’s just human. The inclusion of the uncertainty, no matter how small, within his internal monologue allow Reck’s characters and the book's messages of love, forgiveness, grief and acceptance to resonate with the reader more than it would otherwise.

One thing I neglected about this book was the glowing reviews on the back of my copy.

They told me this book was beautiful, authentic and depressing, that it would break my heart and somehow manage to put it back together again. Yeah right, I told myself.

It can’t be that bad.

Those are the words of a stupid person. It's safe to say I was wildly overconfident, and then brutally humbled. Who knew that professionals who get

paid to make those little blurbs of summary text actually know what they're doing?

Part of me wishes Reck didn't take the book in that heart wrenching direction. But another part of me, who hates to admit it, knows that the book wouldn't be what it is without tackling its crushing reality.

This completely devastating addition to Matt’s storyline transformed the sweet feeling of a coming-of-age tale into a ballad of confusion and sadness. I wanted to slap the book after that. After the shock subsisted from the reveal and the water forming along my eye line surprisingly did not form trails along my face, I gained a burning anger for the book at that moment. But this isn't the kind of book you can just walk away from. I've been hooked since the first page so I wasn't about to stop now.

Some coming-of-age stories are so far-fetched it feels like I'm living a dream rather than reading someone's reality. I felt the opposite during this book. Every emotion depicted had a plausible reaction and inherently human quality. No thought felt like a failed attempt to relate to young people or to milk as much entertainment as they could from the downfall of someone's romantic aspirations. There's no forced emphasis on one superficial theme; everything manages to mesh into one perfect clump of plot that provides the reader with a piece of work that accurately and intensely depicts the complexities of life alongside lovable characters and relationships to root for.

PHOTO VIA GOODREADS

high tide sept. 14, 2023

entertainment 13

Searching for Elysium

I

1. Disco Elysium Box Art 2. Disco Elysium Screen Saver PHOTOS VIA ZA/UM

"Disco Elysium" is beautifully philosophical and well deserves its praise

by Claudia Turner

t has been described by fans as “an epic poem in video game form,” “the best modern RPG of all time” and “the most philosophical game ever created.” It holds a GameSpot perfect score, which has only been given out 26 other times since the website's inception. It's also an indie text-based mystery game, produced in a country most Americans can't point out on a map. All at once funny, beautiful, political and character-driven, yet never once drowning in these competing themes, Estonian developer ZA/UM's “Disco Elysium” is a masterclass in perseverance in the pre-apocalypse.

You start your journey in complete darkness, with only your Ancient Reptilian Brain and Limbic System for company. Your character has drunk himself into complete oblivion, so high on drugs and alcohol that you don't even remember your own name, much less what you're doing here; all you know is that you really rather not go back to the painful world of the living. Not only does this amnesia demonstrate just how hard you partied, it also gives the player the chance to ask all the questions you've been wondering, while still having the fun and exciting writing of a pre-crafted character. This immersive tool lends the player basic insight into the rules of this immersive system of Elysium and the town of Revachol, which has its own history, political groups, economic system and government, all for players to fully immerse themselves in if they so choose.

To interact with the extensive lore or not isn't the only option presented to players. There are multiple different political ideologies you can unlock in your "Thought Cabinet," each with its own in-game advantages and disadvantages. You also have the choice of investigating side quests in

addition to your main murder case: what's going on with the dock-workers union?

Is the mysterious “Insulindian Phasmid” even real? Can you help your new raver friends set up a club in a church? What's going on with the cursed shopping district?

And what is “The Pale,” this ever-growing, ever-consuming entropy that threatens to destroy everything and everyone? Some of these questions will be answered, some won't, and that's intentional. In giving you all these options, the game asks what you as a player find important and will adjust accordingly. Unlike other role-playing games (RPGs), choice isn't just an illusion in “Disco Elysium.” There's no good or bad option; it’s all relative to your own moral compass and goals for the game.

Another aspect of the game that goes above and beyond its peers is its gorgeous art style. Painterly, with bright strokes of color washed across character profiles and gorgeous lighting details that change throughout the day, it's no wonder the game took seven months to make. And the characters- how I adore “Disco Elysium's” characters. Calling them NPCs seems almost like an insult because despite being

non-playable, the people in this game are filled with so much life and complexity, they each could lead their own story in some type of spin-off. These personas are communicated through design as well as verbiage; characters all have something unique about their build that's just waiting to be analyzed and fawned over.

The biggest standout for me is “Disco Elysium's” beautiful soundtrack. Composed by the British alt-rock band "Sea Power," the music of “Disco Elysium” is infused into the atmosphere of the game, altering the tone of certain scenes and changing the way the player experiences the world of Elysium. Most strikingly is the main theme of the game: an anthem of striking horns that come from the band's song “Red Rock Riviera.” This instrumental plays sporadically throughout the game, becoming one with the mechanics and storyline, just another piece of art to add to the ambiance.

Near the end of the game, you meet an old communist on an abandoned island: “The Deserter.” He’s been living there ever since the failed revolution, watching the city in front of him pass him by, growing

more bitter and lonely with each passing day. He represents everything you've been fighting against the whole game, that feeling of being so overwhelmed with everything wrong in the world that you isolate yourself from it to wallow in that pain.

This behavior mirrors what your detective did with his alcoholism and drug problem.

The message of “Disco Elysium” is that this method of coping is wrong, that you can't move through life with resigned apathy, and that facing your pain and learning from it is the only way to move forward and avoid a life of rotting away in anger and sadness. Yes, “The Pale” is coming, tensions are high between social groups and you have absolutely no idea where your other shoe is, but all that shouldn’t stop you from living your life. Learning to face the music and accepting that things might be hard now, and that's okay, that is what “Disco Elysium” is all about. You have to put in the work to keep getting better, no matter what your Reptilian Brain has to say about it. Revachol is waiting, so put on your ugly tie, meet up with your partner at the Whirling-In-Rags, and get to work, Detective.

2.

"The Marvels" provides a surprisingly heartwarming viewing experience

by Aaliyah Roberson

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n a cinematic battle between a team of cosmic heroes and a warlord fighting for planetary salvation, “The Marvels” is a crossover between the storylines of Ms. Marvel, also known as Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris).

Together, they fight to defeat Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton)--a revolutionary in the Kree Empire who wants to restore her homeworld, Hala, after the Kree Civil War. The team of Marvels join together to try to stop Dar-Benn from destroying planets for her own gain.

I have been a fan of Marvel and its multiverse since “Iron Man” came out, but after the events of “Endgame,” many of the original characters fell in love with were no longer the main protagonists. Carol Danvers’s stoic personality and isolated galac-

tic missions detached her from the rest of the MCU in my mind, so she was never a top character for me. However, I was looking forward to this film after her prominent role in the defeat of Thanos in “Endgame,” and was pleasantly surprised by my immediate interest while watching this movie.

“The Marvels” focused more on her character after she returned to the galaxy and expanded on the destructive choices of her past and how they defined her relationships, including her connection with Monica, her best friend's daughter who Carol left behind as a child.

After their powers became entangled due to an encounter with an unstable wormhole, the movie explored the changing relationships between the Marvels. The chemistry between the actresses was one of my favorite things about the film because it formed the family dynamic I appreciat-

PHOTO VIA MARVEL STUDIOS

From Left to RIght: Monica Rambeau, Captain Marvel, and Ms. Marvel PHOTO VIA MARVEL STUDIOS

ed most between the original Avengers. Throughout the movie, the team had a Throughout the film, effortless humor and hard time controlling their powers due to an almost familial relationship between the entanglement, which was dynamically the group made the sudden formation of executed through scene cuts and diverse a team more realistic. locations. I’ve always Seeing their personaliloved Marvel’s use of ties bounce off each othspace to explore and er made the film fun and As part of a new marworld-build, and this lighthearted, which was film was no different. not the direction Marvel keting strategy, both The different planhas taken with their lat- Monica Rambeau and ets the group went est content. I appreciate to– singing planets seeing this aspect of the Kamala Khan were included–were captifranchise emerge once introduced to the MCU vating and surprising, again as it resurrects the which made the story original love I had for through exclusive Disflow more consistentthe stories. ly with the plot line. ney shows.

Dar-Benn, who was INFORMATION FROM One of my favorite a new villain introduced DISNEY+ parts about this movin the film, was a perfect ie centered around antagonist for this story Kamala and her famidespite being one of Marvel’s ly. I loved how Vellani was able to grow into weaker villains. I really enjoyed her character after being introduced in her how the film told her backstory own series last year. Her bubbly personalito provide context for her con- ty brought a unique humor to the role and quest mission. However, her made her relate to the high school girl she character was lacking in devel- portrayed in the film. I enjoyed how she opment as her mission was nev- brought a lightheartedness to the intense er fully fleshed out and instead situation the team was presented with, eswas overshadowed by the heart- pecially since she was younger than Carol felt relationships and intensely and Monica. choreographed combat. I would Overall, this movie was a fun watch and have liked to learn more about a great opportunity to explore characters her motives and what pushed that had more stories to tell. The main vilher to become a villain. Despite lain was underwhelming at times, but she Dar-Benn being what I would did pose a threat in terms of the power at consider a lower villain than her hands, which added a depth to the story those faced in the past, I still be- it would have lacked without her. While I lieve her role served its purpose do believe I could have waited at home for by bringing Kamala, Carol and this one, rather than going to see it in theMonica closer together. aters, I do think it’s worth the watch, espeThe storytelling was well- cially to answer any previously unanswered paced and answered many questions surrounding the protagonists. In questions posed in previous terms of the newly formed team, I would television series and films that love to see them together more in the fuwere a set up for this movie. ture of Marvel.

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14

sports FLORIDA-BOUND Varsity Game Day Cheer qualifies for UCA Nationals by Valentina Masoni

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or the first time in 119 years of school history, Redondo’s cheerleaders are performing routines on and off the sideline. After a change in coaching staff, the 2023-2024 school year marks the beginning of cheer taking their talents to competition.

“I'm really happy that we get the opportunity to explore new coaching styles. I do think we've been successful with the changes as a team, and individually I love it a lot. [The coaches] are incredibly experienced and dedicated,” junior captain Leah Gnadt said.

On Sat. Nov. 11, s c h o o l s from as far as Calexico gathered at 1 Mira Costa to perform their game day routines and hoped to earn a bid for the UCA cheerleading nationals in Florida. Averaging two to three minutes, game day routines are an en-

3

hanced version of typical football cheer, in- with the fight song and megaphones. The cluding stunting, signs, megaphones, flags routine went smoothly aside from one dropped stunt. and dancing.

“Everyone had great energy “Sideline cheer feels less risky, like there’s nothing on the line. Competition is during the performance. I think a lot more nerve-wracking, and it feels like we really brought out [our best] everything is on the line,” senior captain facial expressions and accomplished the routine,” Reyes Iris Reyes said. said.

The team debuted a The team routine that they’ve been placed secpolishing up for over two ond in their months, taking two to Large Varsity three weeks to learn the They're our inauguNon-Tumbling movements and dedicatDivision, ensuring the rest of their time ral group, and now ing their bid for to make them perfect. we get to repreUCA Nation“After working so als in Florida, hard on committing sent Redondo at a which they [the routine] to memo- competition that's will attend in ry, when you get out on February. the mats the adrenaline the pinnacle of the don’t and muscle memory recheerleading world. have“I words ally kick in,” Gnadt said. to describe “I’ve been competing how proud we for seven years, so it’s LISA HEDSPETH are of them. become second nature. HEAD CHEER COACH It’s a complete I love the energy of the 180, we took a crowd when you hit the group of Divifloor and seeing the sion 7 athletes and turned them judges and audience smile.”

The routine has four components, start- Division 1,” coach Lisa Hedsing off with a band chant, then a defense peth said. “They’re our inaugural or offense cheer (the choice is called out group, and now we get to repreby the judges in the midst of the routine, sent Redondo at a competition so the girls have to be prepared to perform that’s the pinnacle of the cheereither), followed by a crowd-leader cheer, leading world.”

Qualifying meant “everyand finishing off with the school fight song.

Redondo began with sign work and thing” to the girls, according flags, performed a defense cheer hold- to Gnadt, as it was unexpecting up “Hold that Line” signs, and ended ed considering how new competing is to

“

the program. The team still has work to do as they prepare for Florida. As for the majority of the girls, this competition was their first experience performing a game day routine.

“We need to focus on people's individual roles and gain confidence on the floor,” Gnadt said. “Getting on the floor more and getting comfortable with being in front of the crowd is what we need to work on, so we don't panic when it actually counts.”

In preparation for the UCA national championships, the team will continue to work hard and attend combined practices with other schools to gain other feedback and coaching perspectives.

“We’re going to focus on their mindset and polishing up skills,” said Hedspeth.

“But there’s already a great bond throughout the team, and the biggest thing for me is remaining a united family.”

1. Senior Iris Reyes pumps up the crowd.

2. Junior Leah Gnadt carries freshman signgirl Adriana Fernandez on her shoulders.

3. Signs from the routines BY ROMI RISS PHOTOS 1-2 BY TALIA PATTISHALL

2

Boys varsity football ends their CIF run with a loss 16-0 to El Dorado

by Sam Schwartz

1

D

espite Redondo’s overtime win in round one of CIF, football fell short against El Dorado, losing 16-0 on Nov. 10 and wrapping up the fall 2023 season.

An underdog in the playoff seeding, Redondo’s big upset in round one against Bishop Diego could have been caused by the team’s drive to win.

According to senior running back Roman Broughton, the last time Redondo and Bishop Diego faced off, Redondo took a harsh beating, 51-3. “[The 2 team] saw that projection a n d we

wanted to win the game more, so we had to mentally prepare ourselves. We had a long bus ride, so a lot of us reviewed our plays making sure we had our mental errors in check,” Broughton said.

Football has different game plans depending on who their Friday opponents are, according to senior cornerback Erick Espinoza.

“Every Monday we would have a new plan on how to attack the team we were playing Friday. This would show players what to mainly focus on [physically] and mentally,” Espinoza said.

With the score still 0-0 by the end of the first quarter, the defense gave opportunities, but the offense couldn’t always capitalize according to junior quarterback Niko London.

“It’s always good when your defense can force a stop and give you good field position, but a couple of plays just didn’t go our way. We knew that we could make adjustments and come back in coming quarters,” London said.

Though the defense kept things close, the offense still struggled to get drives going as they headed into the locker room, down 9-0.

“When the second quarter came around, it was the same. We get positive plays, and then a negative setback, and we felt going into halftime we had so much to improve upon, and we were so confident in our plan [getting the ball out quick] because the practice was 13 there. We just had to execute,” London said.

After the third quarter came to an end, Redondo found themselves in a deeper hole, down 16-0 after another El Dorado touchdown.

“The third quarter rolls around, and we come out flat, and you can’t afford to do that, especially in a playoff game. You need to play your best every quarter that you're in, and we just didn’t execute well enough to win the game,” London said.

The second half saw seven more points for El Dorado, but Redondo stayed scoreless. Though Redondo’s defense held El Dorado to only 16 points, the offense struggled to produce points against a “tough” El Dorado defense, according to Broughton.

“We felt like we didn’t make any adjustments. We kept trying to get Cadence the ball when we probably should have adjusted and given other people a chance to make a play,” Broughton said.

Redondo was a two-point favorite against El Dorado because of the playoff seeding in CIF in addition to being the home team.

“I think we weren’t prepared during

warm-ups. Not everyone was woken up, and our coaches were trying to hype us up, and it was difficult to get started, also we usually have school on game day, so it was a very different vibe this time, as we didn't have to be awake to focus on anything,” Espinoza said. “I think we came out thinking we would automatically win since we were [the] higher seed, but we just didn’t bring it and didn’t win. Our plan didn’t work so well, and we just made a bunch of mistakes, which caused us to lose the game.”

As a player on the defensive side of the ball, Espinoza saw things the defense could have improved on, especially on the ground.

“We should have had a better plan on how to attack the quarterback and get past their offensive line, also stopping their running backs, because their running backs were [strong], and were running hard all night, and were very difficult to stop,” Espinoza said.

From the offensive perspective, Broughton thought there was one thing in particular the offense should have changed.

“Just have better play-calling. We kept running the same plays and not making any adjustments, but our offensive line did really well protecting the quarterback. I just really think we should have just called a better game,” Broughton said.

1. The teams clash over the ball.

2. Senior wide receiver Max Ausmus manuevers a tackle to run the ball.

3. Junior wide receiver Cadence Turner looks for the ball overhead.

ALL PHOTOS BY SASCHA PERDUE

sports 15

high tide nov. 17 2023

THAT'S A WRAP

1. Madilynn Collins digs a ball hit by Liberty.

PHOTO BY CATHERINE WONG

Girls volleyball season comes to an end after falling to Palos Verdes in CIF Regional semi-finals on Nov. 11

by Rena Felde

G

irls indoor volleyball kicked off their DI CIF State-run strong, defeating Liberty and number one seed Bishop Alemany last week. However, in the regional semi-finals, the girls fell to Palos Verdes in a strenuous five-set battle last Saturday, Nov. 11.

On Oct. 28, Redondo lost to Orange Lutheran in the prior DII CIF-Southern Section semi-finals, winning the first set 25-20, losing the second and third 27-25, 25-21, winning the fourth 25-11 and eventually losing the fifth set, 15-11.

“Everyone knew we should’ve beat Orange Lutheran,” senior libero Summer Suppik said. “So we wanted to show everyone that we’re not gonna let a team that should never beat us, beat us again, especially at home.”

The Sea Hawks had another chance at a CIF title after beating the Liberty Patriots in five sets during the first round of CIF Regionals on Nov. 7. Liberty was hitting high and not receiving well initially, allowing the Sea Hawks to win the first set 25-9.

The following set was much closer, with the teams alternating the lead; however, Liberty pulled through at the end, winning the second set, 25-22.

“We just came out hot in the first set, and in the next four, they caught up and played a little bit smarter, and we just had to adjust to that,” Suppik said.

The Sea Hawks took note of the frequent tips Liberty executed and adapted to come out on top in the third set, 25-20. However, Liberty put up a strong defense in the fourth set, winning 25-22.

According to sophomore outside hitter Abby Zimmerman, the team felt nervous going into the fifth set because their fifth set record “hasn’t been very good,” but they rose above their fear, beating Liberty 15-10.

“I think it was really good for us to get the first point because we tend to give up big runs in the fifth set. It gave us the confidence we needed to win,” Zimmerman said.

The team’s win against Liberty advanced them into round two of CIF Regionals. The team kept the fire alive through their away game against Alemany on Nov. 9. Although the team fell in the first set, 25-23, they pulled through to win the next three, 2523, 25-12 and 25-22.

“I think our coaches did a really good job at coming up with a strategy, and they spent a lot of time watching [Alemany’s]

“

I'm so proud of our team and how we did as a whole. Even though our results aren’t what we wanted, I felt like I got closer with my team, closer than I’ve ever been.

VICTORIA HENKEL

SENIOR

film, so we were pretty prepared,” sophomore outside hitter Addison Junk said.

Following their win, Redondo returned south to play in the CIF Regional semi-finals at Palos Verdes. The Sea Kings started off strong, beating Redondo 25-22 in the first set, but senior outside hitter Victoria Henkel notes that the team decreased their errors in hitting and maintained a strong defense,

which helped them win the second set, 26-24.

“In the first set, we were not prepared for how good they were going to be,” Henkel said. “But then in the second set, we decided to fight and instead of letting them beat us, we came back and stopped making as many errors as we did in the first set.”

Tied at one set each, PV possessed a lead early in the third set, and despite Redondo’s efforts to catch up, PV closed the set 25-22. However, the roles reversed in the fourth set when the Sea Hawks held the Sea Kings down, leaving PV unable to catch up. Jones notes Redondo’s tough serving and stops on the setter dumps helped the team maintain their lead, winning the set 25-15.

“We are both very competitive teams. When they beat us, we wanted to come out swinging to beat them,” Henkel said. “We’re very evenly matched teams and they unfortunately just had a little bit more competitive effort than we did.”

With that, Redondo entered the notorious fifth set.

“One of the biggest things throughout the whole game is we were kind of unable to stop their goto girl, number 13, on the out1 side,” junior

2 setter Bella Jones said. “We made some really good digs at times, and had some good blocks and block touches, but we just couldn’t stop her, and that really hurt us.”

PV came out strong and the Sea Hawks fell short 15-9 in the fifth set, ending their CIF run.

“I’m super proud of our team and how we did as a whole,” Henkel said. “Even though our results aren’t what we wanted, I felt like I got closer with my team, closer than I’ve ever been.”

2. Addyson Benefield swings at the ball on the outside. PHOTO BY CATHERINE WONG

Girls basketball opens their season with a home win against Hart High School, 58-43 by Victor Simoes

A

n intially tight game that ended with a wide margin win, the girls basketball team opened their season against Hart High School on Tuesday, Nov. 14, ending with a victory for Redondo, 58-43.

Sophomore forward Abby Zimmerman opened the game at the tipoff, handing possession of the ball to Redondo, then quickly setting up by the hoop to score the game's first point. The team established an early lead of 4-1, in the first couple minutes of the game, forcing Hart to call for a timeout

STATS

Ella Zimmerman 18 pts, 7 rebs, 2 steals Abby Zimmerman 10 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts, 3 steals Olivia DiNisco 7 pts, 4 rebs soon into the first quarter.

“We were definitely trying to get a feel for it. It’s the first game of the season. We’re trying to get the kinks out and get a feel for playing the game again,” Abby Zimmerman said. “[So] I wasn’t worried at all. I feel like we were just starting out. We just needed to get better at playing together.”

In the first quarter, quick moves by Redondo and a messy Hart offense hinted at a game that would lean Redondo. Senior starting point guard E. (Elyse) Cho captured the ball multiple times on the defen-

sive side of the court and dribbled forward, at one point handing the ball to senior shooting guard Kyla Hopton, who then knocked down a 3-pointer. On defense, Redondo kept Hart outside the perimeter, and any breaks on their part soon ended with a ball tumbling out of bounds, taking away their chance to score.

“First quarter was definitely slow in a sense because we needed to start playing together more. Since they came out in the zone offense, we needed to communicate more about what we were going to do on offense and what we were going to do to play our game,” Abby Zimmerman said.

Despite that, the first quarter had a neck-and-neck score, Redondo leading the first quarter, 16-13. The quarter ended with a sandwich of three-pointers, first by Hart, then Hopton, and then Hart again.

“I think we knew we were better than this team. We just had to figure out how we would beat them,” senior power forward Ella Zimmerman said.

In the second quarter, back-to-back action kept the score tight as Redondo’s lead narrowed, 24-23. Passes between Ella and Abby Zimmerman were able to set up Cho for a sweet two-pointer, and later, a quick pick from Abby Zimmerman brought an easy two more points to the scoreboard.

Both teams still searching for the strategy that would grant them victory.

“Having the first and second quarters to get our nerves out helped us relax. We were making quite a few turnovers in the first and second quarter, but that dropped in the third and fourth quarters,” senior shooting guard Ashley Minei said.

Moving to the third quarter, Redondo was able to “get into the rhythm of the

game” according to Minei. A move by Hopton to deflect a pass and bring the ball back in-bounds let Abby Zimmerman score, while a play from Cho ended a fast break by Hart with a block out of bounds, taking away Hart’s chances to earn points and ending the quarter with Redondo in the Abby Zimmerman guards Hart's point guard. PHOTO BY MIA CIELAK lead, 34-27.

“Our defense helped lift our momen- a rebound and passed it to senior shooting tum, which got us going on offense,” soph- guard Serena Daley, who finished the play omore point guard Ava Gomez said. “We in the key. The game ended as the Redon[became] aggressive and moved our feet a do girls hung around the arc, running the lot, so the help from defense was good and clock out, ending the game 58-43. got us going.”

“It was a good first game. They were a By the fourth quarter, the team was good level team to play against to see where on a roll, gaining a large lead. A rebound we are as a team and test the waters a little brought the ball into Redondo’s possession, bit to see where our strengths are and what and Ella Zimmerman scored a two-pointer we have to work on,” Minei said. despite being surrounded by multiple deAbby Zimmerman notes the game fenders, quickly followed by another score helped the team “settle into the season” for Abby Zimmerman. and prepare for their annual Thanksgiving “Passing the ball more and finding their week tournament, “The Battle,” hosted at weak spots [were key]. [We’d] throw [the Redondo. ball] into the middle and if we were in a “I think we were playing really well totrap, then we’d pass it back out and get a gether, and we just needed to figure out how good shot, just moving the ball in and out,” to put the passes together, put in the shots Zimmerman said. “Once we started becom- and flow more as one," Abby Zimmerman ing more aggressive and stopped settling said. "One of our goals before the game was for outside shots, we started scoring more to ‘play as one,’ and I think we were actand more.” ing with our bodies while our minds were Near the end of the fourth quarter, ju- thinking otherwise, so once we got all that nior small forward Olivia DiNisco grabbed in sync, we started to play better.”