The Lancer is the official school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Journalism 1, Advanced Journalism and Advanced Journalism Honors courses.
The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication. Guest editorials and “Letters to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity, and grammar. They can be sent to thelancer.tohs@gmail.com.
The Lancer is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NPSA) and NPSA AllAmerican Hall of Fame. The Oct. 31, 2024 issue of The Lancer took 9th place in NPSA’s Best of Show contest in Philadelphia, PA.
The future entrepreneurs of the world create real-life visions for the future
LAILAH SERNA News Editor
Every school year, the aspiring entrepreneurs of Thousand Oaks High School put all their learned skills and ideas into practice to create their senior companies. The TOHS ETHOS program has been preparing students for all the ins and outs necessary to professionally operate a business.
One of the three companies this year is CDR Workwear. This company is working to create quality garments and workwear for those currently in the workforce, such as construction workers, plumbers, and more.
“I started this business sophomore year,” senior Ryder Killian said. “I looked at a pair of Carhart pants and thought they were not durable and were not that great of quality. And I thought, how can we make this better?”
Along with creating reliable workwear that is made to last, the CDR group is also working to incorporate more of a fashion element into their products in order to appeal to a wider market.
The second senior business is For the Fish. The company has two types of golf balls for different types of water, each ball made with biodegradable materials with fish food at the core.
“Millions of golf balls get lost in the water every year and we want to mediate
that,” senior Jackson Stottle said. “Our market right now is people who own boats who go on lakes and hit golf balls into the water.”
The third senior business of the school year is Ovella. Ovella is a wellness box containing women’s health essentials that are delivered monthly through a subscription. The items in the box range from menstrual cycle care, post-labor care and overall health and wellness.
“Students learn all aspects of business and being an entrepreneur.”
KELLIE CHIAPUZIO
“Our mission is to empower women and make them feel comfortable,” senior Sheyla Espinoza said. “Sixty-nine percent of people run out of products while on their cycle so we want them to have this option to provide easier access for women to take care of themselves.”
All senior companies have a common year-end goal: to perform well at the Virtual Enterprise convention in Bakersfield to make it to New York. But to do so, they have to beat other high schools from the southern region. With last year’s Sports Outreach business making ETHOS history, there is a new expectation and goal for
students. By representing the school, they must put in the work to be considered one of the top student-run and led enterprises.
Unfortunately, the road to convention presents some challenges for the TOHS students. ETHOS advisor Kellie Chiapuzio has been fighting to be able to host one of the virtual enterprises on the TOHS campus, so the students can have the chance to present in person rather than on Zoom.
“I am trying to fight for this area to have a place to host these events and to have more teacher involvement,” Chiapuzio said. “Our students are at a disadvantage when they are competing over Zoom, and they don’t get the real-life experiences with judges sitting right in front of them.”
The ETHOS students have been working hard to perfect their companies and are preparing to present to a panel of judges so they can move forward in this competition.
“This program is very important,” Chiapuzio said. “Students learn all aspects of business and being an entrepreneur.”
Fortunately for these students, Chiapuzio’s efforts paid off. On Dec. 10, the 2025 Regional Business Plan will be hosted at TOHS, opening their doors to all the schools in the Los Angeles area for a live competition. Students will be able to present their business plans to a live panel of judges, and hopefully take their companies all the way to the annual competition in New York.
Construction route for high school
LILAH SWAVING Staff Writer
The Thousand Oaks High School construction field trip was more than just a day away from school. It was a look into the real, working world and the different trades that build our communities.
Students from all grades got the chance to explore a variety of hands-on careers and meet people who work in construction, electrical and other skilled trades. The trip gave everyone who attended a chance to see what options are available after high school and how valuable learning a trade can be.
Freshman Alia Ashworth expressed that she really enjoyed the event.
“[I learned] how important having connections with the construction industry is,” Ashworth said. She also learned how good it is to network and know people in those fields.
Freshman Kyle Burton told The Lancer that what stood out to him were the handson activities offered at the field trip.
“There were a lot of physical activities, like getting to cut a pipe and weld it back together and how to make a doorbell ring by connecting all the wires,” Burton said.
He appreciated how the field trip allowed students to not just listen, but actually try things for themselves.
“It can help you with your future and allows you to see any future job opportunities that you might want,” Burton said.
His reflection highlights how realworld learning can be exciting and valuable--it’s not just about reading or hearing about something in classes, but about doing it hands-on.
Senior Colton Oliver enjoyed talking to people from different trades about their respective skills, such as welding and construction.
“We learned about available internships and that you could work while getting paid and also learning,” Oliver said. “I benefited from it a lot; I learned so much.”
From his experience, Oliver now knows that the construction field offers both learning and earning at the same time, something that not every career path provides right away.
Junior Drew Lorentson also gained a lot from the trip, describing it as very fun and informational.
“I learned a lot about the Naval Construction Battalion,” Lorentson said, which introduced him to job opportunities he hadn’t known existed.
The construction field trip gave students a first-hand look at different trades and opened their eyes to future possibilities. Whether it was learning how
Off Campus Pass
Trump loses out on Nobel Peace Prize
On Oct. 10, President Donald Trump lost the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan advocator María Corina Machado. Machado was awarded the prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as she meets the receiving criteria, such as promoting the peaceful transition of democracy. Trump has expressed his desire for the award, taking credit for ending several wars. The White House has also spoken out about the topic, accusing the Nobel Committee of placing “politics over peace”. Trump reportedly called Machado after she received the award, congratutaling her, saying it was well-deserved.
As time goes on, more Americans turn to artificial intelligence for a variety of reasons. According to a survey conducted by Intuit Credit Karma, seeking out financial advice is now the second most common use for A.I. resources. Another study conducted by Northwestern Mutual, found that nearly half of Americans would prefer a financial advisor who understands and utilizes A.I. to achieve financial security, as opposed to someone who uses more standard ways. According to the study, most humans still trust other human-beings over A.I., but many say it has great potential.
to wire a doorbell or apply drywall, or just meet people in the industry, each student walked away with something new. The trip was for helping students realize how many opportunities are available for those willing to learn and work hard. Ashworth, Oliver, Lorentson and Burton all showed that a single day of learning outside of the classroom can change how someone sees their future.
On Oct. 19, thieves
stole
France in broad daylight. The thieves reportedly used a truck-mounted ladder to climb to the second-floor balcony of the Apollo Gallery, The museum had only been open for less than an hour when the thieves stole nine pieces, worth an estimated $102 million; in under 8 minutes. Multiple art experts say this incident links to a trend in recent years of robberies targeting goods that can be broken down for precious materials. Museums may need to upgrade security measures to keep up with these thieves.
Creative Commons
Louvre heist - The jewelry that was stolen features the emerald necklace from the Empress Marie Louise, Napoleon’s second wife.
Americans turn to AI for financial advice
in yellow vests
Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris,
Thieves successful in 8-minute jewel heist
Finding his future, John Dalea tries out construction vehicles.
Mazen Darnell - with permission
Connecting through marching band
JORDYN LIEBOWITZ Staff Writer
On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 27, band students across the Conejo Valley Unified School District walked the Thousand Oaks High School football field, ready to perform after months of preparation.
James Rumenapp, the band director at Thousand Oaks High School, says that at this year's Sounds of Conejo, twelve high schools around Ventura County came together for this event, such as Westlake, Moorpark, Camarillo and more.
Along with these performers, there was a large turnout ready to show their support, with around 1500 tickets sold.
“Of the schools that participated, 867 students and their families attended,” Rumenapp said. “The entire stadium was full, it was packed.”
Junior Kale Matsuda is the horn sergeant for the Lancer Band, and is in control of on-field spirits of the band.
“Many of the high school marching bands from around our local area come to TOHS, and [they] all perform their field shows in one night,”
Matsuda said.
The Lancer Band rehearsed for a significant amount of time, with students practicing up to eight hours after school for months in preparation for this showcase. Students began preparing before the start of the 2526 school year, when the TOHS band hosted a summer camp that focused on the basics of performing.
“[We] started with marching and music fundamentals for the season that we are trying to prepare for,"
Rumenapp said.
Although much work goes into their performance, the schools are not being assessed at this event. Instead, this event is meant to gather the community through a friendly show, where all of the bands get together, perform, and watch each other’s production.
“It’s like you’re bonding with all the bands from around Ventura County before you go into the competitive season,” sophomore
Maximiliano Silva said.
During covid, there was a decrease in enthusiasm for marching band. With people now in person, it seems as though interest has piqued in students for band.
“I think especially in a post pandemic world, we’re seeing a resurgence in marching band popularity in high schools,” Rumenapp said. “We’re starting to see numbers tick back up, even among the visiting schools.”
Majors kicks off another year
Students
discover their passions, explore careers through TOHS
KAILAH SPENCER Managing Editor
When students reach their high school years, the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” becomes a bit more daunting. There are hundreds of career paths to take, but without the correct guidance, it may be difficult for one to find their niche.
For students at Thousand Oaks High School, this guidance can be found in the College and Career Center (CCC) in D2; more specifically, through the Majors program. Majors is open to all students in grades 9-12 and offers unique opportunities for career exploration. Students can select from a range of topics, such as business, STEM, cosmetology, and the arts to name a few, depending on where their interests lie.
“We have programming on a monthly basis across more than a dozen industries, so to speak,” Majors advisor and CCC clerk David Harris said. “We also do a once-a-year mentorship expo, we run field trips and workshops. We bring professionals onto campus…who interact with students to hopefully continue to stir [their] passion.”
Majors kicked off at the start of October, with each “major” holding an orientation meeting in their respective advisor’s room. Students were introduced to their
Amazon shutdown leaves people helpless
On Oct. 21, Amazon Web Services (AWS) shut down nation wide, interfering with the daily lives of many. Amazon, is one of the world’s three major cloud service providers, and reportedly make up for about 60% of the market. So, when a range of services suddenly stopped working, a multitude of problems arose. Hospitals’ communications were cut off, and teachers couldn’t access their lesson plans or material. The event made many realize how the shutdown of just one company can greatly affect daily life, and exposed the risk of heavy reliance on technology.
advisor and went over expectations for the year.
“We have about 500 students who are a part of the program. So, chances are, if you look to your left or to your right, one of [your peers] is involved in the program,” Harris said.
As freshmen, students have the opportunity to hop around different majors, attending meetings that pique
“[Majors students] can save some money in the long run from classes or programs they might take after high school.”
DAVID HARRIS
their interest. Sophomores are encouraged to attend all meetings for their chosen major and complete their annual project.
Similarly, juniors and seniors are required to attend all meetings and complete their annual project, along with one 30hour internship, which must be done by the spring of senior year. To receive graduation recognition, students must complete two years in the program.
“The annual projects are generic, and we’ve designed them to be very studentfocused,” Harris said. “For example, a student can have the opportunity to find somebody in the field, the industry, or
Majors program
the career that they’re interested in, and interview that person. But one of the benefits of Majors is that the students can come up with their own annual project, if they care to. We just ask that they speak with their teacher advisor or with me here in the CCC.”
Majors isn’t just about helping students find what they want to do, but it also helps students figure out what they don’t want to do. Career exploration can come with a lot of trial and error, and by exploring different industries, students in Majors gain a clearer sense of their true personal interests.
“Interestingly, sometimes what will happen is students, after two or three meetings, might realize ‘Hey, I don’t know if this industry or this career is for me,’ and we’re as pleased about that part of Majors,” Harris said. “[Students] can switch from major to major, and, quite frankly, save some money in the long run from classes or programs they might take after high school.”
Through Majors, TOHS offers unique college and career assistance that no student should miss out on. For answers to any Majors-related questions, find Mr. Harris in the CCC daily from 10:10 AM to 1:40 PM, or before school starting at 6:30 AM.
Off Campus Pass
White House begins construction of ballroom
Beginning the week of Oct. 20, the White House has officially begun construction of the approximated 250 million dollar “White House Ballroom”.
The East Wing underwent demolition in order to create space for the ballroom.
The room is planned to have bulletproof windows on all sides, and is intended to hold up to 999 people, with a planned layout of at least 90,000 square feet. President Trump says he intends to use the space to accommodate people for events, such as grand parties or State visits.
On Oct. 21, Elon Musk, posted a series of insults and memes aimed at Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy. Duffy has stated in an interview that he believes SpaceX, Musk’s astronautics company, is behind schedule, potentially threatening NASA’s chances. Duffy has said that he plans to open up the contract, giving other companies a chance to compete with SpaceX. As a result, Musk has been seen calling Duffy, “Sean Dummy”, accusing him of having a “2 digit IQ”. Amidst the conflict and twitter drama, Duffy continues to serve the program and coordinate with SpaceX.
With this, the students are feeling more encouraged to perform and practice well for the remainder of the school year.
“We’ll hopefully expand the band environment, become better then we are now, and going to all the competitions will also help,” Silva said.
It is safe to say that within the future, the TOHS marching band will continue to grow with positivity and passion.
Bell schedule rewritten
DORATHEA BURTON Staff Writer
The new school year brought a change to the weekly schedule, turning Thursdays and Fridays into late-start days, adding office hours and staff meetings.
Office hours were added on Thursdays to give students the opportunity to gain extra help from the teacher if they are falling behind in a class or to catch up on late work. Weekly staff meetings were added to Fridays to allow the administration to strengthen communication and support for students, allowing teachers to discuss student needs and advocate for them. Students get more sleep and more time to get ready for school, and staff have more time to prepare for class before students storm the campus.
“I find I’m able to sleep in a lot more because of it,” senior Mario Custodio said.
A 2018 study done by James Urton found that schools that start at 8:30 a.m. or later improve students’ grades and sleep. The study also highlighted the improved attendance rate to showcase its beneficial effect on students. However, at Thousand Oaks High School, that is not the case.
“We purposely did a tardy sweep because so many students were still walking in late,” Assistant Principal Michael Godfrey said.
Though meant as an opportunity for students to arrive at school 45 minutes later than usual, tardiness continues, and administrators are determined to continue enforcing the tardy policy.
Some teachers believe that while the extra time in the morning is helpful, the new schedule hasn’t fully changed students’ bad habits. However, this can be due to a variety of reasons, such as some students struggling on account of parents being unable to drive them to school due to their own busy schedules and heavy traffic in the morning.
Still, many agree that the later start has benefits. Students have reported feeling more alert in their morning classes and less stressed. With sports in mind, the late start helps students gain back what they would normally lose: sleep. It also allows them to catch up on homework they might have missed and be alert the next day, as many student-athletes get home late and often trade sleep for homework.
“It’s nice to catch up on sleep, given my current sports schedule,” senior Braeden Rice said.
As the year continues, administrators plan to monitor how the late start schedule affects attendance, grades and overall student behavior, to evaluate it better for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Teachers hope that the office hours will encourage students to get help before failing classes. For now, we can see major mental benefits for students and staff, through sleep and preparedness.
Elon Musk insults U.S. Secretary of Transportation
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New clubs gather at Club Hello Day, 2025
SOPHIE PODERS
Staff Photographer
This year’s annual Club Hello Day brought a wave of new studentled organizations to Thousand Oaks High School, each displaying creativity, compassion and community involvement.
Among the newcomers were the Medical Outreach Club, the Fashion Club, and the Bud & Bloom Club. Each founded and led by juniors who are looking to make a difference.
The Medical Outreach Club, founded by junior Sharlene Ariyaratne, focuses on healthcarerelated services and volunteering opportunities, combining both compassion and career interest.
“I started this club because I have a strong passion for healthcare, and I also want to give back to my community and be more involved,” Ariyaratne said. “This year, we want to get a lot of members to join our club, and we want to be able to
participate in as many activities as we can and plan as many activities to give back to the community.”
Ariyaratne has been brainstorming potential activities the club might take part in, including participating in a cancer walk and making blankets for sick children to donate to Project Linus.
For students looking to express themselves creatively, junior Adrian Guerrero’s Fashion Club brings together art, design and hands-on skills into focus.
“My club’s about everything fashion: sewing, expression and learning about leaders and innovators in fashion,” Guerrero said.
Guerrero plans to incorporate screen printing into his club, where graphics are pressed onto shirts, and even embroidery.
“I really like fashion and sewing a lot. I know how to do most of these things,” Guerrero said. “So I wanted to teach a wide variety of people how to do them. I know a lot
A bookworm’s dream
Free school library has positive effects on Lancer students, community
ABIGAIL KERNS
Opinions Editor
Have you ever seen the cart of books outside the school library? Many Lancers across campus have taken a look at those trays, and Teacher Librarian Sarah Burns put those discarded books up for free for any Lancer to take. What once started as a quick, easy way for Burns to discard books quickly turned into a hot topic for any bookworms walking the campus.
To supply the free library on campus, Burns carefully goes through each section of the library, looking for books that are damaged or just not checked out as much anymore. She gives those books a new life by putting them into the hands of curious students.
“It’s actually part of the process of keeping a healthy library for our students,” Burns said.
Another part of the process of keeping Thousand Oaks High School’s library healthy and running well is regular book reviews. Up until last year, they were not recycled back into the Lancer community. These reused books benefit not only our main library but our ever-growing student body as well.
“There’s times where I see students out there literally hugging the books,” Burns said.
The tray quickly turned into a source of happiness for many across campus, providing students with a cost-effective way to learn. Books from all over the library, from every genre and section, are put onto the cart for students to take, allowing students to live out their fictional dreams without spending a penny.
With school work piling up, especially in junior year of high school where students tend to take advanced classes, so does the stress. Books can be the sweet escape many Lancers hunt for, and this was the case for Junior Audrey Gharzuzi. Gharzuzi has had a love for reading since she was young and the small free library provided an outlet for that passion.
“The school library has helped develop my interest,” Gharzuzi said. “It gave me the opportunity I needed to get more books since school has been busy for me lately.”
The opportunity given by the library-cart library has proven useful in keeping the passion of reading alive on and off campus. Every day the cart is brought out again and again without fail, with new additions each time to continue inspiring high school students to jump into the wonderful world of books.
of people want to learn to sew and create their own clothes, but they don’t have the resources.”
Similar to the Medical Outreach Club, the club Bud & Bloom, started by friends Lily Unthank, Julia Steinberg, and Kaitlyn Kolkowski focuses on bringing encouragement to youth through community involvement.
“Our club is about going around in the community and uplifting kids’ spirits,” Steinberg said. “It could be kids in the hospital, or kids in elementary school, that we will visit and do activities.”
Bud & Bloom plans to participate in toy drives, visit community centers and organize activities that encourage positivity among children.
“Our main goal is to do at least two major community outreach activities, whether that is a toy drive or other smaller events,” Unthank said.
With students leading efforts to
promote volunteering and creative expression, these new clubs highlight how students can take their
passions and make a difference in their community.
T.O. welcomes terror
JULIA PINEDADOMINGUEZ Managing Editor
As students huddle together, grabbing onto each other and preparing to enter the dark and eerie building, students turn their heads to only be met by scary figures hiding in the corner and those running at them from behind.
With the first day of fall far behind us and the spooky season ahead, many students on campus wonder what experiences are available to them around the community. Reign of Terror, a long-awaited 32,000 square feet haunted house with more than 142 rooms, made its annual debut on Sept. 26 at Janss Marketplace on Moorpark Rd.
Reign of Terror joined the Thousand Oaks community around five years ago, becoming many individuals’ fall tradition in preparation for Halloween. Reign of Terror is the largest indoor haunted house in all of Southern California, with 12 rooms connected to each other and the typical experience being 25-30 minutes.
“I got scared so easily and it was fun afterwards with my friends,” senior Paulina Banaitis said. “I think it’s cool too because we don’t have a ton to do.”
There are four different ticket prices to choose from, depending on your preference. General admission is $42.99, which includes access to all 12 attractions and their new photo op section, while immediate admission costs $67.99, including skip-the-line privileges. However, Oct. 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31 are known as peak nights, meaning dates with the busiest attendance, costing $5 more than regular nights, with general admission becoming $47.99 and immediate admission $72.99. Individuals interested in attending can either purchase their tickets online on their website or pay cash up front at the ticketing counter the day of. However, all sales are final. Despite ticketing differences, all attendees can expect professionalism at every corner, with fake blood, scary lighting, and props being seen all around.
Thousand Oaks is notorious for being a small town with very little to do aside from going to the movies or The Oaks mall. Reign of Terror offers a chance for high schoolers and their families to enjoy a night of fun that they would not otherwise have.
“It means a lot since we only have
BOO - T.O.’s classic Reign of Terror in the Janss Mall is a fan favorite various dates throughout October, featuring a Lights Out event only two nights in November.
so much to do in TO,” senior Brennan Dickson said. “It gives a better way for teenagers to go out on week days instead of the same routine.”
Everyone is invited to join the experience; however, there is an age restriction for those under 13 because of the graphic effects.
“I feel like it’s a lot scarier because people tend to chase you when you’re inside the house,” Dickson said.
Oct. 18 is what is known as the Lights On event, where you can walk through all the rooms with the lights on with no special effects and no scares for $10, from 12pm-3pm. Aside from that, Nov. 2, is Lights Off, where you walk through the rooms in the pitch dark, holding one glow stick for your whole group, while scares are still completely
active. This specific event will be from 7pm to 10pm, and prices are set at $42.99 or $67.99, depending on your admission type.
Whether you’re a jumpscare fanatic or deathly afraid, there are events and accommodations for you and your friends at Reign of Terror.
“ [My friends] made it more comforting. I was holding onto them the whole time,” Banaitis said. “I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”
This is a great opportunity to spend time with your friends outside of school, while bonding over your shared fun trauma. The Reign of Terror only lasts for a few weeks, so make sure to take advantage while you can.
Buzzing around at Club Hello Day, Olivia Wardlaw, Julia Bowden, Kelsey Sullivan and Allison Wu wear yellow to support pediatric cancer.
Khloe Naranjo - with permission
Grace Grove - with permission
Gemma Spraggins - The Lancer
What’s
Uncontrolled temperatures Strange fall heat
been up with the weather this Fall season? What does it mean for California?
KELLY HOOLBOOM Staff Writer
Southern California summers are infamous for their triple digit heat waves, dry hot wind, and spontaneous beach days. But something not many people touch on is the length of a true California summer, reaching from June, all the way to the middle of October some years.
Many people, such as myself, despise this heat. Being born and raised in Washington state, I sit in anticipation all year for our rain season, just for it to be delayed long past fall every year.
Oftentimes, this heat, while being convenient for outdoor activities, can screw up the festivities of fall. I yearn to walk out on a crisp October evening with a fluffy sweater and fingerless gloves on, taking a stroll around my neighborhood, hearing the occasional crunch of a dead leaf under my boot.
Our climate simply doesn’t call for it. Once fall does hit, and the leaves do begin to wilt, they don’t just act as decorum for the seasonal aesthetic, but fuel for literal flames that viciously spread across the state every other year.
Why can’t our weather patterns be closer to something up north in the San Francisco Bay? Cloudy skies all the time, an absurd amount of wind, and rain every other day, an aesthetic paradise for the
latter half of the year.
“I prefer cold by far,” senior Presley Hartson said. Hartson does activities such as horse-back riding, which can be much harder in hotter weather, “You and the horse are exhausted.” Hartson said.
“For fall I would prefer anything below 65 degrees.” senior Giselle Rodriguez said. Heat can compromise a whole closet, thick layers for cold layers can
“I prefer cold
by
Halloween is not the only holiday the bouts of heat affects, but Thanksgiving too. Depending on how long this stretches out for this year, the kitchen might not be the only room in the house heating up on our beloved Turkey Day. Especially for such a close-quarters and family reunion adjacent holiday such as Thanksgiving, and extra layer of heat can really ruin the holiday for many.
Cold temperatures make it harder for students to process and learn
DORATHEA BURTON Staff Writer
far... I would rather have
a
cold Halloween so I can wear cool costumes.”
PRESLEY HARTSON
be always piled on if it gets colder, but if you’re wearing something thick it becomes quite hard to accommodate to the heat.
While in other states Halloween can mean an excuse to pile on layers and deck yourself out in costume, here in Southern California not only do we have to compromise our overall wardrobes due to the lingering summer heat, but our festive outfits too.
“If you’re telling me I’m going to be sweating on Halloween, I’m going to cry, I really am.” Rodriguez said.
But this delayed fall does not only affect the supposed colder seasons, but it pushes many winter elements way into spring. California is normally known for its hot and sunny days, but for the past few springs we have gotten nothing but overcast skies and rainy weather all the way into June. As if students aren’t already stressed enough by the end of the school year, the weather echoes a mood of just doom and gloom.
Personally, rain earlier in the school year could make or break the aesthetic of a whole quarter of my high-school year. Am I going to remember fond crisp and cold Fall days and warming green Spring afternoons? Or will this year be terrorized by a smoldering October and an absurdly wet April. The weather can determine the mood of a year, and how fondly it’s remembered for many, so while odd seasons may not seem too big of a deal, it might determine the positivity to someone’s high school experience.
Club Corner
JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ
Managing Editor
Asian-American Pacific Islander Club
President: Hilary Manalang Advisor: Kristin Benioff Meets: Last Tuesday of the month in J-3
The Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Club focuses on celebrating the cultures found in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Whether they share food or participate in traditions, the club actively promotes inclusion. Working to spread awareness and the embrace of other communities at Thousand Oaks High School, they welcome anyone to participate, regardless of their heritage.
Leukemia Lymphoma
Society
President: Grant Stillerman
Advisor: Tasha Beaudoin Meets: Tuesdays in I-2
Focusing on cancer and the quality of life for individuals suffering from this terminal illness, members work to spread awareness. During meetings, the club discusses upcoming volunteer opportunities such as cancer walks, creating items, or donations. Hoping to improve the lives of future generations, they surround themselves with a group of hardworking individuals looking into a possible career in healthcare or others who want to make a difference.
Origami Club
President: Zoe Sellers Advisor: Kelly Abrams Meets: Fridays in I-7
The Origami Club gives students on campus a space to de-stress, socialize with peers, and express themselves creatively, while also gaining volunteer hours. The club is a chapter of Origami for Good, a nonprofit organization that works with high school students to provide them with volunteer hours through creative activities. Ultimately, the club aims to promote mental health and sustainable practices by utilizing leftover paper from classrooms and donating all origami pieces to hospitals, shelters, and nursing homes.
Mind In Motion
President: Deanna Pham and Francesca Kim
Advisor: Kylie Lukes Meets: Tuesdays in G-11
With injuries being prevalent among athletes, the center of the club is to better the recovering time of student athletes on time. Along with this, the club plans to work with businesses around town to create scholarships for students this year or in the future. With curated activities met to help injured athletes physically and mentally, the club hopes to provide comfort to struggling students on campus.
Medical Outreach Club
President: Sharlene Ariyaratne Advisor: Eileen Moore Meets: Wednesdays in J-7
The Medical Outreach Club is a new club on campus dedicated to creating and providing its members with volunteer opportunities related to the medical field. At meetings, students will collaborate with each other and share ideas on what they would like to do. From participating in cancer walks, donation fundraisers, and making blankets for children in the hospital, the club welcomes anyone with a passion of giving back to the community to join.
Create For Kids TOHS
President: Harmony Pandey
Advisor: Mr. Hammond Meets: Mondays in G-12
What: Looking into the health industry, club members meet to create care cards for children in the hospital. Part of a larger non-profit organization, the club, Create For Kids TOHS, hopes to comfort and acknowledge pediatric patients, inspiring them through art. As another volunteer ran club on campus, they work together to provide families with a considerate note, and fundraises to raise money and awareness on cancer and other health issues.
Fashion Club
A 2014 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that excessively cold and hot temperatures can affect students’ ability to learn, effectively explaining the reason behind student’s grades dropping. When a classroom was at 61 degrees, students averaged 76 percent in class grades, but at 72 degrees, a comfortable temperature, studies show students scored a 90 percent. Possibly explaining the struggle many students at Thousand Oaks High School experience.
The cold temperatures aren’t much of a bother for me because I love wearing long sleeves, but some students don’t share the same opinions, opting to wear short sleeves and shorts. Those students dress for the hot midday weather that plagues our campus, only to be surprised by a 10-15 degree drop when stepping into the winter wonderland they call classrooms.
“I feel like it kind of makes it difficult to dress,” senior Abigail Coffee said.
A simple solution would be to let students go outside for some fresh air, but unfortunately, some teachers don’t allow it. This makes it even harder for students to stay comfortable or dress appropriately for the temperature. These extremely low temperatures affect everyone, even teachers are struggling, as they don’t have control over their classroom temperature either
“It’s not good because I’m freezing and it’s hard to focus,” senior Dillon Neufeld said.
When teachers try to turn off the air conditioning, it only stays off for a few minutes before turning back on again. Others, such as history teacher Eric Kamm, will bring a heater to warm up the class. Air conditioning isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity to help students improve their work by making giving them a comfortable environment. With winter approaching comes finals; the last thing Lancers need is to be freezing while taking a final, and struggling to focus on a grade determining test.
President: Adrian Guerrero Advisor: Eileen Moore
Meets: Friday’s in J-7
Fashion Club focuses on finding ways to promote self expression in students through their clothes. The club works to help students curate and build onto their style; teaching students to create their own statement pieces and more. Students can request what to learn, and the club leaders will center a club meeting on that request if others are also interested. It is through their love for fashion and design, that these students are leading the path towards another annual club on campus.
Future Health Leaders
President: Hilary Manalang and Miguel Macaraig
Advisor: Jeff Lewis Meets: Friday in E-9
This club aims to provide another opportunity for students on campus to explore the healthcare careers they are interested in or curious about. Further Health Leaders Club plans to participate in competitions, take certification classes, provide extra schooling and licensing opportunities. Hoping to educate students on campus of many of the career and path options outside of high school, the club will also invite guest speakers to get the inside scoop on the industry.
Engineering FUNatics
President: Matthew Evangelista
Advisor: Jeff Lewis Meets: Every other Thursday in E-9
Engineering is one of the many major careers growing in fame, and with students on campus dedicated to learning more about the field, they hold meetings discussing the different paths you can take. Along with the hope of teaching their members the basics, they plan to host small projects, allowing students to build, apply their knowledge and have fun.
Cyber Watch
President: David Li
Advisor: Erika Rousseve Meets: Tuesdays in J-10
Club members participate in activities aimed to protect students from possible hackers. The club prepares for an annual contest called “Cyber Patriot,” a fourhour long competition. With a focus on technology, the students empathize the importance of protecting your data and privacy.
THE THE JOUST JOUST through MY EYES
Guest columnists weigh in on efficacy of rallies
KINLEY MOORHEAD Guest Writer
Rallies are a fun way to celebrate upcoming events. ASB works really hard and puts on four rallies a year, and they’re a great way to bring the school community together to enjoy the upcoming events of the year.
We have so much to look forward to when it comes to rallies. People get to enjoy some school spirit, play games, and enjoy performances. It becomes a nice “brain-break” for the students, the rally schedule helps break up the monotany of the school week, allowing them to let loose a little bit and just enjoy a fun event with their classmates. They gather around to watch and support their peers in performances or games. We introduced the class cup last year, which has been a fun twist that encourages class participation and a sense of community with people in your grade. It is something classes compete for by having the most spirit, being the loudest, and winning the games. We incorporate new games each time to ensure students are always getting new opportunities.
A newer rally we’ve included is a March Madness Basketball Game. Teachers go head to head with a team of students from each grade. It first started a few years ago, and always makes people excited. We select a large group of teachers, who dress out and everything. We continue those performances as quarter breaks, to simulate a real basketball game.
No matter what the event is, students love a good rally. I think it’s a nice way to add a mental break to the day. its an important part of allowing students to celebrate the good times ahead, and it’s always nice to have a little extra spirit every now and again.
KEIONA NADIG Guest Writer
Honestly, I think school rallies are really fun and a great way to bring everyone together. They do a good job of showing school spirit, and it’s nice seeing everyone excited and involved. The rallies are full of energy, music and laughter, and they give everyone a break from class, which makes the day feel different and fun. It’s easy to see why a lot of people look forward to them.
For me personally, though, it can be a little hard to enjoy them as much as other people do.
It’s not that I don’t like them, it’s just that sometimes I’d rather hang out with my friends in the PAC, or try to get other things done. Especially since I’m a junior this year, homework, clubs and other stuff are super important and rally days can make my schedule feel even more packed than usual. When I’m stressed or behind on assignments, I usually just want some quiet time to catch up. Rallies can feel a little inconvenient sometimes, especially when I’m already tired or thinking about what I need to get done later.
Sometimes it feels like they break up the day in a way that throws off my focus instead of hyping me up. They’re meant to be spirited, but sometimes it can feel more draining instead of exciting. Also, since I’ve been to them before, I don’t really feel like I’m missing anything. So, usually, I don’t have much motivation to go to them, even when my workload is light. I usually take the time to do something else or just hang out with my friends instead. Even though I usually skip them in order to do something else I feel is more important, I still appreciate what rallies bring to our school and how much effort goes into them.
Reign of Terror: Is it really that good?
One of the best horror houses in America is located right in our TO back yard, can it really be that impressive?
KELLY HOOLBOOM Staff Writer
As a fan of Halloween I have enjoyed many of the classic festive ventures that come with the month of October, such as parties, costumes and my own fair share of trick-ortreating. Haunted houses, on the other hand, have never been a part of my spread of holiday activities. That is, until I went to the critically acclaimed Reign of Terror two years ago my sophomore year.
Found in our very own Janss Marketplace, Reign of Terror is a 142 room haunted house filled with brilliant character actors and has been crowned the number one haunted house in the United States by Yelp reviewers. Although I had heard of its stellar record, I was reluctant to go to any haunted houses at all. To me, they had always seemed like cheap jumpscares filled with overacting characters, and maybe a fog machine or two tossed in to blind their customers.
Despite this, I chose to attend and was proven wrong the second I stepped into the Reign of Terror building. The experience’s quality is immediately evident thanks to the help of the talented actors playing the ghost, ghouls and tormentors scattered through halls
GEMMA SPRAGGINS Opinions Editor
By now, everyone has heard of Jimmy Kimmel being taken off the air for a week. Kimmel has hosted his show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003. ABC briefly removed him from the airwaves due to his comments on the president, Donald Trump, and his reaction to his dear friend and MAGA member, Charlie Kirk’s murder. Once it became public, many spoke about how this showcased a threat to our freedom of speech.
Specifically, Kimmel mentioned how “the MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
controversy, Kimmel was put back on the air after one week. Following his return, he gave a speech expressing his sorrow and apologizing for his offensive comments. Since the Sinclair streaming service broadcast the episode of Kimmel’s return, they came out with the comments, “Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations,” the company said. “While we understand that not everyone will agree with our programming decisions, it is simply inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding the broadcasters air specific content.”
“A TV show host shouldn’t be canceled because of comments made that have already been circling the media since the events happened.”
GEMMA SPRAGGINS
Following those comments, when discussing Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s murder, Kimmel mentioned how “this is not how an adult grieves the murder of somebody called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
I might be biased, but I see no harm in these comments. I understand how people might find offense to what Kimmel said, but drastic measures of removing him from his show seemed unnecessary. As a TV host, it is quite literally his job to be covering controversial topics, especially news that is shocking, such as someone being murdered. Even after his comments on the shooting, I still don’t know where Kimmel stands politically. Due to the public backlash and
In Kimmel’s monologue, he said the following: “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it, and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual.” His returning speech seemed to mend a lot of the criticism surrounding him, but just as Kimmel said before that speech, “If you like me, you like me, and if you don’t, you don’t.”
A big price comes with being in the public eye during this time. It might just be my opinion, but a TV show host shouldn’t be canceled because of comments made that have already been circling the media since the events happened.
due to their convincing and immersive roles. Cheap, gimmicky jumpscares aren’t what this haunted house hinges on, rather it gives customers a feeling of entrapment and neverending horror with its length and life-like quality to its props, set, costumes and make-up for the actors. As a customer roaming through the facility, I could truly feel the love and care each person behind the haunted house put into creating a truly terrifying experience for the people of Thousand Oaks.
Although, Reign of Terror is quite an experience the first time you go, as the years pass, and people keep going, one glaring issue rears its head in this annual attraction: variety. Due to its permanent nature within the shopping mall even after its long closed posthalloween season, oftentimes many aspects of previous years stay into the next, with the most they do to change anything being switching the location of the attractions.
While the horror experience may be a brilliant attraction and an iconic aspect of our community, it starts to get stale for the Halloween veterans who come back every year. Reign of Terror is a once in a lifetime experience necessary for any major halloween fan, despite there is not much diversity past that first mystical experience.
UNNOTICED TENSIONS
Tensions high, awareness
On-campus altercations raise questions of safety
JORDYN LIEBOWITZ Staff Writer
Only a few weeks into the 25-26 school year, multiple fights have broken out across the Thousand Oaks High School campus, causing stress and panic among students.
Many students have noticed that most of the fights have involved members of the freshmen class.
“This year, the freshmen are wild,” an anonymous student said.
Students are starting most of the fights because of gossip and misunderstandings.
“The main reason why [one fight started] was because they were talking bad about each other,” the student said. “But why should you care what other people think?”
The new Assistant Principal of Facilities, Athletics, and Safety at TOHS, Josh Eby, has been dealing with the altercations on campus and is taking action.
“Normally, fights start with verbal exchanges and
sometimes history and people escalate from there,” Eby said.
Assistant Principal of Student Life Michael Godfrey also shared his perspective on the topic, expressing how fights often aren’t sudden.
“Some of the things that happen out in the community often carried over into [our school],” Godfrey said.
“Things happened during summer [cause problems] at the beginning of the school year.”
Another anonymous student spoke to up after witnessing a fight.
“I saw two people fighting and then a bunch of people around them huddling, filming, and cheering them on,” the student said.
The students on campus seem to find these occurrences between their peers unserious. With many people often laughing and joking about situations like this happening, where individuals get hurt over what they find to be idiotic. However, promoting violence can lead to rising
Controversial new political club raises concerns
Lancer reporter investigates club following parent complaints
MADELYN FRIEDMAN Business Manager
Like many Lancers around campus, when I first saw the posters inviting students to join the Thousand Oaks High School chapter of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), a national organization whose mission states on its website that it is “committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values,” I was curious.
Its featured alumni list includes Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld and West Virginia Congressman Alex Mooney, among others. I was worried about how this conservative club would look on our diverse and active campus, and I was curious about the club’s focus and the topics of its discussions. Even though I assumed it wouldn’t be a club that would resonate with me personally, I think it is important to keep an open mind about various political viewpoints, so I decided to see what it was all about and make up my own mind.
influence when he shot Kirk on Sept. 10th of this year. Obviously, the intentional act of killing someone is unethical by any standard, but I’m not entirely sure why this one action makes someone a communist. From a liberal viewpoint, this focus on the Charlie Kirk incident as proof of communist violence seems one-sided and highly politically selective, considering there have been numerous incidents coming from the Republican Party, specifically the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi by an attacker driven by far-right conspiracy theories, or the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. In fact, many recent documented threats and acts of violence, often involving guns, have been linked to antigovernment issues, which are often associated with the political right.
It’s important that everyone tries an uncomfortable action... because that is how we learn about the world around us.
MADELYN FRIEDMAN
The club meets weekly on Wednesdays, and I have attended two meetings. The first meeting I observed was a gathering to watch clips of conservative political activist and author Ben Shapiro, in a manner similar to a hypothetical Dodgers club watching some of the best at-bats over the years or Kirk Gibson’s famous home run in the 1988 World Series.
Before going to another meeting, I saw flyers around campus with info about a meeting on “how to defend against communism.” We do not live in a communist country; despite the obvious political tension we all see regularly, actual communism has not been an issue. At the second YAF meeting I attended, there was a presentation about examples of communism today paired with discussions about the history of communism and communists across the globe. One of the main points was how those such as Karl Marx have justified political violence, leading to claims that it has been carried over to the United States.
YAF club president Aiden Del Bosque specifically cited Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, as an example of this political violence stemming from communist
Noting communist behaviors in our school environment was also mentioned. What struck me the most was when Del Bosque told attendees at the end of the meeting to question the curriculum often and notice the subtle ways communism is indoctrinated into our English and History classes. Despite rumors, an investigation by Principal Eric Bergmann and Assistant Principal Michael Godfrey proved that no specific teachers were named.
There was continued discussion about how to become a member of YAF and what it means to be involved. It was unclear how many of the approximately 12 attendees would become full, active members.
Overall, I was relieved to see that there was no explicit hatred or targeting of any specific group. I believe that is something we often automatically assume—totally reasonable given today’s society, which is so politically divided and where aggression is not only voiced but acted on.
Going out of my comfort zone was overwhelming, but I think it is important that everyone tries an uncomfortable action, like attending a meeting that doesn’t align with their beliefs, because that is how we learn about the world around us.
I do not know the agenda of future meetings or whether any marginalized groups will be the topic of discussion, it is my hope that all Lancers feel safe on campus to be who they are and believe what they believe.
tensions on campus.
“It’s just this societal norm that [fighting] is normal, and it’s not,” Godfrey said. “People trying to make light of a bad situation for their own gain is disturbing to me.”
Teachers find themselves breaking up fights that occur in front of their classrooms.
“Teachers feel obligated to run out to break up the fight,” English teacher Joanna Otey said.
“There are risks for adult teachers getting in the middle of fighting students and we have to worry what claims might be made, that we’re being filmed by the bystanders, that we might get hurt ourselves,” Otey said.
“It’s not a fair position to be put in but we also don’t want the situation to escalate and lead to serious harm.”
The consequences of every fight are the same across the CVUSD school district and are not taken lightly.
“Generally speaking, any fight is an automatic suspension; there have been cases that it is 5 days,” Godfrey said.
This year there have been eight previous two school years, when there none at all. Yet, this rise in student-led is not just an occurrence at TOHS.
“This is not only happening at very well aware that it’s happening well,” Godfrey said.
The two other comprehensive high Park and Westlake, are having regarding their students, but to a lesser
“TOHS has a reputation for keeping during the school year. You shouldn’t through the hallways, because most been between people who associate Godfrey said.
The fights have since calmed of the year, and with optimism, continue to subside.
This time last year, TOHS had zero fights. This year, we’ve had
How do you feel recent fights have affected our campus? (Anonymous survey responses)
“At least something interesting happens.”
“They don’t affect “Hasn’t changed it at all.”
“It’s very comedic.” “I don’t know and do not care.”
“They're interesting for a couple of but then nobody cares anymore.”
Embracing campus community
Getting
involved is the best way to stay out of trouble
MADELYN FRIEDMAN Business Manager
As a freshman, I was completely overwhelmed by all the organizations and activities, and as someone who enjoys all my extracurriculars and has a busy schedule, I wanted to do everything.
Thousand Oaks High School has so much to offer and I found myself drawn to journalism, choir, ASB, theater department and dance. Getting involved in activities is what I consider the most important aspect of high school. I can say that I’ve already evolved by being involved these past few months.
Being involved is the best way to enjoy your high school experience; you find interests you may not have otherwise known you enjoy or you meet friends you wouldn’t have bonded with in any other situation. There’s so much more to high school than just homework.
It’s truly beautiful how my friends and I have so many interests and we get to enjoy them in what we do at school. Finding like-minded people can really make or break your high school experience.
Ultimately, friends are an important aspect of any school experience; they
are there to support you and help you navigate the highs and lows of school or any challenge that you face.
Once you’ve found your community, the next step is making sure that space is one where you feel genuinely safe and accepted. You have the power to curate your high school experience. Being part of a community can lead to feeling safe and supported on campus, and less lonely in general.
According to Tim Hodges from the Gallup, “Engagement is a measurement of how involved, enthusiastic, and committed one is to an organization.”
And from a more academic point of view: “Engaged students are 2.5 times more likely to say that they get excellent grades and do well in school, and they are 4.5 times more likely to be hopeful about the future than their actively disengaged peers.”
Freshman Ava Dukakis is involved in ASB and on the cheer team.
“I love feeling part of something. Obviously I’m only a quarter in to high school, but I know that through the years and looking back it, will make my experience a lot more memorable,” Dukakis said.
“You don’t have friends, but just close friends who go to makes it Dukakis said.
As a senior looking to see where you changed along the
“I love what I meet so many new all had a really life. We get to make impact on campus,” Whitman said. Whitman is one leaders, in flag Sports, and ASB.
“I think the reason in so much at TO such a positive energy the positive experience school,” Whitman important that everyone express themselves a sense of love and
If you’re not explore our school’s conejousd.org) Instagram pages sports or clubs.
Get involved, stay connected to
She didn’t wait to find her place; by joining the groups that interest her, she started strong built connections.
awareness low
Point of View:
fights, surpassing the there were practically student-led fights on campus at our campus, we’re at other campuses as high schools, Newbury the same situations lesser degree. keeping their students safe shouldn’t feel afraid walking most of these fights have associate with each other,” down since the start this problem should
Student District Advisory Council chairperson Finn Kerns
What is your role on SDAC?
As the chairperson of SDAC, I create meaningful, productive agendas that reflect what the student body wants discussed at the district level. By recieving public comments from students or hearing directly from students, all SDAC representatives have an opportunity to bring up future agenda items. For example, if you were to tell one of your SDAC reps about a campus safety concern, they would bring it to an SDAC meeting and add it to the agenda based on the agenda's priority. So, my primary role is to develop the agendas, run the meetings, guide the group in a positive direction, and represent student voices across the district. It’s kind of my responsibility to look into or at least elevate issues that are brought to me. This has happened a few times since the beginning of my term; I elevate things that are brought to me and communicate with district staff or Dr. Bergmann. SDAC is the general conduit between the entire student body and the district, and at times, the school administration.
Given everything that happens on campus—recent fights, political clubs forming—do you think those events will make people feel uncomfortable or unsafe?
Fights are up 800% but no one seems to notice
How often do you see or hear about a physical altercation (fight) between students?
campus? affect me.” care.” of days, anymore.”
strong and immediately connections. have to have a lot of by having those two who you can always really reassuring,” looking back, it’s fun you started and what’s the way. do because I get to new people who have good impact on my make a really positive campus,” senior Tessa one of the Green Hole flag football, Unified reason I’m so involved TO is because it creates energy and increases experience of high Whitman said. “I think it’s everyone here is able to themselves because it creates and kindness.” sure where to start, school’s website (tohs. and follow the affiliated with TOHS find your people, and to those around you.
No, we live in a society that is extremely divided. The high school experience, in my opinion, is a microcosm of that society, and we’re going to have campus groups that disagree. That’s just the nature of groups as a whole. I’m very firmly in my own political ideology, as I’m entitled to my right to free speech, and I respect people's right to free speech. With all the division we see in our society, and with it leaking onto campus, we must recognize that every single student has a right to learn here. Every single student has a right to an excellent educational experience, and that's what we're doing here at CVUSD. And there are many factors that can counteract that. Still, I think, while free speech is free speech, we always have to make sure that every single student feels comfortable on this campus. I will leave that to the district administration and my colleagues on the board to elaborate on, since I've only been in this role for a few months. Still, I've seen at least the district and the school take steps to make sure all students are comfortable on this campus and that our clubs are not promoting hate, misinformation, and that sort of thing, as needed. What can we do to make students feel more comfortable? I feel like that's a societal issue. The school district can't do everything. The school can't do everything. We have a lot wrong in America right now, and I think both sides will tell you that. But we just need to find a way to bridge the divide and bring us closer together as Americans.
Regarding political clubs on campus, if someone believed students were running the club or behaving inappropriately, how could they address it?
Well, number one, I think a political club does not necessarily have to be controversial. We should take a step back, if you will, viewing these political clubs and say, “Why do I feel like this is controversial?" Having an opinion is not necessarily controversial. I think right now, where we find ourselves with the Young Americans or Freedom club that you mentioned, it's important that that space is not hateful and negative. You know, there's a difference between being a conservative and having conservative ideology, that's you're right as an American. But a completely separate thing, going out on the campus and spreading hate and saying something like LGBTQ+ people don't have the right to be here, in my experience, they have not done that. And so, right now, as it stands, I feel like we need a place on this campus where all different political ideologies can be fostered and accepted. But, you know, it's a fine line when you get into spreading hate. Spreading hate is where the line needs to be drawn—and where it has historically been drawn.
Hearing parent and student complaints and concerns about safety, how do you hope to comfort them going forward?
Well, I have been attending at least some of the meetings, not just Young Americans for Freedom, but other clubs as well, on both sides of politics. And I feel it's my job as the student representative and, as someone who has a voice for students and is trying to protect and represent my peers, to make sure that none of this hate is being spread and say, “Hey, you have just as much of a right to be here as I do, but you don't have a right to make students feel uncomfortable about themselves.” And if needed, I'm happy to say that to their face, because I know a lot of people couldn't, so I'm more than happy to step up and say, “No, this isn't okay.” As a student, I feel much more comfortable doing that. And of course, I'm not afraid to elevate things to the district level. I've been working with district staff to ensure that the issues we have on this campus are addressed, and I can say, from my perspective, that district staff are very vigilant about these matters and certainly have students' interests in mind. They value student perspectives and opinions, and they've been doing a good job handling the individual situations.
Disclaimer: All comments are the student’s opinion and not representative of Thousand Oaks High School or Conejo Valley Unified School District
How do you feel the number of physical fights on campus has changed in the past year? (5-the number has not changed, 1- severe decrease, 10-severe increase)
How safe do you feel on campus? (1-very unsafe, 10-very safe)
Trader Joe’s fall food review
Maple Ice Cream
Price: $3.79
Rate: 7/10
Review: This ice cream was unique due to the creamy texture and how easy it was to scoop. Not only that, but the fall flavour of maple syrup was infused with syrup through the middle. The sweetness was slightly overpowering but after a few bites the flavour evened out.
Pumpkin Blondie Brownies
Price: $4.99
Rate: 6/10
Review: Classic blondies attempt a pumpkin flavor, leading to failure. The pumpkin flavor seemed to get lost behind the taste we all know and love, plain Blondie Brownies. The lack of pumpkin almost led to a banna bread taste, which the pecans helped bring out. While they lack pumpkin, the flavor is a classic, but not unique for the holidays.
Apple Cinnamon Buns
Price: $4.99
Rate: 9/10
Review: “A cheese danish with cinnamon and apple,” was the first thing that came to mind when biting into this fall food item. The Cinnamon Buns could be a special breakfast or a yummy desert. The apple filling gave a uniqueness only the fall spirit could give and challenges the basic cinnamon bun flavours that are a year-round favorite.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Price: $3.79
Rate: 8/10
Review: This quick six minute meal that can be made in the microwave is the perfect fall lunch item. “It tastes like the song 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins sounds.” Everyone loves mac n cheese but this fun fall twist on the flavours provides a uniqueness that is not offered by many other mac n cheese dishes.
Pumpkin Bagels & Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Price: Bagels- $2.99, Cream Cheese- $2.79
Rate: 10/10
Review: The delicious combo is a perfect fall breakfast or snack. The pumpkin flavor is brought out through bread and the sweetness of the cream cheese. The pair is a classic, but ultimately more enjoyable with the fall flavor. With the bagel toasted the perfect amount, the still soft inside of the bread tied the whole meal together.
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Pumpkin Spice in Everything
Autumn is here and Ventura County has many commodities to offer
KAILAH SPENCER
Managing
Editor
Despite the lingering summer weather, autumn has officially made its return. This means that it’s time for local businesses to revive our favorite fall items, from Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte to the beloved pumpkin bread found at Trader Joe’s. There are endless products to get people into the mood for the new season, even while wearing shorts and tank tops.
For many, the return of Starbucks’ fall menu marks the official start of autumn. The famous Pumpkin Spice Latte made its initial debut back in 2003, and still draws in customers worldwide. Starbucks continues to feed pumpkinlovers with their Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, and Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam to top off any drink.
For those who aren’t exactly crazy for the pumpkin flavor, there are still plenty of fall-themed treats to enjoy. This year, Starbucks debuted its Pecan Oatmilk Cortado while bringing back the Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. Returning for a limited time is also the Apple Crisp Collection, combining the taste of cinnamon and sweet baked apples. Stop by the Starbucks adjacent to campus today to discover a new favorite fall treat, or repurchase your go-to.
Starbucks isn’t the only spot that has caught fall fever. Trader Joe’s continues to maintain its reputation for rolling out creative seasonal snacks. Shelves are now stacked with fun flavors, such as apple, maple, butternut, and of course, pumpkin. Glazed Pumpkin Pie Spice Donut Holes, Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread, Pumpkin Ice Cream, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, and even Pumpkin Tortilla Chips are just a few of the festive items Trader Joe’s offers to customers. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, Trader Joe’s has something to satisfy all seasonal cravings.
Beyond food and beverages, Bath & Body Works has plenty of scents that capture fall in a bottle. The store’s signature fall scents–Warm Vanilla Chai, Marshmallow Fireside, and Autumn Woods–have hit the shelves once again. Sold as perfume, soap, body wash, lotion, candles, hand sanitizer, and wall plug-ins, these fragrances are guaranteed to fill any space with the fall spirit.
To tie all this together and truly get into the fall festivities, take the time to visit Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark. Throughout the year, the family-owned market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Every weekend, the farm selects a new theme that is perfect for a fall photoshoot. Underwood Family Farms hosts a farm market, animal center, corn maze, and pumpkin patch; perfect for a day with family or friends. Tickets must be purchased online for weekend visits, but tickets can be bought at the gate for $16 during the week. Underwood Family Farms has served Ventura County since 1867 and continues to be a go-to spot when the autumn months come around.
Fall is here, and it has brought a plethora of hot seasonal commodities with it. From food and fragrances to family farms, Ventura County offers as good a fall experience as you can get in Southern California. Put on your favorite sweater and cozy up with a warm drink; autumn won’t be here for long, so soak it all in.
Deftones’ Private Music Struggles to Find Its Spark
a musical deep-dive
Tyler Winzenburg compiled by
My main music taste is alternative rock, and Deftones is my favorite band, so I had high hopes for their new album, Private Music. Unfortunately, I walked away feeling underwhelmed. Three of their albums are among my all-time favorites, so when I heard about Private Music, I was ready for another instant classic. Instead, I came away disappointed.
That’s not to say it’s all bad. A few songs stand out, like “My Mind Is a Mountain” and my favorite, “Infinite Source”, those tracks have moments of the dreamy heaviness that Deftones are known for. Still, as a whole, the album doesn’t feel “special.” It doesn’t give me that same rush or spark that most of their past work has… doesn’t itch my brain the way Deftones usually does. The lyrics don’t stand out with the music, and the beats feel less emotional and vibrant than before.
Looking at other people’s takes, I’m not alone, and other listeners seem split on it. Some fans online call the album more “chill” and “laid-back,” while others say it’s forgettable and not on the level of earlier records. A few critics praised its softer, more reflective mood, but even they admit it lacks the punch Deftones usually bring.
For me, Private Music just doesn’t measure up to the high standard Deftones set for themselves. Maybe some fans will enjoy this calmer side of the band, but I can’t help but miss the sound that once made them so powerful. That’s the hardest part: knowing what this band is capable of and hearing something that feels so average by comparison. Private Music isn’t terrible, but it’s not the Deftones album I was hoping for.
New Addition to Apple Collection
Recently released iPhone 17 model features a new design, new screen material
JULIA PINEDADOMINGUEZ Managing Editor
As many opened their phones to Apple’s annual online event, known as the “awedropping” on Sept. 9 2025, fascinated by the release of the iPhone 17, Apple fanatics pulled out their wallets and pre-ordered their very own, with new yet similar features to the previous models.
Apple’s iPhone 17 became available instore Sept. 19. As always, many lined up outside the store, eager to get their hands on one. This new addition to Apple’s iPhone line-up comes with new features: the A19 chip, ProMotion 120Hz Display, cooling mechanisms, longer battery life, better durability, and the iOS 26 update.
The A19 chip contributes to a faster performance time, and when combined with the new display, allows for smoother scrolling, animations, and improved outdoor brightness. A major issue that arose from the previous Apple iPhone’s was its ability to overheat quickly and, therefore, its lack of functionality. However, Apple
AROUND T.O.WN
Halloween in the Park
Community Center Park, Camarillo
Wednesday, October 29 5:00-8:00 pm
took this straight into consideration and implemented a commonly used vapor chamber cooling system in Androids, into the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The new iPhone is made of aluminum and uses new glass scratch resistance technology. While this sounds appealing, the aluminum base can also make the phone heavier.
“They are heavier than the iPhone 16 Pro models, and they feel like bricks compared to the thin and light Air,” Wired journalist from the article, Review: Apple iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Julian Chokkattu said.
Aside from function and durability, the iOS 26 update has some people questioning its effectiveness, while others find it completely appealing. The update comes with what is called “Liquid Glass”, the redesign of app icons, and advances in Apple intelligence.
Liquid Glass is a feature that creates a translucent effect to apps and iPhone backgrounds, as they appear shiny and fluid. Despite achieving a futuristic look, the “glass” effect has been found to create
Enjoy a spooky evening of pumpkin painting, lawn games, food trucks, a costume contest for all ages, and trick or treating. This event is free to all.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert
Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks
Saturday, November 1 7:00-9:00 pm
Experience E.T. and Elliot’s unforgettable adventure through John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by the New West Symphony orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen. Bring the family and come dressed in your Halloween best!
Mizel Family Foundation You Pick Pumpkin Days
Mizel Estate Wines, Thousand Oaks
Tuesday, October 14-Thursday, October 30 4:00-5:30 pm
Spend a fall afternoon at Mizel Estate Wines to select and harvest pumpkins. Mizel’s Pumpkin Patch features a wide variety of pumpkins in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Other surprises onsite are available for purchase. Entry is free and open to the public.
issues with other functions.
“Some complaints include poor text readability, confusion from blurred backgrounds, and even dizziness,” tech journalist from PC Mag, Gabriel Zamora, said.
With its controversial appearance in the previous iOS 18.1 update, Apple intelligence has been implemented more into this update, with its most enticing feature being the live translation on facetime and messages. With the phone automatically translating other languages to one you’ll understand, it will bring communication around the world to another level. We can also see this feature in the upcoming Airpods Pro 3, where languages are translated right into your ear when having a conversation.
Aside from the common iPhone designs, such as the regular, Pro, and Pro Max, we are met with an Air option. The iPhone air was created as an iPhone 17 Pro alternative that is less heavy but with all the same features, except for the cooling system and advanced three camera feature.
Festival de los Muertos
Borchard Community Center, Newbury Park
Saturday, November 1 4:00-8:00 pm
Join in on this vibrant celebration perfect for the whole family. Enjoy engaging crafts, live music, a variety of vendors to explore, and a bunch of great food. This event is free to all.
Patagonia
Salmon Run 5K
Location TBA Sunday, November 9 8:30 am
Participate in the 29th Annual Patagonia Salmon Run 5K. This year’s race beneficiary will be South Coast Habitat Restoration, a local non-profit organization based in Carpinteria that is dedicated to environmental stewardship and habitat enhancement. Registration is $48.70, plus a $3.70 fee, until the price increase on November 1.
Friends’ Flash Book Sale
Newbury Park Library, Newbury Park
Saturday, November 15 12:00-2:00 pm
Book lovers can enjoy a bargain of 5 books for just $1, unless otherwise marked. The sale will feature fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages. All proceeds directly benefit library programs, events, and resources that serve the local community.
Tyler Winzenburg - The Lancer
Los LANCEROS
Nuevo club de danza une a estudiantes
Una via inclusiva para aprender
ARIANA AYUSO Guest Writer
El miércoles, primero de octubre, un nuevo club de baile tuvo su primera reunión. Este club fue creado por el estudiante y presidente del club, Braeden Rice, con el propósito de enseñar a los estudiantes que están interesados en el arte del baile.
Tienen reuniones los primeros dos y el último miércoles de cada mes. La vicepresidenta es Calleigh Hunnicutt, el secretario es Aiden Carbajal y la tesorera es Jenna Sprenzal.
Dando la bienvenida a personas de todos los niveles de experiencia de baile, el club se enfoca en la técnica y la historia del baile. La temática del club es la teoría del movimiento y la música para que los estudiantes puedan aprender del baile.
Teniendo lugar en la sala de actividades de muchachas, la primera reunión se concentró en conocer a todos los miembros del club y establecer una base para el éxito del club.
Después de compartir sus nombres con todos, los miembros tenían que ir con un compañero que no conocían muy bien y crear un saludo para hacer una nueva conexión.
El objetivo final de Braeden era
Club
“Aprovechar mi experiencia en la comunidad de “street dance” y traducir esa energía y pasión en la creación de un club,” dijo. “quería transmitir el conocimiento que mis maestros me habían dado.”
El crear un nuevo club puede dar nervios, pero el resultado siempre vale la pena. La idea de que nadie venga es espantosa, pero por suerte para este club, unas quince personas acudieron a la primera reunión. Estudiantes de las clases de baile, el equipo de baile en TOHS y también algunos que
nunca han bailado vinieron para expresar su amor por la danza.
Esto no es sólo un club, es una comunidad y una oportunidad de aprendizaje para crecer cognitivamente. La danza es articulada, es una forma de ser tú mismo. Unifica a la gente y ayuda a una persona a crecer tanto intelectual como físicamente.
No importa si nunca has bailado, nadie te va a juzgar en el club, son miembros por la misma razón y todos pueden ayudarse.
El equipo de hockey sobre césped lucha con pasión
SARA
CORRALES
Guest Writer
El equipo titular de mujeres de hockey sobre césped ha tenido una temporada llena de retos, aprendizaje y espíritu de equipo.
Aunque nomás tienen un equipo pequeño de veinte personas, y sólo hay un equipo titular, el grupo de jugadoras se ha convertido en una familia unida llena de energía positiva.
El primer juego de la temporada fue el once de septiembre contra la escuela de Glendora, marcando el inicio de un período de tiempo lleno de crecimiento. Desde entonces, el equipo ya ha tenido más juegos, pero uno de los más memorables fue el quince de septiembre contra la escuela de Chaminade. Había mucha presión en ese juego y el equipo puso mucho esfuerzo hasta el último segundo. Al fin del juego, hubo un tiro de esquina corto, que terminó el juego con una pérdida 2-1.
A pesar de esto, ese momento mostró todo el trabajo que ha hecho el equipo este año. Las jugadoras tomaron esa experiencia como una oportunidad para mejorar y prepararse para su
próximo juego.
El último juego de la temporada del equipo, la noche de celebración para las futuras graduadas, fue el quince de octubre contra la escuela de Harvard-Westlake que está reconocida por tener un equipo muy avanzado y competitivo. Esto hizo que fuera un juego muy difícil, pero a pesar de eso las jugadoras estuvieron agradecidas por haber podido jugar juntas y celebrar a una compañera de equipo que se gradúa este año.
El equipo ha mejorado mucho desde el año pasado, con todas las jugadoras echando todo su esfuerzo cada práctica y juego. A lo largo de la temporada, el equipo ha mostrado un progreso impresionante en su técnica y comunicación en el campo.
A pesar de que el equipo tiene una sola jugadora que está en el último año de prepa y ocho jugadoras nuevas que empezaron a jugar el deporte este año, las jugadoras han enseñado mucho aprendizaje, mostrado una gran capacidad de adaptación y entusiasmo.
Cada práctica y cada juego se presentan dispuestos a mejorar, lo que ha demostrado su perseverancia y amor por el deporte.
Lancer Bites: Chocoflán
Chocoflán de Marcela Valladolid con algunas modificaciones de Verónica Bass
Ser estudiante Latino de primera generación
ASHLEY CHACON Guest Writer
Muchos no saben en realidad cómo es ser estudiante Latino de primera generación; muchos de nosotros no tenemos guías y, aun si tenemos hermanos mayores que nos ayudan, a ellos también les ha costado estar dónde están porque no han tenido quién les ayude.
Yo crecí siendo hija única y no tengo hermanos que ya hayan pasado por el proceso de ser un estudiante de primera generación. Yo seré la primera en mi familia en obtener la oportunidad de ir a la universidad, y siento la necesidad de tener éxito en mi educación porque no quiero que los esfuerzos y sacrificios de mis padres sean en vano.
Siento que, siendo Latina, mis opciones se hacen más difíciles y sé que no soy la única que se siente así.
Ariana Ramos dijo: “Yo creo que mi experiencia ha sido más difícil que la de aquellos que nacieron aquí por las oportunidades que tienen. Para comenzar, son nacidos aquí y segundo, las personas que son nacidas aquí tienden a tener más recursos financieros, opuesto a una persona que acaba de llegar de otro país que no tiene muchos recursos.”
A veces muchas personas solamente tienen a sus hermanos como guías.
Grace Martínez dijo: “Ambos de mis hermanos me están ayudando porque son mayores que yo y me dicen qué clases tomar y qué es lo mejor para mí.”
Otros de primera generación son el ejemplo o son los hermanos mayores.
Byron Villeda dice: “Siendo un estudiante de primera generación, no ha sido muy mal, pero la única cosa es que no tengo a nadie que me ayude con mis tareas y tengo que ser un ejemplo para mi hermano menor.”
Todos tenemos experiencias muy diferentes y similares siendo primera generación.
La importancia de Bad Bunny en El Super Bowl
ZOE MALDONADO Guest Writer
Una gran parte de la cultura norteamericana es el amor por el deporte, especialmente el fútbol americano. Acá en Thousand Oaks, todos los viernes desde el comienzo del ciclo escolar hasta el invierno, el Lancer Stadium se ve lleno de estudiantes y familias apoyando al equipo.
Otra parte de la cultura de los Estados Unidos es la diversidad de la población que ha sido observada desde el comienzo del país. En nuestra escuela, hay varios clubes como Latino Connection y Black Student Union, reflejando la cultura diversa del campus.
El Super Bowl es uno de los partidos cruciales de la liga estadounidense de fútbol
americano, no sólo por el deporte sino por el espectáculo de medio tiempo o “halftime show.” Este año, Bad Bunny fue elegido para hacer el espectáculo.
Recientemente, Bad Bunny terminó su gira en Puerto Rico que excluyó el territorio principal de los Estados Unidos para demostrar su desaprobación de las nuevas pólizas inmigratorias y la falta de apoyo para la isla boricua.
La combinación del espectáculo de medio tiempo o “Halftime Show” y la cultura Latina durante estos tiempos abre las puertas al apoyo y la unidad. En un mundo cada vez más globalizado, la aceptación mutua representa los valores estadounidenses que permanecen; vida, libertad y la búsqueda de felicidad para todos.
de baile, estudiantes de último año Braeden Rice y Hayven Gaffga, estudiantes de penúltimo año Matthew Evangelista, Calleigh Hunnicutt, y Kirk Race.
Braeden Rice - with permission
Rivalry under lights
Thousand Oaks continues to be resilient and in Ventura County’s fiercest rivalries.
SOPHIA MUNHALL Sports Editor
The atmosphere was electric; the band playing, the crowd roaring, and the student section decked out in red, white, and blue, ready to back their team.
From the opening kickoff, the energy was high, but the Lancers struggled to maintain momentum against a powerful Westlake offense. The Warriors’ senior running back, Demaniel Bell, dominated the field with over 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns, leading his team to a 4221 victory.
Even with the loss, the Lancers showed grit. Senior quarterback Jackson Taylor and senior running back Brady Beck helped Thousand Oaks move the ball effectively, and the team actually outgained Westlake by about 50 total yards. Still, costly turnovers and red-zone misses made it difficult to close the gap.
“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Beck said. “We made some good plays, but we just couldn’t finish when it counted.”
For many students, this game was about more than just the final score; it was about school pride. The stands were filled with classmates, alumni, and families who showed up to support the green and the blue and orange. The noise was constant, the chants never stopped, and even when
the clock hit zero, the Green Hole leaders cheered the team off the field.
“Our guys fought hard,” Head Coach Brandon Anderson said. “This rivalry always brings out the best in both teams, and we’ll use this game as motivation to keep improving.”
That motivation was clear in the following matchup against Newbury Park, another longtime rival. With dramatic flair, the Lancers claimed a 17-7 victory over the Panthers in a showdown that carried
decades of history, dating back to 1968. Senior Hayden Vercher captured the Lancer spirit when he flew across the field to score the winning touchdown for Thousand Oaks. The Green hole was thriving with every drive that Thousand Oaks took to get closer to the endzone. With senior running back Jordan Johnson’s tenacity and Taylor’s energy, the team was able to clutch a win, not only on the field, but in the hearts of many Lancers, past and present.
Unified Sports teams celebrate Unity Day
Students from Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park high schools spend day in orange, celebrate inclusion, teamwork in friendly annual competition
SOPHIA MUNHALL Sports Editor
While students and staff wore orange to stand together against bullying across the Conejo Valley School District, students and athletes in Unified Sports at Westlake, Thousand Oaks, and Newbury Park high schools participated in this year’s Unity Sports Day on Oct. 22.
With events like Ladder Toss, Bocce Ball, Cornhole, and Frisbee Golf, students spent the day competing and bonding with others from different schools, putting aside rivalries to focus on friendship, teamwork and inclusion. Regardless of their school afiliation, students in Unified Sports and their coaches worked to have a great time.
At WHS, the air buzzed with laughter, high-fives and bright orange shirts as the “Unity Day Sports Day” came alive. Groups gathered at the bocce ball lanes, cheering as colorful balls rolled and clinked across the turf.
That same excitement carried over to the cornhole area, where bean bags soared and teammates celebrated every toss.
At the ladder toss station, cheers rang out with every rope that wrapped around the rungs. Meanwhile, frisbees flew across the field as the students challenged one another in friendly rounds of frisbee golf.
Unity Day, celebrated nationally each October, is a day dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion and the stand against bullying together. At Westlake, it became more than just a theme; it was an experience.
Students from all three schools showed that even with different mascots and colors, they share the same spirit of unity. Through teamwork and connection, the event reminded everyone that the best victories happen when everyone feels included.
Sullivan turns criticism into motivation
Varsity football’s Luke Sullivan finds strength, focus, determination
WILLOW VERCHER Staff Writer
Senior Luke Sullivan, wide receiver and defensive back for the Thousand Oaks High School varsity football team, has found himself at the center of growing controversy and public scrutiny these past two seasons. The pressure on the young athlete is being applied both from the stands under Friday night lights and across various social media platforms.
“It’s usually trash talk, like stats and playing time,” Sullivan said. “It’s never really deep or emotional.”
Instead of letting the negativity get to him, Sullivan uses it as motivation to get better and prove people wrong. He doesn’t waste time stressing over what others say; if anything, their doubts just push him to work harder. Every bit of criticism becomes a reason to level up and show what he’s really capable of. He takes it all in stride and turns it into something positive.
“I just use it as fuel,” Sullivan said. “I don’t take it in a bad way. I take it in a ‘get better’ kind of way.”
Despite the criticism, Sullivan recently delivered a standout performance at the Homecoming game against Agoura High School, recording two touchdowns.
“I won’t let anybody get in my way,” Sullivan said. “I’m my own person with my own goals, and I won’t let anybody get in the way of those.”
It’s easy to get derailed by trash talk and online negativity, especially when it comes on the heels of success. However, Sullivan has chosen to adopt an empowering mindset: he treats the criticism not as personal attacks, but as data points and challenges to overcome. By viewing the hate as fuel, he completely strips the negativity of its power.
This ability to instantly reframe external pressure into internal motivation is a lesson in resilience that extends far beyond the football field. Sullivan models how to channel adversity into constructive action.
AVA ROCHA Staff Writer
Senior Sheyla Espinoza is a hardworking student. As a member of ASB and a Green Hole leader, she brings school spirit to games, giving all her support to the players and hyping up those around her. She’s also on the flag football team, an ETHOS student and stays involved with the school community.
Despite being extremely busy, Espinoza expresses her love for being involved. When asked what life advice she wished she had gotten sooner, she wishes she had been out and involved as much as she is now in her freshman year.
“Put yourself out there, and get involved,” Espinoza said. “Do everything you can do, and experience it to the fullest.”
Supporting your community and feeling involved can create a positive environment.
Espinoza is often busy because of how involved she is, so she sets herself up to be organized. It’s difficult to keep the balance between social life, school work and your hobbies, if you don’t utilize the tools around you.
“I usually have a planner to keep track of what I need during the week. I really focus on having that balance,” Espinoza said. “If not, I can get in a mess and not focus on the things that need to get done.”
She strives for others to get out there and be involved. She knows how stressful and overwhelming freshman year can get, but she influences incoming freshmen to be themselves and stay engaged.
Espinoza is an excellent example of keeping your high school spirit and motivation while balancing adulting. One way she does this is remembering fond memories from the past and creating new ones.
“My favorite high school memories from at least this year are probably senior sunrise or just bonding with our grade,” Espinoza said. “Sports-wise, probably the bus rides back from when we win a game.”
Being a member of the varsity flag football team, Espinoza spends most of her afternoons on the field. Espinoza has started training with a private coach to heighten her skills and hopefully play in college. She’s a great all-around athlete and a bright spirit on the field, so much so she was invited to the Her Combine Showcase, her main purpose to flaunt her skills and train among other young athletes such as herself for flag football.
Espinoza expressed considering going to a college out of state, so this last year as a senior, she is spending free time getting involved as much as she can, while enjoying her time with her family and friends, and finishing schoolwork.
Insanely spirited, senior Sheyla Espinoza shows great support as a Green Hole leader during the TO vs NP football game.
Ready to win, with his hands on his hips and his eyes fixed ahead, senior Luke Sullivan stands in quiet defiance.
Dollam, Christopher Toppe, Steven Herman, Natalie George, and Sophia Munhall.
Locked in, Thousand Oaks Lancer football on the line during the Newbury game getting ready for the next play.
Sophia Munhall - The Lancer
Gemma Spraggins - The Lancer
Faith Goldfield - with permission
Jordan Winston - with permission
Committed: Cal Poly SLO
APRIL RAMOS Staff Writer
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, have you heard of it? Known for its strong academics, welcoming community, and standout athletic programs, Cal Poly SLO continues to attract talented studentathletes from across California.
Among the newest commits are Thousand Oaks High School juniors
Luchiana Shattuck and Presley Shattuck, two soccer players ready to take their game and their education to the next level. For Luchiana, the decision came naturally after visiting the campus.
“When I first visited Cal Poly, I fell in love with it,” Luchiana said. “The atmosphere was amazing and it had everything I was looking for in a school.”
Luchiana also shared how meeting the women’s soccer team made her feel right at home.
“The first time I met them, I felt really comfortable,” Luchiana said. “Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and I could instantly see us getting along and playing well together.”
That sense of connection gave her confidence that she would be joining not just a team, but a family, one where she could grow as both a player and a person.
Presley’s commitment was equally heartfelt. Inspired by her mother’s love of soccer, she’s dreamed of playing at the collegiate level for years.
“Growing up, I always watched my mom play soccer,” Presley said. “As I got older, she helped me train and encouraged me to follow my passion.
She’s been my biggest inspiration.”
Her mother’s influence, she said, has been a constant reminder of how far dedication and love for the sport can take you. Presley’s sister joining her at Cal Poly is a comforting bonus as she prepares for this big transition.
“I was a little nervous about moving to
“Knowing my sister will be there with me makes it a lot easier.”
PRESLEY SHATTUCK
a new school on my own,” Presley said. “But knowing my sister will be there with me makes it a lot easier.”
Having family close by, she added, gives her extra motivation to stay focused and make the most of the experience. Even with her excitement, Presley took time to think carefully about her decision.
“I wondered if Cal Poly would still be a good fit if something happened and I couldn’t play soccer,” Presley said. “After researching the academics, I realized it was a great school all around.”
That reassurance helped her feel confident that Cal Poly was not just the right athletic fit, but the right place to grow academically and personally. Presley described the wait for Cal Poly’s offer as nerve-wracking. When the congratulatory call finally came, the excitement in her household was unmatched.
Now, both Luchiana and Presley are proud to represent Cal Poly and eager to begin this new chapter of their athletic and academic journeys. With their shared passion, family bond and dedication to the game, the Shattuck sisters are ready to make their mark in San Luis Obispo, on and off the field.
Campsites, clutch plays
Boys’ varsity water polo team heads off campus to strengthen friendships to fuel 2025-2026 season
JOHNNY PHAN
Staff Writer
Yearly, the Thousand Oaks High School boys’ water polo team goes camping for team bonding, but this time, the only the varsity athletes who could attend were juniors Josiah Kay, Luca Bazerkanian, Emmanuel Gonzalez, and Callan Kluck-Hodgins, as well as seniors Hunter Collins, Eric Shea and Tomoki Inayama. The trip consisted of warm weather and clear skies at a campsite in Lake Casitas, a recreational area located a short distance from Santa Barbara.
“This trip was unforgettable and one of the most memorable experiences in my high school and water polo career,” Bazerkanian said. “We were fishing, setting up campfires, and enjoyed talking about stories from the past together.”
During their weekend getaway, the team went on a trip to Ojai, the closest city to the campsite, stopping by a local cafe for some refreshers after their long walk throughout the town.
“During our walk through town, we saw a little
cafe on the side of the road that seemed like a good idea,” Kay said. “We were all pretty thirsty since the sun had been beating down on us for a while at that point.”
At the cafe, Kay ordered a refreshing iced tea to keep him cool, while the others ordered cold coffees or matchas. It was also a great spot for a snack as the cafe had small pastries, including their savory butter croissants and sweet macarons.
As night fell, the group drove back to the campsite and talked about stories under the stars near Shea’s truck that held all the snacks.
“When we sat around the campfire, I noticed something that looked like a shooting star going across the sky,” Bazerkanian said. “Except it split apart while in the sky, it looked like it exploded.”
The campfire was buzzing with talk of the shooting star, and the group of friends was sitting in a circle with endless snacks to fuel their conversations. Surrounded by nature, the group made memories that will stick with them for the season.
LILAH SWAVING Assistant Sports Editor
Ryder Lyons is the five-star quarterback at Folsom High School who has received over 30 Division 1 offers, including any college football powerhouse you could imagine. Lyons has been receiving offers as early as his eighth-grade year and has taken the social media world by storm. Lyons has reached around 400K followers across his social media accounts, including TikTok and Instagram.
People said Lyons was all talk, that his name carried more weight than his talent. Headlines flashed his face and crowds knew his name. Lyons has shown social media that he is more than meets the eye, more than just a strong arm and sense of game IQ. His drive and dedication have helped him move forward, especially after facing social media backlash.
“Every setback was just fuel for the next chapter,” Lyons said.
The attention Lyons receives isn’t always great. One of the effects of Lyons’s social media presence is that there is a particular group of females who have been romanticizing him since his social media presence rose. He also gets a significant amount of hatred stating that he isn’t that good and that he is overrated.
“I’m not here to be famous; I’m here to be remembered for what I stood for,” Lyons said
Staying humble is hard to do when you are famous, and so is performing at a high level in your sport. Being the #1 senior QB in California is an accomplishment that kids literally dream of.
“It’s really cool to be known, but I have to stay humble and keep working because I really haven’t proven anything yet,” Lyons said. “I try to be the best me, but obviously I have a lot of confidence in myself.”
Whether you think he’s a famous face or a truly gifted athlete, one thing is certain: Lyons has already made his mark. His story is still being written, and his work ethic is inspiring the following generation. This only marks the beginning of his journey.
No place like (no) home
Soccer faces bittersweet final season without home field
APRIL RAMOS Staff Writer
This year the Thousand Oaks High School stadium has had a lot of change. It started with flipping the home and away sides of the stadium, and now, the entire football field and track are undergoing remodeling starting in December.
Over summer, the decision to renovate was finalized when the opportunity to get new turf and a new, improved track was available for all the high schools in the Conejo Valley Unified School District.
The renovations are scheduled to be completed in 90 days, but with potential inclement weather in the winter, that time frame could be easily delayed.
The sport that is going to be affected the most by the remodeling is boys’ and girls’ soccer, as their tryouts have begun and they will officially begin practices after the football season. The teams won’t be able to play on their home field and for seniors, it meant a lot for their final season to be played on the Lancer field. The change in the track and football field is controversial now, but it will benefit everyone after it’s done.
Due to the fact that the current field is quite outdated, multiple injuries have happened over the past couple of years due to the tears in the turf.
“I’m really upset... because I won’t be able to play a home game on our field at all.”
ELIJAH DE LA CRUZ
Principal Eric Bergmann is looking forward to the new design, hoping to give TOHS a new and exciting attraction.
“The biggest reason [for the replacement] is that any turf that you lay down has a life expectancy and we are at the end of the cycle for our turf,” Bergmann said. “That creates a safety hazard for our students and for anybody who is using the field.”
Unfortunately for winter sports, the field will most likely still be under construction, meaning that they need to find a different space to practice and there will be no home field for most of the season. As much as the renovations are needed, it does cause an inconvenience for many athletes.
“I think everybody realizes that our turf is old and it needs to be replaced,” Bergmann said. “In the long term, the benefits of replacing it far outweigh the inconveniences that we are experiencing in the short term.”
While athlete injuries are one of the main reasons that the field and track are being modified, some student athletes still are not looking forward to the modifications to the field, as it will negatively impact their games and practice schedules.
“I’m really upset about the new field change, not because I don’t want it to happen, but because of the timing,” senior Elijah De La Cruz said. “Because of it, I won’t be able to play a home game on our field at all, and I was really looking forward to it because it is my last year being able to play here.”
Most of the criticism and disappointment comes from the seniors, due to the fact that it is their last year playing in high school, and they were hoping to be able to play on their home field.
A lot of students are wondering why this change couldn’t have been postponed until soccer season is over or why it wasn’t done over the summer, though most students are grateful that we have the opportunity for a new field.
Shin guards on, Luchiana and Presley Shattuck share their commitment photo.
Quality time, seniors Callan Kluck-Hodgens and Eric Shea bond at annual getaway.
Luchiana Shattuck - with permission
Luca Bazerkanian - with permission
TOHS FALL SPORTS ROUND-UP
FOOTBALL
Coach: Branden Anderson
2024-25 Record: Overall: 8-5; League: 3-2
2025-26 Record: Overall: 7-2; League: 3-1
Top Players: Senior Jackson Taylor, senior Jordan Johnson, senior Hayden Vercher, senior Luke Sullivan, senior Brady Beck
Quotable: “Having to wake up every day, going to practice, you know, it gets hard going all the time, but it’s just a mental battle you need to overcome,” senior Brady Beck said.
Notable: The recent win against the Newbury Park Panthers was definitely their most exciting game this year, with the energy and the noise from the Lancer varsity team.
FIELD HOCKEY
Coach: Neveah Kammerer
2024-25 Record: Overall: 0-11; League 0-4
2025-26 Record: Overall: 0-8; League: 0-2
Top Players: Junior Gabriella Montiel, Freshman Sophia Smith, Senior Ava Kamoei
Quotable: “Just try your best because we’re all learning and we’re all at different levels, but there’s just a varsity team, no JV, so it’s automatic varsity, and it’s just anyone who joins, kind of,” junior Valeria Jimenez said.
Notable: This year’s varsity field hockey team started with a bunch of new players, but as the season progressed, they got better at passes, communication, and as a team.
BOYS’ WATERPOLO
Coach: Craig Rond
2024-25 Record: Overall: 13-17; League: 4-4
2025-26 Record: Overall: 15-13; League: 1-5
Top Players: Senior Luca Bazerkanian, senior Hunter Collins, junior Aiden McFarlane, senior Eric Shea, senior Tomoki Inayama
Inside Story: The varsity boys’ water polo team goes on annual camping trips to Lake Casitas and always makes so many memories through those adventures.
Quotable: “Of any sport that you can find, it’s… that one sport that you can’t just pick it up and play, you have to be in condition or in shape,” Coach Craig Rond said.
Notable: The team competes in the Coastal Canyon League and participates in Division 4 for the Southern Section, indicating a strong program facing solid competition.
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Coach: David Dewing
2023-24 Record: 0-3
2024-25 Record: Overall: 2-9; League: 0-5
Top Players: Freshman Tea Bourgeais, sophomore London Hoffman, sophomore Karina Jean, junior Julia Pineda-Dominguez
Inside Story: After away game matches, they would stop at In-N-Out or other restaurants on the road, which has always been fun for Coach Dewing for the past five years, and the girls came together as a team.
Quotable: “It’s like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. If you want to compete, you have to practice year-round. You can’t be content and expect to get better,” Dewing said.
Notable: Dewing will be coaching the boys’ tennis team in the spring!
GIRLS’
VOLLEYBALL
Coach: James Park
2024-25
Record: Overall: 28-6; League: 8-2
2025-26 Record: Overall: 30-5; League: 9-1
Top Players: Senior London Halvorsen, sophomore Saylor Halvorsen, senior Leah Curtin, senior Hailey Lauritzen
Quotable: “It’s easier said than done, but really just letting go and trying to play free. You play sports to have fun, it really shouldn’t be super deep and it’s hard to get out of that place, but I mean, not caring what people think about when you’re playing it, and also, your performance doesn’t dictate who you are as a person. It’s about letting go and playing freely and trying to have fun again,” senior captain Leah Curtin said. Notable: Their record is the best it has been in many years and the team chemistry is what contributed to their amazing bond and continued wins.
Leah Curtin - with permission
Dewing steps into Hollywood spotlight
From coaching on courts to acting on set, Dewing shares how a random encounter led him to spontaneously pursue Hollywood roles while coaching
SOPHIA MUNHALL Sports Editor
For years, Coach David Dewing’s life revolved around tennis. As the boys and girls tennis coach at Thousand Oaks High School, he’s dedicated countless hours to helping student-athletes improve their skills, teaching discipline, strategy and the value of consistent effort. But recently, Dewing found himself in a completely different game: Hollywood.
“I was discovered on a tennis court,” Dewing said. “I was playing with a friend on a USTA team, and this couple was watching us. Then a tall woman walked out and said, ‘Hi, my name is Kim Gilbert. Would you guys be interested in being in a movie?’”
That Ben Stiller film marked Dewing’s unexpected entry into acting. What started as a background role quickly evolved.
“Kim gets back and says ‘the director
picked you for a feature part,’” Dewing said. “I was running around and they told me that I would be in a fake crowd, playing out this scene, and it was so much fun.”
Over the next few months, Dewing landed roles in a Civil War-themed faithbased film, a Brad Pitt project, and more.
Each opportunity brought him face-to-face with stars like Ed Harris, whose legendary career left Dewing star-struck. Despite the intimidating environment, Dewing credits his coaching background with helping him navigate the challenges.
“Being a coach teaches you discipline, patience and teamwork,” Dewing said.
“Acting requires the same mindset. You have to prepare, memorize lines, understand your role and work with everyone on set.
The parallels are incredible.”
Balancing coaching and acting hasn’t been easy, but Dewing embraces the challenge.
“My tennis players have improved a lot
this year,” Dewing said. “I make sure they get the practice and guidance they need, but when I have acting gigs, I dedicate time to that as well. It’s all about managing priorities and staying committed.”
Dewing has advice for anyone considering a leap into something new.
“Just try it. Even if you’ve spent decades in one field, it’s never too late to pursue a passion,” Dewing said. “You have to commit fully, just like in tennis. Learn, practice and show up ready every time.”
Looking ahead, Dewing hopes to continue expanding his acting career while maintaining his dedication to tennis.
“I want to keep growing in both areas,” Dewing said. “Acting allows me to explore creativity in ways coaching doesn’t, and coaching keeps me grounded and connected to the community.”
From the tennis courts to film sets, Dewing is proving that it’s possible to excel in multiple passions.
Jameson Berigan’s road to Pepperdine
Senior pitcher battles injury, finds perfect fit at Pepperdine University
LILAH SWAVING Staff Writer
When it came time for senior Jameson Berigan to choose which college he’d be furthering his baseball career at, the Pepperdine Waves stood out to him.
“It stood out to me because they are close to where I live, of course, but they also gave me the best opportunity out of everybody,” Berigan said.
The recruiting process wasn’t easy, and oftentimes Berigan felt impatient; the process as a whole took a little over a year. He trusted the journey and, in the end, knew that Pepperdine was the right fit for him.
“I didn’t start getting opportunities towards the end, but Pepperdine ultimately was the right fit for me; it felt like home. The staff liked me, and I liked the staff; it was a mutual relationship,” Berigan said.
Looking forward to the action-packed senior season ahead, Berigan is most excited to change the program after stating that the baseball team hasn’t been the sharpest. He’s looking forward to coming in and leading the team to victory, bringing the team back to what it used to be.
“I’m excited to change the baseball program. I’m hoping I can lead them to a positive change,” Berigan said.
While Pepperdine’s culture didn’t play a big role in his decision, the school’s atmosphere overpowered the team’s community.
“I didn’t really hang around the team, but over the summer I pitched at their field, so I did like the environment,” Berigan said.
Berigan’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles; one of the biggest was last winter when Berigan suffered an elbow injury, which slowed his process down but didn’t ruin it in the slightest.
“I started my prep season last year, and I tore my UCL, which is a ligament in my elbow that is really important for pitchers,” Berigan said. “I know I can get through anything and everything happens for a reason.”
With the tension of deciding where Berigan was going to pitch at now behind him. Beirgan is ready to help lead the Waves to victory in their 2026 season.
SOPHIA MUNHALL Sports Editor
Varsity Girls’ Volleyball team poses after Newbury Park match - Top row: Dana Chung, Hailey Lauitzen, Lillian Morge, Halle Bryce, Saylor Halvorsen, London Halvorsen, Madelyn Miller. Bottom row: Aella Keays, Camryn Dinkel, Leah Curtin, Audrey Cuico, Juliet Thom, Giovanna Nugwynne
Dewing’s breakthrough - A red carpet moment for coach. Action! - Coach Dewing is on set, ready for his feature film.
David Dewing- with permission
David Dewing - with permission
Varsity Girls’ Tennis team poses after successful Marmonte League Tournament - From left to right: Tea Bourgeais, Amelie Mueller, Hilary Manalang, Julia Pineda-Dominguez, Karina Jean Hilary Manalang - with permission
How T.O.: Regulate, control your emotions
JOEY GOODNIGHT Editor-in-Chief
As students, we often can feel overwhelmed by all the things we have to do and it’s normal to have moments where you feel out of control. Maybe you just got a bad grade on a test you studied really hard for, maybe you just got into a fight with a friend or maybe you have a million little issues that all compounded at once. Whatever it might be, it doesn’t matter; what matters is how you choose to handle yourself. It can feel tempting to act out, to get violent, to lash out at loved ones, or act in any other self-destructive way, but those actions don’t heal the feelings. More often than not, it just makes you feel worse.
So what are we supposed to do? How do we make ourselves feel better, and avoid lashing out? The answer to that lies in emotional regulation, learning to work with your body and your mind to get back into the driver’s seat of your brain. In Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a common therapy method for learning to deal with big emotions, they use the acronym TIPP to describe the ways to physically reduce symptoms of distress.
The T stands for Temperature. When our body detects a change in temperature, it takes more energy away from the distress signals sent by your body and moves that energy into maintaining your body temperature. To utilize this skill, put an ice pack on your face or neck or wash your face with cold water. More often than not, this will immediately decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety, typically within seconds.
The I stands for Intense Exercise. This system tells our brains to end the stress response and release a wave of positive
chemicals to the brain. This method of stress relief does not require a physical threat. Before or after a difficult test, a quick sprint around the track can tell your brain to slow down, relax and send those positive endorphins.
The first P stands for Paced Breathing. Keeping your breath even and measured is one of the best ways to tell your brain it’s time to relax. When our brain senses a slower introduction of oxygen, it turns off the functions that are less necessary, including the stress response. One of the best methods for reducing stress is the 4-7-8 breathing method. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, then hold that breath for seven seconds, then purse your lips like you’re blowing out a candle and slowly let out your breath for eight seconds.
The final P stands for Progressive Muscle Relaxation. This is a technique based on the same brain system that’s being used when we do intense exercise, but it can be done anywhere without having to be highly active. You can take advantage of this system by tightening your muscles, starting with the legs and slowly moving up through the body, squeezing the muscles for 10 seconds at a time before slowly releasing, going up through the core, then the chest, then the arms, and then your hands. By the time you’re done, your body will have realized that whatever threat it believed to be attacking you is gone and start to allow you to relax.
These aren’t the only ways to calm your body. Online there are hundreds of different methods to try to find the right one for you. Simply committing to learning how to regulate your emotions is a skill that will serve you in all points of life.
Unfunny Comics
By TYLER WINZENBURG
What’s your Beanie Boo?
Every Lancer has a Story
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
Ava Dukakis
“Athens, Greece, because they had such gorgeous beaches and there were a ton of stray cats that were really cute.”
If you won the lottery today, what’s the first thing you’d buy?
Adrian Guerrero
“I’d buy a pizza for everyone inside Toppers. Pepperoni pizza with blue cheese. It’s the best thing ever.”
If you had a personal theme song, what would it be?
Selah Golonsky
“‘Break My Stride’ because I run track, and I think it’s a perfect running song.”
If you could pick any celebrity mentor, who would it be?
Grant Holmquist
“Bradley Cooper. I have a personal connection with him since I was in The Hangover as a baby…it’d be cool to see how he does his stuff, and everything he’s been doing with directing.”
Do you think you’d survive in a horror movie?
“I probably wouldn’t know that I’m in a horror movie, so I’d probably make all the same stupid decisions [other characters] make.” Cy Gentry
Are you a fan of pumpkin spice?
Sierra McDemas
“Yes. All day, every day. Pumpkin spice is great; pumpkin spice is fall.”
Share a birthday with a friend? Well, now you can find out what Beanie Boo you share your special day with! One quick Google search with your birthday + Beanie Boos and you’re all set.
Tired of hearing 6 7?
This joke has gone on for about 6-7 weeks too long now. It has started to die out, but some people insert the joke into serious conversations, such as the colonization of Jamestown, founded in 1607
Google Doodle games
Finish your classwork before the bell rings and get bored? We have the solution for you: Google Doodle games are a fun and brainless pastime that prevents boredom.
Is it Dubai chocolate or edible gold?
The growing popularity of this treat has only continued to jack up its prices, breaking our wallets with one chocolate bar priced anywhere between $16-70.
What is your favorite Halloween or fall movie?
Lyla Davy
“The Nightmare Before Christmas because I like the way the movie is animated. I think it’s really pretty.”
What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?
Kyle Thompson
“When I was a nerd in third grade. I did it with my friend, and we wore suspenders and glasses with tape.”
If you could become fluent in any language, what would you choose?
Skye Reith
“French or Korean because I want to visit there one day.”
compiled by KAILAH SPENCER Managing Editor
Heilmer’s History videos
Students struggling in history classes, namely AP European History and AP United States History, use his videos on Youtube to work through difficult content, preparing for AP testing.
School sanitary items
Every girl reading this is fully aware of how useless school tampons and pads can be; they either never work when you need them or they just aren’t stocked and readily available.
PJs and pillow fights
Wanna stay in this Halloween but keep the fun going? Have a fall inspired sleepover with your friends, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice cookies, and a latenight horror movie to top it all off.
Plain t-shirts as a costume
Most of us take our Halloween costumes very seriously, however, there are those who wear a decorated colored t-shirt and jeans and call it a costume.
