QUAKER CAMPUS
Musk’s Rapid Urge for a Government Purge
Piper
Guinn NEWS EDITOR
Currently, Elon Musk is worth over $400 billion, making him the richest person in the world. The 53-yearold CEO accumulated wealth through ownership of the aeronautics company SpaceX and car manufacturer Tesla, as well as his recent purchase of Twitter (now-called X) in 2022. Now, he is on a mission to gut the federal bureaucracy, operating through the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump’s new administration.
With the stated goal of “modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity,”
President Trump signed an executive order establishing DOGE on his first day in office. Essentially, the organization is a means to slash government spending by eliminating organizations and personnel that the current administration views as unnecessary or untrustworthy. DOGE is, for now, a temporary organization, as Trump has granted it 18 months to carry out its mission.
Dismantling the federal bureaucracy, or “draining the swamp,” as Trump has called it, has long been a core tenant of the Republicans’ agenda. In Musk’s words, bureaucracy is an “unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government.” On Tuesday, the billionaire claimed that his goal in
City Says Farewell to Brian Saeki
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Last month, the City of Whittier announced that City Manager Brian Saeki will be stepping down from his position. According to the City, Saeki was offered the position of City Administrator for the City of Vernon. His first day of the new job is confirmed to be Feb. 24.
Saeki also verified that his decision to step down did not stem from any disagreements or malice, telling Whittier Daily News that, “It’s about finding the right opportunity to continue my career growth while aligning with my personal values and goals. I truly believe this next chapter will be a positive step forward for both my family and me.”
Saeki’s career in Whittier began in 2019, when he was hired as the eighth City Manager after serving in the same position for the city of Covina. He also had experience handling similar responsibilities in San Fernando, Arcadia, Rosemead, and Downey. According to Whitti-
er Daily News, Saeki was hired to “address the City’s highest priorities, which included homelessness, fiscal sustainability and economic development.”
During his five-year period as city manager, Saeki guided the City of Whittier through the COVID-19 Pandemic by implementing a $500,000 Business Grant program titled the Whittier Relief Fund, as well as prioritizing the state of Whittier’s economic development and recovery. While maintaining the budget for the city, Saeki helped Whittier earn the 2021 Helen Putnam Award in City-Business Relations from the League of California Cities. Similarly, he assisted in the opening of the Whittier Navigation Center, which provides resources to the homeless population. He also helped establish changes within Whittier’s police force—including by hiring a new police chief—and overlooked the renovations of the Whittier Public Library, Whittier Senior Center, and a 2.1-mile extension of the Greenway Trail.
This article continues on pg. 3.
overhauling the government is to “restore democracy.”
Musk’s seat at the head of the DOGE roundtable marks a heightened level of his involvement in U.S. government, but the tech businessman has had his toes in political waters for some time. Despite supporting Democrat candidates like former President Obama in past elections, Musk publicly endorsed Trump on July 13, 2024.
According to CBS News, he donated over a quarter of a billion dollars to Trump and other Republican candidates in the last election cycle. As the pair became closer on the campaign trail, the now-president announced his plans for Musk to become the government’s “efficiency tsar.”
By appointing Musk to a position he created, Trump has “attempted to consolidate an extraordinary amount of power,” reports Nathaniel Rakich of ABC News, which “has greatly alarmed independent watchdogs and Trump critics, who argue that DOGE is operating without oversight.” Interestingly, these are the same concerns Musk expressed about the programs he is attempting to overhaul. Despite mixed reactions from the American public, Musk is rapidly advancing his operation.
In one of the first moves to reduce the federal workforce, more than two million government employees were offered eight months of paid leave if they chose to leave their jobs by Feb. 6.
This ultimatum was delivered via email and mirrors an offer Musk gave to Twitter employees after he bought the company out in 2022. The message even contained the same subject line—“Fork in the Road.” Although an estimated 60,000 employees accepted the buyout, a federal judge has placed the plan on hold due to its undetermined legality.
Federal lawsuits have also been brought to court against Musk and DOGE for seeking “unprecedented access to sensitive information” from federal organizations as part of the mission to assess their effectiveness and spending practices.
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Employees from the Department of Labor “have been told to unquestionably give DOGE operatives access to any system or information they request, or else face termination,” according to the lawsuit. The Department of Education and Treasury Department have been requested to provide similar information.
The plaintiffs also claimed that these efforts are “replete with violations of law” and called Musk “an unappointed, unelected, and temporarily serving official.” DOGE’s legal counterclaim is that there is no evidence of harm done to the employees whose data has been requested.
On Monday, DOGE was granted access to records and information from the Department of Labor, declaring that the plaintiffs did not have standing in their lawsuit, according to the Plan Sponsor Council of America. As of Saturday, the request to access Treasury Department information was temporarily blocked in a different federal court ruling, which led to outrage from Musk.
The general constitutionality of Musk’s actions has become an ongoing debate among political analysts, as have the lasting implications of his efforts. On The Ezra Klein Show, American journalist Kara Swisher—who has been reporting on Musk for decades— described him as a “one-man
wrecking ball” who “always has to be the one person who matters the most.” Musk’s recent political activities are in keeping with the never-ending quest for power the journalist describes, and are concerning to Swisher. “I don’t think it’s particularly funny or the right way to do it.”
Raised in apartheid-era South Africa, the SpaceX founder has long expressed distrust in democratic institutions and follows the same libertarian rhetoric as many of his colleagues in the tech industry. Around 2020, however, he became more radical and closely aligned with far-right internet users posting dank memes during isolation.
“Something happened during COVID, during the rise of various reckonings—#MeToo and Black Lives Matter,” Swisher explains. “If you think your company is critical for the future of the human race and then California closes it down because of COVID, you get [very unreasonable].”
This “rewired” Musk that Swisher details is now operating from an unelected position without a constitutional precedent for his actions. Nathanial Racick argues, “The essence of rule of law is procedures. The essence of a democratic republic is that power is distributed among different individuals and groups. This is a fierce challenge to both of those ideas.”
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Trump and Musk seek to slash the federal workforce.
Courtesy of CBS NewS
Trump’s Executive Impact on Trans Community
Sara Martínez CO-HEAD COPY EDITOR
Over the past few years, discourse surrounding transgender people and the entire queer community has grown, particularly regarding discrimination in sports and classrooms. Although polling data from the Pew Research Center shows that 64 percent of Americans favor protecting trans people from discrimination, the percentage of individuals who feel gender is determined by sex assigned at birth rose six points from 2017 to 2022.
These complex views on queer identities in America were reflected during the last election cycle, as Republicans used advertisements to target the trans community while Democrats were vocal about protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
As a figurehead for the Republican Party, Trump’s return to the Oval Office sparked concern among the LGBTQ+ community. “There are a lot of somber feelings among our community,” one queer Long Beach resident told Fox11 News.
During his first few weeks in office, President Trump issued and signed 53 executive orders, five of which directly affect transgender people and the entire queer community.
On President Trump’s first
day, he signed an executive order titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”, which declares that, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
After this order, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported, “On his first day back in office, President Trump signed a far-reaching executive order requiring federal agencies to discriminate against transgender people by denying who they are and threatening the freedom of self-determination and self-expression for all.”
The president signed an order on his second day of presidency, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” Under this order, the President rescinded an order signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, which prohibited discrimination by federal contractors and subcontractors.
In 2014, President Barack Obama amended this order to also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Trump’s actions have reversed both Johnson and Obama’s efforts to protect Americans from
discrimination in the workplace.
That same week, Trump also signed an order that “directs the Department of Defense to revise policies to exclude individuals who identify with a gender different from their biological sex from military service,” as summarized on Racism.org, an accredited online law review.
Under another executive order, President Trump stated that the federal government would not “fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another.”
Bird Flu Flocks to SoCal
mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness, with some cases proven fatal.
The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, poses a growing threat to American poultry industries, food costs, and potentially human health. In Southern California, cases are on the rise, as are concerns about the current impact and potential risks of the disease.
Avian influenza is caused by influenza type A viruses that affect birds, but they can also infect humans and other animals. According to Marin County Health and Human Services, the H5N1 strain is currently the most prevalent across the United States, and was first detected among livestock in California in August 2024.
Bird flu is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads among wild and domestic birds through direct contact with infected feces or contaminated surfaces. Certain strains, including H5N1, can infect humans, typically through close contact with infected birds. Symptoms in humans range from
Southern California has seen a rise in bird flu cases, prompting concern among public health officials and poultry farmers. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) reports that avian influenza is widespread throughout the state, likely affecting more areas than confirmed through lab testing. Poultry farmers have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
Governor Gavin Newsom took action on this growing crisis and declared a state of emergency for the virus last December. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently confirmed human cases of H5 bird flu, though officials stress that health risks to the general public remain low. However, those working closely with birds are at a higher risk of exposure.
One of the most immediate consequences of bird flu outbreaks has been the sharp increase in food
costs, especially for eggs and poultry products. Since the beginning of the outbreak in 2022, millions of chickens have been culled to contain the virus, significantly reducing supply. “Egg prices have more than doubled since last summer due to the continued impact of bird flu,” says agricultural economist Dr. Lisa Grant, “we expect prices to rise another 20 percent in 2025.”
According to Trading Economics, the current national average for a dozen eggs is $7.09, and some stores have limited the amount of eggs customers can purchase. Citizens and business owners are not happy with the rising prices of eggs. “It’s just robbery,” said Minneapolis resident Sage Mills, “eggs used to be a staple food for us, but now you might as well just go out to eat.”
While the immediate risk to human populations remains low, bird flu continues to disrupt the poultry industry and drive up food costs. Ongoing surveillance and public awareness will be crucial in stopping the spread of the virus that could pose a greater threat to human health.
implemented laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity. However, the President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that it would uphold Trump’s order.
These five orders have caused civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ and ally members to focus their attention on supporting the community.
The ACLU published an article entitled “What is an Executive Order and How Does it Work?” to help those affected navigate these orders. Since the orders contradict state law in some cases, there have already been numerous lawsuits brought against the executive branch.
Both of these orders directly affect the transgender community, specifically military personnel and people transitioning under the age of 19.
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, President Trump signed an order titled “Keeping Men out of Womens’ Sports,” which bars transgender women from participating on women and girls’ athletic teams.
According to the Miller-Nash Law Firm, “the directives in the E.O. create a conflict between federal and state law,” since most states such as Oregon have already
After Trump’s order regarding women and girls’ sports was released, the Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) organization expressed their outrage. Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen states, “This executive order is a malicious and baseless attack on trans girls and women nationwide.”
Legal and policy teams at A4TE will “continue to assess the full impact of this order,” and Heng-Lehitnen reminds citizens, “executive orders do not change the law.”
For anyone interested in reading more about these orders, they can access the Federal Register via their website.
New Moves for City Administration
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Other accomplishments include, “a citywide branding and signage campaign, planned expansion of athletic fields for youth sports, improvements to Parnell Park and the recent annexation of Whittier Boulevard in West Whittier.” As for Whittier College, Saeki helped launch the Whittier Civics Scholars Program, a $10,000 scholarship program that is awarded to incoming students who live in the area.
Although Saeki has brought a lot of positive changes to the city, his decision about the Uptown Whittier ficus trees was met with significant backlash from the public.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Saeki agreed with the decision to remove all of the ficus trees in Uptown, and sought to replace the trees with “39,000 square feet of understory landscaping and
18,000 square feet of new park space.” Currently, the project is underway despite numerous protests and petitions from the community.
Despite the criticisms of this recent decision, Saeki is leaving with his heart full of memories. “I just want to reiterate my gratitude to the City Council, the staff and the community of Whittier,” he explains to Whittier Daily News.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as city manager, and I will always look back on my time here with pride. I truly believe the city is in good hands, and I have no doubt that the leadership team will continue to accomplish great things.”
As of now, there has not been any official announcement from the Whittier City Council of Saeki’s replacement. However, his Assistant City Manager Shannon DeLong will be resuming her term, with rumors of her rising to the position of interim-city manager, but no statement has been confirmed.
Brian Saeki leaves his mark on Whittier.
Paola Ruiz STAFF WRITER
Poultry suffer from increasing risk of influenza.
Courtesy Of GloBal NewS
Recent executive orders spark protests for transgender individuals.
Courtesy of The Grio
Courtesy of Whittier Union High School District
Cont. from pg. 2.
What’s up,
Whittier?
Stay up to date on events! For further info, visit https://whittier.campuslabs.com/Engage/
Chair Massage
• Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
• Club 88 (Location moved due to rain)
Galentine's Wellness Gathering
• Thursday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m.
• Villalobos Hall
Valentine's Day Affirmation Chain Making
• Thursday. Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Harris D Second Floor Lounge
Harris B 2nd Floor-Valentine's Goodie Bag Social
• Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Harris B 2nd Floor Loung
Immigrant Rights Talk with Dr. Carolina Valdivia
• Friday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Hoover 100
Myth Busting Station
• Friday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m.
• In front of the SLC
Craft Hour
• Monday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.
• Ettinger Lounge (Next to the Spot)
Turner 2nd Floor Valentine's Movie and Mocktails
• Monday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.
• Turner Hall TV Room
Always There Social Tea: Black Faculty and Staff Student Social
• Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Ortiz Lounge (OEI)
Planner Party
• Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Ettinger Lounge
Conect With King Taco!
• Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Career Center
VRC Lunch and Learn: NARCAN
• Thursday, Feb. 20 at 12 p.m.
• Veteran Resource Center
Turner 2nd Floor Water Balloon Drop Competition
• Friday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.
• SANKOFA Floor Harris B1
Knitting Night with Dr. Bowen
• Monday, Feb. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
• SLC 111
Sustainability Club Meetings
• Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m.
• Founders Hill
Analyzing the Election with Espinosa
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Reporting done by Michelle Cortes
After the exit polls of the 2024 presdential election were released, U.S. citizens had questions lingering in their minds about the results, especially those who are part of historically Democratic leaning voting groups
The astonishing resuslts affected many which is why the Department of Religious Studies, Political Science, Office of Student Engagement (OSE), Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), and the Associated Students of Whittier College (ASWC) collaborated to invite Professor Gaston Espinosa to talk with students about “the U.S. presidential election, inauguration, and the way forward.” The presentation entitled “Religion, Race, Gender, and the 2024 Elections” was held on Feb. 5 in Club 88 and was open to both students and faculty.
Espinosa is no stranger to Whittier, having been invited numerous times by Professor Rosemary Carbine to speak in her classes about similar topics. According to Engage, he is also “the author [and] editor of eight books, has published in leading journals in sociology, political science, and religious studies, and has given almost 200 scholarly presentations at universities and centers around the world.”
After Espinosa's introduction, Espinosa began his prsentation by stating his discussion goal which included touching on “what people were thinking about [when] voting
and what they did end up voting.” He believes that the context and research patterns of the past elections would help the audience understand the 2024 exit poll results, so he presented his personal research of several national surveys for the past 2008, 2012, 2020, elections. Based on the patterns demonstrated Espinoza comments, “This election was very disruptive in many different ways and the post-election activities have been causing the world to change by the day.”
During the lecture, Espinosa provided answers to popular questions lingering about the 2024 voting trends, one of them being “How and why did Donald Trump win?” According to Espinosa, Trumps voting percentage was especially influenced by religion, “What people don't realize is that if you want to win, you got to take 25 percent of the Evangelical Vote, it's non-negotiable." Espinoza then elaborated on the specific group of Evangelicals who gave their vote to Trump, which were White Christian Evangelicals.
Espinoza further ellaborated on the votes Trump received, noting that Trump not only did well amongst religious voting groups in general, but surprisingly did well amongst minority groups as well. This turnout was a factor that most distubred U.S. voters, who believed that certain concerns important to minority groups would have made the voters lean towards Kamala Harris.
To help explain the minority trend and support his analysis, Espinosa pulled up a data-driven sociological research presentation on how minority groups were
favoring Trump. When Espinoza asked the audience for their ideas behind this trend, some students brought up the possibility of religious importance within minority communities, specifically within the Latino community. Espinoza agreed, noting that religion is a swing factor in politics. “Immigration can cut different angles, but sometimes religion when it’s combined with other factors can override a traditional power of voting,” he confirms. Espinosa further noted that Latino voters are an integral part of Democratic voting. Espinoza then asked guests why they believed Latinos were willing to vote for Trump in certain states such as Florida, Michigan, or Texas. One answer pointed to the Latino voters of the working class and how their worries about inflation from was a factor in their decision.
After discussing Latino voters, Espinosa analyzed Black voters, pointing out how Harris was highly favored compared to Trump, who only earned 20 percent of the overall Black vote. Next, he reviewed the percentages of firsttime voters and the important
issues that they wished for each candidate to handle if they were to take office.
Although the lecture was primarily an analysis of the election results through the lenses of race, religion, and gender, Espinosa also prompted attendees to voice out their opinions. To support respectful discussion, espinoza showcased a video about the topic of compassionate listening.
The event ended with a question and answer session related to Espinosa’s lecture and worries about what to make of the results. One question was how the teaching of religious studies will be taught in the “new environment.” Espinosa, who teaches Religious Studies courses, recommended to not run away from the fear of the environment but to run into it, reassuring that there is a sense of religion everywhere, but that educators need to take different approaches that can still tie to academia.
This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus
Poet Warriors Club Are Fighting Back
Chelsea Bartilad DEPUTY EDITOR
Whittier College, aims to include students from various backgrounds, identities, and interests within the campus community, which includes having 30 student-lead clubs and organizations. Having a variety of clubs, it can be easy to miss a few hidden gems based on their specific niche. Among these clubs is the Poet Warriors Club (PWC), an organization that supports the student veteran and military community on campus.
While the club has been a part of Whittier for quite some time— to a point where the President does not know when it was first established—the club’s presence on campus has been limited. Having spoken with previous student veterans, they “weren’t really looking to make an impact or be involved on campus because [they] didn’t feel very welcomed,” explains Current president Brenda Garcia. It was not until she transferred to the College that changes start to take place. With the help of fourth-year student Richard Kastl-Givens and now alumnus Liza Vazquez and Ariella Romero,
the group began to rebrand the club. Determined to get their name out on campus, the newly [re]established club got to work amidst the challenges of starting from the ground up. “There was no type of organization to it. I want to say it’s still very messy, but [now] there’s more structure to it,” she explains.
One big challenge the PWC faced in the past semester was fundraising to send their members to the Student Veterans of America National Conference (NatCon) at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hosted by the SVA, this national conference aims to support the success of student veterans for their academic and professional careers. With the support of their donors, the PWC was able to send four members to the conference. Given that most of their veterans have different experiences compared to the average college student, it was integral for their members to connect with other student veterans who have lived similar experiences.
In spite of some challenges, the club has experienced growth within the past year and a half of its reestablishment. “When I first came here [...] there were only five
[student] veterans on campus,” Garcia explains, “So now that we’re established [...] we [have] 16 student veterans.” In addition to growing their numbers, the PWC aims to increase community engagement around the campus with the help of the Veteran Resource Center (VRC). Garcia proudly attributes their success to the VRC, saying, “The Veteran Research Center and the PWC work hand-in-hand, because the Veteran Research Center creates ideas, but without [...] veterans, there's no events.”
The PWC is also in the process of hosting their annual Mess Night, a formal dinner open to all that celebrates student veterans in Whittier College, highlighting military traditions. “It’s very nice,” Garcia exclaims, “It’s an eye-open-
er to the military traditions that we carry.”
Being a second-year, Garcia plans to continue carrying the title as President of the PWC, planning to expand the club in future years and being more involved on campus. “Students need to see us, [we need to] stop hiding in the shadows.” Garcia continues jokingly, “I love being in the light [...] So I think I force all the other [members] to go and get involved.”
A small, yet growing group, the Poet Warriors Club exemplifies dedication, commitment, and community that is present in Whittier College.
This article has been condensed for print. To read more, visit medium.com/the-quaker-campus
From boot camp to Whittier.
Courtesy of Brenda Garcia
Espinosa unveils the deeper meanings to the election results.
Courtesy of Claremont Mckenna College
Feb. 13, 2025
CAMPUS LIFE
How To Keep Your Wallet and Date Happy
Nadia Miler GRAPHIC DESIGNER
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, figuring out what to do on a budget can be difficult, especially for college students, when money can be sparse. But have no fear! Here are 10 activities throughout Whittier and Uptown Whittier that you can do for your Valentine/Galentine that stay under a tight $20 budget.
Picnic in the Park
Going on a picnic really only requires a blanket, a park, and some food. The best part is, right next to the Whittier College campus is Penn Park. Perfect for a nice picnic with a loved one.
Chillin’ Boba Date
Chillin’ is a boba drink place located in Uptown Whittier and is directly across the street from the Starlight Cinemas. A regular sized drink is about five dollars and they have a wide variety of milk teas, smoothies, and ice slushies. Plus, you can share fries or their potstickers if you’re craving an appetizer.
DIY Date Night
If you're in the mood to do something creative, head to the Dollar Tree in the Quad. There, they have many different crafts and DIY projects to choose from. An idea could be to get some canvas, paints, and brushes and start
painting, but swap the canvas every five to 10 minutes. That way you get a completely unique piece of art you and your partner made together.
Movie Night In
An easy way to spend time with a loved one is to watch a movie.
Just get some snacks, pick a movie, and enjoy. Especially if you live on campus, you can use the streaming service SWANK to watch a movie without buying, renting, or pirating. If you do want to go out to the movie theatres, the Starlight
Cinemas in Uptown has five dollar tickets on Tuesdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. All you have to do is pick a movie and buy your tickets. Bake Night
Another fun activity to do with a loved one is cook or bake some delicious treats. An easy way to do this is to buy pre-made cookie dough, cake mix, or cupcake mix from a store.That way all you have to do is pop them in the oven, wait a while, and then enjoy some freshly baked goods with your sig-
nificant or platonic other.
Lift Coffee Date
Get some coffee from Lift in Uptown for less than $10 and spend some time with your partner. Sometimes a good coffee date can be the perfect Valentine’s Day.
Color Me Mine
While Color Me Mine located in Uptown can be expensive, if you choose the right ceramic piece then the price can be under $20. You can choose a piece with your partner and spend an hour or two painting
a possible masterpiece. Then you both can have a piece of artwork that you both worked on together.
Bark Coffee
There are so many coffee shops in Uptown but this one has cheap coffee and pastries. With five to six ollar coffee and four to five dollar pastries, you and a loved one can enjoy some quality time together chatting and drinking a warm or cold cup of coffee while watching the busy streets of Uptown.
La Monarca Bakery
Get some traditional pan dulce at La Monarca in Uptown. With cheap prices and good pastries, enjoy time with your loved one. Eat the wonderfully perfected pastries and a nice drink of your choice. Sweet Chillin’ Accessories.
Across the way from Chillin’ is Sweet Chillin’. With cute accessories, jewelry, and even crocheted flowers, Sweet Chillin’ is just full of cuteness. It is the perfect place with a calm atmopshere, and most of the items are less than $20. Just keep an eye on those tags and you can get a cute item for your loved one.
Even with these 10 different ideas, Uptown Whittier has much to offer on a budget and you can find something that you like for $20 or less, you just have to keep your eyes peeled on those prices. However you want to spend your Valentine’s Day let these budget friendly ideas spark your imagination.
Valentine's Day can be enjoye at a minimal cost.
Courtesy of TheSmarTWalleT
Courtesy of Patti McCarthy
Creating (Bio)Chemistry with Jessica Ochoa
Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER
As Dr. Jessica Ochoa walks the grounds of the Science and Learning Center (SLC), she recalls her time making the same steps as a student at Whittier College. Entering her office, Ochoa’s shelves are full of biochemistry books, along with various 3-D models, such as a structure of proteins holding a tiny Lego scientist carrying miniature beakers. Yet, parts of her office also exhibit not just the passion she holds for biochemistry, but also her desire to explore new places and make an impact at Whittier College.
Ochoa’s professional journey started in high school where she found joy in science; there she took classes such as biochemistry, physics, and biology. Therefore, when she officially started her time here at Whittier, she began as a Biology major. However, through her academic undergraduate journey, she realized that she also enjoyed exploring other fields of science.
“When I was taking biology courses I especially liked things that were happening at the cellular and subcellular levels, and I liked being able to learn and apply concepts of chemistry to biology. It was really that connection between biology and chemistry that I particularly enjoyed, and so biochemistry is what I came into,” she explains, gesturing as if holding a structure in her hands.
Ochoa describes herself as “a structural biologist by training” and is heavily interested in understanding how elements of the periodic table can turn
into something that can be seen through a microscope. After her undergraduate years, she attended graduate school at the University of California Los Angeles to pursue higher education. She mentions that going from a campus as small as Whittier to a larger university was a significant change. The classes were no longer small, yet despite this change, she enjoyed her time at UCLA for both its academics and the opportunities she was given.
After pursuing her graduate degree, her decision to return to Whittier arose from the unique experience she had in undergrad.
“Ultimately, I knew I was interested in teaching, and I knew I wanted to teach in a smaller setting like this. Being able to come back, to Whittier, as cheesy and cliche as it may sound, give[s] back to the place that helped really propel me, that was my motivation.” Additionally, Ochoa attributes family members living within the area, and the sunny California weather as pulling factors to Whittier.
Along with her enthusiasm for Biochemistry and General Chemistry, Ochoa has many passions and interests outside of academia. The science professor has a variety of hobbies, such as “being crafty and making cards, tinker[ing] in the garage and find[ing] stuff that needs to be fixed,” and she enjoys gardening. Ochoa expresses her love for television, her current favorite series being I Love Lucy, Ted Lasso, and What We Do in The Shadows
“Mostly if it’s comedy, I’ll watch it.
For movies, I’ll watch anything A24 or Sony, anything [that] they put out, I’m all about it.”
In her office, she also displays Oaxacan Artisanal embroidery, representative of her hope to travel someday. “I am deeply in love with Oaxaca [Mexico]; it’s definitely my dream to go to [there]. I think the culture of Oaxaca is beautiful.” She also mentions that aside from wanting to travel to Oaxaca she would also like to visit Veracruz. In the past, Dr. Ochoa also danced folklorico and was a member of UCLA’s Mariachi as a graduate student where she played the Vihuela and other instruments for some years. She has accredited such experiences as reasons why she wants to travel to these cities.
Another fun fact about Ochoa is that she deeply enjoys dancing, “I am generally shy, quiet, and reserved, I don’t really like being the center of attention for anything, however,” she raises her eyebrows, “the one and only exception is I love to dance. And if there’s music, I hear music, or I’m imagining a beat in my head, all bets are off like, I will just dance [as if] nobody’s watching.”
Among her interests, Ochoa is most passionate about equity and social justice, especially in academia. “Making higher education and all levels of education accessible to all folks from all walks of life is important, and dismantling the idea of the ivory tower, and this elitism of academia.” She expresses with a final note stating, “I like knowing that I am opening doors and keeping doors open for anybody who’s walking in after me.” Ochoa enjoys being able to see herself in the students that she teaches and enjoys being able to share cultures
and experiences with them, another reason why she chose to come back to her alma mater.
Nowadays, Ochoa is enjoying her time at Whittier and is grateful to all the professors who have aided her in navigating this new experience, no longer being a student but as an assistant professor teaching Biochemistry and General Chemistry.
Working alongside the professors who once taught her has been helpful in transitioning to campus. “Even though the campus is familiar, meeting new people is always a change and can be scary, so it’s nice to have familiar faces and have people that are looking
out for me.” Recalling her greatest moments at Whittier, there is one that stands out to Ochoa the most: “A highlight of my year was having a student tell me [...] that now they are interested in Biochemistry and maybe thinking about going to graduate school for [it] because of taking [my class].” She recalls this moment with a sense of pride and joy as she wears a smile on her face.
Even though she has been teaching here for a short time, Ochoa is determined to make her mark on campus, sharing her love for science with students. With a hopeful and excited tone, she expresses, “I hope I can leave [Whittier College] better than I found it.”
Jessica Ochoa’s love for science shines through!
Courtesy of Whittier College
Chelsea Bartilad/Quaker Campus
OPINIONS
Is Gen Z The Most Unfaithful Generation?
Clover
STAFF WRITER
Most people expect loyalty when committing to a relationship. However, the prospect of a partner cheating is shockingly prevalent in relationships today, with a good chunk of relationships often encountering problems or outright ending due to unfaithfulness. With Valentine’s Day coming up, and love weighing heavy on the mind, it is important to recognize cheating as a valid concern for people who may be starting a new relationship or identifying patterns of disloyalty while currently in one.
According to a 2024 article by Ainie Rizvi that examined statistics surrounding cheating within the relationships of Gen Z compared to that of Millennial, the rate of cheating has risen from an already increased 80 percent of partners who have cheated to an even higher 93 percent of partners who have admitted to cheating on their partner at some point in the relationship. In addition, cheating has also been found to take shape in very subtle ways in today’s modern culture, with many red flags being hidden under the guise of a perfect and healthy relationship, with cheating often tending to occur in the background.
Speaking from my own experience, as a Zillenial who is currently in a relationship and who has previously been in five different relationships, I can attest that roughly half of those past relationships have ended due to my partners cheating for one reason or another. Usually, as a result of them seeing other people
Cheating seems to have become more prevalent within Gen-Z relationships.
behind my back instead of working with me to resolve their issues, I have found in my own experience that many choose to cheat in very subtle ways and, over broader periods of time, using various social media sites (some of which I’ve never even heard of or used) to hide traces of who they were talking to. All the while, they would tell me everything was fine and that they loved me more than anyone. It all boils over when I finally catch on, get tired of the act, and confront them directly. However, it can be very frustrating and unrealistic to be constantly paranoid about a partner being unfaithful, and it can strain both parties if they’re continually vigilant. This then begs the question of how and why people cheat and how someone could try to catch on instead of being led on. Still, Gen Z has far more methods of cheating and ways of hiding it than in past decades due to the vast amount of social media platforms and dating apps available. These apps alone aren’t the issue with the rise of cheating; instead, the number of people who can be seen and the number of connections that can be made
through social media and dating apps are the main issues with this generations tendency to cheat.
The sheer amount of people who appear to be single and looking, many of whom are in committed relationships, can make connections feel significantly less meaningful. Should a relationship experience any issues, someone can always simply swipe right and immediately move on to the next, recieving that addicting rush of dopamine that comes with finding someone new without all the hassle. Because of the amount of people who appear to be single on such apps is way higher than it truly is, to me, this has inevitably led to dating culture evolving into partners messaging and talking to multiple people at the same time until they’ve found “the one.”
Ultimately, this form of communication and online style of dating encourages short flings with people instead of the time and effort it takes to form and begin a healthy relationship. If a partner is unsatisfied with their relationship, it’s absurdly easy in our current time to hook up with someone else behind their back to “test the waters” with
a new relationship instead of working with their partner to resolve the issue. Even if cheating is noticed in the relationship, only about 22 percent of partners choose to confront the other about suspicions of infidelity. This is primarily due to the growing ease of covering up one’s tracks by how easy it is to delete sent messages, use private browsing to hide from your partner, and even create alternate accounts and fake identities. In fact, the amount of people who get caught cheating by text has dropped from 40 percent of partners to 23 percent between generations. The percentage of people getting caught with texts alone has gotten so low that it is more common for partners to be caught with items like receipts, other people’s belongings, or suspicious purchases not meant for a current partner. With all of these tools that help make cheating easier and hide any evidence of infidelity, it still doesn’t erase the consequences of disloyalty, especially the emotional ones.
While cheating may seem like an escape from a relationship and its various struggles that can transpire while together, the truth is that the emotional scars cheating leaves last significantly longer than the brief pleasure and thrill of secrecy cheating may provide. Gen Z is experiencing many unique challenges regarding relationships in the digital age. So far, the answer to what loyalty will look like not just for our generation but for generations to come may not be straightforward. Still, by valuing honesty and confronting the challenges of love together, we can foster relationships built on trust and openness instead of cheating and deceit.
Can You Truly Die From a Broken Heart?
Sara Martínez HEAD COPY EDITOR
Tis the season of love, and many are preparing their wallets and hearts for the upcoming Valentine’s Day, for better or worse. With all the stigma surrounding the expensive holiday, there is one prevailing feeling that always finds a way to loom over those who must spend the holiday alone.
Through the eyes of Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, the founder and clinical director of Growing Self Counseling and Coaching, Valentine’s Day can lead to many societal issues due to all the marketing and visuals that set unrealistic expectations of how we should love. In an episode from her podcast titled “Love, Happiness and Success,” Dr. Bobby comments, “When we just think about these things that are in our public domain, we can kind of get
the impression that everyone else in the world is doing something super special and amazing on Valentines Day and then when the sheer banality of our own experience doesn’t match this vision of what it ‘should be,’ we start to feel like something is wrong.” Although Dr. Bobby attempts to save lovers from the troubles of V-Day, many still fall prey to Cupid’s arrow, leaving those who have experienced heartbreak wondering: can I actually die from heartbreak?
To understand heartbreak, we must first understand the fundamental science of attachment theory. Early behavioral psychologists once believed that attachment was a learned behavior until psychologist John Bowlby discovered it is an emotional bond with another person. Bowlby, more specifically, studied attachment in children because, historically, children in Britain who had been separated
from their parents during WWII demonstrated extreme anxiety and distress. Bowlby’s research showed that children’s earliest bonds with their caregivers impact their lives tremendously, suggesting that attachment keeps the infant close to the mother, thus improving the child’s chances of survival.
Decades later, Dr. Sue Johnson built on Bowlby’s theory, and used her belief that attachment continues into adulthood. Penelope Green, in The New York Times, best described Johnson’s intellect in her obituary for the now deceased doctor, stating, “Dr. Johnson began to see a couple’s mutual emotional dependence not as a weakness but as a strength, and thus developed techniques to help couples enhance those bonds.” To prove her theory Dr. Johnson created Emotionally Focused Therapy, E.F.T, which focused on building the security of attachment between couples. The results proved her theory, as 75 percent of couples who applied to E.F.T experienced happier relationships.
After the work of both Bowlby and Johnson, researchers understood that humans survive on attachment, with further research even demonstrating that it is a part of our evolutionary process. Further, Dr. Helen E. Fisher, a biological anthropologist, also conducted research but with the framework of love as an addiction. According
Dear Poet,
I have a crush on a boy and a girl; how do I decide who to pursue this Valentine’s Day?
- A Queer Poet
Dear Poet,
I understand that love is in the air this week so you might feel more romantic than usual. However, you’re in a predicament that might have a bit more weight to it than you think. But we should not get ahead of ourselves; we need to take a step back.
First, I will clarify that I will not tell you to compare looks. It’s unfair to your crushes, and we should find better reasons to pursue someone because what if they are the most beautiful person in the world, but they also wear the same underwear for a week? I say compare the qualities of both people, assuming that these crushes are people you know and not someone you’ve seen from afar, which wouldn’t be healthy.
to Fisher, “Even when romantic love can’t be regarded as harmful, it is associated with intense craving and anxiety and can impel the lover to believe, say and do dangerous and inappropriate things,” adding, “Moreover, all forms of substance abuse, including alcohol, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabis, and tobacco activate reward pathways and several of these same reward pathways are also found to be activated among men and women who are happily in love, as well as those rejected in love.”
So, if humans need attachment to survive, what happens when we lack that attachment? We know that in children, through Bowlby’s studies, the lack of attention had caused severe anxiety and distress. But what about adults? In the circumstance of solitary confinement in prisons, where adults lack attachment bonding, research by Dr. Gill Gurtej et al. indicates that “social isolation may contribute to the development of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.” The effects of a lack of attachment in adults are on the rise and have even been declared a pandemic.
Although we don’t have enough research to prove that death can result from a lack of attachment, we do know that humans survive on attachment and love. Only future research will help us understand if we can truly die from being struck by Cupid’s arrow.
But I digress. You should be thinking about some of the more charming aspects of each person. Does one make you laugh more? Does one make you smile more? Does one pay more attention to you than the other? Does one make you feel more valid than the other? You want to make sure that you will pursue someone who respects you.
Most importantly, you should ensure they are available and not seeing someone else. You do not want to get involved with someone already in a relationship. But if they are both single, make you laugh, listen to, and treat you well, then it is time to think about other qualities. Is one stinkier than the other? Does one eat grosser foods? Does one actually wear one pair of underwear for an entire week?
But in all seriousness, you should really think about who you can see yourself with more. As I mentioned earlier, this might lead to something more significant, but if you don’t want to think that far ahead, just flip a coin. Let the world decide, and have a lovely Valentine’s Day.
Sincerely,
A Poet
Research shows that heartbreak can have real effects on human health.
Morales
Courtesy of nypost
Poet’s Sports Schedule:
Baseball vs Pacific Lutheran University
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 2 p.m.
• February 13
Softball at Chapman University
@ Orange, Calif.
• 2 p.m.
• February 14
Women’s Track & Field at Pomona-Pitzer Collegiate All-Comers
@ Claremont, Calif.
• All Day
• February 14
Men’s Track & Field at Pomona-Pitzer Collegiate All-Comers
@ Claremont, Calif.
• All Day
• February 15
Baseball vs Lewis & Clark College
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.
• February 15
Women’s Basketball at California Lutheran University
@ Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• 2 p.m.
• February 15
Women’s Water Polo vs Austin College
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 4 p.m.
• February 15
Men’s Basketball at California Lutheran University
@ Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• 4 p.m.
• February 15 Baseball vs Lewis & Clark College
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 11 a.m.
• February 16 Men and Women’s Swim & Dive SCIAC Championships
@ TBA
• All Day
• February 19
Women’s Lacrosse at California Lutheran University
@ Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• February 19
Men’s Basketball vs California Institute of Technology
@ Whittier, Calif.
• 7 p.m.
• February 19
Men and Women’s Swim & Dive SCIAC Championships
@ TBA
• All Day
• February 20
Men and Women’s Swim & Dive SCIAC Championships
@ TBA
• All Day
• February 21
SPORTS Football Program Is One Step Closer
Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR
Whittier College is one step closer to rebuilding its historic Football program with the official hiring of Veteran Coach Cory White. The position’s fulfillment was emailed out to Poets as well as publicized on social media through a press release on Monday, Feb. 10 in an optimistic announcement. The College’s communication incited more anticipation from Football fans and gave Poets hope for the coming season.
President Dillon had this to say about White’s hiring and the sports reinstatement: “Coach White’s leadership will not only shape a competitive football program but also help reignite school spirit, attract excellent students, and strengthen alumni engagement. This is an exciting new chapter for Whittier College.”
In an attempt to rebuild a program deeply rooted in the city and even the country’s fabric, President Dillon and the athletic staff have entrusted the somewhat daunting task of another inaugural season to White. Revamping football culture on campus and revitalizing its unique influence on the College are all tasks that await him when he will officially begin on Feb. 17.
In Coach White’s initial address, he cited the College’s efforts in resuscitating the program and his privilege in being at the helm. “Returning to Whittier College to lead this program is an incredible honor,” he shares. “The current leadership of the College, with Presi-
dent Dillon ’73, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management
Ken Woods ’84, and Director of Athletics Rock Carter ’89, is outstanding. I’m impressed with their vision and direction of the College and that includes the revival of Men’s Lacrosse and Football.”
He mentions Men’s Lacrosse as another legacy sport due to return. Head Coach Todd Francis is slated to lead the Poets in their coming season, and the addition of Coach White makes the revamping all the more tangible.
White is no stranger to Whittier’s campus as he was a part of the coaching staff from 2004 to 2006 under former Head Coach Greg Carlson. He also graduated from the College with a master’s degree in 2007 while part of the team as a graduate assistant coach. After that he had experience coaching in Division I, II and III programs, such as Northern Illinois where he coached before making his return to Whittier. While he oversaw tight ends and fullbacks, his breadth of knowledge about the game and of Whittier’s community set him up to rebuild the program.
In his address, White continues, “This is more than just football— it’s about building a culture of excellence in athletics, academics, and community. I look forward to working with our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters to reestablish a proud football program that will represent the Whittier College community.”
Poet fans await Coach White’s Football program with anticipation as the team begins to take form.
Smith Sets Basketball Up For Success
Jonathan Bermudez MANAGING EDITOR
The Men’s Basketball team finds themselves sitting in fourth place in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) with the offense making a name for themselves in one of the best seasons in program history. A large part of that success is attributed to fourth-year Aamari Smith who finds himself receiving national recognition for his incredible efforts up to this point in the season.
Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, Smith didn’t begin to play basketball until he was in the eighth grade. He comes from a basketball-oriented family, so naturally, it made sense for him to join the sport though he also enjoyed playing soccer. His family originally comes from California; unfortunately, due to family issues, they moved back from Georgia. During this transition, his family moved to three different cities, including Bellflower, Santa Fe, and Eastvale. He attended high school in each city and found basketball as common ground.
After playing for two years at San Bernardino Valley College, he decided on Whittier to conclude his collegiate career. He says the College “lined up perfectly” when he was looking at schools to transfer to. In comparison to other schools that were interested in Smith, he decided that Whittier was more “family orientated” and that he “felt more included than he did at San Bernardino.” Smith
also noted the difference in San Bernardino’s defense-oriented style of play in contrast to Whittier’s offensive strengths. To him that is no issue because he identifies himself as a “two way player.”
While Smith has a strong defensive background, he is more lauded for his offensive prowess. Whittier is currently second in SCIAC offensive statistics and that is undoubtedly attributed to Smith’s efforts. He averages a conference-leading 28.6 points per game and is the SCIAC leader in points with 572, evidence of how he is the team’s success catalyst. He is also at the top of statistics like field goals and free throws, which is why he is currently one of the “Top 100 small college players in
the country to be named to the first Bevo Francis Award Watchlist.” He also made program history as the fastest man to reach 1,000 career points in a conference matchup against California Institute of Technology.
While Smith’s offensive influence is clear, he likes to think he has a defensive mentality as well as an infectious attitude that reflects his whole team. The fourth-year describes this 24-25 squad as a “great group of people” who have been playing incredibly and have won more games than the previous year. The collective goal, Smith says with determination, “is to win the SCIAC and then eventually the State championship.”
The team’s mentality is to take it
“one game at a time” and remains something Smith echoes in his game strategy. It proves a successful plan as Smith has taken home not one, but three Athlete of the Week accolades for his role in both offense and defense. His most recent award comes as a result of an explosive return despite missing a few games due to an injury.
Smith’s goal is to continue to play basketball after he graduates. He is open to playing anywhere, including out of the country, and does not have any specific teams in mind at the moment. Though he loves basketball and navigates this season’s success, he wants to ensure that he’s just a “regular person” in his opinion.
He feels that being an athlete exhibits this idea that all he does is play sports, but he wants people to know he is an approachable person. “I like anime and probably the same amount of things as the other people.” His favorite anime of all time is Naruto but he also enjoys Attack on Titan and Fire Force. Just like his favorite characters, Smith bursts onto Whittier’s history books with force.
Overall, Smith is excited for the season’s continuance and cherishes every moment, because “[he] didn’t think he would be in this position today.” Reflecting back on his first time playing basketball, he feels as though he is a totally different player, not just in style of play but also the way he thinks on the court. And though sometimes he gets overwhelmed, he has the support of his teammates to get him through the bad days. Though, there are very few for Aamari Smith.
Courtesy of Whittier College
Whittier welcomes Cory White to head the upcoming season.
Courtesy of TONY/ACTIONWESTPHOTOGRAPHY
Aamari Smith’s final season as a Poet is one for the history books.
Baseball’s Bright Spots Catalyze New Season
Olivia Nuñez SPORTS EDITOR
Poets Baseball opened the 2025 season against conference matchup University of Redlands Bulldogs where they came away with one win in a best-of-three series.
In pre-season polls, published by the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), the Poets were predicted to finish seventh in conference standings, one spot below their finish during the 23-24 season. This drop might be attributed to the loss of key graduates like Lew Rice and Teige Barrett who were the poster players during their four years in the Purple-and-Gold. However, the team will look to prove that preseason polls are just unfounded predictions and not an indication of the season’s end as they search for a way to turn the program’s trajectory around.
Whittier’s first game of the season on Feb. 7 was played under cloudy and cold conditions, though that did not stifle the red hot bats as the Poets scattered 17 hits across nine innings. Backing the offensive outburst was a strong defensive showing. In a collective effort by the Poets’ bullpen, they were able to restrict the Bulldogs to nine runs, just pulling away with a two run cushion. Third-year Joe Plaskett was the hitting catalyst as he went 4-5
on the day with two opposite field home runs, showcasing his ability to spray the field. While the team was able to pull away with the win, the fifth inning foreshadowed the events of the day to come as the
Bulldogs seemed to carry the concluding momentum to Saturday’s doubleheader.
The sun shined on Redlands’ offensive efforts as they broke out with eight runs in the first two innings.
While they did not score after that, the Poets were unable to answer back with sufficient runs to compete. Plaskett’s solo home run over the center field wall was the first run scored, and gave way for another in the eighth.
After the series was tied up at 1-1, the Poets showed resolve in the initial innings of the third frame, entering the second inning of that matchup with a two run lead after the Bulldogs scored first. The Poets were in reach until the ninth inning where Redlands scored seven, nailing the coffin on Whittier’s opening series. While box scores display large run margins, it does not showcase individual wins from certain players.
While the series got away from the Poets, highlights throughout the weekend were Joe Plaskett’s and fourth-year Marcos Armenta’s offensive and pitching performances. Armenta hurled four innings much like other members of the bullpen, but gave up no earned runs in his effort. Plaskett would finish the series going 9-14 with three home runs, four runs scored, seven RBIs, a double, a triple, and no strikeouts. He begins the season with a .643 average and signs of being a reliable tool for Head Coach Mike Rizzo.
The Poets’ next conference matchup will be against the University of La Verne, though their season will continue with games against Hope International University, Pacific Lutheran University and Lewis & Clark College. Stay tuned as Coach Rizzo and the team battle through a tough schedule.
Eagles Squash Super Bowl Conspiracy Theories
Emma Galvan CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR
Every year, the National Football League (NFL) holds a spectacular event in February where two of the best football teams go headto-head to see who will win the coveted Super Bowl Title. Typically, the two teams who make it to the Super Bowl are determined by a series of games against all teams in the NFL, making the anticipation of the final lineup susenseful and completely dependent on each team’s performance. However, in anticipation for Super Bowl LIX, people seemed to think otherwise.
In recent years, the NFL allowed the Super Bowl logo to be in color, compared to the typical strict silver lettering that characterized it. This trend began in 2021, with the logo being the warm colors of red, orange, and yellow for the coming game in Inglewood, California. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Rams, whose colors are primarily yellow, went on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals, who wore orange uniforms. Color-coding the logo continued into the following year when the 2022 logo contained the red and green of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, and in 2023, where the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers had both shades of red in the logo. Now comes this year’s green and red logo, which prompted many to believe the conspiracy theory that the NFL has been rigging the games to have only selected teams reach the Super Bowl.
The logo for the upcoming Super Bowl is usually unveiled in anticipation of a new season to showcase the year’s colors and motivate teams to start training to win the title.
According to an article published by USAToday, the conspiracy primarily began as a joke from meme accounts on X, who predicted that the Baltimore Ravens would be competing against the 49ers in 2024. Then the actual season happened, and the purple in
the logo was simply a color choice as the Chiefs beat out the Ravens and earned their second victory in a row. However, this year’s design made fans suspicious because of the green and red colors chosen. It only fueled as the Eagles and Chiefs were once again the two teams who were left standing creating further animosity.
With the Chiefs already being accused of having the referees on their side, with numerous calls made favoring the team through-
out the season, it was inevitable that people would try to connect the LIX logo with the theory of rigging and “scripting” the Super Bowl. Recently, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had to come forward and deny the rumor, establishing that the League does not have a bias towards the Chiefs, jokingly adding, “This sort of reminds me a little bit of a script [...] and I have the script for the season.”
While Goodell made these comments in attempts to mock these
individuals, they led to many furthering their belief in the conspiracy and denouncing the NFL for their inability to acknowledge the accusations properly.
On the other hand, loyal Chiefs fans tried to discredit the rumor of the team paying off referees. As the day of the game crept closer, many anticipated another win for the Chiefs, numerous even joking about “leaking the script” on social media that the Eagles would take the lead in the first half, only for the Chiefs to come in and take the victory. When the actual game arrived, it was far from the truth. Immediately, the Eagles offense and defense proved superior and the Chiefs seemed to simply sit back and watch as the score margin widened. While some suspicious fans still believe the conspiracy’s publicity resulted in the Chiefs’ unfortunate deficit, it is clear that the team who performed the best came out on top with a 22-40 end. Despite claims of paid referees or conspiracies the Kansas City Chiefs did not accomplish the lauded 3-peat.
While their loss clears up one conspiracy, it still leaves speculation on whether the logo really does define who will make the Super Bowl. Through the history of the logo colors, it seems a possibility. In the end, however, both the Eagles and Chiefs gave it their all and rose to the top just like everyone else has in the past. It remains to be seen what the Super Bowl LX colors are and whether that will dictate the season’s conclusion.
Joe Plaskett steps up to plate as the Poets’ powerhouse.
Courtesy of TONY/ACTIONWESTPHOTOGRAPHY
Despite NFL conspiracy theories, the Eagles come out on top.
Courtesy of Brian Snyder/REuTERS
The QC Staff
Suggests:
Nadia Miller Graphic Designer
Want to know what our Graphic Designer recommends this week? Read on!
Music:
I have always loved the dancing violinist Lindsey Stirling. Her latest album Duality pulls from her past and current life experiences and puts them into music. The song "Eye of the Untold Her" inspired my piece
A Fairy’s Wings in last year's edition of the Greenleaf Review: Catharsis.
Food:
Ever since I was little, I have always loved homemade pizza pockets. My mom taught me when I was five and ever since I make them when I feel down. The secret is to not use pizza dough but biscuit dough, it's what makes them so fluffy.
Book:
As an avid reader since childhood, I have many books and series that are my favorite. The best standalone book I have read is Heartless by Marissa Meyer. If you love Alice in Wonderland, Heartless is this author's version of how the Queen of Hearts became the way she is, and why she beheads everyone.
Art:
If I am not seen holding a crochet hook and some yarn then something must be wrong. I enjoy getting creative with colors and patterns. I’ve known this particular craft for most of my life but I have really honed in on it since attending college.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Love Kills in New Horror Film Heart Eyes
Ernesto Hernandez STAFF WRITER
The holidays have grown to become popular within the horror genre, with various films being made for them. From creepy Leprechauns, to Devilish Santa Claus dropping off presents, to the infamous, John Carver, carving up human flesh onto the Thanksgiving table.
It's safe to say that Valentine's Day has had its turn at the horror table from films, including classics such as Valentine (2001), and My Bloody Valentine (1991).
However, this film begs the question to the audience: have you ever loved someone so much that your love for each other is to die for?
Heart Eyes (2025) is a horror/comedy film that manages to incorporate elements of the Scream franchise to help the audience remain engaged throughout the entire film.
Since the very start of the film, we get a sense as to what the story has to offer, especially from the first opening kill, which leaves the audience wanting more from this infamous Heart Eyes Killer.
Though this film has a few references to the My Bloody Valentine (2009) remake, I want to make it clear that it is its own film with a unique storyline set to take place around Valentine's Day.
What director Josh Ruben did impressivley throughout the film was demonstrate his ability to si-
multaneosly balance aspects of both horror and comedy at the same time. Many horror films fail to deliver comedic sequences in between the action packed scenes, but I will say that this film had the right mixture at the right moments
Likewise, from the comedic sequences comes the likeable characters on screen, which, in this case Olivia Holt, makes her debut as Ali, while Mason Gooding reprises the horror genre as Jay Simmons.
On the other hand, we have another familiar final girl returning to the big screen, Jordana Brewster,
who is famously known for her role in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), though in the film she plays Detective Jeanet who serves a critical role in solving the case of the brutal killing spree.
Something to note about this film is that once you think you've pinpointed who the killer is, it manages to throw your radar off with every twist and turn it has in stock for the audience.
An interesting choice that I feel makes this iconic slasher different from the other ones is the LED red heart eyes in the leather-skin mask
that they use for when chasing their victims in the dark. Something so original and well thought of definitely makes the “Heart Eyes Killer” mystery plot more engrossing.
To those individuals who are squeamish to blood and gore, I would say that this film is pretty mild in terms of graphic scenes, so not much to worry about there.
Though if you do check out this film, I highly suggest that you stay for the post-credits scene for a ‘killer’ surprise.
QC's Cutest Couples On Screen
It is now that time of year again when the aisles are stocked up with pink and red candy, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, hundreds of stuffed animals, and cards waiting to be given for romantic, platonic, and familial love.
The time leading up to Valentines Day is also when many begin to watch their favorite romance and romantic comedies to get into the spirit of love. This is a time when we gush and crush over the couples that our screens for the entire month of February or at least until the 14th. There is always some debate about the best on-screen couple and it is very unlikely that we will all agree as our fav’s hold a very special place in our hearts.
So, what are some of these favs, lets ask the Quaker Campus for the on-screen couples that we love dearly.
Chelsea Bartilad (Deputy Editor):
"The only on-screen couple I can think of is Lara Jean Covey and John Ambrose McClaren from P.S. I Still Love You. Their interactions with each other were so cute (and John Ambrose treated LJ way better than Peter Kavinsky did)."
Jonathan Bermudez (Managing Editor):
"My favorite on-screen couple has to be Nadja and Laszlo from “What We Do in The Shadows.” Even after being around for hundreds of years they still have undying love for each
other, that no one can break. "
Emma Galvan (Campus Life Editor):
"Currently, my favorite on-screen couple has to be Marissa and Anastasia from Disventure Camp, a current indie show on Youtube, and they're not exactly canon yet, but they're confirmed to get together by the end of the season.
I love them mostly because of how soft their inactions are with not much words being said, but only the use of soft glances and touches conveying how close the two are. I love a good ol' show don't tell method when it comes to romance."
Olivia Nunez (Sports Editor):
"My favorite on-screen couple is Lucy (Sandra Bullock) and Jack (Bill Pullman) from the underrated 1995 rom-com “While You Were Sleeping.” The awkward progression
of their relationship as an introvert is endearing and seeing them slowly fall for each other is such a comforting thing to watch."
Lucy Campbell (Opinions Editor):
"My favorite on-screen couple would have to be Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, but specifically from the 2012 Spider-Man movie, The Amazing Spider-Man staring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Both Garfield and Stone are my all time favorite actors, and I thought their chemistry on and off screen was amazing and adorable."
Elias Loya (Copy Editor):
"My favorite on-screen couple is, by far, Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly from The Office. Although they face complications with their love for one another (i.e. repressed feelings), they were eventually able to make
it work. Everything from the way they take note of the things their partner likes, to the fun jokes and pranks they play on each other and their coworkers, it makes me warm inside."
Darreiona Roche (Staff Writer):
"It’s Zendaya and Tom Holland because who doesn’t love a man that isn’t scared of his feminity like his lip synch of “Umbrella” by Rihanna, or how they are both protective of each other but also make their relationship personal.
I just always shipped them and love how neither or is afraid of presenting fem or masc, it’s a healthy strong interracial relationship that is breaking stigmas with love and support for one of another no matter who’s red carpet it is, it’s both of theirs."
Courtesy of Nick Evens
Courtesy Of Lindsey Stirling
Courtesy of Marissa Meyer
Michelle Cortes STAFF WRITER
Will you survive this Valentine's Day killer?
Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures
True love is eternal in these Qc favorite couples.
Photo Courtesy of Fx
Courtesy of bellacrochet
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Whole Lotta Zeppelin in New Documentary
Elias Loya COPY EDITOR
When you think of the greatest rock shows of all time, who comes to mind? For me, I think of The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Queen, and of course, Led Zeppelin. Emerging as one of the bands that were apart of the rock movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s and once regarded as “the biggest band in the world,” Led Zeppelin gained world global fame and notoriety, releasing nine studio albums and performing over 700 concerts from the late ‘60s to the early ‘80s. Following the unfortunate death of their drummer, John Bonham, on Sep. 25, 980, Led Zeppelin disbanded, but would eventually have reunions in 1985, 1988, 1995 and 2007.
Years later, a director by the name of Bernard McMahon took up the difficult task of compiling early footage and interviewing the three surviving band members to talk about the group’s formation, in a film titled Becoming Led Zeppelin.
Of the features that stood out the most was the sound. Although it could get quite loud at times throughout the film, I personally loved how much attention they put into the sound design and the behind-the-scenes for the creation of some of their most iconic songs.
One of my favorite moments in the film overall was when they showcased the mixing of “Whole Lotta Love”, and even used the surround sound within the theater to recreate the thunderous and layered atmosphere within the instrument break in the middle of the song.
Despite most of the footage being brand new (or new to the public at least), this isn’t the first time that Led Zeppelin has had a documentary made about them.
The Song Remains the Same (1976) was produced mainly as a concert movie, showcasing various concerts throughout their U.S. tour in 1973, but also giving the viewers a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of
tour life. For Becoming Led Zeppelin, however, their focus was much more on the personal feelings of the band members. The film’s main purpose was to cover the background and formation of Led Zeppelin, as well as their early years and the time leading up to their sophomore album Led Zeppelin II. Maybe I’m just a biased Led Zeppelin fan, but what really sold the film for me was the inclusion of each member’s story and the amount of emphasis put on telling a story rather than just stitching clips and interviews together.
While placing a lot of focus on the founding members’ influences and professional backgrounds before the band came together, the
film does not shy away from discussing any hardships they came by.
For instance, Robert Plant (singer) talked about his experiences with homelessness, and the skepticism John Bonham’s (drummer) wife had about Plant’s presence and influence on Bonham. Additionally they discussed how guitarist Jimmy Page struggled with finding success while leading The Yardbirds into an era of experimentation.
There were, of course, other story highlights, like the culture shock the group felt after seeing success in the States, and the surviving members reacting to some of their old concert footage. Everything that this film presented was exactly what
I and all other big Led Zeppelin fan would’ve hoped for; new and exclusive interviews (including a never before heard interview from the late John Bohnam), an in-depth history of the group’s formation, and archival footage of some of the bands most memorable performances.
While this film appeals more to the original and hardcore Led Zeppelin fans, I still believe it is worth the watch. Whether you’re an avid or casual listener of Led Zeppelin, you can’t deny how big of an impact they had on the world of music as a whole, and this film should be met with the same reaction the crowd gave at their concerts, with thunderous applause.
Black Artists Winning and Making History
Anna Gaber EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
February 2025 has been a monumental celebration of Black artistry, filled with groundbreaking achievements and pioneering victories for Black musicians. The music industry, historically dominated by white artists and often criticized for its racial biases, has taken significant steps toward recognizing the immense talent of Black creatives. These artists continue to push boundaries and redefine genres, making this Black History Month one of the most remarkable in recent years.
On Feb. 2, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards became a night to remember, as Black musicians took center stage and secured major wins. One of the most significant victories came from Doechii, who became only the third woman ever to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Her album, Alligator Bites Never Heal, showcased her unique artistry, blending rap, R&B, and experimental sounds to create an innovative piece of art. This win marked a historic moment, as the Best Rap Album category has existed since 1989 and has long been dominated by male artists.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Doechii emphasized the importance of perseverance and authenticity within the music industry. She spoke candidly about the struggles Black artists face and
how staying true to one’s artistic vision is crucial in a field that often seeks to dilute or commercialize talent. Her victory resonated with many aspiring musicians who see her as a trailblazer breaking down barriers in the industry.
Meanwhile, the night was also a defining moment for Beyoncé, who took home the coveted Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter. This win further cemented her legacy as the most Grammy-awarded artist in history. Her album, a fusion of country, blues, and soul, demonstrated her masterful cross-genre versatility.
Cowboy Carter was a testament to her ability to transcend musical boundaries, pushing past traditional expectations and embracing a sound deeply rooted in Black musical history. Her win also challenged
long-standing notions about country music, a genre historically associated with white artists, despite the influence of Black musicians in its origins and evolution.
Another standout moment was Kendrick Lamar’s dominant performance at the Grammys, as he walked away with five awards, including Song and Record of the Year for Not Like Us, his diss on rapper Drake, which became a cultural phenomenon. Lamar’s ability to merge storytelling with political and cultural commentary has made him one of the most influential figures in today’s hiphop landscape, and his success at the Grammys reaffirmed his lasting impact on the industry.
The triumphs of Black artistry continued on Feb. 9, when Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl
LIX halftime show. Though he had been urged not to perform “Not Like Us”, Lamar did not disappoint. His dynamic and visually stunning performance featured a powerful setlist that included some of his most iconic hits, as well as recent tracks that have defined the past year.
One of the highlights of the night was the surprise guest appearances by SZA, actor Samuel L.Jackson as Uncle Sam, and tennis legend Serena Williams. SZA, one of the leading voices in modern R&B, performed alongside Lamar, blending her melodic vocals with his striking delivery. However, the most talked-about moment came when Serena Williams took the stage. In a move that ignited the crowd, she revisited her iconic 2012 Olympic “crip walk” dance
during Lamar’s performance of Not Like Us. Williams, a Compton native like Lamar, had been heavily criticized for celebrating with this dance in the 2012 Olympics as it was deemed “inappropriate” and as “promoting gang violence.”
This year’s Black History Month has proven to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, spotlighting the undeniable contributions of Black musicians to America’s arts and entertainment realm.
From Doechii breaking barriers in hip-hop to Beyoncé reshaping the landscape of country music, and Kendrick Lamar delivering an unforgettable Super Bowl performance, these artists have not only solidified their legacies but also paved the way for future generations.
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Never before seen footage of the band seen around the world.
Febuary starts strong for black artists.
Photo Courtesy of THEMUSICHALL
CoUrTESy of nAdIA MILLEr