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Dec. 7, 2018

Volume 10 Issue 4

Illegal substances suspected of being sold to teens at popular spot Page 4

THE

PEARL POST

Daniel Pearl Magnet High School 6649 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406

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News 2

The Pearl Post

Dec. 7, 2018

Girls empowered through Girls Lead Assembly

Farah Faiza

Staff Writer

As a child, Lindsay Amstutz never had an interest in sports, yet went on to create a girls basketball team for her community when she saw there was none. This later led to her career in the sports industry, a field she wants to share with young girls in order to include more women. On Nov. 27, FOX Sports presented the Girls Lead Assembly at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) to promote jobs related to production and broadcast. It was hosted by Amstutz, the senior vice president and general manager of FOX Sports West, Prime Ticket and FOX Sports San Diego. Throughout her presentation, Amstutz emphasized the process of reporting sports news and the roles that contribute to it, such as producers and statisticians. “What we try to do is tell the stories of our sports teams and we do it 600 times a year,” Amstutz said. Amstutz engaged with the audience and encouraged them to share their own experiences by asking questions about their talents and favorite subjects. In order to motivate the girls to build up the confidence to pursue leadership positions and opportunities, she played a video that highlighted women working for FOX Sports.

Photo by Cassia Ramelb Girls from all grade levels attended the Girls Lead Assembly on Nov. 27. Fox Sports Senior Vice President Lindsay Amstutz spoke to students in hopes of encouraging them to pursue a career in the sports industry. “It was very inspirational to see wom- ate a mock-production truck, working as a ing the audience feel involved. en encourage other women to go into a mobile crew in charge of covering sports “I learned a lot about the sports infield that is very male dominanted,” junior games live and taking on roles like anchor dustry, especially jobs available where I Bianca Lam said. or director. It was a creative way for Ams- don’t have to be an athlete, or even interVolunteers were called on to help cre- tutz to share all the possibilities while hav- ested in sports,” senior Emely Felix said.

BCCHS coach faces molestation charges Itzel Luna and Casey Wanatick Staff Writers

Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) girls lacrosse coach and science teacher Scott Hughes Silva awaits a pretrial hearing on Dec. 11 on 24 counts of sexual misconduct. Silva, who entered a plea of not guilty, is currently in custody at the Los Angeles county jail with $495,000 bail where Detectives of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit began their investigation into the accusations against Silva on Nov. 1. The charges were filed on Nov. 16 and a warrant in the amount of $400,000 was issued for Silva’s arrest, according to court documents. He was arrested without incident according to the police press release. A restraining order was filed against Silva to stay at least 100 yards away from both BCCHS and Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) as well as the 13 named victims. According to the court documents, there is a possibility of more victims. Silva is charged with six counts of California penal code section 243.4(A) which states that “any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual battery,” and three counts of California penal code section 288(c)(1)

which states that “lewd and lascivious acts on a minor ages 14 and 15 years old.” According to criminal case summary, he was also charged with 14 counts of California penal code section 647.6(A) (1), which states that “every person who annoys or molests any children under 18

Photo released by LAPD Girls Lacrosse Coach Scott Silva was arrested on Nov.16. years of age shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both the fine and imprisonment.” And one count of California penal code section 236. This code

section states that “intentionally and unlawfully restrained, detained or confined a person; and your act made the person stay of go somewhere against his or her will.” DPMHS Principal Deb Smith became aware of the allegations on Nov. 16 and has been taking actions to help support the students affected. “He’s not my employee so there is not really any actions that I need to take except to meet with the students,” Smith said. A presentation is being organized by school psychologist Eliana Lichtman and social worker JoAnne Tuell with the purpose of helping students speak out about any problems and situations where they are in harm’s way. “We’re trying to reassure kids that it’s okay to report it. It’s important to report it,” Smith said. BCCHS athletic director Rick Prizant declined to comment when contacted via email and BCCHS Principal Tracie Bowdoin could not be reached for comment after several attempts to reach her through email and telephone. After trying to reach her through telephone, Silva’s private attorney Michelle Silva didn’t return the multiple calls made. If anyone has any information regarding this case, please call the Sexually Exploited Child Unit, Juvenile Division at (213) 486-0580, from 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Instagram: @_itzelluna_ Instagram: @casey_902

How to report a molestation Parampreet Aulakh

Tech Editor

Students can be subjected to abuse and molestation from adults at school and may not understand how to go about reporting it. Students may feel scared or embarrassed about coming forward with a situation like this but telling a parent or trusted school official is an important first step. If the allegations are severe enough. A school official will need to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to file a formal complaint. Law enforcement like the Los Angeles Police Department can be also be called by the parent or guardian of the victim to file an official report. Taking proper measures in dealing with child abuse and child molestation are vital in creating a safe school environment. Information retrieved from LAUSD. Twitter: @preeta248 Corrections: In a story on the Get Lit Assembly in the November Issue, Katharina Hanna’s name was misspelled. In a story on the Pride Club in the November Issue, Chelsea Bangerts was wrong.

Dec. 7, 2018

The Pearl Post

Club Corner:

Features 3

Awareness brought to mental health Shannon Sullivan

Staff Writer

Photo by Jade Campbell 94th Aero Squadron offers various French and American menu items on their early pilots dinner menu, such as the chicken scallopine. Replica war crafts such as airplanes and cars from World War I are presented throughout the museum like restaurant in Van Nuys.

Restaurant Review:

Take the squad to 94th Aero Squadron Jade Campbell

Photo Editor

The 94th Aero Squadron, located next to the Van Nuys Airport, makes it possible to enjoy a meal while experiencing the wonders of watching aircrafts take off and land. Aero Squadron is a museum- like restaurant full of history with World War I equipment and vehicles as well as unique and fresh meals. Inside the restaurant you can find mini replica airplanes and equipment soldiers wore hanging on the walls and ceiling. The historic exterior includes life size planes and cars that are made to look like those used in the war. The building itself carries many stories as it is covered with green ivy and other greenery to make it look like a building during the war time. Rooms are available to rent for

events or one can dine in the main section of the restaurant. This family- friendly restaurant offers a great experience for anyone, no matter their age. The historic atmosphere offers an educational and interactive opportunity with a pair of headphones attached to every other table. Live pilots can be heard as they communicate with tower control directing air traffic. Various French and American cuisine dishes are found on the menu. Depending on the time of day and the day of the week, menus for lunch and dinner vary. Buffet style brunches are served on weekends with a Saturday a la carte brunch and a Sunday champagne brunch. As the small cottage tends to get very busy, making reservations beforehand is highly recommended. The dinner menu includes various

savory dishes such as angel hair pasta, chicken pot pie, roast beef, steak, lamb and many more. Upon being seated at a table, you are welcomed with dinner rolls that are paired with a side of butter and pesto sauce. The restaurant is on the pricier side with prices ranging from $17-$44 for dinner items. An early flight dinner is available from 4 p.m. -5:30 p.m. everyday which includes a three course meal for the price of $28.95 per person. With the patio situated one level below the restaurant, meals can be enjoyed in the ambiance of watching planes take off and land. The outdoor atmosphere of the restaurant is one to enjoy with views of a duck pond and outdoor fireplaces. Address: 16320 Raymer St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Instagram: @j_a__d_e

One goal of the Bring Change To Mind Club has been to discuss mental health, a topic the club hopes to destigmatize. “Part of the goal is to change the culture around mental health and how students view it,” social work intern Callan Edwards said. The club meets every Wednesday at lunch in Room 10, where they discuss ways to give a boost to themselves and students. Anyone is welcome to join. Junior Mia Garcia is the club president, with the vice-president having not been decided on yet. Edwards works with Daniel Pearl Magnet High School’s current social worker JoAnne Tuell to sponsor the club. The club wants to work against today’s stereotypes about mental health and normalize the subject in order to better educate people. Instagram: @shaon_sully

Photo by Jade Campbell Social work intern and club sponsor Callan Edwards passes out pens to promote the club during lunch on Dec. 5.

Four festive do it yourself gift ideas for upcoming holidays Alliana Samonte Staff Writer

With the holidays quickly approaching, these simple do it yourself (DIY) holidays gifts, you can easily make friends and family one of a kind presents.

Photo from flickr.com This is a really fun activity for someone who is into arts and crafts. All you need are clear plastic ornaments that you can put items inside, drawing items and any candy of your choice. By putting candy in the ornament, this custom made ornament could be decorated special for the gift receiver.

Photo from flickr.com

This is an easy gift idea that can bring friends and family in the holiday spirit. All that is needed for this gift is hot chocolate packets or hot cocoa sticks, marshmallows and a candy cane for decoration. Items can be placed in a mug or placed into a holiday basket.

These coupons vary in how you want the receiver to use them. They can be written, typed or printed online. The writing on the coupons could be simple, sweet and creative. Some ideas include getting a hug, a free meal or a free ice-cream day.

Photo from flickr.com Who doesn’t love cookies during the holidays? For this kit all you need is sugar cookie mix, and Christmas cookie cutters, a cute little whisk or spatula is optional. Now this gift could be placed in a nice holiday bowl or a nice Christmas colored bowl. Instagram: @alliana.faith

Check out our list featuring tips on how to prepare for this year’s finals on www.thepearlpost.com

Special Reports 4

The Pearl Post

Dec. 7, 2018

Local plaza contributes to suspected illegal activity Michael Chidbachian, Rudraj Koppikar Online Editor-in-Chief, Special Reports Editor

A teenager skates off the back of a truck, another takes a swig from a bottle of alcohol. The stench of marijuana is thick in the air. “Usually later (in the day) they fight, they smoke marijuana,” said Lisa Nguyen, owner of a nail salon in the area of the incidents. Students buying and smoking cigarettes and weed has become commonplace at the strip mall and Orange Line stop at the intersection of Victory and Balboa boulevards. Now, with an increase in policing, the plaza may finally be turning a new leaf. Over the years, the plaza has grown into an almost veritable black market for teenagers who want to obtain cigarettes, marijuana and wax pens, a weed vaporizer pen that gives its user a near immediate high without the distinctive smell and smoke. The increase of criminal activity in the area has been a concern for all seven schools in the neighborhood for years now, according to Daniel Pearl Magnet High School Principal Deb Smith, but solutions have been slow to implement. A closed-circuit television system was proposed by a task force to the owner of the plaza who rents it out to various shops, but turned the offer down due to prohibitive costs. The task force consists of administration from the seven schools in the surrounding area, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, members of the Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council and officials from Metro. The force has been meeting for months on end, making this issue one of their top priorities. West Valley LAPD recently increased police presence in the area. Numerous arrests have been made of mostly adults. Parolees were found to be violating their parole in the area and police reported arresting armed suspects according to Smith. Released records show that from Nov. 7, 2017, to Nov. 8, 2018, LAPD received 24 calls about activity at the shopping center. In that time period, the police were called twice for narcotics, once during school hours and another in the evening. Two other calls were made in regards to assault with a deadly weapon, both occurring during or after school hours. Furthermore, there have been an increase in officer-initiated stops with four since September 2018, as compared to one from 10 months prior to then. However, shop owners who have operated in the plaza for years say that this is just another cycle in which police temporarily increase enforcement before decreasing it. “There have been cops involved and

Photo by Julissa Rangel A teenager ollies off the back of a tow truck parked in the plaza while spectators watch and record the stunt and the driver is away. Shop owners have been concerned with the amount of rising crime within the shopping center and its effect on business. they keep checking on (the students) and school police also see the kids but nothing happens,” said Rashi Singh, owner of Bubba Gee Market. “They keep trying for a few months but nothing happens. It goes back to normal. That’s how it is. They drink and they smoke and it’s getting bad.” Singh has lost faith in the ability of police or the community to make a tangible difference. Though she has owned her store with her husband for three years, she is considering selling it and moving elsewhere. Aside from the theft from her

supporting these claims and owner Heng “Lucky” Oum has denied the allegations. During a task force meeting on Oct. 4, BCCHS Dean Joseph Granish told attendees that parents must drop their children off at school in the mornings, not at the shopping plaza. LAPD officers at the meeting stated that there will be an increase of police units near the Orange Line, the area of most concern according to Officer Gretter. Oum is popular and friendly with the students who shop at his restaurant, greeting his regulars with a special handshake. He is a father to two and is blamed by his neighboring business owners for allowing children to loiter around their establishments. “I tell them to go home but they do not listen,” Oum said. Oum is scared of reprisals if he tries to be forceful in getting students to leave. There have been violent fights in the area in the past, several of which have carried on into the alley behind the plaza. Oum claims to have been threatened by the police to close his business and was asked to refuse service to students. However, students make up the vast majority of his customer base. There seems to be no clear solution to the problem. Though LAPD will continue to maintain their presence in the shopping center and the Orange Line, store owners may not see any improvement for some time. Instagram: @michaelvchid Instagram: @red.rudy.2

“They keep trying for a few months but nothing happens,” Rashi Singh said, owner of the Bubba Gee Market. “It goes back to normal. That’s how it is. They drink and they smoke and it’s getting bad.” shop, she is one of many shop owners who worry that teenagers congregating in the plaza scares off potential customers. “The customers do not come because they’re scared,” Nguyen said. “They don’t want to see the fights.” Smith, along with some of the shop owners, believe that the high number of students loitering is due to the donut shop owner being too friendly with them. She has also stated that students mainly from Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS) have reported to their administration that Stop-In Donuts sells individual cigarettes for a dollar to students, though there has yet to be evidence

Dec. 7, 2018

The Pearl Post

Editorial:

Students support upcoming strike Twenty-nine years ago, teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) went on a historic strike for nine days to protest unfair pay. In mid-November, the final phase of fact-finding between LAUSD and the Unified Teacher’s Los Angeles (UTLA) union began. The three-member fact-finding panel consisted of chosen representatives from LAUSD, UTLA and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). LAUSD elected Littler Mendelson Attorney Adam Fiss, UTLA chose Vern Gates who works for the California Teachers Association Negotiations and Organizational Development Department and PERB had David A. Weinberg represent them as he previously served for 17 years as a mediator for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The panel has 30 days to issue a report of its recommendations where LAUSD can then submit its final offer to the union. The union has continued to fairly bargain with LAUSD over the past 18 months. However, the district has persistently ignored the proposals they put forth. The reason behind the strike is not based solely on salary, but also on smaller class sizes, increased school safety, less unnecessary testing and more school funding. Yet

LAUSD has said they are unable to fulfill the needs as they can’t afford it. We support the proposed strike as schools like Daniel Pearl Magnet High School lack staff and funding. And even as a small school, class sizes are increasing as the school cannot afford to maintain positions. Just last month, the school eliminated a

Photo From Flickr position due to a rejected enrollment appeal to LAUSD. Now, ninth graders have been left without an official teacher and several other teachers are expected to pick up an extra class next semester. The school has to pay to keep our

Guidance Counselor Martina Torres on for the full week as the district only pays for her to be here two days a week. Torres provides invaluable services to students and has been fundamental in ensuring a 100 percent graduation rate. College Counselor Linda Zimring also regularly volunteers to help students with decisions regarding college. As students are pushed to attend college after high school, it’s ridiculous how little help there is from the district in providing guidance for it. For a district that’s the second largest in the nation and in one of the wealthiest states of the U.S., it’s unbelievable how little students are cared about. Teachers within LAUSD have been working without a contract since July 2017 and haven’t received a raise since 2015. The 6.5 percent pay increase is more than reasonable. And with the cost of living rising, it’s important that LAUSD can make sure that its workers are able to stay afloat. Teachers are the backbones of every campus and deserve to be treated fairly. If LAUSD can’t seem to understand how hard teachers work every day and come to terms with their needs, a strike is needed to remind them of who really keeps the district running.

Migrants aren’t getting the help they need Itzel Luna Staff Writer

Having a sliver of faith and an ounce of bravery, Carlos and his friends who face persecution daily in their home country of Honduras decided to form their own caravan to the United States. Instead of taking to Twitter to further spread his criticizing claims with lack of evidence, President Donald Trump must start planning what steps he will take to ensure the safety of these people. Trump’s approach toward the caravans is very childlike, claiming that they consist of very bad people in hopes of this being the election strategy that strengthens his political stance. A caravan of 4,976 migrants is currently in Tijuana, a Mexican city bordering Southern California. The rest of the caravans that consist of several thousand migrants are on their way. About 1,500 of those are already in Mexicali, a town about 90 miles from Tijuana. With a population of 1,696,923, Tijuana is incapable of holding such an excessive amount of people. Baja California as a whole has experienced an 84 percent increase in murder victims in 2017. With its own problems to deal with, Tijuana doesn’t have the space or money to deal with the caravans on its own. Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world since 2010. In 2016, 59 out of every 100,000 people were murdered and 7,000-10,000 people out of the eight million people who live in the coun-

Photo from Flickr Immigrants are being tear gassed at the border. Families are being harassed and separated as they attempt to cross the border to seek asylum in America. try are street gang members. Displayed solely through Twitter, Trump described the migrants as Mexico’s problem. By calling them invaders, he wants the Central Americans to remain in Mexico while their asylum cases are being processed which is necessary to determine if they have a credible fear of their own country. “Would be very SMART if Mexico would stop the Caravans long before they get to our Southern Border,” Trump tweeted on Nov. 25, “ Dems created this problem. No crossings!” The goal of this extraneous journey

has nothing to do with favoring a political party or what fits an agenda. The motive of the caravans is to flee the violence that resides in their country. There is no evidence provided by Trump or his administration that supports the idea of dangerous people being a part of the caravans. In a time of extreme stress and controversy, Trump must not allow the media or politics cloud his judgment. The migrants deserve a chance to claim asylum and they should not be forced back to their violent-filled country. Instagram: @_itzeluna_

Opinion 5

The Pearl Post Print Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Cintigo Online Editor-in-Chief Michael Chidbachian Managing Editor Rudraj Koppikar Features Editor David Eskichyan Opinion Editor Angel Van Horn Entertainment Editor Julissa Rangel Sports Editor Alondra Nuno Tech Editor Parampreet Aulakh New Media Editor-in-Chief Steven Guzman New Media Editor Maria Ruiz Social Media Editor Cassia Ramelb Photo Editors Jade Campbell, Rosa Lemus Copy Editors Alyssa Cancio, Zachary Gephart-Canada, Christopher Gorospe, Karina Mara, Christine Valenzuela Staff Writers/ Photographers Farah Faiza, Harlow Frank, Martin Garcia, Alexis Gutierrez, Tylin Jarrett, Itzel Luna, Alliana Samonte, Mahali Sanchez, Christopher Sarenana, Shannon Sullivan, Samuel Torres, Casey Wanatick 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 91604-5529.

Entertainment 6

The Pearl Post

Artist of the Year:

Dec. 7, 2018

Amazing Ariana leaves grande impact on 2018 Julissa Rangel Entertainment Editor

Despite numerous hardships, Ariana Grande remains the most relevant, strong and talented artist of 2018, with her first No. 1 single and its music video breaking multiple Youtube and Vevo records. In June of 2017, just a month after the suicide bombing of a concert in Manchester, Grande organized a benefit concert to financially aid families of some of the 23 victims who were killed in the attack. In a four-episode series entitled “Dangerous Woman Diaries documentary series” available on Youtube Premium, Grande admits that the attack “seems impossible to fully recover from,” but ultimately showed her and her crew “to continue during the scariest and saddest of times.” Along the life-long survivor’s guilt Grande suffers from, the 25-year-old Floridian, best known for her slicked-back ponytail, soulful vocals and outspoken stance on feminism, faces blame for ex-boyfriend Mac Miller’s overdose and scrutiny from Christian fans for her supposedly “blasphemous” single, “God is a woman.” In late May of 2018, Grande revealed that she and Miller split and soon after, was blamed for a drunken car accident, for which she addressed Miller’s reckless behavior. “I have cared for him and tried to support his sobriety for years (and always will of course) but shaming / blaming women for a man’s inability to keep his s*** together is a very major problem,” Grande tweeted. Grande released her fourth studio album, “Sweetener” in mid-August, unveiling highly anticipated collaborations with artists Pharrell Williams, early 2000’s sensation Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott and

Photo from Youtube.com Ariana Grande stars as Regina George from “Mean Girls” in the “thank u, next” music video which aired Nov. 30 on a livestream. controversial rapper Nicki Minaj. The record, which boasts a blend of mellow R&B, reggae and synth-pop, has retained a spot on the iTunes top 100 chart from the time of its release. The record’s final track, “get well soon” encompasses the various feelings of anxiety the singer felt as a result of the Manchester bombing. Its last 40 seconds are left silent in remembrance of the late victims. Just four months later, Grande was once again attacked by Miller’s fans, being blamed for his death in early September. After undergoing hospital treatment for an anxiety attack, Grande shared a video of her and Miller laughing to Instagram, under it, apologizing to the late rapper, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain

away. I really wanted to.” In early November, less than a month after splitting from fiance of five months, Pete Davidson, Grande released the single “thank u, next,” where she thanks exes Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Mac Miller and Davidson for teaching her, “love, patience and pain,” thus teaching her she only needs self-love to thrive. The liberating track currently resides at number one on the American top 100 chart for its third consecutive week. The track’s respective video, heavily inspired by early 2000’s films like “Mean Girls,” “13 Going on 30,” “Bring it On” and “Legally Blonde,” was released Nov. 30, and received over 50 million views in just 23 hours, making it the biggest video debut in Youtube and Vevo history. The video

included appearances from actors Stephanie Drummond, Jonathan Bennett, Jennifer Coolidge and “Victorious” co-stars Elizabeth Gillies, Daniella Monet and Matt Bennett. Nonetheless, Grande has managed to release a single that has reached number one on the charts of 14 countries, a record-breaking music video and is the recipient of Billboard’s Woman of the Year award. Not only has Grande continuously shut down problematic speculations regarding her career and that of those who surround her, but she also spent the majority of her career uplifting girls and stressing the importance of female empowerment in a male-dominated world. Twitter: @ju11ssa

Get cozy with these festive holiday films this winter break Jade Campbell

Photo Editor

Take a pause to watch some of these holiday favorites this winter break. Visit our website www.thepearlpost.com for a full list of holiday films.

Photo by Amazon.com Released in 1990, the “Home Alone” movie series follows eight-year old Kevin McCallister, Macaulay Culkin, and some of the many perilous adventures he embarks on in when he is accidentally left without supervision.

Photo from Amazon.com

Photo from Disney.com

Photo by Universal Pictures

“You’ll shoot your eye out!” The 1983 film “A Christmas Story” is set in the 1940’s and focuses on nine-yearold Ralphie Parker’s Christmas wish for a Red Ryder air rifle. Despite a speculations regarding TBS cancelling their normal 24hour marathon, the channel will indeed continue airing the iconic holiday movie from Christmas Eve through Christmas.

Released in 1993, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” showcases Jack Skellington, Danny Elfman, who’s tired of doing the same thing for Halloween every year. While walking in the woods, Skellington finds himself accidentally going traveling through a portal to Christmas Town. determined to bring Christmas back to Halloweentown.

Based off of Dr. Seuss’ children’s book, the live action film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” showcases the life of the evil Grinch, Jim Carrey, and his plans to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. After accidentally meeting Cindy Lou Who, he reconsiders his stance on the unpalatable season. Instagram: @j_a__d_e

Dec. 7, 2018

The Pearl Post

Athlete of the Month:

Queen sprints to victory

Sports 7

Athlete of the Month:

Huffman is ready to ball Harlow Frank

Alliana Samonte

Staff Writer

Q: Will you continue to play in your college years? A: I think that I will depending on the college I go to. Q: How does playing basketball affect your school work? A: I get home late and never have enough sleep. Q: Did you ever think that you would be athlete of the month? A: I always thought I would be in time. Q: Why did you choose to basketball over other sports? A: I use to play baseball but I really liked basketball and I continued to play and enjoy the game. Q: what do you think you can do to improve for next year? A: Just getting bigger and stronger because everyone is doing to same so I have to do better. Q: What is your most memorable part of basketball? A: Scoring a buzzer beater in a very close game for my club team.

Q: What sport do you play? A: I do track and field. Q: What do you like most about the sport? A: What I like most about the sport is that you can do multiple events so you can place more than once. Q: What do you dislike most about the sport? A: There isn’t much that I don’t like but waiting for the race to start makes me kinda nervous. Q: Have you accomplished any goals this season? A: I accomplished my goal of being on varsity and being the best in the school at last year’s event. I hope to take it even further and make it to state. Q: What or who motivated you to join this sport? A: I always wanted to run track but my mom did shot put when she was in school and motivated me to try out. Q: How long have you been in this sport? A: I have been running track for less than a year. Q: Since you’re a junior what do you want your teammates to remember you as? A: I’m only a junior but when the time does come I hope they remember me as someone they can go to for help or aspire to compete how I did. I want more than my teammates to remember me, I want everyone who knows the sport to know my name because I will continue to play in college. Q: How do you balance school work with being an athlete? A: I usually have to do my school work after my first practice which is on the way to my next practice. Instagram: @ alliana.faith

Photo by BCCHS Track Instagram Queen Baskerville and Keona Paniagua pose after a meet.

Photo by Martin Garcia Freshman Janna Holley playing against Mira Costa HIgh School on Nov. 28

Instagram: @haloharlow_252003

BCCHS girls basketball shoots into action Martin Garcia

Staff Writer

If you asked people about the basketball team at school, some might ask back ‘we have one?’. But for the Lady Patriots of Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) girls varsity basketball team though, that’s fine. “The girls from Birmingham are so welcoming and accepting for us,” said Janna Holley, a freshman who immediately got put into varsity after her tryouts. Holley’s father is a basketball coach, which is how she got introduced to the sport at the young age of 3. She already played, usually with boys, but she wanted to experience playing for a high school basketball team. “She’s really good,” said DPMHS junior Keona Paniagua. “Janna’s an amazing player and she’s overall really impressive because she’s really aggressive and able to score a lot” Paniagua moved up from JV basketball to varsity this year. Last year she was a shooting guard responsible for scoring points, but now on varsity, she’s a power forward. Usually, she’s responsible for inbound passes and setting up important post-plays underneath the basket. “As of right now, I’m sitting on the

bench on a regular basis,” Paniagua said. “I’m kind of just the backup player I guess.” As of Nov. 28, the team has played seven total games, having three losses and four total wins after their home tournament game in the BCCHS gym against Mira Costa High School. “We need to raise money for ourselves because the basketball game’s expensive,” Paniagua said. “Shooting shirts and the shoes that we get and then the warm-up jerseys or whatever, those are really expensive so we need to raise money so that we don’t have to pay for everything.” In the upper stands of the blue bleachers, you may see some parents mixed in with some of the students, some recording and some laid back. “I think a lot of parents come and they just want to support their girls and have a good time,” said Jamaal Washington, whose daughter is #20, Jazmyn Washington. “(It’s) something that she wanted so I support her.” After their game, a 52-48 win, the team went over to talk to their coach, Victor Koopongsakorn. “I like that we’re friends off the court, it makes it easier,” Jazmyn Washington said. Twitter: @nothingthatwill

Photo by Casey Wanatick Junior Cuyler Huffman prepares to throw the ball to his teammate at a basketball game against Palisades High School on Dec. 3.

Go check out the football story, sport scores and upcoming games on The Pearl Post website. www.thepearlpost. com

Tech 8

The Pearl Post

Dec. 7, 2018

Get in holiday spirit with list of great tech gifts Itzel Luna Staff Writer

With the holidays fast approaching, here are some tech gifts your friends and family are sure to love. There is something here that will appeal to a variety of people. It doesn’t matter if you are an artist, a fitness junkie or a gamer, you will find something for you.

Bright Tunes string lights: These unique string lights give you the op3Doodler Draw Pen: This unique 3D pen gives any portunity to simultaneously decorate your home with lights and music. young artist the ability to make drawings that will literal- From your bedroom to your patio, Bright Tunes can work anywhere in your ly jump right off of the page. The pen can be bought on home. They are available on Amazon for $24.99. Photo from Amazon.com Amazon for $79.99. Photo from Amazon.com

Furbo dog camera: This device has the ability alleviate separation anxiety in dogs because of its 2-way audio and full HD camera to monitor your pet. The gadget also has a fun treat tossing feature that can be filled with over 100 pieces of dog treats. It costs $134.99 on Amazon. Photo from Amazon.com

Leather Tassel Lightning Charging Cable: This fashionable tassel comes in a variety of colors and is made specifically for Apple products. This portable charger is essential for those who are constantly on the go and is sold for $60 on the Casetify website. Photo from Casetify.com

NES Classic Game Console: This Nintendo Entertainment System Classic is guaranteed to give the player a serious dose of nostalgia. The NES Classic is a miniaturized version of the NES that was originally released in 1985 and contains 30 classic games. At only $59.99 on the Nintendo website, this classic game console is bound to intrigue everyone. Photo from Amazon.com

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App of the Month:

Earn free gift cards from your favorite stores Alliana Samonte

Staff Writer

Have the chance to earn free gift cards by scanning items, walking into stores and sending receipt images by downloading the app “Shopkick.” The free app was created by Cyriac Roeding, a German-American entrepreneur in 2009. “Shopkick” allows you to earn gift cards from places people go to daily such as Target, Starbucks, AMC Theatres, Sephora and many more. To earn the gift cards there are a certain amount of points also known as “kicks” that are required in order to redeem the reward. The amount in the gift cards can vary from $5-$300 based on which store is picked as a reward. It’s simple just walk into a store that is partnered with “Shopkick” and easily earn up to 10-30 kicks. Another option is to scan items that are suggested in the app

Photo from Wikimedia Common and with the app Shopkick Walk into your favorite stores and earn gift cards for various stores by scanning items. to earn easy kicks. There is no need to purchase any items when you’re in a store. It can be a quick trip to the grocery shop to walk in, scan and earn lots of points. Not only are there free gift cards but like any store this app has deals only users can use in store and on online purchases. Rewards can be changed at any time be-

cause it will not affect the number of kicks collected but it will just affect how many kicks are required for the specific gift card. “Shopkick” requires IOS 9 or above and is free to download. As for Androids the app is able to run version 6 and later. Instagram: @alliana.faith

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