The Pearl Post June 2024

Looking back at the Class of 2024

See pages 12-17

Volume 15, Issue 5 • June 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA

2 The Pearl Post | June 2024 Print Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz Online Editor-in-Chief Rikka Dimalanta Managing Editor Satenik Ayrapetyan Features Editor Alexa Garay Opinion Editor Isaac Herrera Entertainment Editor Sophie Ortega Sports Editor Maggie Simonyan Visual Editor Kristin Intal Digital Media Editor Andre Arcilla Social Media Editor Jenny Marquez Staff Writers / Photographers Serena Elkins, Alia Galvan, Donovan Ochoa, Aidan Lia, Jasmine McNair, Vanessa Morales, Emma Rosenberg and Yusuf Syed Contributors Linus Bossardt, Genesis CuellarFigueroa, Lia Manukyan, Benjamin Recinos, Valerie Sanchez, Isabella Tolosa, Giancarlo Valdez Copy Editors Alysa Basmadzhyan, Desiree Spurkel and Jazmine Valerio The Pearl Post is an open forum for student expression as allowed by California Education Codes 48907 and 48950, committed to excellence in reporting, writing and photography.

The magazine strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting the school.

Thoughts and opinions published in these pages are the work of journalism students and do not represent the position of DPMHS, its administrators or the Los Angeles Unified School District.

An unsigned editorial is the opinion of the Editorial Board, which is comprised of the Editor-in-Chief and the editors. Signed opinions in The Pearl Post reflect the views of the authors. A signed cartoon reflects the view of the cartoonist.

This bimonthly magazine is the official campus newsmagazine of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

The magazine is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com.

Content

1 COVER - Design by Desiree Spurkel 2-5 NEWS - Index / Plagiarism policy / Video production teacher retires / English teacher transfer / Patron Ad 6-7 OPINION - End-of-year editorial / Growing up fast/ Pearl Voice: Pressure to grow up 8-9 SPECIAL REPORTS - What students put in their bodies / Infographic: popular foods with harmful chemicals 10-11 FEATURES - Club Corner: Filipino Club / College Corner: Theater course 12-17 SENIORS - Senior photos / Valedictorian and salutatorian / Where graduates are going / Senior staff reflections / Letter to the freshmen / Seniors reflect on freshman year 18-19 SPORTS - Senior athletes / Athletes of the month 20-21 SUMMER - Video games / Cool summer outfits 22-23 ENTERTAINMENT - Artist of the Month: Lana Del Rey / Summer Olympics / Summer movies 24 BACK COVER - Photo Essay: Journalists at work

Letter from the editor In our fifth and final print issue, we focused on the senior Class of 2024. Included are interviews that reflect on seniors’ experiences while learning on Zoom during freshman year, competing on sports teams and working on The Pearl Post.

This issue also addresses the future of the graduating seniors with the use of an infographic about post-secondary plans and a spotlight on the goals of the valedictorian and salutatorian.

The end of this school year

will also bring about some notable changes that we have covered, including the departures of two teachers and the introduction of a new plagiarism policy.

We hope this issue provides a sufficient review and spotlight on the four years the Class of 2024 has spent at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School and accurately represents the gratitude we feel for our school and its community.

Alan Ruiz Editor-in-Chief

News | Satenik Ayrapetyan 3

New policy to fight misuse of AI

The school will adopt a new AI policy next school year.

By Vanessa Morales, @vane_m1110

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST A new plagiarism policy is planned for the next school year in order to combat the use of artificial intelligience by students.

panish teacher Glenda Hurtado often comes across plagiarism through the use of Google Translate from her students. As a consequence, she gives no credit for assignments that she deems unoriginal.

“Google Translate is an application that gives you a word-by-word translation so there’s no cohesiveness in the sentences,” Hurtado said. “It’s a lot of work because now I’m proofreading everything. In class, we have workbooks that have the same answer to each question but then we also have free writings, which allow me to see the baseline for each student. If I know what you’re capable of writing and you bring me a very sophisticated paragraph, I know it wasn’t written by you.”

Due to the growing use of the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) among teens in everyday life, a new plagiarism

policy will be implemented already warned against by and enforced starting in the teachers, this policy will take 2024-2025 school year. It is a stricter approach against still a work in progress and no those who fail to follow the official standards have been guidelines. announced to the students.

“It’s important and need“We want to make sure ed to encourage students to that stuengage in dents are original producing work,” If I know what you’re capaoriginal Librarian work Alain Cruz ble of writing and you bring because said. “It to me a very sophisticated that’s what also enparagraph, I know it wasn’t will be excourages written by you. pected of students -Spanish teacher Glenda Hurtado them when to enthey move gage in the on to college,” Principal Armen assignments that use the skills Petrossian said. “We want to that they’re learning in their make sure that we are giving classrooms. This way, they our students everything they can practice those skills and need to be able to produce receive proper and accurate original work and to be able feedback from their teachers.” to meaningfully produce work With AI systems’ abilfor college and their careers in ity to respond to any given the future.” prompt, some students find Although plagiarism themselves tempted to use AI and any form of cheating are systems, such as Chat GPT, to

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complete their assignments for them, putting in no effort to do it themselves.

“It’s (the policy) definitely necessary since people continue to use AI systems to do their work for them,” senior Ashly Zuniga said. “This new policy will help hold those people accountable and punish them accordingly.”

For those who decide to violate the policy, the majority of the decision regarding the punishment will be determined by the teacher. Depending on the gravity of the situation, teachers will take stricter and more appropriate measures to hold students accountable for plagiarism.

“One of the most common ones is not receiving credit for the assignment,” Petrossian said. “The form of consequence falls back on the teacher depending on what they deem appropriate for the situation.”

4 The Pearl Post | June 2024

Middlebrook retiring after 14-year-long teaching career

By Aidan Lia, @aidan.lia

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ideo production teacher Mark Middlebrook, who started the broadcast program here, has decided to retire from his teaching position at the end of this year.

“Interacting with all of the great students has been really wonderful,” Middlebrook said.

“You also have all these great people on staff. That is what makes this school special. I haven’t been in a school like this ever.”

He says that in his classroom, his students were not the only ones learning. His students have taught him things he would have otherwise never known about cameras, tech, computers and acting.

After working as a video production teacher since 2010, he joined Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in 2013.

Middlebrook has taught video production, film theory and oversees the broadcast news show The Pearl Network News.

Middlebrook plans to carry out goals he’s always envisioned of doing, including opening his own media company.

“I first got into filmmaking from watching my favorite movies,” said Middlebrook, who graduated from Cal State Fullerton. “One of my favorite movies is ‘Vertigo.’ I love any movies from Alfred Hitchcock.

Classic cinema is what I like.”

Freshman Haskell Fay,

a student in the period four video production class, enjoys the class and wishes to have more like it in the future.

“Mr. Middlebrook inspired me to love film,” Fay said. “His class is fun and informative, which makes me want to create films in the future.”

Junior Jacklyne Gomez, who is in Middlebrooks’ fourth period video production class, learned a lot from him. She hopes he lives a good life after retirement and values her time in his class.

“He taught me real life skills,” Gomez said. “I wanted to learn about film so he taught me how to start a camera, how to put up the lights and he taught me all about the cords for each piece of equipment. I use all of these skills every day in his class.”

Out of all the things he has taught his students, Middlebrook hopes both past and current students have not just learned to record a video but to make a video in an original way that represents who they are as a person. He wants students to continue to be the good people he has seen them be in class.

“I plan to do several different types of media and right now I am researching the right way to do it,” said Middlebrook, who plans to work on a podcast during retirement.

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Video production teacher Mark Middlebrook, who will be retiring at the end of the school year, talks to senior Sara Gomez in period 5 on May 22.

AIDAN LIA | THE PEARL POST Junior Aidan Ly looks on as video production teacher Mark Middlebrook shows how to edit a video for a project during period 4 on May 17.

News | Alan Ruiz 5

DONOVAN OCHOA | THE PEARL POST English teacher Christopher McAdamis, who will be leaving the school, teaches his 10th grade English class how to write compare and contrast essays on May 16.

McAdamis to switch schools

By Donovan Ochoa, @donovan_8a

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nglish teacher Christopher McAdamis will not be returning to teach at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) for the 20242025 school year.

“I was saddened to be losing the coworker I started at Daniel Pearl (Magnet High School) with, but I’m really excited that he gets to move on and start new,” English teacher Francesca Gunther said. “I know he’s excited so I’m excited for him.”

McAdamis has taught 10th grade English, 10th grade Honors English, Expository

Reading and Writing and AP English Languange and Composition at DPMHS for the past two years. Starting his time here after a complete turnover of the school’s English department, McAdamis’ departure will mean half of the English department at DPMHS is gone. McAdamis’ main motivation for not returning was a need for a larger school environment.

“I’m looking for a larger school and bigger team,” McAdamis said. “There are more solutions for collaboration working across departments.”

McAdamis feels that a bigger school would allow him to better unify with his peers and stimulate collaboration. For the 2024-2025 school year, he will be teaching at El Camino Real Charter High School.

McAdamis still notes that he’s gained experience and good memories during his time working at DPMHS. Small classes gave him the ability to get to know students very well within the tight-knit community.

“I’ve gained a lot more self-reliance and indepen-

dence because it’s such a small school and small department,” McAdamis said. “I’ll just miss the amount of different people that I meet and the students.”

McAdamis hopes to have made a positive impact on his students and to have inspired them to find joy in learning.

“He taught me a lot of things and was always understandable,” senior Vanessa Santos said. “My favorite memory is when he reads books and makes it more realistic by making voices…it makes it more fun.”

6 The Pearl Post | June 2024

JENNY MARQUEZ | THE PEARL POST Print Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz and Online Editor-in-Chief Rikka Dimalanta hold the Southern California Journalism Education Association’s (SCJEA) California All Star second place award, the National Scholastic Press Association’s (NSPA) first place Best of Show award for website design and NSPA’s fifth place Best of Show for newsmagazine.

Editorial

Bravo! We end in achievement

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fter an adventurous year of adjustments, we reflect on our contributions to The Pearl Post with pride as we recognize the impact we made not only in our school community but also on the national journalism spectrum.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was the learning curve of many new editors who were also first-time staff members.

Because the majority of last year’s staff graduated, new staff members filled editor positions and quickly learned the intricacies of editing articles and designing magazine spreads.

Another obstacle to an efficient workflow was the

division of our staff into three updating our website three different periods, with many times a week throughout the of the returning members year. We’ve had great content isolated from the new writers in the multimedia category and editors. Despite this, we on our website, with nine took full advantage of the beautifully-produced videos messaging app and over 10 Slack to stay in amazing photo communication slideshows.

We’ve had great content in with members With the the multimedia category and even added position on our website, with nine beautifully-produced videos organized of social media and over 10 amazing photo regular staff editor, the slideshows. meetings to number of discuss progress interactive posts online and in the magazine. such as Instagram Stories At the beginning of the and Reels proved to be an school year, we made it a clear effective tool for engaging the goal to consistently upload student body. As a result, we new content to the website. have increased our followers While we had the occasional on Instagram to more than drop in productivity, we’ve 800. managed to meet our goal by In the fall, many

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members of our staff represented The Pearl Post at the National High School Journalism Convention in Boston. They returned with Best of Show awards for first place in Best News Website for small schools and fifth place in Best Newsmagazine for small schools, along with some individual awards. Most recently, we were nominated for the 66th Los Angeles Press Club Awards in Best High School News Website, Best High School Newspaper and Best News Writing: Campus Issues.

Despite the many setbacks we experienced, our staff was able to flourish. We look forward to what next year’s staff will achieve.

Opinion | Isaac Herrera 7

Kids should value their childhoods Internet rushes teens to leave nest too early.

By Emma Rosenberg @emmar.18

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hen I was younger, I grew up coloring on the kid’s menu when I went out for dinner and shopped at stores such as Justice or Claire’s that had brightly colored clothes and cheap makeup and accessories.

Nowadays, 11-yearolds shop at Sephora and Lululemon, purchasing $70 moisturizer and $38 bronzing drops. On social media platforms such as TikTok, young kids posting their “Get Ready With Me” videos and showing off their “10-step” skincare routines.

Because kids are exposed to social media and its contents from such an early age, they are growing up too fast and not enjoying their childhood to the fullest.

Social media puts pressure on a lot of teens and preteens to stay up to date with the latest trends.

These trends can cause young users to want to partake in activities that make them act older than they are. This can be seen in occurrences such as the “The Sephora kid pandemic,” which has been a trending topic on TikTok that displays kids’ latest obsession with trending brands such as Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe and Rare Beauty. Not only are many of these products very

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Content on social media, garnered for more older audiences, have gained traction to teens who’ve yet to grasp adulthood.

Preteens and younger should cheerish their adolescence wholeheartedly than being consumed by the pressures of growing up.

expensive but they are also Teens should not be to enjoy my teenage years not intended for the young overwhelmed by what they since it’s something you only age group that continuously see online and appreciate experience once. purchases them. their adolescence.

While preteens seem Junior to be in a rush to grow up, Leeron Nakash older teenagers are in no “Very. When I entered high school, I realized how hurry to enter adulthood. important it is that you have Growing societal pressures to have good grades and put on teens can force them extracurriculars in order to get into a good college and get to grow up and take on Freshman a good job. It puts so much Linus Bossardt more responsibility than pressure on you at such a young point in your life.” they may be ready for “I feel like adults, like my parents and people Everything seems so close to me, pressure highly competitive, me pretty hard to grow Senior up because I’m an older especially with overall Josiah Lands brother. I’m supposed to college acceptance be the role model for my “I feel like life as an adult has younger brother, so I must rates dropping and something I’m not installed for. grow up.” increasing costs of It’s installed for me, but I’m way too anxious about it. It’s living.

Sophomore like the big unknown. Just as Sebastian Olfatmanesh I feel scared terrifying as it is, I just am not prepared for it.”

“People say you have more of the future and freedom and stuff (when what getting older you’re younger). But at the same time, your parents means. I feel a lot tell you what to do. (When) of uncertainty you grow up you have a job and other responsibilities. when it comes to So I’m not scared to grow the future and how things will turn out. I feel pressure Interviews & photos by Genesis Cuellar-Figueroa from social media

8 The Pearl Post | June 2024

California implements ban on New law prohibits the use of common dyes in food items.

By Jasmine Mcnair @jasmine.mcnairr

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unior Benjamin Recinos has recently been aware of harmful dyes, chemicals and substances in everyday foods leading him to avoid foods like Hot Cheetos, Gatorade and Skittles. After doing research, Recinos has completely changed his eating habits and wants to bring awareness to this growing issue now.

“Studies have shown that there are several risks when eating these artificial flavors and dyes and it’s just not something I want to put into my body,” Recinos said. “I just try to avoid them as much as possible. I always check food labels since there are a lot of bad ingredients that are snuck into a lot of the foods we eat.”

The California Food Safety Act (Assembly Bill 418) was passed in September 2023 and is planned to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The bill, written by Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel, prohibits the use of four chemicals found in processed foods or drinks.This act will result in the ban of food containing red dye 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil and propylparaben being manufactured or sold to protect consumers who purchase these products unaware of the harmful substances they intake.

“The Governor’s signature today represents a huge step forward in our effort to protect children and families in California from dangerous and toxic chemicals in our food supply,” Gabriel said. “It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to food safety. This bill will not ban any foods or products – it simply will require food companies to make minor modifications to their recipes and switch to the safer alternative ingredients that they already use in

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Financial Manager Farzad “Fred” Radparvar sells chips to junior Malaika Afridi on May 20. The student store sells an assortment of snacks such as chips, drinks, ice cream and cookies. Some of these foods include Red Dye 40, like the Hot Cheetos and red velvet cookies, which will be banned under AB418.

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40) is one of the most common synthetic food dyes found in numerous processed foods people consume Studies have shown that daily. Though it is approved by the there are several risks when eat- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is seen as a minimal issue, severing these artificial flavors and al countries in Europe have banned dyes and it’s just not something Red Dye 40 as they are concerned I want to put into my body. I just about the consumption of synthetic dye. This dye goes by several names, try to avoid them as much as including CI Food Red 17, Red 40 possible. I always check food laLake or E129, and is in a multitude bels since there are a lot of bad of products people consume every ingredients that are snuck into a day. Some foods that use Red Dye 40 include chips, energy drinks, cereals lot of the foods we eat. and cakes. According to onsumption - Junior Benjamin Recinos of this dye has been linked to gut inflammation, migraines or allergic Europe and so many other places around reactions. the globe.”

“The presence of food dyes and In popular snacks and foods, people flavoring factor my purchasing decisions tend to overlook the contents of their greatly, especially when I’m shopping favorite snacks. Allura Red AC (Red Dye

Special Reports | Alexa Garay 9

dyes in foods and drinks for my daughters,” Magnet Coordinator James Morrison said. “The truth of the matter is that it’s so inundated through the system that it’s hard to avoid completely.”

Recently, energy drinks have also been a growing health concern especially for young adults. According to an article by Harvard T.H, energy drink advertisements are seen as appealing to students cramming for finals or those who feel a lack of energy throughout the day. Though it seems like a quick fix, it has been shown to cause more harm than good. The amount of caffeine and sugar alone in a singular drink is enough to cause elevated blood pressures, anxiety, dehydration and result in irregular heart rhythms. Many energy drink brands sponsor celebrities or influencers to promote these products that heavily affect their viewers, especially younger audiences.

Senior Alejandra Iniguez is used to drinking energy drinks to keep her energy levels high throughout the day.

After a shockingc personal experience, she has started trying to limit her intake to avoid any other side effects and scares.

“I buy energy drinks two to three times a week,” Iniguez said. “The main reason is because they boost my energy. one time I drank half a bottle of a Monster energy drink and my heart was racing so fast. I thought I was going to have a heart attack so I switched to Celsius and limited myself to half a bottle.”

ALEXA GARAY | THE PEARL POST Common snacks nationwide contain harmful chemicals and dyes to either keep their vibrant color or last longer. These chemicals could contain dangerous many side effects such as migraines, gut inflammation or allergic reactions.

Q&A: How concerned are you about food dyes in everyday snacks?

Interviews & photos by Alexa Garay

“I don’t think I’m that concerned about it but I understand why people are. I know that it’s dangerous but I don’t have an obsession with that.”

Freshman Jasmine Thompson

“I’m concerned because I know it’s not good for you. I’ve read about how Red 40 isn’t good.”

Sophomore Mose Judge

“I know they aren’t good for you. I feel like if they just removed the dyes from foods it would solve a lot of problems.”

Junior Lilli Miscione

“I’m not too concerned for it.

I don’t really pay attention to that kind of stuff.”

Senior Shawn Abram-Marsden

10 The Pearl Post | June 2024

College Corner

Behind the stage of Theater 100

By Yusuf Syed, @yusufos9

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n Esdras Toussaint’s Theater 100 class, students discover the thrill of performance and the transformative power of stepping into new roles on stage.

“I find this class interesting due to its historical factors - the impact that theater has had on the world from its very beginnings,” senior Josiah Lands said.

The class is taught through Pierce College and started this spring semester, with students engaged in various activities, from studying theater history to practicing acting techniques and directing. Each session begins with a warm-up exercise to get the students in the right mindset, followed by lessons on various aspects of theater. Students participate in group discussions about significant historical plays, analyze different acting methods and even get handson experience in scriptwriting and directing.

“The goal of this class is really to introduce students to theater and how it benefits society,” Toussaint said. “Like why has theater been around for so long for thousands of years, you know, especially Western theater, and it’s taken different forms. I think from now until the end of time, we will always find ways to entertain each other.”

His teaching approach encourages students to work together, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The class is important to students as it helps them understand the art of storytelling. For many, it

DESIREE SPURKEL | THE PEARL POST Junior Andre Arcilla looks up a YouTube tutorial for how to apply makeup to look older during the Theater 100 college class during period 5 on May 15. Junior Daniel Arevalo and senior Jazmine Valerio apply makeup for the class assignment.

is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and explore new facets of their personalities.

“I hope to gain the experience of performing and being able to get out of my comfort zone,” senior Jazmine Valerio said. “I am a very shy person, so being able to perform is a bit scary but I hope that what I have learned will prepare me.”

The art of theater is not only about acting and performing. It is also the many other things that go on in the background of a play or performance. Students from Toussaint’s class learn how all of these different parts play an overall role in the production.

Students in the class are nearing the end and thus the professor tasked them with performing a play in front of the school. However, the class is small and the amount of work is increased for everyone.

DESIREE SPURKEL | THE PEARL POST Junior Diego Vera Suarez applies makeup for the Theater 100 college class assignment during period 5 on May 15. Students had to use makeup to make themselves appear older using YouTube tutorial videos for reference.

Despite the challenges, students like Lands, who is the director, are dedicated to the upcoming performance.

This hands-on experience in directing allows him to develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the theatrical process. The script for the performance,

written by juniors Leah Balsin and Andre Arcilla, is another critical aspect of their preparation.

“It’s no easy task to write a whole screenplay but I believe in their capabilities,” Lands said. “I know that they are innovative and that they’ll make a creative piece.”

Features | Vanessa Morales 11

DONOVAN OCHOA | THE PEARL POST Filipino Club President Jakob De Leon hands out traditional Filipino rice cakes called putos to different members of the club on April 19. At The Filipino Club’s first meeting, all students were welcome to gather in the library to enjoy the authentic cultural treats and learn more about Filipino heritage.

Club Corner

Embrace heritage with Filipino Club

By Yusuf Syed, @yusufos9

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resident Jakob De Leon welcomes Filipinos and all students to the new Filipino Club where people can explore and celebrate their roots, heritage and culture.

“I started Filipino Club because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and do something I would’ve never thought of doing,” De Leon said. “But, I didn’t feel like any clubs were a good fit for me. I was scrolling through my friend’s Instagram when I saw their story about being the Filipino Club president of their school and I realized that I could just start my own

Filipino club.” traditions and values.

The club, which started “I myself am a Filipino this spring, meets at the student in this school,” Vice library President every Friday Khalel Gilexcept on len said. “Not I myself am a Filipino Fiesta Frijust a Filipino student in this school. Not just days. It is a American but I a Filipino American but I am place where am PhilippinePhilippine-born. I want to help members born. I want to Filipino American students can connect help Filipino understand just what it means and bond American stuto be Filipino. over their dents under-Vice President Khalel Gillen shared heristand just what tage. You it means to be also don’t have to be Filipino Filipino.” to join. The club serves as a The club is fairly new, universal opportunity for stuonly having a couple meetings dents to educate and immerse so far, but De Leon has big themselves in Filipino history, plans for the upcoming year.

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“I won’t lie and say that it hasn’t been hard planning for Filipino Club this late in the year scheduling around Fiesta Fridays,” De Leon said. “But I’ve been doing my research and looking for activities that I can implement in Filipino Club. I also have full intent on helping plan and support Filipino Club next year.”

Even though the year is almost over, De Leon plans to continue holding meetings.

He and Gillen are also planning to have an end of year potluck, providing a celebration of the culture and the Filipino community on campus.

12 The Pearl Post | June 2024

How the Class of 2024 spent their senior year

SERENA ELKI NS | THE PEAR Senior Desiree Spurkel sways L POST to the music at ble. Prom was prom at her taheld on April 27 in the Orchard Center, where Conference dinner was serv ed and music wa s played.

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Seniors communicate and plan solutions during a California wildfire simulation on Oct. 11. AP Government students were taken on a field trip to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and played out a wildfire crisis in the Situation Room.

VALERIE SANCHEZ | THE PEARL POST Some students from the Class of 2024 prepare to take their senior class panorama picture in their senior shirts next to the MPR on May 1.

Seniors | Kristin Intal 13

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Senior Khalel Gillen performs “Cariño” by the Marías on the bass during the World Music Day concert held in the MPR on Oct. 25.

RIKKA DIMALANTA | THE PEARL POST Senior Madyson Phillips writes “Happy Birthday Constitution” during period 2 on Sept. 18. In observation of Constitution Day, students in AP Government drew words and pictures with chalk in the courtyard.

KRISTIN INTAL | THE PEARL POST Seniors Angel Zaragoza and Jose Vicente Mendoza touch marine animals like starfish and sea urchins at the California Science Center on May 21.

SERENA ELKINS | THE PEARL POST Senior Jose Becerra talks to friends during prom night in the Orchard Conference Center on April 27.

JAZMINE VALERIO | THE PEARL POST Junior Aiden Pratt dribbles aJENNY basketball downcourt MARQUEZ | THE PEARL POST during a game on March 19 asand partDavid of theAntonio school’splay “Apple Cider” Seniors Rikka Dimalanta March Madness tournament.

by Beabadoobee at the Spring Passion Concert on April 30.

EMMA ROSENBERG | THE PEARL POST Senior Vanessa Santos sings “Snowman“ by SIA in the “Holly-Jolly Holiday” concert held in the MPR on Dec. 8.

14 The Pearl Post | April 2024

Valedictorian looks back on academics

By Aidan Lia, @aidan.lia

A

s valedictorian of the Class of 2024, Alan Ruiz looks back on all he has learned from high school and is excited for the future ahead of him.

“I like to challenge myself but it is very easy to slow down and lose motivation,” said Ruiz, Print Editor-in-Chief of The Pearl Post. “That’s when my support system kicks in.

My friends and family have been there for me throughout all four years of high school.”

Ruiz is ending his school year with a 4.37 GPA, having taken nine AP classes and four honors classes total. He

helped The Pearl Post win the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Best of Show 1st place for Best News Website for small school and 5th place for Best News Magazine for small school.

Ruiz also participated in different activities to keep himself busy during his high school years. This included being a part of the LAUSD District 3 Student Advisory Council with Board Vice President Scott Schmerelson and being a part of the Los Angeles Zoo Teen Council for Conservation, where he is now a mentor.

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Valedictorian Alan Ruiz is grateful for the support from his family and friends as well as the life lessons he has gained during his time in highschool.

“You learn a lot about yourself socially in high school,” Ruiz said. “You are able to find who you are and that is an experience that I’ll never forget. I am so glad I didn’t put all my focus on schooling because I got to

explore that side of me.”

As a statistics and data science major, Ruiz is planning to attend UCLA next year. He hopes to one day become a sports analyst for his favorite sports team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sneak peak into the Class of Infographics by Jenny Marquez, @333.mirrors

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he Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Class of 2024, after facing COVID-19 hardships in their freshmen year, are graduating and will set off on various pathways. While the majority of students have decided to pursue higher education, some students have decided to take the alternative route of obtaining a job. Here are 33 responses from our seniors detailing their post-graduation future plans.

Features | Jenny Marquez 15

Salutatorian reflects on achievements

By Jasmine McNair, @jasmine.mcnairr

D

edicating her time and effort to her coursework and extracurriculars, senior Maggie Simonyan is the salutatorian for the Class of 2024 after years of dedication and perseverance.

Some of her extracurriculars from the last four years include: being on Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Youth Council, researching transgenerational trauma after genocides and founding “Armenian Youth Education Aid,” an international nonprofit organization that works to improve education for Armenian youth in

low-income communities and villages. Simonyan serves as president of the non profit organizations and reaches out to different organizations in Armenia along with working with a variety of people, mayors and governors of cities to see what support is needed for their schools.

With her senior year culminating, Maggie Simonyan has totaled 12 Advance Placement classes and six honors classes throughout her time in school. Going forward, she wishes to pursue a degree in International Relations, with a second degree in Economics

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Salutorian Maggie Simonyan is excited to take all of the lessons she learned throughout her time in high school learned to univeristy and beyond.

at Stanford University. Beyond university, she is considering doing fieldwork in Armenia to aid the people there. due to the passion she’s always had about giving back to her homeland.

“I don’t regret or wish I did

anything differently in my four years of high school,” Simonyan said. “Everything that I have done was a lesson learned and I’m excited to take those lessons with me to college.”

2024’s post-graduation plans

16 The Pearl Post | June 2024

‘I realize how grateful I am’ Editors reflect on their time on the publications.

Photos by Aidan Lia, @aidan.lia My experience with The Pearl Post has been very rewarding and memorable to say the least. Over the last three years, I’ve picked up some valuable skills that I will be able to use in my future. But most importantly, I’ve learned how to improve my abilities as a leader. I’ve also made lots of memories with the staff and gained many unique opportunities, which made this experience a huge highlight of my high school years.

My time on The Pearl Post staff has been such an enriching experience because of the skills I have refined and the lasting memories I have made. I am so grateful for this program’s role in helping me break out of my shell and form meaningful connections with fellow staff members and the school community. I will always cherish and fondly relive the moments that have made being on staff so special.

My time at The Pearl Post has been one of the most interesting experiences of my life and I will cherish it forever. I joined The Pearl Post as a rookie interested in journalism and I am leaving as a more confident, skilled and educated student journalist. This experience has not only enriched my high school years but also prepared me for future opportunities in journalism.

Rikka Dimalanta Online Editor-in-Chief

When joining The Pearl Post, I had the intention of drawing for it. Right away, I started off as a yearbook editor and it was a huge learning opportunity for myself. With the guidance of my peers I was able to slowly improve over time. I’m really thankful for being given these opportunities and I wish the next year’s yearbook editors a successful yearbook!

Desiree Spurkel Yearbook Editor-in-Chief

Alan Ruiz Print Editor-in-Chief

I have loved my time being on Prestige Yearbook. I feel as if I have grown a lot not only as a writer but as a person.

I learned that I am so much more confident than I realized before I was on staff. As I get ready to graduate, I realize how grateful I am for my time on staff. I have gotten the opportunities to work with people who I never talked to but ended up being my closest friends.

Jazmine Valerio Yearbook Design Editor

Maggie Simonyan Sports Editor

Being on The Pearl Post and Prestige Yearbook has helped me step outside of my comfort zone. I was able to form closer bonds with all of the members and share memories with them. Some of my best memories from being on staff include going to Birmingham to take sports photos and doing interviews with the staff to get to know them better.

Working on the yearbook was one of my favorite memories.

Alysa Basmadzhyan Yearbook Design Editor

Seniors | Aidan Lia 17

Letter to the underclassmen

By Maggie Simonyan, @maggieesimonyann Dear underclassmen, I write to you as an experienced, overworked and tired senior who has experienced all that high school has to offer: the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. From landing a national award for First Generation Low Income (FGLI) civic changemakers to cramming for six AP exams, high school has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.

One of the greatest lessons high school taught me is that while academics are important, they should not overshadow the extracurricular activities you participate in. The meetings you have with politicians discussing their last few weeks in the California assembly or the speech you deliver to a

Congressman about the bill you wrote to tackle homelessness provide more real-world learning opportunities than spending hours on extra credit assignments to get an A in a class. For all the times I missed school to attend sit-ins and participate in activism, I demonstrated that my values and morals supersede my attendance percentage.

I am a low-income, first-generation student who will be attending not just any college but Stanford University. Meaning, I am the first in my family to pursue higher education. I am living proof that you are capable of achieving great things.

Everything I accomplished in high school was driven by a burning passion to change the course of my legacy. The

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Senior Maggie Simonyan speaks at the Mid Valley YMCA on Oct. 25, 2023 during a thank-you event for Assembly member Jesse Gabriel, for whom she interned.

greatest part of all, was that I accomplished it all by myself.

My background has given me a resilience born not out of privilege but out of survival.

And now, I’d like to leave you with the last few lines of my personal statement, which

I submitted to Stanford. “....the greatest maps we create are those charted by our actions and the legacies we inspire. We are never too young, never too inexperienced to ignite transformation.”

How did ninth grade distance learning impact you?

Khalel Gillen “I think I would have been an entirely different person.

If I hadn’t done the Zoom meetings, I would have never learned so many of my own flaws.”

Andrew Romero “When I was online, I really did not pay attention. It taught me that I had to pay attention.

It was an experience to learn from.”

Maya Baugher Alejandra Iniguez “Being online taught me a lot “It was very challenging about myself. I feel as though because for a year I was alone, it now encourages me to build and not social. I really didn’t more connections with people learn anything and that afand to leave the house even if fected me.” it’s by myself.”

By Alia Galvan, @canvas_alia27

J d t

18 The Pearl Post | June 2024

With the school year coming to an end, seniors took the time to reflect on their time on various sports teams. Although some may still not be active on the team, their experiences on sports teams have given them lessons and lifelong experiences to look back on.

By Maggie Simonyan, @maggieesimonyann Senior Derek Vasuqez was an athlete on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity boys baseball team during the 20212022 and 2022-2023 school years.

Having played baseball for 14 years, Vasquez was the pitcher on the team. Being on the team has taught Vasquez “to always learn from the losses,” which helped him get stronger and faster.

Senior Maggie Simonyan was an athlete on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity girls cross country team during the 2022 fall semester.

Although she could not remain on the team due to limited space in her course schedule, Simonyan still runs 4-5 miles every day after school as a way to incorporate the sport into her daily life.

Senior Brisa Chajan is an athlete on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity girls’ swim and water polo teams. She played on the swim team for three years and the water polo team for two years. After injuring herself, Chajan took some time off to recover this season. She plans to return to her sport and pursue water polo at Los Angeles Valley College.

Senior Josiah Lands played on Birmingham Community Charter High School’s boys varsity water polo during the fall of 2021 Senior Cheyanne Losino is an athlete on and 2022. Lands had an experienced past, the Birmingham Community Charter High having played water polo for six years.

School varsity girls and beach volleyball Lands’ favorite memory while on the team teams. Cheyanne has played on BCCHS’s was making it to the final CIF bracket in volleyball team for her entire high school years. Aside from practices at BCCHS, Losino his junior year. Being on a team has taught him the good and bad sides of teamwork. has also participated on club teams, allowing her to participate in more tournaments.

Sports | Maggie Simonyan 19

MAGGIE SIMONYAN | THE PEARL POST Sophomore Tobias Bechdholt stretches during his workout practice on March 20.

Bechdholt is on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity boys track and field team where he competes in pole vault and hurdles events.

GIANCARLO VALDEZ | THE PEARL POST Freshman Jasmine Thompson is an athlete on the Birmingham Community Charter High School JV beach volleyball team. This is Thompson’s first year on the team and so far, hanging out with her team at the beach has been her favorite part.

Athletes of the Month

Above bars and beyond nets

Every month, we highlight two student athletes for their performance in sports. This monthwe recognize sophomore Tobias Bechdholt and freshman Jasmine Thompson. Bechdholt is on the varsity track and field team and Thompson is on the JV girls beach volleyball team.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of track and field?

A: I don’t know, probably just PR-ing (personal record), I guess.

Especially with pole vault, which is a pretty difficult sport, it’s hard to PR. Q: How do you balance your academic and athletic lives?

A: You just have to be good at planning it out. , You don’t get much free time and you have to be okay with that. You just have to go home, do homework, and go to practice.

Q: What is the best advice you have received about your sport?

A: Well, my friend told me that I was counting my steps wrong, so I guess that’s advice.

By Linus Bossardt

Q: Why did you decide to join beach volleyball?

A: I decided to join the beach team because it would give me more conditioning days and more reps for volleyball.

Q: Do you prefer indoor volleyball or beach volleyball, and why?

A: I don’t know. I love beach volleyball and would definitely play next semester, although indoor is so fun and is what I originally grew up with but both playing fields are the same. They just come with a different level of intensity.

Q: What are some of the challenges that you face in beach volleyball?

A: The sand going on top of your feet weighing you down makes it harder to move as quickly as necessary. The wind can also be a challenge but you just have to adjust to your environment.

By Valerie Sanchez, @my_jeonginnie

20 The Pearl Post | June 2024

Curl up with these cozy games

By Desiree Spurkel, @xdesily_

Kick back with some video games in this list made by popular and indie game developers. Cozy games became a staple in the gaming community, even competing with the typical combat games most people associate with gaming. All these listed games bring a comfortable, new experience to the table.

Photo by Untitled Goose Game

Photo by Minecraft

Photo by Nintendo

Photo by Electronic Arts

Untitled Goose Game

Minecraft

Animal Crossing

The Sims

I

f you ever wanted to terrorize the civilians of a village as a cute goose, try out Untitled Goose Game.

Untitled Goose Game is a stealth puzzle game created by indie developer House House that started as a joke game but quickly went viral for its comedic concept. In the game, you play as a goose whose mission is to wreak havoc on unsuspecting humans going about their day. You can even play with a friend in close proximity, using the goose’s abilities to complete tasks and torment the civilians.

S

andbox games allow players to create whatever they want in the world around them, allowing Minecraft to stand out for its time. Minecraft has a lot to offer for both casual and competitive gamers, but in terms of coziness, it solidifies its place in the genre. Minecraft players all around the world use Minecraft to express their creativity in builds, tame lovable creatures and decorate to their heart’s content as it continues to be a video game utilized to express innovation.

N

intendo released Animal Crossing New Horizons in 2020, garnering a surge of players since the COVID-19 lockdown.

This video game is still dear to many people’s hearts with its iconic art style, cute characters and simple gameplay. In the game, you pay off your dues for housing, build and customize your island and bring home a wide array of villagers to move onto your island. The game follows real-time, allowing you to experience the seasons on your island with your villager friends.

T

he Sims franchise was created in the year 2000. Today it has evolved into what we know today as The Sims 4. The Sims 4 is a life simulation game developed by Maxis and Electronic Arts and is well known for its goofy gameplay and accessibility. The Sims is a single player game that gives you the ability to create your own sims and help them through the ups and downs of life. Have your sims start careers, families and see what the in-game world has to offer with endless possibilities.

Features | Jasmine McNair 21

Summer fun fashion Brisa Chajan Senior

Q: What is the perfect summer outfit for you? Why?

Trendy looks to keep cool.

Students show off their cool outfits while staying fashionable as summer quickly approaches.

A: Preferably, I like to wear graphic t-shirts or tank tops with blue jeans because it makes the outfit nicer but still gives summer vibes.

Jeremy Melendez

Q: How do you like to accessorize your summer outfits?

A: The perfect summer wear for me is a cute knitted crop top sweater, with a little tank top underneath. It can go with a skirt or just chill baggy pants.

A: Some stuff I like to make the outfit come together is bracelets and hats but I love to wear bracelets.

Andrea Arosemena Salinas Freshman Q. What is the perfect summer outfit for you? Why? A: My perfect summer outfit is a graphic tee, blue jorts and black Adidas Sambas because it incorporates clothes I like, while it still being a fashionable outfit.

Q. How do you like to accessorize your summer outfits?

A: Some stuff I like to wear to make my summer outfits better are earrings, some bracelets and necklaces.

Photos and interviews by Lia Manukyan and Isabella Tolosa, @isabellaa.solange

Junior Q: What is the perfect summer outfit for you? Why?

Q: How do you like to accessorize your summer outfits?

A: I like accessorizing my summer outfits with a bunch of jewelry. I feel like it gives an indie aesthetic type. It just matches with the whole type.

Aiden Pratt Junior

Q: What is the perfect summer outfit for you? Why? A: You’re gonna need something light and breathable.

I feel like a white tank top would be perfect with a pair of swimming trunks if you’re going to the beach or the pool . Then a nice linen button-up with a pair of white sneakers.

Q: How do you like to accessorize your summer outfits?

A: I’d definitely get a necklace, a bracelet and a ring as well because it makes the outfit look put together.

22 The Pearl Post | June 2024

Artist of the Month

Lana Del Rey remains beloved R

By Benjamin Recinos

evered pop artist Lana Del Rey, who is beloved by many teenagers, is slated to release a new country album “Lasso,” in September following the footsteps of many other artists such as Beyonce and Ed Sheeran.

Lana Del Rey, who’s real name is Elizabeth Grant, is from rural upstate New York and began her journey into music right after high school when her uncle began to teach her guitar. She began her career in 2006 as Lizzy Grant. However, her rise to fame was with her debut album “Born to Die” in 2011, which was later followed by the album “Ultraviolence” in 2014. Del Rey received critical acclaim and praise with one of her biggest songs, “Summertime Sadness,” in 2012.

Her music is often very melancholic and evokes emotions that appeal to

many teenagers. Del Rey has a mellow, somewhat delicate and subdued style incorporated in her music.

Her music often has themes of heartbreak and longing for another. However, the new album “Lasso” is a pretty big shift in her typical style.

Instead of aiming for a somber style of music, this album will be more upbeat and heavily inspired by folk music. She also released a lot in the past few years, releasing four albums (including “Lasso”), in the past three and a half years.

Although “Lasso” is set for release soon, not much is known about the album. It will feature tracks such as “Stand By Your Man” and a cover of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” originally by John Denver. ”If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country.

lanadelrey.com Lana Del Rey is an established artist who started her career with her debut EP, “Kill Kill Kill (2008)” and her debut album, “Lana Del Rey (2010)”.

We’re going country. It’s happening,” Del Rey said in Billboard Magazine on Feb 1.

Lana Del Rey has had a lasting influence on both the music industry and her fans.

However, her shift in content marks a change for both her and the music industry, showing the growing demand and appreciation for country music.

2024 Summer Olympics in Paris nears

By Donovan Ochoa, @donovan_8a

Several teenage and young athletes will be competing at the 2024 Olympics, in Paris. The games will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Full U.S. coverage and live competitions can be watched on NBC. Here are some teenage Olympians to look out for.

Dominika Banevič Dominika Banevič or B-Girl Nika is a 16-year-old Lithuanian breakdancer. Banevič won the 2023 European Championships title, making her the youngest b-girl to win a world championship. The breaking competition will be making its Olympic sport debut in July and Banevič is one of the youngest qualifiers.

Sky Brown Sky Brown is a 15-year-old British-Japanese professional skateboarder. Brown is an XGame champion and at 13 she won the bronze medal in the women’s park skateboarding at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

She is Great Britain’s youngest medal winner and has become Great Britain’s first skateboarding world champion.

Lamine Yamal Lamine Yamal is a 16-year-old Spanish professional soccer player for the Spanish national team and a right winger for La Liga club Barcelona. Yamal made his debut on Spain’s national soccer team in 2023 and is the youngest player in the team’s history. Yamal’s versatility and skill make him one of Barcelona’s rising stars.

Fred Richard Frederick “Flips” Richard is an American artistic gymnast.

He is 20 years old and the 2023 World all-around bronze medalist, as well as the 2021 and 2022 Junior Pan American Champion. At the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships, Richard scored the highest score and helped win the first team world medal for the U.S. men in nine years.

Entertainment | Sophie Ortega 23

Sensational, new summer feature films to watch during vacation As summer rapidly approaches, here are some fun summer movies to watch as they premier throughout the season. Many are a fun, enjoyable experience.

By Andrew Pulido

animalistic super-hearing aliens crash land on the surface of Earth and wipe out anything they can hear in the vicinity. The movie follows Sam, (Lupita Nyong’o) her cat and a fellow survivor, Eric (Joseph Quinn) as they do their best to survive and evade. The problem, however, is they live in one of the loudest cities on Earth, New York City. An unfortunate thing as the slightest noise could mean death. The film is currently not yet rated.

“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is an action comedy movie releasing June 7 and it will be the fourth addition to the iconic “Bad Boys” movie franchise. The film follows two closely bound Miamian detectives, Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) when their beloved captain is falsely accused of ties and connections to the drug cartel.

It is up to the duo to find the truth, bring it to light and convict the people responsible for incriminating the police captain with false rumors.

Stakes become increasingly more dire as their search soon leads them to become Miami’s most wanted fugitives. The film is currently unrated.

“Inside Out 2” “Inside Out 2” is an animated family film releasing June 14 and is a sequel to “Inside Out.” It follows teenager Riley Anderson (Kensington Tallman) and her emotions who aren’t quite fond of the new emotions onset by puberty, which notably include Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser) and Envy (Ayo Edebiri). Anxiety decides to seize control of Riley’s life and quite literally bottles

“Despicable Me 4”

Photos by Sony Pictures Releasing, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures Watch “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawerence on June 5. See “Inside Out 2” featuring Maya Hawke in theaters on June 14. “A Quiet Place: Day One” is a prequel to “A Quiet Place” and is out in theaters on June 28.

See “Despicable Me 4,” featuring Sophia Vergara, in theaters on July 3.

up the original emotions, much to the dismay of Riley and everyone who cares for her. The movie follows the original emotions and how they attempt to gain control back of Riley’s life from the new emotions, and the importance of learning to coexist. The film is rated PG.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” A prequel to “A Quiet Place,” “A Quiet Place: Day One” is an action horror film that releases June 28. It takes place in a world in which incredibly powerful yet

“Despicable Me 4” is an animated family comedy movie, releasing July 3, and it will be another addition to the “Despicable Me” movie franchise. Gru’s (Steve Carrel) retirement seems to be going all well for him and his family. He has welcomed a new kid into his life and everyone in his family are living joyous lives. However, when Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) seeks to wreak havoc upon Gru’s perfect life, his family must go into hiding while simultaneously evading Maxime’s girlfriend, Valentina (Sofia Vergara). It is up to Gru and his minions to fight for a return to their previous lifestyle and take down Maxime to bring back their peace. The film is rated PG for mild action and rude humor.

BE SURE TO PURCHASE YOUR 2024 PRESTIGE YEARBOOK IN ROOM 22

Photo Essay: Journalists at work

ADRIANA CHAVIRA | THE PEARL POST The Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Student Media Staff for the 2023-2024 year gather for a photo together with some of the awards they received this year.

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Managing Editor Satenik Ayrapetyan and Features Editor Alexa Garay discuss the magazine during a late day on May 20. Late days are for students on The Pearl Post to focus on producing the bimonthly magazine.

ALAN RUIZ | THE PEARL POST Visual Editor Kristin Intal, staff writer Vanessa Morales and Entertainment Editor Sophie Ortega work on their magazine pages on May 20. The June magazine is the last magazine of the school year and the largest of the year.

Behind the photos

About the photographer

Students on Daniel Pearl Magnet High School’s Student Media staff work on the last issue of The Pearl Post magazine.

“I like to collaborate with my fellow peers and be able to have my own time to work on my own stuff,” Features Editor Alexa Garay said.

Alan Ruiz, a senior, is so excited to work on The Pearl Post as the Print Editor-in-Chief. Finishing his third year on the DPMHS Student Media staff, Ruiz refined the writing, editing and photography skills that will help him pursue a career in journalism. Ruiz also engages with the community by participating in the Los Angeles Zoo Teen Council for Conservation.

Volume 15, Issue 5 • June 2024 • Daniel Pearl Magnet High School • Lake Balboa, CA