Raven Report 2022-2023 Issue Cycle 5

RAVEN REPORT SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL NEWS MAGAZINE VOLUME XIX, NO.4 // JUNE 2023

Senior Features: Pages 6-17 Relationships (PG 6,7) Spotlights (PG 16,17) RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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SENIOR FEATURES 06 - Taking senior relationships step by step by Hope Callaghan 08 - Sequoia’s swaggiest seniors by Rylan Butt 09 - Graduates drink for the first time by Amara Bakshi 10 - Senior role models by Caroline Sieling and Sarina Sanghvi 12 - Athetes of the future by Markus Mukherjee and Donovan Kervick 13 - The risk of losing clubs by David Raymond and Thomas Jett 14 - Seniors step into the spotlight by Lucia Kitching 16 - Senior spotlights by Amara Bakshi, Nora Kovscek & Alex Parker-Rogers

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES Festival season by Abigail Aguayo - 15 Financial crisis in the tech department by Sasha Efimchik - 18 The right to rule: sequoia students take the lead by Celeste Carpinelli - 19 The dangers of deepfakes by Ethan Butt - 20 Snapchat AI: friend or foe by Minou Ono - 21 Security breach: TikTok ban by Adam Trinklein - 22 Forest fairy field trip by Indira Olazabal and Nahomi Delgado - 23 Unfufilled dreams / Sueños incumplidos by Haylee Huynh - 24

REVIEWS & ENTERTAINMENT 26 - Pacifica to Pescadero: the peninsula’s finest beaches by Mateo Mangolini 28 - More than books by Christine Chang 30 - Evil dead rise: a must watch for evil dead fans by Matthew Ceasar 31 - Comic corner by the Comic Making Club

Printing and web posting funded by

Rylan Butt

Hope Callaghan

RAVEN REPORT // 22-23 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Hope Callaghan Rylan Butt FEATURE EDITORS Mateo Mangolini Haylee Huynh OPINION EDITOR Zoraya King COPY EDITOR Allison Wang

SPORTS EDITOR David Raymond MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Stan Hamelin Amara Bakashi A&E EDITOR Vivian Krevor GRAPHICS EDITOR Abby Aguayo

NEWS EDITOR Alex Parker-Rogers STAFF REPORTERS Ethan Butt Mathew Caesar Christine Chang Alex Cottrell Sasha Efimchik Anjali Govoni Thomas Jett

Donovan Kervick Lucia Kitching Wqilliam Lampe Nicholas Lawrence Collin Liou Markus Mukherjee Oscar Nolf Minou Ono Sarina Sanghvi Caroline Sieling

Adam Trinklein Pedro Vail ADVISOR Diana Nguyen

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DEAR RAVEN REPORT...

Dear Alex Parker Rogers, I am writing in reference to your recent article “Modern Bullying.”In our current social climate at our school, I feel that the behaviors you described truly do go unnoticed in many regards. The statements you made about how neurotypical students are especially targeted, and the fashion in which this goes on, felt like a very accurate representation of what goes on daily in many of our classrooms. It can be incredibly frustrating to witness this behavior as an ally of these individuals. Although all people may not feel the same level of comfort around this, it may be the responsibility of the “bystander” to do something about it. And who knows, you may even gain a little self-confidence. Thank you for writing the article. Even if this does not make the paper, I hope you know that this article made a difference.

Best, Jack Lanham

Dear Rylan Butt, I am writing in reference to the recent article in the Raven Report. In the 22-23 February issue of Raven Report, you published an article about the environment and culture amongst IB Diploma students. I found it very interesting because I never really thought about shadow tracing affecting their behavior. I myself have been a victim of racism and elitism from students in the IB Diploma but I never took into consideration that part of it may be their lack of exposure to diversity. However, looking at your reasoning, it makes sense why some of them act the way they do.

Sincerely, Ramiro Perez

ABOUT

THE RAVEN REPORT IS A Sequoia High School student publication produced in the journalism class through the efforts and decisions of the staff and the publication’s editors and adviser. The Raven Report is a public forum for students, staff, parents and community members.

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THE RAVEN REPORT strives to provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and adaptability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about the school, the community and the world.

CONTACT

THE RAVEN REPORT staff welcomes signed letters to the editor so that readers might share in the opportunities of the scholastic free press in open forum. The written views of students, parents or community members must be responsible, in good taste and free from libel, slander or obscenity.

Letters may be edited for grammar or content if necessary; furthermore, editors will not guarantee that letters will be published.

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RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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Taking senior relationships step by step

BY HOPE CALLAGHAN Editor-in-Chief As graduation comes closer, seniors are each of us to make like an individual decision some are making plans for their future life,” starting to make plans for their future whether without considering the other one,” senior Hamilton said. “So I think it really depends on it’s working, a gap year, moving away and much Rose Hamilton said. the relationship.” more, but being in a highschool relationship Hamilton’s relationship with Josh Lim has Long distance has a bad reputation but makes things even more complicated. not prevented the couple from spreading staying close can also shake a relationship as Romance blooms in all grades at Sequoia, their wings towards different cities for college. things change from the scheduled, predictable between the freshmen we deem cringe and Although she had made it a goal to keep things highschool routine to the new paths. These immature, to the seniors that are probably just separate, it made more sense to talk it through new choices might invite change, pushing as bad. I hear people and the partners couples in different directions, or they may my age now talking used each other for reveal the strength of the partnership. about the annoying support as they made “I’d say keep your options open. If you’ve underclassmen big decisions for next really liked the person [it’s] definitely useful couples on campus People [have] expectations year. to have someone always there for you, and although I do of you either to break up or to “[As a] senior especially since you’re entering a brand new understand the continue dating and so it’s just kind we’re just like, ‘I got environment,” Lim said. hatred of public in here’ and we’re No matter the personal decision you displays of affection of interesting to see how people going into different make as a couple, people will have questions. I (PDA), it also makes view a relationship.” colleges, but we had a lot of questions as a junior about what me smile to see kept that in mind. So it was like to make “grown-up” decisions younger people Rose Hamilton, senior you’re, like, aware of about staying together but it feels a lot less making memories each other’s choices overwhelming as a senior because there is and learning things and own personal only so much that you can overthink and plan. about themselves and others. plans,” Hamilton said.

“Definitely a lot of people have been Being a senior is mostly a balancing act, Now that we have arrived at senior year asking ‘what are you going to do next year?’ juggling nostalgia and preparing to leave home. and the lifestyle decisions have been finalized, ‘What’s the relationship?’ and stuff like that.

It’s hard to accept that the first 18 years were couples are left to And I say, ‘we’re just a free trial before adulthood but being in a decide what comes gonna see how it highschool relationship on the edge of long- next. For some, the goes to grow out’,” distance makes it feel much more real. The decision is easy.

Hamilton said. “I wide variety of choices Sequoia students face “Because I’ve think people kind I’d say keep your options when making post-highschool plans makes known them for a of act a certain open. But definitely if you’ve really way when you’re every person’s path different. Between moving while, I feel like it’s away and staying close to home, long-term not even that big of a liked the person that’s definitely a senior like they student couples are aware of the looming difference or big deal useful to have like someone always keep asking ‘what changes. if it’s like a little bit there for you [...]” are you doing I know that I, like a lot of other seniors longer, but drive to get after high school?’ in semi-long term relationships, was very to the same area. So I People [have] anxious about balancing college admissions feel like it’s generally Josh Lim, senior expectations of and my boyfriend as a junior. I was convinced just worth it and it’s you either to break that we would keep things entirely separate to going to be okay with up or to continue avoid bias and temptation to go to the same me,” senior Stephen Prado said. dating and so it’s just kind of interesting to see college. However, as the college application No one can see the future but talking how people view a relationship.” process started, it was an impossible topic to through possible next steps and brainstorming There is no wrong choice. The beauty of dodge. a plan is the only way to get ahead of the big leaving highschool and its stability is that there “When I was a junior, I was like, changes coming. are now infinite opportunities to live however, ‘we’re not going to tell each other where “I know some people are definitely not wherever and with whomever you want. we’re getting into colleges’ because I wanted going to continue after high school and

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Sequoia’s swaggiest seniors

Mackenzie Jackson & Belal Ismail Mackenzie Jackson (right), who won the senior superlative for best dressed, first got into fashion in her sophomore year over quarantine.

“I think quarantine gave me like, a lot of time to really develop my own sense of style,” Jackson said.

Like many people, Jackson took the internet and online platforms to find looks she liked.

“I use Pinterest a lot to develop what I like and just pick pieces that seemed like me and just put it all together,” Jackson said.

For Jackson, someone dressing nice doesn’t necessarily mean they have nice or expensive clothes but rather that it looks good on them and they are confident with what they wear.

“Everything goes together nice, the colors look good together, and just fits their personality,” Jackson said.

The other winner of the best dressed senior superlative winner, Belal Ismail (left), has been into fashion ever since he was little. For Ismail, fashion is all about feeling good and confident while looking good.

“You just feel good when you look good, so why not have confidence every day when you can look like that,” Ismail said.

Fashion also serves as a way for Ismail to connect with other people.

“You get to just talk to people about fashion and it just builds community,” Ismail said.

Reese Hsu Just like the other seniors featured, Reese Hsu first got into fashion due to his boredom over quarantine.

“Well [there was] nothing else to do so might as well just upgrade upgrade my physical appearance,” Hsu said.

Hsu proves that name-brand or bright colored clothing aren’t necessary to have a good outfit, leaning towards more earthy tones and baggy clothes found in thrift stores to achieve a more vintage look.

“It doesn’t have to fit perfectly and anything that I can make work, I’ll make work,” Hsu said.

Aside from Pinterest and online platforms, Hsu gets his inspiration for outfits from other people he sees when playing music in San Francisco.

“There’s a lot of like people around [the city] that are inspiring just to see in person and musicians especially are people that I that I draw inspiration from,” Hsu said.

Jeffry Suruy

BY RYLAN BUTT Editor-in-Chief

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Jeffry Suruy’s interest in fashion also started over the distance learning era.

“I remember I was looking back at photos for freshman year, and I was wearing like, tight khaki pants. I thought that was like super cool at the time and it really wasn’t and at that point, I was like alright, I have to start changing up my style,” Suruy said.

Recently, Suruy has been into the baggy clothes trend, opting for looser fitting clothes and jeans when he shops. He finds most of his clothes at local thrift stores like Savers.

When asked about his fashion inspiration, he says he gets his outfits from Belal Ismail.

Graduates drink for the first time Art by Amara Bakshi

BY AMARA BAKSHI Multimedia Editor For many Sequoia students, college is the first taste of freedom students have experienced in their life. Alcohol consumption is seen as an integral and inevitable part of the college experience, despite its potential risks.

As universities, colleges and communities comprehend the effects of excessive drinking, some are exploring the factors that contribute to this behavior and ways to address it.

“There’s about 100 freshmen that live in my building. I have noticed that a lot of them have never really drank before college so it was a big deal for a lot of people. Coming from a country where you have to be 21 to drink and suddenly the age is lowered and having alcohol is super accessible,” Sequoia alum and New York University (NYU) London Madeline Carpinelli said.

Although underage drinking on college campuses has become a highlight and an unavoidable part of independence, there are risks that come with excessive drinking and disregard for limits. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) defines binge drinking as, “a pattern of excessive drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%—or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter—or more.”

Drinking in this way at a young age can pose serious health and safety problems, and a higher probability of car crashes, driving under the influence (DUI) arrests, sexual assaults, and injuries later on in life. Long term effects of frequent binge drinking can lead to damage of the liver and other organs.

“I think in that way, a lot of people drink and drink, and drink just to get drunk,” Carpinelli said.

As the academic year starts to progress and anxiety sets in, students may turn to alcohol and partying as an avoidance technique to not have to think about schoolwork or the stress that comes with it. Student expectations and social pressure to meet new people are high towards the beginning of the school year.

According to the Alcohol Rehab Guide, “The high-risk period of binge drinking for college students is during the first six weeks of their freshman year. Many of these students

fall into peer pressure and begin drinking soon after the first day of classes. Alcohol use is commonly viewed as the “college experience” that students desire. They want to fit in and make new friends, so they keep drinking without thinking about the potential consequences involved.”

Factors like setting and school traditions also have an effect on drinking habits throughout the entire campus. Colleges and universities with high priority and status on sports and Greek life will tend to drink more than other schools and organizations. In terms of living arrangements, students who are a part of sororities and fraternities have the highest level of alcohol consumption, juxtaposed to students living with family.

“If you’re involved in Greek life, drinking is a lot more common, especially during initiations or hazing. Living arrangements might also affect drinking habits because there are some buildings that have people that like partying and are hosting more dorm parties so that can definitely affect you,” senior Sofia Sandoval said.

Other social situations like peer pressure affect the drinking habits of college students.

Peer pressure refers to the influence or opinions of members of one’s group.

When someone makes decisions based on acceptance from friends or others, those choices may have been guided by peer pressure.

Offers and accessibility of alcohol can range from civil conversations and gestures to intense provoking or commands to drink.

For most college freshmen, fitting into social norms is heavily dependent on how you “manage the party scene.” The perception by the college experience enhanced my media like movies and songs can provide an unrealistic expectation into how new students should act. This accompanied by the influence of other people, like friends, may lead to an abuse of alcohol.

“It has a lot to do with conforming, which oftentimes has to do with social identity theory, and like wanting to belong to part of

a group. It’s human nature to want to belong, whether that be a group of two or 50 and people often conform to fit in with a group. I think the drinking probably is part of that,” IB Psychology teacher Erin Cespedes said.

Some think mandatory classes and lessons should be set in place for future college students to be more educated about the risks and consequences that come along with excessive college drinking.

“Colleges could create a mandatory class for freshmen that you take your first quarter that just talks about the risks of alcohol and how they can be prevented,” Cespedes said.

Although, students may not want to pay much attention to and just fly right through it. Because of this, there is no way to solidify that every student is adequately prepared for college and the risks associated with drinking.

“Before I came to [NYU], I did have to do an hour long online training where they tell you about the risks of alcohol. I feel like most people definitely just skip through it. But, I think that if you really didn’t know that much about drinking, those resources are definitely available,” Carpinelli said.

While maybe far away from home, families can provide support to college students by educating them on the safety of drinking responsibly.

“Encouraging loved ones to be aware of the risks, so if colleges aren’t going to force kids to take a class about it, parents could help educate their teenagers about the risks of binge drinking. Again, just encouraging them to find people who will support them in college, even if they’re choosing to not participate,” Cespedes said.

Drinking in college is going to happen, but make sure to be educated about what might and will happen if something goes south. Stay safe Sequoia.

“At the end of the day, most of the students at college are adults so they will take responsibility for their own actions and they will decide whether to be responsible or not,” Sandoval said.

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Senior role models

BY CAROLINE SIELING & SARINA SANGHVI Staff Reporter

With four years of secondary school experience under their belt, seniors have acted as role models for underclassmen and helped them navigate through their first years of high school.

As the school year comes to a close, seniors are reflecting on their time at Sequoia and incoming freshmen are preparing for a new chapter in their lives.

“I feel, as a senior, it’s a little bit of my role to guide [underclassmen] into making the right choices,” senior Collin Bastis said.

Sports like football can be a brand new environment to many freshmen when starting high school. Senior’s gained experience offers underclassmen a guide to look up to. With senior Ryan Benson’s four years of football experience, he recognizes the importance of these upperclassmen and underclassmen relationships.

“I feel as though I have been a role model at Sequoia due to the fact that the football program is very connected with the Varsity and Junior Varsity so the younger kids are always looking up to the older older players.

I’m [also] definitely a role model to my brother,” senior Ryan Benson said.

With Ryan’s younger brother, Dylan following in his brother’s footsteps and starting football for the first time his freshman year, he has a lot he can learn from him.

“He influenced what position I play and

helped me with what he thought I would be good at,” freshman Dylan Benson said.

Gaining support from people who have already gone through the experiences of highschool can be helpful to underclassmen who do not know what to expect. They can remove a lot of the nerves and anxiety about the unfamiliarity of entering a new environment.

“I have a different level of respect for [seniors] because they’ve been here for the longest [amount of time], they have more experience and probably know more about [Sequoia than we do],” freshman Juliana Vattoune said.

Although under and upperclassmen are not often placed in classes with one another, electives offer opportunities for all grades to come together. Sophia Vattuone is a senior who is in orchestra and has helped her freshman sister, Juliana, transition into the class from her former middle school program.

“My [freshman] sister and I have orchestra class together so introducing her to that class, especially since it’s very different from the middle school class, it was really helpful for her to introduce her to the teacher and all the stuff that we do in class and concerts. The underclassmen have been really looked up to the seniors and juniors especially [with] what to do for concerts and practice,” senior Sophia Vattoune said.

Sophia has years of knowledge about what truly matters in high school, with the knowledge of how things should be done she is in a great position to offer advice

Juliana Vattoune, freshman Photos by Caroline Sieling, Art by Sarina Sanghvi

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to underclassmen, like her sister. Juliana remembers how her sister’s encouragement has helped her break out of her comfort zone during a time of uncertainty.

“There was a field trip for my ethnic studies classes and I was kind of debating about whether I should do it. I was thinking that maybe this is going to be a waste of my time and my [senior] sister was really encouraging me to do it because it’s another experience outside of school. And so then, I took her word, and I went, and it was actually pretty fun,” Juliana said.

With field trips, football games, rallies, school dances and more, Sequoia has many events and school experiences for students to attend. Some people debate whether these events are worth participating in. They question whether they are actually memorable and valuable experiences and a waste of time.

Towards the end of highschool, some students regret not participating in the unique aspects of high school.

“I kind of finally realized that it was events I missed out so much and like the whole experience in school spirit. It’s something that I definitely under-appreciated,” Bastis said.

Anxiety, fear and judgment are all things that could hold people back from breaking out of their shells. However, seniors looking back on their high school years reflect on what truly mattered to them in the end.

“Go out of your comfort zone, try new things. It sounds really cliche but it’s really true because that’s how I made all my really good friends,” Sophia said.

Sophia Vattoune, senior

Art by Sarina Sanghvi

“Join clubs, 100%... definitely join clubs, [you’ll] get to see and talk to other people,” -AJ Juarezv

“Get involved with anything you’re interested in. Joining an academy that you think will help you along the line and after high school or even joining a club that [aligns with your passions] is important Finding leadership roles is also beneficial.”

-Ezmay Lopez

“Having a basic planner or somewhere you can keep track of all your assignments is important because there’s always so many little things to do.” -Asha Smith

“Getting to class on time or early , and turning in your homework always helps [build relationships with your teachers].“ -Reza Parsey

“Build a very close group at the beginning of high school, because it’s really important to have a good friend group…

Obviously people will come and go but having that one support group is really beneficial” -Sophia Vattuone

“Doing sports helps a lot with making friends and meeting new people. Also, going to sports games or school events can help you make a lot of memories and have fun since it’s such a big part of the high school experience” -Valeria Ramirez

“Don’t slack off to the point that you’re just disregarding any sort of academic behavior and what you should be doing as a student. Pay attention to the teachers,” -Colin Bastis

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Athletes of the future

BY MARKUS MUKHERJEE, DONOVAN KERVICK Staff Reporter

Photo taken from Chu’s instagram Photo taken from Hall’s Instagram

With the school year ending, seniors are the program isn’t the level they’d hoped.

Senior Evangeline Chu is going to Yale “Trust me, there are D2 that are deciding what their next steps are going to be.

University for Gymnastics. She emphasizes Many students are off to college and want programs better than some D1s. Be open to that club sports have a different application to continue their athletics there. Getting the considering all three process than school chance to be a college athlete can be very divisions [programs]. sports. difficult and requires a lot of hard work and If playing time is a “The application sacrifice. Robert Poules, the Varsity American really big thing for process is different Football coach at Sequoia, helps future you, maybe consider Don’t let anyone try to discourage for non-school sports a smaller D1 because you because, at the end of the day, athletes get recruited. just because, at least time is it’s your future.”

“I always recommend that they run playing for gymnastics,” Chu through a short checklist. Do you want to be never guaranteed,” said. “It tends to a big fish [successful athlete] in a small pond Hall said. “Don’t happen much earlier, [school with small sports programs]? Or a let anyone try to Aniyah Hall, senior athlete so you can apply and discourage you small fish [athlete] in a big pond hear back from the because, at [school with large sports university sometimes the end programs? They’re gonna earlier than school of the day, it’s your future.” have a very different sports.”

“If college coaches are experience,” Poules Throughout highschool, Chu had to showing interest, make said. balance school and athletics. She notes how sure you do research on Poules also important management is for becoming a them. Also, look into the reccomends that better student and athlete. program they recently athletes strengthen “Some obstacles that made the path more coached at, and their skills in mutliple difficult were just the amount of time we even try sports. had to spend practicing [around 5 to reach “The best athletes hours every day of the week] out to are usually multi-sport and not managing my time some of athletes. I know for well to get all my work the players example, [in] baseball they done,” Chu said. on the team [recruiters] get super frustrated For most seniors, to ask about their because the kids specialize and when they choosing a college is a very see them, they know that there’s nothing they coaching style,” Hall difficult process. While can do to make that kid better realistically,” said. some students focus Being an athlete said Poules. on academics in college, This year, quite a few Sequoia students and trying to achieve Students who also want to have committed to colleges for athletics, success always comes continue their athletic career like senior Aniyah Hall who is going to play with some challenges, have to factor that into their volleyball in college. Hall advises students whether it’s injuries, not decision process. Chu sheds some getting playing sports to light on how she chose her college and the opportunity you take advantage of the her advice for others in the same boat. hoped for or losing opportunities they “I chose Yale because it is not only one motivation. get and try to use all of the most prestigious universities in the “You have to available resources. country, but it also had everything I was I love the coaches and the girls on make sure you’re “Luckily for me, looking for in a school,” Chu said. “From the actually enjoying most of my coaches the team, and I’m so excited to get encouraging environment to the beautiful your sport and have coached at D1 to know them more.” campus, I loved everything about it. Also, I love having fun. I burnt schools and have the coaches and the girls on the team, and I’m myself out very lots of connections Evangeline Chu, senior athlete so excited to get to know them more.” quickly because to other college Chu’s advice on recruitment comes from I was constantly coaches,” Hall said. a lot of experience as she comments on training every single “Start sending emails persistance and confidence. as soon as possible. The earlier you start day, along with playing another sport,” Hall “Be persistent when reaching out to sending emails and films, the more exposure said. “It caused me to become mentally and college coaches to be recruited, and don’t feel physically exhausted. The biggest thing is just you’re giving yourself.” down if things are not going exactly as you had Hall advises people in the recruitment understanding when you need to give yourself planned,” Chu said. process don’t limit their options just because a break.”

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The risk of losing clubs The perilous future of Sequoia clubs after the graduating senior class leaves.

The senior class is comprised of a very driven group of students. These students are leaders in sports, classes, the community and clubs on campus. So what will the school do once this class inevitably graduates?

Nicholas and Christopher Kwok are two seniors with leadership positions in clubs such as Science Olympiad, March for Our Lives, Business Club and Model United Nations (MUN).

Balancing the workload of a rigorous course load and club leadership can prove to be challenging. With many club leaders forced to balance school, club responsibilities and extracurriculars. With all of these tasks there simply isn’t enough time in a day to do it all.

All of this work can add up, “We’re spending two hours on each club [per week],” Nicholas Kwok said. “It becomes a mess, we just stay up very late doing stuff.”

This workload consists of many different parts. Some of the responsibilities include planning meetings, signing up for club activities, managing finances and more.

With this level of workload it’s a daunting task for club members to take over leadership positions. This puts clubs at risk of crumbling when the current leadership graduates due to lack of experienced leadership, or no one taking control over the club at all.

“I’m concerned about the Fruit Troops club,” Helena Landels, Debate and Fruit Troops club president said, “It’s mostly seniors so there’s concern there.”

However some clubs are optimistic about

BY DAVID RAYMOND AND THOMAS JETT Sports Editor and Staff Reporter

their future and are prepared to pass down club will continue at the same level or at all by leadership roles. just having positions filled.

“We just had Debate club elections for “There’s a possibility that the new (Science next year,” Landels said, “I’m very confident in Olympiad) leadership may not know how to the debate leadership.” run it well,” Kwok said.

Clubs have a multitude of different ways Some clubs such as Science Olympiad have to deal with passing down leadership after very specific needs which makes it hard to the current leaders graduate, one way is easily implement new leadership. simply having younger members to pass down The gap in participation can be explained leadership to. due to the changing learning environment in “In the past [the club members] were recent years. mostly our friends, but we knew it would “I don’t know what it is, but after COVID be our final year running the club,” Nicholas people aren’t as invested in clubs as they used Kwok said. “So we were really specific in our to be,” Landels said. recruitment in targeting underclassmen.”

The consequence of this gap of students not joining clubs in the pandemic is a gap with participation being scarce in the junior and sophomore classes. This partially explains why the senior class has so many leadership roles I don’t know what it is, but after at Sequoia.

COVID people aren’t as invested “We don’t see sophomores and juniors in clubs as they used to be.” in our clubs so much because during the pandemic, it was hard to convince them to Helena Landels, senior join and provide their lunch period to our club,” Christopher Kwok said.

This plan seems to have worked for However this downturn in clubs seems to some clubs to fill in the gap that will be left be easing as the pandemic wanes as well. by graduating seniors. The young core of “We have a thriving freshman class in all of new leaders should be able to allow clubs to our clubs now,” Christopher Kwok said. continue to thrive.

Hopefully despite this gap in participation “All of our clubs have leadership positions in the junior and sophomore classes the in place, except for March For Our Lives,” future classes will help these clubs continue.

Christopher Kwok said.

“Hopefully clubs continue to grow, but also Just filling positions may not be enough, it’s uncertain,” Nicholas Kwok said. having positions filled does not mean that a

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Photos credits of, Marry Baggins, Science Olympiad, Vector Stock and David Raymond

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Seniors step into the spotlight

BY LUCIA KITCHING Staff Reporter

in musicals for ten-plus years, including three with Sequoia Drama, plans to attend the University of Southern California (USC) with a minor in performing arts.

As well as taking classes in the performing arts department, Maire plans to major in political science.

“I love [musical theater] a lot, but it’s not the most reliable career. So that would be the only reason why I’d kind of go in a different direction. But I want to definitely continue stuff with music outside, even if it’s in a little way,” Maire said.

Joshua Thacker, active in the choir and theater programs with having written and musically directed the musical “Right to Rule,” plans to complete the musical theater program at Chico State.

“It’s definitely not going to be the most Photo by Lucia Kitching lucrative job but it’s my passion. It’s what I enjoy doing,” Thacker said.

Students who have participated in music Senior Violeta Sanchez, hopes to continue programs outside or through Sequoia have composition and piano playing at school. plans of continuing their music after high Music can be a massively important part of school. someone’s life. It is also an emotional escape, one of the main reasons so many choose to keep it a part of their life after high school.

“It’s just a way I can escape from reality,” Sanchez said. “I like to think of it as like halfway between a fantasy “Sometimes [success] is world and a real world, and it’s kind having the drive and focus of like them combining together. that gets you up and wanting Music allows me to express myself to continue to improve...” in ways that words cannot.”

“I think probably the two biggest - Othello Jefferson things people think about is money and stability, in terms of just making sure that you can survive if you’re Music teachers Jane Woodman and doing only music, and combined with that is Othello Jefferson both note students that the competition,” Woodman said. “In terms of have pursued music in several different ways, so many people vying for the big break, the such as conducting, studying at a conservatory, discovery, the consistent jobs that are going joining musical groups or songwriting. to pay enough to not only just get your one Senior Kayla Maire, who has participated little moment of fame but the job that can

14

actually stay.”

Since the process of obtaining a job in this career is challenging, Woodman offers advice to students, whether they plan on achieving this goal in or outside of college.

Her two main tips are to be proactive about learning music by honing your skills both technical and musicality-wise, and being a responsible person and good team member.

Although the competitiveness of the career is overwhelming, both teachers emphasize that if you put enough drive and dedication into your work, it is possible to achieve your goals.

“To me, success is not always having the most amount of talent. And it’s something that I’ve had to kind of just see and observe and learn,” Jefferson said. “Sometimes it’s having the drive and focus that gets you up and wanting to continue to audition, to continue to improve, to continue to stretch yourself.”

Violeta Sanchez Villanueva Cañada College and freelance composing

Kayla Maire USC with a minor in performing arts

Joshua Thacker Chico State musical theater program

BY ABIGAIL AGUAYO Graphic Editor

Music festivals over the years have grew in popularity. Many people every year wish to attend any sort of music festival for the line up of artists, music and overall to have a fun time while listening to your favorite music with friends and family. However, are music festivals actually what they seem to be on social media? Are they actually worth the expensive price tag?

“From my experience of working and attending Coachella these past 2 years, I do believe that the festival is as grand as people perceive it to be on social media” Marco Prado, Sequoia graduate and fromer worker at Coachella. “ However, I would say that the crowds have been usually less energetic and more laid back compared to other music festivals I have attended” The reality of some of these music festivals is that they are too expensive to attend and the average income person is not able to afford a 400 dollar or more ticket. An outlet that many people take is finding a position to work at these music festivals that way they get free admission. Not to mention they also get some side money.

“The main reason as to why I wanted to work at these festivals is due to the fact that I probably wouldn’t attend these festivals due to their high prices so by working as a vendor gives me the opportunity of obtaining free admission while also being able to make some extra income.” Prado said As much as these festivals are expensive, some might consider it a well worth it experience for around 400 dollars, as you do not know what to expect when you go to these festivals.

Outside Lands in August of 2022 was an experience I will never forget. From the amazing lineup of artist to the electric energy they bring, it was well worth every penny I had saved by babysitting and working to attend.

A one day ticket is about 200 dollars. With beautiful scenery of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, you immediately feel the energy from the crowds at every corner of the park as soon as you enter the festival grounds.

Everyone is dancing and singing with a nice cool drink in their hand while with their family and friends. Although I only attended one out of the three days of the festival, I would highly recommend attending at least one day of Outside Lands Music festival in San Francisco.

Bottle Rock located in Napa is a music festival that is rather warmer and calm then other festivals that I have attended. With a more diverse line up of artists, Bottle Rock is a good festival to attend when you want to expand your music taste and discover new artist. I know when I attend this festival, I found artist that are now an essential part of my everyday music playlist. Some of these artists include Lilly and one of my now all time favorite artists Jean Dawson.To expand, Bottle Rock is a very warm and very much reminds me of the summer season. Although the festivals is more mature as I only saw adults there, you just get mixed in with the crowds and are going to have a good time.

Summer is almost here and some of these music festivals are right around the corner.

This summer I recommend to take advantage of the California sun and try to attend at least one of these festivals, Im almost sure you will not regret it.

“I would describe the environment of these festivals as a sort of oasis that allow people to socially gather through music, art, food, and other activities. Personally, my favorite festival I’ve attended was Coachella 2022 as it I was able to see many artists performing and had a great experience working as well” Prado said.

Photos by Abigail Aguayo and Marco Prado

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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BY AMARA BAKSHI, NORA KOVSCEK, AND ALEX PARKER-ROGERS Multimedia Editor, Staff Reporter, and News Editor

Allie caldwell

S ENIOR S P

What advice do you have for incoming Sequoia students?

“My advice for Sequoia students would be to put yourself out there as much as you can. Even if you’re nervous about it, just go for it. If it’s something scary, just do it. I think some of my favorite memories are making people laugh by making fun of myself at school or dressing up crazy for a spirit day.

Put yourself out there and meet as many people as you can because it goes by so quickly. Talk to people that you don’t know because it’s such a special four years.”

When you look back on these years, what will you remember most?

“I think the camaraderie of people [is what I will remember the most]. We have good people at Sequoia. I’ve made a lot of good friends in high school. I’ll also remember going to football games How and joking around with my friends. I’ve loved hanging out with are you people in class; most of my favorite memories are just being involved at in class.”

Sequoia?

What advice do you have for incoming Sequoia How are you involved at Sequoia?

“I am this year’s students? senior class president “I’ve been in ASB for all four years, and last and I’m also in ASB. I am “My advice is that being a year, I got to be the spirit commissioner. I dance team captain and have kind person gets you so far was in charge of the rallies, which was a been a member of Advanced here. Just being a good person big task and very stressful, but it was Dance for the last four years. I’m and having strong morals so really fun to get everyone’s input and involved a lot and I enjoy it all. I just you can stick up for people or plan behind the scenes. My senior love being a leader and I love being in get comfortable doing that is superlative was most spirited, leadership. And I really love being with so important as a person, but which I think is pretty cool. other girls that I can just love and support especially at Sequoia. There are Decorating the school in dance team and hang out with. They’re so many amazing and kind people and trying to get people funny and we all have the greatest time ever.” that if you just say hi to, you can hyped for events were make so many friends and have a probably some of great support system.” my favorite things to do.”

When you look back on these years, what will you remember most?

Kylia Stout

“I’m sure I’ll remember how kind everyone is; I’ve always felt accepted here. I’ve been coming here since the beginning of time because my mom has worked here for so long. I’ve genuinely grown up here, and I think it’s really shaped who I am as someone who can stick up for people and try to represent people as much as possible. That’s my goal, especially with ASB. I want to make sure everyone feels represented because I feel so safe here, and I want to make sure that everyone else does too.”

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OT L IG H T S

Adam Frederick

What advice do you have for incoming Sequoia students?

How are you “Get out and talk to people, whether that be involved in class, in sports, or whatever, I think you’ll be at Sequoia? pleasantly surprised at who you’ll meet and bond with. Another piece of advice I have would “I’m in the DAA, be to always try and play a sport. Even which was fun because if you don’t consider yourself you get to interact with the athletic type, there is a a lot of Adobe programs sport for everyone and in our multimedia classes. it makes your time It’s kind of like an introduction spent at Sequoia to stuff if you want to work in so much the entertainment industry because better.” you’re gonna be using a lot of Adobe products. I did swim last year and water polo in my freshman year. I’m also in the Comic-Making Club and the Crochet Club.”

What are your plans for after high school?

“My plans are to attend Cal Poly Pomona. I’ll be majoring in psychology. If you are a graduating senior, and you don’t get into your top school, or maybe your friends are all going away for college while you’re staying here, or maybe you don’t know a single other kid going to your new school, don’t worry.Your experience at your new school, I’m sure, will be a unique and fun time.”

How are you involved at Sequoia?

“I participate in sports when I can. I think building a community with your team and with the different clubs you join is super important and rewarding as you can meet tons of new people and stay connected with other school activities too. I was involved in Crochet club and ski club, although that club disappeared after the pandemic. As for sports, I played boys tennis for 3 years and Track and Field my senior year. I also find that supporting or even visiting the events of sports, clubs, or groups that you’re not a part of is a good way I stayed involved.”

Isabella Fraumeni What are your plans for after high school?

I’m going to be going to Art Center, which I applied to with whatever was closest to an animation major. I want to go into an animation career, but specifically storyboarding that falls under the animation umbrella, usually in 2d animation cause they don’t really do 2d animation anymore.

What advice do you have for incoming Sequoia students?

“I started to notice my art classes kill my creative drive, but you got to start practicing your improvement., as soon as you can start getting technical skills. So figure drawing, and studying and colors and all that stuff.

There are infinite resources online and you can just look up videos, but it really helps and it really prepares you especially if you want to get into a competitive art school.

And the sooner prepared you are the better and you’ll thank yourself.”

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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Financial crisis in the tech department

BY SASHA EFIMCHIK Staff Reporter

High school theater productions are a beloved tradition, bringing together students, families, and the community for unforgettable performances.

Behind the scenes, however, there is a group of unsung heroes who make these shows possible – the tech department. From lighting and sound design to prop and costume creation, the tech team is responsible for all the technical aspects of the productions that help bring the stories on stage to life. Not only does tech contribute to the success of the shows, but the program also provides a welcoming environment for students to learn new skills and pursue their passions, all while earning volunteer hours. Unfortunately, the tech department at Sequoia is facing a financial crisis due to the decline in funding and rental income since the pandemic. This crisis could threaten the viability of the tech program, which would be a great loss for the school and the drama department. “[People] end up seeing the final [...] show but [they don’t realize] it’s hundreds of people working hundreds of hours before you even see the final product,” Crystal Amaya, Carrington Hall’s tech manager, said.

There are a lot of things that need to be done behind the scenes for productions as successful as Sequoia’s “Beauty and the Beast” or “Trap.” The tech team takes care of lighting design, sound design, prop design, set design, and costume design.

Vin Fox, a senior on tech crew, found her passion for clothing design through working on dresses for “Beauty and the Beast”. “[Crystal] talked to me. [She said] ‘You clearly have ideas, you clearly at least vaguely know what you’re talking about, why don’t you put together some sketches or something.

Just show them your ideas and see what happens.’ ” Fox said.

Fox later shared her ideas with the parent volunteers running the show and she was put in charge of creating Belle’s dresses, an endeavor that convinced her that she wanted to pursue costume design as a career.

“That was the biggest project that I had ever taken on. I did it because of tech and that convinced me that that was what I wanted to do in life,” Fox said.

The tech program at Sequoia has not only provided students like Vin Fox with opportunities to pursue their passions but

18

has also fostered a sense of community among its members, as expressed by Christian de la Cruz, another senior on the tech team.

“I [am] super stoked to be a part of that community,” de la Cruz said about the program. “It feels like you’re connected with everybody the second you walk in there.”

Unfortunately, the future of the tech program is in limbo. “Before COVID we had a long standing, consistent renter, a church that used Carrington because they didn’t have a brick and mortar [building]. [...] There was always money coming in. That went away,” Gary Gooch said.

Amaya is responsible for running the technology required for the smooth operation of Carrington Hall. Amaya’s job at the head of the technology team is crucial to ensuring the smooth running of theater productions. In recent years she has been facing a challenging situation due to budget cuts, with her paid hours being limited, without curtailing her workload.

Sequoia administration is asking her to limit her work hours to 20 hours per week, while historically she and others in her position have worked up to 40 hours to get the same job done.

“If you limit someone’s hours, but expect them to do this, this, and this, then maybe they can get it done, but it’s going to be done in a very crappy way,” Amaya said.

While the tech program at Sequoia is facing a financial crisis, there is hope on the horizon. Parent volunteers and donations have played a crucial role in supporting the tech team and keeping the program afloat.

Additionally, the rentals that declined rapidly during the pandemic are slowly picking up.

“It’s starting to climb up, but it’s not [where it needs to be yet],” Gooch said.

With these sources of support, the tech program can continue to provide a warm and supportive environment for students to learn new skills, earn volunteer hours, and pursue their passions while also contributing to the success of the theater productions.

Art by Sasha Efimchik

The right to rule: students take the lead Actors running scene 5 & Becca Rosenberg

BY CELESTE CARPINELLI Staff Reporter This spring, the Sequoia Drama club is putting on a student run and original musical called The Right To Rule. The production is a passion project of the Drama club members and is completely student made from the choreography to the story and its songs.

Sequoia’s Drama Club hasn’t always had such advanced student-run productions, and in fact The Right To Rule brings a lot of new stuff to the stage.

“This is like the first full musical in a long time I believe. I don’t know if there’s ever been a full musical done with drama club in the past few years. There have been smaller scaleplays, usually one act and also one [night] show productions so this is going to be the biggest one in a long time,” Tabitha Oliver, a junior and The Right To Rule co-director said.

The Right To Rule is the first Drama Club production to be a full musical in a long time and it came to be after Joshua Thacker, Senior, won the Drama Club’s hearts and votes on the original story he submitted.

The production now has a cast of 18 students, Drama teacher Talia. Cain is present at the after-school rehearsals, and a variety of students behind the scenes choreographing, directing, lighting, costuming and more.

“

they’ll feel comfortable and welcomed and loved.

And that’s something that I saw that the drama club is doing [an] everybody should be able to original production. I was like, what if I experience” Oliver said. wrote something? What if I wrote a musical, But if you want to join a actually... I think that would be fun.”

Drama club production, and you’re not sure how you’ll fit into the cast, how possible is Joshua Thacker, senior it to find a role that you’re Thacker has made all the music in the interested in? medieval show, as well as written the plot “I’ve done practically every sport there is and script, featuring the Avondale king and his [...] I enjoy art, I enjoy singing, I used to be advisors’ quarrel over what to do when the in an orchestra. So I really enjoy doing tons of fierce kingdom of Roltvia is bound to attack. things. Drama helped me grow in leadership Sequoia has a few ways of becoming a part skills and [...] interact with skills in general, of these productions, the Drama elective’s and helped me be able to kind of grow out of large class productions, the tech crew, and the my shell and meet new people and do things Drama Club with it’s student-run productions that I thought I couldn’t do,” Oliver said. and rehearsals after school. Sequoia’s plays Since drama productions have so many and musicals have always had a large focus arts connected to them to make a full on the students. Students are the actors, production, people whose interests may not collaborators, and artists who unanimously fit into the typical Sequoia electives can find bring the words on the script they are given an opportunity to express themselves in into a live performance.

Drama. Prop-building, lighting, choreographing, “I think that there’s people from tons of costuming and more are all behind the scenes backgrounds who have different personalities aspects of Drama that make the production and different ways of going about life. And I alive. think that that’s like something that would be “Theater is basically my life and it’s going nice for new people or other people to to be my life for a long time now. And just the explore because there’s a lot more than community that Cain has helped build in the what meets the eye to the theater” Oliver classes, club and the productions is amazing. If said. The theater community is becoming you can’t be in the classes, you can be in the more diverse with queer and BIPOC students, club.You can’t be in the club? You can still help which makes the productions have more out in the productions,” Thacker said. perspectives. “I would say that the stigma The theater community isn’t just who behind Drama and Theatre is something signed up for the Drama elective, it’s a that needs to be changed because collective of people who have found a I think it really drives people connection with Drama and found a way to away from a community express their hobbies. that they could find where

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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Joe Biden photo from the White House & AI photo from Tech News Daily. Edited by Ethan Butt

The dangers of Deepfakes

BY ETHAN BUTT Staff Reporter Biden, Trump and Obama are now on TikTok and Instagram streaming their Discord calls while playing video games. At least that’s what the creators want you to think. These presidential Discord calls are just a few examples of the seemingly harmless Deepfake, essentially videos that use artificial intelligence technology to mimic the voices of people such as famous celebrities and make them say whatever the creator wants. In this case, the voices of Biden, Trump and Obama on call while playing video games.

“I personally think they’re funny especially in an ironic sort of sense, like having a Republican say the most democratic thing or having a homophobe saying gay rights and I love gay people,” sophomore Habib Parduhn said.

If you didn’t know you were watching a deepfake video, it would have taken a while for you to figure out that it was fake because of how realistic the AI makes each individual sound.

“Most people find it entertaining because it [looks like] famous people that are doing

“

I think AI is hard to regulate when you don’t know what it is and what’s happening.”

Carlos Villa, social studies teacher

20

funny things when in reality they’re fake,” freshman Brennan Sherman said.

Deepfakes without a doubt have taken the internet by storm as some of the most entertaining forms of content. Currently, these videos mostly stand as harmless clips to make people laugh. However with the deepfake technology rapidly developing, it is headed down a negative path.

Recently, the world has been experiencing viral deepfakes of powerful individuals like Vladimir Putin declaring peace on the Ukraine war or President Zelensky ordering the soldiers of Ukraine to lay down their weapons and surrender.

“Politics is where the consequences are more severe.You can have [someone] like the head of state or president being deepfaked and that can lead to heavy consequences and impact,” social studies teacher Carlos Villa said.

People eventually found out that the videos weren’t the real Putin and Zelesnky, but for a while many fell victim to believing in the videos. They were so realistic to the point where president Zelensky himself had to post a video on his verified account addressing the deepfake.

“It’s scary to think you can make someone important in the world like [politicians] say something that is controversial,” Sherman said.

Although deepfakes are doing more harm than good, this doesn’t necessarily mean that deepfakes should be banned. They brought a whole new level of entertainment to social media and banning them removes the opportunity to make more.

“I’m kind of against total banning. I think it’s

a matter of introducing tools, like educating how to recognize them,” Villa said.

This doesn’t mean that people should still be mimicking famous individuals, especially serious ones like politicians.

“I personally think that trying to control it is difficult. From the government standpoint, they don’t even know how these things work,” computer science teacher Martha Leveque said.

How would the government ban Deepfakes if they don’t even know how they are supposed to work? Some regulation should be put in such as a way to distinguish deepfakes from normal videos and analyze them before being posted onto YouTube or TikTok. “I’d love regulation [...] I would prefer that companies themselves figure something out to regulate it,” Leveque said.

no (46.2%)

yes (53.8%)

Sequoia Students Who Have Seen Deepfakes on Social Media

Snapchat AI: friend or foe

BY MINOU ONO Staff Reporter Snapchat AI chatbot will potentially negatively impact young people and their social lives. Snapchat is an app used by hundreds of millions of people, many of whom are teenagers. Recently, Snapchat launched a chatbot similar to Open AI’s popular ChatGPT. Only Snapchat+ subscribers can get rid of the chatbot. Most users are stuck with it at the top of their chat page. Its presence on this app will replace social interactions between people at an age where social interactions are crucial to development. Since MyAI’s launch in April, many students have experimented with the AI bot.

“I talked to it once when it first came up on my phone and now I don’t talk to it anymore because it’s scary,” sophomore Abby Arnold said.

This idea that the snapchat AI is “scary” comes from the fact that it’s programmed to be human-like, unlike some other AI models.

“You ask [the Snapchat AI] questions, and it doesn’t actually give you answers and it just says, ‘Hi, how’s your day going? And it’s f-ing

Screenshot of My AI on Snapchat weird [...] It’s literally terrifying,” Arnold said.

On the other hand, some students don’t find it as scary and think it’s helpful.

“I actually really like it because you can look up whatever you want,” sophomore Alexis Boyle said.

Along with being used as a search engine, AI can be used for academic help.

“At first I thought it was really weird, [but now] I use it to help me with my homework, and I asked it for ideas for English,” junior Sophia Tabarez said.

Although Tabarez finds it useful, she also thinks that this increased accessibility to AI tools will have a negative impact on students.

“I think it’ll make students a little bit more dependent on AI. I’ve already seen it,” Tabarez said.

This dependency on AI might seem innocent when you think of homework help,

non-users (32.4%)

no (16.2%)

yes (83.8%)

Sequoia Snapchat Users Who Have Spoken to My AI

Students are not the only ones who think this could have negative effects on students’ users social lives.

(67.6%) “The idea of having an AI chat with you almost like a friend concerns me in terms of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, those types of feelings that teenagers, especially, experience,” computer science teacher Martha Leveque Sequoia Students Who Use Snapchat said.

Chatbots and AI don’t just have negative but when young people become socially impacts. The technology behind these dependent on AI, it could have severe chatbots is very advanced and impressive. It consequences. I sometimes find myself has the power to make our lives easier, but opening the app to talk to friends and then only if it’s used responsibly. getting distracted and talking to the bot “I do believe that the AI search bar and instead. things like that are going to be the future “I think that it’s a little bit problematic of Googling something. You could just ask because I know that there’s a lot of young an AI and they will be able to tell you that people who use Snapchat and I think that information in a much more efficient way,” it could be isolating and prevent social Leveque said. interactions between younger people, because I think this is an amazing advancement in they’ll be talking the tech world, and if AI to AI all day and is used in a responsible not their friends,” way, it can be a great sophomore Callie tool. However, as a West said. society, we need to The long- AI is going to be in our lives for set boundries on how term effects of the rest of our lives most likely. much we use AI. Social chatbots are not interaction between fully known yet, Learn as much as you can humans is the core of but some teachers about it and how it works.” our humanity and when and parents are we let AI interfere with concerned about Martha Leveque, computer science that, we threaten our how this will affect very being. teacher young people’s “AI is going to be in social lives. our lives for the rest of “I think it’ll make it more difficult than our lives most likely. Learn as much as you can it already is for people to have in-person about it and how it works. And then be really conversations because they’re going to be so careful,” Leveque said. used to having them online,” West said.

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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The TikTok Ban

BY ADAM TRINKLEIN Staff Reporter

John Calderon using TikTok Photo by Adam Trinklein TikTok among many other social media apps has been the subject of privacy concerns since it has become popularized.This issue has been recently exacerbated by fears from the United States government that China could be given access to TikTok user data through ByteDance. ByteDance is the parent company of TikTok and is based in China. Lawmakers worry that the Chinese government could use sensitive data to spy on the United States.

Additionally, the Chinese government could influence the algorithm of TikTok, potentially spreading propaganda. The New York Times published an article by David McCabe saying, “The Montana House of Representatives on Friday [April 12th] approved a total ban on TikTok.” Some lawmakers think this a drastic step to address fears, while others think a national ban is the only solution .

Sequoia students who use TikTok recognized the dangers of the app but most had little to say about the security concerns relating to China.

“I know that a lot of people are using TikTok in class under the desk and it’s not the greatest thing because people aren’t really focusing on their academics,” senior Brian Cove said.

When asked specifically about the suggested TikTok ban, some Sequoia students couldn’t comment due to lack of knowledge on the issue.

“I don’t have the authority to comment on

22

such a thing,” physics teacher Jack West said.

Some students felt like people were making a bigger deal out of bans. One explained that he thought concerns were exaggerated and not realistic.

“I honestly have no clue, I feel like it’s likely hyperbolized,” senior Raul Moreno Negrete said.

Others expressed views that it was a threat to freedom of speech. If it is possible for the government to silence an entire social platform, that removes the ability for millions of people to communicate and share ideas.

“I think that’s literally censorship, everyone deserves free speech,” junior Lou Jamotte said.

Immediately afterwards, Lou admitted to not knowing the full picture of the bans.

“No I didn’t. Did [Montana] really?”

Jamotte said when asked if they were aware of the ban. Many Sequoia students don’t follow the news regularly, or use news sources with less of an emphasis on politics and economics.

This contributes to being unaware of some worldwide events. Other students were similarly uneducated on the bans.

“I was not aware of it until [now],” Cove said.

Montana’s statewide ban, as well as more specific bans across the country, has brought data security into question. Fears surround the idea that ByteDance could be sharing sensitive data with the Chinese government.

If China has information about user location etc, military locations and sites could be pinpointed by tracking the movements of military officials for example. Hence, the majority of anti-TikTok legislation has

no (55%)

yes (45%)

Sequoia students who use TikTok.

surrounded government devices specifically.

According to the New York Times article, Why Countries Are Trying to Ban TikTok, “More than two dozen states have banned TikTok on government-issued devices.” It is unclear how these bans will be enforced.

Critics explain that people would be able to easily bypass bans by using virtual private networks (VPNs) to change their location.

Many legislators and Americans wonder what will happen to devices that already have TikTok downloaded.

During national hearings in March, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew, appeared in front of congress to assuage the United States government’s fears. Proposals were made by congress to force ByteDance to divest ownership of TikTok by spinning out a subsidiary company in charge of handling American affairs. A few legislators found the focus on TikTok ironic when American social media companies have been caught abusing user data in ways much worse than TikTok has been shown to do.

“Almost all of the other social media platforms already steal your information so I don’t think fears that TikTok would give data to China are warranted,” Calderon said.

What has been shown by these hearings and threats to ban TikTok is how little legislature is in place to protect users from all social media. The spotlight might currently be on TikTok, but the way to achieve substantial change will be by addressing the problem of data security as a whole through robust, enforceable, legislation.

“The reason for a bill would be more for the US to control social media,” Calderon said.

yes (22%) no (78%)

Sequoia students who think TikTok should be banned.

Photo by Mr. Ortiz

FAIRY FOREST FIELD TRIP

By Indira Olazabal and Nahomi Delgado Staff Reporters Sierra Club Inner City Outings organized a camping trip for the ELD students on April 1st and 2nd in Portola State Park. It was free and a good experience. There were only 15 places, and they filled up fast. We arrived at Portola State park on April 1st at 8 o’clock and we left on April 2nd at 3 o’clock. During the camping, we hiked, and we cooked chili.

We set up our tents. We made a bonfire. We sang in the night, and we shared scary stories around the bonfire. We saw the tallest trees in the world, and the forest had a beautiful view. Also, we saw a species of animals that only lives in this environment. Portola State Park looked like a fairy forest. Maritza is one of the ELD students that participated in the camping trip. She thinks that “It was a good experience and she loved to spend time with everyone on the trip and live in community helping each other.”

Going camping was a beautiful experience, and It was free so all the students were able to go camping and enjoyed it.Thank you to Gloria Chen, the leader from Inspiring Connections Outdoor, to Ms. Wenzel, Mr. Ortiz and all the other volunteers that made this trip possible. They gave a beautiful experience to the ELD students.

Photo by ELD Students

Photo by Mr. Ortiz

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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fu

d r d e e a l m l i f s l

Un

never to reveal their documentation status or legal status, or they feel scared to say anything. So we try to create a safe space, try to create support, [and] make everyone realize they’re not alone.”

To combine the goals of financial support and forming an inclusive community, Dream

BY HAYLEE HUYNH Club has two major events in the fall and Co-Feature Editor spring semester. Through planning these A letter comes in the mail. Enclosed in a events and seeing their impact, club members thick, white envelope with a collegiate logo feel a sense of fulfillment in their work. printed at the top, the words reveal that you “I really like seeing how we plan out the were accepted into your top choice university. events and [...] how many people actually You run from the mailbox to your show up and take the time out of their day house and tell your to really learn about parents about how undocumented you got in, and how people and learn excited you about the way that are, and they themselves how you I’ve had conversations with people can support our we re n ’t that don’t really know about [...] community,” Abel expecting Chavez, junior and any of the basic knowledge of being to make it this far.

Dream Club student Then, your undocumented and what they face. leader, said. parents are forced to It’s been really nice to go to Dream The club is tell you that you’re Club and to have people that open for everyone undocumented, and understand those struggles.” to collaborate and that you don’t have learn from each a Social Security other, leading to a number to apply for Denise Carrillo, senior more welcoming financial aid or get a and understanding job, and that there is no way for you to pay Sequoia community for those who make the for tuition. effort.

This is the story of many undocumented “My hope is to better understand the students in America, and the original reason idea of what a dreamer is. And though I don’t Dream Club Advisor Jane Slater established experience the same hardship, I want to the club in 2008. understand to the most that I can what the “Before the California Dream Act and experience of an undocumented person is in DACA they weren’t able to work, really, and America,” junior and Dream Club member they weren’t able to get any scholarships at Xander Love said. all, or any financial aid from the government,” Although there is a tight-knit, supportive Slater said. “And that just seemed so unfair space within Dream Club members, there is that these kids had worked so hard and still progress to be made in regards to Sequoia learned a second language and then [had] as a student body and institution. been accepted into four year schools, and “I don’t necessarily feel supported, still had to work their way, slowly, through but I don’t feel any type of hatred community college and a four year school.” as well. I just feel like it’s To supplement the additional resources kind of ignored and people that have been implemented after it’s creation, are oblivious to it,” Denise Dream Club continues to provide financial Carillo, senior and Dream assistance and grants for undocumented Club student leader, said. “I’ve had students at Sequoia, but they focus on conversations with people that don’t really emotional safety for students as well. know about ISIS stomping at your door or any “We as a club [try] to create a safe space for of the basic knowledge of being undocumented students,” Slater said. “Many students are told and what they face. It’s been really nice to go

“

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to Dream Club and to have people that understand t h o s e struggles.”

In order to improve S e q u o i a ’s c u r r e n t p re d i c a m e n t , Chavez and Kimberly Gopar, junior a n d Dream Club student leader, suggest that immigration, documentation and citizenship should be discussed more around campus.

“Right now it’s not really talked about unless you’re in this club. I don’t hear multiple people talking about it unless [they] have firsthand experience of coming here or being an exchange student or being an [English Language Development] student,” she said.

“A way that we can get people to talk about this is just having more teachers discuss the idea of immigration,” Chavez explained.

“There’s lots of students here who actually don’t know they’re immigrants, and think that they’re actual US citizens because their parents don’t want to tell them. [...] So I think it’s good for students to know about [immigration] and to know more about themselves.”

Dream Club acknowledges the improvements to be made, and above all wants to instill pride and empower students on campus. “ Ye s , it is a struggle to be undocumented or mixed status, but i t ’s also taught a lot of values to me personally,” Carillo said. “And I know lots of other people have been able to learn a lot and feel more in touch with their culture. So it’s not necessarily just a bad thing.”

s in c u m o ñ e Su

p

están solos”.

Para combinar las metas de apoyo financiero y formar una comunidad inclusiva, Dream Club tiene dos eventos importantes en el semestre de otoño y primavera.

Al planificar estos eventos y ver su impacto, los miembros del club sienten satisfacción en su trabajo.

“Realmente me gusta ver cómo gente que entienda esas luchas”.

Para mejorar la situación actual de Sequoia, planeamos los eventos y [...] cuántas personas realmente vienen y Chávez y Kimberly Gopar, líder estudiantil se toman el tiempo de su día junior y Dream Club, sugieren que los tópicos para aprender acerca de la de la inmigración, la documentación y la gente indocumentada y aprender ciudadanía deben ser discutidas más alrededor sobre la manera en que ellos del campus.

“En este momento, no se habla mucho mismos pueden apoyar a nuestra a menos que estés comunidad”, Abel en este club. No Chávez, estudiante escucho a varias del 11mo grado y personas hablar de líder estudiantil del ello a menos que Dream Club, dijo. [tengan] experiencia El club está He tenido conversaciones con de primera mano abierto para que personas que no saben los de venir aquí o de todos colaboren y conocimientos básicos de ser ser un estudiante aprendan unos de indocumentados y a qué se de intercambio o otros, nos lleva a una de [Desarrollo del comunidad Sequoia enfrentan. Ha sido muy agradable Idioma Inglés]”, ella más acogedora y ir al Dream Club y tener gente que dijo. comprensiva para entienda esas luchas.”

“Una manera aquellos que hacen el de que podamos esfuerzo.

Denise Carrillo, senior hacer que la gente “Mi esperanza hable sobre esto es entender mejor la idea de lo que es un soñador. Y aunque es simplemente tener más maestros que no experimente las mismas dificultades, hablen sobre la idea de la inmigración”, quiero entender lo más que puedo cuál es la explicó Chávez. “Hay muchos experiencia de una persona indocumentada estudiantes aquí que en realidad en los Estados Unidos”, Xander Love, no saben que son inmigrantes, estudiante del 11mo grado y miembro del y piensan que son ciudadanos estadounidenses reales porque Dream Club, dijo.

Aunque hay un espacio muy unido y de sus padres no quieren decírselo. apoyo dentro de los miembros del Dream [...] Por lo tanto, creo que es bueno que los Club, todavía hay progreso por hacer con estudiantes conozcan [la inmigración] y que respecto a Sequoia como cuerpo estudiantil sepan más sobre sí mismos”.

El Dream Club reconoce las mejoras que e institución.

“No me siento necesariamente apoyado, se deben hacer y, sobre todo, quiere inculcar pero tampoco siento ningún tipo de orgullo y empoderar a los estudiantes odio. Siento que es ignorado y la gente indocumentados en Sequoia.

“Sí, es una lucha para ser un estado no tiene conocimiento de ello”, Denise Carrillo, estudiante del 12mo grado y líder indocumentado o mixto, pero también me estudiantil del Dream Club, dijo. “He tenido enseñan muchos valores personalmente”, dijo conversaciones con personas que no saben Carrillo. “Y sé que muchas otras personas realmente qué ISIS puede tocar tu puerta o han podido aprender mucho y sentirse más cualquiera de los conocimientos básicos de en contacto con su cultura. Así que no es ser indocumentados y a qué se enfrentan. Ha necesariamente algo malo”. sido muy agradable ir al Dream Club y tener

os lid

Una carta viene en el correo. Adjunto en un sobre grueso y blanco con un logotipo universitario impreso en la parte superior, las palabras revelan que fue aceptado en su universidad preferida.

Usted corre desde el buzón de correo a su casa y le dice a sus padres cómo entró, lo entusiasmado que está y cómo no esperaba llegar hasta aquí.

Luego, sus padres se ven obligados a decirle que usted es indocumentado, y que no tiene un número de Seguro Social para solicitar ayuda financiera o conseguir un trabajo, y que no hay manera de pagar la matrícula.

Esta es la historia de muchos estudiantes indocumentados en los Estados Unidos, y fue la razón original por la que la asesora de Dream Club, Jane S l a t e r, estableció el club en 2008.

“Antes de la California Dream Act y la DACA no podían trabajar, en realidad, y no podían obtener ninguna beca ni ninguna ayuda financiera del gobierno”, dijo Slater. “Y eso parecía tan injusto que estos estudiantes habían trabajado tan duro y aprendido una segunda lengua y luego [habían] sido aceptados en universidades de cuatro años, y aún tenían que trabajar a su manera, lentamente, a través del colegio comunitario y después una universidad de cuatro años”.

Para complementar los recursos adicionales que se han implementado después de su creación, Dream Club continúa proporcionando asistencia financiera y subvenciones para estudiantes indocumentados en Sequoia, pero también se enfocan en la seguridad emocional para los estudiantes.

“Nosotros como club [tratamos] de crear un espacio seguro para los estudiantes”, dijo Slater. “A muchos estudiantes se les dice que nunca revelen su estado de documentación o estado legal, o tengan temor de decir algo. Así que intentamos crear un espacio seguro, tratamos de crear apoyo, [y] hacemos que todos se den cuenta de que no

“

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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Pacifica to Pescadero

Three of the Peninsula’s finest beaches

BY MATEO MANGOLINI Feature Editor

The arrival of summer in the peninsula means the arrival of drastic changes in the weather. Coats and sweaters make way for shorts as we all try to escape the natural oven that is the San Francisco Bay Area. What better way to beat the heat than to head to the beach?

[As I’ve mentioned in my previous review about hiking trails in the area,] One fact of my family is that my parents are truly picky when it comes to beaches.

Since they’re used to the crystal clear waters of the U.S. virgin islands, where my mother’s side is from, I didn’t get a chance to see the beauty of California’s coastline until my friends and I were able to drive, and make the commute without parent assistance.

Since then, I’ve taken every opportunity to enjoy the water, whether it be near the dense rainforest of Santa Cruz or the chaparral of Pescadero. our peninsula’s natural geography uniquely situates us to enjoy 60 miles of pacific coastline, stretching from Pacifica in the north all the way south to Santa Cruz. Across this stretch of coast, everything from wind-swept limestone cliffs to rocky coves to rolling sand dunes can be observed and experienced in all their natural beauty. With so much variety, It can be difficult to choose where to go for your next beach excursion, whether for sunbathing, fishing, or simply relaxing. I embarked on a coast-hopping tour of the peninsula’s beaches, and I can safely say that

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I’ve found three of my favorites.

On my tour, I found that the stretch of coast between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay was rather miserable for those not interested in surfing or fishing. Pacifica, just south of Daly City, is well known for its cloudy skies, cold weather, and excellent beaches for surfing, but it is rather lacking in the sunshine department. While the sheer limestone cliffs winding down the coast had their own sort of stoic beauty, it was not until I made a stop at Surfer’s beach that I began to see the sun on the Pacific Coast. Just north of Half Moon Bay proper, Surfer’s beach offers convenience, variety and beauty right off of Highway 1.

Parking is a rather simple affair, with many side-streets and lots available to situate anything from a Mini Cooper to a Toyota Tacoma. My first impression was how pristine the beach was considering its proximity to nearby residential and commercial centers, with a notable absence of trash and seaweed.

The waters here aren’t as violent as those further north, but it should be noted that there is considerable variation in the tides.

The beach itself is wide, but not very long, with a small cliff only 75 feet or so from the water.

At high tide, the water directly touches this cliff in some parts, so I’d recommend stopping somewhere else if you’re not intending to get at least a little wet. There are plenty of elevated (and dry!) nooks and crannies, however, so storing towels and bags and the like is not an issue. You’ll likely encounter other beachgoers and hikers here, especially those walking their dogs,but I didn’t find the area to be crowded by any stretch of the imagination. This beach is the closest to civilization, for better or for worse, with delicious restaurants like the Half Moon Bay Brewing company a 5-10 minute drive up the road and other modern amenities in case you happen to forget supplies at home.

As an admirer of the flora and fauna of this peninsula, one major drawback I noticed was that this beach was largely devoid of any wildlife aside from the odd seagull. The beach itself is really only sand, and The cliff leading up to it only has short grass. That was a little disappointing for me, but for those who simply want a place to swim and relax this feature is far from an issue. This beach feels most like a “starter beach” in a way: It’s accessible, largely uncrowded, close to major commercial centers and open to a variety of activities.

Travelling further down the coast, eucalyptus forests and mountains made way for rolling hills and grasslands, as the sun began to peak through the clouds. Here, between the sun and the sea, I came across Pomponio and San Gregorio state beach.

These two connected beaches are my favorites in this review, but some of their features may be unappealing. To start, these beaches are far more isolated than Surfer’s beach, with the closest settlement being San Gregorio, a small farming community with a massive population of 214. My phone lost service when I entered the parking lot due to the lack of nearby signal towers. These beaches are considerably less crowded than Surfer’s beach, with only two dozen or so other people during my weekend visit.I personally liked this atmosphere- once you’re on the beach, there’s no noise besides the roar of the ocean and other beachgoers enjoying their day. It’s a major drawback of you’re more comfortable having more modern amenities within reach, however.

The other major turn-off for me is that these beaches are recent additions to California’s beach pass system, requiring a small fee to enter or a ridiculously expensive beach pass (costing around $150 a year).

While I’m okay with paying $8 for a special occasion, I find it a little ludicrous to pay that amount consistently to have a good time.

Nevertheless, these beaches are something special, in spite of the price of admission and the distance from centers of commerce.

This area’s main draw for me is its geography (especially when talking about Pomponio Beach). The beach itself is both

Photos by Mateo Mangolini very wide and long, with a grassy outcropping forming a sort of bowl around the sand. Hills and cliffs flank the parking lot and beach to the left and right, with a gentle stream going right out to the sea. What’s immediately noticeable is that the surf is a bit more rough, but there’s also considerably less wind than at Surfer’s beach. Most beachgoers stay inside the sand bowl, and even with that concentration of people the beach is still open enough that you won’t feel crowded. Sand Dollars also dot this beach, in addition to drift wood and the occasional patch of seaweed. Head past the large limestone cliff to the left of the parking lot, however, and you’ll see why this beach ranks among my favorites in the peninsula. At both high and low tide you can skirt around the cliff, but only at low tide can you do so without having to wade through water up to your calves . If you venture past the limestone columns, you’ll find a seemingly endless strip of virtually uninhabited beach and limestone caves to explore.

The isolation on this beach is a treat, as it means you and your beach buddies have these smooth sands all to yourselves. Be aware of the presence of Mole Crabs, however. These small crustaceans burrow in the wet sand, and at low tide you can see their tiny carapaces peak just above the surface. When walking

barefoot on the beach, you can at times feel your foot graze these creatures, as it attempts to scuttle away. They’re very docile and are not harmful to humans, but if the feeling of walking on wriggling crabs is uncomfortable, this side of Pomponio state beach is not for you.

My final stop on my tour was all the way south near the agricultural town of Pescadero. Past rolling hills and the occasional herd of cattle, you’ll find Pescadero State beach. Of all the beaches I’ve seen on this tour, this one has the most varied and interesting geography. Right next to Highway 1, this beach requires no payment for entry, and has a dedicated area for parking like Pomponio and San Gregorio. What is unlike Pomponio, however, is that this beach is a bit more compact, at least in the areas near the parking lot. The area also saw similar foot traffic to Pomponio, but it felt more crowded due to the reduced space. The area has a mix of sandy beaches and black stone coves, with a small, rocky outcropping a hundred or so feet from the main beach. The coves are fun (yet slippery) to walk on, but if you prefer to take it slow there is plenty of flat ground to lay down towels and umbrellas.

You can find a variety of sea life in the coves, such as sea anemones and mussels, and

while visiting you’ll probably find people fishing for small fish. The abundance of sea life, while fascinating, also has some downsides for those wishing to simply relax.

When visiting Surfer’s beach and Pomponio/San Gregorio, I never noticed the pungent, fishy smell common to areas frequented by fish, sea lions, and stray clusters of seaweed and kelp. On this beach, however, that smell is certainly noticeable, especially when the wind is blowing toward land. I personally wasn’t bothered by this; if anything, the smell grounded me in the beach environment and was simply another part of nature. Those more sensitive to the less glamorous parts of nature, however, may find it sickening or uncomfortable when trying to unwind. Nevertheless, this beach brings a lot to the table considering its smaller size.

While I chose to focus on these three beaches, that doesn’t mean they’re the be all end all of what the Peninsula has to offer. Ignoring the wealth of beaches in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, in between each of my stops were plenty of coves, beaches and cliffs all offering their own unique experience. Make the most of this coming summer, and head out to the water.

Relaxation: 26.3 percent Sand Castles: 17.5 percent Swimming: 15.8 percent Beach Volleyball: 12.3 percent

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023 RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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More than books

How libraries are adapting to a modern audience

BY CHRISTINE CHANG Staff Reporter

Due to dive the convenience of the internet and apps such as Libby that allow readers to check into the pictures in a way that out books outline, many physical libraries have you can’t if you read them on an e-reader,” seen a dwindling number of patrons. E-books Central Middle School librarian Katie and Netflix series have replaced trips to the Hultgren said. “There’s been some research library for a heavy tome, especially among done that you actually retain more when you read on the page as opposed to reading an young people.

“I think there’s less demand for libraries e-reader.”

Those around Sequoia have also reaped because people have such easy access to find information, so they don’t need to go to a benefits from the existence of libraries, library and find an encyclopedia. There’s just despite the rise of internet research and not much of a use for that anymore,” junior e-books.

“I love going to the library.There’s a feeling Ella Satterwhite said.

A few decades ago, the only way to find of all these minds and thoughts and stories around you… I feel information was to sit like Ms. Snow has in the library, flipping done such a good through the pages of job with the Media a thick book, yet now Center where it has the world’s information There is something about that feeling, and it’s still is ours at the click of a holding the book, there’s very modern,” English button. However, there something about interacting teacher Karyn Arle are consequences to such with it.” said. “I still feel most easy online access. high school students “There is something prefer the physical about holding the book, Katie Hultgren, Central Middle book, from what I’ve there’s something about School librarian observed, over the interacting with it. I have ebook, because we sets of books where two kids could check out the same book and share always offer the ebook, but most students it together… And being able to put them on tend to like to read the physical book.”

It’s true that even with the rise of social display. Some of the most popular books now in my library are graphic novels. And I think media, students still enjoy physical books.

“I like being able to hold them and physically that those are very good to read on paper.

You can just see how much I have left. Also, reading is a nice break from

“

Books in the Media Center’s AAPI Heritage Month display. Photos by Christine Chang

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The Media Center’s LGBTQ+ section

screen time,” freshman Nadine Wells said.

In addition to the enjoyment of reading a physical book, the flood of online information can be a lot to handle, and deciding which sources are credible and which aren’t can be a challenge. Many don’t realize the library can be a place to access credible information more easily. Librarians are familiar with good sources and can be a good resource to help students navigate the flood of information online. Additionally, using library books instead of online resources has other benefits.

Books on the library shelf have been vetted, approved, and reviewed.

“There’s a quality to it. It’s not like you could just put something on the shelf without a lot of thought going into it,” Hultgren said.

Despite the many benefits of libraries in the community, many still struggle to keep up with the internet when it comes to convenience and comfort.

“I spend limited time in the San Carlos library because there’s a lot of adults there. It’s not somewhere I would go to do homework.

It’s also out of the way. I’m just gonna do work at my house,” Satterwhite said.

There are some benefits, however, to having information online. Physical books can never be as up-to-date as the internet, so when researching timely topics, Google can be a perfect tool.

Audiobooks can also be helpful for many students, especially those who struggle to read. For some,

wo r k i n g to sound out the words can interrupt the flow of the story. Audiobooks are popular because they can keep the story flowing or simply allow the listener to multitask.

“I prefer digital [books] because sometimes you can have them be audiobooks, that’s just what works for me best,” sophomore Hade Curup said in a survey.

However, many teachers are pushing for physical copies of books instead of purely online research, especially in younger grade levels. Hultgren noted that, in recent years, teachers are encouraging students to check out one physical, print resource for a paper rather than allowing students to find their all their information on the internet.

Fortunately, the Sequoia Media Center has also made efforts to appeal to a modern teenage audience, one that strives for convenience. By housing different workspaces such as a fireside room and computer lab, the Media Center hosts resources for all types of students. As is becoming more common in today’s libraries, it is much more than just a place to read books. This is fortunate for members of Sequoia who feel overwhelmed by schoolwork and simply need a place to relax.

“I really like the workspaces. I like that you can go into the Fireside Room... I think we’re very fortunate with the resources we have in there in terms of the computer lab and lots of furniture,” Satterwhte said.

To our nation’s hardworking librarians You share words with the world, and as we close out National Library Week, I want to share two words with you: Thank you.

In my childhood, I struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia... Through support, advice, and mentorship from specialists, educators, and librarians too numerous to list, I didn’t just fall in love with words… my life started revolving around them.

Because people — people like you — took the time to care about me, to show me the power of words and the power of books, I was able to find my footing in business, service, and eventually, elected office. I am in your debt. ...

I know from my own challenges with dyslexia that when we help people read, we help them succeed. You do that every day. The value of a librarian is inestimable — you go beyond books, and even beyond knowledge. You open the doors to possibility. To opportunity, imagination, and the pursuit of freedom. I’ve experienced it firsthand. ...

In gratitude,

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

Gavin Newsom Governor of California Apr. 2023 “Love letter to libraries”

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“Evil Dead Rise”: A Must-Watch For “Evil Dead” Fans

BY MATTHEW CAESAR Staff Reporter As I sat in the theater hearing gasps from the audience during the cold open of Lee Cronin’s “Evil Dead Rise,” I immediately knew I’d be getting exactly what I wanted from the new “Evil Dead” film. The cold open was a near perfect tone setter: immediately establishing the brutal demonic possession which the series is known for. But the most memorable part of the opening was the killer title card, showing a deadite rising out of a lake, with the film’s title following. Right away, I was hooked.

“Evil Dead Rise” is the fifth installment in the “Evil Dead” series, and the first new film from the franchise in ten years.The film places the series’s staple demonic conflict into a claustrophobic apartment complex, opposing the usual forest setting. What creates an even greater change from the norm, however, is the cast of characters being a family as opposed to a group of friends. As a big fan of not only the series but the original trilogy’s filmmaker, I found his new spin on the franchise creates a refreshing look at the world of Evil Dead.

Despite this novelty, the film still pays respect to the originals’ style with just as much bonechilling gore and unexpected dark humor as any fan would want.

The film follows a family of three kids, Bridget (Gabrielle Echols,) Kassie (Nell Fisher,) and Danny (Morgan Davies) along with their mother Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and their aunt Beth (Lily Sullivan.) Beth visits her sister who’s living in an old, condemned high-rise.

The family is trapped high in the apartment complex after an earthquake destroys the stairs and leaves the elevator nonfunctional.

One of the children, Danny, accidentally summons a demon that possesses his mother in a sequence that feels a bit forced. While his motivations are understandable, it’s hard to

The Opening of “Evil Dead Rise,” Warner Bros. Pictures

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believe he’d go through the multistep process needed to unleash the demon. Once Ellie is possessed, becoming a deadite, the rest of the family are forced to defend themselves against the unkillable demonic presence. The family dynamics are the largest emotional pull of the movie, as the children are forced to defend themselves against their demon-possessed deadite mother.

The theme of motherhood is prevalent in the film, with the catalyst for Beth’s return being her finding out she’s pregnant. Her fears of motherhood are realized as she is in charge of taking care of Ellie’s children while their mother tries to kill and possess them.

Her relationship with the kids, particularly the youngest girl Kassie, grows stronger throughout the film as Beth becomes more and more of an action hero. It’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement as Beth prepares to fight the demon’s final form with nothing but a chainsaw.

What made the original “The Evil Dead” and its two sequels iconic was Sam Raimi’s sense of style. This film pays respect to that style from the very beginning, with the camera flying through and around the film’s settings. Many shots utilize creative framing, particularly scenes in which characters look through the peepholes of doors. Also keeping with the trappings of “Evil Dead,” the film isn’t shy about its brutality from the very beginning.

This film is gorey, sometimes in serving of dark humor and sometimes to make the audience squirm. The sequence where a deadite uses a cheese grater was a particular standout. For those looking for truly disgusting demonfighting action, this film will not disappoint.

The second act of the film becomes a bit repetitive, as the family attempts to kill the deadites over and over, never making any real progress.

The deadites are usually

stunned through simple stabbing, which can start to give the impression you’re watching the same things happen time and time again.

There was also a small cast of side characters that felt as though they only existed to be fodder for gross kills. While some sequences with them are fun, many were introduced with only one or two scenes before dying. Most of them felt like they only served to have more dead bodies.

Despite this repetition, the film never loses its horror. The setting of a claustrophobic and near-vacant complex floor creates a hopeless and stressful atmosphere throughout the film. There’s a stressful tone from the very introduction of the family, who are on their last legs before the building is to be shut down, with no plans for where they’ll live after.

The biggest source of terror, however, is the scenery-chewing performance from Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie. Her deadite portrayal is both over the top but also grounded enough for the threat to always feel real. Whenever she is around other characters, particularly children, the tension rises massively.

Sutherland steals the show as one of the most memorable horror villain performances I’ve seen in recent memory.

The film also has some comedy, though less than in the originals, which works for the tone.

One particularly surprising gag involves Ellie spitting an eye into someone’s mouth. While they were fairly few and far between, the jokes in the film usually worked as surprising tension breakers.

Despite the pacing issues and cliché one-note characters, this film was overall a fun romp in the Evil Dead universe. Strong performances, gorey action, and a strong atmosphere of hopelessness create horrific adventure from front to back, made all the more memorable by the elements of dark humor.

RAVEN REPORT | JUNE 2023

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