March 10, 2017
Volume 8 Issue 6
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PEARL POST
Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406
@ThePearlPost
@ThePearlPost
The Pearl Post
@dpmhsmedia
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March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Features 2
Photos from James Young To earn his Eagle Scout rank, junior James Young beautifies the area in front of the student store with a xeriscape project. He dedicated many Saturdays to working on his project and even had to fundraise at church, recycle and have a bake sale.
Junior James young soars to Eagle Scout status Sergio Payeras Staff Writer
Aiming for the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouting program, junior James Young takes his Eagle Scout service project to campus. “I want my project to create an environment of serenity where students can feel happy and comfortable,” Young said. “It’s a much needed effect considering the area doesn’t look too good.” In the last few weeks, the garden area across from the student store received a makeover, an extensive effort made by Young to complete his service project in order to receive the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. This rank is given only to the most dedicated of Scouts and requires
several years of service and leadership. “It feels really accomplishing to get this far,” Young said. “Only 2 percent of Boy Scouts get this far.” Young has been a Scout since he was 13 years old. He has took part in several scouting activities, including a 50-mile backpacking trip across the Grand Canyon during which he had to carry nearly half his weight on a backpack. He has also volunteered at the Valley Food Bank, sorting and packing food for families in need. His project involves xeriscaping, a form of landscaping that requires very little irrigation. Xeriscaped gardens need less maintenance, cost less and can also help reduce waste and fertilizer runoff pollution. As for the appearance, the school’s
initials are spelled out in block letters made of many individual stones. Young included red wood chips and mulch. In order to carry out his project successfully, Young needed a total of $1,300. To raise funds, he recycled, sold mistletoe at a church and had a bake sale. His friends and family also generously donated and he received help from the school with a $250 boost from the school board. He was only able to raise about $900 but with a free supply of 1,000 square feet of rocks, he was able to make this budget work. Young spent a total of nine months planning, directing and coordinating his project. The idea came from Principal Deb Smith. “I showed him areas on campus that
needed attention,” Smith said. “That particular area looked pretty gross.” Young dedicated many hours laying the foundation for his project. He has spent many Saturdays working on placing the rocks and modifying the ground around them. His efforts will not only earn him the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, it will also better the appearance of the school campus. “To anyone who might want to do a project like mine, be prepared to give all your effort and spend a lot of your time to make it work,” Young said.
Be sure to purchase your 2017 Prestige Yearbook for $70. Go to Room 22 to pre-purchase your copy before they run out!
Twitter: @sergio22ap
March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Features 3
Photos by Daniela Guzman Seniors Erica Mallari and Jon Dumindin show off their dance skills during the Dance Club as senior Juliette Tafoya watches. The dancers are currently putting together and practicing choreographies, which they will perform for the entertainment of students and create a more dynamic environment during Fiesta Fridays.
Club Corner:
Dance Club brings entertainment to Fiesta Fridays Alice Curran
Staff Writer
While most students are eating lunch or socializing with their friends, Harmony Sanchez is expressing her individuality in Dance Club. “I like Dance Club because I was a dancer for 10 years,” Sanchez said. “I stopped because I wanted to focus on my schoolwork so doing a club like this makes it easier for me to still do what I love but also have the time at home to study.” Senior Jonas Acebes started the Dance Club to create a place where dance and music lovers alike could come together. Students meet every Tuesday in music teacher Wes Hambright’s room. “I founded the Dance Club to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone who actually wants to dance,” Acebes said. In order to create a more lively envi-
College Corner:
ronment on Fiesta Fridays, members work together to choreograph dance numbers and performances for the event. Their performances help to engage students and make Fiesta Friday more enjoyable. When the dancers are not choreographing new dances, they have free time to explore new genres of music and share their creative passions. Among their favorite genres to dance to are hip-hop and K-pop. The members of Dance Club hope to continue to build up their club and encourage every student to join. The weekly meetings provide a place for everyone to freely express their creativity. “I think the best part is the fellowship,” senior Erica Mallari said. “I like how it brings people together even people that don’t know how to dance.” Twitter: @aliicecurran
Photo by Daniela Guzman Junior Sandra Ortega watches Harmony Sanchez practice her moves during Dance Club.
What to know about college before starting school Ani Kocharyan Staff Writer
Many students walk into college blinded by myths they’ve been told. However, many of those stories aren’t based on facts, here is a list debunking common fabrications.
Myth: Most students graduate college in four years
found that less than 40 percent of undergraduates complete their studies in four years. (collegxpress.com)
Myth: You get what you pay for
Truth: Various factors go into the cost of a school, including aspects other than academics. Higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean higher value. (lifehack.org)
Myth: Standardized tests including Truth: More than 58 percent of college students graduate in six or more years. the ACT and SAT are more importThe U.S. Department of Education has ant than high school grades
Truth: Although colleges take scores on standardized tests into consideration, high school grades are a better prediction as to how a student performs in a classroom. A strong transcript can show that a student is ready for college. (collegetrends.org)
Myth: Senior year of high school doesn’t matter Truth: A case of senioritis could mean the difference between going to the college you got accepted to or having to think of a back up plan. Some high school seniors lose their acceptances because their GPA
plummet. (collegexpress.com)
Myth: It’s hard to connect with professors Truth: Reaching out to a professor can be intimidating but by taking a minute after class to ask them a question or visiting during office hours for clarification can be the difference between having people to advocate for you beyond college and not receiving a letter of recommendation. (teenvogue.com) Instagram: @ani__kocharyan
Opinion 4
The Pearl Post
March 10, 2017
Every student has right to whichever bathroom Paola Rivas Contributing Writer
A couple of weeks ago, I was going to the bathroom during class when I stumbled across one of the transgender students at school who was happily chatting away with his girlfriends inside the girls bathroom. After seeing me, the boy immediately apologized and walked out of the room. At first, I thought he was apologizing for blocking the way. Later that day, I realized it wasn’t because he was blocking the way, but because he must have thought I was being bothered by his presence in the girls bathroom. On Feb. 15, the Trump administration ceased a federal mandate, implemented by former President Barack Obama, directing schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identities. It is now up to the states to decide on this matter, according to the article “Conservatives laud Trump’s decision on transgender bathroom access. Will such state restrictions now gain traction?” by Kurtis Lee published Jan. 23 in The Los Angeles Times. A new state law that took effect on March 1 states that business and public bathrooms will have to be gender neutral, making them accommodating to everyone. This law officially makes all public bathrooms in California unisex. This facilitates the usage of public restrooms for transgender people who feel uncomfortable when using facilities that do not correspond to their gender identity. At Daniel Pearl Magnet High School,
Cartoon by Paola Rivas there has been one gender neutral bathroom since 2013. “At the time, when I came here as a principal, we had a student who was identifying as transgendered,” said Principal Deb Smith. “She had expressed some concern about feeling like if she used the girl’s bathroom, there might be kids who were uncomfortable about that.” In the United States, 63% of transgender students have reported avoiding public bathrooms, according to the article “Transgender Students and School Bathrooms: Frequently Asked Questions” in Gender Spectrum. The main purpose of this new law is to boost transgender students’ self-confidence and make them feel more safe us-
ing the bathroom facilities at school or any other public place. It is true that some people like North Carolina politicians like Pat McCrory and conservative Christian groups believe that gender neutral bathrooms present a threat to women since sexual predators would be able to enter the bathrooms easily and attack them. However, this assumption hasn’t been proven by any research. Many websites, like The Daily Caller, RedState and Breitbart News, post conspiracy theories about women being in more danger in gender neutral bathrooms. No fact-checker has actually confirmed this information, according to the article “Inclusive Transgender Bathroom Policies Do Not Endanger Women” by Alex
Kotch published Jan. 12 on Paste. For the most part, the assaults aren’t presented as cisgender (non-transexual) men dressing up as women, but instead cisgender men presented as so. The threat and danger has always been there, yet people are only paying attention to it now. This is a big change that our society is going through and it is expected for some people to feel uncomfortable. Taking time to adjust to new things is normal because change can be scary for most people. However, this doesn’t mean we have to assume that change is bad and most certainly change shouldn’t be stopped when it facilitates the lives of other human beings.
Get educated about new uneducated Secretary of Education Sergio Payeras Staff Writer
Nobody would let a college freshman perform an open-heart surgery on them. However, the leaders of this country have done just that. The problem lies in the newly elected Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. With absolutely no experience with the public education system and plans to defund many programs for the sake of private school vouchers, DeVos won’t do anything but devolve the country’s education system as we know it. Devo and all her children have only ever attended private schools. “...traditional public schools are not succeeding,” DeVos said in a 2013 interview with The Philanthropy Roundtable. “In fact, let’s be clear, in many cases, they are failing.” Her main goal is to increase funding for private school vouchers and expand the influence of charter schools. The vouchers are supposed to allow a wider range of school choices for students living in poverty by giving these students a good sum of money to pay for those schools. Already, President Donald Trump has made it a priority to implement a voucher program during his first 100 days in office. Specifically, the vouchers could grant $12,000 in private school tuition to poor students around the nation. It can be considered an effort to provide kids more educational opportunities. Giving a student from a low-income family the chance to attend a school they would
perform well in would mean the world to them and their family. Of course, the plan would be an idea if it wasn’t for the fact that all this voucher money has to come from somewhere. The truth is, all that money that funnels into the vouchers and charter school expansion is drained directly from public school funds.
“She can’t just simply drain the public school system of its money so it can go to private and charter schools.”
This creates a direct imbalance in the education system with the private and charter side of it gaining the upper hand. All of this money drawn away from public schools goes straight into the pockets of private investors who themselves have absolutely no voice within the public education system. Not to mention that charter schools don’t answer to the public school boards. There’s no voting involved in their board elections because they’re not funded by tax dollars. With the Los Angeles Unified School District, for ex-
ample, it’s the exact opposite. “Right now, we’re voting for board members,” said Jim Morrison. “If you don’t like what they’re doing, you vote them out because it’s your tax dollars being used. That’s what [DeVos] is trying to get away from.” Take a school as small as Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. Not only is the school struggling to gain new applicants but its size places it at a huge disadvantage in the face of budget cuts. Less money equals fewer teachers, which increases class sizes and makes it harder for students to take classes they want. Voucher plans are no strangers to California. In 2000, a voucher proposal was voted against with 71.3% opposition and DeVos’ attempt in her own state met a 69.1% opposition, according to “Trump’s pick for Education secretary could put school vouchers back on the map” by Joy Resmovits on Jan. 16 from The Los Angeles Times. Nearly two decades after, it’s unknown whether a national voucher program will be rejected in the same manner. If only her confirmation votes had been the same, there wouldn’t be so much worry over the fate of public education. DeVos’ push for voucher plans and goals to privatize education prove that she barely has any idea what she’s doing. She can’t just simply drain the public school system of its money just so it can go to private and charter schools. With no real classroom experience, it’s ironic that someone uneducated about education is the Secretary of Education. Twitter: @sergio22ap
March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Editorial:
Opinion 5
Fake news has tainted journalistic credibility Fake news and their outlets continue to defame the credibility and respect that lies in the journalistic world. Many people are easily fooled by the stories that are put out there to deliberately mislead any audience. These “articles” release incorrect and absurd information into the public. Even though these stories are completely far fetched and make no sense, people believe these stories and don’t bother to fact check their “source.” With the sudden increase of fake news being leaked into the public sphere, the credibility of news sources and journalists has been doubted and even insulted. Misinformed news consumers point fingers and accuse reliable sourc-
es such as CNN and The New York Times to be a part of these fake news outlets. It is concerning and very hard to believe that this new form of propaganda went as far as to presumingly having an impact on the 2016 presidential elections. Although fake news didn’t directly determine the president of the United States, these hoaxes did have an influence on voters who were indecisive about which candidate to vote for. Some voters who had not made up their minds on who to vote for and were still unsure on the values of the candidates, actually believed the hoaxes and were influenced by them. As an editorial staff, fake news affects
our publication as people are often misled into thinking that any publication is capable of publishing fake news. It is also offensive to us and those who wish to practice the art of journalism. Journalism is a respectable profession that has earned the respect that it is most often given and fake news outlets cheat their way to the public, stepping on the prestige of this profession. When reading a story that seems too far fetched and odd, fact and source check the article to ensure its credibility. It is up to the consumer to make sure they are receiving the correct information from real journalists and publications.
The Pearl Post Editor-in-Chief Rebekah Spector Online Editor-in-Chief Tahra Hunter Managing Editor Kyrah Hunter Opinion Editor Cristina Jercan Entertainment Editor Jessica Salguero Feature Editor Nallely Delara Tech Editor Anthony Weatherspoon Sport Editor Winter Rawson Social Media Editor Kirsten Cintigo New Media Editor Maia Hito Copy Editor Zachary Gephart-Canada Photo Editor Juliette Tafoya Assistant Photo Editor Brandon Tapia
Staff Writers/Photographers Rachel Bullock, Michael Chidbachian, Alice Curran, Daniela Guzman, Steven Guzman, Amanda Jimenez, Eva Kaganovsky, Michelle Kaganovsky, Ani Kocharyan, Richard Mendiola, Liliya Miroshnychenko, Sergio Payeras, Angel Rivera and April Serrano Contributing Writers/Cartoonists Katharina Hanna, Marjia Haques, Cuyler Huffman, Andi Mendoza, Paola Rivas Cartoon by Marjia Haques
Women’s health should be normalized and respected Katharina Hanna, Marjia Haques and Andi Mendoza Contributing Writers
Aunt Flow. Red Sea. Hell’s Waterfall. Uterus Tears. Mother Nature’s monthly gift. No matter what euphemism is used, everyone knows what they are referring to: menstruation, more commonly known as periods. After women existing for billions of years, you’d think that talk of women’s reproductive health wouldn’t be a big deal. Until now, the idea of shining the light on women’s reproductive health more specifically, periods - is still an uncomfortable idea. Lots of males resent having to accept the fact that women all around them go through periods. That is not the way it should be since periods are a natural and normal part of life. Instead, periods should be normalized. It’s not a new proposal, but for some reason it’s still considered a taboo. When society is treated as an equal group of people, it can be uncomfortable for boys and men to talk about periods and even more abnormal to consider the kinds of situations women have to accommodate to every month. Yet, everyday in constant commercials and advertisements, women are used and oversexualized to sell prod-
ucts that have absolutely nothing to do with their body. If that kind of advertising is considered the norm to look at and persuade, then boys should see nothing wrong with women who demand awareness and free sanitation for, what is ultimately, a basic natural process that has been around since mammals have existed. Having your period is a basic part of life, and the sooner it’s treated that way, it can become a normal subject to discuss about. Women accommodate to periods, whether they like it or not. It would be great if girls could get input and help from administrators regardless of gender, so a girl knows she’s not going through this alone. Whether it be literal objects, like sanitary products, or the allowing of passing between classes, schools need to better acknowledge periods and erase the stigma around it. According to “New York City Bill to Call for Free Tampons in Public School Restrooms, Shelters and Jails” by Roni Caryn Rabin published on March 21, 2016, New York City has already pushed a bill to allow free tampons and pads in public schools, shelters, and jails, claiming that the original 12 pads per cycles was “... ridiculous. You don’t have to ration toilet paper or ask permission for toilet paper.”
Although making a subject like menstruation normal does not have an immediate result, starting with little lessons and legal steps can help general society become more progressive in its attitude. Ultimately, the perspective on sensitive subjects, such as menstruation, starts with the general education being received upon the subject. Better sex-education should be the main priority, regardless of gender. Periods are a natural process and no one should be limited from the knowledge of this subject because everyone will have an experience with it, be it yourself, relative, wife, or daughter. Free sanitary napkins, or pads and tampons should be a priority to make accessible and this could perhaps be a primary legal step to take. There is no real way to go around the matter that menstruation cycles are a natural occurrence for women and girls, and all negative beliefs around it should disperse. Overall, what every school can do to help this matter is to offer a better sex-ed program and, honestly, give free feminine products to those who need it. We as a population cannot become a progressive society if we still cling to the old roles of different people and old mindsets of different subjects.
Adviser Adriana Chavira
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 newspaper strives to inform and educate students and faculty on events affecting Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The thought 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 Boards, 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. The Pearl Post welcomes letters to the editor. They should be 250 words or less and may be edited for length. Letters with profanity and obscenity will not be printed. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be published. Letters may be submitted to Ms. Chavira’s mailbox in the main office, in Room 22 or emailed to thepearlpost@gmail.com. The newspaper is published monthly and is the official campus newspaper of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The newspaper is also posted online at http://www.thepearlpost.com. Free copies are distributed to magnet students, teachers and staff. The school is located at 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 916045529.
News 6
The Pearl Post
Graduation speakers, location announced
March 10, 2017
Eva Kaganovsky
Staff Writer
The Class of 2017 was upset to hear school counselor Martina Torres announce that graduation would be held at Mulholland Middle School. “I think it’s odd because it’s a middle school and we are high schoolers, but at the end of the day we are getting our diploma and graduating,” senior Joanne Taborda said. The 2017 graduation ceremony will be held on June 9 at 5 p.m. The location was changed from Birmingham Community Charter High School in an attempt to reduce the amount of expense related to graduation. “We are not being charged as much money as we were being charged to use Birmingham’s facility,” Principal Deb Smith said. “We are actually saving money.” Rebekah Spector, the editor-in-chief of The Pearl Post, was announced as the valedictorian of the graduating class of 2017. The salutatorian of the graduating class is Elsie Morales, the editor-in-chief of the Prestige Yearbook. In spite of the location change, the graduation ceremony will adhere to tradition with a speeches from the valedictorian and a keynote speaker. This year, the keynote speaker is Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker and immigration rights activist. In June 2012, Vargas was
Photo by Winter Rawson Valedictorian Rebekah Spector and salutatorian Elsie Morales compete in a thumb war during some down time. featured on the cover of Time Magazine when he openly identified himself as an undocumented immigrant. Vargas was invited to be a keynote speaker because he is an excellent role model for many students and was a journalist in high school. “Jose Antonio Vargas has become
quite a notable journalist,” Smith said. “He has some powerful messages to give to students.” In addition to Vargas, Smith invited Dr. Judea and Ruth Pearl and Local District Instructional Director Dr. Margaret Kim to the ceremony.
Each senior will be allowed to invite six guests to the ceremony. “I don’t know what my message will be yet but the best advice I got was to speak from my heart,” Spector said. Twitter: @evaakaganovsky
Columnist discusses validity during annual lecture Zachary Gephart-Canada Copy Editor
Photo from Deb Smith Sophomore Zachary Gephart-Canada, Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens and sophomore Michael Chidbachian pose for a picture before the 2017 Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture.
Epistemology: defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as “the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity.” That is the one word that The Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens emphasized to the small group of high school and college students gathered in the intimate greenroom before delivering a bold speech at this year’s Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture. “It’s kind of a paradox in that in an age that we have the stupidest president in history in the White House, we are approached with these great philosophical questions,” Stephens said to the students. The topic for this year’s lecture was “Maintaining Intellectual Integrity in the Age of Trump.” The event was held in the Korn Convocation Hall, a building in UCLA’s Anderson Complex, on Feb. 16 and consisted of a speech by Stephens, followed by a discussion between Stephens and the director of the UCLA Ronald W. Burke Center for International Relations Kal Raustiala.
“I think the presidency is a job that comes with certain intellectual requirements,” Stephens said during his speech. During his speech, Stephens denounced President Donald Trump, saying that the lies that his administration generates on a momentary basis are not only dangerous, but also distract from the real harm that is taking place during the first boisterous weeks of his presidency. The weeks that featured outlandish claims of “fake news,” international protests, and governmental leaks. “By maintaining a standard of integrity, accuracy, and unbias amid political pressure,” said Stephens when asked about how the mainstream media can regain the trust of the public. While discussing Trump’s most recent initiator of public outrage, ousted National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Stephens said that he would not be surprised if America moved on relatively quickly because of the short-lived nature of today’s news. “Truth is what you can get away with and outrage will always fall victim to ubiquity,” Stephens said. Instagram: @alt_zach
March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Special Reports 7
School officals, police join forces to reduce drug use on campus Michael Chidbachian and Amanda Jimenez Staff Writers
Principal Deb Smith walks into school in the morinng, mapping out which bathrooms will be closed during break due to the increase of drug use on campus. Schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) always had a long standing issue with drugs on campuses, according to Smith. This year, there’s an increase in recorded incidents on campus. The illegal substances are usually marijuana but in recent months, it has widened to Xanax and Rohypnol. The spike might be connected to the legalization of marijuana late last year when Proposition 64 was passed, according to Smith. “If we close restrooms, we do that because people have chosen to smoke primarily marijuana in there,” Smith said. “We’re taking strong measures to show that if you bring it to school and get caught, there will be consequences.” Smith also said that if a student is caught, they are under the threat of being expelled. The consequences of possessing drugs can range from psychiatric help to expulsion, depending on the circumstances. Los Angeles School Police (LASPD) officers decide whether the student should be ticketed. The student’s family will then be provided with resources to further understand the cause of the drug problem.
According to LA School Report, a study conducted in the 2014-2015 school year discovered that about 50 percent of the charges for student arrests in LAUSD schools were due to the possession of marijuana. “As an officer, I’ve noticed we’re all part of this community and integrated place,” LASPD officer David Marroquin said. “Drugs are obviously a prevalent issue. Students, parents and community members should know drugs do affect a
school and its environment, even if [students] aren’t using them.” The transactions that happen on campus usually occur in empty bathrooms, vacant courtyards and areas isolated from students and staff. In order to monitor the drug usage, bathrooms are sometimes closed. Teenagers with negative factors in their life, like a dysfunctional home life, low grades, poor coping skills and mental health issues are more likely to use drugs, according to school psychologist Eliana Lichtman. “Taking prescription drugs that weren’t prescribed to you is still as dangerous,” LASPD Chief Steven Zipperman said. “Narcotics have the ability to eventually ruin your life and have a criminal record. When you try something that’s illegal, you are taking a chance with your life.”
Twitter: @GirlWithCrocs Instagram: @Michaelvchid
The graph below depicts the percentages of popular prescription drugs abused by teens in middle school and high school.
Photo by Kyrah Hunter My LA 311 is an app produced by the Neighborhood School Safety Program and is availible for all phones.
School, police team up to fight drugs Amanda Jimenez
Staff Writer
Principal Deb Smith met with the principals of the surrounding schools and city officials to discuss the emerging problem for teens: drugs. Last month, Smith organized a meeting along with community resource specialist Jack Kayajian and Deputy City Attorney Jackie Lawson. The meeting focused on areas where drugs are apparent in surrounding neighborhoods, including the Victory and Balboa Metro Orange Line stop, local restaurants and Balboa Park. Prior to the meeting, Lawson contacted Metro about the incidents involving high school students and the Orange Line. Jennifer Brogin of Metro met with Chief Executive Officer Alex Wiggins and Assistant Director Sandra Solis and Lieutenant Chris Mouat. All agreed to a followup meeting with all executives to further determine the plan needed to resolve the drug issue. At the meeting, they encouraged the public to report any drug problems on the My LA 311 app.
Substance abuse hotlines for teens Here is a list of 24 hour hotlines to call if you or a friend are suffering from substance abuse. Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 The National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center: 800-7846776 National Help Line: 1-800-662-4357 Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-877-969-3036
The Pearl Post
Entertainment 8
March 10, 2017
Be our guest for live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Angel Rivera Staff Writer
As the March 17 premiere of “Beauty and the Beast” draws near, the timeless fairytale recaptures audiences’ love for Disney classics. From the costumes to special effects, the movie mirrors the original storyline of “Beauty and the Beast.” After being cursed by an enchantress, the Beast (Dan Stevens) must change his selfish ways, learn to love and earn another’s love in return. As all seems lost, a selfless maiden named Belle (Emma Watson) gives hope to the Beast and his castle’s servants through her caring and understanding ways. The developing love story between Belle and the Beast must overcome various conflicts caused by Gaston (Luke Evans) and LeFou (Josh Gad) before it can flourish. The character Lefou has caused much controversy in the past few weeks. Lefou, Gaston’s admirer, is openly gay in the movie. It is rumored that he will have an “intimate” mo-
ment with Gaston sometime in the film. Lefou gives some representation to the LGBTQ community and can be seen as a sign of empowerment and acceptance. However, many individuals do not view Disney’s first openly gay
character this way, as some parents and other adults are boycotting the movie. Famous songs like, “Be Our Guest” and “Tale As Old As Time” are also recreated in the film. Using color and special effects, “Be Our Guest” will be reimagined in this new take of the Disney classic. The original movie’s most memorable song, the waltz “Tale As Old As Time” will also make a reappearance, as the new movie would be incomplete without it.
The movie is directed by Bill Condon and the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. The music is composed by Alan Menken. Tickets for “Beauty and the Beast” can be reserved now for certain theatres whose seats have not sold out yet. Instagram: @aangel__rivera Information regarding the cast Emma Watson - Belle: Played Hermione in the Harry Potter classics, 26 years old Dan Stevens - the Beast: Appears in “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014) and “The Guest” (2014), 34 years old Luke Evans - Gaston: Appears in “Fast and Furious 6” (2013) and “The Girl on the Train” (2016), 37 years old Josh Gad - Lefou: Appears in “Pixels” (2015) and “The Wedding Ringer” (2015), 36 years old Movie Information
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The big ape hits theaters again Richard Mendiola Staff Writer
Cinema’s biggest ape is coming to theaters after a decade since its last appearance. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts is taking a new approach with King Kong by taking some ideas from the original 1933 film. This version of King Kong is the biggest ape cinema has ever seen. The plot focuses on a team of explorers and soldiers that navigate to a remote island in the Pacific, where they come across various monsters and King Kong himself. The main cast consists of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel Jackson “Kong: Skull Island,” will take place in the 1970s. A few years ahead of the prior
“King Kong” movies, Kong is up against a more technologically advanced society, which means that Kong will have to put up against modern technology compared to the 1933 classic and the 2005 remake from Peter Jackson. Besides modern warfare, Kong and the crew have to deal with different monsters in Skull Island, like Skull Crawlers, giant oxen and spiders appear throughout the movie. “Kong: Skull Island,” appears to be a film packed with both action and adventure. The film does have a lot to live up to as far as the legacy of the King Kong films is concerned. “Kong: Skull Island,” arrives on March 10 nationwide. Twitter: @rsmendiola23
Screenshot from YouTube “Kong: Skull Island” follows explorers as they visit an island home to King Kong.
YouTuber of the Month:
Screenshot from YouTube
Beauty guru appeals to all budgets Kirsten Cintigo Social Media Editor
GlamLifeGuru has really impacted the beauty the side of YouTube by showing people that you can create anything with a couple of pigmented products and fluffy dense brushes. However, behind the stage, her name Tati Westbrook who started a YouTube channel almost six years ago due to her infatuation with makeup. With this aspiration, she has built an empire with over 2 million subscribers and even launched her own makeup collection “Love of Color,” which was partnered with Birchbox in 2015. Westbrook has impacted not only the lives of teens but also adults as her tutorials and reviews use products from drugstores to high-end companies as a
way to bridge everyone together. She has been widely known for her “OMG Tuesday” and “WTF” segments on her channel featuring odd or highly priced makeup. The beauty guru also takes part in the Amazon live TV show “Style Code Live” where she shares her “Hot Product of the Week” every Thursday. Unlike other beauty guru’s, she uploads unbiased reviews in order to be fair to her viewers which keeps her credibility strong and makes her the perfect candidate to watch if you’re unsure about which products to buy. Viewers can keep up with Westbrook on her Twitter @Glamlifeguru and watch her videos that she posts on her YouTube channel “GlamLifeGuru.” Twitter: @kzizzlee
March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Entertainment 9
Album Review:
An end to Ed Sheeran’s hiatus Jessica Salguero Entertainment Editor
Screenshot from YouTube Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch) is stuck in a never-ending day and find a way for the cycle to end in something other than death.
Movie Review:
You won’t want ‘Before I Fall’ to end Michelle Kaganovsky Staff Writer
In the movie “Before I Fall,” main character Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch) lives the quintessential teenage life- perfect friends, an ideal boyfriend and a clear future. That is, until the life-changing night that she keeps on reliving-literally. Samantha keeps waking up to the same day and falls into a seemingly meaningless cycle of repetition. Realizing that each day will begin anew, Samantha takes on the day with an attitude ranging from a careless manner to a kindness she hasn’t
expressed to her family and others in years. Samantha soon learns that in order to break the cycle, she may need to make significant changes in her relationship to her loved ones and those she never gave a second thought about. The audience follows Sam in her emotional journey and is forced to step back and rethink the relationships in their life. Zoey Deutchcan be seen in “Vampire Academy” as Samantha Kingston, Youtube star Kian Lawley as Sam’s boyfriend and Halston Sage from “Paper Towns” as her best friend. The film is rated PG-13 due to
it mature and heavy content. Based on Lauren Oliver’s best-selling young adult novel, “Before I Fall” tells the story of leaving behind a legacy, taking second chances and the never-ending possibility of redemption. “Before I Fall” is definitely worth the cost of admission and much more for the masterful acting and poignant storyline portrayed in the film. “Maybe for you, there’s a tomorrow. But for some of us, there’s only today.” Instagram: @michelle.ella
Movie Review:
Take a seat with rejects at ‘Table 19’ April Serrano Staff Writer
“Wedding Crashers” meets “The Breakfast Club” in this new, delightful comedy “Table 19.” After getting booted from the maid of honor position and dumped by the best man Teddy (Wyatt Russell) newly single Eloise McGarry (Anna Kendrick) attends her ex-beestfriend’s wedding to find out she is placed with the randoms of table 19. Since Eloise did seating arrangements prior to the dump, Eloise describes table 19 as the table of people that was supposed to RSVP no but still send a gift. The drama-filled comedy examine the lives of the five people who sit at table 19 and why they attended the wedding. For some this stands for the wake up call they have been looking for and others a reminder of self worth. As the night continues Eloise meets the charming Huck (Thomas Cocquerel) who helps her in her sweet revenge against Teddy to get him jealous. This modern twist on the fairytale wedding takes the seat of a guest rather than the center of attention. Slowly but surely each
Screenshot from YouTube A table full of wedding rejects embark on a group journey of self-discovery. character finds their purpose and help El- everyone is wanted at the wedding yet oise find hers. they show up anyway. Eloise’ view shows With not much advertisement for the what really happens at weddings when film, box office rating turned extremely someone isn’t approved of or gets the reclow with only earning about $1.5 million ognition they deserve. opening weekend. It’s filled with laughs and moments of This is director Jeffrey Blitz’s first sorrow. It’s the perfect movie to enjoy at movie in seven years, as he mostly does the theatre with a friend later if it eventutelevision shows. ally ends up on Netflix. As a modern twist to the fairytale The film is rated PG-13 and was rewedding the film is surely pleasing and leased on March 3. fun. Instead of seeing the bride’s view we see the guest view of not so fairytale. Not Twitter: @lirpa_cs
Ed Sheeran gives his fans, new and old, a reason to be excited over math with his newest album “Divide” released on March 3. Prior to the full album being available for the general public, Sheeran released two singles to give his fans a small taste of the phenomenal music that would be part of his third album. “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” both received very high ratings adding to the anticipation faced by fans. “Divide: Deluxe Edition” includes 16 tracks filled with the Sheeran’s trademark acoustic guitar mixed with a touch of hip hop to produce a different tempo in his music that wasn’t present in his previous albums. “Shape of You” is fourth of the tracklist and gives self love a catchy tune. The song tells of falling so deeply in love with a person that they are perfect no matter what. It’s message and captivating sound has caused it to stay as number one on the charts since shortly after its release. The sixth song on the album, “Galway Girl” incorporates traditional Irish tin whistles with Sheeran’s recognizable use of the acoustic guitar. The Irish folk music is given a new unique sound through the unexpected yet great mixture of these two different types of music that managed to sound beautiful when combined. “Save Myself” is the last song on the album and is primarily filled with a slow and delicate piano. The song is about losing the love of his life and the disastrous methods he used to try and numb the pain. However, he realizes that this is only hurting him even more and that “Before I save someone else, I’ve got to save myself.” Although Sheeran kept from releasing new music for a few years, the wait was definitely worth it. Fans should keep their eyes open for the release of tour dates that are sure to follow in no time. Instagram: @jesssick
Screenshot from edsheeran.com
Tech 10
The Pearl Post
March 10, 2017
Global warming strikes again, Club Penguin is dead April Serrano
Staff Writer
After 12 years, the iconic online gaming website Club Penguin is finally coming to an end. Club Penguin is an online gaming website that was bought by Disney in 2007. The game gives its users the ability to transform into penguin avatars and socialize in an online arctic world. Over time, the internet grew and so did Club Penguin, which quickly became one of the top gaming sites for children. “Since I haven’t played in a while, it’s not that devastating but it was a big part of my childhood,“ senior Ana Monterroza said. “So it’s pretty heartbreaking.” The popular gaming site received high ratings in 2007 with over 12 million members and later skyrocketed to 200 million during 2013. Sadly, ratings started to decline as the number of new mobile gaming apps began to increase. According to the Jan. 17, article “Club Penguin is shutting down” published by techcrunch, visits have gone down to 5.6 million in the past six months. For those users who still have the urge to play their favorite game, an alternate version of Club Penguin will soon be available. Club Penguin Island is the new revamped Club Penguin but for moblie. Over the years, Club Penguin has had
movie spin offs on the big screen. In 2014 Club Penguin aired a mini movie on Disney Channel called, “We Wish You a Merry Walrus.” The movie described the tale of a new penguin named Roofhowse who has to assemble with his friends to save a joyous holiday. This interacted with users in a special in-world party. As of now, users can still go online and play Club Penguin. The site isn’t scheduled to close until March 29. Until then, both membership and non-paying users can still play online. The site stopped accepting monthly membership users as of Jan. 31. Club Penguin wasn’t the first millennial gaming site to be shut down by Disney. One of the first online gaming sites released from the Disney Interactive studio was Toontown Online. Toontown Online was a spinoff of the hit Disney movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” On this site, users were different types of toons trying to save the town from another avatar of cogs. Users said their bitter farewells in 2013 when the site was discontinued. Many users were saddened by this decision and were even motivated to create alternate sites. The focus of the new game is to reconnect with the new generation and capture their interest again with this modernized concept. The new app is already
Photo from clubpenguin.com To fill the void in the hearts of Club Penguin fans, Disney will release Club Penguin Island to mobile devices. available in Australia, Canada and New Zealand and will be launched worldwide in March. “I think it depends on how much the
new membership will cost but the game will be better on the computer because it’s a bigger screen,” junior Bonn Chavez said.
Switching from Wii U to Nintendo Switch Sergio Payeras Staff Writer
Many Nintendo fans have already made the switch from their Wii U consoles to the newly released Nintendo Switch. “I’m really excited for it,” said diehard Nintendo fan Thomas Short. “I went to the pre-release event and played three of the games.” Announced October of last year, the new console already sold out its pre-orders, having reached the maximum limit within just one week of its January presentation event. Analysis experts expect that while the system’s relatively high cost will cause it to sell slowly at first, it will most likely sell close to five million units by the end of this year. The Switch was released on March 3rd and made a big impression on the gaming community. The handheld gaming device combines features of console gaming with handheld gaming. Although Nintendo has tried to do this with the Wii U and 3DS products, the Switch made the impression that the company had finally succeeded in bringing such feature to a
larger scale. “The Switch will definitely be more popular than the Wii U,” said freshman Ethan Van Vliet. “The Wii U pretty much failed to advertise well with the gaming community, but the Switch has been
Photo from nintendo.com/switch/ marketed way better.” Effective marketing is not the only factor that has made the Switch’s reveal effective. The reality is, the name of the console describes exactly what it’s supposed to be. Unlike its predecessors, the Switch finally has a name that makes
sense; you can switch the system from console to handheld. It’s that easy. “It’s the way Nintendo should have gone,” said senior Adi Nagary. “It’s going to be a commercial success because it’s everything the Wii U should have been.” Most people criticized the Wii and Wii U systems for having a name with almost no meaning. The names are puns on “we” and “you” but do not describe or have nothing to do with the consoles’ features. The Switch, however, has even been praised for being freed from the bad name trend. With its pre-orders being sold out within a week and a fresh new style of both marketing and naming, the Nintendo Switch may have what it needs to succeed. “The fact that there’s so many consoles out there and this device can be handheld makes almost everyone want to play the games it has to offer,” said Short. “I would absolutely love to own one of them.” Twitter: @sergio22ap
Photo from getconfide.com
App of the month:
Confide Alice Curran
Staff Writer
It’s no longer necessary to worry about deleting conversations or whether or not someone will screwenshot your private messages. The app Confide is a confidential messenger that redefines what a private conversation is. Confide was created with the purpose of bringing privacy and security to individuals and businesses. The founders, Howard Lerman and Jon Brod built the app in hopes to find a better way to communicate digitally. They also believe that everything we say online should not have a digital record. With the app, messages that users send self-destruct after they are read. It’s also impossible to screenshot, forward, or archive messages. For the full story, go to www.thepearlpost. com
March 10, 2017
The Pearl Post
Tech 11
Must-have gadgets for easy college experience
Gathering the proper materials for college can be a stressful hassle. Here are some gadgets that will ease your transition Liliya Miroshnychenko
Instagram: @liliya.miro
Staff Writer
Photo by hp.com
Photo by mophie.com
Photo by education.ti.com
Photo by xtremepowerusa.com
HP Chromebook 14 Available at: Amazon.com $229.99
Morphie Juice Pack Power Bank Available at: Amazon.com $29.95
Texas Instruments TI84+ BI Grey Available at: Target $99.99
Electric Mini Portable Washing Machine Available at: Target $59.95
It goes without saying that a laptop is a must for any college student, so you should definitely start to save up for one if you need it. The HP Chromebook 14 is an affordable option.
College life is much more hectic than high school life, and you’ll be using your phone way more. Make sure to keep it alive with a charging case. Prices vary based on brand and charging capacity.
Though pricey, what is a must-have tool for any college student. Any Texas Instruments brand graphing calculator is reliable and will help a student from math assignments to science projects.
Laundry can be a timely hassle and over time, expensive. This little gadget will let you wash needed clothing while you study for that big exam. Though it won’t completely get rid of laundry duty, it will definitely save time and money.
Screenshot from Sony.com
Screenshot from Amazon.com
Screenshot from Amazon.com
Screenshot from microwavecentral.com
Sony MDR-ZX770BN Available at: Amazon.com $80.00 - $120.00
TeckNet 2.4G Nano Wireless Mouse Available at: Amazon.com $9.69
Bodum Bistro Electric Water Kettle Available at: Target $24.99
Daewoo 600 Watt Compact Microwave Available at: Target $59.95
A good pair of noise cancelling headphones will do wonders for students trying to study in a dining hall or ignoring their roommate’s terrible taste in music. A cheap affordable alternative to headphones are always a pair of your standard earbuds.
While in college you’ll be sitting on your computer for extended periods of time, so comfort should be a priority. An external mouse is a great and inexpensive way to avoid hand cramps or any accidental tab-closing clicks on your research paper.
Tea, coffee, instant ramen and powdered mac and cheese are all just a few minutes away. The Bodum Bistro Electric Water Kettle is a reliable and inexpensive kettle that will last you through your undergrad years.
When you’re tired of eating instant ramen and powdered mac and cheese, you can heat up leftovers. The microwave is also very versatile, and can act as a makeshift oven for baking potatoes, be used for toasting nuts and baking vegetables.
Make your reading experience interactive. Download the free Aurasma app, follow PrestigeYB and scan this ad to see where it takes you.
The Pearl Post
Sports 12
Opinion:
March 10, 2017
Chargers on receiving end of hatred Cuyler Huffman Contributing Writer
Photo by Richard Mendiola Junior Dean Khazanov runs with the lacrosse team across the field during practice at Birmingham Community Charter High School.
Boys lacrosse aims for championship Rachel Bullock
Staff Writer
After months of drills and practice plays, the varsity boys lacrosse team starts the season with a 2-1 lead, hoping to make it a few games into playoffs. “We’re looking into get back to the city championships and just increase the player’s skills more,” varsity coach Chris Iorio said. The major motivation of getting farther in playoffs than last year comes from the team’s senior players. The coaches and players vow to make this season special for them.
“We want to go as far as we possibly can,” varsity player Dean Khazanov said. The team has worked on communication and practiced hard to maintain a winning demeanor. Even junior varsity (JV) started the season with learning about teamwork and improving their skills. “It’s been getting better because people couldn’t pass or catch before but now they can,” junior varsity player Matthew Munoz. Because most of the team has played other sports, such as football, the team doesn’t focus on conditioning. The coaches make sure to practice the team with
Athlete of the Month:
drills to advance the team’s strategies. “We’ve been practicing almost every day this semester, getting sticks in their hands and have them do team bonding outside of school,” Iorio said. The boys lacrosse team still has a ways to go but the team plans to make the most of it while it lasts. The feeling of satisfaction seemed mutual between players regarding the group’s capabilities, making the season’s start memorable and valuable to the upcoming season’s tone. “It feels like we play like a real team out there,” said Khazanov, a junior. Facebook: Rachel Bullock
When Barron Hilton bought a team, he named it the Chargers, a team that Los Angeles football fans would cherish for years before a wave of hatred washed over the team. The Chargers moved to San Diego where they were loved. The problem is that they are no longer in San Diego. Since the Chargers announced they were moving back to Los Angeles, they’ve been receiving a lot of hate. First, it was the management, then it was the logo, now it’s the stadium. Angelenos seem to be constantly finding new hate against the Chargers. None of these things are unfixable. The Chargers hired a new head coach and changed their logo three times in less than a week. They also reached an agreement with the Rams to use their new stadium once it’s completed. If someone just hates the team, by all means, hate the team. Believe me, I’ve been there. But we, as a city, need to accept the Chargers as our own. After all, they do represent our city. So what if they’re bad? The Lakers are terrible, and they’re one of the most beloved franchises in sports history. Like the Lakers, the Chargers can only get better. New coach, new stadium, new logo, new city. This is all about transition. The Chargers will continue to move forward, and I am confident that one day, we will be proud to have the Chargers.
Volleyball player Raul Serrano balances sports and school Richard Mendiola
Staff Writer
Although changing schools took some time to transition into, senior Raul Serrano continues playing volleyball. “I got into volleyball because of my cousin,” Serrano said. “I saw him play during his senior year of high school. He was also in a club outside of high school, which I found interesting.” Serrano attended Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences (VAAS) prior to transferring to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS). “I played my freshman and sophomore year of volleyball at VAAS, but they discontinued the sport so I transferred,” Serrano said. Serrano plays for the Birmingham Community Charter High School boys varsity volleyball team as an outside hitter. He has been on the team since his junior year and plans to end after his senior year.
“I don’t plan on playing volleyball on a collegiate level,” Serrano said. “I want to set my priorities on my studies.” With the price of being an athlete, Serrano faces most problems that athletes face. The load of both homework and practice can take a toll on an athlete. Serrano is currently taking three Advanced Placement classes and still manages to balance both schoolwork and sports. “After practice, I do my homework,” Serrano said. “If I’m unable to do it after, I do my homework during nutrition or lunch.” Serrano views volleyball as an outlet for him to both have fun and to get away from stress. “I find playing volleyball entertaining because it helps me out whenever II have problems,” Serrano said. “Volleyball makes my mind at ease.” Twitter: @ rsmendiola23
Photo by Daniela Guzman Senior Raul Serrano dives for the ball during practice. He has been playing volleyball all four years of high school.