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

www.thepearlpost.com Volume 11 Issue 3 Feb. 10, 2020

Students help fight climate change See page 7

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The Pearl Post

Table of Contents

In this issue... 1 Cover

THE PEARL POST

Photo by Mahali Sanchez

3 News Parking lot changes

4-5 Opinion Press freedom Editorial/ Gun Control

6-9 Special Reports

Climate Change/ Primary Elections

10-13 Features Restaurant review/ Club Corner/ Valentine’s Day gift ideas

14-15 Entertainment Valentine’s Day Special episodes/ Love song playlist/ Artist of the Month

16-19 Sports The cost of a student athlete/ Boys soccer/ Boys basketball/ Girls basketball

20 Backcover

Letter from the Editor As 2020 kicks off, the presidential election is just around the corner. For the third issue of The Pearl Post magazine, we wanted to shed light on the importance of this year’s election. As we reflect on the past couple of years, it’s easy to notice how often young people have stood up for what they believe in. Because of this, it was very clear to us that we wanted this issue to focus on teenagers and their social or political activism. We did this by covering the impact youth voters are expected to have in the upcoming primary elections. We gave a voice to some of our DPMHS seniors and first-time voters by asking them who they plan to vote for. From the students leading the fight against plastic straws to walking out of classrooms and into the streets in pro-

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test, it was pretty clear to us that we also wanted to cover climate change. Teen activists like 17-year-old Greta Thunberg and Isra Hirsi have undoubtedly dominated the fight against climate change. We decided to highlight young activists at DPMHS, who are also making a difference in a variety of ways like recycling, not driving and even attending climate change protests. Overall, we hoped to highlight the social and political issues DPMHS students are passionate about. From the 2020 election to women’s rights, climate change, gun violence and DACA, our cover page demonstrates that the youth should have a voice on these major issues. -Itzel Luna

Print Editor-in-Chief Parampreet Aulakh Online Editor-in-Chief Alondra Nuno Managing Editor Itzel Luna Features Editor Shannon Sullivan Opinion Editor Sam Torres Entertainment Editor Alliana Samonte Sports Editor Casey Wanatick Social Media Editor Daniela Rangel New Media Editor-in-Chief Maria Ruiz New Media Editors Harlow Frank, Christopher Sarenana, Jonathan Spahr Photo Editor Mahali Sanchez Staff Writers/ Photographers Shanna Aghasi, Maribella Ambrosio, Valery Barrera, Evan Gleason, Gabriela Gomez, Marjina Haque, Valeria Luquin, Sara Marquez Copy Editors Cassia Ramelb, Maria Ruiz Advisor 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 news magazine 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 news magazine is published monthly and is the official campus newspaper of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. The magazine 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

Plans to alleviate morning, after-school traffic approved By Marjina Haque tudents and parents are familiar with the chorus of beeping horns, frustrated drivers, motionless cars and the constant threat of an accident that comes with their morning commute. But in a few years, people driving to school will no longer enter and exit through the two gates they’ve grown accustomed to. A plan to build a new entrance in front of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) has been approved by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Instead of having two exits on the left and right sides of the campus parking lot along Balboa Boulevard, a new design will leave a single exit to enter and exit through the middle of the lot. The chainlink fence gate would be replaced with a rolling door and a new gate, coupled with leveled out and revamped asphalt. Given its proximity to four other LAUSD schools on Balboa, DPMHS is part of what LAUSD refers to as a complex, which is a “defined group of schools or administrative sites”. Because of this, any structure built for DPMHS’s parking lot would directly affect these other schools, which is part of the reason it took such a long time to draft a parking plan. While there is no exact date for construction, Principal Pia Damonte estimates it could be three to five years to begin. She also hopes the finished renovation will help to decrease the stagnant traffic which plagues DPMHS. She also thinks the new entrance will also make for a safer commute for the schools surrounding DPMHS. “This setup would bring fewer traffic incidents and incidents in general because we have so many people moving through such a small space,” Damonte said. “It would be a very big project because part of it would be making the service road one way, getting city permits and the funding as well. There’s a lot that needs to happen before any type of construction occurs.” The problem concerning safety in

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Photo by Itzel Luna School Counselor Martina Torres makes sure no cars turn left at the exit toward Balboa Boulevard.

DPMHS’s parking lot has been a consistent problem shortly after the school opened in 2010. Past discussions on the traffic problem have stressed the need for a safer alternative to the current parking situation. “This situation is especially frustrating because students are not dropped off quickly,” the Post’s 2016 editorial said. “This causes the line of traffic to build down Balboa Boulevard and the risk of having a large car accident increases.” While the new entrance does not exist, students who drive to school now are eager to see a substantial replacement to what they consider a hectic parking plan. “I don’t know what the effects would be, but if it makes traffic in the morning any better I’m for it,” senior Rami Chaar said. “I drive to school every day and traffic can be a real problem sometimes.” Twitter: @marj1na

Photo by Mahali Sanchez Parents, staff and students have become accustomed to the entrance and exit gates but with the new plan approved by the district that will most likely change. The new plan will consist of one main entrance and exit which will be placed in the middle of the lot.

Feb. 10, 2020

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Opinion

Editorial

Student press freedom and its importance in our publication

Photo by Mahali Sanchez As a student-run publication, The Pearl Post staff practices real journalism inside and out of the classroom with their peers and school administration.

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s student journalists, our most valuable asset is our freedom of the press. It gives us the capability to do our jobs. It is not something that just lets us say anything we want. It is much more than that, it is a freedom of expression. The Pearl Post magazine and website along with the Prestige Yearbook report on many serious topics. From the United Teachers Los Angeles strike last year to the walkouts against gun violence, our rights allowed us to cover it. Such freedoms were granted by the First Amendment, which gives the freedom of the press and speech. As California students, we are also protected under the California Education Code 48907, which allows us to publish and distribute work without prior review. Because of this responsibility, it is our duty to provide timely, proficient and accurate information. We know that informing the public is a top priority and an informed public is a necessity for a functioning democracy.

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Censorship, which is the act of suppressing or stopping the publishing of one’s work, is an obstacle that can greatly harm the production of our work. However, with the freedom of the press, we do not have to face as many blockades. When there is something important going on that needs to be shared, we are able to report on it and push our work forward. Recently, we reported on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA) walkout that occurred on Nov. 12. The Supreme Court heard arguments from the Trump administration over their decision to terminate DACA and 34 students walked out of classrooms in protest. Because of our freedom of the press, we were able to report and cover it without being punished for it. While we are student journalists, our practice is still real journalism and we do it every single day whether we are interviewing our peers or photographing school events. In today’s era of jour-

nalism, many credible sources are dismissed as fake news and pushed aside as lies by powerful people, which causes many to become untrustworthy of legitimate journalism. So much opposition to news brings difficulty to a publication in their ability to remain respected and credible. Journalism is important in today’s society because not only does it bring information to people and allows them to stay updated on current events but it keeps the public informed and aware of things that they need to know about their daily lives. As student-run publications, we strive to see change with our never-ending search for information and with our freedom of the press. We have the ability to bring news to the public and rightfully inform others in an ever-changing society.

Opinion

Gun violence still strong issue for youth By Marjina Haque

Gun control has also been in the news because of the ongoing Democratalentine’s Day marks the 2-year ic presidential debates. Candidates have anniversary of the Marjory Stoneproposed a varying spectrum of policy man Douglas High School (MSon gun control, but two policies that the DHS) shooting in Parkland, Florida, candidates all favor are universal backwhere a gunman killed 17 students on ground checks and a ban on all assault campus and injured 17 others. weapons, which are guns with detachaThe tragedy sparked a national outble parts and multiple accessories. cry surrounding the increasing number “I do not think it is unreasonable to of school shootings and gun violence. say that you should be able to go to the Students from MSDHS shortly assemstore without the fear of being gunned bled the political action committee Never down,” Democratic candidate Bernie Again MSD to advocate for gun control, Sanders said in a New York Times inand on March 24, 2018 led an estimated terview on Jan. 13. “We can and we will 1.2 million students around the country end the epidemic of gun violence in this in March For Our Lives, a walkout to country.” protest of the lack of regulation around The threat of gun violence cannot firearms. continue to concern us the way it is right Since March for Our Lives, no subnow. It is heavily discussed every time stantial legislation has been passed in a mass shooting breaks out and slowly Congress or Senate to actually combat dies back down until the next one ocit, despite the curs. So long as guns fact that gun are protected and slopviolence has pily unchecked the way consistently they are, there will alremained in ways be a next one and the media. The threat of gun violence cananother list of names to According to mourn. not continue to concern us the Gun Violence Gun violence canArchive, a way it is right now not be properly dealt nonprofit rewithout discussing search group about law enforcethat catalogs ment’s contribution to gun violence it. According to a 2014 in the Unitstudy conducted by the ed States, Economist, police in 14,789 peoAmerica kill more people were killed ple daily than countries like Japan, Britby guns in 2018, and 15,208 people ain and Germany killed in one year, with were killed by guns in 2019. Japan and Britain killing no people, GerMost recently, the Background Check Expansion Act, a bill that would’ve many killing 8 and America killing 458 enforced universal background checks per 100,000 people. This is contradictofor all gun owners, was blocked in Sen- ry and unacceptable from a country who ate on Nov. 14, the same day a student boasts of its forwardness and superiority at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, to other countries. Mapping Police Violence, a crowdCalifornia, opened fire on campus, killing sourced database that tracks police killtwo students. ings, reported that in 2018, cops killed “If this so-called common-sense bi1,164 civilians, with little to no repercuspartisan legislation was indeed crafted sions; no police officer lost their jobs for with strong bipartisan input, it shouldn’t killing unarmed civilians or “accidental” have any problems advancing by regushootings. lar order,” senator Cindy Hyde - Smith The authority which the police have (R-MS), the senator who blocked the is both due to and upheld by this lack of motion, said on the Congress floor on accountability, and that’s another factor Nov. 14. “Many questions about this legthat can be attributed to no federal law islation need to be answered before it’s calling for background checks. It would forced upon law-abiding gun owners.” cause many unqualified officers to lose

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Mass Shootings and Laws Passed

Sandy Hook Elementary School Dec. 14, 2012: 28 dead-.223-caliber Bushmaster XM15E2S rifle, 10mm Glock 9mm Sig Sauer P226.

Virginia Tech-April 16, 2007 : - 32 dead9mm Glock and Walther P-22.

NICS Improvement Amendments Act is signed, which tightens laws on background checks for mental health.

An assault weapon ban Pulse Nightclub June fails however tighter 12, 2016: 49 dead background checks Sig Sauer MCX rifle were enacted. and Glock 17.

Las Vegas- Oct. 1, 2017: 59 dead - 23 modified rifles used. Bump stocks banned and red flag laws passed though out states.

Sources: CNN, USA Today, Time,

No significant gun laws were passed after the shooting.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School- Feb. 14, 2018: 17 dead- AR-15. Surge of new laws and legislations passed including red flag laws and tighter background checks.

Graphic by Sam Torres More mass shootings bring attention to gun laws.

their jobs, and rightfully so. Granting police access to assault weapons further militarizes law enforcement and makes it easier for the police to abuse their power and brutally govern over American civilians. These weapons are an accessory to authoritarian law enforcement, not a necessity. It is tiring to talk of the increasing rates at which gun violence takes lives and have to offer people as proof of necessary and immediate change. Gun violence is not an issue that can be ignored and neglected the way it so blatantly is. We need our representatives to create and push laws that protect us, not laws fueled by greed that protect gun manufacturers.

Twitter: @marj1na

Feb. 10, 2020

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Special Reports

Students help fight climate crisis

By Valery Barrera and Valeria Luquin

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ntil a few months ago, sophomore Nathalie Miranda didn’t really recycle. After the constant news coverage on climate change, she decided to make a difference in her life by recycling more. “I’ve always been aware but I never did anything,” Miranda said. “Then I was just tired of not doing anything, so me and my family had a mutual agreement to start recycling and doing as much as we can to help.” Like Miranda, more youth are increasing their knowledge of the need to be more environmentally friendly. On Dec. 6, 2019, many students participated in the climate change protests around the world, such as the one held in downtown LA. Senior Mia Garcia participated in this climate change protest. “I knew that climate change is a big thing,” Garcia said. “But I didn’t really know what things cause it until I went to the protest and educated myself.” Climate activist Greta Thunberg, 17, gained a lot of popularity for directing more attention to climate change last year. TIME Magazine named Thunberg the 2019 Person of the Year for her activism on climate change. Climate change is a long term change in global climate patterns. Though both natural and human-caused sources affect climate change, gases formed by human activities like carbon dioxide, super pollutants and nitrous oxide are harmful to the environment. Climate change can lead to health risks, increases in sea-levels, heatwaves and the loss of species. As seen throughout the Australian wildfires that started in September and California’s record fire season in 2018, global warming intensifies wildfires by drying out soil and vegetation. The heat created adds more fuel to the fire, making it burn farther and faster. “The fact that we have droughts, fires like what’s going on in Australia, I think it’s important to pressure these people in power to actually promote climate change instead of putting up this image that they support it,” senior Ivan Moreno said.

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Earth’s global surface temperatures last year made 2019 the second warmest year, the first being 2016, according to a NASA article titled “NASA, NOAA Analyses Reveal 2019 Second Warmest Year on Record” published on Jan. 15. As teens learn more about what they can do to help the environment, they put their knowledge into action. “I don’t drive because I think that cars put a lot of chemicals into the environment. I try not to use plastic. I try to use reusable bags when I go to the grocery store,” Garcia said. With climate change being an important issue that is talked about worldwide, some of the 2020 presidential candidates are also advocating for it. Out of the 12 democratic candidates, 11 of

them have spoken out about the importance of the issue and their plans to reduce climate change if elected. So far, candidates from the Republican Party have only made public statements regarding climate change. What most of the 12 Democratic candidates have in common is that each of them has a plan to either invest money in cleaner energy innovations or energy sustainability. “I think that people should take it seriously because it’s not just an opinion anymore. If we don’t do anything to stop it then we don’t have much of a future left,” Miranda said. Twitter : @13_val_ @valoorryy

Special Reports

Managing editor reports on democratic debate with PBS By Itzel Luna

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ith a media badge dangling from my neck and a microphone in hand, I stepped into the shoes of a political journalist as I went to report on the Democratic debate. Hosted by Politico and PBS NewsHour, the December Democratic debate last year was held at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) on Dec. 19. As a way to incorporate youth voice n the event, PBS invited 13 of their partnering high schools to attend a youth debate watch party held at LMU, only a few hundred feet away from the building, which held the seven democratic candidates. I was able to attend as a Student Reporting Labs correspondent, meaning that I, along with a few other students, would be producing behind-the-scenes (BTS) content during the debate. Not really knowing what to expect, I couldn’t contain my excitement and nervousness as I headed to LMU. My day kicked off at Otis College of Art and Design, where I met up with PBS producer Marie Cusick. She handed me a purple ‘Media’ badge, which gave me complete access to the Media Center. We then met up with the rest of the BTS crew. Walking into the media center, which was located right next to the debate stage, I was engulfed in the bustling political atmosphere. The energy was at an all-time high as journalists from a variety of media companies typed away at their laptops or adjusted their cameras. For our BTS coverage, we were tasked with filming a two-minute video about the event. With my journalistic strengths being in writing and reporting, I was a little worried that my videography skills weren’t up to par with the rest of the team. Luckily, I was able to learn on the spot and gained a lot of knowledge of video reporting. We decided to focus the video on the importance of youth voices in politics. At the media center, we were able to interview many professionals, including The Cook Political Report editor Amy Walter and California Attorney General

Photo by Marie Cusick Managing editor Itzel Luna and the PBS Student Reporting Labs Behind the Scenes crew meet Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang at Loyola Marymount University on Dec. 19.

Photo by Adriana Chavira Members of The Pearl Post watch a post-democratic debate on Dec. 19 at Loyola Marymount University.

Xavier Becerra. We then switched gears and went to the youth watch party, where students from schools across Los Angeles were gathering. From chants and screams to social media posts, students were actively participating throughout the entire debate. Despite the fact that most of us won’t be old enough to vote in the 2020 election, the party was filled with great excitement and criticism for our potential future leaders. While munching on popcorn and looking through our PBS swag bags,

many students, were given an outlet to share our political opinions and concerns. Although we weren’t at the debate stage or face-to-face with the candidates, PBS showed us that our voices do matter. Whether we will be voting in the upcoming election or not, we are the future and based on what I saw that night, the future is bright. Instagram: @_itzelluna_

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Special Reports

Youth expected to make an impact on the Primary Elections

By Daniela Rangel

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n the upcoming 2020 presidential election, youth votes will prove to be especially impactful, prompting candidates to reach out to this group specifically. With the California primary election on March 3 fast approaching, presidential hopefuls are reaching out to prospective voters, including the growing number of youth voters. In the wake of President Donald Trump’s 2016 election, voter turnout has increased exponentially with a shocking 36 percent in the 2018 midterm elections, a 79-percent jump from 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. This proves to be especially true among youth voters. The Census Bureau also found that the youth made up 35.6 percent of all voters in the same election and the candidates are now hoping to appeal to them. “I’m planning on voting for the person that has the best chance of beating whichever Republican nominee there is,” senior Cuyler Huffman, who will be eligible to vote in the upcoming election said. “I want to see someone who can appeal to the general public, not just Democrats.” With Generation Z being the most liberal and anti-Trump age group so far

according to a Pew Research Center study, even more than millennials, statements like these are not uncommon. More so than anything, young voters are looking for candidates whose views coincide with their own. For Huffman and many other first-time voters, these issues include climate change, education, gun violence and immigration. Candidates like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren are especially popular among young voters for their stances on these topics. “I know Andrew Yang and Bernie Sanders are big with youth,” Huffman said. “They appeal to what a lot of the youth stand for.” Candidates like Yang and Sanders also use campaign tactics like the “Yang Gang” slogan and Sander’s celebrity endorsements from popular voices like Cardi B and Joe Rogan to get attention

from the younger generation. The outcome of the primary election determines whose name will be on each party’s respective ballot in the final elections during November. Before the primary elections, however, are the state caucuses, where instead of voting through a ballot, voters gather in groups to declare their support for their candidates publicly. They are counted and a system similar to the Electoral College then determines the candidacy winner. On Feb. 3, Iowa was the first state to hold its caucus meeting. Only 10 states and three US territories use caucus meetings to choose their candidate. “Honestly I don’t think anyone’s votes (matter),” senior Ethan Zinshteyn said, differing from the views of the majority of youth voters. “Your vote doesn’t make a difference in my opinion.” Twitter : @dan1ela83

Photos provided by Wikipedia Commons and Flickr The top presidential candidates include (top left) democratic candidate Mike Bloomberg, (top middle) republican candidate Donald Trump, (top right) democrat Amy Klobucher, (bottom right to left) democrats Andrew Yang, Pete Buttitgieg, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

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Special Reports

Los Angeles introduces new voting process

By Gabriela Gomez

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oters in 15 counties in California, including Los Angeles County, will have a new process to cast their votes for the March 3 primary. Starting Feb. 22, voters will be able to use the new devices, a touch screen electronic tool similar to many mobile devices, which were approved by Secretary of State Alex Padilla. The voter will receive a paper ballot that they will scan into the device. They will make their candidate selections through the device, receive a printed summary of their choices and then cast their physical ballot. As a part of the approval, voters must be given the option to use a handmarked paper ballot instead. Under the new Voter’s Choice Act, voters can now vote at any polling place. You are able to vote no matter what, whether you have physical limitations or language abilities. Instagram: @gxbyyyy_g

Who is your favorite presidential candidate?

“I think I might vote for Bernie (Sanders.) I feel like the reason why I like (Joe) Biden so much is because Bernie is a bit socialist,” senior Aimee Guzman said. “But depending on what else that goes on in the debate from here on, it’s between Bernie and Biden.”

“I’m voting for (Donald) Trump,” senior Ethan Zinshteyn said. “We just did a trade with France and we were about to get into war with them but he and the France president were able to talk things out, which is good.”

“I feel like I want to vote for Bernie (Sanders.) He looks like the type of guy to keep his words,” senior Larry Chavez said. “But I’m not so sure who to really vote for right now. All I know that Bernie has my vote at the moment.” Photos and interviews by Maribella Ambrosio

Feb. 10, 2020

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Features

RESTAURANT REVIEW The Kluckin Chicken By Evan Gleason

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he Kluckin Chicken is a fairly new fried chicken restaurant that is only a 20-minute bus ride away from school to fill up anyone’s grumbling stomach. The restaurant is a rather small establishment and that brings a relaxing environment causing very little people to come in or out. This allows people to sit down, talk to friends and enjoy their meal. The menu offers very simple yet delicious options that allow people to not have to think too hard about what to order. It also offers various different options on how people can eat there delicious fried chicken. The original location in Hollywood opened in 2018 on Melrose Avenue, and the newest location opened in Sherman Oaks on Burbank Boulevard. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.

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to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The different options include the Klucking Combo 1, which cost $10.99 and includes one Kluckin chicken sandwich with choice of mild or hot chicken, a french roll or a gourmet bun, cole slaw, pickles and their secret Klucking sauce. If you decide to choose the hot chicken sandwich, the worker described it as “Getting hotter and hotter as you eat the sandwich.” This meal also comes with a side of crinkle-cut fries with the Kluckin sauce for dipping. They have many more options, such as the Kluckin Bowl for $11.99 and the Kluckin Chicken Wrap for $12.99. They also have very delicious sides including Kluckin Fried Pickles for $7.95. If you’re craving a really good chicken sandwich or want to get a really filling

Features

Club Corner: Black Student Union By Marjina Haque

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midst interactive trivia games, highlighting forgotten historical figures and creating art to display around campus, community is being built in this campus’s first Black Student Union (BSU). And that’s exactly what founder Cassia Ramelb was after. Ramelb was first inspired to start a BSU after she heard senior Queen Baskerville suggest it in a campus meeting two years ago. After discussing and getting advice from Birmingham Community Charter High School’s club, Ramelb launched the club’s first meeting in October. Now, DPMHS’s BSU wants to create an outlet where people can simultaneously celebrate their culture and learn more about it. Though it’s relatively new, the BSU has already solidified its status as a vital part of campus life. Members frequent Room 17 every other Tuesday to enjoy and inform themselves. The BSU also provides a safe space for black students on campus, and allows people to feel valid in their

Photo by Daniela Rangel Black Student Union President Cassia Ramelb laughs at a joke made by a BSU member during a club meeting on Oct. 29.

identity in its entirety. “I rarely ever see any black people here and it makes me feel out of place,” BSU creative director Baskerville said. “I think a lot of black students on campus feel like there isn’t many of us. But with a BSU here we feel unified when we’re together.” In the future, Ramelb hopes to see

it grow from the small club it is right now to become an essential, permanent part of campus life. “I’m hoping this just doesn’t end when I graduate next year,” Ramelb said. “We’re not just a club, we’re here to stay. We have things to do, and we want to make a difference on campus.” Twitter: @marj1na

Feb. 10, 2020

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Valentine’s Day

DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts ideas

Love coupons: Cute and easy little gift for your loved ones. The materials needed for this gift are colorful paper or construction paper, different colored pens or markers, a mason jar and scissors. All you need to do is draw out the shape of a ticket and write some date ideas on it. Then cut them out, put them into a mason jar and you’re done. 100 reasons why I love you jar: This is a simple but unique gift to give. All you need is a jar with a lid, scissors, construction paper and something to write with. To start, just cut out a heart from the paper. Then write down what you like or love about that one special person. By Gabriela Gomez

If you are looking for a doable and quick Valentine’s Day gift idea, that’ll avoid breaking their hearts and the bank, then you have come to the right place. Here are five do-it-yourself (DIY) Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are super easy and cheap to do. Instagram: @gxbyyyy_g Chocolate covered strawberries bouquet: Simple easy and tasty DIY gift. All you need are strawberries, two packets of chocolate melts, sprinkles, bamboo skewers and tissue paper. First you wash the strawberries, then melt the chocolate and dip the strawberries into the chocolate. As it starts to cool down, add the sprinkles. Once everything is dry, wrap them nicely in

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Butterfly lollipops card: This gift is adorable and easy to do. All you need for this is red or pink construction paper, lollipops of your choice valentines day sticker, tape, googly eyes and scissors. To start this off, you’ll need to draw a butterfly on the paper and cut it out. Then write down “Happy Valentines Day” on the wings of the butterfly and fold down the middle. Finally, open the butterfly back up and tape the lollipop.

Valentine’s Day

By Daniela Rangel

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The language of love and ros-

alentine’s Day is the perfect time to express your love, gratitude or feelings for someone. A very easy and popular Valentine’s Day gift is roses, with 198 million produced for the holiday annually. Here’s a guide to what some of these roses mean.

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Thornless roses communicate love at first sight.

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White roses repreYellow roses are assent eternal love in its sociated with friendpurest form. White, ship, joy and well being the purest color wishes. Yellow is inrepresents dicative of happiness innocence, and can be used to show purity and the recipient the joy they beauty. bring to you.

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Translation

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Gifting pink roses to someone can convey their perfection, elegance or sweetness. Additionally, pink roses can serve as a thank you or recognition from the giver to recipient.

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A bouquet of red and Red roses, perhaps white roses symbolizthe most popularly es togetherness and gifted flowers on this unity. Most commonholiday and in generly it is used to communi- al flower sales, symbolize cate the sacredness of a love and romance. They relationship. serve as a way to reflect the beauty of the receiv-

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Entertainment

Snuggle and binge chocolates on these Valentine's Day special episodes By Mahali Sanchez

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rab a friend, mom, sister or loved one and have a Valentine’s Day Special episodes spree. Here are a few recommendations to start off the vibe. “Gilmore Girls” “A Vineyard Valentine” Season 6, Episode 15 Rory and Logan invite Lorelei and Luke over at Logan’s partner’s home to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend. As to think the weekend would be full of love and happiness, Luke forgets his gift for Lorelei and Mitchell ruins Logan’s time with Rory due to work.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons “The Simpsons” is one of the many recommended television shows to watch with loved ones and family on Valentine’s Day. Here are more Valentine’s Day based specials to binge and laugh at.

“The Simpsons” “Love Lisa” Season 4, Episode 15 Lisa sends Ralph a card after feeling sorry for him. When Ralph receives the card, he begins to develop feelings for her and decides to invite her to go see the “Krusty the Clown” show. When Krusty asks them if they are boyfriend and girlfriend, Lisa pulls the “friend-zone” label on Ralph.

“Friends” “The One with the Candy Hearts” Season 1, Episode 14 Chandler is accidentally set up with his ex-girlfriend by Joey. After nine years of not dating, Ross ends up meeting his ex-wife in the same restaurant attracting an uncomfortable aura. Meanwhile, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe decide to rebel against the romantic holiday by burning old mementos of their past relationships.

“Vampire Diaries” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Season 5, Episode 13 At Mystic Falls High School, Bonnie and Elena are talked into to the school dance dedicated for broken-hearted students. Katherine, Elena’s doppelganger wants to get back with Stefan and will do anything to achieve that. Before the dance, Bonnie meets another student that practices witchcraft.

Instagram: @mahalisanchezz

Reminisce Valentine’s Day with these love songs produced throughout the years By Daniela Rangel

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ith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, a proper playlist is essential to complete the setting of the romance-filled holiday. Here are some staff picks for songs to listen to with your Valentine. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce “Love On Top” by Beyonce “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

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“Let’s Fall In Love For The Night” by FINNEAS “I’d Have You Anytime” George Harrison “Differences” by Ginuwine “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz “Lucky” by Jason Mraz “All Of Me” by John Legend “Love Me Now” by John Legend “Love Songs” by Kaash Paige “Love” by Lana Del Rey “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Lauryn Hill “Easy” by Mac Ayres “L-O-V-E” by Michael Buble “Dilemmna” by Nelly ft.Kelly Roland

“Kiss” by Prince “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder “Lover” by Taylor Swift “Love Story” by Taylor Swift “Something” by The Beatles “Lovefool” by The Cardigans “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure “I Saw the Light” by Todd Rundgren “My Boo” by Usher and Alicia Keys Twitter: @dan1ela83

Entertainment By Valeria Luquin

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lue-eyed Finneas O’Connell, better known as FINNEAS, rose to fame with his distinctive voice, music and talent as a record producer, singer and songwriter. “It’s all stuff that I would be doing for fun and for free if I had another job,” FINNEAS says in a KROQ interview. “I think to me, it’s just about doing stuff that you’re passionate about. I guess I feel about music the way a lot of kids feel about Fortnite, it’s very hard for me to put a guitar down and stop writing a song.” Music T h e Producer multi-talente d 22-year-old grew up in Los Angeles with his mothe r , father and sister, Billie Eilish. Growing up, he had a small career in acting. Some of the shows he appeared on include “Glee” and “Modern Family.” Rather than writing and producing his music in a recording studio, he does it all in his two-bedroom childhood home. O’Connell also does some writing and recording while on tour. “We’re not at a recording studio where different people are there every day and people are down the hall. It’s our house and it’s where we live,” FINNEAS said. “That allows us to make some kind of music that feels wholeheartedly exposed as far as who we are as people and as siblings.” From piano keys to striking a match in the bathroom (featured in Eilish’s song “Watch”), FINNEAS uses anything he has to create unique sounds. Vocals, lyrics and the alternative/indie beats displayed all over his music are what set him apart from artists today. All of his hard work has led him to receiving and being nominated for numerous awards.

His catchy, emotional and rhythmic lyrics have the power to send goosebumps up and down your arms. At the same time, some of his songs make it easy to get up and dance to, each containing their own story. His debut EP, “Blood Harmony,” was released on Oct. 4, 2019. FINNEAS most popular songs off the EP include “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” “Shelter” and “I Lost a Friend.” He’s currently nominated for Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards. FINNEAS revealed that he and his sister wrote the theme song for the movie “No Time To Die.” According to James Bond on Twitter, they are the youngest artist to write and record a James Bond theme song. FINNEAS and his sister are a

Artist of the Month: FINNEAS

Fivetime Grammy winner

duo, m u sic-wise and in life. Only four years apart, the two share a close bond. He’s toured with her and played as her bass man. FINNEAS produced her music and the two wrote songs for her album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go.” At the beginning of his song, “Angel,” the sound of birds chirping fade into the lyrics, “Congratulations You’ve been pretending to be human So well Might even fool the neighbors Reading your Sunday papers.” He sings each lyric with a soft and slightly raspy voice. In the background, a repetitive piano ballad can be heard throughout the song. As he sings the chorus, “You’re an angel

Photo from Wikimedia Commons American Music Producer, FINNEAS won five Grammy’s along with his sister, Billie Eilish.

In disguise You’re an angel In my eyes,” his voice goes from low to holding a high note. Along with writing music for himself and Eilish, he’s worked with famous singers such as Selena Gomez and Camila Cabello. He helped produce Gomez’s song “Lose You to Love Me,” produced and co-wrote “Used to This” from Cabello and helped produce her song “First Man.” “As a co-writer and a producer working with other people, you have to just channel a lot of empathy,” FINNEAS said in a KROQ interview. “I spend hours just sitting with them and asking about their relationship with their mom and what their friendships were like growing up and what their favorite relationships were.”

Billie Eilish’s brother

Twitter: @13_val_

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Sports

What does it cost to be By Sara Marquez

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o be a student athlete, it costs a lot of money. Some student athletes pay up to over $1,000 for their equipment. In order to lower costs, many students fundraise or go to discount department stores to find less expensive equipment. Some student athletes say that they choose a sport to play based on the cost of that sport. Playing a sport is great for staying fit and meeting new friends but at what cost?

“Track shoes range from $60-$300. I need to get trainers and that’s an extra $150-$175. My uniform, I get it from the school so that’s free. My track outfits or things that I go to Invatationals with range from $30-$75. My training warmup gear is like $30. -Junior Cassia Ramelb (Track and Field)

“It’s at least $500. I know it’s way more than that but that’s the minimum. I don’t really think that affects the kids. If that’s an issue it’s more of the parents.” -Sophomore Eden Kolber (Cheerleading)

“Baseball is an expensive sport for sure, paying for gloves and equipment. A few thousand for sure.” -Sophomore Chris Romero (Baseball)

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The Pearl Post

Sports

e a student athlete “I don’t know the exact number because we have fundraisers but the paper that he (the coach) gave us was around $900. It’s pretty much uniform and he provides everything else.” -Sophomore Janna Holley (Girls Basketball)

“See this year, Birmingham is paying for a lot of our equipment but there’s still a couple things you have to get like goggles and caps but the suits are pretty expensive like $80.A suit, cap and goggles and the school will provide everything else.” -Junior Amelia Sanchez (Girls Water Polo)

“I spend around $50 a year, probably $250 in total. We need to buy a suit which are like $40, which is a pretty expensive suit. We need goggles too. A lot of people go to water polo because it’s not as expensive as other sports and it’s fun but you can see how it can be too expensive for some people. We actually do I believe fundraise “a little bit by selling snacks at the game.” -Junior August Defore (Boys Water Polo)

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Sports

Patriots season ends on good note By Maribella Ambrosio

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he Birmingham Community Charter High School boys soccer team has shot and scored, grown into better players, conquered challenges and it all went by as fast as the ball flying after a big kick. “This season was decent but we can always be doing better,” varsity goalkeeper Anthony Martinez said. “We’re in second place in the league. That’ll get us maybe one home game (for playoffs), hopefully, if we continue to win the rest of the games.” The Patriots have improved and fought hard this season, junior Martinez says. With new players and obstacles that came their way, the boys wrap up stronger than ever. The Patriots won their most recent game against Taft Charter High School 4-0. Their currant record is 6-6-3. “We feel confident with the number of wins and losses, but then again, we could always be doing better,” Martinez said.

Photo by Sara Marquez Senior varsity player Christopher Rodriguez races towards the ball on Jan. 24 during a game against El Camino Real High School. on Jan. 24.

The team has worked hard on improving skills that needed to be worked on. They have improved their defense against their opponents. However, the Patriots continue to struggle with finishing games smoothly and scoring more goals. “The new players definitely helped on attacking, getting up with the ball, and creating better chances to score,” senior varsity defensive center-back player

Christopher Rodriguez said. The Patriots recognized that a few changes needed to be made in the team and knew that receiving new players would also be a challenge. “Making the team better is not just one player, but it’s the whole team,” Rodriguez said. Instagram: @maribella.ag

Thank you to The Pearl Post Patrons

Super Patrons The Spector Family John & Bette Goplen

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The Pearl Post

Silver Patrons Dash Caloroso Brenda Helfing

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Sports

Girls basketball end their season with high hopes for playoffs By Valery Barrera

47.4 points, 29.9 assists, 9.6 rebounds per game. One of their biggest weaknesses was offense and Holley believes the team will only improve with practice. Wishing to only learn from their mistakes, they will use their defense as an advantage to score more during games. “We will improve by practicing more and longer, I know that for a fact. I know we were going to condition,” Holley said. Having lost to El Camino Real High School before, the girls were given a chance for redemption this season. The team played El Camino Real on Jan. 24, winning 65-52. In an attempt to finish the league strong, the team plans to come back even stronger for playoffs on Feb. 14 “We knew we had to get better from this win and keep winning,” Holley said.

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acing many bumps along the road, the Lady Patriot’s season comes to a close. “I feel like we went downhill because our energy wasn’t there as much,” sophomore Janna Holley said. Starting off the season with a threeloss streak, the Birmingham Community Charter High School girls varsity basketball team was motivated to push through and strive to be better. The Lady Patriots recently beat Grover Cleveland Charter High School 59-16. They currently have a record of 11-14. Energy played a big factor in the way the team executed their defense. The energy not being there was a key factor in why they lost many games. “As a team, we blame ourselves,” varsity point guard Holley said. “Our coaches tell us not to blame one person but to blame the whole team because it’s a team effort.” This season, the girls averaged

Instagram: @valeryobrien Photo by Shanna Aghasi Sophomore varsity point guard Janna Holley prepares to shoot a free throw during practice on Jan.30

Boys basketball ends another successful season with eight game win streak By Jonathan Spahr

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he Birmingham Community Charter High School boys basketball season comes to a close after a season full of excitement. The team has had many ups and downs. With a current win streak of seven games and an upcoming game against Granada Hills Charter High School on Feb.5. They are remaining very optimistic about making it a eight game win streak. “This season has been going well. We started off a little slow but we have definitely picked it up,” senior Cuyler Huffman said. With many new players and some returning, the team has proven this season that they can really work together and maximize their ability to master this

chemistry. This turned out well as the Patriots boast a 16-7 record. “I feel like I could have helped motivate the team a little more. In the end, I think we all really worked hard,” Huffman said. With the Daniel Pearl Magnet High School senior graduating this year, he wishes the team the best of luck for the upcoming season and hopes they can achieve greater goals. “I think the team should carry on the winning tradition. One of the most memorable games was against Sierra Canyon. It was really fun. It was televised and we played against really good players,” Huffman said. Twitter: @SpahrJonathan

Photo by Shanna Aghasi Senior forward Cuyler Huffman prepares to shoot the ball during practice on Jan. 30.

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Student Photography Spotlight About the Photographer Elishava Ibarra is a freshman currently in Photography 1. Initially, her journey to photography began when she was in elementary school, where she didn’t really take photos but learned the basics from controlling and fixing the camera. The 15-year-old enjoys food and everything about it. She is particularly fond of soup/broth and the traditional Latin American food. Some of her favorites include menudo and pozole.

Behind the Photo Music teacher Wes Hambright took some of his music students to the 11th annual “GRAMMY in the Schools” live event at the Ebell Theater in Downtown Los Angeles on Jan 23. The event’s purpose was to celebrate music educators around the country. Approximately 1,000 high school students from the Los Angeles Unified School District attended the event. They had the opportunity to meet Grammy-nominee singer Bebe Rexha and watch her perform her most popular songs. The GRAMMY Camp graduates also preformed for the students. The field trip was made possible by Mickey Smith Jr. Submit your best photos with a brief description to thepearlpost@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the The Pearl Post news magazine.