LETTER FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
In a hectic world where everything is constantly changing and evolving, exploration of ideas and innovation are all around us. For this reason, this issue cycle, we decided to take on the theme of exploration. Our reporters admirably took to this theme, exploring this concept in a multitude of ways. Articles explore the past of our historic campus and the future of quantum computing. Our reporters highlighted the danger and allure of exploring abandoned buildings, as well as simple and serene exploration of our own campus during a break in class.
This wonderful issue wouldn’t be possible without the incredible staff behind the Raven Report. Throughout the first four issues of the year, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our reporters’ abilities. While readers only see the polished final product, what often goes unnoticed is the time and dedication our team puts into developing their skills—whether it’s improving their interviewing techniques, mastering journalistic writing, or refining their eye for design.
This issue also marks the beginning of a new era of the Raven Report. For our next and final issue of the year, we will be working to train our new editorial staff in anticipation of graduating seniors leaving in the fall. We are inspired by the dedication and ambition that our future editors have shown and we are excited to see how they continue to shape the Raven Report. It is because of the work of our editorial staff that the Raven Report is able to produce each issue cycle.
We must also take the time to rec-
ognize the tragic passing of Sequoia sophomore David Gutierrez. While we did not get the chance to know David personally, the kind words of his friends and peers speak volumes about his character and impact on our community. We recognize that our memorial does not begin to scratch the surface of the person David was, yet we hope that it offers a small glimpse into the love and kindness that he inspired in those around him. We offer our sincere condolences to all those who were touched by his presence. We also would like to recognize the resources that are available to Sequoia students during these difficult times.
We also would like to thank those outside of the Raven Report who have contributed to our publication. This ranges from the support we receive from the Sequoia foundation and local businesses purchasing ads, to the article from our lovely guest writer from Ms. Wenzel’s ELD class. This support drives the Raven Report forward and continues to motivate us to provide this publication to Sequoia and the surrounding community. With that, enjoy this edition of the Raven Report.
REPORT // 24-25
David Raymond
Sasha Efimchik
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 advisor. The Raven Report is a public forum for students, staff, and community.
THE RAVEN REPORT STRIVES TO provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and accountability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about our school, 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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Silent but standing
BY DAVID RAYMOND & CAMERON REYNOLDS Editor-in-chief & Feature Editor
Sequoia High School’s historic campus is chock full of landmarks, from the pristine Japanese Tea Garden, to the striking redwood trees or the Bell Tower. The Bell Tower possesses a particular allure among the campus.
One summer, during Sean Priest’s time as a vice principal, he and his colleague wanted to explore the depths of Sequoia’s Bell Tower. During one such expedition, his co-vice principal opened the trap door to enter the base of the tower.
“A dead squirrel carcass all dried out fell right on top of his head,” Priest said.
This tower, while holding mysterious findings, also holds much of Sequoia’s history, being at the heart of the original campus.
The campus, built in 1923 after the campus on Broadway was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake, served to
versity. One of the most eye-catching features of this campus is the Argo Bell Tower.
The tower is named after A.C. Argo who served as Sequoia’s principal from 1921 until 1948 and enacted several key changes to the school, such as the creation of the school seal, the motto “Unaliyi” and the expansion of the school’s student body.
“It is humbling and inspiring to be part of a tradition of Sequoia principals who served for a long period of time,” Priest said.
The Spanish colonial style of the Sequoia reflects California’s architectural and social heritage. Argo Tower adds historical authenticity to the Spanish Colonial Revival design.
“For me, having a campus that is extraordinary in its physical beauty creates a space where learning is safe and is sacred,” Priest said
nior Cameron Vijeh said.
The scenic campus not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of pride among students.
“I like how sometimes in classes, we take walks through the campus, because it’s so beautiful […] I have a sense of pride for our school,” senior Quinn Dugas said.
While the bell tower once housed a ringing school bell, the physical bell has since been removed for unknown reasons. The top of the tower was once accessible, as evidenced by the graffiti left by former Sequoia classes. Today, a rebar ladder remains, only extending a third of the way up according to Priest.
“Past [the ladder] there’s no way [up] unless you could Spider-Man,” Priest said.
While it might require superhuman ability to reach the most secluded corners of Argo Tower, the beauty of the
Argo tower over 100 years, photos courtesy of the Sequoia High School Media Center Archive Project
The miracle of Majorana 1
BY VICTOR BRAVO Staff Reporter
The date February 19, 2025, may not have any significance to you, but it was influential to the progression of quantum computers with just a single chip. This past February, Microsoft announced that it created a new microchip named Majorana 1.
While this tiny chip looks only slightly flashier than other chips, in reality it is a huge stepping stone for quantum computers, as it’s remarkably cheaper and faster to make than other quantum chips. This chip allows quantum computers to be extra capable of solving unthinkable problems in a few years rather than decades. In the future, these quantum computers will have the ability to help people with their finances, for example managing money, assets, and liabilities.
which include healthy ones. These examples are only scratching the surface as this can also help advance cyber security, AI, and weather predictions.
the commercial market, probably costing a lot of money, but eventually, that money will shrink down,” sophomore Joseph Gottshall said.
Once they figure out how to mass produce them, [the chip will be] pumped into the commercial market, probably costing a lot of money, but eventually, that money will shrink down.
Over the years it has been anticipated that there would be limited access for students to use quantum computers because of their heavy price tag. However, with this new chip, quantum computers could become much more affordable, and in the future, these computers could be making their way
into more classrooms.
But what will be the steps needed in order for this quantum chip to possibly end up in more classrooms?
This means that these chips will start off as a very expensive luxury item and then progress to a more affordable tool with time.
Now take a trip and fast forward into the future where these quantum chips have made it to the market.These chips will be a big hit as they have started to reshape the way the world works. As quantum chips fall in price, it is anticipated that high schools will have much greater access to them. What would students do with them?
“I think that [once the pace of the research increases] there’ll be more ways for me to find new topics [that interest me, and from that new] ideas will be created which I would then continue to look into,” sophomore Luke Popler said.
These advances will additionally be able to help create new pharmaceutical drugs and could help bring research closer to a cure for cancer. It could do this by radiating and killing only cancer cells instead of all of a patient’s cells
“Once they figure out how to mass produce them, [the chip will be] pumped into
Joseph Gottshall, sophomore
Photo of the Majorana 1 taken by John Baker
BY REESE SILVA Feature Editor
The creator of Santa Cruz Medicinals and Santa Cruz Paleo, Brendan Ruh, has gained a substantial following on Instagram, particularly among Sequoia students. His posts often focus on healthy living and the benefits of products such as protein powders and CBD-infused items, which are marketed for their potential effects on anxiety, relaxation and pain relief.
Before starting Santa Cruz Medicinals, Ruh earned a degree in medical anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His academic background led him to explore research on CBD, prompting him to develop his own products when he couldn’t find ones with the dosages mentioned in studies. His line includes a variety of ingredients like roots,
Ruh, along with other social media influencers following this lifestyle, is popular among Sequoia students, particularly those seeking to improve their physical health and diet. He advocates for natural health solutions, holistic wellness, sustainability, the mind-body connection and education.
“Since watching [Ruh], I’ve made some dietary changes geared toward how we ate when we were hunter-gatherers, and I’ve adopted a more active life style,” senior Mar cus Knopf said. Similarly to Knopf, senior Jack Spot
fan of Ruh, has changed his lifestyle since watching his videos on
“I’ve learned to eat more natural foods and stray away from hyper-processed ones. You don’t need to follow him to the T because subconsciously, I began to change my eating habits just by watching him,” Spottiswood said. However, there are some downsides to this lifestyle. Knopf struggles with the cost of eating healthy, and Spottiswood struggles with keeping motivated to stay physically fit.
“Balancing a life of school, sports and the gym can be quite hard for me and it causes me to put this new lifestyle lower on the list of my priorities,” Spottiswood said.
Additionally, Ruh often promotes things that aren’t backed up by medical evidence such as drinking raw milk, which can lead to diseases such as E-Coli and Salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the CDC expresses that choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products is the best way to safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of milk. This misinformation can also be a segue into even more harmful practices that vulnerable young men adopt.
“When you want to believe something, it’s very easy to be convinced. Back when I was a teen, I never looked into the stuff I was buying, I just took somebody’s word for it. Teens now do the same and that makes them susceptible to harm,” Human Bio and Medical Clinical I teacher Greg Schmid said.
While, on the surface, Ruh and many other influencers are promoting healthy living and are in many ways beneficial, their platforms are not always reliable.
“There are three things I would do before trying any alternative health method. First, look for bias. Are they gaining money from this? Second, check for credibility. Is there any scientific evidence for this? And third, talk to your physician. They know your body best,” Schmid said.
Conflict to Correction
Discussing the pros and cons of school resource officers at Sequoia
Across the country, many high schools have implemented School Resource Officer (SRO) programs to ensure campus safety and order. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), SROs often spend 40+ hours going through a specific training course before receiving the title.With mixed feelings among various school communities, many questioned whether or not these programs are necessary.
officer on campus would already deter a lot of stuff from happening like kids doing burnouts in the parking lot, driving like jerks around campus or bringing stuff to school that they shouldn’t have,” Sequoia Campus Aide Anthony Fuentes said.
BY NOAH CHEVILLET Staff Reporter
SROs are selected based on their ability to interact with teenagers, respond to threats and their love for the community. While useful to many schools countrywide, it’s open to debate whether this program could be useful to the Sequoia community.
Some believe that one benefit to having an SRO would be the assistance of the police department directly handling illegal activity and enforcing the law on top of our rules.
“The presence of a law enforcement
He further explains that communicating with the police during or after an illegal event would be heavily streamlined if we had an officer on campus. In addition to providing extra manpower around school, the ability to radio back to the Redwood City Police Department would be invaluable compared to calling 911 or filing a report after the event.
“For example, if somebody does a hit and run in our parking lot and a student’s car was damaged. If we have a witness statement that has a license plate in it, we now have an officer that can look up that license plate and ID of the driver so they can communicate and figure out insurance,” Fuentes said.
One of the biggest advantages of having an SRO is the reduction of vi olent crime on campus. Many schools around the country categorize SROs as critical in aiding with incidents such as stabbings or shootings. However, when crime rates in schools go down, expulsion and harsher punishments for minors often coincide, leading to what many describe to be an intimidating environment at school, according to an article on SROs by the CATO Institute. 23% of SROs reported confiscating firearms in the last 30 days according to a statistics report from 2020 by the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Furthermore, they describe a lesser known role of the SRO: managing stu dents’ online presence. 51% of SROs reported conducting searches of social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and Tiktok publicly and privately. These searches frequently resulted in the confiscation of contraband that could have been harmful to the user or oth
Photos by Noah Chevillet
ers.
Additionally, the leadership at Sequoia believes that consistent interaction with the police fortifies our relationship with them and the local government overall. When Sequoia previously had an SRO for nearly two decades, the program was credited with reducing the number of required police interventions by 41% from 2008 to 2019, according to a Climate RWC article published in 2019.
“When we have had a dedicated liaison officer [SRO] at Sequoia in the past, it has made our partnership with RCPD stronger,” Sequoia principal Sean Priest said.
While people see the value of having law enforcement present on campus, many students still feel cautious.
“I think it could be a good idea, but it’s important to build trust with stu-
dents. Not everyone would feel very comfortable with an SRO. I think if the school is transparent about how they’re using resources to ensure everyone feels safe it could definitely work,” junior Tav Gur said.
He goes on to say that he feels many of his peers might share the same perspective, yet at a school with almost 2,000 students, there is guaranteed to be differences of opinion. According to a Raven Report survey 33.3% of the 70 students that responded said that they would feel safer with an SRO on campus, while an overwhelming 67.7% stated the opposite.
In contrast, Sequoia principal, Sean Priest, believes that Sequoia’s security team is already ensuring high levels of safety
“Our team of campus aids is topnotch.They are dedicated professionals
who have high expectations for all students and are invested in Sequoia being a place where students thrive. I feel lucky to work with Matt, Mary, Omar and Anthony (the campus aides),” Priest said.
He goes on to describe the importance of kindness and respect between students as another large contributor to our safety as a school. Overall, there are many different student perspectives on the implementation of SROs at school, but security on campus is still of incredible importance to the staff.
“The safety of our students and staff is the highest priority for any school. Our shared interest is in creating a deeper understanding with which we can better protect and serve all members of our community together, towards the opinions of the student body,” Priest said.
The safety of our students and staff is the highest priority for any school.
Sean Priest, Sequoia High School
principal
Sequoia’s girls in STEM
BY CHRISTINE CHANG
Copy Editor
In many of Sequoia’s STEM classes, female students make up much less than half of the class. Despite increasing awareness of girls’ and women’s roles in the field, many young women still face challenges ranging from implicit bias to lack of representation.
Senior Sophia Webb, who wants to major in computer science or software engineering, is the only girl taking IB Physics this year. In her IB Analysis class, girls are also outnumbered. In a classroom full of boys, she sometimes feels anxiety and imposter syndrome. Without other girls, group work can feel isolating and stressful.
“[To other people] it may not seem like it’s that big of a deal, but it does get to me sometimes,” Webb said. “I just try to remember that I’m not alone.”
In 2021, while 24% of U.S. workers held a STEM occupation, 18% of female workers held a STEM occupation—three-fifths the rate of male workers.
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
Biology and IB ESS teacher Daisy Yeung majored in molecular and cellular biology. She was one of three girls in her high school AP Physics class. Yeung recognizes that the lack of female role models can cause fewer women to take said.
Yeung thinks that, unfortunately, some students who struggle in her IB ESS class have an internal sense of not belonging that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
At Sequoia, minority enrollment in IB Physics has been gradually declining since the pandemic, according to physics teacher Ben Canning. Recruitment for the class falls on the teachers, who try to reach out to students who succeeded in Physics 1. However, as the number of physics teachers dropped to just one, the department temporarily lost the bandwidth to do so. Given this year’s demographics in IB Physics, Canning made an extra effort to try and balance out next year’s cohort.
be proud of,” Laing said.
Fortunately, teachers can help alleviate some issues. For example, physics teacher Ben Canning tries to reach out to Webb to help her feel more comfortable with who she sits next to and works with. For Webb, the most important thing is that teachers understand and are aware of the situation in their classroom, especially if there is a significant gap in the ratio between genders.
Additionally, Yeung hopes that oneon-one conversations with students can inspire them to take higher-level STEM classes.
“Whether I have the bandwidth or not, I’m going to make it happen,” Can-
Senior Sadie Laing is taking Linear Algebra and IB Chemistry and hopes to major in chemistry in college. Laing says that taking male-dominated classes can be nerve-wracking. However, she’s had mostly positive experiences at Sequoia and enjoys taking advanced STEM classes.
“It’s something you should
“You form a relationship with a student, and then they know that there’s somebody looking out for them and somebody who knows that they have potential,” Yeung said.
In the face of these challenges, women and girls persevere and succeed in STEM.
“Just go for it,” Laing said. “Sure, maybe you’ll struggle a little bit, but you’ll get through it, and the payoff will be so good.”
Yeung advises students to choose IB classes they have a genuine interest in, and to find people they enjoy studying with, even in a class where they feel alone.
“You deserve to be there,” Yeung said.
Why STEM?
BY PRIYA ANSNES A&E Editor
By 2033, more than 11,822,800 job openings will be available in the STEM field. The projected growth rate for STEM jobs between 2023 and 2033 is 10.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Students don’t typically base their academic future on predicted job openings; instead, they usually choose a career based on what they enjoy and excel at. However, today there is a significant increase in student interest in STEM careers. Are students drawn to STEM because of the abun dance of STEM-related opportunities on campus, ranging from coursework to clubs? How can Sequoia students start building a career trajectory in high school?
When thinking about a future career, some students feel that you should take into consideration your interests and skill set.
“For me, I find interest in a lot of things but [computer science] just happened to be what I was good at. Nowadays what you’re good at is kind of what you have to specialize in early on,” senior Alex Dils said.
The exposure to activities and hands-on learning brings natural interest in certain fields. Many students with this exposure find themselves picturing their future in a career in STEM, whether it’s computer programming or astronomy. For example, because of
veloping resilience from that,” IB Biology teacher Sarah Chu said.
When someone is picturing a career in STEM, their brain tends to shift to an image of a person in a white lab coat holding test tubes. In reality, STEM careers have diverse responsibilities.
“A lot of people expect labs and beakers, but a lot of times, in astronomy for example, it’s mainly looking at computers, working software and making observations from them,” junior Kennedy Silva said.
There are various STEM-based clubs provided on Sequoia’s campus: The Women in STEM Club,
Skyline [because] they all have departments with professors who can help students find out more about those fields,” Chu said.
que usamos ahí mismo de la Vida Verde. Por la tarde agradecímos a las personas de la Vida Verde que nos atendieron. Hicimos cartas de agradecimiento para demostrar nuestra gratitud hacia ellos. También compartimos nuestras ideas con los voluntarios. Después fuimos a la playa con Ms.Wenzel y los voluntarios, mis compañeros jugaron voleibol junto con los voluntarios y Ms.Wenzel. Otros compañeros corrieron por la playa y muchos se tomaron fotos. Después hicimos un círculo de amistad para hablar sobre lo que más nos gustó. La verdad fue muy bonito el viaje
con los voluntarios y con la Vida Verde porque apreciamos mucho la naturaleza y la belleza que nos da la vida. Espero volver a visitar y convivir con la Vida Verde y con los voluntarios y mi Maestra. Gracias por darnos la oportunidad de disfrutar la belleza.
Del Mar
BY WILMER MEJIA
Guest Writer
Llegamos al lugar donde está localizado Wilder Ranch. El lugar es muy bonito. Lo primero que hicimos fue preparar nuestra comida. Después fuimos a una caminata a un lugar bien bonito donde pudimos observar todos los acantilados que son muy altos y donde chocaban las olas del mar. Después de ver ese hermoso paisaje nos dirigimos a una hermosa playa donde algunos jugaron fútbol y otros se metieron a jugar en el agua.
En total estábamos 20 estudiantes y algunos adultos disfrutando de la bella vista del mar. Para todos nosotros, fue un día muy especial y divertido.
Estoy muy agradecido con las personas del Sierra Club ICO y Ms. Wenzel por toda la experiencia que pasamos.
Mi parte favorita fue cuando Mr. Joe nos enseño a como tratar a los animales y los alimentamos y pues me gusto trabajar con los voluntarios y con las personas.
Cristian “
Victor “
Me gustan los animales, el río y las personas que hicieron posible el viaje.
Una Caminata Alrededor
Gloria, Victor, Jessica, Karla
Eddy, Karla
Animated superhero shows have been around since as early as the 1960s, but nothing has made the impact quite like Invincible. It was originally a comic book series started in 2003 by Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, but concluded in 2018. While the comics reached a large audience, it never made the same impact that the animated show had when it first hit Amazon Prime Video in 2021. Now in its third season, with a fourth already in production, Invincible shows no signs of slowing down.
Season 1 of the show currently sits at a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Season 2 following up with a staggering 100%. Season 3 continues this trend, currently
praising its storytelling and action se quences across the internet. The show features wellknown actors such as Steven Yeun, best know for his appearances on Beef and The Walking Dead who voices Mark.
three-episode premiere and no mid-season break. While one or two moments throughout the season may seem unpolished, the series continues to
If you have yet to watch the show or read the comics, the story follows Mark Grayson (Invincible), a high school senior who develops superpowers due to his father, Omni-Man, being an alien superhero from the planet Viltrum. Both the comics and show follow Mark as he has to deal with balancing his relationship, school and everyday life
In addition, JK Simmons voices Omni Man, and Sandra Oh putting on a spectacular performance as Debbie, Mark’s mom.
Despite the overwhelming praise, there has been a debate on whether the animation suffered due to the tight schedule that they faced. After the release of the first season, fans had to wait a staggering two years before the next season was released. Not to mention that they had a mid-season break which lasted four long months. The creators of the show stated this allowed fans to process the events that took place in the first part. Many fans believe this killed the momentum and shot themselves in the foot, but season 3 learns from this mistake and is released a year after season 2 with a
the motivations of its villains, portraying how good and evil are not always so black and white. Villains like Powerplex, who had an entire episode dedicated to him this season, encapsulate this concept with his backstory being grounded and makes viewers feel for him throughout the episode. Season 3 expands on characters we’ve met from prior seasons like Mark’s brother Oliver, Atom Eve, and a fan-favorite character Rex-Splode. The character development throughout the season allows viewers to build a personal connection with them and sets the characters up with struggles that many teens and young adults can relate to.
As a fan of the comics, I can confidently say this season delivered on all the highs and lows that make Invincible so special. With the show’s creator stating that they hope to produce seven to ten seasons, fans including myself, are excited to see what comes next as the series continues to evolve.
BY ALEX CORPOS & JOHNNY LEHMAN Staff Reporters
Curiosity is a natural human trait that often drives people to try new things, even if they might be dangerous, due to the thrill of discovery. Such explorations can occur at any time and often involve activities like urban exploration, trespassing or diving into internet rabbit holes. Urban exploration can be defined as exploring man-made structures, especially abandoned buildings and areas that are not open to the public and are accessed by violating trespassing laws.
One Sequoia student who thrives on this thrill of discovery, and specifically the urban exploration of abandoned buildings, is junior Ilana Su.
“What really inspired me to explore abandoned buildings were YouTube videos and the thrill of exploration. Being able to explore something new sounded fun to me,” Su said. Last year, Su explored abandoned buildings in the San Francisco area
primarily for fun. She confirmed that she was not pressured into exploring these places; she did it because she wanted to. Su also enjoyed exploring abandoned places as a way to socialize with friends.
“We didn’t do anything reckless. Everywhere we went, we made sure it felt safe. That made the experience much better,” Su said.
junior Chase Wilson “
Despite being aware of the potential consequences of trespassing, Su chooses to continue her adventures because she genuinely enjoys them.
When I was little, I watched a lot of YouTube videos about it, and I found it interesting. Some of my older friends, who used to do it, showed me some places.
Another student who shares Su’s love for exploration is senior Daniel MacLeitch who explores abandoned buildings. Unlike Su, who ventures into San Francisco locations, MacLeitch focuses on Half Moon Bay sites. MacLeitch shares his reasons for exploring abandoned buildings.
“I was just hanging out with friends when we decided to check out these old buildings.We brought spray paint too,” MacLeitch said. “The place was empty and musty, and had a really strong smell.”
MacLeitch described finding an overturned car at one location. MacLeitch said he added his own markings to walls that were already covered with graffiti.
“People go there frequently,” MacLeith said, “We wouldn’t have done anything if the building was occupied or if it wasn’t already marked up.”
Another student who also enjoys exploring abandoned buildings shares his inspiration for wanting to explore abandoned places.
“When I was little, I watched a lot of YouTube videos about it, and I found it interesting. Some of my older friends, who used to do it, showed me some places,” junior Chase Wilson said.
Wilson, like Su, was inspired by YouTube videos showcasing abandoned and run-down buildings. These videos sparked Wilson’s curiosity about exploring such places. Beyond the videos, he was also intrigued by imagining what these locations once looked like and understanding why they became abandoned.
“If we saw a place that was boarded up, we would usually turn around. But sometimes, if you get there early enough, they’ll be open. There’s usually graffiti everywhere, and the place looks run-down because people find them quickly. But otherwise, sometimes they’re still intact, and those are usually the coolest to explore,” Wilson said.
Urban exploration captivates many, driven by curiosity and the thrill of uncovering forgotten spaces. However, it is important for explorers to balance their passion with awareness of legal and safety concerns, ensuring their adventures remain both exciting and responsible.
Photo by Chase Wilson
Photo by Daniel MacLeitch
You will likely see at least one student go to the bathroom in every single one of your classes. But do students really go to the bathroom? Students often look for ways to distract their minds from the classroom and this leads to long walks around campus to socialize or sit down somewhere often excused as a bathroom break.
“I see Probably about 20 to 30 students in the halls [at a time],” campus aide Anthony Fuentes said.
Many students claim to go to the bathroom during the school day but actually go and meet up with friends or are on their phones, these students also may go off campus to get something to eat.
“I go around to try to find my other friends in their classes, to try to get them out of class. We walk around together and then, I take a walk [...] on my phone,” senior Jemima Lake said.
There are many times that teachers will refuse to give out bathroom passes without giving students the real reason why.
When students are walking in the hall there is a possibility that they will get stopped by campus security or even a teacher asking them to go back to class or see your pass.
“I approach them by being loud, positive, or obnoxious,” Fuentes said.
Some students skip class because they see one of their friends walking in the halls and want to see them, or because they have been in class for a while and need a way to distract their
BY MAREN OCKEN & MIA RAMIREZ Staff Reporters
ple times to the students who are constantly leaving class. It also affects the ability of their classmates to learn because they are being interrupted by students coming in and out of the classroom all class period.
“I’ll make students complete a certain part [of an assignment] so they can earn their right to go to the bathroom,” Bustos said.
Some teachers may ask students to leave their phones behind while going to the bathroom. This might help with decreasing how long students are out for or even leaving the school campus.
I think [teachers] stop me from going to the bathroom because teachers think they’re helping students
“I think that breaks take longer when students have their phones,” Bustos said.
Throughout the years students have been and will use
“I think [teachers] stop me from going to the bathroom because teachers think they’re helping students by keeping us in the classroom,” freshman Olivia Macuga said.
HURRY UP TOMORROW: The Weeknd’s Final Message
BY YAMIR BENITEZ-VENTURA Staff Reporter
In 2025, The Weeknd released his final album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” concluding his trilogy that began with “After Hours”. This album not only marked the end of the trilogy but also the retirement of his stage name. Being the final album in a massive trilogy, it brings up the question of how good his album was, especially comparing it to
My Top 3 1. Open Hearts
2. Baptzied in Fear
3. Without a Warning
lems with the album. One of the main ones is that there are a lot of songs included as fillers to boost the amount of tracks in the album. Some of the songs randomly change genre, especially in the second half where most of the songs don’t stand out and hold up compared to others.
is hard for him to fall in love, as he has been scarred by past relationships.
The album had many songs that stood out and could be listened to on repeat but also had many that were forgettable. Overall, I think the album is worth checking out, as it is a really solid end to The Weeknd’s trilogy.
his impressive track history.
The album had everything you could want from it. Every song flowed into the next with transitions and many bigname features like PlayBoi Carti, Anitta, and Travis Scott. The storytelling was particularly strong, with The Weeknd reflecting on pivotal moments in his career, notably the night when he lost his voice on stage in 2012 and had to cancel the show. He clearly mentions this in his transition song “I CAN’T SING” and touches on how 2022 was originally the year he planned to retire his stage name.
With 22 songs, there are some prob-
Overall, the album received an average reception, with critics like Metacritic giving it a score of 73 out of 100. While still considered a good album, it falls short compared to his past two albums “Dawn FM”, which scored a 90, and “After Hours”, which scored an 80. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” still holds its own, delivering standout hits like “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti and “Sao Paulo” featuring Anitta.
My personal favorite songs from the album are “Open Hearts” and “Baptized in Fear” due to both songs being polar opposites in mood and pace. These two contrasted beautifully as the meaning of his song “Baptized in Fear” exhibits how it feels like he’s drowning in fear and is paralyzed by it. Differentiating from “Open Hearts” which talks about his love life and how he feels it
FASHIONABLE REVIEW
BY YULIANA SOTO Staff Reporter
Nestled right across from Sequoia High School, Pickled isn’t just another women’s boutique, it’s a vibrant com munity hub where fashion meets con nection. It is located at 2652 Broadway. Dana Mar, a seasoned fashion profes sional with nearly 40 years of experi ence in the fashion industry has made a lasting impact in the Redwood City community with her women’s clothing store. With a background that includes working as a buyer for Nordstrom and designing a clothing line, Mar’s journey owning her own store was a natural evolution in her career. Her store was founded with a vision to offer modern, stylish clothing that caters to a broad demographic, focusing on lifestyle rather than specific age groups for their store’s clothing.
“It’s not necessarily about age. We get a broad range, but we also see people who are older and dress younger, who are in great shape and love to stay active,” Mar said.
Unlike traditional clothing stores that target a specific age range, Mar’s shop prides itself on serving a diverse clientele. The store appeals to women in their late 20s to their 70s. Something about Pickled is the acknowledgment that age is less important than a customer’s lifestyle.
Even though the price points would be considered high for some people, the store’s introduction of circular fashion–buying back and reselling used clothing–helps bridge the gap for younger customers looking for more affordable options.
“We’re starting to do circular fashion, where we buy back other clothes from customers and resell them. That’s bringing prices down a bit, which is nice for younger shoppers,” Mar says.
One of the standout features of Dana’s store is its connection to the local community, for Mar’s, it’s not just about selling clothes, it’s about building relationships. Customers come in and receive great style assistance. The store has been in Redwood City for over 21 years, and many customers feel like they’re stepping into a welcoming, neighborhood-focused community.
“It’s really important that we support our small local businesses so that we can continue having those relationships. Some people just come in to connect and feel part of the community,” Mar said.
As a store owner with years of ex-
perience in fashion buying, Mar and her manager carefully select merchandise that aligns with both current trends and customer preferences. Not only do they sell clothes, but also jewelry and bags.
With spring’s warmer temperatures starting around the corner, Pickled is starting to switch to more skin-showing clothing.
“In spring, we get more dresses and lightweight tops. We focus on providing our customers with fresh, seasonal pieces that they can wear right away,” Mar said.
Pickled serves as a refreshing reminder that the value of local businesses goes far beyond what they sell and focuses on creating connections and supporting the community.
Inside of Pickled. Photo by Yuliana Soto
German Food in Redwood City
BY ISABELLE PADILLA Staff Reporter
Redwood City contains hundreds of restaurants. From Peruvian food to Thai food, there is a seemingly infinite variety. Within walking distance of Sequoia is the Gourmet Haus Staudt, a family-owned German restaurant and pub. Several blocks away, across from the movie theatre, is a new German restaurant called Das Bierhauz, which is also a restaurant and pub. I decided to compare the two Central European restaurants on the two most iconic German foods: the Bratwurst and the pretzel. Service and ambiance were also taken into consideration when comparing the two establishments.
Upon approaching Das Bierhauz I was immediately greeted by staff who kindly helped us to a table. The atmosphere was welcoming and warm with coordinated decor and an open window to the kitchen. To start off, I ordered a strawberry lemonade ($4.00) and a pretzel ($5.95) with a side of Käse (cheese). The drink was very refreshing and sweet, with fresh watermelon and strawberry slices floating at the top. Shortly after we received our refreshments, the pretzel was served, hot right out of the oven, with salt decorating the top. The first bite was crispy then soft, complemented by salt and the seasoned side of cheese.
The main course, the beef bratwurst ($17.95), was brought to us fresh off the grill, in a bread bun with sauteed onions, topped with pickles. Additionally, it included a large side of fries and a side of ketchup, Dusseldorf mustard and sauerkraut. The fries were light, crunchy and perfectly salted. Overall, I would highly recommend it. The
bratwurst was well cooked, though the onions and pickles were a bit overpowering but easily adjusted by being removed. I would recommend the bratwurst if you have a big appetite as it is a very hearty, filling meal.
A few blocks away is the family-owned restaurant and store, Gourmet Haus Staudt. At first glance, the establishment appears to be a German store for imported goods. A further walk to the back reveals the hidden pub, which also has a back entrance. Considering the calm atmosphere of the store, it was surprising to see a very busy pub, with people at the bar and families eating at the tables. The decor and ambiance exude a classic pub in Germany, with antique furnishings and German art.
Service was good but slightly understaffed; fast and respectful servers made up for it. The pretzel ($12.00) was served fresh from the oven, with a side of spicy mustard sauce. The pretzel was large, around sharing size, salted and paired well with the sauce. Crispy, with a soft, doughy inside. There were not many non-alcoholic drink options besides soda and water. The “brat in a bun” ($11.00) was well cooked through and tasted similar to an American hotdog. I would recommend Gourmet Haus Staudt if you want an informal setting with lots of energy and good food in an authentic, Central European pub. Das Bierhauz is the best restaurant for a family dinner, or lunch with friends, as the environment is calmer and is more a restaurant and bar rather than a restaurant and pub.
Plain Pretzel (Das Bierhauz)
Ambiance at Gourmet Haus Staudt
Das Bierhauz is the best restaurant for a family dinner, or lunch with friends.
Gourmet Haus Staudt is best for good food in an authentic environment.
All photos taken by Isabelle Padilla
Seating in Gournet Haus Staudt
Seating in Das Bierhauz
Strawberry Lemonade at Das Bierhauz)
Bratwiurst at Gourmet Haus Staudt
Pretzel with Mustard Sauce
Bratwiurst at Das Bierhauz
BY SASHA EFIMCHIK Editor-in-chief
On Tuesday, March 19, a large section of Sequoia’s James Ave parking lot was closed off from students by tape. Many saw unfamiliar security guards and production trucks. Though vague, both students and teachers received separate emails informing of the obstruction prior to the filming.
“Sequoia will serve as the location for a film production team after hours on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. This project will not feature students or staff. The work will impact student parking in the James St. Lot and limit access to Gym One through the evening of 3/19,” Principal Sean Priest said.
According to Vice Principal Gary Gooch, this was not the first time a crew had tried to film at Sequoia High School.
“A few years ago, [...] we had a location scout reach out to us. Super pushy
guy, very nice, but constantly trying to contact me. We finally connected, and [...] they just really fell in love with the campus,’” Gooch said.
Rumors quickly spread throughout the school that the filming was for a commercial for Chase Bank involving NBA Player Steph Curry, Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart, and WNBA Player A’ja Wilson, which was confirmed by Gooch.
“He kind of pitched [the shoot,] and I said ‘Well, that’s during the school day.’ That would be a big lift for us, but not out of the question,” Gooch said. “And then he said ‘oh, and if it matters, it’s Steph Curry, and Kevin Hart, and then someone from the WNBA who I didn’t know at the time, but turns out to be the spectacular A’Ja Wilson.”
The payment from the shoot will go back into improving the school.
“Standard administrative fees, plus some additional donations put us around $34,000 for the day and a half that they were here. That’s going to be used to help us with some school facilities stuff, some cool things that we’ve wanted to get,” Priest said. “I’ve been hoping to get new folding chairs. The folding chairs that we have in the MPR are very old and uncomfortable, and so I’ve wanted to replace those for a long time.”
Despite the benefits, there were some concerns about agreeing to film on Sequoia’s campus.
“I was concerned about what kind of disruption it might create and how well we would be able to keep it quiet leading up to the day and a half they were
here,” Priest said. “I’m always very concerned about the image of our school, being able to manage how our school is seen by the rest of the world. So, it was really important to me that whatever they were filming here was not going to be ‘Sequoia High School for Chase Bank.’ They just happened to use our gym. But when you see this commercial, you’re not going to recognize the gym.”
The day and a half long production brought a large crew to Sequoia’s gym.
“There [were] 100 people here that day, with the equipment, I had just never seen anything like this. I mean, it was this huge amount of electronic equipment,” Gooch said. “People, you know, saying ‘Action’ and things like that. And these lighting things, they had this kind of blimp that had risen up to the top of the gym that was glowing to cast a really nice light. And they did so many takes, I was just really fascinated.”
Despite the worries, the filming process was a positive experience for the school.
“A couple members of the production crew, including the producer, came up to me and Mr Gooch and made a com-
ment, without us saying anything, about how impressed they were with how nice our students were,” Priest said. “I thought that was cool, because that’s what I see every day, and whenever somebody comes in from the outside and comments on the same thing, it always makes me feel very, very proud and validated.”
The fear of participation
A student sits down at their desk just as the bell rings. The teacher asks the class a question the student knows well, but they hesitate to raise their hand, worried about how they’ll appear if they answer incorrectly. As silence fills the room, the teacher eventually provides the correct answer, which the student had known all along.
Many students at Sequoia can relate to this situation. Self-consciousness often plays a big part in a student’s performance, limiting their academic abilities. However, various strategies can help students encourage themselves and others to actively engage in their classroom community.
“[People say] this is so easy, and then I’m second guessing myself,” junior Keira McNally said. “Outside of school, sometimes I’m more [willing] to participate because I feel like there’s less pressure.”
Similarly, senior Vivian Pedicord was in the same boat, afraid of being ridiculed by her teachers, especially those with strict policies and harsh punishments for students.
“I feel like the thing that kept me most from participating was being intimidated by the teachers, like almost being ashamed if I got the answer wrong,” Pedicord said.
Another reason Pedicord hesitated to participate is one that resonates with many students: concerns about appearances. Some students worry they might be perceived as ‘nerds’ or that they aren’t confident with their material. While this feeling is prevalent among students today, teachers admit they experienced similar emotions during their high school years.
In contrast, chemistry teacher Marsene Kendall worried about being perceived as unintelligent if she didn’t understand the topic. “In the classes I felt more confident in, I would raise my hand. But if I was confused with the content and unsure of the answers, I would not raise my hand to answer questions,” Kendall said.
Additionally, getting ideas from other students and the positivity students and teachers try to present helps McNally build confidence.
“It would be easy if it was just something to talk about in groups, and after I’ve talked [to] other people I can be more confident in what I’m going to say,” McNally said.
However, Pedicord uses different strategies, remembering the reality of the situation. “I often remind myself that no one is really going to remember this,” Pedicord said. “Nobody will remember all the embarrassing stuff you did.”
In addition, she believes that when teachers reward students for participating, whether they get the answer right or wrong, they are more willing to engage. By using these strategies, Pedicord has become a more active member of her classroom communities.
Similarly, Kendall sometimes gives her students prizes for participation and encourages students to work in groups to practice being active members of their community.
“I give students a chance to share with someone nearby to build
BY SOFIA FERRANTE Staff Reporter
confidence before sharing with the class,” Kendall said. “When it comes to participating in labs or other activities, I move around the room to offer as much support and encouragement as I can.”
As a student, Kendall knew she could go to her teachers for help, just as any student today can.
“
I feel like the thing that kept me most from participating was being ashamed if I got the answer wrong.
Vivian Pedicord, senior
Ultimately, while many students may fear participating due to concerns about how they will appear or their knowledge of the topic, they can motivate themselves by looking forward to rewards, practicing in smaller groups initially and reminding themselves that others won’t remember the mistakes they make.
SALVADORIAN PAN DULCE
BY MICHELLE RECINOS Staff Reporter
When a quesadilla is mentioned, the first thing people might think of is cooked tortillas filled with cheese. But if you were to ask someone in El Salvador, they will likely think of sweet bread, also called a “Pan Dulce.”
When I was growing up, pan dulces was something that my family loved. As a kid, I was surrounded by these dishes. I ate them a lot with my grandparents, who would eat these pastries accompanied by a warm cup of coffee. These foods have always been a great part of my culture.
My family, like most Salvadorans, has always been very proud of our culture. Whenever we have family reunions, these kinds of foods connect us and bring us together. My family will even bring these foods to gatherings with people who don’t share the same culture. It’s nice to share a part of ourselves with others, even though their world is different from ours.
My heritage is an important part of my identity and it shapes who I am today. Like every family that has their
own variations of popular recipes that make them unique, my family puts its own twist on Salvadoran foods that makes them uniquely ours. For example, when my grandma makes these foods, she puts her own spin on it by adding different spices and seasonings, and someone else would only be able to recreate it if they had her recipe.
A Salvadorian quesadilla contains sugar, queso fresco, and sesame seeds. It has a slight cheesy and sweet taste unlike other traditional quesadillas that only contain cheese and meat. They tend to be compared to cheesecake with its soft texture, while the traditional ones are usually crunchy.
Salvadoran quesadillas can be purchased at Panaderias (bakeries) along with many other Hispanic pan dulces. They can also be made at home; however every family makes it differently, including mine. The cheese that people use varies; some people use parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, or queso fresco. But the basic recipe can be made with these ingredients:
Quesadilla. Photo by Michelle Recinos
Across
3. The name of the planet Omni-Man is from.
5. A women’s boutique that is also a community hub where fashion meets connection.
7. The name of the new microchip released by Microsoft.
9. The acronym for the National Association of School Resource Officers.
Down
1. A mexican street food made using corn with various toppings and sauces.
2. The platform that led many to start exploring abandoned buildings due to popular videos.
4. Last name of WNBA player who was in the commercial filmed at Sequoia.
6. The German word for cheese.
8. Official name of Sequoia’s bell tower.
10. First name of the only girl taking IB physics this year.
Read the issue to find the answers!
