The Skyline View | Spring 2022 | Issue #2

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THE SKYLINE VIEW The Voice of Skyline College, San Bruno, Calif.

March 23, 2022

theskylineview.com

Issue 2

California drops indoor student mask mandate The San Mateo County Community College District is still requiring masks for students and faculty

By Steven Rissotto Editor-In-Chief

Students and staff in California are no longer required to wear masks indoors at school regardless of vaccination status as of March 12. Although the mandate is now abolished, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other health experts around the state are still heavily recommending masks in child care facilities and K-12 schools. Individual school districts and county health departments are allowed to defy the development and continue with their protocols. The San Mateo County Community College District schools are among the few around the state that still have masking requirements for indoor operations. As a result, employees, students, and visitors will still be required to wear a mask in all indoor settings on district property, regardless of vaccination status. The district said in February that they would continue to stay the course and allow for the appropriate time to consult with stakeholder groups and discuss policy with the board of trustees. San Mateo County lifted most indoor mask restrictions on Feb. 16. “From what I know, most students prefer masks,” said Ashley Garcia, the district’s student trustee. “However, many students don’t. I think given the statistics

vaccination rate among residents ages 18-49, according to the county’s COVID-19 data The county’s rate is 87.1%, strong enough for fourth among other counties in the state. Diana Renteria is a psychology major at Skyline College and welcomes any path the district decides to take on face-coverings. “I mean, I personally don’t really mind because I’ve gotten used to wearing a mask,” Renteria said. “So whatever they choose I really don’t mind. They’ve stopped the spread during the return to campus.” Skyline College, College of San Mateo, and Cañada College will continue to have surgical and N95 masks available at the entrance of each building.

Ama Bayar/The Skyline View

Three Skyline students sport masks as the mandate continues to be in-place.

and policies set by the county, that it would make sense to move towards an optional mask mandate, it seems like a reasonable compromise.” Garcia says she will be contacting the student governments of Skyline College, the College of San Mateo, and Cañada College before the upcoming board meeting on March 23. “Another idea I will be sharing with the board is that students should be given a heads-up on the decision and that it doesn’t take place the

day after the board meeting but a week or two after,” Garcia said. She also notes the possible pushback from students regarding the issue. “This will cause some frustration, however, I believe there is a big majority of students who are ready for this,” Garcia said. “But I believe this should only be put in place if the polls show this.” San Francisco State University (SFSU) and San Jose State University (SJSU) are both still requiring students to wear masks. SJSU’s continuation of the mandate comes after a March 1 letter

from Interim President Steve Perez. “Today, I’m asking for your patience,” Perez wrote to the school’s community. “Although Santa Clara County is discontinuing its indoor mask requirement, we will keep ours in effect until further notice. Like you, I will welcome the opportunity to pull off the mask and once again see smiles across our campus. That day will come if we are careful now.” As of March 14, San Mateo County now has a 95.5%

Ama Bayar/The Skyline View

One student decided to have fun with the mask mandate.

Experts predict huge earthquake to hit Bay Area at any moment The Hayward fault line is a main target for the next big jolt By Steven Rissotto Editor-in-chief

Experts around the country are warning that a large earthquake could strike the Bay Area at any given moment. According to a recent report in USA Today, scientists have created a hypothetical scenario to prepare residents for a jolt along the Hayward fault line, a location they describe as an “inevitable” victim of the next big California earthquake. The last one to occur at this fault line was in 1868 when an estimated magnitude of 6.8 rocked the region. Since the notion remains that California is “due” for its next big earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is now predicting a 51% chance that a major blast can rock the state within the next three decades. USGS also says there is a 75% chance that Los Angeles is affected by a separate quake around the same time as the expected one in the Bay Area. Since the Bay Area is home to a high population, such an event would most likely result in hundreds of deaths and possibly north of $100 million worth in damages, the USGS reports. As a result, the importance of remaining ready can’t be any more important for residents living in

Skyline’s campus is located along the San Andreas Fault line.

the area. “We can’t really predict earthquakes yet but we can look at the history of an area,” said Christine Hansell, a geography instructor at Skyline College. “When we say a big earthquake is ‘expected,’ we mean that there is likely to be a larger earthquake according to the historic patterns we have seen.” Nidhi Patel, an assistant professor at Skyline’s earth sciences department, says earthquakes can cause a lot of damage to infrastructure and that can lead to landslides, rock avalanches and tsunamis.

“Earthquakes are prominent in the western United States because the western United States is an active margin and lies along the boundaries of major tectonic plates,” Patel said. “The faults on the East Coast are less active and lie within one plate.” Skyline’s campus is located along the San Andreas Fault line, an 800 mile stretch off the coast from the Northern cities in California down to San Diego. According to the campus security guide, students located inside are urged to stay put, drop, cover and hold on. Desks and tables are recommended objects to station under while the district’s public

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safety department warns against standing near doors. “We know that the area around Skyline is on several active faults, so we can assume that there will continue to be earthquakes here,” Hansell said. “That being said, we are learning more about earthquakes all the time, and may soon have some ways to have more specific predictions.” Hansell notes that earthquakes are among the few natural disasters that can’t hurt someone unless something falls on them. She says it’s important to be on the look-

out for items — like bookcases — that have a high possibility of falling down. She also notes the importance of turning off gas after a major earthquake and being prepared with a kit if major damage occurs. “Emergency kits should have a three-day supply of food and water for each of the members of your household, and any pets,” Hansell said. “It’s also a good idea to have three days of any medication you take. Other important items include: a first aid kit, a flashlight, a radio, and batteries for both, sturdy shoes, a non-electric can opener, and some cash and credit cards.”


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News The Staff Editor-In-Chief Steven Rissotto News Editor Steven Rissotto Focal Point Editor Anoush Torounian Arts and Entertainment Editor daniela Ossa-Lopez Opinions Editor Zachary Navarra Sports Editor Izzy Herrera Chief Copy Editor Christian Carlo Cegue rra Photo Editor Ama Bayar Digital Editor Adriana Hernandez Social Media Editor Kassidy Corbin Staff Writers Armando Reynoso Isaac Camacho Faculty Adviser Nancy Kaplan-Biegel

Want more news? www.theskylineview.com Or maybe you have news for us? (650)738-4302 Want to yell at us? theskylineview@gmail.com Or use snail mail: The Skyline View c/o Language Arts Room 8-8110 Skyline College 3300 College Drive

San Bruno CA 94066

The Skyline View is a First Amendment Publication. The Skyline View is published bi-weekly during the spring and fall semesters by the journalism students at Skyline College. The Skyline View is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writers and should not be interpreted as the views of Skyline College, SMCCCD, the faculty, administrators or the newspaper adviser. Additionally, the paper does not endorse any of the products or services advertised. The Skyline View welcomes Letters to the Editors; letters must include full name, address, and phone number for verification. The Skyline View reserves the right to edit letters for length, libel, clarity, and taste.

March 23 , 2022

Three congressional candidates headline CSM town hall meetings The candidates spoke on a plethora of political issues in front of students and faculty By Zachary Navarra Opinions Editor

College of San Mateo continued its string of virtual town hall events featuring candidates for California’s 15th Congressional District: Emily Beach (D), Gus Mattammal (R) and Andrew Watters (D). Mattammal’s town hall came first on Thursday, March 10 while Beach and Watters followed on Tuesday, March 15. The events were a continuation of the town halls The Skyline View previously reported on last month. Leaders from the Associated Students of College of San Mateo (ASCSM) as well as Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, president of the College of San Mateo facilitated the discussions. Mattammal, the sole Republican in the race, highlighted the loss of faith in many aspects of society ranging from a loss of faith in capitalism to a loss of faith in democracy as his reasoning for running. “I’ve seen our politics, I think, become far more toxic recently than they’ve been in a very long time,” Mattammal stated. “More than any other reason — that’s actually why I am running for Congress — is to help restore Americans’ faith in each other as Americans.” The congressional hopeful laid out a conservative platform based on free market principles. Universal health coverage and a climate change proposal were signaled out as issues where a conservative approach could supply results that liberals would be happy with. Like previous town halls, student panelists also highlighted issues pertaining to minority and underserved communities. On the topic of undocumented students, Mattammal expressed his belief that providing a pathway to citizen-

Zachary Navarra/The Skyline View

Mattammal, Beach and Watters are candidates for California’s 15th congressional district.

ship would be preferred to create a new set of programs. “I talk about a pathway to citizenship, I think it needs to be both tough and fair,” Mattammal stated. “I think the way to ultimately address the issue you raised is to bring people out of the shadows of being undocumented and bring them into being in fully documented status.” Watters’ opening pitch was an anti-establishment message taking a dig at professional politicians. His statement included a pledge towards honesty and transparency. “I am running on a radical honesty platform where I have no connections or obligations to the establishment,” Watters stated. “I am looking forward to bringing transparency and radical honesty to Congress.” The self-described left-leaning moderate expressed his dislike towards recreational drug use. However, he stopped short of endorsing the criminalization of recreational drug use. “I am not a fan of recreational drug use, I think that medical marijuana for example is ok to tolerate,” Watters stated. “I just refer

back to the arcade machines I played so many times growing up: winners don’t use drugs.” His closing pitch mirrored the anti-establishment theme presented at the beginning of the event. Watters added that he would act as an alternative to professional politicians tied down by backroom deals. Beach touted her courage and ability to stand up to the status quo. She noted her experience as a veteran, a businesswoman in Silicon Valley, a mother and a council member and mayor in Burlingame over the past seven years as reasons why she is best suited to represent California’s 15th District in Congress. The congressional hopeful is running on a platform centered around climate action, mental health, education and housing. Beach specifically pointed out the acute problem housing affordability poses to residents of San Mateo County and northern Silicon Valley. “We have an affordability crisis in this part of California particularly in greater Silicon Valley,” Beach stated. “Housing is such a huge part of it. There’s a lot of components of affordability but housing is the biggest ticket item.”

Beach embraced the federal government’s role in funding and supporting projects that are undertaken by local governments. “People don’t build affordable housing because they’re nice, I wish they did,” Beach stated. “Even the nonprofits that specialize in building affordable housing, it has to pencil out, they have to pay for it somehow. That’s what the federal government is for.” Beach signaled out her full support for a woman’s right to choose. “If we can pass legislation and codify Roe v. Wade into law, and then (abortion rights are) not up for negotiation anymore, it can be up to interpretation but it’s not up for negotiation anymore,” Beach stated. “It’s critically important that democratic women and that the Democratic caucus in Congress sticks together and actually passes this for the democratic president.” As of now, Beach is the only woman running to replace Congresswoman Jackie Speier.

Trendy new puzzle game keeps users mentally sharp, refreshed

Wordle has become a fast-growing social media phenomenon with users all over the U.S. By: Steven Rissotto Editor-in-Chief

A trendy, new lexical game has been taking up the free time of people across the globe. The online phenomenon, “Wordle,” has grown to immense popularity over the past couple of months and quickly emerged as an activity that users look forward to daily. The strategic word-guessing game’s journey to prominence has also been a notable accomplishment, as the scrappy-designed idea has now profited over $1 million. Wordle consists of a five-letter word that users must attempt to guess in six chances. Each day, the word changes. Once you punch in a legitimate word, one that is acceptable via Wordle’s dictionary, instant feedback will be presented on the screen to determine whether it was the correct answer or not. Social media is often utilized for players to compare and contrast their respective scores. Since the word is often the same for everyone nationwide, publicly stating the answer is an unwritten no-no. Colors play an important role in Wordle. A letter is in the correct spot if it’s highlighted green. A yellow highlight means the letter is

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

Wordle has risen as one of 2022’s most popular games

featured in the word but is placed incorrectly. If the letter appears gray, it doesn’t exist in the word of the day. Gray words cancel themselves out and are shaded dark with the idea they wouldn’t be used for the remainder of the game. If the user can’t guess the word in six tries, the answer is revealed. For example, if the ideal word is supposed to be “bunch” and the player’s first attempt is “munch,” the “U-N-C-H” will light up green while the “M” turns gray. The game could be considered complicated by some, but repetition is encouraged by longtime players.

“I just saw that a lot of people were doing it so I got curious and tried it,” said Marko Tanjuavio, a computer science major at Skyline College. “I just started putting down random words to see where it goes from there.” Avid regulars of the game often have strategies they’ve learned to master along the way. Some like to make it a point to use their vowels right away while others have preplanned words they plug in each day. Tanjuavio’s starting word of choice is “crate,” which is highly regarded as a top option along with crane, sauce, slate, slice, alert, irate, later, tears and raise.

According to Wordle Stats on Twitter, most puzzles usually average somewhere in the 4/6 range. The creator of the game is Josh Wardle, a New York-based software developer who initially created the game for laughs and giggles with his partner during the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2021. After exposing the invention to a small circle, he opened it to the public in October 2021. “That was never the goal, really, to make money,” Wardle told Time magazine. “The goal was to make a game that my partner would enjoy playing.” Wardle’s creation now has a few million users each day and his success story was noticed by The New York Times. Nearly a year after first developing the mobile game, Wardle cashed in by selling it to the iconic publication for a profit thought to be in the “low seven-figures.” “I haven’t noticed a difference in the game,” Tanjuavio said. According to Statista, just over 20% of Wordle players are in the 18-34 range. The majority of players ––– widely considered to be the average age of mobile gamers ––– are in the 35-64 range.


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Opinions

March 23, 2022 Feb. 24, 2021

Editorial

Skyline should keep the mask mandate Regardless of the county’s gradual easement of COVID-19 requirements, changing Skyline’s mask mandates and following the majority could risk the health and safety of the community. As county, state and federal regulations change causing mask mandates to lift, the district should continue to uphold indoor mask mandates for the remainder of the spring 2022 semester. Community members deserve a safe learning environment, while the future of COVID-19 remains uncertain. Despite the peak of the omicron variant being behind us, there is a new fear that the BA.2 subvariant will lead to a renewed rise in cases. Currently, the new COVID-19 variant is the leading cause for the United Kingdom’s most recent case surge. Many health experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have observed that trends in the U.S. usually follow a few weeks behind trends in the U.K. This means that in a few weeks, we may be seeing a new surge in COVID-19 cases here at home.

past two months, we can wear it for the next two. This is especially necessary given that some community members have comorbidities or weaker immune systems that leave them more vulnerable to the virus. We should continue to protect our more vulnerable students by wearing masks indoors. This is not to say that the mandates should go on forever. We simply believe that more time is needed before the current restrictions are lifted. The issue should be reviewed at the end of the semester, where up-to-date guidance can be used to help shape the future of the mask mandates for the summer and fall semesters.

Gael Lee follows Skyline mask mandate while studying in the cafeteria.

This also tracks what appears to be an annual uptick in cases that happens in the Spring. While it may seem safe to lift restrictions now, it is likely that we would regret the decision. The district may be forced to announce a new set of

restrictions right after ending the current ones. In the spirit of contiguity, Skyline would be best served if the district continued the mask mandate for the duration of the current semester. It will avoid confusion among the student

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

body, while also saving the district the potential headaches associated with having to go back on previous announcements. The reality is, there are only about two months left in the semester. If we have been able to wear face coverings for the

“Skyline would be best served if the district continued the mask mandate for the duration of the current semester.” The Skyline View editorial has no byline because it is the voice of TSV’s editorial staff.

CSM and Cañada needs student-run media By Christian Carlo Ceguerra Copy Editor

No time for silence At our district’s recent board meeting on Jan. 26, Skyline College student Jonathan Mariano-Smith made an unusual request during the part of the meeting allowed for public comments. When it was Jonathan’s turn to speak, he respectfully requested that everyone present at the meeting observe one full minute of silence to honor the almost six million lives lost to COVID-19 worldwide and to reflect on the devastating impact this pandemic has had on our community. He said to the board of trustees: “We must go above and beyond to help others, not for personal gain, recognition, or an upcoming election; you just do it because it is the right thing to do…That’s what leaders do. Now, ask yourself, is this what you’re doing?... If not, why are you here? … The actions of yesterday do not outweigh the actions of the present. You will be judged by the actions you take right now by all who must follow your directives. At this point, I’d like to use the rest of my time as a moment of silence for the 5.6 million people we have lost to COVID worldwide and for the very real possibility of laying a classmate, faculty, or family member to rest due to inaction.” But barely four seconds after Jonathan had uttered the word “inaction” and with a full 1:32 minutes still left on the official time clock, out came board president Richard Holober’s curt response: “Thank you very much. Next speaker.” Jonathan calmly protested that he wasn’t yet done and would still like to hold a moment of silence, not just to honor the 5.6 million dead, but also the speaker before him who herself was recovering from COVID. But this was to no avail.

As Holober repeated himself, rudely cutting Jonathan off, our collective hearts began to sink. In the space of about a minute, we went from feeling embarrassed — “can the board really be this out of touch?” — to disappointed, to utterly appalled. Is silence not a comment in itself, we asked? Is time for reflection not warranted? In our history there are countless examples of leaders, activists and creative people we revere who’ve made their points in exactly this way. During this unprecedented global pandemic, that’s clearly affected our students in ways more profound that can apparently be comprehended by our district’s leaders — leaders we’ve heard play down the extent of the pandemic at every turn — at the very least, we’d expect our trustees to respect and honor the student voice, quiet as it may be. As faculty, we stand behind Jonathan Mariano-Smith for his courage in speaking out for empathy and truth. Banning silence from our students’ repertoire of expressions is not only disrespectful, it’s undemocratic. The board owes an apology not only to Jonathan but to everyone in our community whose family has been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic. You can watch Jonathan make his statement here: https://youtu.be/ LRsyvL8buE0 Jessica Silver-Sharp Kolo Wambay Letters to the Editor are submited by Skyline community members to the The Skyline View. If you would like to submit a Letter to the Editor email us here: theskylineview@gmail.com

Student journalists aren’t perfect, yet we strive to do our best to be advocates for our people. But let me get things straight: our small yet mighty staff cannot cover every story inside and outside our college districts. Years ago, the College of San Mateo and Cañada College had their own student newspapers: “The San Matean” and “The Long Valley Times.” Their production however ceased, and this puts pressure on us as we make attempts to be inclusive and cover issues on our sister campuses as the last student-run newspaper in our college district. This is not a lost cause. You could be a campus watchdog and report on your college’s student affairs. In spring 2021, I wrote an article on higher education’s role in honing students to become media and information literate. I wrote that student media is vital as some places are categorized to be news deserts and their news outlet might potentially be student-run media. Our college district doesn’t have to be a news desert. The media divergence has made it possible for almost everyone to write, blog, upload pictures – some of the major components of what a citizen journalist does. CSM and Cañada students could be citizen journalists to produce their own content and reestablish student-run media. I encourage my fellow SMCCCD students to step up to the challenge and be the eyes and ears of their campus. Student-centered journalism applies to everyone because you would be unearthing issues relevant to you and the people around

Kassidy Corbin/The Skyline View

Community college students should take advantage of multimedia platforms and engage in citizen journalism.

“I encourage my fellow SMCCCD students to step up to the challenge and be the eyes and ears of their campus.” you: classmates, schoolmates, faculty, staff and the administration. Change always starts with one person speaking out their mind and inspiring people to be part of the change by defying or supporting causes. Student reporting will always be as valuable as mainstream reporting. The campus is a microcosm of governance. Like many democratic countries, there should be a fourth estate that calls out campus administrations if they are providing inadequate support to their communities. Large media outlets do not have access to everything that happens on the campus, but you do. You can break the news that will be picked out by local dailies or community papers. It is an awesome accomplishment to know your reporting yielded positive results and was part of the change you wanted to see. You don’t need a journalism degree to start writing news. It would not be easy to start a

student-run publication from scratch, but if everyone’s in sync and have similar goals in mind, this is not an impossible dream. The budget might be limited, but there are resources available like platforms that allow creating websites for free. If writing is not your niche, reporting could be in the form of multimedia like podcasts, documentaries, and films. Contemporary journalism no longer relies heavily on print and is made more accessible and responsive through online sites. CSM’s digital media department and Cañada’s digital art and animation department could take advantage of that. Web design, advertising and audio-visual pieces coincide with writing, they are everywhere in online media. The tools and resources are now made available for those who want to serve their community both as citizen and campus journalists. Now, break the news and the rest of the community will follow.


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Opinions

March 23, 2022

Stop whitewashing the hate crimes of White felons By Isaac Camacho staff writer

Humanizing hate crimes of white offenders is a significant problem that exists in the world of journalism. In the case of any hate crime, outrage is expected from the general public. When portraying a white perpetrator, there should be no problem with labeling or insinuating them as racists. Yet, many times media outlets tend to downplay the magnitude of their crimes. Reporters will purposefully apply subjective language or personal accounts from family or friends when reporting, trying to gain empathy from readers. These violators get labeled as “a kind soul”, “a companion in need of help” or “a peer who just had a bad day.” Thus, manipulating people’s perceptions to fuel their mercy narrative. These attempts at tailoring a wrongdoer’s character devalue the xenophobic attacks and drive the notion that it’s just an everyday felony. Describing their actions as

The media whitewashes white crimes while also demonizing Black crimes.

“out-of-character” also negates their actions being premeditated offenses. And although battling mental health is a serious concern, the available

access for support makes statements on mental health troubles a feeble excuse when acquitting perpetrators of hate crimes.

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

The bias of the press exposes the inconsistencies and hypocrisy when people of color are covered as assailants. Generalizations sprout from

their reporting — damaging the reputation of communities of color. Especially for African Americans, journalists are quick to display them in a negative light and present the Black community as a dangerous group to be feared. For instance, a Black man’s criminal history never fails to be brought up in a news issue while a white man’s criminal history may never even see the light of day. The clear prejudice for one’s race in crime reports slows the pursuit of racial equity and continues to push the white agenda in the United States. It is a tragedy that crimes powered by racism have and still happen today, regardless of who breaks the law. Yet, there is a definite need for change in the way white felons are humanized and minority felons are demonized in the media. When will the media stop justifying the hate crimes of white xenophobes? When will the media report crimes of white and people of color equally?

The progressive pathway towards ending abortion By Zachary Navarra Opinions editor

The contentious debate over abortion rights often leaves many walking away with the impression that liberal-minded people are “pro-abortion.” This misses the complex reality that many Americans are not in favor of the concept of abortion but are in favor of a woman’s right to choose. Oftentimes the issue feels as if there are two sides with no nuance nor potential middle ground. This is the result of a debate framed by supply-side anti-abortion thinking. If we were to change the conversation to focus on the demand-side, many would find themselves advocating for solutions that would limit the number of abortions occurring each year. The supply-side debate forces people to choose between the rights of female bodily autonomy and the rights of unborn life, whether that be potential or already existing. The question at hand is whether or not the government should allow the supply of abortion procedures to exist and to what degree? In this debate, it is clear that a large majority of Americans will side with the rights of bodily autonomy. This is not inherently a glowing endorsement of abortion nor is it the acceptance that the procedure is morally ok. It represents the reality that when forced to choose,

most people believe a woman’s right to control the future of her body is superior to the rights of the unborn. Shifting the conversation to the demand-side allows us to bypass these conversations by allowing abortion procedures to exist. There is no trade-off because women will always have the ability to get an abortion if they choose to. The goal is to reduce, if not, eliminate the reasons why a woman would choose to get an abortion in the first place. To do this we must work to reduce the nearly 3 million unplanned pregnancies per year that occur within the United States, which result in abortion around 40% of the time. This can be accomplished by providing comprehensive sex education in secondary school and increased access to contraceptives to communities of interest. According to Planned Parenthood and Reuters, comprehensive sex education has been linked to both lower unplanned pregnancy rates and delayed sexual activity among teenagers respectively. In other words, young adults wait until later in life to begin sexual activity and they are less likely to get pregnant when they do. Increased access to a wide variety of contraceptives is equally important in limiting unplanned pregnancies. While condoms may be easily available, it

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

The debate over abortion is unproductive and contentious.

is harder for women to find or access contraceptives designed for them. Considering that they are the ones most affected by unplanned pregnancies, it would make sense to ensure female contraceptives are made available at ease. Even as we work to reduce unplanned pregnancies, they are inevitably going to happen. This is where expanding welfare programs and tax incentives play a crucial role in limiting abortions. Women need to feel like they can both financially support a child while also ensuring that the child will not derail their potential careers. Programs like a child tax credit or paid parental leave could provide enough financial stability for unexpecting parents concerned with paying the bills or continuing their careers. General laws aimed at cheapening healthcare and improved economic conditions would also go a long way in providing the stability needed to bring a child into the world. Ultimately, the demand-side approach will be unable to completely eliminate abortion procedures in this country. There will still be women in need of them even if every measure above is enacted. However, this is also true with supply-side solutions. Banning abortion procedures only makes the practice illegal, it does not and cannot end the practice altogether. If there is no way to completely solve the problem, we might as well take up the solutions that do not conflict with a woman’s bodily autonomy. The progressive way — the demand-side way — is the best pathway forward towards ending abortion.

“There is no trade-off because women will always have the ability to get an abortion if they choose to. The goal is to reduce, if not, eliminate the reasons why a woman would choose to get an abortion in the first place.”

It is time to ditch the masks

By Steven Rissotto editor-in-chief

The days of requiring a mask mandate at Skyline College should be over. As time drags on without adapting to a new normal, the more silly we look for keeping it. The COVID-19 pandemic — once a spontaneous force to be reckoned with — has moved on to a different level, one much less severe. As a result, we must avoid falling five steps behind and start adapting. It’s like the parents who still can’t help but treat their high school teenager like a toddler. Yes, masks have been extraordinarily helpful in combating the virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. But the peak of COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror. The number of cases in San Mateo County has dropped significantly and the indoor mask mandate has already been dropped statewide. California no longer requires masks indoors aside from a few exceptions: public transit, healthcare centers and jails. They are recommended, but not required. So why are these restrictions still in place at Skyline? Does the district not trust us? The district reported that 57% of students were taking classes exclusively online as of Jan. 10. The campuses aren’t even filled to the max with students. The risk of spreading the virus is significantly lowered since the school is under 50% capacity. Use Skyline’s popular cafeteria as another example. Students utilize that space to socialize, study and eat; it’s impossible to do the latter without a mask. Therefore, the

entire purpose of wearing a mask to not expose anyone is invalid if students are allowed to eat inside without one. Since classes started on Jan. 19, The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) has 59 reported COVID-19 positive cases in January and 38 in February. So far in March, that number looks like it won’t even top double digits. Since the omicron variant peaked in mid-January, the county’s daily cases have gone downhill and are down 39% as of March 19. Hospitalizations — a significant measurement the district has closely followed in the past are down 29%. The necessity for masks has all but disappeared. There’s no question that COVID-19 is here to stay. We have reached the point where learning to deal with it should be a given. Lifting the mandates does not mean individuals have to stop wearing their masks, anyone can continue to wear theirs if they choose. It’s unacceptable that Skyline feels like the only spectacle in the county where masks are required. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deemed it acceptable to drop the mask mandate for indoor use. They advise only people in high-risk COVID-19 areas to wear masks, which 99% of Americans aren’t in. In the U.S., cases are down 35%, hospitalizations are down 50% and intensive care units are down 54%. These drastic declines should warrant a change in protocol. So why doesn’t the district listen to the experts? It’s time to lift the mask mandates, it’s time to adapt to our new normal.


Features

March 23, 2022

The Vocational View Skyline leads the district’s sole automotive tech program By Isaac Camacho Reporter Auto shops may appear intimidating, with the crew consisting of rough and tough “grease monkeys” and a great number of brandnamed vehicles all lined up within the shop. Some may even say auto shops are dull and unwelcoming to many, but these workshops radiate with creativity and innovation. Whether it be a hobby, passion, or a bit of both, the world of automotive technology provides enjoyment for all technicians. For many auto mechanics, especially those at Skyline, modifying and refurbishing electronic and manufacturing units not only brings them joy but also motivation. “Personally, I prefer modified vehicles,” said Liam Kerr, a Skyline student in his second semester with the automotive program. “I really like the underground car scene and the way that everything works. You can basically build your own car and whatever you want.” Though his interests lie with modifications, Kerr is motivated to become a mechanical engineer beyond customizing cars. “Hopefully, one day, I can have my own shop or work at a shop like that so I can help people’s visions become a reality and make the cars that way,” Kerr said. Similarly, Skyline’s automotive professor, Julia Johnson, takes great pride in the curriculum she

teaches, such as auto tech fundamentals or engine diagnosis, and she treasures seeing her students succeed in the auto industry. “When I developed all my classes, I went to the employers and asked them what do (they) want me to teach,” Johnson said. “I visited the shops, saw what kind of equipment they used, their processes, how they do it, and teach the students exactly that.” She strives to create a personal relationship with her students and give them the opportunity to experience auto shop work. She builds an available path one may take as a potential career, regardless of an individual’s knowledge or background in this industry. “I am giving them the roots, and they are getting the foundation and education,” Johnson said. “And then it’s time for them to spread their wings and fly out, and be successful. That truly is the reason I am here.” And while each mechanic’s search of passion for engines and modifications differ, benefits arise for those who put in the effort and expand their expertise. Joseph Surick, a Skyline student enrolled in the automotive program, had been afflicted by a toxic family household majority of his life, leading him down a dark path of alcoholism, and eventually placing him in rehab where he decided to fix his life and pursue his

Julius Mangabat prepares the automobile in order to install the tires.

passion in auto repair. “I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck anymore,” Surick said. “I’d rather put in time and effort to get the credentials to have a good quality life. It takes a lot to start at age 35 to (restart) from zero, (but) I still have achieved a lot more than I ever thought I would.” Surick preserved through sheer determination and hopes that his own personal journey would encourage those troubled or insecure in their abilities. “The only thing that’s stopping (you) is procrastination and self-

doubt,” Surick said. “I hate to borrow a slogan from Nike, but ‘Just Do It.’ Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can do it.” Likewise, Johnson may have pursued her passion in the field late, yet she was able to overcome a slew of challenges in this male-dominated field of the auto tech world as a woman engineer. “Being treated differently than the other guys and being treated less than … hasn’t been all roses,” Johnson said. “It’s been an uphill climb.” Despite the setbacks, her motive for teaching and love for the

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Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

industry is what drives her to become a role model for students. “I would really like to emphasize to the women that this is definitely an industry they could succeed in,” Johnson said. “And I like to emphasize to anybody that’s maybe even never considered an automotive career, you don’t have to just wrench.” Automotive careers have generally been viewed as monotonous and flat. However, there is a fiery spirit that exists in the industry and lessons that go beyond cars and electronics.

Skyline’s cosmetology department reaches a diverse group By Adriana Hernandez Digital Editor Going to the Salon & Spa at Skyline College will have you leaving the place loving your new look! Skyline College’s cosmetology department has created a diverse environment that boasts treatments and techniques to help people enhance their beauty. “It feels nice to get a haircut, but it feels even better to give a haircut,” said Yacoub Atshan. Atshan is one out of the two male students at Skyline currently studying cosmetology. He never saw himself practicing these skills until COVID-19 hit and his brothers needed haircuts desperately. They ordered clippers, and since no one was leaving their house during that time, they would be shielded from harsh criticism of the cut. “Skyline has a cosmetology department (that teaches) women’s haircuts. I tried it out; it was a quick decision, but probably the best decision I ever made,” Atshan said. “If anything, I regret my student loans for college when I was studying business.” The world of cosmetology pampers hair, nails and skin — a totally different spectrum compared to administering business operations. From business costs to salon logistics, Atshan felt at ease knowing he was headed in the right direction and is getting used to the fundamentals of be-

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

Kaitlyn Diaz practices her foiling technique on a doll.

“I can be 1000% a man and still be in beauty school” - Yacoub Atshan ing in the cosmetology business. “To a certain extent, I did feel uncomfortable, but you have to feel uncomfortable to learn,” said Atshan. “I can be 1000% a man and still be in beauty school.” In a women-dominated field, walking into a room outnumbered could be a hard step to take and may make it difficult for men to feel confident and secure. “I love when I see men enter the cosmetology department because it tells me they’re fearless,” said Ryan Cassdiy, program coordinator for the cosmetology department. “When a man shows up and they’re like, ‘I’m

here and I’m here to do hair,’ it’s the best. But they’re no different than the women.” There has been a desire to serve more male students, so in fall, there will be a new barbering program available. The more male-dominated field of barbering will also be hoping to see women and non-binary students be part of the program. Cosmetology major Sheila Thomas agrees with the growing diversity in the cosmetic community as they now teach how to care for different hair types. “My mom went to beauty school and didn’t learn different

textures of hair, but only American white hair,” Thomas said. At Skyline’s cosmetology program, students are taught how to identify different types of hair and skin, now including more than what the American standards identify as “beautiful.” “The standard of beauty isn’t just one box,” said Thomas. “I was thinking the other day, when I used to play with Barbie dolls, that was the standard of beauty, this one doll was the representation of what women had to look like.” Skyline cosmetology endeavors to create a more inclusive community for all students whether they are male, female, or nonbinary. Helping them go for their passion, build on their skills and abilities for when they go out and serve their own clients. “When I first started, I was so inside the box. I was asking them to teach me the rules and techniques so I could reciprocate, but there is more applied than that when serving a client.” People may underestimate the major but it is more than beauty and appearance. It requires knowledge in math and science like chemistry and biology. “In cosmetology it is needed to know the different levels of your skin and the hair like what it’s made of and so much more that could affect the result of a client” Thomas said. “Without

proper knowledge of certain things you put yourself and your client at risk.” Besides the foundational knowledge of tools, techniques, and materials, clientele service is a must in this field in order to succeed and develop experiences. “No two people are ever going to get the same approach,” Atshan said. “You want to turn the client inside out, you want to get a feel for their personality and make them feel like themselves.” When attending to a client, there are interpersonal skills involved. There are verbal and non-verbal communication between client and stylist that lead to certain decisions taken. With so many tasks sometimes it leaves them with very little space for themselves. “You have a 10-minute gap between appointments, you sprint to get lunch and run back,” said Atshan. “There is nothing girly or manly about it.” Cosmetology also insists on the need to be tough mentally and physically as students work on both courses and appointments. With all these stigmas, stereotypes, and struggles the Skyline cosmetology program face, the student still aspires to provide their best service and expand their knowledge. Knowing that they have left a client walking out with a smile on their face is the best reward they could receive.


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Features March 23, 2022 Americans weigh in on electric cars, reducing burden amid gas crisis

By Steven Rissotto Editor-In-Chief

An exasperated expression crossed Jayme Ng’s face as she glanced at the screen on the gas pump. The plain and expressionless digits popped tall and mighty — almost frightening — as they appeared before her. She did a double take, but the number didn’t budge: $5.29 for a gallon of gas. “It sucks,” Ng said. “It does, but what are we gonna do? Why complain about something we all are experiencing. Sure, that gas bill hits a little harder, but I have to get gas in order to get to work, to make money and to feed my family.” Ng inserted the nozzle and watched as her car figuratively drained her wallet at the local 76 station in Pacifica, the city she calls home. As she waited, she realized that Costco’s gas was roughly 60 cents cheaper, which caused her to abandon the in-progress fill-up. Ng’s experience is an example of the current climate when it comes to prices; the current system has transformed into an outline of the stock market. Gas prices have seen a monumental increase since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, leading to the highest rates in American history. There has been an even larger bump since the United States announced hefty economic sanctions against Russia and banned all imports of their oil. Along with the previously high inflation numbers, Americans are facing the consequences of the war overseas and are preparing to suffer at the gas pump as a result. “Inflation is supply and demand,” said Kevin Nelson, an economics professor at Skyline College. “After World War II, the country had inflation for a period of years as U.S. production shifted from wartime

Adriana Hernandez/The Skyline View

Rising gas prices may exacerbate the need for electric options.

supplies to peacetime supplies. As the supply chain ‘leveled out’ and ‘supply met demand,’ prices stabilized, and wages balanced out prices.” These steep prices are expected to remain high for quite some time, possibly even through April. Until then, many drivers are unstrapping their seatbelts, opening the door and walking away from the thought of commuting long distances with their vehicles. As a result, finding ways to conserve money and fuel has become the number one priority. Electric Cars Even though the outlook and public persona of gasless vehicles are undeveloped, it wouldn’t be a stretch to consider them the future of transportation. According to a study conducted by Electrek in

“Sure, that gas bill hits a little harder, but I have to get gas in order to get to work, to make money and to feed my family” - Jayme Ng

mid-2021, cumulative plugin electric vehicle sales had bypassed 2 million. California hopes to have 61% zero-emission vehicles by 2030. “Maybe this cost will force people to go electric earlier than planned and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Kevin Kellogg, a Pacifica resident. Kellogg says he recently purchased an electric vehicle and now finds his car payments slightly higher than what he would be paying for gas. “I commute a lot so it’s not the same for all,” Kellogg said. “Main point is that sometimes good change only happens when forced.” Tesla is easily the most recognizable brand in the electric car market; they sold more than 900,000 cars in 2021. Although the amount may be substantial, the market still struggles to appeal to American consumers who need to transition off oil the most. The average price for the cheapest Tesla stands at almost $45,000, far too out of reach for the population looking to avoid high gas prices. “In the short run, it’s going to hurt,” Nelson said. “Economic fluctuations stimulate

“Maybe this cost will force people to go electric earlier than planned and reduce our dependence on oil” - Kevin Kellogg Americans to come up with better solutions to problems and adapt to the changes we felt we could ignore. Many Americans bought new gas-guzzling SUVs and now can’t afford to fill them up.” Remote work As normalcy begins to reinstall, more Americans are working from the friendly confines of their home. The lack of time spent in a specific location heavily lowers the need for a car and eliminates any type of commute. “Before the pandemic, working from home was rare,” Kellogg noted. “Now, it’s part of the future and balances the work and home dynamic for many. It never would have happened until companies were forced to change.” Recent studies show that 77% of remote workers feel they are more productive with their jobs while at home. An even larger percentage of managers believe that this trend isn’t changing anytime soon, possibly even becoming the new norm. Russia-Ukraine’s effect on gas prices

In most Bay Area communities, gas prices are upwards of $5.

Steven Rissotto/The Skyline View

The historic increase in gas, never before seen inflation numbers and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine are connected. How? Many Americans are trying to piece the answer together and have concerns about the future of the economic direction. “I truly hate that people think the war and our gas prices are mutually exclusive and we can’t be upset about both,” said Chelsea Kapuniai, a Pacifica native. “Of course, the inflation

we are dealing with is not anything compared to the war, but inflation is causing people to lose their homes, not be able to provide food for their families, limiting their capacity to obtain resources, not being able to pay bills, and more.” The puzzle to figure out whom to blame has been a challenging task. Some Americans are certain President Joe Biden is responsible for the supply shortage. Meanwhile, Biden himself has traveled to great lengths to call out Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for the economic hardships in the U.S. “A large contributor to inflation this month was an increase in gas and energy prices as markets reacted to Putin’s aggressive actions,” Biden said in a statement. According to a recent Reuters poll, three in five Americans are willing to pay more for gasoline to continue to support Ukraine as they try to prohibit Russia from further invading their democracy. The survey also uncovered a large majority of 80% supports stopping oil and gas purchases from Russia. Even though the disgusted facial expressions will continue on full display at the gas pumps, the working people in the United States of America are focused on developing strategies and techniques designed to limit the amount they spend. And if that means showing solidarity for a struggling country, they’re all in. “I know more people are getting hit harder than I am with gas bills and in life in general,” Ng said. “I think doing what I can to cut corners like clustering errands, carpooling, public transportation and pre-planning trips out is helpful.”


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Arts and Entertainment

March 23, 2022

Buy, sell and trade: the second-hand market is getting more popular

By Daniela Ossa Lopez

ARTS & ENTRETAINMENT EDITOR

Have you ever felt like you have many things in your closet that you barely use? Or has your family and friends preserved the lifespan of your hand-me-downs? The second-hand market’s full of people that give used garments a second chance, but instead of giving them away, you can sell or buy pieces for a fraction of the price. By buying previously-owned items, you can reduce your carbon footprint. The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to contamination. Clothing is one of the three most contaminating industries in the world since fashion is constantly changing

Daniela Ossa/ The Skyline View

Sign outside Plato’s closet San Mateo.

and “fast fashion” consists of garments produced quickly and in low quality. Many items might end up in the landfill after the season even though it was used a couple of times. You are basically throwing your money away while unmindfully contributing to pollution. The average American throws away 16 pounds of textile waste a year, and many of these fabrics and materials might take years, if not centuries, to decompose while emitting gasses in the process and increasing our carbon footprint. The environment “pays” for what we wear. In the last couple of years, I noticed that second-hand clothing has been growing strong. I have seen people around my circle posting their Poshmark closet, using the e-commerce spaces like Mercari, Facebook Market, Nextdoor and other platforms to sell all of these items that need a new home. In the past, I took out of my closet a bunch of items that I don’t longer use or that don’t fit. Some of them were used, so I filtered myself and put them in a pile to donate or sell. I went to Plato’s Closet, one of the local thrift stores that buy used clothes in downtown San Mateo. There are six people waiting in line and two sales associates working on the floor. When I walked in I felt the place a little crowded, they had a little St. Patrick’s-themed section, a clearance section for men and

Creative Commons

A garment that is purchased through the secondhand market reduces the need to manufacture a new item and thus saves resources.

women at the back. While the sellers were waiting in line, I walked around the store, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything that called my attention. Most clothes look old, frayed or have stains, and I heard that they offered the sellers $30 for three trash bags full of clothes. I didn’t buy anything or sold my items. Instead, I will be selling them on Facebook or might go to other second-hand stores around the city. The issue with the fashion industry isn’t only how fast and cheaply made they are, but

the production costs and labor. Child labor is another elephant in the room, and fast fashion is the monster in our closets. The second-hand market is a great way to reuse preloved items, but that doesn’t mean I would only be filling my closet with second-hand clothes. For example. I wouldn’t mind buying a seasonal top, but I don’t think I would buy a second handed swimsuit.. I feel that the market is growing because people are more conscious about their consumption and are more cautious with their carbon footprint. But since the demand is high, the

market feels saturated. These places are stocking up their inventory, and at the end of the day, can we call this sustainability? If I sell my clothes, but only buy designer brands, am I reducing my carbon footprint?

Canva/ Creative Commons.

The average carbon footprint for a person in the U.S. is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world.

Turning Red colors me impressed By Isaac Camacho STAFF WRITTER

Pixar’s latest motion picture “Turning Red” emphasizes the adolescent struggle a female experiences when maturing, while simultaneously dealing with the dynamics of an Asian household. As in every Pixar movie, the studio sprinkles that Disney magic — illustrating ordeals as a fun, fantastical adventure that’s very enjoyable to watch. As puberty is the main focal point of the film, the main character Mei Lee, explores new feelings of a pubescent like developing a crush, and learns to control and accept these emotions. Her power of transforming into a big red panda showcases her inner battle. Viewing the topic of teenhood through a female protagonist is unexpected yet refreshing for a Disney flick. In most cases, puberty is a subject that isn’t fully discussed and taught, especially for young girls. So, Lee’s transformation is the perfect metaphor to symbolize the changes that teens go through. As a male, I recognize many pre adolescent females are left flustered to figure out how to process this unfamiliar “beast” inside. Essential items such as tampons or pads are considered

Disney Pixar/Creative Commons

Turning Red is the newest film produced by Pixar, gathering a variety of different reviews.

vulgar despite being necessities for women. Pixar brings awareness to these issues using Lee’s personal conflicts and featuring pads in the movie. Thus, it is very satisfying and uplifting to follow her coming-of-age journey and eventually embrace what is considered embarrassing to most female youth. Furthermore, the movie also does a sensational job at portraying the high expectations placed by and problems with Asian parenting. I cannot say how stereotypical the Chinese representation is in the film as I am not of Chinese descent. However, as a Filipino, the style of parenting

and concepts shown resonated with me — relating my own experiences growing up.

“ I am even brought to tears, moved by the dialogue.”

There were many moments where I saw myself in Lee; trying to get the best grades, constantly pursuing the approval of my parents, or feeling shameful in expressing myself. At times, I am even brought to tears, moved by the dialogue. Because of this deeper connection with the lead, I felt more invested with the story and more appreciative towards Pixar for representing Asians. Additionally, the early 2000s setting and references made the animation even more entertaining. Pixar perfectly encapsulated that nostalgia from the catchy music played to the clothing characters wore. These elements

made me very reminiscent of my own childhood, being born in 2000. I couldn’t help to think how simpler times were without much technology we have today. Overall, Turning Red is a vibrant, adventurous cinema viewing that will play with your emotions in a positive way. I recommend it to anyone and everyone, regardless of your race or age. Whether you strongly relate or not, there is definitely something to take from this piece and savor. Check out the new trailer and poster showcasing the upcoming all-new original feature film “Turning Red” from Pixar Animation Studios’ director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar® for her


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Sports

sports Feature

March 23, 2022

Skyline recognizes Head Athletic Trainer Jose Bonilla By: Izzy Herrera Sports editor

Throughout Jose Bonilla’s nine years as a head athletic trainer at Skyline, he has helped many student-athletes bounce back from injury and back in. During Bonilla’s time at San Francisco State University, he was certain he wanted to go down the computer science career route, but he stumbled upon the pre-physical therapy program. From there, his love and passion for athletic training sparked. “My education career started at San Francisco State,” Bonilla said. “I started as a computer science major but then I had to reevaluate my path. As I was going through my general education courses I fell upon the pre-physical therapy program. After that moment, I started my first athletic training course and that’s when I knew this (athletic training) is what I wanted to be for the rest of my life.” Bonilla went on to graduate with a degree in physical education and continued working hard to get certified by The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). Soon after, he became the Head Athletic Trainer at City College of San Francisco for 22 years and then made his way to Skyline College. Injury happens quite frequently in a student-athletes career, but no matter the extent of injuries, Bonilla is there to help every student-athlete to get back on their feet. “Traditionally what we do here is we do all the medical requirements for athletics,” Bonilla said. “We start off from initiating with physicals so we are making sure the athlete is physically fit to participate in sports to working

Jose Bonilla

Skyline College’s Head Athletic Trainer Jose D. Bonilla. ATC.

closely with coaches and athletes. Working with any deficiencies that the athlete might have to get them to the point where they can perform at their best. We are the first line of defense.” Bonilla’s job and love for athletic training are equally shared with his Assistant Athletic Trainer, Kayla Crittendon. Crittendon started as an assistant athletic trainer nine years ago before switching from Half Moon Bay High School to Skyline. “Jose and Kayla are great at what they do because they know what is going on,” said Jackson Henley, a member of the baseball team. “I had an ankle injury a little while back and I was able to do

physical therapy in the training room. The energy they give is such a welcoming one that makes everything go by quick and smooth.” Even during the offseason, the athletic room is busy and full of student-athletes seeking Bonilla’s assistance. “It is still busy, but we are not as confined with games,” said Bonilla. “We are still caring for our athletes and there are athletes that just got hurt and are still recovering. Not only are we working with continuing students but also getting new players, students that just transferred to Skyline. We get them indoctrinated on how things are done”. As spring 2020 approached,

Bonilla would face a challenge he had never endured before: the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty at the beginning of the global pandemic brought up a lot of questions on how Bonilla was going to do his job that requires in-person services and bring it to a virtual form. Bonilla first thought of telehealth, which is a way to seek medical assistance virtually. “We quickly understood that it was going to change how we do our job,” Bonilla said. “Realistically, telehealth came to my mind and it was something very useful to us that we used early on. We still frequently communicated with our coaches and student-athletes and help guide

them through things to help them.” Telehealth changed the way Bonilla was able to do his job. This provided two different ways a student-athlete can get the help they need. The transition of coming back to in-person services was the easy part for Bonilla as the Athletic Training Center returned in October 2020. To create that smooth transition, Bonilla made sure protocols were taking place like daily check-ins for symptoms and temperature checks. “To me, Jose is more than just our trainer and more than just another worker at Skyline,” said Cass Stanley, a player on the women’s basketball team. “There are many times I’ve gone in there when I wasn’t having a good day because I just feel at home. I can simply get heated or go in there contemplating everything and Jose would help me the best way he could for both situations. He has always made me feel supported and heard. He has always cared from the beginning. I don’t think he truly understands how much he has helped me through this year mentally and physically.” The number of years of hard work Bonilla and Crittendon put into the athletic training program at Skyline have impacted many student-athletes’ lives and created bonds they will never forget. “Jose and Kayla have helped me through so much over the past two years,” said Drew Aspillera, a member of the baseball team. “I did experience a couple of injuries so I was able to develop a good relationship with them. They always go above and beyond expectations every single time I need something. I don’t think athletics would be where they are without Jose and Kayla. For that, I say thank you so much to them.”

sports opinion

The Golden State Warriors are looking for a deep playoff run

The team would be trying to capture their 7th championship in team history By: Armando Reynoso Reporter

We are less than a month away from the start of the NBA playoffs and the Golden State Warriors currently stand in third place for the Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns stand alone on top of the division and it’s looking like no other team would be able to catch up to them. They have an eight-game lead over the second-place team, the Memphis Grizzlies, and a nine-game lead over the Warriors. As long as the Warriors can keep playing and winning games, they will stay away from the playin tournament. In which, the teams in seventh to 10th place play one game to see who will make the playoffs. Teams in first to sixth place are guaranteed a playoff spot. The Warriors have been devastated with injuries all season long. From Klay Thompson being out for the first half of the season due to an ACL tear, to Draymond Green being out for three months due to a back injury — these players look to be fully healthy for the final stretch of the season. Fans are eager for the return of James Wiseman, who hasn’t played this season due to an injury he suffered last season. Wiseman stands 7 feet tall which is what the Warriors lack in size. Wiseman is

Upcoming Games: Men’s Baseball vs.San Mateo 03/24 2:30pm @Chabot 03/26 1:00pm vs.Hartnell 03/29 2:30pm @Mission 03/31 2:30pm Women’s Badminton: vs.San Francisco 03/24 3:00pm @Mission 04/05 3:00pm vs.Fresno 04/14 3:00pm Last Games’ Scores: Men’s Baseball vs.San Francisco 03/17 18-5 W @San Francisco 03/18 11-0 W Creative Commons

Klay Thompson goes for a layup against Jared Dudley.

currently in the G-League playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors as he prepares for his return. Recently, the Warriors lost their best player which would hurt them in their run for the playoffs. It was announced by the team that Stephen Curry would be out indefinitely due to a sprained left foot. But the team expects for him to be back by playoff time. The player that would fill the role while Curry is out is Jordan

Poole. Poole has been outstanding all season long and he is not going to stop anytime soon. He currently averages 18 points per game and has stepped up whenever the team needed him. The team has a mix of allstars and young bright stars. The all-stars are Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Green. The young stars are Poole, Kuminga, Moody and Wiseman. This team is stacked from top to bottom of all-stars to

young stars in the making. The future is bright for the team for seasons to come. As long as the Warriors can keep the players they currently have on the team, the team would be looking scary for years. The Golden State Warriors are looking to bounce back from all of the injuries that have happened and look for a deep playoff run.

Women’s Badminton @Fresno 03/17 21-0 L Playoffs: Women’s Basketball - 3rd Round Regional Playoff Game @San Joaquin Delta 03/05 61-49 L


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