November Issue: United We Stand

the

FOURTH

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UNITED WE STAND LAGUNA BLANCA SCHOOL

4125 PALOMA DRIVE SANTA BARBARA, CA

NOVEMBER, 2024

NEWS Family Festival Future of College Israel-Palestine War 2024 Election AI Use in College Apps

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FEATURE Campus Construction Local Construction New Teachers The Path To Presidency Student Voters Class Trips 30 Years of The Fourth Estate

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OPINION The Dangers of TikTok Modern Media and Politics Women in Afghanistan Overconsumption Stance of the Staff School Shooting Epidemic Veganism

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TABLE OF CONTENTS A&E “It Ends with Us” Chappell Roan Fall Instagrams Trader Joe’s Fall Favorites Fall Fashion Trends Granada’s Centennial

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SPORTS College Football Athlete of the Issue: Zoe Wolf Fall Sports Recap Enhanced Games

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COVER Seniors Maddie Becerra, Milton Lopez Plascencia, Ethan Carrington, Carew Rice, and Eleanor Crafton

OUR TEAM FACULTY ADVISER Trish McHale EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Ada Green Dionne Peterson Sofia Ramirez MANAGING EDITOR Niccolo D’Agruma OPINION EDITOR Milla Hirsch NEWS EDITOR Davis Ohanian A&E EDITORS Ada Green Sofia Ramirez

FEATURE EDITOR Niccolo D’Agruma

BUSINESS MANAGER Jules Leclercq

SPORTS EDITORS Jules Leclercq Mason Siegel

PHOTO EDITOR Daphne Shiebler

ART DIRECTOR Dionne Peterson WEBSITE EDITORS Liam Knezevic Teddy Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Milla Hirsch COPY EDITOR JJ Stone

MAGAZINE STAFF Jette Asher Katja Broomberg Olivia de Ponce Jack Grube Natalie Schweitzer Lulu Simpson Bennett Sullivan Lilly Trautwein Jinling Wang Ella Wickman Hali Wight

A Letter from the Editors

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his is a moment we have dreaded and dreamed of, there is a mix of emotions we share at this moment in time: sheer dread, complete loss, and irresistible excitement.

We have all been on staff for years now, but this is the first issue that we can call one of our very own.

Believe us when we tell you that becoming the Editors-in-Chief of this magazine that we love so dearly is a dream come true and a responsibility that we take on with joy, honor, and pride.

We speak on behalf of our staff when we say that it is impossible to tell you how much we all love and care about this magazine.

But if you have seen the staff ’s tireless faces during work parties, the hours they spent after school fixing the pages, the way they tear open the boxes and hold the magazines tight in their hands when they first arrive in our classroom, the way they criticize themselves over the littlest mistake, and the way their eyes light up when they talk about their articles, about the things they love, if you have seen all of these things, you will know how much we care.

And there is no other way to prove it to you other than telling you to simply read it. As editors, we ask you to read with diligence and to appreciate the aesthetic of the pages.

We ask you to read it with rigor, to think and ponder on the words, and to appreciate the love and passion the writers have for what they write.

Finally, we ask you to read it with indulgence, to know that there is a human behind every page and that this magazine is the product of triumphs and inevitably, of mistakes.

We will grieve, agonize, and punish ourselves over even one misplaced comma, over everything that we could have done better, but we also want to get out of that mindset, focus on the positives, and showcase the very best of this publication that we believe is one of quality and class.

So without further ado, we present to you with pride and excitement: The November Issue.

Dionne, Sofia, and Ada

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• MISSION STATEMENT The Fourth Estate is an open forum created for and by journalism students of Laguna Blanca Upper School. We hope to use this space to cover events, interviews and topics of interest in greater depth.

Our staff seeks to be a platform for creative expression and to report on events and ideas of importance to our readers and to focus on topics of significance and interest to inform and entertain the school community.

• BYLINE POLICY When two or three people work on a story, all names will be listed. If an editor rewrites a majority of a story, the editor’s name will be listed.

• LETTERS TO THE EDITORS The Fourth Estate welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and must be no longer than 400 words. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate reserves the right to reject advertising. Opinions expressed in this publication reflect the perspectives of the staff whose goal is to inform our readers with reliable information from which to base decisions and opinions. Editorials represent the voice of the staff and are voted on by the entire staff. Columns and commentaries are labeled as such and represent the opinion of the author. The Fourth Estate publishes four issues per year with a senior insert in the last issue.

• CORRECTION POLICY The staff strives for accuracy. When factual errors occur, mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff, corrections will be printed in a corrections box in the next issue.

• COLOPHON This is the first issue and the 30th volume of The Fourth Estate. Laguna Blanca School, 4125 Paloma Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Contacts are available at tmchale@lagunablanca.org, (805) 687-2461 x0317 or www.thefourthestate.net. Laguna Blanca School has an EK through 12th grade student population of 423.

The Fourth Estate is an 8.5 by 11 general magazine, created on MAC computers using Adobe InDesign CC2024, Imperial URW and Mencken Standard font families and printed on glossy paper free for students and $30 for an annual subscription. The magazine is distributed to all Upper School students through the school’s advisory program and sent by mail to subscribers with 300 copies printed per issue. We are associated with NSPA, CSPA and JEA.

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Family Festival Owls show their school spirit in a school-wide event.

A Transformation in Higher Education As the decades pass, more and more high school students continue to matriculate to some of the most elite and prestigious universities in the United States. However, as new technologies emerge and the economy struggles, the point of higher education is beginning to shift, as students face the financial burden of a traditional four-year education.

WORDS by DAVIS OHANIAN & BENNETT SULLIVAN GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

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hroughout the past decade, the national matriculation rate for a four-year undergraduate university has jumped significantly, from 10% in the early 1940s to more than 60% in today’s world, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As demand for higher education continues to increase, more elite and prestigious institutions are emerging to meet such a demand. But, there seems to be an ever more pressing predicament regarding today’s economy.

“It seems as if all consumer goods are going up in price, whether it’s gas or snacks at the grocery store,” AP Economics student Tyson Deveze said.

Although inflation is beginning to cool, with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, many Americans still face high prices.

“Consumers remember a couple of years ago when they could buy something for quite a bit less,” said Kayla Bruun, senior economist with market research and analytics company Morning Consult. “Food prices are a very visible [piece] and something you’re buying very frequently, and there’s a lot of awareness of what those prices are, maybe second only to gas prices.”

Despite this, the growth rate of prices continues to slow down, with an inflation rate of 2.5% for the month of September, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in great contrast to June 2022’s rate of 9.1%. Does this mean costs will be transferred toward consumers?

“Those costs certainly have to be passed on,” AP Economics teacher Paul Chiment said. “Wages for professors and staff, the cost of room and board, especially the cost of food has jumped way up, so those will have to be reflected in the price of attending [a university]. I think COVID’s supply shortages and low interest rates triggered some of that, but there is a lot more going on.”

College is not just a critical part of people’s lives, it is a central aspect of one of Laguna’s core pillars—scholarship, especially as the school boasts a 100% matriculation rate towards a bachelor or associate degree.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, in 2021, the average holder of a bachelor’s degree earned 62%

6 • NEWS

more than someone who held a high school diploma.

Even with the rising cost of college, Head of Upper School Anna Alldredge is confident that Laguna’s ability to adapt to and approach the college process is as strong as ever.

“Laguna focuses on our core values of preparing students well for the next level of their educational journey. And I would say that one thing our college counseling team does incredibly well is educating families about the rising costs.”

Exposure to the new college environment is essential, and Laguna is beginning to expose families to the admissions process earlier than ever.

“One new approach that we have as a school is starting that information sharing in the ninth grade with our families. So that is something that we are already talking through with our families and with our students even earlier than we used to so that they are informed and understand all the ways that they can, indeed, make college affordable and accessible, even though the sticker prices are increasing,” Alldredge said.

This is also a consolidated effort, as the college counseling team continues to work closely with the administration.

“I’ve really felt a lot of support from all parts of the school, whether it’s Ms. Murray, Dr. Alldredge, or my teachers,” Tyson said.

Another thing that Laguna does extraordinarily well is placing an emphasis on AP exams with students scoring well on them.

Laguna boasts an impressive 79% pass rate on a myriad of different exams according to the School’s profile, including several exams such as United States History, which has a pass rate of just 48% percent nationwide according to College Board data.

As the rigor and competitiveness of the college admissions process continues to ramp up, questions continue to rise regarding the possibility of Laguna implementing more high-level classes. However, alumni tell a different story.

“One thing that I think Laguna does thefourthestate.net

really well in our upper school, and we hear it from our alums again and again, is not only do our students matriculate to excellent universities, but frankly, once they arrive at those universities, they are incredibly well prepared, and they thrive,” Alldredge said.

Such a perspective ties into a college admissions stance.

According to Collegiate Gateway, around 75% of American high schools publish “high school profiles,” which are high-level examinations of a school’s scholarship and community.

These profiles explicitly introduce a school’s specific policies; for example, Laguna limits students to taking four Advanced Placement classes per year.

“Colleges always interpret our transcripts in context compared to some other schools, which have different bounds, which helps them understand what a student has opted into within the opportunities and constraints of their particular school,” Alldredge said.

But, Santa Barbara is also a microcosm of a county, with a median property value of around $1.8 million, nearly five times the national average.

For many, the comparatively low cost of trade schools and the emerging “blue-collar millionaire class” may be a more feasible for the average American.

“There are a lot of what we call ‘blue-collar millionaires’ now, where you can earn a lot of money as a plumber because there’s a shortage of plumbers, for example, or an electrician,” Chiment said. “If you look at these kinds of opportunities, in the trades, if you enjoy that, you can absolutely do very well because they’re always going to need it. So many of the knowledge-based jobs for people with advanced degrees that could be replaced with AI are not threatened in some of the trades, though.”

But, there is still permeating messaging regarding the necessity of a college education for success in life.

“I’ve just really felt pressured to go to college ever since I entered high school, and it seems that at this point, that really is the best path forward for success,” Tyson said.

This sentiment is shared throughout

“Laguna focuses on our core

values of preparing students well for the next level of their educational journey.”

- Head of Upper School Anna Alldredge the nation, even with student loan debt reaching an all-time high over the past year.

The Education Data Organization reported that student loan debt reached a staggering $1.76 trillion in 2023, spread out over almost 43 million individuals.

The Biden administration has been adamant in its attempts to relieve some of this debt using taxpayer funds, but lower level courts and even the Supreme Court have shot this program down.

And even with this ever-changing landscape regarding employment and education after high school, some things may indeed remain the same.

“I’m a firm believer that it’s your college major and [career path] that determines your financial path, not so much the college that you attended,” Chiment said.

Israel-Palestine: Global Impact The Israel and Palestine crisis borders on bringing the United States and Iran into the fold.

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srael and Palestine have exploded onto the front page since Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023, but the controversy and significance of the issue continue undiminished.

“For the United States, we have a stake in this conflict, and there is a real potential that we might be drawn deeper into it along with other countries. Another reason it is significant is because of its location, being a very very important place for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” Social Science Department Chair Kevin Shertzer said.

The entire stability of the Middle East rests in the balance between Israel, Hamas, and their backers. The conflict to this day is one of the most complex in the 21st century.

A lot is going on behind the scenes of the United Nations. The states of Israel and Palestine have both respectively become over-simplified and seen as individual entities when, in fact, their politics and demographics

WORDS by NICCOLO D’AGRUMA ART by DIONNE PETERSON are unique and multifaceted.

“In Israel, coalition governments occur, providing smaller parties with significant influence, even though they don’t represent most of the population,” Social Science Instructor Kevin Guay said.

Likud is a prominent right-wing Israeli party, with 25% of Israelis as members. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel and Likud’s candidate, has influence over the Middle East due to his position.

“Under Netanyahu’s leadership, Likud has taken a reasonably hardline stance on national security and territorial integrity issues. The ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, military escalation with Hezbollah in the north, and continued tensions with Iran have left Israel in a precarious geopolitical situation,” Guay said.

On July 9, nine Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were arrested for raping a Palestinian man, who was hospitalized following the attack.

In response, far-right protesters and Israeli lawmakers fled to the streets to protest and attacked the military installation where the soldiers were held.

“If he is a Nukhba [Hamas soldier], everything is legitimate to do! Everything!” said an Israeli politician in response to the incident.

Netanyahu denounced the attack by the far-right protesters. This political conflict and chaos between parties is not a good sign for the possibility of a two-state solution.

“Given the government’s current policies and alliance with right-wing parties, a two-state solution seems unlikely. However, a formal ceasefire is undoubtedly possible, especially with international pressure on Netanyahu to de-escalate and come to the bargaining table,” Guay said.

“It is difficult to imagine peace in the region without substantial political change and diplomatic concessions by all involved.”

On the other side, the Palestinian

people are living under the authority of various organizations.

Officially, they are represented by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), but in recent decades, the Palestinian Authority (PA) emerged from a sub-faction inside the PLO. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, while the PA controls the West Bank.

Israel and the PLO signed the Cairo Agreements in 1994 and the Oslo Accords in 1993.

They divided Gaza and the West Bank into zones during this time. Unfortunately, more than 700,000 Israelis crossed through these boundaries and broke International law by settling in Palestinian-demarcated zones.

The Palestinian people do not have a military. Still, they have a security force that works in tandem with the Israeli military, which makes them, in the eyes of the people, an oppressor rather than a force for their protection.

The PA’s president, Mahmoud Abbas came to power in 2005, with a 4-year term limit. He has remained in power for 15 years after his term ended.

Hamas rules the Gaza Strip with its own institutions, laws, and forms of government.

While they follow the PA’s fundamental laws, they have removed many checks and balances and have been labeled by Freedom House as “Authoritarian.”

“Freedom House is a nonprofit organization that evaluates a coun-

“Caring about others, especially when we might be able to help mitigate or end the fighting is important.”

- Kevin Shertzer try’s freedom based on a variety of factors. Regimes that are considered authoritarian by Freedom House have tendencies to limit civil liberties and rights,” Guay said.

The UN Security Council voted for a ceasefire almost unanimously, but it has not sped up the process to a peaceful resolution; there could be other ways to stop the violence.

“If the United States were to withhold funding, it could potentially

impact Israel’s political stability by calling into question Netanyahu’s leadership and legitimacy and severely weakening the country’s ability to defend itself militarily,” Guay said.”

“Freezing or reducing financial aid could ultimately lead to an up-swell of fear. Such insecurity may initiate a desire for immediate change in government.”

Cutting U.S. funding to Israel might force them to rethink how they root out Hamas militants, but it could also leave one of the United States’ closest allies out to dry, giving Iran the perfect opportunity to strike.

Iran is not waiting idly by while Israel deals with Hamas.

On Oct. 1, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles overnight on Israel; most of them were blocked by the Iron Dome system, an air defense system designed to intercept rockets, but some made it through.

Israel has not responded to this, but further escalation between these two powers seems inevitable.

It is not a matter of if but of when.

Innocents are dying, and all the world can do is stand united and hope for a peaceful resolution.

Fighting for America’s Future In the wake of the presidential election we take a look back at the campaigns.

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WORDS by NICCOLO D’AGRUMA & SOFIA RAMIREZ GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

s the dust settles on the whirlwind of a presidential election, it’s clear that this race reshaped the political landscape through its tactics and the strong reactions it ignited.

It did not surprise voters when Donald Trump, the favorite in the GOP primary, snagged the Republican nomination.

Soon after, President Biden launched his campaign with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate.

The two presidential candidates came together in June for the first general election debate hosted by CNN. Media pundits found his speech incoherent, leading to public backlash and forcing Democrats to call for his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race eventually.

Texas representative Lloyd Doggett told CNN, “[Biden needs to step aside in favor of a stronger candidate. I felt that the moment that I heard that debate.”

Public calls for his resignation piled up, yet Biden continued his campaign.

Only two weeks after the pivotal debate, there was assassination attempt against Trump.

While Trump and his team took this as an opportunity to show vigor, many worried about what this spike in political violence would mean for the nation.

Comparative Religion instructor Al Silva shared his opinion on the political rhetoric of the 2024 presidential election.

“My take is that our political rhetoric, especially in public discourse, has become increasingly violent—and, as a result, you see people acting out in more violent ways. And there’s some empirical connection between [an] increase in violent rhetoric [and an] increase in violence

10 • NEWS

within a society, and part of what’s most frustrating,” Silva notes, “is that most of the finger-pointing from each side misses the point. While each side has been alarmist about the other, it seems to be turning into a competition of who can be more self-righteous without even turning an eye toward empathy.”

Soon after the attempted assassination of Trump, Biden officially dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

As both candidates fought to get ahead in the race, they announced the critical choice of who would be their running mates. Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Trump chose Ohio Senator JD Vance.

Politico reports that “Harris appreciated Walz’s two terms as governor because he had accomplishments in Minnesota that Harris wants to replicate in her presidency—access to reproductive health, paid leave, child tax credits, and gun safety.”

Although the decision to run alongside Vance came a day before the deadline to pick a running mate, Trump made his decision despite opposition from the GOP. “[Vance] can help me govern. [He] can

help me win. [He] can help me in some of these Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, etc.,” Trump said.

As the race continued, both candidates turned toward major media and political figures in hopes of rallying enough support from the public to surpass their competition.

In hopes of gaining considerable public support, Trump called upon longtime donor and businessman Elon Musk.

Known for his eccentric personality, Musk has recently become the center of media attention after being crowned the wealthiest man alive.

Trump attempted to garner votes from the younger demographic by appealing to them through interviews with famous figures such as internet star Logan Paul, comedian Theo Von, and online steamer Adin Ross.

Trump isn’t the only candidate making a play for Gen Z’s votes. Harris has added elements to her campaign to appeal to a younger demographic.

Harris calls upon many public figures and celebrities, including Beyonce, former president Barak Obama, and former first lady Michelle Obama.

Harris also took hold of a new tactic never seen before by a presidential candidate, TikTok. Famously known as Kamala HQ, the TikTok page is known for its trendy topical content, garnering over 4 million followers.

As both candidates fight for battleground states each is altering traditional political tactics in order to gain support from younger demographics. thefourthestate.net

As AI tools become more powerful and accessible, colleges are increasingly adopting them to streamline admissions. While automation offers efficiency, it raises concerns about the holistic review process and the human element in evaluating students.

Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models are more powerful than ever, with ChatGPT now having more than 1.7 trillion parameters.

Free models are available everywhere, giving people access to this extremely powerful technology. Academic institutions are also beginning to implement it. Colleges nationwide increasingly use AI tools to review transcripts, analyze essays, and conduct interviews.

According to a September survey of more than 400 educational institutions by Intelligent.com, 82% said they will use AI in admissions to evaluate upcoming applications. Some admissions officers see AI as an excellent tool for automating this tedious process.

“Most institutions are now using or intend to use AI to evaluate students’ applications, including essays, transcripts, and recommendations. … Bottom line: A lot of the admission process is rather ‘mechanical’ even without AI,” said Diane Gayeski, a professor at Ithaca College.

However, Director of Admissions, Joyce Balak, sees some drawbacks to the inhuman nature of an automated review process and fears that admissions officers may miss essential details.

“If you’re really looking at applications from the holistic review—meaning that you’re looking not only at their grades and test scores but the activities, what personal attributes they have—those things might get missed,” Balak said. “In the application, schools, not only art schools but certainly the universities, are looking to balance their classes with a range of gifts and talents that kids bring to your school.”

The holistic review is what has people most concerned about AI use in college applications.

“The use of AI in reviewing applications scares me. I want my essay to be read by an actual human being, not some algorithm,” said senior Rio Valle. “That’s the thing. AI reduces people from well-rounded humans to numbers and sentiment analysis.”

Despite the skepticism, AI may be too convenient to ignore. Many colleges receive hundreds of thousands of applications, and AI offers desirable benefits.

As this technology improves, the landscape of college admissions will continue to change, and students must be aware.

While small colleges might remain unchanged, larger institutions will rely further on automated tools, and the potential implications of this shift remain unknown.

How Campus Construction is Shaping Our Community Efforts to develop the campus are underway, adding new classrooms, walkways, and recreational areas for student enrichment.

WORDS & PHOTOS by LIAM KNEZEVIC

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his summer, the school set on improving the campus so everyone can enjoy it.

The recent advancements in the classrooms, offices, walkways, and community-focused areas are almost ready to be fully functional.

With some construction still ongoing, much of the work is done and already being enjoyed by students, teachers, and visitors.

“Our facilities team partnered with the construction teams throughout the summer to ensure that the school launched with the new classrooms ready to go on day one,” said Head of Upper School Anna Alldredge. “We appreciate our students’ and faculty’s patience as we near the finish line of the outdoor elements of this construction project! It is looking absolutely beautiful.”

One of the key goals of this construction was to enhance facilities to allow for social collaboration and indoor and outdoor learning.

The new hangout areas give students spaces to collaborate, socialize, and relax between classes.

“Curriculum and student life are the guiding factors for this construction project. We believe the natural beauty throughout our campus enriches our students’ learning experience and overall wellness,” Alldredge said. “We also prioritize small class sizes at Laguna. We ensured that the removal of the four portables was synced with the launch of three new classrooms (two in Haskell and one in Bollag).

These areas create a more connected student body, allowing classes to maintain a smaller size, and giving access to outdoor learning spaces.

In addition to entirely new handicap-accessible campus walkways, the portable classrooms introduced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic are gone. Former office spaces were converted into classrooms on the eastern side of campus.

The new classrooms have new teaching amenities, allowing a healthy and comfortable learning environment.

“The new room has a vastly different shape, style, and feel. I’ve taught in a few rooms at Laguna, but I enjoy this one and hope to make it my own over

time,” history instructor Kevin Guay, who recently relocated into a new classroom in Haskell, said.

Teaching amenities include desks, chairs, and a SMART board and a new wrapped-tack board, which will be installed soon, adding style and functionality.

“Once put up, I can design the room with vibrant educational posters and impressive student artwork,” Guay said.

Construction workers and facilities teams worked diligently to realize the goal of an improved campus.

“I am very happy/proud that I could play a role in implementing campus improvements which will benefit not only today’s students and faculty/staff as well as many generations to come,” Director of Facilities Brian McDonald said.

These efforts aim to create an enjoyable and inclusive learning environment.

“We seek to create as many outdoor places as possible on our campus that are conducive to conversation and collaboration,” Alldredge said. “Finally, we prioritize safety and accessibility throughout our campus, and the improved walkways and lighting support this priority.”

New pathways and green spaces are being developed near the faculty offices..

Lush forestry and greenery has been a huge focus of the project.

Walkways are updated to adhere to ADA guidelines.

12 • FEATURE

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Local ObConstruction

As local construction continues to move from Ventura to Santa Barbara in Phase 4 of the 101 freeway widening project, more and more students and faculty are feeling the negative effects of roadwork.

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xplaining why you arrived to school late with the line “there was traffic” is a cliché excuse, there is now more than ever validity behind those words.

The local construction on freeways and roads has the end goal of combining functionality, environmental consciousness, and aesthetics, but the road to get there is long, congested with traffic, and full of dangerous distractions.

“I’ve been close to getting a tardy at school because of the roadwork,” said senior Cyanne Blabey who is very afflicted by the construction.

“I definitely have to budget my time in the morning because I know it’ll take an extra 15-20 minutes to get through the construction on the freeway.”

In the fall of 2005, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) approved a 4-phase plan to relieve traffic by widening a 16-mile portion of the US 101 that stretches from the city of Santa Barbara to Mussel Shoals in Ventura County.

Despite the fact that the Mussel Shoals to Santa Barbara construction project also includes the building of roundabouts, bridges, and bike ways, the 101 highway-widening project has had the most significant impact on the student-faculty commute to school, with numerous road closures.

Math instructor Meaghen Harris,

WORDS by NATALIE SCHWEITZER ART by DIONNE PETERSON who drives through construction on her way to and from Laguna, “almost can’t remember a time before the construction” and sometimes chooses to take an alternate route in order to avoid the congestion caused by these unanticipated closures.

Traffic is not the only downside of the roadwork. With loud and bright distractions and confined areas with construction, there is an increased risk for accidents, which presents challenges for the student population of new drivers.

“I’ve been close to getting a tardy at school because of the roadwork.”

- Cyanne Blabey

“Particularly every time they adjust where the lanes are located, there is usually about a two-week period where the number of accidents goes up, or even if there’s not an accident, everyone’s just driving slower as they get used to where the lanes are,” Chemistry instructor Katherine Pointer said.

Drivers have had to adjust to the current construction and practice safe driving habits.

“I definitely have to keep my eyes

ahead of me and focus on what I’m doing in areas of construction because there will be an occasional break where I’ll have to stop really quickly. I have to be a defensive driver,” Cyanne said.

It can often feel like the construction process is never ending. Those living in Montecito are only beginning to feel the effects of the 101 construction–which those living in Carpinteria have been dealing with for years now– as Phase 4 is underway closing on and off ramps and splitting the two-lane freeway into diverging one-lane sections. While construction is “slow,” it is “designed to help, and the process pays dividends. I have seen measurable progress. It is slow, and it does mean I leave earlier and get home later, but I have witnessed progress in a way that those of Montecito haven’t experienced yet,” Pointer said.

Though Phase 4 of the highway is 10.9 miles long and estimated to be completed in 2027. Phases 1, 2, and 3 are completed with functional bike lanes, pedestrian paths, bridges, roundabouts, and a carpool lane completed with environmental impact in mind.

“I don’t love construction, but it’s gonna be there,” said Cyanne. “So, you learn to deal with it, and eventually appreciate it, because it will definitely make things a lot easier and smoother in the future.”

Four New Faces on Campus

The Upper School welcomed four new faculty members who each bring unique skills and experiences along with a passion for nurturing creativity.

WORDS by JETTE ASHER PHOTOS by DAPHNE SHIEBLER

Simon Janzen Physics Instructor

Elana Muzzy Biology Instructor

Angela Doermann ‘08 US Latin Instructor

Q: What has your experience at Laguna been like thus far?

A: “I’ve loved it. The emphasis that the school places on building relationships is really obvious. There are so many ways for teachers to enter relationships with their students, and just to start the year off, going on a camping trip with the entire junior class was amazing.”

Q: What brought you to Laguna?

A:“I got a position working as the assistant coach for cross country, and while I was here, I ended up making contact with Staci Richard, the former Science Research Program Coordinator. After presenting my research and visiting many of her classes, I really liked how everyone interacted at this school, so I knew this would be a great place to work.”

Q: What makes Laguna different from other schools you considered?

A: “I like how Laguna feels like a family and how there is more one-on-one learning.

When I spent time shadowing big classrooms in larger schools, I felt as though I couldn’t make as much of a difference as opposed to working with a smaller group. And as a teacher specializing in language, which can be complicated and complex, the smaller class sizes allow students to thrive.”

Q: What is one teacher who stood out to you or inspired who you are today?

A: “Surprisingly enough, my band teacher. I played band throughout middle and high school and had the same teacher the whole time. It was great to see the same person who just kept investing in me over and over again and pushing for high standards and excellence. He reminded us that it’s not just about the end, but it’s about every day in between.”

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Q: Did you always know you wanted to teach something sin the STEM field?

A: “I knew I wanted to teach science. I enjoy science and engineering and looking at the world around me. For example, looking at plants and knowing that they are photosynthesizing and how they are responsible for taking the energy from the sun. That all makes me so curious about science.”

Q: Do you implement any specific teaching styles or activities into your lessons?

A: “I try to make at least one element of fun in each class period. This is because you can get bogged down in the nitty-gritty when it comes to things like grammar in a language. Even if it’s for five or ten minutes, we always try to include a fun part in class to balance with the heavier material.”

Collene Pavlics Academics Services Director Q: What was your first teaching experience like?

A: “I started working in middle school with kids who were having a hard time and experienced different learning challenges.

I got to see what it was like to help them in a classroom.

Since it was a project-based learning school, we were doing these big projects to help them understand the material. It was really neat to work alongside these kids and help them achieve really great work.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to teach in this field?

A: “I’ve known I wanted to do this for a long time. I always liked school, which makes it easier. I enjoy helping people and building relationships. I knew I wanted to be in school working with kids, and as I got older, I realized I wanted to work with helping people understand themselves better and how they can learn better.”

FEATURE • 15

WORDS by JACK GRUBE PAGE by DIONNE PETERSON

“I Voted”

Every vote counts: a new generation of adults is participating in democracy.

G

WORDS and PHOTOS by MILLA HIRSCH

en-Z is driving change at a faster pace than previous generations, especially through online activism.

This generation, having already faced a global pandemic, climate crises, extreme political divisiveness, debates on affirmative action, gun violence, and shifts in reproductive rights, is gaining

the ability to influence policy changes and elect leaders who share their ideals.

The time has come for more young voices to be heard and to be tallied at the polls.

Voters ages 18-34 will account for over 40 million potential voters in the 2024 presidential election—an 11% increase compared to the past 20 years.

Among these new participants, a range of race, gender, LGBTQ+ identities, and economic backgrounds is more diverse than ever.

These are the voices of future leaders, activists, and advocates for progress. Among the newly eligible to vote this year, a few from our senior class will vote for their first time on Nov. 5.

Student Voters

Ethan Somer

Tallulah Staeger

Carson Stewart

Q: How are you feeling about voting?

A: It feels good, even if you’re not that passionate about the main candidates, voting for the local people and policies is important. I’m interested in our democracy, and my [18th] birthday is the day before election day.

Q: Do you watch debates/news?

A: Yes, and I read The New York Times and news articles, watch some YouTubers that I trust, and no TikTok. Q: Do you discuss voting/politics with parents and friends?

A: No, I don’t really discuss it with my parents, I just think about it on my own.

Q: What would you say to persuade someone to vote?

Q: How are you feeling about voting?

A: I feel it’s important that we all speak our voice and vote for what we believe in. I’ve been looking forward to it because in the last election, I did the math and realized that I could vote in this election, so I’ve been excited.

Q: Do you watch debates/news?

A: I watched the recent vice-presidential debate and the presidential debate.

Q: Do you discuss voting/politics with parents and friends?

A: I definitely discuss it with my parents. I’m the first of my friends who can vote, so it’s kind of cool.

Q: What would you say to persuade someone to vote?

A: If I were speaking to a woman, I would say about 100 years ago you wouldn’t have been able to vote, so you may as well do it now. If someone is recently 18, I would say it’s your first time, and everyone should vote because it’s a privilege.

Q: How are you feeling about voting?

A: It feels great, I would say, because there have been years where I felt that I wished I could vote. I think that it’s a very patriotic thing to do.

Q: Do you watch debates/news?

A: I’ve watched both debates. I was very inspired by the vice-presidential debate. I felt it was very respectful.

Q: Do you discuss voting/politics with parents and friends?

A: I have discussed it with my parents once or twice. It does come up with my friends—which becomes a bit more boisterous.

Q: What would you say to persuade someone to vote?

A: I would say to look at all the countries that don’t have a say in choosing their leader, recognize your privilege and your responsibility to vote.

A: I would say it gets your voice heard, and you’re not just voting for t h e president, but also for your local politicians and representatives in the county: for state policies, one vote goes a much longer way.

The Fourth Estate Celebrates 30 Years Three decades ago, nine Laguna students started a school newspaper that would evolve into a nationally-recognized publication that continues to represent our school’s student voices.

WORDS & GRAPHIC by ADA GREEN PHOTO by TARA BROUCQSAULT

B

ack in the days before the internet, digital cameras, and even before Blake Dorfman’s high school years, a group of passionate creative writers had an idea for a Laguna student newspaper.

“We were part of a relatively unique group of classes that sort of pioneered ‘first-ever’ elements of Laguna. We created the first student store, we ran the weekly assemblies, and we started the Fourth Estate, to name a few,” said Stephen Borhan Sobhani, a founding staff member.

Students had to be more proactive in keeping up with each other and with school events.

“This was pre-internet, pre-social media, pre-cell phone, and a student newspaper was important to student life and a way we connected,” said Jason Eldred, one of the Fourth Estate’s first editors-in-chief. “It was also just a way that you got to know your peers better and immerse yourself more in the life of the school.”

Prior to the launching of the Fourth Estate, there was a newspaper, more like a flyer, called The Tecolote, but it dissolved and left students feeling a need to connect with each other and with their community.

“Several of us petitioned then-headmaster Michael Collins about restarting the paper and had a meeting in his office,” Eldred said. “As I recall, Mr. Collins’ response was something along the lines of ‘OK, but if we do it, we will turn it into a class. Would you take a journalism class?’”

The next semester, nine students enrolled in the brand-new journalism elective: Jason Eldred, Kristen (Vogel) Blabey, Stephen “Borhan” Sobhani, Allegra (Pollock) Brandano, Robbie Grant, Natalie (Tolejko) Whiteford, Kaili Joy Gray, Megan West, and Berry Bloomingdale.

Collins hired Trish McHale to teach the journalism class for one semester to see if had student support. At the end of the semester, all nine students asked for another semester, and welcomed an additional seven students. The journalism class has been sold out ever since and McHale continues in her role as journalism adviser.

“Ms. McHale was an incredible leader, guide, and constant source of support during that class as we embarked on creating the Fourth Estate and reimagining what the Laguna community would enjoy reading,” Blabey said.

One of the team’s first orders of business was choosing a name for their paper. McHale left it up to a vote, and the winner was Brandano’s suggestion.

As the students had recently learned in history class, the mean-

ing of the “Fourth Estate” originates from the times of the French Revolution: the First Estate referred to the clergy, the Second Estate to the nobility, and the Third Estate represented the commoners.

The Fourth Estate refers to the press: an independent fourth class who could impartially report on the country’s politics. Now, the term includes all news media.

The first issue of The Fourth Estate was an eight-page, 8.5-by-11-inch, black-and-white newspaper, much different from the color glossy magazine it is today.

“Those were not the days of fancy computer programs.

They were the days of paper, scissors, scanning, printers, darkrooms to develop our own film negatives and print photos (in what is now Kalfas) and paper proofs, which we would run to the printer just in time,” Blabey said.

“We did everything the old-fashioned way. We had to look up style rules in the actual AP Stylebook because we didn’t have it online. We had to drive to the printer to deliver our newspaper for publication,” Gray said. “Now, I can’t even imagine fact-checking articles without the internet, but somehow we did it.”

That first issue of the paper had an impressive cover story. McHale acquired two press passes to see the First Lady Hillary Clinton speak at the Miramar Hotel. She and Blabey attended the White House event as members of the official press corps—a ticket professional Santa Barbara journalists were refused.

“We stood there with the other members of the press corps, my recorder and notebook in one hand, camera in the other, and had the chance to participate in the press briefing. We met [Clinton] and were able to write about that experience to launch The Fourth Estate. It was absolutely incredible!” Blabey said.

The original staff members took what they learned with the Fourth Estate through college and beyond. Grant, Brandano, and Gray continued to study journalism.

“Working on [The Fourth Estate] gave me the production vocabulary to jump right into the journalism program at SBCC, where I became editor-in-chief of The Channels after only one semester,” Grant said.

Fourth Estate staff members from 1994-1995 and 2024-2025 celebrate 30 years in print. thefourthestate.net

(Top row) Robbie Grant, Natalie (Tolejko) Whiteford, Stephen “Borhan” Sobhani, Kaili Joy Gray, Jason Eldred, Kristen (Vogel) Blabey, Megan West, (Bottom row) Berry Bloomingdale, Allegra (Pollock) Brandano, and Trish McHale represent the original Fourth Estate staff from 1994.

Brandano became the entertainment editor at a Boston College newspaper and earned her master’s in journalism from Boston University.

“My experience with The Fourth Estate sparked my passion for journalism,” Brandano said.

After her time at Laguna, Gray launched her career in journalism.

“Today, I’m the chief content officer of Daily Kos, a progressive political news site with over a million views a day. I oversee writers, editors, our newsletter program, and social media—and all of that is because I got my start at The Fourth Estate,” Gray said.

West was the paper’s first art editor and went on to be a professional artist. “That experience was so much more than just a high school project; it truly shaped my future as an artist,” West said. “The skills I learned—how to communicate visually, how to collaborate with others, and how to embrace constructive criticism—were foundational for my art career. It sparked a love for visual storytelling that led me down a path I never anticipated.”

All the staff members look back on their time in journalism class fondly and remember the challenges they faced as some of their favorite high school memories.

“Starting The Fourth Estate was one of the highlights of my time at Laguna. I still remember the spirited debates around the name and our quest for the perfect format,” Bloomingdale said.

Thirty years later, the publication has evolved into an award-winning quarterly magazine and website that represents its school community. “[The Fourth Estate] could easily have folded and long-faded from memory by now, but it adapted and it did more than just survive; it has thrived,” Sobhani said.

“The journalism students that followed us put into place the right stewardship mechanisms, protected flexibility to new ideas, maintained continuity of leadership, and the critical importance of continuing to give student voices a place to be heard.”

FEATURE • 21

AD #2

The Dangers of TikTok Endless scrolling through TikTok is exacerbating mental health issues and shortening attention spans.

WORDS by HALI WRIGHT ART by DIONNE PETERSON

T

ikTok has captivated millions of people’s attention. Yet, beneath the surface lies a continuous caution for mental health.

On Oct. 11, NPR reported that TikTok’s platform was aware of its obsessive qualities. “All it takes is an average user to view 260 videos as short as 8 seconds.

Thus, in under 35 minutes, an average user is likely to become addicted to the platform.”

In 2020, TikTok was the most downloaded app, with over 850 million downloads.

Within five years, the digital platform TikTok became a phenom.

TikTok commands the internet with over 2.5 billion worldwide accounts and 700 million active daily users, with an innovative content-sharing platform that hosts short videos that are addictive.

The 30-second videos range from makeup tutorials to aesthetic restocking videos to popular songs and everything in between.

Users’ feeds are never-ending; you can scroll continually without the content repeating itself.

The videos can sometimes be educational, but they are primarily ridiculous content, requiring the viewer no thought. thefourthestate.net

What separates TikTok from the first video-sharing platform, YouTube, is its endless short video reels.

TikTok is especially popular among high school students who quickly develop a new addiction habit.

“Most of my friends have it. I did, but I deleted it because I realized I spent too much time on it,” freshman Lilly Trautwein said.

Schools are grappling with the phenomenon and noticed their students’ lowered focus at school.

It is easy to “go down a rabbit hole” and get stuck in TikTok. According to Amnesty International, social media, especially TikTok, is a never-ending cycle.

“The findings expose TikTok’s manipulative and

“Most of my friends have [TikTok]. I did, but I deleted it because I realized that I spent too much time on it.”

- Lilly Trautwein On TikTok, viewers can escape the real world because they crave the dopamine rush, like pulling the lever on a slot machine with each quick video watched.

TikTok was created to be obsessive. The quick videos keep the viewer wanting “just one more,” which eventually becomes hours of watching mindless content.

Endless viewing of TikTok videos shorten our attention span.

It makes focusing difficult, which is significant because many TikTok viewers are students.

addictive design practices, which are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible.”

Even if you have never downloaded TikTok, you have probably heard about it and its influence from a friend or a news article, Phones can create bad habits to begin. Students don’t even realize how much time they spend on their phones.

It is just part of their muscle memory. It’s clear that the time students spend on social media negatively affects their ability to focus,

and the addictive nature of TikTok also affects teachers.

“Kids are on their phones constantly, and when I see the constant scrolling, Ray Bradbury saw it all in his 1953 novel “Fahrenheit 451”: books are dead, and technology is alive. The book is a fable, a warning, a “cautionary tale” as Neil Gaiman says in his introduction.

“And we’re living and breathing the scary tale now!

There’s a quote in the introduction about how technology “clicks off your thinking,” said English instructor Ashley Tidey.

YouTube is working on a unique short video format of its own.

Before, YouTube’s videos were long-formatted, but now, short videos are populating the website.

The idea of TikTok is simple: it seems harmless because it does not discriminate or leave any age, race, or religion out.

Most are unaware of TikTok’s addictive nature. Yet, it is an excellent tool for voicing our ideas and opinions.

It is all about managing your time and using these platforms appropriately.

“Technology “clicks off your thinking.” The faces of young people scrolling and scrolling, through reel after reel, can’t be good for the brain, Tidey said.

FEATURE • 23

Modern Media and Politics In today’s fast-paced digital age, the relationship between media and politics is shaping political discourse all across the country.

WORDS by NICCOLO D’AGRUMA ART by DIONNE PETERSON

S

ocial Media is in our lives every day, increasingly among youth.

The platform is being used for political messaging, targeting all ages.

Celebrities, podcasts, and influencers influence users’ opinions.

Reactionary politics, misinformation, and viral personalities spread quickly through social media. The full effects of this on our youth remain to be seen.

“I have seen many people become more involved and interested in politics because of social media, but people have also become more polarized over divisive topics,” junior Robie Polos said.

Exposure to politics through social media can create an aware, active, and informed youth, which is essential to a healthy democracy. The question is, are they being educated? Or are they influenced?

Social media influencers greatly influence our youth, and there are consequences of giving platforms to any viral star.

Trained Republican and Democrat professional spokespeople debate college students and untested debaters to market their beliefs to a broader audience.

Re p u b l i c a n s and Democrats face the same ethical dilemma by tar-

geting minors with political messaging.

Children need to develop the skills to think critically about what they view online. Moreover, they need more life experience to form their opinions independently of social media.

“As a student, I’ve definitely seen some of my classmates influenced by social media. I’ve even seen students directly restate opinions I had only seen online as if they came to that conclusion on their own. Sometimes, on topics these students otherwise knew nothing about,” Robie said.

High school students can be influenced, as well as children who have access to the internet and social media in middle and elementary school.

“Not everyone should be given access to such powerful platforms, which billions now use daily,” Robie said.

The politics that students are exposed to are not light or easy topics; they are about abortion, border security, and foreign wars.

People of all ages and political identities struggle to find common ground on these issues due to their nature and the polarization created by social media.

Polarization dramatized by social media created and spread a harmful culture of reactionary politics. The civility between people with opposing political opinions is worsening, reflected in social media and presidential debates.

Polarization is the outcome of social media echo chambers. Users who interact with a particular post and opinion continue to receive the same content, reinforcing their opinions by not showing them other perspectives.

This tunnel vision makes users believe their opinion is more widely spread and accepted than it may actually be, which misconstrues the reality of people’s diverse opinions and perspectives.

Social media does not differentiate between positive or negative user interactions; this viewpoint prioritizes viewer retention over ev-

erything, which makes sense from a business perspective but not from an ethical or equity standpoint.

David G. Rand, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, found that it is not just the algorithm that leads to polarization but the influencers themselves.

When misinformation is added to the equation, it becomes increasingly problematic, especially with the emergence of AI.

“Readers should try to think about the posts they see, how accurate they may be, and what the motives behind the posts are.”

- Robie Polos “It is very important that certain things on social media are regulated, such as violent and illegal speech, but as a strong advocate for free speech.

Once we move past these examples of speech unprotected by the First Amendment, I believe that very little to no speech on social media that should be regulated by the government,” junior Carter Plowman said.

“I understand that much of what is on the internet is false and hateful.

My issue with regulation is not the idea but how it is done. I do not believe that there is any person, institution, government, or artificial intelligence that will ever be able to regulate speech online without bias.”

Going down the rabbit hole of social media regulation is dangerous because once you build the systems for it, they can be used to quell misinformation.

“Just because one entity is trustworthy at one time does not mean it

thefourthestate.net

will remain that way. If I have learned anything from history, especially from [Kevin] Shertzer’s class, it is that power is corrupting, and once taken, it is hardly ever given away,” Carter said.

Misinformation must be avoided at all costs. Systems of regulation must not only be created but checks and balances must be put in place on fact-checkers to protect free speech.

“We must look towards alternate solutions to solving the epidemic of hate and misinformation spread on social media. I think this starts with the spread of factual information to a free-thinking and logical society. Like many issues in our country, I believe this leads us back to the failures of our nation’s education system,” Carter said.

Social media will always exist, and while systems must be put in place to balance bias and misinformation, individuals must change their relationship with it.

“I try to find balance and remain critical about what I’m exposed to, but I think it’s important to remember that nobody is immune to social media, including myself,” Robie said.

OPINION • 25

Women in Afghanistan Commentary No laughing. No speaking in public. No singing. No skin. Even in private gatherings. In August, the Taliban reinforced new Draconian laws that continue to violate the rights of women out of the fear that a woman’s voice, face, and body create temptations against the Sharia.

“

Feminism fights for the fundamental rights of women to make choices about their own lives—a right that the Taliban seek to erase entirely,” according to UN Women a global champion for gender equality UN Women.

Women in Afghanistan continue to face the brutality of Draconian laws enforced by the Taliban after the United States withdrew in 2021, which changed the country’s political landscape forever.

In August, 14.2 million Afghan women experienced another deterioration of their rights after the Taliban restricted women from speaking or revealing their faces outside of their homes.

Although condemned by the UN, with several human rights organizations expressing outrage, the Taliban’s leader, Hibatullah Akundzada, published new “Virtue and Prevention of Vice” laws that force women to completely veil their bodies and faces under thick clothing when in public to limit the sinful ideations of men.

The law states, “Whenever an adult woman leaves her home out of necessity, she is obliged to conceal her voice, face, and body.”

On top of these veils and full-body

WORDS by JINLING WANG ART by OLIVIA SOFRANKO burkas, women are no longer allowed to speak in public as their voices are deemed as “potential instruments” of evil, meaning no singing, reading aloud, or laughing.

Following the Taliban’s re-seizing control of Afghanistan, they have relentlessly attacked the rights of women and girls, which the UN has called the world’s most serious women’s rights crisis.

Codified as “gender apartheid” by Amnesty International, the deep-rooted inequality in Afghanistan between the sexes dates back decades.

Formed in 1994, the Taliban, a coalition of Mujahedeen fighters from the Afghanistan civil war during the ‘80s and ‘90s, was birthed out of conflict under the guise of an Islamic state.

Ruling Afghanistan from 1996 until the American invasion in 2001, the Taliban is notorious for abusing the rights of women.

Under the Taliban, aggression and discrimination against women and girls heightened as they enforced Sharia Law, violating their ability to be educated, leave the house without a male chaperone, be employed, speak freely, play sports, and participate politically.

“There was a time when women and girls in Afghanistan had more rights,” said DEI Director Ursula Chan.

Failure to adhere to these laws means being systematically subjected to public torture, assault, exile, and forced disappearances.

Essentially kept invisible to the public, Afghan

women in Kabul, their capital, have been ordered to block all of their windows in order not to be seen in the street.

Granted zero self-autonomy, the Women, Peace, and Security Index and the UN Special Rapporteur ranked Afghanistan last for gender equality and women’s rights.

Amidst these dehumanizing circumstances, women in Afghanistan continue to find a way to fight back even when exerting the most fundamental human liberties can get them killed.

In active resistance, women continue to confront the Taliban on the streets, speaking out in partnership with the UN, and organizing education groups for advocacy.

However, global support and actions against the Taliban in countries with liberal democracies have been scarce in protecting Afghan women and their rights.

A summit organized by the UN in early 2024 granted the Taliban’s request to exclude women from the meeting to have a diplomatic conference.

However, it reinforced the deterioration of female participation in every aspect of public life in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai and Richard Bennett, the UN’s rapporteur on human rights.

In 2021, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to help 20,000 Afghans migrate to the United Kingdom,

thefourthestate.net

as their lives were likely compromised for opposing the ideals of the Taliban, such as women’s rights activists, by establishing a resettlement scheme.

However, after the withdrawal of US troops in 2021, just under 2,000 Afghans resettled in the UK. In a letter from The Independent that exposed the lack of safety from forcing them into small boats because there was “no alternative path to sanctuary.”

As the promise of asylum remains bleak, these promised pathways by the UK still need to materialize, and the chance that families reconnect is low.

Moreover, UK ministers have been aiming to enforce stricter immigration policies that could close the UK’s asylum system.

However, more than 32,000 supporters united to urge the UK government to protect Afghan women and their rights.

“I think it’s always important to look into women’s rights groups in Afghanistan. We need to center their movement and their desires. Listen and learn from Afghan women. Let them articulate what needs to be done and what they want for themselves. I would discourage imposing a Western idea of what they should do, have, act, behave, believe, and think. As a school, we could learn more about this,” Chan said.

To address these issues, four countries, in partnership with the

“Listen and learn from Afghan women.

Let them articulate what needs to be done and what they want for themselves.”

- Ursula Chan Women’s Forum on Afghanistan, met to guarantee Afghan women the right to speak out and make decisions at the international level regarding the future of their country.

During the annual debate in the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Atónio Guterres emphasized the importance of global solidarity for Afghan women, saying: “We will continue to amplify the voices of Afghan women and call for them to play a full role in the country’s life, both inside its borders and on the global stage.”

While both democracies and theocracies subject women to the inescapable cycle of gender inequality and threats to their rights, many more countries than not capitalize on the vulnerability of women.

After all, if we choose not to raise our voices today, we become part of a vicious cycle that robs women of their humanity and silences them to the championing claws of systemic oppression.

OPINION • 27

Buy now. Regret later. From fast fashion to beauty products, here’s a look at how influencer culture pushes us toward constant buying and upgrading.

I

n an age where same-day delivery and one-click orders are becoming more and more prominent, an impending overconsumption epidemic is an ever-growing reality.

Overconsumption is the process by which individuals or groups use resources at a rate surpassing what is sustainable or necessary.

This phenomenon is increasingly prevalent in our modern era of convenience and instant gratification.

The growing trends in overconsumption are largely fueled by popular influencers and their showcasing of picture-perfect lifestyles complete with an ever-changing array of objects.

They normalize unnecessary consumption by constantly showing off these new items and too-good-to-betrue experiences.

28 • OPINION

WORDS by LULU SIMPSON ART by DIONNE PETERSON The influence of social media personalities on consumer behavior is vast, often leading to impulsive purchases and excessive online buying from those who see these trends.

This tendency is particularly evident among younger demographics, who are more susceptible to the fear of missing out (FOMO) on current trends cultivated by influencer content.

TikTok shop, an ever-growing, influencer-driven shopping platform branching off of TikTok, is avidly rising in popularity due to its cheapness and easy access.

“When I think of TikTok shop, I definitely think of items that are cheap in quality and price. I don’t think it’s the best for the environment, but I do occasionally buy from it if it is something that I know that I’m only going to need to use once or twice,” said senior Tallulah Staeger when asked about her views on TikTok shop and its contribution to overconsumption.

Platforms like TikTok Shop and similar e-commerce sites often promote trendy, low-cost items that may not be built to last.

Fast fashion, inexpensive and mass-produced clothing, is one of the most significant factors in the world’s current condition; this “throwaway culture” constantly contributes to increased waste and environmental deterioration.

While some consumers are aware of this crazed consumption’s environmental and economic impacts, the allure of affordable and trendy items remains strong.

Rapid consumption encourages irresponsible spending habits and puts significant pressure on global resources and waste management systems.

“There’s always a trade-off between inflation and unemployment, so if the government or the Federal Reserve uses their tools to reduce consumption, they will trigger unemployment,” said AP Economics Instructor Paul Chiment.

“There are consumers buying things, there are businesses building factories, there’s government spending, and then there’s foreign imports and exports.

These things make up an economy, with consumers and their behaviors being the key factors leading to recent economics. The impact of social media on consumer behavior extends far beyond mere product advertising; it significantly shapes purchasing decisions and consumption patterns.

Social media platforms are powerful tools for influencing consumer choices, this influence being particularly pronounced in younger demographics.

While the appeal of trendy, affordable items is undeniable—especially when they’re just a click away—it’s important for consumers to remember that they hold significant power in shaping demand and driving change.

Every purchase we make sends a message to brands about what we value, which can either reinforce unsustainable practices or promote more responsible production.

By making more intentional choices, we can shift the focus away from quantity and fast turnover to quality, durability, and ethical sourcing. thefourthestate.net

the stance of the staff editorial United We Stand

O

ne of the benefits of attending an independent school with small class sizes is that it makes it easy for everyone to get to know each other.

We take for granted that we can say hello to anybody in passing periods and expect a cheerful reply.

Every Monday, our entire upper school gathers in Spaulding Theater, where we celebrate each other’s birthdays before receiving weekly announcements and updates on sport scores.

It isn’t just Dorfman’s encouragement that brings us together. We aren’t forced to be this close with each other; we aren’t forced to show up to club events or chant during school pep rallies or highlight weekly acts of kindness, rather we choose this. We choose to be united.

We are united by our academic focus: our shared hatred for the PSAT, preferences for AHFEC or EDBAG, and our admiration for our beloved teachers.

The sports-team banners displayed alongside the tennis courts are a testament to our school’s spirited sportsmanship.

Even though we might not have the biggest teams in the league, our bleachers are always full, and wins are always celebrated.

thefourthestate.net

We are united by changing technology—from TikTok to artificial intelligence.

Social media interweaves our lives as we like and share each other’s snapshots.

We can connect with people from around the world and listen to their stories and perspectives.

Together, we face the frustrations and fears, and the astonishment and accessibility that comes from the evolution of AI. Over the archways, and imprinted on our planners are constant reminders of our school values: scholarship, character, balance, and community.

We seek these values throughout our academic and personal journeys in our own ways, and we will continue to even after our time at Laguna.

Although we approach the world from different backgrounds and with different goals, we all share the same values: peace, safety, stability, and belonging.

No matter your identity—gender, orientation, race, religion, upbringing, or party preference—we are united by the pursuit of happiness, whatever that looks like to you.

OPINION • 29

The School Shooting Epidemic The rise in school gun violence is putting student safety at risk nationwide, sparking an urgent debate over solutions to keep students safe from deadly mass shootings.

WORDS by SOFIA RAMIREZ & DIONNE PETERSON GRAPHICS by DIONNE PETERSON

A

video circulated on TikTok that pressured students across the nation to fear for their lives. In black, bold letters, it listed all the high schools that were supposedly going to suffer from mass shootings.

Although the widely known list was created by an 11-year-old convicted felon who made a written threat of a mass shooting and claimed it to be a “joke,” the issue of gun violence is as prevalent as ever.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in the United States, from 2020 to 2024, there’s “nearly an 8% increase [in gun violence, which is making students, faculty, and parents alike question the safety of attending schools in America.

According to the Pennsylvania Association of Pupil Services Administration (PAPSA), there have “already been 219 school shootings” in K-12 schools in 2024.

“It is a devastating and unacceptable tragedy. Schools should be places of safety, always,” said Head of Upper School Anna Alldredge.

Most recently, Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, was targeted, with two students and two teachers wounded and nine more injured,

30 • OPINION

named the deadliest school shooting this year.

Similar to the list mentioned previously, which was created by an 11-year-old, other individuals on digital platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok created and spread threats and rumors about attacking specific schools.

Most who were caught issuing threats are younger than 21, and although these teenagers post empty threats as a joke, police officers and sheriffs across the country are treating the threats seriously.

“You don’t stand up on an airplane and yell, ‘Hijack.’ You don’t walk into a movie theater and yell, ‘Fire.’ And you don’t get online and post that you’re going to shoot up a school,” said Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood in a video on social media.

Authorities are treating teenagers and children who post these threats as adults, holding these students accountable by threatening to release mugshots and full names.

Officials are calling upon parents to inform their children based on posting on social media and to treat their digital footprint carefully. “[What students are posting online] could make them a victim of a crime or worse, and on the flip side of that, you can end up with a police department officer knocking on your front door arresting your child,” said Chitwood.

High schools across the country are increasingly creating bans on using phones in classrooms—and although bans are for educational purposes and leave students having no way to contact parents in case of a school shooting on campus, families wonder whether bans will cause more harm than good.

“I think that if a threat has been confirmed, and students are on campus and are in some form of lockdown, [students] should definitely have their phones,” said senior Kelly Caufield, a Dos Pueblos High School student who was on campus for a false shooter alarm.

In the recent election, some voters are choosing based on which candidate supports the Second Amendment and who is against it.

Individual states are allowed to choose how strict the regulations around guns are, and due to this, we are able to see the real impact of gun regulations.

States in the South, where gun regulations tend to be looser, are found to experience higher levels of gun violence.

States like North Carolina–which has the highest rate of school shootings– are known for its loose gun laws.

On the contrary, states that have the strictest regulations on firearms–such as New York and California–have experienced fewer school shootings in the past decade.

While the United States has experienced a massive increase in school shootings in the past few years, we find that it is not happening in all other countries.

The U.S. is among three countries where the right to own a firearm is thefourthestate.net

embedded in the constitution, making it one of the easiest countries to acquire a firearm.

Recently, San Marcos High School was placed under lockdown due to a gun threat issued by a student, which was later intercepted by school faculty not soon after Dos Pueblos High School was also put into lock down after receiving a school-wide threat via social media.

“I personally didn’t really feel scared because [the active shooter] had been confirmed a rumor, but I had two friends whose parents didn’t let them go to the pep rally because of the supposed threat,” said Caufield.

When this lockdown occurred in early September, the Santa Barbara Unified School District stated that the Dos Pueblos threat was only one of the six potential threats of school violence in the past six weeks.

After the threats were handled accordingly, the district released a statement saying, “All [Santa Barbara Unified School District] schools have safety protocols to ensure students and staff are safe as incidents arise. We know how difficult it can be to receive messages like this. The safety of our students, teachers, and staff is a top priority.”

While the issue of gun violence might not seem prevalent in Santa Barbara, the problem has touched the lives of many living in our county.

Junior Peyton Gimbel shares how gun violence has altered her life experiences.

“I specifically went to my preschool because of the Sandy Hook shooting.

My parents chose to enroll because it was very well guarded and in a gated community where you had to have identification to even enter. So I think [gun violence has] definitely influenced where I’ve gone to school,” says Peyton.

In a nation where gun violence is among one of the most discussed topics, there has been a great deal of discourse over the next steps moving

forward. Research conducted by the Pew Research Center found that approximately 52% of the public supported the right to bear arms, while 46% supported tighter gun restrictions.

It is evident through this divide that unless there is a drastic change, the right to bear arms will continue to be a fundamental right, so without getting rid of guns, how can we reduce the number of school shootings?

School safety experts comment that raising the age limit on gun restrictions would cut back on gun violence. Everytown reports that “Eighteen to 20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 years and older.”

A contributing factor to raising the age limit on gun restrictions is the evidence that the majority of school shooters are under the age of 21. While raising the age limit on gun restrictions may aid in the efforts to stop gun violence in schools, some school shooters–for example, the case of the 14-year-old boy who killed four in an Atlanta high school–garner access to firearms through guardians.

A step towards the reduction of gun violence is the spread of education on the safe storage of firearms. Local efforts to ensure the secure storage of firearms include the Santa Barbara Safe Firearms Storage Ordinance, which requires “firearms to be stored unloaded in a locked container or with a California-approved firearms safety device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock,” as KSBY reports.

“I think [gun violence has] definitely influenced where I’ve gone to school.” - Peyton Gimbel

thefourthestate.net

OPINION • 31

The (Tr)end of Veganism?

To eat, or not to eat...meat? That is the question.

W

WORDS and PHOTOS by MILLA HIRSCH

hat do vegans even eat— just lettuce? This is a common question that arises at the mere mention of the word “vegan” or “vegetarian.” Reactions tend to vary: some immediately judge the lifestyle, others praise it, and many remain indifferent. Who knew that someone’s diet choice could spark so much controversy, even among those who aren’t directly affected by what others eat?

Thanks to social media, dietary trends are spreading faster than ever, with so-called “nutrition” influencers promoting various lifestyles.

Young viewers must navigate the constantly changing ideas of what “good” health looks like—recently, raw food and meat-heavy diets have taken the spotlight. Influencers encourage their viewers to eat meat for every meal, and consume raw butter and other animal products as snacks.

In Santa Barbara, vegan options are limited. Victoria Dryden, English Instructor and Department Chair, has been vegan since high school, and has noticed a scarcity of local vegan restaurants, especially compared to Seattle, Washington, where she used to live.

“I feel like Santa Barbara used to have more vegan places, like Oliver’s in Montecito and Mesa Verde, but they both closed. There are still some, like The Blue Owl, The Daisy, and Savoy Café, that offer vegan options, but I was disappointed when Oliver’s and Mesa Verde closed,” Dryden said.

Although California is known for its “organic” and radical approach to dieting, authentic vegan food can be surprisingly hard to find.

“There are a lot of places where I’m down to just a salad, so sometimes choices aren’t as plentiful,” Dryden said. “I guess being in a school where I think I’m the only vegan makes it

harder during staff lunches and trips.

Most of the time, I have to bring my own food.”

The ever-changing trend cycle— from keto and carnivore to fruitarian, raw food, and low-carb diets—makes it difficult to determine which eating habits are beneficial for both health and the environment.

Most people come to the conclusion that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; balance is key, and no matter what trends are circulating, it’s important to eat what’s right for your body and circumstances.

For senior John Dylan Comis, a well-balanced diet gives him the fuel he needs for playing football.

“For breakfast, I’ll usually eat something like eggs, maybe have a glass of milk and some fruit,” he said, adding that he eats turkey or tuna for lunch and meat with vegetables for dinner.

From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are omnivores, eating both animal and plant-based foods.

However, due to industrial farming practices, the ex-

“I feel good knowing that I’m not contributing to the slaughter of innocent animals.”

- Victoria Dryden

traction of animal products has become increasingly unethical.

“I feel good knowing that I’m not contributing to the slaughter of innocent animals,” Dryden said. “I also think I don’t get sick as often as meat eaters, and I find that really good vegan food requires more attention to flavors and spices, so I think the cooking is actually better.”

One of the biggest concerns about a vegan diet is whether it provides enough vitamins and protein. According to the National Library of Medicine, vegans have greater iron needs than those on other diets because nonheme iron, found in plant-based foods like whole grains, legumes, and nuts, is less easily absorbed by the body.

However, other nutrients that may be lacking in a vegan diet—such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc—can be taken in supplement form rather than sourced from animal products.

“During football season, I look for meals packed with protein and carbs because I need the quick energy,” John said. “The major downside of veganism, for me, is that you might miss out on the protein, minerals, and vitamins you get from meat. You may not always be able to get the same from plants. I might consider becoming vegan at a point when I’m not working out as much, and if I found good alternatives, I’d consider giving up meat.”

“It Ends with Us” Controversy Continues Viewers continue to criticize the “messy” marketing surrounding the blockbuster suggesting it distracts from the story’s impact.

S

WORDS by LILLY TRAUTWEIN & LULU SIMPSON GRAPHIC by LULU SIMPSON

ince its release on Aug. 9, the book-film adaptation “It Ends with Us” earned well over $300 million.

The #1 New York Times bestseller novel turned blockbuster film follows a woman named Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively) who navigates experiencing, and eventually leaving, an abusive relationship with her ex-husband, Ryle Kinkaid (played by Justin Baldoni).

The film was produced by Lively and directed by Baldoni. The book’s author, Colleen Hoover, supported the adaptation and was involved in the making and press surrounding the film.

The book first became popular on TikTok in 2020. Initially, readers questioned Hoover’s credibility in writing about such an intense topic.

Some even claimed she was glamorizing abuse. Hoover, however, revealed that she dealt with physical and verbal abuse from her father growing up.

“I would ask [my mom] all the time, ‘How did you find yourself in this situation?’ And I decided to write a book about it inspired by her courage to leave my biological father,” Hoover said in an interview with

The Daily Mail.

After the announcement of the movie adaptation, advocates for the victims of domestic abuse continued to voice concern that the story would be too sympathetic towards the abuser thefourthestate.net

and could even romanticize intimate partner violence.

The filmmakers, perhaps in response, modified the ending of the story.

In the movie, Lily completely cuts off contact with Ryle, while in the book, she chooses to co-parent their child with him.

In addition to the concern about the movie itself, there is also criticism about the tone of its marketing, which is specifically aimed at Blake Lively.

According to her critics, Lively exhibited a light-hearted, almost comedic, attitude towards the film, telling fans to “Grab your friends. Wear your florals, and go see it.” Suggesting that the movie was just like any other rom-com.

On campus, opinions about this movie and its marketing are varied.

“I think the movie did a good job showing and spreading awareness about domestic violence,” sophomore Sofia Herron said.

Despite appreciating the actual content of the film, she was disappointed with the movie’s marketing.

“I thought

[Blake Lively] promoted the movie poorly. I thought it was kind of immature of her.

The movie has sensitive topics, and she’s not really putting much thought

into them or spreading awareness of the meaning behind the movie,” Sofia said Upper School History Instructor Daisy Altamirano agreed that Lively’s marketing did not reflect the movie’s solemnity.

“I thought the marketing was good.

With Justin Baldoni, the things that I heard him talk about felt really intentional. He was thinking about domestic violence and being sensitive to that and really trying to portray it in a way that was respectful to victims. Blake Lively’s portrayal of that same topic didn’t read as respectful or intentional.”

An unfortunate aspect of this controversy is how it overshadowed the film for viewers.

Rather than paying attention to the subject matter of the movie, viewers and media focused on the drama surrounding the actors.

“I think it was disappointing to see the discourse around the film be focused on Blake Lively and her personality instead of

the actual themes, which I think are really powerful and do have a strong message to take away,” Altamirano said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • 33

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Popstar Chappell Roan is the latest example of a celebrity learning that fame has a price.

P

eople all over the world dream of becoming famous one day.

They think the flashing lights and screaming fans will bring nothing but joy.

But time after time, they realize that the limelight has a dark side. One of the latest to express this is the newly-famous singer Chappell Roan.

Within the past year, she has gone from being a relatively obscure artist to a global phenomenon, most happening within a month.

She found that the “dream did come true,” but it has become more of a nightmare.

“I didn’t know it would feel this bad,” Roan said in an interview with The Face.

Roan faces backlash for expressing her discomfort, particularly after calling out some of her fans for their “predatory behavior,” which has sparked a vicious debate online on whether or not celebrities are allowed to ask for privacy or if it’s simply “part of the job.”

“If you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public? Would you go up to a random lady and say, ‘Can I get a photo with you?’ Would you be offended if she says no to your time because she has her own time? Would you stalk her family? Would you follow her around?” Roan said in a viral TikTok. Fans pushed back that she is not, in fact, a “random lady” but rather a celebrity. Roan addressed this in a second video by saying, “I don’t care if abuse and harassment [and] stalking is a normal thing to do to people who are famous,” Roan said. “I don’t care that thefourthestate.net

WORDS by LILLY TRAUTWEIN GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON it’s normal; I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job. That does not make it okay, that doesn’t make it normal, that doesn’t mean I want it. I’m allowed to say no to creepy behavior, okay?”

While she has faced criticism, Roan has also received support from fans.

“I really appreciate what [Chappell Roan] is saying and doing around immediate celebrities. How disorienting it must be and destabilizing it must feel to be catapulted into stardom,” said DEI Director Ursula Chan.

“She’s adding a lot to the conversation around celebrities and privacy and how we, as people who are not celebrities, see it.

We think, ‘Oh, how fortunate that they have all of this access and money and privilege that they get from this,’ but we kinda expect them just to suck it up because of that.”

Some of Chappell Roan’s young fans understand her point of view.

“I think she deserves to have her privacy. It doesn’t matter if she’s famous or not, she’s still a person,” freshman Paisley Thomson said.

Celebrities walk a difficult path. They rely on the public and must create boundaries with it, which is particularly challenging for those who find sudden fame, such as Roan.

Fans can strip humanity from celebrities, making

them feel like performers, not people.

“I just hope she remains whole throughout all of this, and I appreciate what she’s adding to the dialogue,” Chan said.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • 35

||

#fallinstagrams PAGE by DIONNE PETERSON

Sophmores Kate and Charlie posing before Homecoming.

Seniors Ada and Tallulah enjoying a moment in summer.

Seniors Chloe and Danica celebrating at Patina Pizza.

Senior Cyanne cherishing a day in Washington, D.C.

Sophmores Cooper and Keanu looking sharp at a pre-hoco gathering.

Senior Sydney soaking in a autumn sunset.

Junior Peyton smiling for a flick.

Junior Sage savoring a night in Italy.

Freshmen Sloan and Paisley all smiles before homecoming.

From the Aisles: Fall Edition Fresh off the shelf comes Trader Joe’s seasonal favorites of fall!

WORDS by OLIVIA DE PONCE & NATALIE SCHWEITZER PHOTO by DAPHNE SHIEBLER

Seasonal Mini Ice Cream Cones: In Santa Barbara, autumn doesn’t always mean cold weather. These pumpkin-spiced mini ice cream cones are perfect for warm weather when you still crave that fall feeling. Accompanied with flavors of vanilla and ginger, this treat is not only adorable in its size but is also rich in taste. Next time you are in the freezer aisle buying your favorite TJ’s ice cream. Don’t miss adding these to your bag.

Pumpkin Spice Tea: Looking for the perfect blend of cinnamon and spice? This pumpkin spice Rooibos Herbal Blend Tea is the definition of fall in a cup. With flavors of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and pumpkin, this hot beverage is perfect for sitting by the fire and reading a book. Steep for 5-7 minutes and add a dash of milk and honey to create an idyllic autumn tea latte.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies: These petite cookies are a perfect snack when you’re in the mood for a fall treat. The crumbly shortbread bites have a pumpkin spice-flavored coating dotted with orange and white sprinkles.

These cookies are a fall staple. Be sure to look for them in the freezer section at Trader Joe’s!

Pumpkin Sheet Cake: Fall Joe Joe’s: This version of the TJ’s classic Joe Joe’s is sure to meet your seasonal standards. These sandwich cookies are drizzled in pumpkin-spiced yogurt and topped with a dash of sea salt. Found near our favorite Petite Shortbread Cookies in the freezer section. It would be a shame to forget to add these to your cart! thefourthestate.net

Gone viral for its combination of fluffy pumpkin spice cake and delicious cream cheese frosting, this sheet cake is a must-buy. Paired with pumpkin spice tea, this treat makes for the perfect dessert. Run to your local Trader Joe’s to buy in the bread and pastry section before it sells out!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • 37

Gold hoops are a staple for any season, but are especially necessary to complete any autumn outfit, and give a polished look without much work. Whether choosing between a classic chunky gold hoop or something thinner for a more elegant vibe, gold hoops are a must-need this fall.

A necessary autumn clothing addition to your wardrobe is a sweater for the chilly weather. What’s in this season are chunky knit sweaters in a cool fall palette, such as gray, taupe, or sage green.

fall fashion trends PAGE by DIONNE PETERSON and SOFIA RAMIREZ

Red nail polish is a cult classic, but especially in these winter months a deep burgundy evokes feelings of autumn. When looking for the perfect fall nail look no further than OPI’s staple burgundy shade “Got the Blues for Red.” rfect finish e p e th s e id p tint prov utfit. Rhode's nourA brown li ll o to a cozy fa llows for the perfect h c u to g in la a tide formu care, perfect to just ishing pep skin ings. keup and a m f hilly morn o c e ix s o m th n our bag o throw in y

38 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

While there have been many fashion trends during this year, such as leopard print, one print that has made it’s debut this fall is tortoiseshell. It pairs excellently with other fall items, like gold hoops and knit sweaters.

A fall essential is a good-smelling candle—and while there are many scents to choose from, our favorites are pumpkin spice and vanilla bean. These scents are great for adding a subtle autumn feel to your space, and are perfect for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. thefourthestate.net

100 Years of Art

The Granada Theater, a staple of the performing arts community in Santa Barbara, is celebrating its centennial anniversary highlighting both the past and the future.

WORDS & PHOTO by KATJA BROOMBERG

Y

ou pass under its glimmering marquee whenever you walk up State Street. The city’s only “skyscraper” can be seen from any part of Santa Barbara as it towers 119 feet above the 60-foot buildings below.

This monumental building has lasted 100 years and survived without a single major crack in the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake that destroyed 90% of downtown.

“It makes me proud of Santa Barbara that we’ve been able to sustain a theater for that long,” Theater Instructor and Performing Arts Department Chair Dana Caldwell said.

The Granada was built in 1924 and is celebrating its grand centenary this year.

From a venue for live performances in its early years, to decades as a movie theater, to the theater we know today that hosts a plethora of shows and events, the Granada is and always has been a home for the arts.

“You think of all the variety of shows that you can do in a season, much less 100 years,” French Instructor Valerie Yoshimura said.

The Granada is a theater beyond compare with a rich history that has paid tribute to the diversity of the arts.

In the 1930s, Warner Brothers owned the Granada Theater and used it as a preview site for major Hollywood productions, including the “Wizard of Oz” and “Guys and Dolls,” attracting hundreds of patrons.

Since then, as the theater has grown and come under new ownership, the Granada has hosted numerous legendary performers such as Louis Arm-

strong, Simon & Garfunkel, Bernadette Peters, and The Beach Boys.

In more recent years, it has also provided a venue for traveling Broadway shows, Santa Barbara Symphony concerts, State Street Ballet performances, UCSB Arts & Lectures talks, and several other events and speakers.

“Performance venues with such history need to be celebrated; they enforce the connection of the arts through the times,” Opera Santa Barbara’s Director of Production Helena Kuukka said.

During their centennial anniversary, the theater is hosting a multitude of performances, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, speaker Yotam Ottolenghi, “Clue” with the American Theatre Guild, and the “Nutcracker” with State Street Ballet, among numerous other productions.

Being such a uniquely flexible venue, the Granada is not only a great physical presence within Santa Barbara but a symbol within the community as well.

As an enduring theater that is central to our town, the theater represents longevity, creativity, and joy.

“It’s just my happy place,” freshman Sloan Brookshire said. “Whenever I’m there, that means I’m performing, and I love to perform.”

Yet, it is certainly not an easy feat to keep a theater running and open for 100 years. It has taken the commitment of the Granada staff, owners, patrons, and Santa Barbara community to keep the theater buzzing and thriving.

Through renovations accomplished

in the late 2000s to improve the theater to repairs completed after the theater flooded in January, the Santa Barbara community members have worked together to ensure the theater’s continued success.

“For a performance venue to be able to sustain and stay relevant, it takes a lot of work. It takes a village. It takes a commitment from the organization to want to do that,” Kuukka said.

As a venue that has hosted such a variety of shows over 100 years, the Granada is an inspiration and a safe space for performers.

It is uniquely positioned in the middle of State Street among restaurants that buzz with activity on show nights, has a history much deeper than simply what has been done in the theater itself, and provides joy to the community through the art of storytelling.

“Live performance is important and telling stories is some of the most important work we do as humans,” Caldwell said.

Celebrating the Granada’s grand anniversary is a milestone we will forever cherish in Santa Barbara history.

The theater has symbolized resilience since its establishment in 1924 and the entire community, young and old, will always know that the Granada is a place to immerse themselves in the arts as they can see the beautiful building from all across town.

“It’s the commerce, it’s the joy,” Yoshimura said. “It brings people into town and it fills them with a moment or a couple of hours of happiness and escape and thought and wonder and joy.”

A CFB RESURGENCE

After decades of disappointment, sanctions, and negative experiences with the tumultuous coaching carousel, classically successful football programs, such as Michigan and the University of Southern California, are enjoying great starts to the season thanks to a variety of factors.

WORDS by DAVIS OHANIAN & MASON SIEGEL GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

C

ollegiate athletes celebrated across the world. They could now be paid for their talents.

On July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), meaning that college athletes could receive compensation from 3rd party sources for their performance or brand.

After decades of not receiving a share of the revenue that goes to the athletes’ respective institutions, many saw this as a necessary change.

“I believe that everyone is entitled to compensation for their work, including their ‘NIL,’” Michigan alum and French Instructor Valerie Yoshimura said. “It was always an arbitrary distinction, it seemed to me, that college kids were excluded, especially given the immense amount of money that top universities earn from their football programs.”

And on this specific date, Michigan, and USC stood far from the peak of their programs.

The Trojans had recently finished the season with a losing record, the first one in over 20 years. But that would soon change with the advent of NIL, the unleashing of money from each respective program, and key personnel changes. thefourthestate.net

“It was amazing to see [Michigan win a national championship.],” Yoshimura said. “The last decade [has] reminded me what Michigan football is about.”

Fresh off of a national championship, the Wolverines are poised for another successful season.

According to various Michigan blogs and Wolverines Wire, the Wolverines have a nearly $10 million NIL budget that will benefit players.

The Trojans have a budget of around $12 million for this season according to Luca Evans of the OC Register.

Dean of Students, USC alum, and an avid fan, Blake Dorfman is optimistic

about USC’s future prospects, but he is a bit disappointed thus far, even as head coach Lincoln Riley is performing much better than his predecessor.

“I am enjoying the start to this year although we don’t quite look like a National Championship contender yet,” Dorfman said.

Despite this, the Trojans embodied the standard of USC football during Dorfman’s tenure as a student.

“Sitting at 4-4, the Trojans are nearing the AP Top 10 after barely missing the college football playoff in 2022.

NIL opportunities aren’t far away for Laguna graduates either.

Senior, football team captain, and recruited athlete, Carson Stewart, is beginning to cautiously explore this space.

“I looked at schools that not only had strong athletic programs but also ones that had good support for NIL deals,” Carson said.”

But there are downsides to this, especially in big-time college football.

“We have student-athletes transferring from one school to another every season for multiple seasons,” Dorfman said. “USC’s star quarterback could end up playing for Notre Dame next year depending on where the paycheck is.”

SPORTS • 41

Recruited Division One athlete junior Zoe Wolf shares her passion about pros and cons of college recruitment in a unique sport.

WORDS by JULES LECLERCQ & ELLA WICKMAN

ZOE WOLF

Athlete of the Issue

Q: What events do you compete in?

A: “I compete in many events, but I like the jumpers the most because they’re timed, so there’s no judging bias behind them. I do it because it’s fun…the jumpers are where you just get to run. I can let all of my style go and just ride based on instinct which, I like.”

Q: Can you give a brief description of each of the divisions?

A: “The hunters are judged off the horse’s style and movement on a scale of 1 to 100. Certain things will hurt or help your score. There are automatic scores you can get based on penalties. It’s the same with the equitation. It’s basically the same layout, except it’s judged on the rider’s style instead of the horse’s style.

Q: How do you balance your riding schedule with school?

A: “I have a program that helps me. It’s called the Upper Echelon. They proctor my tests while I’m away, which is really helpful. Other than that, it’s mostly just direct communication with teachers that helps me.”

Q: What was the college recruitment process like ?

A: “Division One riding is super new, in general. I was told the best way to get noticed is to reach out, so I sent all of my emails to those specific schools. I started getting calls on June 15. The schools have done everything else for me. It was a really, really easy process. When I was done, I kind of just went and picked.”

Q: What don’t people know about horseback riding?

A: The biggest misconception that you hear is that it’s not a real sport. Obviously, it’s not a traditional sport.

Some people think that it’s not a lot of physical exertion. I think it’s more complicated than that. It’s a very specific skill set that you need to hone, which I think is often misperceived. People think the horse does it all, which is true to an extent, but you also have to know how to be around horses, and so much goes into that like training your body, balance, and more.

Q: What does an average horse-show day?

A: “Right now, I show seven horses, so I’m there for usually over 12 hours a day. I have two Grand Prix horses that do the high level right now as well. I mainly do either the high ju- niors or the Grand Prix stuff.

The day gets pretty packed, especially because the jumper classes. Equitation and hunters overlap, so it’s a lot like running from ring to ring.

There also weirdly ends up being kind of a lot of downtime, just where, nothing’s showing.

So while that’s happening, I usually just hang out with the horses or my friends, but I usually just like sitting in one of my horse’s stalls.”

Fall Sports Recap of Success As fall wraps up, our athletes have shown grit, passion, and sportsmanship across football, tennis, girls volleyball, and boys beach volleyball, thrilling us with touchdowns, rallies, and serves. We’re excited to celebrate their standout moments!

WORDS by MASON SIEGEL & LIAM KNEZEVIC PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOTT

This season, our athletes brought their best to the fields, courts, courses, and beaches, showcasing incredible skill and determination. From the hard-hitting action of football to the finesse of tennis, the fierce competition in girls volleyball, the mental grit in golf and cross-country, and the growing excitement around boys beach volleyball. It has been a thrilling ride. Let’s take an inside look with our senior captains and talk about their seasons!

Cheer Squad members put on a cheer to support the football team prior to Girls Volleyball team celebrate in Merovic Gym after winning a set. the Homecoming Game.

Junior Noah Mitev and Sophomore Luke Rice high five each other after The Boys Football carrying flags enter the filed in a team run out for the Homecoming Game on Oct. 19. winning a point in a home beach volleyball game. thefourthestate.net

SPORTS • 43

Athlete Interviews - an Insider View on the Court Take a closer look and get a first-hand view of our impressive fall sport athletes and their successful seasons.

INTERVIEWS by LIAM KNEZEVIC & MASON SIEGEL PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOTT

Chloe Gidney - Girls Volleyball

Caroline Kenny - Girls Tennis

Senior Chloe Gidney dives to save the point.

Senior Caroline Kenny slices a backhand in a home match.

Q: How do you balance your commitments to volleyball and academics?

A: Balancing academics and volleyball can definitely be a challenge, especially during senior year. I try to get as much work done during my free periods. I plan ahead by doing most of my work on days that we don’t have games, so that I don’t feel overwhelmed on game days.

Q: What role does teamwork play in a sport like tennis?

A: Teamwork plays a significant role in a sport like tennis.

Teamwork is important because we need to rely on each other for feedback, motivation, and support. Tennis is a very mentally challenging sport, so having a supportive team environment can help everyone have a positive mindset.

Q: What role do you play on the team, and how do you contribute to the team dynamic?

A: I play outside hitter, and I am one of the senior captains.

I always try and keep a positive mindset and encourage my teammates no matter if it’s at practice or during a game.

Q: What advice would you give to younger players just starting in volleyball?

A: Advice I would give to younger players is to have fun and enjoy the sport! Don’t worry about making mistakes because everyone makes them, learn from them and move on!

I would also say to try and always have a positive mindset!

Q: What are your team’s favorite rituals before and after games?

A: Our team's favorite ritual is to encourage and hype each other before games. After games, we all share an appreciation for someone on the team, reflecting on how our match went. On the car ride home, we always blast music and stop for ice cream, our favorite tradition.

Tyson Deveze - Boys Beach Volleyball Q: How do you and your partner communicate during a game?

A: We communicate in different ways. We have small talk in between plays, use hand signals, and talk about larger strategies during timeouts and at the end of a set. We also get hyped for each other.

Q: What challenges do you face in beach volleyball compared to indoor volleyball?

A: There is a lot more movement involved, and you have to be a much more well rounded player in beach than indoor.

You have to be good at almost every skill there is.

44 • SPORTS

Senior Tyson Deveze lunges for the dig in a home game.

Q:What has been the highlight of your season so far?

A:When I jump set the ball and made the blocker jump with me. Then Liam bounced it. Or beating every public school’s Varsity 1 team. thefourthestate.net

Luz Shubert - Girls Golf

John Dylan Comis - Boys Football

Senior John Dylan (JD) blocks a runner in a home game.

Senior Luz Schubert strikes a drive in a home match.

Q: What has been the highlight of your golf season so far?

How did it shape your confidence as a player?

A: My highlight is definitely us winning a match because we only have three players. It was definitely not expected. I played my best round of the season. It showed me that I can help my team win even if we have such a strong disadvantage.

Q: Golf can be a mentally challenging sport—how do you stay focused and handle pressure during competitive rounds?

A: Golf is so challenging mentally, and the only thing that truly helps me stay focused is preparing properly for a round. I like having my headphones on and giving myself plenty of time to warm up. If I feel relaxed and warmed up properly, I am not usually stressed.

Alex McClintock - Co-Ed Cross-Country

Junior Alex McClintock runs a 5K at a meet in Lompoc. thefourthestate.net

Q: What’s been the highlight of your season so far?

A: The highlight of the season so far has to be when we won our first game [against Union Christian Academy] after being down 24-6 in the first half. The crowd was electric, and it felt like everything came together for the team that night. Everyone was locked in, and we played as one unit, which was an amazing feeling.

Q: How do you think the leadership of your seniors has impacted the team?

A: The seniors this year have been huge for us. They set the tone at practice and really push us to stay disciplined and focused. It’s not just about what they say, but how they carry themselves. They lead by example, and it definitely helped bring the team together.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your football career so far?

A: I’d say my biggest influence is Coach Escobar. He played football too. He’s always been supportive, but also pushes me to be better. Whether it’s giving advice after a game or helping me train in the off-season, he’s always there.

Q:What has been the most challenging part of this season, and how did the team overcome it?

A: The most challenging part of the season so far has been the frequency of injuries. In cross country, it’s a lot of long running which can cause your form to turn bad which then leads to injuries.

Q: As captain, how do you approach leading the team, and what has been your proudest moment as a leader this season?

A: My approach is staying positive and letting everyone know how far they have come. One of my proudest moments has been getting people who didn’t think they were good at running to start being proud of their times and confident in their running.

SPORTS • 45

The Enhanced Games The Enhanced Games are set to debut in 2025 as the first sporting event to celebrate the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

WORDS by OLIVIA DE PONCE ART by DIONNE PETERSON

T

he Enhanced Games is a planned international sports event where the athletes will not be subject to drug testing.

“Drug testing is about fairness, not safety.” Is the first line on the official website of the Enhanced Games.

The event is set to take place in 2025, with big-name billionaires like Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, leading it toward the finish line.

The games will be the first-ever sports event that requires the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Dr Aron Ping D'Souza, the President of the Enhanced Games, said that it will be “the ultimate demonstration of what the human body is capable of.”

According to the official games website, 44% of world-class athletes admit to using PEDs in their careers and that only one percent get caught.

With this in mind, the Enhanced Games can run on the stance of making sports fairer, completely disregarding the health concerns and dangers that PEDs have on the body. However, that might not matter.

While the athletes will be pushed to their limits and injecting their bodies, they are being paid to do so.

All athletes who participate in the Enhanced Games will earn a salary of six figures.

For athletes who break records with the help of “science,” have the potential to earn $1 million dollars.

To some, this dystopian-style event may be amusing. thefourthestate.net

To others, like Matt Steinhaus, Director of Athletics, the event sounds like “the Hunger Games.”

Either way, the effect that it will have on aspiring athletes and the sports world is not going unnoticed.

In collegiate sports, the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) tests athletes for substances year-round.

At the high school level, this is not the case.

“Monitoring the use of performance-enhancing drugs at this level is hard,” Steinhaus said when referring to Laguna’s policies on the use of PEDs.

“The games will be the ultimate demonstration of what the human body is capable of.”

- Dr. Aron Ping D’Souza We have no process by which we test.”

This issue is has reached the Supreme Court. There have been several back and forths as to whether drug testing student-athletes is a direct violation of their Fourth Amendment rights.

The current legislative opinion is that public schools do not violate the Fourth Amendment when drug testing their student-athletes.

As an independent school, Laguna determines its testing policies.

Steinhaus explained that Laguna currently does not have a testing policy, because the students are underage, making it more of a parental responsibility. When students turn 18, “the consent piece changes.”

If events like the Enhanced Games encourage athletes to use PEDs, it will be interesting to see how that affects mainstream professional sports and sports at Laguna.

SPORTS • 47

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller