PVP-PANORAMA No. 264 • 10/17/20

PANORAMA Palos Verdes Peninsula

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No. 264 • October 2020

FALL SEASON TURNS ACTIVE Movements

Official Ballot Boxes On The Peninsula . . . Election Day on November 3 is right around the corner. See Page 13.

• Slowly but surely, sports is making a comeback on the Peninsula from youth to high school varsity.

Peninsula High School began is fundraising drive for a new field turf this week while PV Football & Cheer is getting ready for December games.

Practices have been taking place on fields on and off the Peninsula with players and coaches from all levels preparing for athletic competition.

Peninsula residents are also getting out more to vote and support local businesses.

And Peninsula students are preparing for a return to the classroom and on campus in close proximity to other people for the first time in months.

Invasion Of The Coneheads . . . First they took over Crenshaw. Then they undertook a massive invasion of Hawthorne and now they’ve been spotted on Silver Spur!

Lights!

Just Last Year . . .

See Pages 15-16

Signage

Business On Top Of The Hill . . . The Chamber of Commerce organized an open market on top of the Promenade parking lot.

Field Work . . . The parks and fields on the Peninsula are the greenest and most unscathed by cleats they have ever been.

Mask Makers

Get Out The Local Vote See Page 5

Making Masks By The Millions Page 12

Eagles Rise

A New Eagle Scout On The Hill See Page 10

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October 2020

PV Chamber Hosts Open Air Marketplace Local Business

• Top shelf of the Promenade parking structure proves to be new business center.

By Beau Demerjian The community came together October 3 and 4 to support local business with the help of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Little Company of Mary, and the Promenade on the Peninsula.

John H. Trotter,

The Top of the Hill Open Air Marketplace was held on the top floor of the Promenade on the Peninsula with crafters, artisans, food trucks, and retailers.

The Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce, who sponsors the Palos Verdes Street Fair event each June, has worked to give local venders some of the business they have lost without the annual street fair.

Because of Covid - business has

Please continue on Next Page . . .

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Taking Care Of Business . . . The free, two-day business event was organized by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

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October 2020

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Shopping In Sunlight . . . Local shoppers came out to support local businesses during a two-day event on the top floor of the Promenade parking lot. . . . Continued from Previous Page suffered and this is one way to bring some business to them. “This is a new event and we worked closely with the Department of Public Health in order to maximize everyone’s health and safety,” said Eileen Hupp, Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce president.

“Providence Little Company of Mary and the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce is proud to be supporting our community, the Top of the Hill Marketplace, and our local businesses.

It is wonderful to see the community come together outdoors to support each other,” said Andrew Wertz of Providence Little Company of Mary.

EXPERIENCE - As the board’s most experienced member, I bring a collaborative reasonable approach to advocating for our children.

FINANCIAL STABILITY - In times of crisis and state funding problems, I make the hard

decisions to keep the district fiscally strong.

KIDS FIRST - Every decision I make is what I believe is best for our students.

AVAILABILITY - Always willing to meet with, talk with and communicate with community members, on your schedule, via your preferred mode of communication.

EDUCATION/BACKGROUND: BA and BS, Stanford University; MBA, University of Southern California; 20 years experience as a college admissions advisor; 17 years as a PVPUSD parent; 6 years as a PVPUSD school board member.

Krista & John Burns, Member, Hermosa Beach Board ENDORSEMENTS Suzanne Seymour, President, PVPUSD Board of Education of Education (Ret.) Allyson & Matthew Rener, past President, PEF Megan Crawford, Clerk, PVPUSD Board of Education Matthew Brach, Board Member, PVPUSD Board of Education Hannah Rener, PVPUSD ‘16 Emmy Rener, PVPUSD ‘20 John Cruikshank, Mayor, Rancho Palos Verdes Craig & Colleen Quinn​ Velveth Schmitz, Mayor Rolling Hills Estates Amy Friedman ​Jeff Pieper, Mayor, Rolling Hills Rich Heffernan, Retired Teacher, PVHS Eric Alegria, Mayor Pro Tem, Rancho Palos Verdes Sheryl Heffernan David Bradley, Council Member, Rancho Palos Verdes Dr. Chanel Wiederkehr Barbara Ferraro, Council Member, Rancho Palos Verdes Natalie Collier Judith Mitchell, Council Member, Rolling Hills Estates Nina Collier Frank Zerunyan, Council Member, Rolling Hills Estates Cameron Collier, PVPUSD ‘21; President, BSU Kenny Kao, Council Member, Palos Verdes Estates Ann Hinchliffe, Member, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Kaaren & Dr. D.J. Lee Malcolm Sharp, Member, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Kathy Christie & John Spielman Anthony Collatos, Mber, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Janis Ahlgren, elementary librarian, PVPUSD Larry Vanden Bos, Mber, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Charlie Beckmann Barbara Lucky, Member, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Cyndi & Kenneth Naehu Ginny Snider, Member, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Greg Butler Ellen Perkins, Member, PVPUSD Board of Education (Ret.) Dr. Doron & Michelle Kahana Kristy Jimenez, visual arts teacher, PVPUSD and Palos Verdes Estates City Council (Ret.) Jennifer King, Council Member, Palos Verdes Estates (Ret.) Moise Innocent Betty Lin Peterson, Council Mber, Palos Verdes Estates (Ret.) Amy & Glenn Takahashi Shannon Corsaro Debby Stegura, Trustee Palos Verdes Library District (Ret.) The McVicar Family PVP Watch Cathy Vilicich Mitzi Cress, retired principal, PVPHS Kirsty & Brian Shapiro, high school athletic director, PVPUSD Meredith & Steven Wollman Tammy Scriven Toni & Karl Graeber Jana Anderson Barbara Najar Sharon Oda Rod Uyeda, Chief, Manhattan Beach Police (Ret.) Rita Moyers Adrian Tatum Austin Nash, PVPUSD ‘18 ​Bridget Rusich Patti Harris Alicia Kao, Teacher, Cornerstone Elem.

Gina Ladinig Beth Meyerhoff

Jim & Prof. Jenny Cosgrove, Concordia U. Irvine Susan Williams, Academics, ETC. Lorrie Tom, educator Paul & Stephanie Lundstrom Itchie and Mark Pope Daniel & Bu Wang Trina & Chris Gagliano Akemi Fukushima Carol Lally Chris & Holly Corman Andrea Terrell Lauren & Richard Sherry Joe & Kristen Gagnon, Teacher, Silver Spur Elem.

Dr. Sameer & Roma Mistry, past President, PEF Dilan Mistry PVPUSD ‘17 Shefali Mistry PVPUSD ‘20 Cathy & Pat Fresch​ Mike Norris Lorraine Loh-Norris, math and STEM teacher, PVPUSD Angelina Norris, PVPUSD ‘18 Katie Applewhite Rabbi Brian Schuldenfrei, Congregation Ner Tamid Gigi Collatos Maeva Collatos, PVPUSD ‘19 Wayne Sharp Sharon Shikiya Lily Vancans, PVPUSD ‘20 Jeannette Webber Connie Paik, Past President, Korean Parents Assoc.

Michelle Fullerton, past President, PEF Tina & John Quinn Darryl Snider Irene and Greg Hill Jean Christen

Jill Allen Ginny & Francis X. Malone, Jr. Kathy & Francis X. Malone, III Susanna Munro Donna Butler-Blut Lisa Berry Jeff Wescott Jasmine Arjasbi, elementary teacher, PVPUSD Steve & Patty Lantz Nate Lantz, PVPUSD ‘19 Kathy Hernandez Denise & Brad Farnsworth ​Brandon Farnsworth PVPUSD ‘19 Alyson & Dean Decker Kasia Skracic, RN, PVPUSD school nurse Fletcher & Julaina Larson, PVPUSD retired elementary teacher Susan & Kurt Hay, intermediate math/STEM teacher, PVPUSD Katie Harris, PVPUSD ‘19 Joanne & Kirk Nygren Laura & Kurt Robinson Stacey & Steven Wilhem Katie Wilhem, PVPUSD ‘18 Matthew Wilhem, PVPUSD ‘20 Amy Roche Fred Chow & Cheryl Oshiro Roger & Debbie Booth Leanne Teets Fred & Julie Smalling Rick Stacy Brian & Margaret Bonvechio Katherine Hinsch Partial list of endorsements, Titles and affiliations of each individual are provided for identification purposes only.

Paid for by Re-Elect Linda Reid PVPUSD Board of Education 2020 708 Avenida Mirola, PVE 90274 #1432120

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October 2020

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Students Have Concerns Returning To Campus Education

abilities to continue developing independent routines, as they have had the opportunity to do during distanced learning.

“I personally have no desire to return back to school, as I developed my own unique schedule and have enjoyed newfound freedom during quarantine,” Chaudhari said.

“Transitioning from this type of flexible online learning schedule to a similar independence in college is a much more logical transition than going to college after experiencing a six to seven hour in-person school day,” she said.

“If students ever do return to campus, many will be unhappy and stressed about all aspects of school other than

students to have less consecutive classes per day, with each class lasting for a • Many students have mixed longer period of time. feelings about returning to camChaudhari and others are wary of pus - being around people and the changes in homework and time having a set schedule again. management that this system will

By Fiona Andersons bring, specifically for schools who currently use a traditional bell schedule.

After seven months of not stepping “I have a feeling that second semesfoot onto their school campuses due to ter senior year will not be as laid back the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as we all thought it would be,” Chaudmany students fear that the difficulties hari said. “It might be because of my of swiftly adjusting to a normal routine personal work load, but most of the again will far outweigh any positives of people I know are more stressed out a hybrid school model. than they have ever been as well. Being As announced by Palos Verdes Penback at school would not make this any insula Unified School District, all Diseasier either, as we would have double trict schools will be adhering to the the amount of time in each class per reopening policies outlined by the day and likely more County of Los Angehomework each les Department of “I personally have no desire to return back to school, as I develnight to compensate Public Health. oped my own unique schedule and have enjoyed newfound freedom for block scheduling.”

Gov. Gavin Newduring quarantine,” Not only has onsom’s outlined re— Ananya Chaudhari line learning allowed opening plans call students to establish for a Los Angeles being able to see their friends more a stronger sense of individuality and County daily case rate that is lower regularly.” organizational skills, but students such than seven new cases per 100,000 for Despite the attractiveness and gen- as Peninsula senior Paulina Garmute schools to begin the reopening proeral ease that is often associated with have also taken advantage of the incess. Yet, as of Oct. 6, this number was second semester senior year, Chaud- creased time for self-care. still hovering right above seven, at 7.4 hari believes that senior students will Garmute worries that a hybrid cases. have to spend additional time adjust- schedule with more time allotted to Palos Verdes Peninsula High School ing to a new schooling system, this asynchronous, or independent learnannounced on Oct. 1 that the school includes catching up on curriculum ing will not provide students with the and other District schools have begun that may have not been covered as teacher interaction that is necessary for allowing voluntary athletic training thoroughly during distanced learning, grasping subject material. sessions to take place with the approvrather than relaxing and enjoying their “Transitioning to a hybrid learning al of the County of Los Angeles Pubfinal months in high school as a senior model would almost certainly make lic Health’s Protocols for Youth Sports would in a normal school year. schooling significantly more stressful, Leagues, as long as additional safety Especially as a Peninsula student, whereas the fully online environment protocols are met, such as daily COthe PVPUSD hybrid model for second- includes later start times and increased VID-19 screenings. ary schools will offer a completely versatility which allows me to get more With the number of COVID-19 casnew style of taking classes; it outlines sleep,” Garmute said. es decreasing and hybrid schooling a block schedule for transitioning back “Most likely, students will still be on the near horizon, students such as to in-person learning, whereas Penin- learning online for the majority of the Peninsula senior Ananya Chaudhari sula usually follows a traditional bell time during hybrid learning, yet taking believe the restrictive nature of attendschedule. The hybrid schedule requires Please continue on Page 10 . . . ing in-person classes will limit students’

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The Way To Be Vocal Is To Vote Local Voting Matters

• Elections have local and global consequences whether you participate in them or not.

By Austin Welch During the Virginia House of Delegates election of 2017, control of the entire House of Delegates came down to not just one vote, but one film canister. Due to state laws regarding election ties, both Shelly Simonds’ (D) and David Yancey’s (R) names were placed into 35mm film canisters to be drawn from a bowl. A 50R-49D split House of Delegates waited for a winner of the seat to be named and control of the Assembly determined.

This is not the only election that hung on a razor-thin margin. Even larger races such as the 1974 New Hampshire U.S. Senate race -- a race that was eventually redone through a special election -- was within 2 votes after recounts.

This wasn’t even the first time a Virginia House of Delegates race ended in a tie, with the 19th District coming down to a tie in 1971. Back then, ties

THE

were decided in more traditional manners, pulling names in envelopes from a cup.

Elections have consequences, and your vote matters. While many remember “hanging chad” issues with the 2000 election, seldom do Presidential elections end up so close. However, local elections, with fewer voters, can often be decided by a few dozen votes, especially in elections with a large field of candidates. Furthermore, these elections can have a much more direct impact on your day-to-day life.

If you asked the average person what the roles and duties are of a position like State Controller, you might get answers varying from something to do with finance to the person-in-charge of air traffic. In reality, this job holds enormous power in your financial life and how a state’s financial rules are interpreted and implemented.

Roles like County Assessors help value land accurately for taxation, and while that might seem a tad dry, their decisions and policies have wideranging impact on the community.

An assessment can increase taxes substantially, and accusations of bias in

Signs Signs, Everywhere A Sign . . . The political signs are back in all the regular places on the Peninsula for the upcoming election.

assessments abound, especially during our current national reckoning on racial bias. Your vote for something as seemly inconsequential as who values land can have an impact for generationas.

Furthermore, the story of the City of Bell scandals shows that an unchecked and unmonitored government, even at the local level, can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer waste and embezzlement. That is not to put the blame on local voters. When we elect people we put our trust in them, not expecting them to break that trust.

Yet an effective democracy requires an active and informed electorate.

When you cast your vote, take these

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points into consideration as you walk into the polling booth. Your vote is valuable and matters, especially in local elections where one vote holds a much larger impact on the outcomes.

Every race is important as each person you’re voting for impacts your life.

You might see the impact of a local election much more clearly with your day-to-day activities than a national race.

And be informed when you vote.

Almost all elections require financial disclosure of donors, and it is necessary that ‘We the People’ demand more sunlight in our campaign finance disclo-

Please continue on Page 9 . . .

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October 2020

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Testing The Logic Of Not Testing Test This • UC System Getting Rid of Standardized Testing Consideration: Is This Really What’s Best for 2020 Applicants?

By Fiona Andersons The University of California and California State systems made big strides toward eliminating standardized testing in the admissions process on May 16.

In a unanimous vote, 23-0, the UC governing board made the decision to slowly phase out the SAT and ACT tests entirely, making the fall 2021 and 2022 admissions tests optional, while moving to a ‘test-blind’ admissions process for fall 2023 and fall 2024.

Moving forward after 2024, the UC system plans to create its own test required for admissions. For students on the Peninsula who would usually spend a large portion of their time preparing for testing, this will be a new factor to consider while applying to schools within the UC system.

However, there are momentous debates over the fairness and improvement in admissions with a ‘test blind’ system.

Although UC officials claim that eliminating the tests will make admissions fairer for low-income students and promote better access to a college education

for all, others argue that standardized testing is one of the only objective factors admissions officers look at. However, elimination of the SAT and ACT provides new opportunities for California public college systems to implement a more holistic admissions process, and allows students to express the most authentic version of themselves rather than be limited by a test score or their financial background.

With children from affluent families having greater access to extracurricular activities and prestigious opportunities, some may wonder if there is any other objective way to determine a student’s true academic abilities. What many forget is that there has always been another portrayal of a student’s work ethic: GPA. In a study at UC Berkeley, reported on by The New York Times, researchers found that a higher GPA with lower test scores was a more accurate portrayal of one’s success at college than a lower GPA and higher test scores.

Not only this, but GPA eliminates racial biases and displays a more diverse, accurate version of the top 10 percent of students in California applying to UCs. The need for testing has become trivial, and it is unnecessary for ‘weeding out’ the top percent of student performance.

Please continue on Page 11 . . .

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October 2020

Anthony Kerker Awarded Rank Of Eagle Scout

Scouts John Gilligan

Boy Scout Troop 276 will award the rank of Eagle Scout to Anthony Kerker at a virtual Eagle Court of Honor this month A student at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, he earned 21 merit badges and was awarded a 7 League Boot Award with a total 200 miles hikes. His Eagle Scout project was building backpack racks for all 18 classrooms at Montemalaga Elementary School. He spent three days to building the racks with other Scouts and adult volunteers, and they cut wood, sanded and stained, the backpack racks which were constructed, and hooks attached to the backpack racks.

— email report

John Gilligan, CFLS

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October 2020

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Voters Have Options To Cast Ballots November 3 • If you haven’t voted already, there still is time and many ways to get your vote counted.

By Timothy Niemann Election day is quickly approaching when more than 145 million Americans are expected to vote on or before Nov. 3 to decide who will be president for the next four years, and to decide the fate of countless state propositions and candidates to fill local offices.

Due to COVID-19, many Peninsula residents will cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in-person. What are the options for casting a ballot on election day?

Los Angeles County has made vot-

Cast Your Ballot . . .

Voting and getting your flu shot all in the same day is what good citizens do.

Vote Local

. . . Continued from Page 5 sure laws to ensure transparency.

For those who might question the impact of down-ballot races, think about budget decisions regarding local police and emergency services.

Think about the impact of a school board on the education that our children. Think about the roads and parks that we enjoy. These things are not at the top of the ballot but buried deeper in the city council, school board, and state assembly races too often ignored.

As we all go to polls or mail our ballots, take care to inform yourself, and remember that the first Tuesday in November isn’t the only election that matters. Your voice matters each and every time.

On Jan. 4, 2018, David Yancey’s name emerged from a small black 35mm film canister. He won the seat and the Virginia Republicans held the House of Delegates majority, 51 to 49. A little less than two years later on Nov. 5, 2019, Yancey would lose by 17.3 points to Shelly Simonds, the same woman he’d beaten by the luck of the draw. Each and every one of those votes mattered, so as the saying goes, be vocal and vote local.

ing in-person easier than ever. Registered voters will be able to vote at any polling place in the County, from local elementary schools all the way to Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Voting early in-person is also easier than in years past. Many of the 100 polling sites in the County will offer at least five days of voting, including Nov. 3. Select polling sites will be open for 11 days beginning Saturday, Oct. 24.

Early voting has already begun at the county’s election headquarters in Norwalk.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula will host eight polling sites. District schools Dapple Gray, Miraleste Intermediate, Ridgecrest Intermediate, Peninsula High School and Palos Verdes High School are all sites where ballots can be cast beginning Friday, Oct. 30.

The Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, as well as the First Baptist Church in Rolling Hills Estates will host voters for five days. The South Coast Botanic Gardens on Crenshaw Boulevard will welcome voters for 11 days beginning Saturday, Oct. 24.

If you are registered to vote in Los Angeles County, you can vote at any of

Please continue on Page 15 . . .

Rancho Palos Verdes . . . An official ballot box can be found in the parking lot next to the entrance to City Hall on Hawthorne Blvd. above Golden Cove Center.

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October 2020

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Mask Makers Step Up Operations Protection

Courtesy Photo

Sanitary Manufacturing . . . Manufacturers of masks and safety equipment are accelerating production as fast as possible to keep up with demand.

• Local business expands operation to make more popular masks.

As the threat of COVID-19 grew and the shortage of PPE masks became apparent, California Health Technology Inc. (CHT) was formed by a group of Palos Verdes residents concerned about growing lapses in the global supply chain.

With the support of a handful of partners across the South Bay, CHT established its Gardena facility--complete with clean room and an all-inclusive automatic manufacturing and packaging line--and began producing disposable medical masks for domestic use.

Since its first day of operation on May 1, CHT has tripled its automatic production line and expanded its company roster to provide five times as many jobs to residents of the neighboring areas.

CHT currently offers adult masks in snow white, raven black, rose pink, pale blue and a retro cherry pattern, helping users to both stay healthy and fashionable. CHT will soon offer adult masks in slate grey, royal purple, and

other patterns. The company is also working to expand its line of children’s masks, starting with its colorful animals pattern.

Safety and quality have been CHT’s priorities since day one. CHT operators are required to wear sterile lab coats, goggles, gloves, shoe covering, and face and head coverings at all times while in the clean room to ensure the safety of everyone on the floor and mask users at home.

CHT’s “Made in USA” prioritizes quality, affordability and accessibility.

Special care is taken to make sure that each of the three layers of non-woven fabric on CHT masks are soft and breathable, and each nose bridge wire is pliable yet sturdy. The rigorous quality control process ensures that each ear loop stays attached to each mask during normal use.

The Company is currently working to build a retail presence through ecommerce platforms to make its products more accessible to communities across the country. The masks can be found on Amazon at: https:// tinyurl.com/CHTAmazon — email reports

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October 2020

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Testing Considerations Put Students In A Bind

. . . Continued from Page 6 This is not to mention the immense differences in opportunity that low income students face when it comes to preparing for standardized exams. There are thousands of test prep programs, private tutors, and other resources available for those who can pay for them. Therefore, the UC system’s bid to eliminate testing is entirely warranted, and will have a beneficial outcome for students in the longrun.

I am applying to the UC schools, and

to preserve the academic superiority of an institution.

This combined with the extra resources provided with a private school education ultimately create a vast discrepancy in the academic merit of a private school grade versus a grade earned at a school in a predominantly lower-income area.

Taking into consideration all of these factors, colleges need to do some serious reevaluating when it comes to what they deem as merit-earning in their admissions process. By implementing a more holistic grading approach with an em-

Not only are the same tutors and resources available to affluent families in regards to grades, but many private secondary-level schools practice grade inflation, in which it is easier for their students to maintain a higher GPA in order to preserve the academic superiority of an institution. although standardized testing would help me in the admissions process, I know that the process favors those who can afford preparation and have time to dedicate to their studies. Yes, I am part of that group, but I can recognize that the removal of standardized testing would benefit low income families who are in need of help regarding college admissions and job opportunities. If low income families are benefitted, then this leads to overall societal progression with a decrease in the class gap.

While considering a student’s GPA over their test scores is surely more beneficial to the admissions process, this is not to say that test scoring should be replaced by heavily scrutinizing grades.

If anything, looking only at GPA has the same caveats as testing, as it still does not eliminate the role financial advantages play in strengthening this aspect of one’s application.

Not only are the same tutors and resources available to affluent families in regards to grades, but many private secondary-level schools practice grade inflation, in which it is easier for their students to maintain a higher GPA in order

phasis on the writing and interview portions of the application, colleges would gain deeper insight on the individuality of every student. It is true that there will always be more opportunities available to those with access to resources, but putting so much weight on quantitative data like GPA and testing is only worsening this issue.

“The removal of standardized testing, while fought against by some, is most likely the best option we have when it comes to college applications,” Peninsula sophomore Owen Oshmann said.

“Without standardized testing in the picture, by the time I apply to college, myself and other UC hopefuls may have the chance to focus more on our school specific activities and overall grades rather than a single deciding factor [like a test score]. With less time devoted to the test preparation process, I will be able to better apply myself to my Peninsula classes, instead of potentially losing focus due to the ACT or SAT,” Oshmnn said.

Although the UC system’s plan to stop considering standardized testing is a positive one, supplementing standardized tests with a UC system test could

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Palos Verdes Estates . . . An official ballot box can be found in the parking lot next to the entrance to City Hall on Tejon Place in Malaga Cove.

No Excuse Not To Vote

. . . Continued from Page 9 these polling places, as well as hundreds more throughout the County.

Los Angeles County has completely switched to voting electronically with a paper trail.

To speed up the voting process, bring with you your quick check-in code located on the back of your Official Sample Ballot mailed out by the County. Your unique code, which will be scanned to print out your ballot instantly, can also be found on the county’s website, lavote.net.

All registered voters in California received a mail-in ballot. If you prefer, you can drop this ballot off at any of the County’s ballot drop-off boxes, or you can drop it off at any polling place on or before election day.

These options may give voters more ease knowing that their ballot will be counted. You can track your ballot through the County website once you drop it off or mail it. If you do choose to mail your ballot, do so early. The USPS recommends that voters mail their ballots at least 14 days before the election, but earlier is safer.

Many organizations recommend that you mail in your ballot as soon as possible.

Be apart of history and vote on or before Nov. 3. To register to vote, check your registration status, find more polling places, find ballot drop off box locations and more, visit the official County website, lavote.net.

Please continue on Page 12 . . .

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Editorial and Advertising deadline is 6 p.m. Monday the week of publication. PVP-Panorama is published every two weeks.

Our next edition is out November 14.

Rolling Hills Estates . . . An official ballot box can be found in the parking lot behind City Hall on Palos Verdes Drive North.

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October 2020

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More Adjustments Coming To Students . . . Continued from Page 11 tests and other large assessments inperson. This is unfair, as online learning presents new obstacles which makes material take longer to comprehend; thus, in-person hybrid schooling would be harder to manage with more testing and less project-based materials.”

There is also concern among many students as to how school administrators and faculty will enforce the County’s public health regulations. While faculty can monitor the behavior of students inside of the classroom, it may be more difficult to mandate safety requirements outside of school hours.

With so many sporting events being moved to the spring and an influx of school activities, the attraction of larger crowds to second-semester functions may drastically impact administration’s ability to reprimand individual students for not following safety guidelines.

Many of the regulations for reopening outlined by the county have become politicized as well, such as wear-

ing masks. There is no telling if some students will fully abide by rules that may contradict their political outlooks or personal beliefs.

Peninsula junior Keila Bara finds these aspects of reopening especially concerning, and questions the likelihood of safety precautions being followed by all of her peers. However, she does hope to see some return to normality in anticipation of her senior year.

“Having large school activities is reckless, and as much as I enjoy participating in activities, the health of everyone should always be a priority,” Bara said.

“Spending time away from school and not having as much social interaction has given me a new sense of independence that I feel has been so important for my self-growth and is a good quality to develop for the future.

However, if proper safety precautions are followed, going back to school will ultimately allow for the ‘typical’ high school experience we all miss and want to have again,” Bars said.

Some Students Are Willing To Take Tests . . . Continued from Page 11 simply lead to repetition of the problems seen with standardized tests; another test for affluent families to buy tutors for, and for low-income families to be left to struggle with.

Unless a new test seeks to uncover more about an individual rather than see how well one does at studying the specific skills challenged by the SAT and ACT, it will do more harm than good.

Another exam also adds unneeded stress to the already stressful process of applying to college. In the end, it is the responsibility of colleges to inspire creativity and individuality, something that simply cannot be achieved or con-

sidered while placing such a heavy emphasis on testing.

“Implementing a new UC exam is counterproductive to the progress made by eliminating standardized exams,” Peninsula High School junior Rhys Moon said.

“As an educational community we should be moving away from the notion that one’s aptitude and educational potential is determined by a number.

[Testing and grades] are far too reductionist and unable to account for important factors in college admissions, such as socioeconomic background, educational resources, growth, decline and consistency.”

Keep Us In The Loop Anything • Everything Pictures, Stories, Events

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October 2020

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2020-2021 INDOOR VOLLEYBALL

• Girls 12 & Under Volleyball season for girl athletes 10, 11 or 12 as of July 31st, 2021

If interested, please call Fuzz Navagh, 310-749-5831 • Boys 12 & Under Volleyball season for boy athletes 10, 11 or 12 as of July 31st, 2021

If interested, please call Phil Spazek, 310-889-6496 • Girls 13s Volleyball season for girl athletes 13 as of July 31st, 2021

If interested, please call Brenda Gonzalez, 310-430-5954 • Girls 14s Volleyball season for girl athletes 14 as of July 31st, 2021

If interested, please call Tony Mayrie, 310-413-5057 • Boys 13-14s Volleyball season for boy athletes 13-14 as of July 31st, 2021

If interested, please call Christian Cammayo, 310-382-0899 • Future Stars programs for 7-12 year old girls and boys brand new to volleyball

If interested, please call Phil Spazek, 310-889-6496 • Girl’s & Boys high school aged teams for players at all levels

If interested, please call Christian Cammayo, 310-382-0899

About Beach Cities Volleyball

• Mission Statement is to teach volleyball skills and life skills to young people from 7 to 18 years • Teams for beginning, intermediate and advanced players. Our beginning players become intermediate players, our intermediate players become advanced players, and our advanced players compete with the best teams in the nation, and are on their way to successful high school & in many cases, college careers • Our priorities are to build life skills, build volleyball skills, work hard and have fun!

Location of above programs: LA Galaxy Volleyball Courts, 430 Maple Avenue, Torrance Registration: Please register online at ‘Beachcitiesvbc.com’

Information, registration & makeup tryouts? Please connect to ‘Beachcitiesvbc.com’ or call 310-546-9150

Health & safety protocols are strictly enforced. Attendance is limited due to social distancing requirements. Please register as early as possible

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October 2020

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Publisher’s Note (crazy talk)

We’re getting the texts, we’re getting the emails. School and sports are about to take the field and we will be ready when it happens. We’re sending the old Nikon D3 camera with its 776,014 actuations back to Nikon for repair and service and hopefully she’ll come back operating like its 2007. We’ll upgrade (probably to Cannon) next year.

We’ve seen a lot of people and teams

October 2020

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on various fields throughout the Peninsula. And I’ll get the occasional email about “who” and “what” are those people doing on “our” fields. Panorama is not the field police! I don’t know who those people are either, but they look like they’re having fun.

When it’s all official and everyone is cleared to play, the old Panorama camera man will be there (with a mask on) to cover all the events and games that we want to play and see.

Next edition out November 14.

They’re Coming Back . . . Pop Warner football and high school football are looking for a December return. AYSO soccer is looking at a January-February season.

And once we get our Little League snack shacks back in operation everything will be right with the world. (Mostly.)

Palos Verdes Peninsula

PANORAMA Next Edition Nov. 14

localnews@pvppanorama.com

Georgiana Rosenkranz Broker Associate, JD CalBRE# 01411097

310.717.8767 George@GeorgeSellsTheSouthBay.com

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October 2020

www.peninsulaPANORAMA.com

The Good Ole Days . . . The Peninsula High School football team takes the field for its first night game last October.