The Fourth Estate April Issue: In the Line of Fire

A Letter from the Editors

As the new year comes into full swing our staff found itself, once again, in the midst of cultivating our latest issue.

The March Issue is known for having a special place in the hearts of all our senior staff as it marks the first of many lasts. This is the last issue that we get to fully see through. Several of us have been on the magazine staff since our freshman year. Soon our magazine will no longer be ours, but will be passed down to the rising editors whom we trust to carry on the magazine.

It seemed like just yesterday that our classroom was filled with new staff overflowing with feelings of wonder, excitement, and a lot of confusion.

It is safe to say that they have come a long way since that first day. We held their hands through the first issue, but now in the production of the March Issue, we get to see how far they have come.

We have witnessed them master the beast that is InDesign, grasp the ins and outs of AP style, and find their place in our team.

Saying goodbye to The Fourth Estate will hurt our hearts, but knowing that our outstanding staff will be there to fill in the gaps that we leave brings us so much joy.

Until it’s time for us to leave the classroom, we will treasure every moment spent together.

For this issue, the staff reflected back on the first couple of months of 2025 and chose to highlight an array of critical and relevant stories.

After many brainstorming sessions, we chose the theme “In the Line of Fire” in order to honor all those who have struggled in the past months due to natural disasters and newly implemented laws. We present you with our March Issue, full of stories from tariffs and immigration to the effects of grades and coverage of our local film festival.

Best,

• 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 third 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.

PNUT

Meme Coin Madness

coin, DogWifHat coin, Goat coin,

these

absurd names

are

cryptocurrencies

circulating on the blockchain, some of them with trading volumes in the billions. Is this the dawn of a new financial age, or a prelude to a financial crisis?

In the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies, meme coins have emerged as a new obsession, blending internet culture with speculative investment.

Solana, known for its high-speed transactions and low fees, has become a hub for these cryptocurrencies.

However, beneath the surface of rapid gains lies a market racked by instability and the ever-present threat of “rug pulls.”

Solana’s blockchain infrastructure has attracted developers and investors alike, leading to a surge in meme coin creations.

Platforms like Pump.fun have sim plified the process, enabling users to launch tokens with minimal technical expertise and zero cost.

Since its inception in Jan. 2024, Pump.fun has facilitated the creation of over 2.4 million unique tokens, with more being made every second.

The top coin on Pump.fun, Fartcoin, has a market capitalization of nearly 500 million.

WORDS & ART by BENNETT SULLIVAN

then abruptly withdraw all liquidity, leaving investors with worthless assets.

In April 2024, crypto-detective ZachXBT reported that 12 Solana-based meme coins raised over $26 million in pre-sales, only for the projects to be abandoned shortly after.

One viral incident involved a teenager who created the “Gen Z Quant” token. He live-streamed his actions as he sold off his holdings, earning approximately $30,000 before “rug pulling.”

This act drew significant attention and criticism, highlighting the ethical and financial risks inherent in the me-

of meme coins make them particularly susceptible to market manipulation.

The ease of creating and promoting these tokens means that fraudulent schemes are very common, leading to significant financial losses for unsuspecting investors.

Despite the risks, meme coins remain an enticing prospect for many. They are fueled by the promise of exponential gains, viral marketing, and a culture that thrives on unpredictability.

Some investors argue that the chaos is part of the fun—a high-stakes gamble where fortunes are made overnight and lost just as quickly.

Despite this, a staggering 98.5% fail to list on decentralized exchanges.

A significant concern in the memecoin space is the prevalence of “rug pulls.” In these schemes, developers promote a token to inflate its value and

The meme coin market is characterized by extreme volatility. Prices can skyrocket based on social media hype and plummet just as quickly.

For example, the $TRUMP token launched on the Solana blockchain after Trump’s victory in the presidential race, experienced a rapid increase in value, reaching a market cap of nearly $15 billion before crashing and causing losses of around two billion for investors.

It’s important to mention that Trump himself profited millions of dollars from this pump and dump.

People are often enticed by the possibility of quick profits, but the lack of intrinsic value, and the speculative nature

Others see it as a ticking time bomb, an unsustainable bubble that could leave countless investors empty-handed when the next downturn hits.

As more meme coins flood the Solana ecosystem, regulators have begun to take notice. Some experts argue that the rampant volatility and frequent scams are signs of an unregulated market spiraling out of control.

There have been calls for stronger oversight to prevent fraud and protect retail investors, but crypto purists argue that decentralization is the core philosophy of blockchain and regulation would stifle innovation.

The balance between protecting investors and preserving the freewheeling nature of crypto remains an open question.

As Solana meme coins continue to dominate head lines, the broader question remains: Is this a frontier of digital finance, or just another speculative mania waiting to collapse?

Wildfire Prevention

Amidst the LA Fires, which decimated neighborhoods and resulted in billions of dollars in property damage, concern has spread to nearby cities. Is our city prepared?

WORDS by JACK GRUBE PHOTOS by CHRISTINA ATCHISON

The only safe wildfire is the wildfire that never happens. Efforts to reduce or prevent fires include programs like Tag and Trim, weeding and chipping programs, and fire detection networks.

Last year, the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council was awarded a three-year grant to provide free curbside chipping services for residents throughout the south coast of Santa Barbara County to reduce the risk of fires around their homes.

One year later, it removed nearly 700 tons of vegetation—one of many efforts to reduce fire fuel and mitigate risk.

Santa Barbara is unique when compared to other cities because it has a Home-Hardening Assistance Program, a direct incentive for taxpayers to ensure their homes are protected.

“The fire department will reimburse homeowners up to $10,000,” said Maeve Juarez, a Wildland Fire Specialist.

However, prevention extends beyond individual homes. Fire regions are monitored by an extensive fire detection camera network, which offers real-time surveillance of potential threats.

“There are camera networks throughout the state. We have view sheets of the entire district, so anytime there’s any sort of anomalous activity, the cameras will send us an email or a text,” Juarez said.

Another crucial measure for fire prevention is the year-round shaded fuel breaks—strategic areas where vegetation is thinned to slow the spread of fire and create safer zones for firefighting efforts.

“We go in there, and we reduce 50% of the vegetation and maintain that throughout the entire year,” Juarez said.

With these preventative efforts in place, Santa Barbara is exceptionally well prepared.

However, even the best precautions cannot eliminate risk, making emergency response and evacuation readiness just as critical, which is why...

“[When smoke is spotted] you’re going to get five of the closest [fire] engines from the forest service...several hotshot crews, aircraft, and air tankers, Juarez said.

Most wildfires do not make it past this arsenal of fire trucks, planes, and elite units.

The moments leading up to the evacuation phase are the most important.

“The majority of fatalities that happen during wild-land fires are during evacuations,” Juarez said. “So we really prioritize our evacuation routes.”

According to Juarez, the city is in a far better position than Los Angeles in terms of fire preparedness because of the aforementioned efforts.

She reassures residents that the local fire department is both well-funded and well-organized.

Existing fire prevention programs, including shaded fuel breaks and vegetation management, are essential priorities for state and community personnel.

Prepositioning resources, which was recently done in Camarillo, along with the implementation of a new regional dispatch system, means improved emergency response times.

Each resident must take personal precautions: create a defensible space around their home, participate in home-hardening programs, and maintain an emergency evacuation plan with essential items ready to go.

Plan now so you don’t panic later.

The prepositioning of resources, especially fire trucks, is essential when preparing for and combating devastating wildfires.

Defensible spaces, such as the one depicted here, provide a barrier between one’s home and a fire, giving a layer of safety.

Firefighters are equipped with a variety of resources in order to combat fires, but are often placed in terrifying situations.

Defunding Global Health?

Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization raises questions about global health policies and national priorities.

WORDS by ELLA WICKMAN ART by DIONNE PETERSON

Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) sent shockwaves throughout the global health community.

As a leading contributor to the WHO, the U.S. played a crucial role in preventing diseases, vaccination campaigns, and research activities.

The fate of the global health programs is in jeopardy without funding.

“China and other nations looking to establish global dominance and to assert geopolitical influence will likely step in to fill the void,” said AP Environ mental Science Instruc tor Erik Faust.

That shift could mean health priorities more aligned with Chi nese, Russian, or Indian interests rather than the U.S. and its allies.

Backing away from the WHO would make it more challenging to contain outbreaks prior to them hitting American shores.

“Health challenges are not very easily contained,” Faust said. “In the era of modern transportation facilities, there exists a profound requirement for health projects that are advantageous to all people.”

“If global scientists no longer share their data with U.S. collaborators, then the U.S. will effectively be forced to do what the WHO does alone,” Faust said.

The research will be more expensive, and delays in  receiving foreign data could harm the U.S. response to

“The world exists based on power, influence, and culture.”

broader concern over the politiciza tion of science. Some American officials worry that rivals will dominate the work of the WHO.

Without preemptive action, pandemics worldwide can have staggering financial and human costs.

Domestically, the pullback compromises the stream of essential health data.

The WHO offers a focal point of worldwide disease surveillance, where scientists can quickly share information and mobilize a unified response.

“If this is an attempt to gain leverage, it might backfire and result in allies looking to other countries like China,” Faust said.

The repercussions of this decision extend far beyond the walls of research facilities and international public policy.

Aberrations in global health programs could have a domino effect.

- Erik Faust

Reduced vaccination rates, weakened disease monitoring, and limited research collaborations can all have long-term repercussions. Faust warns students that global health decisions are not always black and white, and their complexities are often layered.

“Walking away from systems because you don’t like them 100% of the time lacks maturity,” he said.

“Eighty percent of something is often better than 100% of nothing.”

WHO is imperfect, but its role in global health is essential.

Faust reminds us that science is never just a little bit intertwined with politics: public policy is shaped by both our elected officials and the bureaucracy.

The U.S. cannot presume to be able to make all international institutions conform to its demands.

Instead, participation is what will maintain it at the pinnacle of successful health outcomes and steer the world’s agenda.

This move eliminates the United States’ voice in shaping the future of world health, and hurts the organization’s ability to help those across the world who are in need.

Barbara residents have come together to support their Hispanic community.

WORDS & ART by

SOFIA RAMIREZ

Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump ran on a platform of focusing on the crackdown of illegal immigration, vowing to the American people that he would implement mass deportations after elected.

This, however, is not the first time that Trump has ramped up efforts to deport undocumented workers.

In 2017, arrests made for undocumented individuals rose by approximately 30% as a result of legislation and executive orders.

A significant threat to increase deportations lingers above the country, resulting in undocumented Hispanic communities being thrown into a state of panic and fear, unsure of what the future holds for them.

Throughout all these changes, the Santa Barbara community has come together in order to aid undocumented workers, families, and individuals.

Organizations have called the community to action in order to help Hispanic residents during this fearful time.

Local organization La Casa de La Raza recognizes the financial burden that comes from being scared to step

outside of one’s home, and aided undocumented immigrants by hosting a donation drive.

A local Santa Barbara resident, Irene Reyes, who lives in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, says the fear that this administration has sparked in the community is palpable.

“Now that this new government has been put in place the streets around the Westside has felt emptier, there aren’t people eating out in restaurants because they are scared to be away from their families, because they are scared of deportation,” Reyes said.

Through social media, local organizations have come together to keep tabs on ICE sightings in order to aid undocumented residents.

During a press conference held regarding the presence of ICE in Santa Barbara, Sheriff Bill Brown spoke out about the fear and panic being felt by the Hispanic community.

“And I’ve heard from representatives of the Hispanic community that there’s a lot of rumors that ICE was seen, and vehicles were seen, and everything else…that there were raids and things

nity, retaliated against the county’s relationship with ICE.

In February, the protest took place at the Milpas Street roundabout where hundreds of residents gathered in solidarity for undocumented families and individuals.

Senior Milton Lopez Plascencia attended a local protest that took place on De La Guerra Street.

“It felt very empowering to get my voice out and yell out what needed to be said. It’s nice to see that people also have that support for us that aren’t necessarily people within our community,” Milton said.

In light of recent events the community has also shown its support to the Santa Barbara Latino community through drives put on by local organizations and protests throughout the city.

Despite immigration being a federal issue, there are still many ways in which people in the Santa Barbara community can aid immigrant populations.

“The community can help by showing their support. Even if they’re not a part of the [Latino] community, they can still go to the protest or even if they’re just watching they can show their support, just so we know that we’re being listened to. Just like showing their moral support for the [Latino] community can help a lot,” Milton said.

environment, and the show itself was just hysterical. I had a really great time throughout the show,” junior Amelia Noble said.

“Clue” was also embedded with witty jokes and ridiculous banter that brought laughter at every show. Yet, as the cast knows, this laughter was certainly not contained to the audience alone.

“There are so many stupid, funny moments that we can just sit back and laugh at it, and no one’s taking anything too completely seriously,” said junior Evie Comis. “We all care about the show being good, but there’s no animosity anywhere. We’re all friends.”

Unexpected moments and mess-ups are inevitable in every theater production, but mistakes were plentiful with one as challenging as “Clue.”

“Because it was such a technically complex show, I knew that things would go wrong, and I knew because the show was just funny and ridiculous as it was, any mistake would kind of feel like it was on purpose and just add to that ridiculousness,” Brandon said.

ad-lib to fill in while he was gone.”

From these silly mistakes to Alex’s ripped pants to Eleanor’s incorrect faint to Keanu’s claim that the vacuum was on fire when it was indeed just the steamer, there are so many moments from “Clue” that no one in the production will ever forget.

Through thick and thin, every member of “Clue” showed up to support each other and create a safe and loving community—both in the production process and during the shows.

“Especially in “Clue,” where the char-

“One thing about this cast was that we were still close together but could definitely joke and poke fun at each other, and we had such a strong bond that it was kind of unbreakable,” Brandon said.

Every member of the production was valued and appreciated for contributing to the incredible show. No part was too small, and no amount of effort went unnoticed.

“Everyone contributed to the show in such a meaningful way. I feel like the audience really did feel that — both with people really taking control of their main role or people stepping into several smaller roles. I feel like all of it came together and in a really good way,” Teddy said.

Looking back at the show now that it has come to a close, the cast and crew reflect on why they joined the world of theater in the first place.

Theater builds a magical community that allows freedom of creativity. Having the opportunity to be in enthralling shows like “Clue” leaves every actor never wanting the fun to end.

Every run-through of the show brought new amusing moments. Moments that the cast had never planned for—like the chandelier tugging up and down as it ultimately fell on top of clumsy Mr. Green—made the show more enjoyable for everyone.

“My most memorable moment in a show was probably dropping dead when the gunshot sound effect didn’t go off,” Amelia said. “Or Niccolo’s monocle getting stuck in his hair. Or Alex walking offstage in the middle of the scene when it wasn’t scripted because he had forgotten a prop offstage, so everyone had to

acters are so big, and there are so many big moments that they each have to have, building a community where people really feel like they can go for it and take that chance and really become their character is the most important part, at least on the acting side of putting together a good show,” Teddy said.

The shared understanding of the importance of community was perhaps the most unforgettable part of “Clue” because every member of the production cared for one another as friends and family.

“It was one of the first shows where I was like ‘Wow, I could really just keep doing this.’ It was such a fun show and such a great cast. And Play Production is such a good group, and it’s so tight-knit, and this play was so much fun. There were so many moving parts and so much funny dialogue that I was just like, ‘I could really keep going. I don’t want it to be done yet,’” Evie said.

The ensemble shine their flashlights out at the audience as they desperately look for the murderer during the Scooby-Doo Chase.

The cast join hands and share one last bow after a successful Final Dress Rehearsal.

Teddy and Ada vigorously tug on the revolving door as they struggle to figure it out in the Scooby-Doo Chase.

TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool “Limitless”

After months filled with anticipation, the TEDx team put on the seventh annual TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool event.

PAGE

by JETTE ASHER & DAPHNE SHIEBLER

With speakers from around the world, including some of our own students, the event ignited meaningful conversations that promoted change in our community.

This year’s theme, “Limitless,” embodied the spirit of breaking boundaries, exploring new ideas, and introducing new perspectives, and innovations.

“We picked the theme of ‘Limitless’ because we wanted to embody the spirit of endless possibilities and push beyond perceived horizons.

Each year, we aim to select a theme that allows for a diverse range of speakers and perspectives, and “Limitless” allowed us to do so,” said Chloe Gidney, one of the TEDx team executive producers.

“It gave us the flexibility to feature speakers with groundbreaking ideas and inspiring stories that challenge the norms.

Speakers such as Oneda Castillo, Abe Powell, Ada Green and Elisabeth Robilio shared how persevering and pushing the limits shaped their lives.

Castillo, a global education instructor for women’s golf, shared her experience as being one of the first African American women to achieve professional status.

“I had found my gift and, as usual, and I worked hard to be the best. Now I am the only black female Master Teaching Professional,” Castillo said.

TED talks aim to educate listeners on the lessons the speakers learned in their lives and to motivate the audience to seek change in their community.

Abe Powell started the Bucket Brigade as a response to the Santa Barbara debris flows in 2018.

In his talk, he spoke about the importance of community organization in a time of crisis, emphasizing how small acts of compassion and resilience made

by a collective group of individuals can result in large-scale change.

“With just one percent of us working together, we can do a lot more than just move a mountain. With one percent of the human beings on this planet working together like this it would create a tidal wave of training, restoration and response. And maybe just maybe, this is the wave that could start to turn the tide on climate change,” Powell said.

Ada Green, an actress and Laguna senior, spoke about the process of moving into a new chapter of her life as she prepares to leave for college.

“Now, I’m finally in my moment before, this liminal space between legally becoming an adult and living as one. Between getting into college and going there. It’s a nine-month moment before to learn how to think for myself,” Ada said.

Junior Elisabeth Robilio has studied ballet for 13 years. She spoke about ballet’s role in her life and performed “Prelude” from Les Sylphides.

“Dance has been so important to me from such a young age, and I am so glad I got to share this part of me with my community,” Elisabeth said.

TEDx is a collaborative and student-driven event that allows students to take the lead in organizing, curating, and creating an engaging experience for the audience to enjoy.

“While there are many steps in organizing a TED event, our five teams, Executive Producers, Business/Communications, Curation, Design, and Operations, all put in numerous hours over the period of six months to fulfill their goals,” said senior Executive Producer Jinling Wang.

“From ordering lanyards, booking speakers, organizing catering for 600 people, and turning our school gym into a professional recording studio, these are just some of the tasks we

accomplished for a successful event.”

Having students as the coordinators of this event provides them with valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

The Executive Producers this year are Chloe Gidney, Jinling Wang, Cyanne Blabey and Dania Zamudio. The different teams that contribute to the production are the Curation Team, the Design Team, the Communications Team, the Operations Team, and the Business Development Team.

Each has a specific role. The teams are overseen by faculty guides Michelle Finck, Mayumi Kodani, and Jill Sonbudtasan.

“My responsibilities included overseeing the actual event day and everything that came with that. My team’s jobs consisted of organizing catering, choosing booths, preparing the physical setup, and managing the overall logistics of the event. It was a role that required problem-solving skills, organization, and leadership,” said Operations Lead senior Georgette von Yurt.

TEDx leaves a lasting impact on the audience and the students, giving them a chance to learn, grow, and be inspired by new ideas.

“I would 100% recommend taking the TEDx elective to incoming students as it has helped me grow in so many ways. I have learned skills that I will take to college. One skill in particular is my ability to communicate professionally with outside organizations and partners. I learned how to write professional emails as well as pitching to companies and businesses, further strengthening my public speaking skills and professionalism as a high school student. Being on TEDx has been an amazing experience and a class that will always be one of my favorites!” Chloe said.

PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOTT

The results of an upper school poll reveal the results of our Valentines Day picks.

by DIONNE PETERSON & SOFIA RAMIREZ

PAGE

Breath of Fire

Yoga offers more than just movement—it teaches physical and mental discipline, balance, mindfulness, and the deep connection between body and mind.

COMMENTARY by OLIVIA DE PONCE ART by DIONNE PETERSON

What could possibly be the benefits of being in a 95-degree room for an hour, surrounded by 75 people, humidity blowing at full force, and moving and breathing through it all?

Hot yoga, specifically CorePower Yoga, has taken upper school students by storm. I should know—I teach there.

Every week, I go to yoga after school with my friends. Not only is it one of the highlights of my own day, but my friends’ days too.

Senior Dania Zamudio is a regular at CorePower Yoga and my classes.

“What I love about yoga is that it has become my time to relax and recharge while still being with my friends. Before class I love trying new inversions, cheering each other on, and laughing when we fall,” Dania said. “Yoga has become more than just exercising, it has become a place where we can support each other and make every session more meaningful.”

Practicing yoga is on fire. Every shift I work, I see more and more people my age coming to take a class.

When I was younger, yoga was something my mom tried to make me

do. Now, I willingly teach and take classes multiple times a week.

However, the nature of yoga is more than just a trend. Yoga is not about burning calories, wearing a matching set, or even breaking an intense sweat.

Through my experience of going through a 250-hour yoga teacher training program over the summer, and teaching my classes at CorePower, I have learned that yoga is more than just moving your body in a sweaty room.

In fact, during my teacher training, I spent almost 200 hours reading, writing, and studying the history of yoga, in addition to practicing the postures. I learned that there is so much more to yoga than meets the eye, and so many benefits beyond the physical advantages. Yoga bridges the gap between movement and feelings.

In yoga, you sit with yourself, diving deep into the sensations in your body. You are forced to breathe through the heat, the humidity, and through the postures.

Yoga teaches you to use different breaths to calm or excite your nervous system.

“Before I started practicing yoga consistently I felt as though I had anxieties I didn’t know how to deal with,” said Payton Wilson, CorePower La Cumbre Studio Manager.

Yoga forces you to breathe and lean into the uncomfortable, and different types of breath can be used to do this. Even when teaching, I feel my whole body relax from my breath alone.

The Ujjayi breath is used to build internal heat; the same is true of the breath of fire, which increases alertness in the body. Learning to breathe as a high school student is a crucial skill that sets us up for success in regulating our bodies. Yoga also connects your mind and body.

When it comes to exercise, we often tell our mind to “push, push, push!”

Pushing past discomfort and our bodies’ warning signs.

In yoga, you are encouraged to listen to your body. You put yourself in uncomfortable positions and sit in them, breathing, being gentle with yourself, but listening to how your body responds.

There is no one way a posture is supposed to look,

and students are told to take all and any modifications they may need. Yoga is about you, your needs, and your practice.

Al Silva, a member of the academic services group and yoga instructor at Yoga Soup said his favorite part about yoga is its ability to silence your mind. In yoga you sit with your thoughts, you notice them, and then you release them.

“Not letting the negative thinking or even the positive thinking take over,” is essential to yoga, Silva said.

Yoga has also given Silva a sense of perspective. “I am able to see how reactive I was…I do feel more grounded in terms of my mental and emotional states,” Silva said.

Aside from the Asana, or physical practice, there is a lot that can be learned from yoga’s founding principles. In fact, physical postures are just one part of yoga.

The eight limbs of yoga each describe different aspects of the yoga practice.

In order, there is the Yama (moral discipline), Niyama (observances), Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (absorption or meditation), and Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss).

Dharana, or concentration, is critical. In yoga, you are forced to concentrate, and balance flowing and moving.

“Yoga has allowed me to be better at being uncomfortable. Yoga widens our window of tolerance of what we can accept.”

- Payton Wilson

Yoga also teaches you how to concentrate off the mat.

“In my day-to-day life, I’ve started to be a lot more engaged with the task I am doing,” Wilson said.

By following these eight limbs, a yogi is supposed to reach full enlightenment and self-realization.

The yamas and niyamas are the moral codes of yoga. You take them off your mat and into the community around you.

Yama is often translated from Sankrit as “moral vow,” and the five yamas encourage yogis to act kindly not just to others, but also to themselves.

The five yamas are Ahimsa (non-harming or non-vi-

olence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy or ‘right use of energy’), and Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding).

Niyama is often translated as “observances” and are recommended habits to help the yogi reach enlightenment. The five niyamas are Saucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Isvara Pranidhana (surrender).

Tapas, in particular, is one of the main principles at CorePower. Students take 90+ degree heat classes to force themselves to build discipline and sit in their own discomfort.

“Yoga has allowed me to be better at being uncomfortable. Yoga widens our window of tolerance of what we can accept,” Wilson said.

The yamas and niyamas encourage students to take their yoga off their mat, live their yoga, and share it with others.

There is so much that can be learned from yoga past the physical space on the four corners of the mat.

Yoga teaches us how to feel, breathe, sit through the uncomfortable ground, become the best versions of ourselves, and brings us back to the present moment.

“Practicing, I learned how to experience what was happening in the moment rather than thinking about what was going to happen,” Payton said.

A Constitutional Crisis: Trump’s Executive Orders

Amidst the turmoil of Trump’s second term and the murky waters surrounding the constitutionally of executive orders, it is essential to review the implications.

COMMENTARY by DAVIS OHANIAN GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

An individual who is meant to embody the uncompromising spirit of democracy. An administrative position that is entrusted with the duty of guaranteeing the liberties of the Constitution.

The President of the United States is a highly paradoxical position, one that is supposed to differ greatly from the authoritative powers endowed in the monarchy, but still has to oversee the wealthiest and most militaristically powerful country in the world.

With the advent of Trump’s presidency, debates on the constitutional authority or overreach regarding executive orders are fervent.

Are Trump’s executive orders constitutional? Should a supposedly democratic executive wield so much power? Well, it’s complicated.

All the rage has been with Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). Through an executive order, Trump designated Musk, the world’s richest individual, as a special government employee, which means he can work for 130 days a year.

DOGE has worked under the guise of slashing regulations and wasteful spending in their eyes, and thus far, they have ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, shut down USAID (which provides foreign aid), and in the hopes of saving taxpayers billions.

The group is also aiming to shut down the Department of Education, and return the funding proportionally to the states. Many groups are already in litigation against Musk, especially as DOGE has allegedly accessed Americans’ personal information via the U.S. Department of Treasury. I believe we need to cut spending and regulation, but does it need to be via the richest man in the world at the helm?

People already don’t trust the bureaucracy—slashing spending without the consideration of Congress is appalling. Why should a non-cabinet department have so much authority? The Supreme Court is likely to rule on whether the creation of DOGE is constitutional, but before it does, the agency will continue to face lawsuits.

Trump, with the help of Musk, has recently extended a severance package to nearly two million federal employees giving them pay through September if they choose to resign; nearly 70,000 employees have already taken the offer.

Now the purview of the government, in my view, is still too extensive, and I appreciate Trump for drafting such a generous severance package, especially since most packages in the corporate world don't exceed a month.

But, some employees who don’t take this offer will likely be laid off mere months into the future—the administration is trying to cut 10% of the federal workforce. These cuts will certainly impede the function of government, and citizens will be affected in a variety of ways. This is similar to a program that Musk initiated when he bought Twitter in 2022: I’m worried, and I think a lot of the nation is, about Musk’s overreach.

It’s impossible to ignore the fact that the executive office is given the authority to create executive orders, and it’s another thing to take a unilateral ideological stance on all of Trump’s numerous executive orders. I believe that if there’s any question over the legality of an order, especially if there’s no legal precedence, it shall not be instituted.

Trump’s hundreds of executive orders over the first months of his presidency serve as a chilling warning for what might happen if we don’t have an independent legislature and judiciary to check the executive's power.

Tick Tock for TikTok Tick Tock for TikTok Tick Tock for TikTok

The ban that lasted for just 14 hours spread panic through our nation. But could a longer ban have actually helped us all?

WORDS & GRAPHICS by LILLY TRAUTWEIN

On Jan. 19, TikTok, the wildly popular short-form video app, was banned nationwide. This ban occurred because of a law passed in 2024 by a bipartisan majority in Congress. It was agreed that TikTok was unconstitutionally gathering users’ data and negatively influencing their habits and minds.

However, the app was quickly available again and 14 hours later, almost 170 million screens displayed the message: “Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.! You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok.”

This lift was met with mixed reactions; some were grateful to have the app back, while others wished its ban had lasted longer.

“I was actually excited for the ban,” senior Ada Ray said. “I had a strong love-hate relationship with TikTok. I know that a lot of people really like TikTok, and it is a really big part of our generation as a whole. But, at the same time, I’ve noticed that my screen time has gone down so much since deleting TikTok. I feel like I’m living my life more, and I’m not just on my phone all the time. I think that my friends and I, and honestly everyone in our generation, could benefit from that a little bit.”

For some users, TikTok’s sudden inaccessibility drew attention to their dependence on the app.

“I [used to] fill every moment of my day with TikTok. The moments I was by myself, I’d watch it. But this ban has forced me to acknowledge nature, or read a book, or socialize, so it’s made me open up as a person rather than iso-

late me,” junior Dakota Risley said. History instructor Daisy Altamirano agreed that the absence of TikTok allowed more time for hobbies.

“My screen time went down by almost 60%. And I feel like I’ve had more time to do other things. I started read-

a positive platform when used in moderation.

“If you’re on there for a long time, it can definitely affect your mental health negatively. But, it really depends on the side of TikTok that you’re on. There are really funny and positive sides of TikTok, too, that can really boost your mood, which is why I like the app. It’s a moment of relaxation in the day when you just need a break to laugh,” freshman Anya Taylor said.

Almost immediately after the ban’s lift, people quickly fell back into their old habits without questioning the potential benefits of reducing their online activity.

To navigate a world still heavily reliant on social media, School Counselor Kim Valentine recommends that students ask themselves how they feel after spending time on an app.

“Some advice would be for kids to ask themselves the question, ‘After I’m on this, do I get energized or excited about something?’” Valentine said.

Though there are ways to use the app in moderation, it can still be tempting to slip into the ease and routine of scrolling mindlessly through TikTok.

With its seemingly endless amount of content, an algorithm designed to suck its users in, and its incredible ability to spark global phenomena, TikTok can feel impossible to escape from.

ing again, which has been nice,” Altamirano said.

However, others feel that TikTok is

Consequently, a nationwide ban could help everyone do just that. Without the fear of missing out on a viral video, not understanding the latest reference, or wearing clothes that are not trending, everybody could collectively curb their reliance on TikTok.

editorial stance of the staff

Our nation is under fire in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Twenty-nine people have died across the Los Angeles area after destructive wildfires erupted on Jan. 7.

The fires displaced over 200,000 people and devastated entire communities.

People lost their homes, businesses, and their schools. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed by fire. Our hearts remain heavy with empathy for the victims of the fires and our community.

The tragedy was a painful reminder of the disastrous Santa Barbara Thomas Fire in 2017. But amid the havoc and destruction, something else emerged: tenacity.

People came together to rebuild, demonstrating an extraordinary truth—when faced with the choice between defeat and determination, resilience prevails.

As our Santa Barbara community watched our neighbors endure hardships we knew all too well, we rose in support. Laguna families rallied to aid Los Angeles residents, contributing to the drive organized by our Community Service Club.

We witnessed freshman Ryan Andrews use his platform to amplify wildfire awareness on national television.

Meanwhile, political turmoil continues to intensify. With a new president in office,

sweeping policy changes in immigration, the environment, and healthcare are reshaping the nation.

While some may be short-term measures, certain executive orders feel like veiled threats to the American public.

Our nation is increasingly divided. Polarization deepens the lines between groups, and as a generation coming of age in an era of uncertainty and bureaucratic turbulence, we grapple with anxiety about the future.

How far can our once-united democratic values be tested before they crumble?

As we discussed in our November issue, change is inevitable. Yet, with change, more communities find themselves vulnerable. We struggle with the impact of grades on learning, while artists contend with the rise of AI-generated art.

Even as the foundation beneath us shifts, we remain steadfast in supporting our neighbors—Los Angeles residents recovering from the fires, marginalized communities facing targeted policies, and all those affected by new legislation.

In the face of adversity, we take it one step at a time. The phrase “in the line of fire” describes standing amidst conflict and challenge. Looking at the world today, it feels as though we are right there—tested in our grit, perseverance, and resilience.

Democracy Under Fire

President Donald Trump pushes the limits of his executive power, but blue states

Grade A Pressure:

The Pursuit of Learning, Not Letters

In a world fixated on academic success, students chase high GPAs, often at the

significant issue that originates from our academic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation, also known as motivational orientation, refers to motivation that is “self-drive in a positive way,” where a student’s primary focus is on their intrinsic desire to learn, whereas extrinsic motivation depends entirely on external factors, such as praise or specifically our grades, to drive the learning process.

If our emphasis lies in extrinsic motivation, often burnout and an overwhelming obsession over grades, develop that can affect our motivation for learning and how we interpret grades in relation to ourselves.

Within this fixated mindset, students often label themselves as either “A” students, “B” students, or “C” students, which can emanate discontentment when they get failing grades, hindering not only their motivation actually to understand the content but also the beauty of learning.

When the focal points of conversation are built on “That class is a guaranteed A” or “Avoid that class because it will tank your GPA,” the fixation on grades leaves no room for the real purpose of school–learning.

Although it is not possible to downplay the importance of our grades, which floats in the ether, knowledge is where the real power lies.

Instead of pining for grades that are reliant on our performances on certain tasks such as assignments, assessments, and projects, they do not fully reflect the extent of our understanding outside the context of the classroom.

While grades matter at the moment, knowledge is useful beyond the scope of a test and instead can continuously be built on and serve us for the rest of our lives no matter the profession.

Instead of memorizing mundane equations or niche vocabulary words for an exam, spending the time to understand the material and asking “why” is valuable in real-world settings when an interviewer does not have your transcript in hand.

“The classroom experience and our teachers promote understanding, but

I think the grading system intrinsically only encourages memorization. Often times I feel like I am studying just to get through a test, and after that test is over and that stress is gone, so is that content.”

By the same token, when we only study for grades, every subject can feel like a chore that stifles our own intellectual curiosity, like robotically ticking the boxes of requirements we need to graduate.

However, when we focus on knowledge and learning and take classes we find enjoyable, we can discover diverse interests that excite us and utilize these skills in the future.

“There is so much pressure to be ‘perfect’ so that you can get into the ‘perfect’ school that at times, I lost track of why I really love to learn.”

-Evie Comis

In prioritizing learning for the sake of knowledge, we can discover new passions and classes instead of just burdening ourselves with striving for that “A.”

Grades, which serve as a snapshot of our understanding, do not fully capture the ongoing growth we experience through learning.

While achieving good

grades may coincide with knowing the material, learning itself is a lifelong habit that is cultivated well beyond high school and college.

If we focus on understanding rather

than just grades, we can build a mindset that promotes ongoing growth rather than letting bad grades dissuade us from wanting to learn further by challenging ourselves.

In a culture where failing can equate to weakness and grades are stringent, learning is valuable when building resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance–skills that are integral in the future and mirror the real world.

When we detach our self-worth to a grade in the corner of a piece of paper, we can expose ourselves to the joy of learning that is not determined by categorizing our intelligence by failure or success.

So, how can we shift our mindset to foster intrinsic motivation rather than relying on extrinsic rewards?

First, setting up meaningful goals that resonate and align with our passions makes learning more meaningful.

Rather than just achieving a grade, if we set up bit-size goals, we can pursue mastery while learning instead of solely focusing on the outcome.

While getting good grades might seem like the end-all-be-all at the moment, it should not define our academic journey; instead, we should turn it into a tool that can guide our curiosity and love for learning.

Students continue to endure long hours of studying from dusk till dawn, buried under piles of homework.

“At the core, I really love to learn and try to put a greater emphasis on understanding the material,” Comis said.

“However, I am at the stage in my high school career where I have to start thinking seriously about what I do to get into college, meaning that my grades have become extremely important.

There is so much pressure to be “perfect” so that you can get into the “perfect” school that at times I lose track of why I really love to learn,” Comis said.

So, the next time you want to learn about, non-Newtonian fluids, the Dancing Plague of 1518, or the Fermi Paradox, stop and smell the flowers.

The Politics of Prayers

Religion plays a significant role in American politics, shaping elections, policies, and public perception of candidates. Whether it is changing the forefront of education or influencing your vote, religion has been prominent in election season.

In the 1960 presidential election, a poll found that nearly one in four Americans said they would not vote for a Catholic candidate—a prominent point in John F. Kennedy’s election.

“For JFK, it was a big deal to some that he was Catholic because people thought that the pope might control the presidency,” said World History instructor Kevin Shertzer.

While religious affiliation may not seem as controversial today, it continues to shape voter perceptions and political debates in unexpected ways.

Despite initial concerns, Kennedy’s presidency proved that a Catholic leader could govern independently, shifting public perception over time.

Religious controversy manifests differently in the 21st century.

While Joe Biden’s Catholic faith was discussed during election season, it was much less controversial than Kennedy’s.

The concern over religious loyalty remains, with voters questioning whether a candidate’s faith dictates their policy decisions.

“For Americans who are devoted to both their faith and their country, navigating their loyalties becomes complex, especially when the two come into competition with each other,” Shertzer said.

And while many Americans turn to their faith for non-political answers, it often in-

WORDS & ART by ELLA WICKMAN

fluences their opinions and thoughts on politics. This notion that religion defines morality has long been a factor in elections.

During the 1800 election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, people were worried because Jefferson was labeled an atheist; many thought that his leadership would result in societal chaos.

“One of the ads said if you elect Jefferson, people will be eating toads and frogs in the street,” Shertzer said.

The implication was that a leader without strong religious convictions

would lead to moral decay.

Despite the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, religious beliefs often shape voters’ decisions.

Many Americans associate religious faith with moral integrity, making it a key factor in candidate selection.

For some, a candidate’s religious identity reassures them of their ethical standing and decision-making ability.

Others, however, see it as a potential conflict, questioning whether religious beliefs might overrule constitutional duties.

The First Amendment of the United States mandates the separation of church and state. However, the country was founded with influence from religious traditions and has long served as a refuge for diverse faiths worldwide.

Religious rhetoric has also played a significant role in major political movements.

For example, the Civil Rights Movement was deeply connected to religious leadership, with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. drawing on Christian teachings to advocate for racial equality.

This rhetoric was also evident in Donald Trump’s prior presidency.

Although his personal religiosity was debated, he lever-

ISanta Barbara International Film Festival

WORDS by ADA GREEN PHOTOS by STAFF

n its fortieth year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) showed over two hundred films, bringing together filmmakers and cinephiles from all over the world to downtown Santa Barbara.

This year, the festival expanded to last 12 days this year and awarded individual artists in addition to celebrating their films.   Honorees at the Writers Panel and Variety Artisans Award on Feb. 8 shared about the creative process—idea through execution—of their 2024 films.

2024 saw landmark experimentation in film as an art form, including the cinematography design of “Nickel Boys.”

“Nickel Boys”—a Best Picture nominee—follows two African American boys at an abusive reform school in Florida during the Jim Crow era. While there is no on-screen graphic violence, the subject matter is intense, and the filmmakers devised a way to pull audiences closer to the characters.

“We really had to figure out a different way to figure out cause and effect and to deal with the twist of the film…we [decided] on a sentient camera,” said writer Joslyn Barnes.

This “sentient camera” physically alternates the point of view between characters throughout the film.

“I think that it creates an intimacy,” “Nickel Boys” cinematographer Jomo Fray told The Fourth Estate. “Traditionally, in cinema, you’re in the experience of watching something happen to someone else. I think because of the perspective, ideally, it has a moment where because you’re not seeing it happen to someone else, you ask yourself the question, ‘Well, what would I feel if this happened to me?’”

The 2025 Best Picture nominees also emphasized music more than in other years. The 10 nominees include two movie

musicals—“Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked”—and the Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.”

The creative team behind “A Complete Unknown” strove to honor Dylan’s music, and one way of doing that was by having the actors sing the songs live throughout the film.

“I think this movie would be an entirely different movie if it would have gone to lip-syncing. You would never have had that feeling of being alive inside of it,” said “A Complete Unknown” sound engineer Tod Maitland.

Actor Timothée Chalamet received the first-ever Arlington Artist of the Year Award on Feb. 11 for his portrayal of Dylan.

“The respect and passion I feel for Bob Dylan and his music was so great that it took me out of myself,” Chalamet said. “Without disrespecting my other performances and stuff that is to come, this was a lifetime’s work.”

The Virtuosos Award on Feb. 9 honored eight “up and coming” actors who had breakout performances this year: Monica Barbara (“A Complete Unknown”), Selena Gomez (“Emilia Pérez”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”), Mikey Madison (“Anora”), John Magaro (“September 5”), Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”), and Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”).

Grande earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Wicked.” She shared that for her, the highest honor was fulfilling her childhood dream of playing Galinda.

“Galinda is a comedic role, and she’s full of light and it seems fluffy at times, but that comedy can’t land without there being a person with a real human heartbeat beneath the surface,” Grande said. “It’s such a gift to be able to play a character that has so much nuance.”

THE SPECTRUM OF MASCULINITY

WORDS by GUEST WRITER PEYTON GIMBEL GRAPHICS by DIONNE PETERSON

What does it mean to be a man? For generations, Hollywood has painted a particular picture of men. They must be tough, emotionless, and stoic. But masculinity isn’t as simple as that.

The societal definition of masculinity is constantly evolving. One easily observable way to track that evolution is on the big screen.

Throughout the decades, to be seen as a man, one had to conform to typical masculine roles and exhibit so-called “masculine traits.”

You’re a man if you’re tough. You’re a man if you’re self-reliant. You’re a man if you’re smart. You’re a man if you’re “masculine.”

In the modern age, the so-called “masculine man” has been split open and dissected under the microscope, and what the industry found is that masculinity is a spectrum just like fingerprints; masculinity is unique to each individual person.

Through a new era of film, which I refer to in my research as “Realistic Cinema,” this vulnerability is embraced and given a platform to shine.

In prominent genres such as thrillers, westerns, and action films, male protagonists exhibit a tough exterior—a stereotypical kind of masculinity.

So, to ensure men find a space in society, it is essential that films also have male leads that show vulnerability and emotion—very real traits that tell us what it is to be a real man and more than that—to be a real human being.

These overlooked facets of masculinity are spotlighted through films like “Stand by Me,” “Call Me by Your Name,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Beautiful Boy,” “Power of the Dog,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Banshees of Inishirin,” and “Dead Poets Society.”

These films illustrate how men grieve, grow, and exist from day-to-day through themes of education, death, addiction, friendship, and identity.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview actor Colman Domingo at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).

“To be tender or have vulnerability, that for some reason, that’s not being a man.”

- Coleman Domingo

They are often ripped, unbeatable, and stoic in their emotions. Think “Fight Club”—Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. Think “Die Hard”—Bruce Willis. Think “The Godfather,” “Gladiator,” “Batman, “James Bond,”and “No Country for Old Men.” All of these aforementioned films depict a very socially accepted version of masculinity.

Films like these are undeniable classics and very entertaining to watch. I enjoy films such as these, but that is not the issue.

The issue comes from the fact that this depiction of masculinity is often the only one seen in mainstream media. Although we can all enjoy watching a movie like “Star Wars” or “Indiana Jones,” other key aspects of masculinity need to be expressed to younger generations.

For many young men, film characters can become role models and figures that they measure themselves against.

Domingo was honored for his 2023 film “Sing Sing,” where he plays Divine G, a character who serves time for a crime he didn’t commit.

Through theater, Divine G and his fellow inmates foster a sense of community and learn to cope with the hardships of prison life.

As an actor who has crafted characters that showcase vulnerable masculinity, Domingo has a unique perspective to offer on this topic.

I asked Domingo why did he think that it is important for the audience to see, vulnerability in men, not just stoicism? He said, “Because I just believe that because it’s […] a practice that men are not taught. To be tender or have vulnerability, and that for some reason, that’s not being a man. And actually, we need all of that to be a human being, and be great partners and teachers and lovers and all that stuff.”

Colman Domingo has taken on many roles that require visibility of the vulnerable side of his characters, in “Rustin” (2023) as Bayard Rustin, an overlooked civil rights activist, and in “Sing, Sing” (2023) the film he was honored for this year, as Divine G.

“So for me, it was just like, the more work that I can do is to show the levels of masculinity and breakdown tropes of toxic masculinity. I’m doing a service to the world,” Domingo said.

To further my research, I interviewed Comparative

Religion instructor Al Silva. When asked the same question about the importance of showing vulnerability in men, he said, “Masculinity, like just about any human characteristic, is always way more complex than it appears on the surface.”

He continued, “I think it’s vital for everybody, not just for young folks. [...] We don’t just have one simple idea of what it is.”

Silva’s perspective aligns with Domingo’s view, showing how crucial it is for both younger and older generations to witness a range of male characters that reflect the diversity of masculinity.

Traditional masculinity often emphasizes toughness, stoicism, and dominance, but the question remains: Is Hollywood doing enough to evolve these portrayals?

There is no simple answer. Silva explained, “I think it’s both ends, and I think it always will be... Don’t discount something just because it’s been historically associated with toxic forms of masculinity.”

To evolve these portrayals, we must avoid a binary approach. While it’s essential to challenge harmful stereotypes, it’s equally important to acknowledge the complexity

of these traits for many men.

“If the point is to connect with as many men [as possible]... then it always and forever has to be a balanced approach,” Silva said.

It’s clear that evolving the portrayal of masculinity requires nuance—acknowledging both the traditional traits and the vulnerability that has so far gone unnoticed.

The portrayal of masculinity in film is evolving, and it’s essential for all generations to see a more nuanced representation of men that goes beyond traditional stereotypes of toughness and stoicism.

Through the exploration of films that showcase vulnerability, emotion, and the complexities of male identity, audiences will begin to see how masculinity is a spectrum and that diverse portrayals are essential for redefining what it means to be a man in contemporary society.

By breaking down toxic masculinity and providing role models that reflect a broader, more human experience of masculinity, society can begin to see how masculinity is much more complex than traditionally depicted.

The Cute Gamble

The blind box marketing strategy is simple, like a gamble: you don’t know what you’ll get—so you’ll keep buying more.

WORDS by HALI WIGHT GRAPHICS by SONNY ANGELS

Imagine the thrill of opening a mystery package and not knowing what’s inside until the big reveal. That’s the allure of surprise boxes— sealed treasures that hide a surprise figure or item, making each purchase a game of chance.

The allure of surprise boxes lies in their mystery—sealed packages hiding a random figure or item, turning each purchase into a game of chance.

“I enjoy the surprise factor of blind boxes. Not knowing what I’m getting is exciting because there’s always a chance of getting something outstanding,” freshman Lulu Simpson said.

This uncertainty fuels excitement. Opening a surprise box triggers a rush of dopamine, making the experience addictive. Whether the surprise is satisfying or disappointing, the mystery keeps people coming back for more.

“Blind boxes reinforce the behavior of wanting to repurchase them,” SRP Coordinator and Science Instructor Meghan Roarty said.

get the limited edition or secret figure because they’re usually way cuter than the normal ones,” Lulu said.

The feeling of getting a rare figure is like winning the lottery. Take Sonny Angel figures, for example—small angelic characters with themed hats, ranging from bunny ears to holiday designs.

Some boxes offer an ultra-rare figure known as a Robby, with odds of just 1 in 144.

This rarity attracts resellers, who sell Robbies for nine or ten times their original price, sometimes reaching $90 to $100. Seeing these figures sell for such high prices encourages consumers to keep buying, even if they don’t get what they want.

they’re more inclined to get another. This is partly due to the “gacha effect,” a phenomenon similar to gambling, where people believe that with just one more try, they’ll get what they want. The idea that persistence will eventually lead to success keeps buyers hooked.

While surprise boxes and gambling are not identical, they share the thrill of uncertainty.

With blind boxes, buyers are ensured an item, whereas gambling

“The rarity of a blind box plays a role in the reinforcement schedule. If you get a rare figure, that reward reinforces the behavior—just like with any action that leads to a positive outcome, you’re more likely to do it again,” Roarty said.

Once someone buys a surprise box,

Toy companies capitalize on this excitement by releasing limited-edition figures that are much rarer than the regular ones. These exclusive designs are often more unique and appealing, driving collectors to keep buying in hopes of scoring one. Most of the time, these limited editions are only available through blind boxes, making them even harder to obtain—and encourag ing buyers to spend more money.

“Gambling is a lot bigger than blind boxes. With gambling, it’s actual monetary wins and losses, but with surprise boxes, you know you’ll get something. Still, there’s a connection—blind boxes encourage the same repetitive behavior,” Roarty said.

The growing popularity of blind boxes reflects their impact on consumer habits. In 2023, the global market was valued at $16.96 billion and is projected to reach $38.4 billion by 2031— more than doubling in less than a decade.

“When I open a blind box, I hope to

“I see some similarities between blind boxes and gambling. I think people get drawn in and obsessed with the feeling of opening them,” Lulu said.

Although blind boxes and gambling aren’t entirely the same, their appeal is rooted in the same concept: the excitement of the unknown.

Categorize these 16 words into four secret groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. Good luck!

PAGE by DIONNE PETERSON

FRICTION

HYDROGEN, OXYGEN, HELIUM, NITROGEN

ELEMENTS (GASES)

IGNITE, QUENCH, FREEZE, BOIL

ACTIONS (RELATED TO TEMPERATURE)

FRICTION, TENSION, NORMAL, GRAVITATIONAL

TYPES OF FORCES

QUARTZ, DIAMOND, GRAPHITE, SAPPHIRE

TYPES OF CRYSTALS (MINERALS)

PAGE by DIONNE PETERSON & SOFIA RAMIREZ

Jellycats

Jellycats are all the rage on social media. This furry friend can be used to help you sleep or just as cute room decor!

Aēsop Hand Balm

Want to capture spring in a bottle? With its botanical essences and citrus undertones, Aēsop hand balm is a spring must-have.

Colorful China

To add a spring flourish to a dining table, invest in some china with colorful floral designs that can elevate your table.

Rhode Pocket Blush

A pink blush is a great way to add a subtle dash of color for a rosy look. Rhode’s new Pocket Blushes give off a soft glow that can enhance your natural flush.

Vintage Watches

A vintage watch is a timeless piece that can add an understated touch to any look. Paired with a colorful wristband, it adds a vibrant element to a minimal spring outfit.

Fear and Fascination

Why are we so intrigued by crime mystery stories? Let’s investigate the motives behind this obsession.

WORDS & GRAPHICS by

NATALIE SCHWEITZER

Murder... the opening scene of most mystery dramas paints a picture of the horrible crime that sets the whole story in motion. Right from the beginning— the first page of the novel, minute of the podcast, or clip of the movie—the viewer or listener is on the edge of their seat wondering WHO did this? WHY did they do this? And HOW did this happened?

“The mystery of the stories is what initially gets me hooked,” said true crime podcast listener senior Monica Paredes Villegas. “I am trying to figure out who the murderer is, and then, boom, I get new information that leads the investigation in a new direction. It’s about wondering who it is that’s truly behind this whole thing.”

While the shock, the fear, and the adrenaline of seeing, reading, or hearing about crimes is terrifying, the drama of it all is simultaneously intriguing.

Crime mystery stories deal with violent and often disturbing crimes that one would expect the audience to feel fearful of and completely repelled by, yet we can’t stop watching, listening,or reading.

CASEFILE 1: Exploring the Unkown

We are drawn to and fascinated by occurrences that are out of the ordinary. Like slowing down on the freeway to take a look at a car crash, learning about murder mysteries is captivating because it is unusual, unexpected, and shocking.

“The surprise of the situation, and the fact that these things don’t happen very often or to you, make it intriguing. You’re very curious about a certain situation even if you have no connection to it because you really just want to know the details,” senior Cyanne Blabey said.

“It is terrifying because it’s unknown to us, and because it is unknown, we are curious. ”

Evolutionary psychology provides some insight into the reason behind human attraction to learning about what we don’t know or don’t understand: it is not despite of, but rather because of, our fears.

- Dakota Risley

What we are afraid of drives us to learn more information in order to better equip ourselves for handling dangerous situations.

If you can learn about the motivations, the strategies, and the mental inner workings of a killer, then you can better protect yourself from that criminal.

While instinctively, maybe subconsciously, we want to learn more about murder to protect ourselves from it, the average viewer or reader is not taking notes while they watch their TV show or flip to the next chapter because, while what they learn about is terrifying, there is comfort in the environment they are in.

“Because I am at my home watching a scary movie, I am able to experience those feelings of fear and curiosity but not feel threatened,” Dakota said.

Crime mystery stories, whether in the form of a book, movie, television show, or podcast, are presented in a way that makes the viewer feel invested in the story but distanced from the crime itself.

This content allows you to simultaneously feel fear, a rush of adrenaline, and a little sweat on your palms while lounging on the couch, comfortable with the notion that your fate will not be that of John Doe.

CASEFILE 2: Anyone can be Sherlock Holmes

Why are we obsessed with learning about one of our greatest fears (death!!), and what aspects of crime dramas make the stories so appealing despite their horrifying content?

Let’s look at the evidence:

Junior Dakota Risley is an avid watcher of horror movies and studied the appeal of horror movies for a Humanities Research project. “[Horror content] is terrifying because it’s unknown to us, and because it is unknown, we are curious. Humans are naturally curious because exploration of the unknown and of potential danger helps to learn in order to survive in this world,” Dakota said.

Though the quintessential investigator may come to mind as a man with a spectacle and trench coat, you do not need a British accent or a giant magnifying glass to solve a mystery. Crime dramas are so entertaining because the viewer is invested in solving the murder right alongside the investigator.

“I am with the investigator, in the same place, thinking the same thing. We’re kind of going through the mystery together,” Monica said.

This genre gets the viewer to hypoth-

Athlete of the Issue: Kevin Lu

“From new student to student council member and golf superstar, freshman Kevin Lu shares his experience balancing sports across different countries while adjusting to life at Laguna Blanca.”

WORDS by JULES LECLERCQ & PHOTO by KEVIN LU

Q: Where and when did you start playing golf?

A: I started playing golf in China when I was 10 years old, because we lived right next to a golf course, and I had family that already played.

Q: How do you compare golf in the United States to other places you have played around the world?

A: I would say the golf environment in United States is MUCH better than China, since there are more people who play golf, and it is a relatively cheaper sport in United States while it is very expensive in China.

Q: Why did you choose Laguna Blanca as your school when you decided to move to the U.S.?

A: I had a tour visit before I chose to study here, through the tour, I felt that Laguna Blanca is better than any other school that I have applied for, since it offers a interactive learning environment

Q: What is your favorite golfing memory?

A: My best golfing memory would be the first time I won a tournament few years ago. I put my whole summer in practicing golf as my leisure activity. This was the first time that I had the actual rewarding feeling of you get what you put in.

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

A: It’s not super difficult for me to manage, but I just make sure to focus on my schoolwork when I am home and get it done as fast as possible.

Q: What is your favorite golf snack?

A: I barely eat snacks when I golf, but if I have to say one, I would say granola bars.

Q: What is your favorite golf course you’ve played?

A: Songshi Golf Club in Hebei Province in China, I haven’t played enough in the United States to find a favorite course here yet.

Q: How do you prepare for competitive golf?

A: I go play at the course a day prior to the actual tournament day, then I would be able to know the course a little bit, and play better in the next day.

Q: What is your favorite golf club?

A: I would say my putter, spider series by Taylormade.

Q: What are your goals for golf as you continue through high school?

A: My goal is to qualify for CIF before senior year and try to win our [Tri-Valley League].

The Super Bowl: More Than a Game

After the Super Bowl, football fans and athletes reflect on the Eagles’ dominance, and discuss the cultural implications and entertainment brought about by multi-million dollar commercials and a halftime show starring Kendrick Lamar.

WORDS by DAVIS OHANIAN & MASON SIEGEL GRAPHIC by DIONNE PETERSON

Feb.9. A storied sport, a game intertwined in the very cultural fabric of the United States of America. After an ultra-competitive regular season, the stage was set for Super Bowl LIX (59) between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, two storied franchises that originally faced off in 2023 for Super Bowl LVIII.

Winning 38-35, Led by the tandem of Patrick Mahomes and an elite offensive line, the Chiefs feature an efficient offense that has only gotten better over the course of the season, especially with the emergence of star rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

On the defensive side, with star defensive lineman Chris Jones and young cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs only allowed 30 points in one regular season game, constituting them as one of the statistically best defenses in the NFL. On the other side of the field, led by veteran quarterback Jalen Hurts and star-studded running back Saquon Barkley, the Eagles feature one of the most prolific offenses in the league.

And with a variety of young defensive stars, from linebacker Zack Baun to defensive lineman Jalen Carter, the Eagles ranked first in passing yards allowed per game.

In a matchup with two dynastic powers, the public had high expectations. But from start to finish, the Eagles absolutely dominated on both sides of the ball, not letting the Chiefs score until the very end of the third quarter.

“The two most impactful players on the Eagles’ defense were Cooper DeJean and Josh Sweat,” junior football player Carter Plowman said. “DeJean played a huge role as a pass defender, and his pick 6 in the second quarter was crucial in shutting down any chance of the Chiefs building momentum before halftime.”

Vic Fangio, the Eagles defensive coordinator, also took advantage of his team’s prominent defensive line, as the team brought Mahomes to the ground seven times without calling a single blitz.

“On the defensive line, Sweat and the Eagles’ front dominated the Chiefs’ offensive line all night,” Carter said. “Sweat led the way with 2.5 sacks and 6 tackles, constantly pressuring Mahomes and disrupting the Chiefs’ rhythm.”

On the offensive side of the ball, Jalen Hurts played one of the best games of his career, winning the game’s MVP award. With nearly 300 total yards and three touchdowns, the veteran quarterback was effective in both the passing and rushing games.

However, the Chiefs did an excellent job at containing

star running back Saquon Barkley.

nitely focused too much on stopping Saquon, underesti mating Jalen Hurts ability to throw and run the ball,” Eagles fan and soccer player Baylor Wil son ‘26 said.

the year, has been the focal point of the Eagles’ offense throughout the entirety of the season, averaging nearly six yards per carry.

three, but the rest of the offense, especially with All-Pro A.J. Brown, was too much for the Chiefs to handle.

performances were instrumental in securing the Eagles’ victory,” Carter said.

of the game, with the blazing speed of wide receiver Xavier Worthy and the poise of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs scored three touchdowns in 16 minutes, but they couldn’t overcome the overwhelm ing deficit, losing 22-40.

Eagles cemented them selves in NFL History. ball in all three phases and proved to be the better team from start to finish. With such a young and talented roster, there’s a chance the Eagles could achieve dynastic status.

like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” said Eagles fan and math department chair Erik Faust. “You could walk down the street anywhere and begin chanting the Eagles Fight song, and people would begin to chime in and sing with you. It would mean a lot to the people in Philly to have a dynasty for a bit, especially after having gone so long without a Super Bowl win.”

But when a team is struggling, the fans who stick along for the ride show how much they truly care.

“Loving a team that struggles in a weird way is one of

“It would mean a lot to the people in Philly to have a dynasty for a bit, especially after having gone so long without a Super Bowl win.” -Eagles fan Erik Faust

was definitely Mountain Dew’s “Kiss From A Lime” featuring SEAL and Becky G. SEAL as a seal was definitely unique. I can’t say I’ve seen anything like it before,” Baylor said.

From Robert Kraft’s antisemitism awareness ad to Nike’s “So Win” campaign promoting female athletes, this year’s ads brought awareness to a multitude of societal issues.

But maybe none of them had the impact that Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show did. Playing some of his most popular songs, featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle Sam, and bringing out Serena Williams for a surprise appearance, Lamar’s halftime show was unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

“Overall, I thought the performance was a bit underwhelming, but my favorite song that he played was definitely ‘Humble,’” Baylor said.

From “Humble” to “Luther,” Lamar performed some of his most popular songs, especially with his decision to play “Not Like Us,” a diss track aimed at Drake. More than anything, Lamar’s performance was a culture shock.

“I loved Samuel L. Jackson emceeing the performance as Uncle Sam introducing this as “The Great American Game” and then throughout yelling at Kendrick Lamar that he was “too loud, too reckless, too ghetto” which are things said to Black Americans and about hip hop and rap as well,” said DEI Coordinator Ursula Chan.

From addressing stereotypes to entertaining millions, Lamar’s halftime show certainly left its mark.

Maybe there’s even some more work that can be done incorporating a wider variety of music genres into the halftime show, and expanding the Super Bowl’s viewing base.

“One of the most important roles the Super Bowl plays in our country is bringing us together as Americans, and music is a key part of that. That being said, I’d love to see more variety in the genres represented—particularly country music,” Carter said. “A halftime show featuring country artists could help captivate a new audience. Morgan Wallen and Post Malone would be a great pairing, as they’ve recently blended elements of their respective genres, proving that country and mainstream music can work well together.”

Spring Sports Re cap

As the spring season comes to a close, let’s take a look back at what our athletes achieved, and what they overcame.

Interview by Mason Siegel with Shaia Bijan Boys Tennis:

Q: What has been the most exciting match of the season so far for you, and what made it stand out?

A: We haven’t had any matches yet however preparing as a team has been very fun and we’re building connections with our peers.

Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for your singles matches?

A: I prepare for a match mentally by not worrying about the outcome or the score but by focusing on each point one at a time. Physically I warm up with stretches and dynamic warmups.

Q: What goals have you set for yourself as the season progresses, both individually and as a team?

A: As the season progresses I want to individually excel by being more consistent and hitting stronger and getting better in all aspects.

Interview

by

Mason Siegel with Olivia Sofranko Track and Field:

Q: What events are you focusing on this season, and how do you prepare for them?

A: I’m focusing on the 400 and 800 meters this season. I prepare for them by giving my best every practice— making sure I warm up and train hard.

Q: What personal or team goals have you set for the season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

A: My personal goals for this season are getting another metal and reducing my mile time to sub-6.

Q: How do you manage to stay in peak condition throughout the long season, especially during tough training sessions?

A: I aim to eat a lot of protein and healthy carbs during my season so I stay energized and grow important muscles. On vigorous training days, I make sure to drink plenty before hand and have electrolytes during practices.

Freshman Shaia Bijan winds up to return the ball during a home game against Dunn School.

Sophomore Olivia Sofranko caught mid-stride running through the rough track.

Students Take on Athletics Beyond School Grounds

While most of our teams practice on campus, some train offsite—honing their skills at the YMCA, a local pool, or out on the open ocean. From fast-paced rallies to open-water competition, our off-campus teams push themselves in unique training environments.

WORDS by TEDDY WILSON

Marshall Graham '27

Q: How does squash work?

A: Squash is an indoor racket sport, similar to tennis, but contained within a room. The scoring gets a bit complicated.

Q: What are some of the strengths of our squash team this year?

A: Our serving has significantly improved this year, and a lot of our players have become more competitive. We have a lot of closer matches and are looking a lot better than previous years.

Q: How did you get into squash?

A: My dad played professional squash, so I’ve been around it my whole life. I played my first tournament when I was nine in the U11 division.

Q: Where do you train?

A: We have a court at the Hitchcock Family YMCA where we train. It’s difficult to train with the limited space, but we train after school.

Q: Does the team have any pre-game rituals or team habits?

A: No.

Matthew Sullivan '28

Q: How’s the swim team looking this year?

A: The team is looking pretty good. We gained a few freshmen and are going to have a pretty strong boys swim team.

Q: How do you train without a pool on campus?

A: Since we don’t have a pool here, all of our swimmers train with Santa Barbara Swim Club. We practice at Los Baños and compete for Laguna in both individual and four-person relay events.

Q: Are you excited about the future of our swimming team?

A: Yes, we’re only losing one senior, Rio Valle, next year. We currently have a freshman, Jake Wyatt, and a sophomore, Yikai Feng. Hopefully, we can recruit more swimmers next year, but I think our future looks good.

Q: How did you get into swimming?

A: I joined my first swim team when I was four. I’ve been swimming my whole life. I joined because I wanted to swim with my brother [Bennett ‘26], and we’ve been swimming together ever since.

Sophomore Marshall Graham prepares to return a serve with his forehand on the squash court at Hitchcock Family YMCA..

Freshman Matthew Sullivan glides through the water with his powerful butterfly stroke.

“To safeguard democracy the people must have a keen sense of independence, self-respect, and their oneness.”

-Mahatma Gandhi