EXPRESSIONS The Freshman Issue - October Issue 2019
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EXPRESSIONS
SLOHS
October Issue 2019
slohsexpressions.com
The Freshman Issue
Pages 8 & 92 Table of Contents Editor:
Nina Ramezani
expressions
October 2019
3 10 & 11
Staff List
Sports
Shreddin’ Waves at SLOHS
Hiking Through National Parks
4&5 Molasses Ginger Cookie Recipe
News and Culture
Halloween- Mysterious Maquerade Night
What is School Without Tradition? 12 & 13
Arts & Entertainment
Pot-Bellied Pigs are Popular Pets
Style From the 1980s, 1990s, and Early 2000s
“We Were On a Break!” -”Friends”
6&7
Opinion 14 & 15
Brace Yourself: Invisilign is Taking Over SLOHS
Friendship is Not Just a Slight Indifference
People
American Stereotypes: A Foreign Perspective
Immigration and Customs Enforcement: My Story
New Teachers’ Thoughts on SLOHS
Putting Heimerdinger Through the Wringer
Are SLOHS Students Judgemental?
8 & 9 16
Feature
What Happens WhenYour Parent is a Teacher Too? Back Page
Freshmen are Restricted for a Reason What Candy are You?
High School Stereotypes
Get Ready for Class of 2023: Too Many Freshmen!
Illustration Courtesy of Clio NelsonOctober 2019 3
Expressions Staff
Editorial Staff
Nina Ramezani Krista Garza Celia Lober Nayah Holmes and Clio
Editor-in-Chief Culture Editor People Editor Nelson
Feature Editor Sylas Grove Alexis Haas Backpage Editor
Katie Cole Arts & Entertainment Sports Editor Bella Nino de Rivera
Opinion Editor Editor Web Editor
Reporters
Amanda Angel Sophia Campbell Noah Jaworski Phineas Lloyd-Moffett Andrew Nguyen
Anthony Arroyo II Maxwell Collins Makena Johnson Brielle Machado Bayley Perlmutter
Ronan Biggs Carmen Davila Kailey Limon Eleanor Mann Fiona Stevens
Gwendolyn Brussel Nico di Santo Basil Lloyd-Moffett Sullivan Medici
Disclaimer: Official Student Publications
“The San Luis Coastal Unified School District is committed to upholding the rights of each student to free expression, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the
United States Constitution, Article I of the California Constitution and the California Education Code. Consistent with California Education Code section 48907, stu-
dents will publish only legally protected speech, which does not include obscene, libelous or slanderous material, or unwarranted invasions of privacy. Students will also
refrain from publishing material which so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation
of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school. The views, opinions, and content expressed herein are those of the stu-
dent author(s). Therefore, the content may not necessarily reflect the official policies, opinions, or positions of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, its schools,
administration, faculty, staff, or the Board of Education.”4 news Editor: Krista Garza
Halloween-Mysterious Masquerade Night
By Reporter Andrew Nguyen
Students at San Luis Obispo high school are excited to celebrate Halloween. Halloween
is the day where people dress up as anything as they wish and go trick or treating for
some candy.
People sometimes go on Halloween night to parties or just stay home and carve jack-o’-
lanterns with family. From biting poisonous apples to telling scary stories Halloween is
a memorable night.
People can even make their costumes by themselves so they don’t necessarily have to
purchase their Halloween costumes.
Expressions: What are you going to dress up as on Halloween?
Sophomore Stella McSween: I’m going to dress up as Velma Dinkley from “Scoo-
by-Doo.”
Senior Anh Nguyen: This year, I was told to re-wear my stuff from last year which is a
Slytherin uniform because I’m a big fan of “Harry Potter.”
Senior Hanh Chu: I would want to wear a clown costume for Halloween Night.
Junior Issac Garcia: I’m not sure yet, but I want to talk to my friends [to see if]we can do
the group thing.
Sophomore Aradi Salingan: For Halloween I’m going to dress up as “A” from “Pretty
Little Liars 2.”
Expressions: What kind of candy do you like on Halloween Night?
McSween: I am a big fan of chocolates, especially Kit Kat. I wish I would have a big
pumpkin of Kit Kats.
Nguyen: Oh...I personally am a chocolate person, so I love M&Ms. In fact, whenever I
buy assorted candies from Costco for trick or treat, I would always pick out every pack
of M&Ms and keep them for myself.
Chu: I love Kit Kat so much. That is the best chocolate ever in my life.
Garcia: Honestly, I like chocolate like Snickers and Kit Kat.
Salingan: My favorite candy is Kit Kat.
Expressions: What is your favorite thing about Halloween?
McSween: My favorite part about Halloween is to just hang out with my friends and
watch scary movies.
Nguyen: My favorite thing about Halloween night is to wait at my door and pass out
candy to the neighborhood children.
Chu: My favorite part about Halloween is to wear that costume to go around scaring
children. That’s so funny!
Garcia: To vibe with people, like being around my friends.
Salingan: My favorite thing about Halloween is scaring other people at night.
Photo Courtesy Sylas GrooveOctober 2019 CULTURE 5
What Is School Without Traditions?
By Lily Rogers
As a freshman at San Luis Obispo High School, the idea of participating in high school traditions is a new concept. Many freshmen
are wondering what makes high school traditions so special, and why participating in them is such a crucial part of the high school
experience.
“High school traditions are so much different from life’s other traditions, such as holiday traditions, because they only last for so
long. We only get four years of high school, which is why things like homecoming, prom, or rallies are all the more special,” said
junior Sophia Silacci.
Some of the generic high school traditions that are present at SLOHS are football games, school dances, and rallies. Many of these
traditions and events are exclusive to high school which creates a unique feeling that is rarely experienced in adulthood.
“Football games are such a big part of high school tradition because they not only bring the students together, but the community
as a whole,” said Silacci. Football games, for a while now, have been a huge part of social life at SLOHS according to the students. In
particular, the homecoming game and the various celebratory traditions that are included is an event that is special for many upper-
classmen.
“Homecoming football game is one of my favorites. I love how everyone attends, there’s lots of school spirit and we used to do
homecoming king and queen. Also, for the homecoming game, everyone dressed up and there was a parade…” said senior Karlyn
Kromhout.
The majority of the students said, in some way shape or form, that they loved the football games because of their ability to bring
people together in a different and unusual way. “Whether students actually come to watch the game, or just socialize with friends,
football games are so much different from any other sporting event because of the unique energy they create. So many aspects of high
school are joined through football games; players, the band, cheerleaders, teachers, and students all cheering for a victory for their
school, along with community members who support the program,” Silacci continued.
High school traditions are an important element of high school for their community. Creating memories from these moments will
stick with graduates throughout their lifetimes.6 Opinion Editor: Katie Cole
Brace yourself: Invisilign has taken
over SLOHS
For decades, braces have been the pri- have to take them out to eat or drink.
By Reporter Phineas Lloyd-Moffett
you’re going to have a tendency to pop
mary tool of the teeth correcting in- Price is another reason why braces are it out of your mouth and put it back in,
dustry. Recently, however, a suppos- better. There is a common misconcep- but you can’t do that, because if you do
edly more comfortable, better looking tion that Invisalign is cheaper, but that your Invisalign snaps and you have to get
option has risen to the top: Invisalign. is simply not true. Local orthodontist a new one,” said freshman Daniel Elwyn.
The teeth straightening industry has Brett Garret, who treats many students But when it comes down to it, it real-
come to a crossroads, and many stu- at SLOHS, explained that although some ly matters one which one works better.
dents at San Luis Obispo High School orthodontists’ charge the same, gener- “Braces can handle all types of cases from
are wondering which one to get. ally Invisalign costs more because the easy to the most difficult, because there
I believe that braces are still the product is newer and more high tech. are additional auxiliary appliances that
best option for many reasons. This, Another big issue is which one is more can be used at the same time. Invisalign
however, is not a popular opinion comfortable to have. Prodanov said the is used to only handle easy cases, but has
in the braces-wearing community. braces are uncomfortable, but personally improved a lot and can now handle easy to
“[Having braces] is not fun at all. You as someone who has had braces for two mildly difficult cases,” Said Garret.
get food stuck in your teeth, you slobber plus years, I can affirmatively say that is In the end, it’s all about what’s best
all the time, and they are really annoy- not true. For the first couple of weeks my for you. If you have a minor prob-
ing,” said junior Alexandra Prodanov. braces were uncomfortable, but nowa- lem to correct, Invisalign could be
While what Prodanov said is true to days I barely notice them. Invisalign, better, but in most cases braces are
an extent, Invisalign is not fun either. on the other hand, is not like this. the gold standard due to them being
Your teeth are sore all the time, and you “ They hurt, and if it’s a really bad tray cheaper and more effective.
Friendship is not just a slight indifference
By Reporter Gwendolyn Brussel
Around campus, San Luis Obis- want the best for you…The best friends When I asked SLOHS students about
po High School students have vary- I’ve had aren’t necessarily, the ones who how many friends they had, I came up
ing reports on the concept of friend- I talk to everyday, they are the ones who with numbers such as twenty to fif-
ship. Even though the word “friends” will do anything for you when you’re ty. A ton of people also shouldn’t be
is a word used almost daily, few people in need,” said junior Helen Ringley. labeled as a friend. If 100 people are
have stopped and come to a consensus If everyone’s opinion of friendship labeled as a friend, then a new defi-
about what the word actually means. is different, then the word friend- nition of the word should be created.
So what is friendship? Is it walking to ships stops having meaning. Friend- If the person is liked, and there is a
class and maybe engaging in some light ship should be with a person you care want to be around them, that should
conversation? Or is it having a close about and get along with. Hanging out be enough to call them a friend. You
connection with someone you trust? with someone, and hating that person, don’t need to give your life to someone
“Friendship is kind of hard to describe, should automatically disqualify that re- for them to be a friend. There are other
but it’s what makes me happy. My friends lationship as a so called “friendship”. words to classify the word further. But
are people who appreciate me and who I If too much love and compassion as it stands, in my opinion, friendship is
can trust. They know me better than any- is added to the word, it will appear that just a day to day person who you care for.
one else. They are always there when I need many of the people you call friends are
them and I am always there when they now acquaintances. So no, I don’t be-
need me, ” said freshman Makena Swithin. lieve someone has to love a person to
Friendship has to be more than a be friends with them. hanging out with
slight indifference, as the interview- them in class every day running on the
ing went on, it was discovered that track with them for cross country or
many people had different ideas of even seeing someone in summer camp
what the word friendship really means. once a year could qualify. There has to be
“For someone to be a friend they have to some sort of goodwill in the relationship.
Illustration courtesy of Bella Nino de RiveraOctober 2019 OPINION 7
Immigration and Customs
Enforcement -My Story
By Web Editor Bella Nino de Rivera
One way or another San Luis Obispo High School students have who was there visiting his father.
heard of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has Mamá asked if I wanted to talk to my uncle. I nodded, slowly
become notorious during this presidency for the President’s hos- getting up.
tile behavior towards immigrants and people seeking asylum. When I heard his voice, a sob escaped my throat before I got any
Some people turn to another channel when they hear about the words out. I put my hand against the glass, and he pressed his hand
mass deportations or threats made by our president. Some don’t against the glass, too. I wiped my tears, a broken smile on my face.
realize that people are experiencing, or have experienced what it’s The second time I visited him, I heard a sentence that’s haunted
like to have a family member or friend taken away or nearly taken me since. “Míja, you have no idea how lucky you are to be born
away by the administration. in the United States,” he said over the landline when I picked up.
I hope no one ever has to see someone they love through a jail A few weeks later, my uncle was transferred to the last place
window as I did in fourth grade. Mamá wanted him to be in—Adelanto ICE Processing Center.
My great-grandmother (Mamá as I call her) looked sorrowful Mamá cried so hard, a little weak lady falling to her knees, press-
as we visited my grand-uncle, her son. My younger brother just ing her rosary between her hands. My uncle was on a 72-hour de-
didn’t understand. He tugged on my sleeve, whining that he want- portation hold before being deported to Mexico.
ed to play. In the court documents relating to my grand-uncle’s appeal, it
Mamá didn’t understand when the policewoman asked who she was stated that my great-grandfather, the father of my grand-
was there to see. I translated back and forth, handing over her ID uncle, was threatened by the textile industry he worked for. My
and a contribution (out of the very little money we had) towards great-grandfather and his family would be killed because he found
my uncle’s case. Some of the bigger words I never learned in Span- out about “substantial fraudulent activity” at the mill while he was
ish I tried to say in English to her, stammering for a definition that their book-keeper.
made sense. I felt humiliated. “The perpetrators may, like my father, be dead, but their heirs
After sitting on creaky chairs in the waiting area, we entered the and accomplices have a long memory. If I were to be returned to
visitation room. I looked at the prisoners. Most were people of Mexico, I would, like my father, be the subject of their revenge as
color. an example to others,” he concluded his story with in the appeal to
I spotted my grand-uncle. A glass window with a bank of phones the judge. The lawyer working on his appeal was able to keep him
separated us. My uncle’s face was immovable, so different from in the US legally, making his status reconsidered and renewing his
the person I knew. As he saw us, his eyes softened. While Mamá green card, allowing him to stay.
shuffled to and sat down on the metal stool, picking up the line, I When my uncle finally came home, I ran up to him, hiding my
slumped down and sat on the floor, my knees to my chest. hot tears in his shirt as he held me closely.
Ironically, my brother made a new friend—a little blonde boy “Stay forever please,” I sobbed.
illustration courtesy of Bella Nino de Rivera8 Feature Editor-in-Chief: Nina Ramezani
What Happens When By reporter Nico di Santo
Your Parent is a Teacher Too?
At San Luis Obispo High School, there are a lot of staff and students, and some staff and students are related! Some students
may enjoy having family close by during the school day, others not so much. The very few of them out there with parents as teach-
ers take advantage of such an opportunity. They do this by keeping their lunches nice and cold in parent’s refrigerators, store any
sports bags or band instruments in their classrooms, already know many faculty members, and know their way around the school.
Expressions interviewed a student and teacher to hear whether or not they take up on the offer of some of these conveniences.
Expressions: Do you like having your parent on campus or do you ever get embarrassed?
Freshman Logan Johnson, whose dad is math teacher Jimmy Johnson: Both, I like having him on campus but he does tell interesting
stories about me that can be embarrassing.
Expressions: What are some ways you take advantage of this opportunity?
Johnson: I eat in his room, I steal his candy, and I keep my stuff in his room all of the time.
Expressions: Would you say you know more about the school than an average student because of your parents?
Johnson: Definitely, I have been on campus a lot of times before I was a freshman, so I know a lot of teachers and they know me. I also
know my way around the campus better than other people might be the first day.
Expressions: Do you like having your kids on campus or do you ever get embarrassed of their actions?
History teacher Eva di Santo: Absolutely, I love having my kids on campus. I love coming to school with them. I love seeing them
throughout the day when they come to my classroom during break or lunch, because I have secret stashes of snacks and food to lure
them in. I don’t ever get embarrassed being with my kids. They might get embarrassed of me, but I am never embarrassed being with
them.
Expressions: Despite all of the pros can you think of any cons about having your children at school?
Di Santo: The only con that there might be is if they were to get into trouble, then I would feel embarrassed. Or maybe if they didn’t
do so well in a certain class, I might take it as a reflection on me, but those are extreme cases and they have never happened. So I don’t
really have any cons.
By reporter Brielle Machado
Freshmen are Restricted
for a Reason
At San Luis Obispo High School, the upperclassmen can to go out alone and spend your own money,” said Moylan.
go off campus to anywhere they please during lunchtime. Letting freshmen go off on their own for lunch
Freshmen aren’t allowed to move a foot off school grounds. could teach them to be more responsible.
“[Letting freshmen off campus] could equalize, give ev- Honestly, I’m in agreement with those against giving fresh-
eryone the same privileges,” said freshman Lucy Mendoza. men these rights. Being part of the freshmen class, I am
When freshmen first heard the news, some of them not confident in my peers’ ability to make good decisions
thought having an open campus was a cool concept. when basically given a “get out of jail free card” from school.
They were quickly disappointed when they found out Even if freshmen manage to recruit enough people for the cause
they didn’t have this freedom their first year at SLOHS. and start arguing in favor of themselves, freshmen have not been al-
Although a case could be made to let freshmen off lowed off campus for at least a decade, so it will be difficult to move
campus, most people, including freshmen them- administration from the position they have held for so many years.
selves, think that the rules are in place for a reason. “Personally, I do not think you should be allowed to go off
“I don’t think [freshmen should be allowed off campus] because campus until you are at least a senior,” said health teacher Dan-
we’re kind of stupid and immature, I know people that have already iel Monroe. “I think that for student’s safety and the ability to
ditched in [the first] three weeks,” said freshman Lillian Moylan. create a strong campus culture and environment at school,
“Honestly, no, because we are very young, and I don’t think we will students should remain on campus the entire school day.”
make very mature decisions if we do go off campus,” said Mendoza. While letting freshmen off campus during lunch may
One benefit of letting freshmen off campus is that it not be the biggest issue, it is still safer to stick to what has
could be a good way to teach them to be more mature. worked for so many years and let us gradually sink into
“[If they don’t go off campus] in the future, it would be hard into this privilege, letting us grow up before we go out.October 2019 feature
Illustration Courtesy of Nina Ramezani
9
High School
Get Ready for
Stereotypes
And How the Freshman Class the Class of
Views SLOHS
2023:
Too Many Freshmen!
By reporter Nico di Santo
By reporter Sully Medici
At San Luis Obispo High School, the freshmen class is so big that the ad-
ministration and faculty have had to make some changes in order to accom-
Everyone has that stereotypical expectation of
modate their needs.
high school that they’re going to get beat up or
Faculty lovingly calls this class “The Bubble.” They have over four hundred
they’re not going to be popular. Freshmen are al-
students in their class, nearly doubling any other class.
ways the ones more scared than anyone else about
“I do think it’s a struggle for the teachers to individualize learning, but they
this because this is their first time ever attending
do a pretty good job of trying to make sure all questions are answered for the
a high school and it’s a new environment to them.
most part,” said freshman Faith Hatley.
At San Luis Obispo High School, stereotypes like
To accommodate their needs this meant more desks, more materials, and
these are false. It is a safe environment for all students more band equipment. The district has had to prepare for this huge class first
around campus. Every staff member is trying to make at Laguna Middle School and now at SLOHS.
a safe community for all of the students of SLOHS. Because of its size, “The Bubble” have been a very hard class to prepare for,
“Most students are worried they won’t be able to find having to double everything, even down to the amount of textbooks.
all their classes. They’re worried they’ll get lost, be late Faculty agrees that the class of 2023 has been a difficult class for which to
to class, and not have any idea what’s going on. Obvi- prepare.
ously, this is not true. We always reassure new stu- “‘The Bubble’ was brought to our attention in their seventh grade year. The
dents that there are lots of people at SLOHS who are admin team all spent several hours coming up with ideas on how to overall
always willing to help. We have amazing staff mem- support the student population including developing CTE pathways and oth-
bers and awesome students. Everyone pitches in to er academic classes to help all students,” said assistant principal Julie Mamo.
make sure the days run as smoothly as possible and Nonetheless, with over four hundred students comes more brain power,
when there are bumps along the way, we’re all here to more creativity, and more athletes.
help find a solution,” said counselor Shelley Benson. Some teachers have to combine two classes, including English teacher Jane
Students have very different reasons to be wor- Hawley.
ried about high school and most of them prob- “I had to combine one of my AP English classes with another class, and now
ably have to do with popularity. Whether or not I will teach an additional senior college prep English class so those students
they are going to be popular enough or if they will have an English class to graduate,” said Hawley.
make any friends, almost all of the time they end Class sizes have constantly been changing, but this is a little different con-
up fine and they were just stressing for no reason. sidering Measure D. Faculty and admin have had to be creative on how to fit
“I thought that there would be a section for the the freshmen class in.
jocks and they would be annoying and possi- “We have to look at the overall enrollment to determine how many full time
bly mean or bullies,” said freshman Aiden Mc- teachers are allocated, so that allows us to hire additional teachers and have
Guire. “I was also worried about what career I might added more sections of classes to keep class sizes as low as possible,” said
want to go into and what courses I should take.” Mamo.
At the freshmen orientation they stated that freshmen “The Bubble” will disappear in three years...however, there may be a baby
shouldn’t worry about their career choices when first en- bubble on the way, [counting at 415 students. There are drawbacks and ben-
tering their freshmen year. This is because they still have efits of such a large class, and overall, admin and faculty did a good job pre-
four years to choose what they want their career to be. paring for them.10 Sports Editor: Alexis
Haas
Students Shreddin’ Waves at SLOHS
By Editor Nayah Holmes
San Luis Obispo High School is in- Hansen: I got a lot of favorite spots on of professional courtesy. I leave them
fested with “want to be” pro surfers the central coast. Primarily inside the alone and they leave me alone.
and Avila Wave Stormers all looking harbor in Morro Bay, a place called Expressions: What emotional behav-
to catch the next big swell. Most peo- Corners. As well as Morro Strand for- iors does surfing ease?
ple don’t understand the risks involved merly Atascadero State Beach and then Evans: When I surf it can sometimes
with surfing, with shark sightings and right alongside the rock. relieve stress that I have because I get to
drowning becoming a popular news Expressions: How many hours do you just surf and not worry about anything
headline in SLO every week. SLOHS surf a week? else.
Expressions set out to talk to those Evans: I surf for about seven to eight Estrada: Uh, stress, anxiety all those
engulfed in the surfer lifestyle, to see hours a week but I also teach surf les- other behaviors I have been going
what the sport of surfing is all about. sons and I’m constantly teaching people through.
Expressions: How does surfing burden how to surf. Hansen: Unless I have had a bad surf, I
or enhance your school day? Estrada: About two hours a week. think anxiety. I think it’s a really spiri-
Senior Jacob Evans: Surfing never bur- Hansen: I try to log for at least one hour tual thing, you’re in the ocean in nature
dens my day, it always makes it better a day. If I’m able to surf twice a day, surf and the elements, on that side of it the
no matter what. A bad day in the water in the morning and one after school, yin and the yang there’s a part of me
is better than a day without it. then I’m looking at about two and a half that needs that surfing. Aside from that,
Freshman Michelle Estrada: It makes hours. But, I try to be respectful of my I think it’s a good outlet for aggression,
me hyped all the time. family and also my wife and her com- if your feeling aggressive, go out in the
Spanish teacher and Surfer Leif Han- mitments so I try not to make it exces- water. You will never beat a wave, it’s
son: It doesn’t really burden my school sive. very humbling.
day. When I go surfing before work in Expressions: Have you ever come close Expressions: Would you consider surf-
the morning it sets me up for success. to a shark (attack)? ing a sport?
I’m in a much better mood and it really Evans: I’ve never come close to a shark Evans: I would absolutely consider
helps me relax with clearing my mind, attack. I have seen sharks in the water surfing a sport. It takes a lot of different
so in that respect, it enhances my day. though when I have been surfing. abilities to be able to surf, like balance,
Expressions: Where is your favorite Estrada: Never. strength, etc. It is one of those things
spot to surf? Hansen: Well let’s be honest, people that people think they can just do but
Evans: Cambria is my favorite place to will always ask me if I have ever seen a it’s a lot more than just that.
surf because when it’s small everywhere shark. There are always sharks. I’m sure Estrada: Ya, because you’re active in the
else there’s always a wave in Cambria. I have surfed over sharks or around water.
The waves there are faster and bigger sharks. I think the closet experience I’ve Hansen: Absolutely. I’ve consistent-
than most the waves in SLO county so ever had was surfing at Morro Strand. ly competed in surf competitions
it’s more fun to surf. One came up in the face and just kinda throughout the last thirty years. You
Estrada: Mostly Morro Bay, all the swam toward me and then turned and can’t have things go to the competitive
time. went away. I think we have some type level without it being a sport.October 2019 Sports 11
Hiking Through National Yummy Seasonal Molasses
Ginger Cookies
Parks Recipe from Culinary
By Reporter Phineas Lloyd-Moffett Teacher Ben Richardson
park, which is the heaviest and biggest Ingredients
In the upcoming months, students and
tree in the world, weighing over four ¾ C Butter, softened
staff at San Luis Obispo High School
million pounds. 1 C Sugar
have a lot of breaks and three day week-
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are in the ¼ C Molasses
ends to travel and explore. With these
Sierras, where there is outstanding hik- 1 Egg
upcoming breaks, there is nothing better
ing as well. Moro Rock is a very unique 2 tsp Baking Soda
to do than to explore America’s National
hike inside the parks. It is only around 2 C Flour
Park system. If you only have a couple
.4 miles long, but it’s all stairs! At the ½ tsp Ground Cloves
days to explore, here are some of the best
top of the rock there are stunning views ½ tsp Ground Ginger
national parks near SLO.
of the surrounding mountains, but it’s 1 tsp Cinnamon
Pinnacles National Park not for the faint hearted, with massives ½ tsp Salt
Only an hour and fifty minutes from
drops on both sides. For very experi-
SLO, Pinnacles National Park is a geo- Procedure
enced hikers, they can also attempt to
logical wonderland, with jaw dropping Soften butter in a microwave and mix in
summit Mt. Whitney, the tallest moun-
rock formations found nowhere else in the sugar and molasses.
tains in the lower 48 states. The hike is
this world. Add the egg to the butter mixture and
extremely difficult, being over 20 miles
“You don’t even feel like you’re in Cali- blend well.
long with 6000 feet of evaluation gain,
fornia,” said senior Joshua Compton. Sift the flour, spices, salt and baking pow-
but is an incredible accomplishment.
Not only are the rocks incredible, der together and then combine it with the
but there are great views of the Ga- Channel Islands National butter, egg, molasses and sugar.
bilan Mountain range. There are also Park Mix together by hand or in a stand mixer
many unique animal species found at Channel Islands National Park is a until dough is blended and smooth.
Pinnacles, most notably the endangered lesser known park, but at only an hour Press your dough up onto the sides of your
California condor. and forty minutes away it’s one of mixing bowl to create more surface area
There are many great hikes in Pinna- the most striking available to SLOHS for the chilling process.
cles, the High Peaks loop being one of students. To access Channel Islands Na- Chill the dough in the freezer for 15 min-
them. It is 5.3 miles long and over 1400 tional Park, tourists must drive to Santa utes.
feet of elevation gain, and has some of Barbara and take a ferry through the Portion and roll walnut sized balls of cook-
the best views in the entire park. But pristine turquiose water of the Pacific ie dough.
if that is too strenuous for some, the Ocean. Roll them in granulated sugar and place
Balconies Caves loop is another great Surprisingly, one of the main attrac- them on a lined baking sheet.
option, being only 2.6 miles and having tions of this park is actually underwater. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
400 feet of elevation gain. Make sure to Channel Islands has incredible snorkel-
bring a flashlight for that one! ing and scuba diving, with massive kelp
Sequoia and Kings Canyon forests unique to the area. But if jump-
ing into the water isn’t your thing, there
National Parks is also amazing hiking and kayaking to
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National
enjoy, over hills and through sea caves.
Parks are “one of the most beautiful
The Cavern Point loop is one of the
places I’ve ever seen,” said freshman
most popular hikes. At only 1.4 miles
Andy Brewster, and it is hard to dis-
long, it still has amazing ocean views,
agree with him.
and often times you can see whales
Located only three hours away in the
jumping through the waves. There are
Southern Sierra Mountains, Sequoia
also tons of other wildlife and unique
and Kings Canyon are incredible parks
species in the park, including pigs in
to visit. The parks are known for the
the past and bison.
Sequoia trees there, which are some
A longer hike is El Montanon Peak on
of the biggest trees in the world. The
Santa Cruz Island.
General Sherman Tree is also in the12 Arts & Entertainment Editor: Sylas
Grove
Pot Bellied Pigs are
Popular Pets
By Repoter Basil
Lloyd-Moffett
A wave of pet pigs is sweeping the nation, causing many people
to reevaluate their opinions of the pink pork producers and look
towards them as not just man’s best friend, but humanity’s best
friend. From “eating like a pig” to “fat as a pig”, the good name of
pigs has been slandered for long enough in this country- it’s time
that they claim their rightful place as the new dogs. a mirror they recognize it as a reflection of themselves and use it as
“I would definitely recommend pigs as pets, said senior pig owner a tool, while other animals initially think the mirror is a window
Dylan Good. “They are cute, fun, and funny”. to an eerily similar animal. Pigs are also incurably curious, always
Despite this, most dog owners are still skeptical about the mer- looking for new experiences and new challenges. They can even
its of pigs as pets, and are unconvinced that pigs could ever take play video games: scientists at Pennsylvania State found that pigs
the place of their much cared-for canines. To really understand can play joystick-controlled video games and are capable of find-
what’s behind this anti-pig bias, I talked to dog owner and self pro- ing joy in the “abstract representation” they find in them.
claimed dog enthusiast Addie New-Schmidt, and asked her what They are also remarkably clean and self sufficient, especially given
made her so fond of her pet. all the stereotypes about their affinity for mud. They don’t sweat,
“Dogs are really cute and empathetic, and fun to hang out with.” and can take care of their own temperature: researchers found that
she said. they could learn how to control thermostats in barns, and adjust
Little did she know, however, those much sought after traits are the temperature to their liking whenever they pleased. Another
even more present in pigs than in dogs. pig owner built them a shower, and pigs were able to take a shower
Pigs do have, as senior FFA member Sydney Cusick put it, “a whenever they felt dirty.
very similar personality to dogs,” and are at least equal to them in There are some problems with pig ownership: some breeds can
“cuteness” levels. grow to be very large, and some need lots of space to roam around
And in terms of empathy, pigs have a much higher level of cogni- in.
tion that allows them to feel and sense emotions at a deeper level “They are a lot of responsibility, and they grow really big,” Cusick
than dogs. Mother pigs will sing to their babies while nursing, and noted.
are known to be extremely cuddly with their owners since they are That being said, pigs have many advantages that dogs don’t pos-
highly social animals. sess, from their intelligence to the fact that they are hypoallergenic.
Pigs’ abnormally high intelligence, which ranks amongst the likes But despite hearing all this, New-Schmidt was still unconvinced.
of dolphins and gorillas, also allows them to be much more enter- “Dogs are much cuter,’’ she said, once again perpetuating stereo-
taining to hang out with. They can be easily trained and are one of types based on appearance and not character. For the rest of us,
the few animals capable of self awareness: that is, when faced with however, I think it’s time to let pigs out of the dog house.October 2019 Arts & Entertainment 13
Style From the
1980s,1990s, and Early
2000s is Back!
By Reporter Makena
Johnson
Teens at San Luis Obispo High School that’s very 1990s too. I also like a lot of bands are Led Zeppelin and the Beatles,
have a variety of clothing styles. They may things from the 2000s and a lot of the fashion from this time
be the new looks from the clothing stores Junior Isabella Hoffman: I would say my period really influences me.
but are they really that new? The clothing style ranges from the 1960s to the 1990s. Expressions: Do older people ever tell
that they are wearing now may not be Expressions: Why are you drawn to the you that they used to wear the clothing
as new as we all think. In fact, the style 1990s and early 2000s? that you wear?
may be from another decade such as the Luchetta: Because of my childhood for Luchetta: Yeah, I really like it when that
1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. So, why are the early 2000s, and all the happens. People out in publicfrom those
teens so obsessed with these times? T.V. shows I watched. My sister was born generations or eras will tell me they like
Expressions: What time frame do you in the 1990s so we were always raised my shirt or something and
think your clothing style is from? on the classic movies. This really influ- that makes me happy.
Sophomore Jessica Luchetta: 1990s or enced me. Daane: Yeah, [my mom] all the time.
early 2000s, I definitely try to keep it in Daane: I’m really into Pinterest, I love Hoffman: Definitely. I’ve had a lot of peo-
that era. mom jeans, that’s kind ple tell me ‘I used to wear that too,’ I get it
Sophomore Lily Daane: I am really in- of the 1980s, I like the big stuff like the ear- a lot that I was born in the wrong gener-
fluenced by the 1990s and the 2000s. rings and the bright colors. I ation.
Lots of different things from like to stand out I guess.
that, like the striped shirts definitely very Hoffman: I really like the music in the
1990s and the chunky shoes, 1960s to the 1990s. My favorite
Lately San Luis Obispo High School students have been obsessed with the fashion trends of the
1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, and shows such as “Friends”, “Full House”, and “The Fresh Prince of Bel
Air” have been widely enjoyed throughout past generations. Even though we weren’t born during that
Fire Up the time we have some very cultured people at our school that know what they are talking about when it
comes to the classic television shows of that time.
VCR For Old Although most students had not been born when the shows came out, the shows have created some
strong fan bases amongst the students and teachers.
Shows “‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, a good example of a woman empowering show,” said A.V.I.D and U.S.
History teacher Marci Beddal.
Other students agreed that the shows nowadays are not as good as the ones from a while ago. Senior
By Reporter Adrian Melina Mancuso enjoys watching shows such as “Friends”, “Veronica Mars” and “The Walton’s”, but
Reynolds she concluded, “People should watch more classic shows because shows these days are low key trash.”
However, junior Victoria Hargis, pointed out that it can be hard to get access to these shows because
nowadays people watch shows on different platforms. “ I don’t know to be honest. I don’t have cable
so I watch everything on Netflix and Hulu,” said Hargis.
Believe it or not many of the younger students here at SLOHS do not know very many of the shows.
It would be good for them to realize that there may never be any more quality classic shows that we
can enjoy at this young of an age. If we are going to dress like we are from the 1980s, then we should
know something about the culture back then as well.14 People
American Stereotypes:
A Foreign Perspective
by Reporter Kailey Limon Every year, San Luis Obis- setup. “I like how it is organized… In Italy, there are [specific] schools
po High School welcomes for specific things… here you can better discover your passion be-
foreign exchange students from various countries all over cause there are a lot of classes, and you can change them,” said Lupi.
the world. America, like many other countries, has stereo- In Italy, teenagers must decide which upper secondary school to
types associated with its culture, traditions, and people. attend. Unlike an average American high school, these schools are
“Americans eat a lot of junk food,” said Italian foreign ex- tailored for the students so they follow a specific career path. After-
change student Carola Rapisarda. The United States is synon- wards, they either go into their career choice or head to a University.
ymous with fast food. It’s quick, readily available, and cheap: the Another interesting comparison are the crime rates between
perfect food to suit our fast paced, busy lifestyles. The unani- America and Brazil. “America is safer than Brazil. There is
mous consensus between foreign exchange students and their more security here,” said Schettino. In 2017, Brazil saw 63,880
thoughts on our consumption of fast food supports these statistics. people murdered, a record high. Previous years saw homi-
“Maybe not every day, but I think it’s true. You eat a lot of fast cide rates below 60,000. To put the crime rate in perspec-
food here,” said Italian foreign exchange student Alessandro tive, America saw an estimated 17,284 homicides in 2017.
Lupi. Although we don’t eat it every day, fast food is consumed Whether it’s stereotypes concerning our diet, or a new per-
at an alarming rate to issue the stereotype that American diets spective on school and crime rates, America’s likeness varies
are awful. “There is a lot of fatty food here. In Brazil, the food is from country to country. Foreign exchange students provide
healthier,” said Brazilian student Eduardo Campos Schettino, us with refreshing new perspectives that allow us to both ap-
comparing his country’s cuisine to America’s fast food obsession. preciate and question our home country’s values and customs.
American schools are also different when it comes to content and
Three New Teachers’ Angles on SLOHS
by Reporter Mia Robinson
This year at San Luis Obispo been the interactions I’ve had with my students. I have several stu-
High School, there are five new teachers: Brendan McLoone, dents in my classes that I taught when they were in 6 grade. It is super
Kennedy Meaney, Nicole Linman, Noelle Eben, and Jason cool to see the development of those students.
Heimerdinger. They’ve come from other schools, and even Linman: The students and their willingness to learn and their
countries, but this is their first time teaching at SLOHS. Ex- engagement. Everyone is asking questions and wanting to go beyond
pressions sat down with three of the five new teachers to see my expectations for them.
how they felt about their first few weeks at SLOHS. Expressions: How is SLOHS different from the last school you
Expressions: Have SLOHS students and staff been welcoming taught at?
during your first few weeks? McLoone: The first school I taught at had about 1,400 students, sim-
Physics teacher Brendan McLoone: Absolutely! That’s the ilar to here. After that, I taught at a school with about 3,000 students.
big thing I've noticed from students to staff; everyone is super Coming here is a good blend of everything: we’ve got good scenery
helpful. and a nice small town that reminds me of Scotland.
Physical Education teacher and volleyball coach Kennedy Linman: The students are more excited to come to class and say
Meaney: Yes, it’s definitely been a really good experience the hello. They want to be involved.
first few weeks. Students, staff, and administration have been Meaney: The previous school I taught at was C.L. Smith Elementary,
really welcoming. so I had younger students in my classes. The biggest change was the
Math teacher and assistant volleyball coach Nicole Linman: age difference. I’m starting to realize that the students at SLOHS are
The teachers have been extremely supportive and welcoming. just grown up kids, and there’s nothing really different about them.
The students are the best part of the school; they are so fun. I Be sure to stop by and welcome SLOHS’ new teachers!
love getting to know them.
Expressions: What has been your favorite part of teaching at
SLOHS so far?
McLoone: Being here with all the students. The atmosphere
of students is incredible, I’m learning about all the different
things they do and their hobbies. Photos courtesy
Mia Robinson
Meaney: My favorite part about teaching at SLOHS so far hasOctober 2019
Editor: Celia Lober people 15
Putting Heimerdinger Through the Wringer
By Reporter Basil Lloyd-Moffett
Every morning, hundreds of San Luis Obispo High School students tune in to watch Tiger News Network (TNN), our student news
program. This program, along with the accompanying video production class, was taken over this year by first year teacher Jason
Heimerdinger. Expressions talked to him to find out more about his background and what he wants to accomplish at SLOHS.
Expressions: What got you interested in film production?
Film production teacher Jason Heimerdinger: When I was a high school student, I was heavily involved in the production of our
daily newscast, and I pretty much spent most of my free time running around with a camera. I had a lot of fun, and I felt like I was
creating something that a lot of people appreciated. I decided to see what it would take to study that in college
Expressions: What would you say to people who think TNN is bad or pointless, and what is your vision for the future of TNN?
Heimerdinger: Well, sometimes I think that pressure [of people thinking it’s a waste of time] is a good pressure to put on the stu-
dents; to try to find ways to keep the delivery of the information very succinct, to try to keep the content that gets added to the show
interesting, and to invite new voices and new people to contribute. It just makes it a lot more interesting than simply being read the
information.
Expressions: How do you balance the fun, creative elements of TNN and the
serious news reporting aspect?
Heimerdinger: I talk a lot about the class being a job. It's a workplace: we have
a client who's hiring us to produce this, and so we need to find a way to fulfill
their expectations while also keeping in mind the audience. I think it's very easy
to go low, and dig up a cheap style of humor just to make people laugh, but we
want to instead find the balance between hard work, professionalism, creativity,
and humor.
Expressions: As a film production teacher, what do you think is the best
movie?
Heimerdinger: My go to movie is “Apocalypse Now.” I really like the classic
cinematography and all the work Francis Ford Coppola put into producing it. Photo courtesy Basil Lloyd-Moffett
Are SLOHS Students Too Judgmental?
By Reporter Bayley Perlmutter
High school is one of the times in your life when you feel are the ‘priority’ or better than the rest of us lower classmen. Also,
the most judged by anyone and everyone, even your clos- people feel as if they are getting judged so, as an instinct, judge
est friends. Certain people feel more judged than others de- others and/or make comments towards them behind their backs
pending on age, style, race, beliefs, and school performance. to make them feel more secure,” said freshman Avery Weeks.
“My experience at San Luis Obispo High School has Our high school years are a time when students are not fully
generally been judgement-free, but I have experienced confident in themselves so when they are being judged they
jokes about my height that can cross the line, and some- feel as if they are doing something wrong or even insulting
times it hurts my feelings,” said senior Hayden Goodwin. someone else. This can lead to students wanting to change how
One of the possible reasons why people are so judgmental they do certain things just to simply fit in and not be judged.
in high school is because they are insecure, so they feel better “No, I do not feel judged. High schoolers are judge-
about themselves if they judge and make fun of other people. mental because of jealousy and/or because of their
“So far at high school, I do not feel like I have faced own insecurities,” said freshman Devin Kirven.
harsh judgement. I do feel as we are getting further into Some SLOHS students may find themselves getting judged
the school year, a lot of the upperclassmen have start- on a day to day basis, or even doing the judging daily. This
ed to accept us as part of the school and not as these new, may lead to a change in how they go about their daily rou-
weird freshmen who think they are ‘all that.’ I think peo-
ple are so judgmental in school because they think they tine on campus or how they present themselves to their peers.October 2019
Editor: Clio Nelson and Nayah Holmes Back 16
What Candy Are You?
By Backpage editior Clio Nelson
a personality quiz...
San Luis Obispo High School Students, a. Sweaters! Lots and lots of sweaters c. Imagine Dragons
have you ever wondered what candy you and sometimes leggings d. Alessia Cara
are? If so follow the quiz to find out. b. Rainbows everywhere! 7. Pick your favorite quote:
c. “I work in black… and sometimes a. “Business, Business, Numbers…
1. Which adjective would you use to de- very, very dark grey.” - Batman from Is this working?” - Unikitty “The
scribe yourself? “The Lego Movie” Lego Movie”
a. Sweet d. An interesting style that you own b. “Sports do not build character, they
b. Sassy 4. Your friends would describe you as… reveal it.” - John Wooden
c. Sporty a. Extrovert c. “With love, there are so many layers
d. Silly b. A reserved, sweet human to it that you can write all day about
2. What would your ideal day off look like? c. A sporty person who makes the rest it. It’s not just heartbreak or falling
a. Reading quietly on the beach with a of us look bad in love; there are so many different
nice iced tea d. Bubbly, very very bubbly ways to look at it.” - Shawn Mendes
b. Having a day out on the town with 5. Your spirit animal is... d. “The universe might respect the law
your closest friends a. Unikitty of attraction, but it respects a good
c. Day at the gym ending with a nice b. Captain America hustle even more.” - Lilly Singh
nap, protein shake, and a good c. Turtle 8. Your favorite superhero/superheroine
healthy salad d. Blossom - The Powerpuff Girl is…
d. Going to an amusement park with 6. If you could get only one ticket to go see a. Superman
your closest friends any band which one would you see? b. Wonder Woman
3. Your fashion sense could be described a. Panic! At the Disco c. Captain Marvel
as… b. Shawn Mendes d. Spider-Man
You got Reese’s Peanut But- You got Twix! You are the sporty
ter Cup! You are one busy, one that everyone loves. Also, se-
extroverted human. There is cretly thought to be showing off
nothing stopping you from and making the rest of humani-
being yourself. You don’t care ty look bad. You have a heart of
if you’re the center of attention gold and love hanging out with
or hanging out on your own. your friends, especially your core
You got this! group.
You got KitKat! You are an am-
bivert. You love curling up with a
You got Starburst! You are lit-
good book, and you also love going
erally Unikitty, you are bubbly
out and hanging with your friends.
to no end. You love hanging
You are most often described as
out with your friends, and the
sweet, but you know who you are
best part of your day is when
and don’t have trouble remembering
you get them to smile. Rain-
that.
bows and sparkles are definite-
ly your life. Illustrations courtesy of Clio Nelson
Answer Key: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup: b, b, d, a, d, a, d, c. KitKat: a, a, a, b, c, b, c, d. Starburst:
d, d, b, d, a, d, a, b. Twix: c, c, c, c, b, c, b, a.You can also read
