Author: katiim

Oregon standoff used as a platform for national land use discussion; ridicule

February 29, 2016

An armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began on January 2 over tensions stemming from federal management of Western lands. The group, calling themselves Citizens for Constitutional Freedom, is led by Nevada rancher Ammon Bundy. They refuse to leave the refuge until there is “a plan to transfer control of federal land to … More Oregon standoff used as a platform for national land use discussion; ridicule

Obama’s decision to crack down on gun control leaves nation shocked

February 29, 2016

President Barack Obama shocked the American people in early January when his powerful speech for stronger gun control left him in tears. Obama spoke of examples of mass gun violence and the daily gang action on the streets of American cities. A mention of Chicago, Obama’s home town, left him in tears and the nation … More Obama’s decision to crack down on gun control leaves nation shocked

Congress bans the use of plastic microbeads

February 29, 2016

President Obama recently signed a bipartisan bill banning plastic microbeads. Microbeads are small plastic beads less than five millimeters in diameter. “Plastic never goes away. The president was absolutely correct by banning microbeads,” said SLVHS junior Star Hagen-Esquerra. They are ubiquitous in hundreds of beauty products, from moisturizer to cleanser to toothpaste. They are included … More Congress bans the use of plastic microbeads

The UK’s petition to ban Donald Trump from the country

February 29, 2016

In the UK, a recent petition to ban Donald Trump, U.S. republican presidential hopeful, received 586,000 signatures out of the 100,000 required for consideration.  As it reached the required amount of signatures to be debated, the matter was discussed by the British Parliament on January 18. The UK made the decision to not ban Trump, … More The UK’s petition to ban Donald Trump from the country

Senior Year Proves To Be Extremely Stressful For This Year’s SLVHS Graduating Class Of 2016

February 29, 2016

Starting in freshman year, many of us are told that all of our efforts will be paid back in full when Senior year rolls around. Images of leaving campus at lunch to buy food with our friends and understanding teachers that act more like a friend than anything else come to mind. However, as many … More Senior Year Proves To Be Extremely Stressful For This Year’s SLVHS Graduating Class Of 2016

New developments for Nasa— Plus: What do aliens look like?

February 29, 2016

The ushering in of 2016 has revealed new inquiries about space, with NASA continuing developments in their big plans for the future. The leading topic is the likelihood of a manned mission to Mars in the future. President Obama predicted during a space policy speech at Kennedy Space Center that we could be able to … More New developments for Nasa— Plus: What do aliens look like?

SLV Tri-Campus goes into lockdown; confusion ensues on proper procedures

February 2, 2016

On Tuesday, February 2, the tri-campus of San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School, San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, and San Lorenzo Valley High School as well as the associated charter schools went into a lockdown at 9:06 a.m. until 9:38 a.m. after the elementary school received a report of a potential individual on campus with a … More SLV Tri-Campus goes into lockdown; confusion ensues on proper procedures

31 U.S. states want to deny access to Syrian Refugees

January 10, 2016

Syrian refugees escaping from conflict are stumbling over some obstacles that lie in their path to safety. Many countries along the common escape route are closing their borders to refugees in wake of the terrorist attacks on Paris. This action is raising world wide controversy. The violent and deadly attacks on Paris have scared a … More 31 U.S. states want to deny access to Syrian Refugees

The 2016 Presidential Candidates and Their Views on College

January 10, 2016

In the 2015 State of the Union address, President Obama promised he would implement services that would help make community college free for all students just graduating high school. His proposal would make public education last an extra two years, which he hoped would help close the achievement gap the U.S. has in comparison to … More The 2016 Presidential Candidates and Their Views on College

Jared Fogle, The “Face Of Subway” is Charged With Possession of Child Pornography

January 10, 2016

In 2000, Jared Fogle started his campaign as the face of Subway sandwiches. Known for his story of an over 200 pound weight loss, he claimed that Subway’s menu was the reason for his sudden change of diet. The plentiful healthy options that Jared claimed Subway had gave him a voice in multiple Subway Ad … More Jared Fogle, The “Face Of Subway” is Charged With Possession of Child Pornography

Sitting down with Raneem Zaghlouleh, a local victim of the Syrian Refugee crisis

January 10, 2016

More than 4 million Syrian refugees, half of them children, have had to flee their home country amidst a civil war and find a new life in a new part of the world. Most of the refugees have been taken in by Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. More the 700,000 immigrants have risked their lives traveling … More Sitting down with Raneem Zaghlouleh, a local victim of the Syrian Refugee crisis

Earthquake in Japan sparks fear of another tsunami

January 10, 2016

Friday, November 13, 2015,  saw far more than its share of death and violence. The most notorious of these events were the series of terrorist attacks carried out in Paris, which resulted in the deaths of roughly 130 people. Bombings also occurred in Beirut and Baghdad, with the death toll reaching 59. Panic radiated throughout … More Earthquake in Japan sparks fear of another tsunami

Occidental students protest lack of diversity on campus

January 10, 2016

Students at Occidental College have organized a list of fourteen demands to President Jonathan Veitch to address the lack of diversity on the Southern California campus. The organization, Oxy United for Black Liberation, has been formed as a result of the numerous protests in support of the discrimination against Black students at the college. Students … More Occidental students protest lack of diversity on campus

How much of your personal information can the school access?

November 30, 2015

Among the technology changes faced by the SLVHS community over the last several years, the implementation of a system of school email accounts was one of the most controversial. Everyone has been concerned about their school emails. The truth is, these accounts were made to teach students how to communicate effectively, and to help them … More How much of your personal information can the school access?

Terrorist attacks in Paris leave the world in shock and at least 132 dead

November 17, 2015

A series of terrorist attacks across Paris on Friday, November 13 left the world in shock, with at least 132 dead, and hundreds injured. Conflicting reports place the number of coordinated targets between six and eight, and ISIS is claiming responsibility for the strikes. The three groups of attackers were armed with guns and explosives; some … More Terrorist attacks in Paris leave the world in shock and at least 132 dead

Predicted El Niño could bring relief to California’s drought crisis

November 10, 2015

California’s four year drought may come to an end if the El Niño hits the west coast of America. El Niño is a development in the Pacific Ocean every few years that causes the winds to shift and the water in the Pacific Ocean to get warmer than usual. This phenomena affects weather patterns worldwide, … More Predicted El Niño could bring relief to California’s drought crisis

Drastic price increase in HIV medication sparks national outrage

November 10, 2015

Daraprim, a medication which helps fight potentially life-threatening parasitic infections known as toxoplasmosis, had its price drastically changed over a twenty-four hour period. The drug saw a stunning price increase from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill overnight in late September, a jump of more than 4,000%. When Turing Pharmaceuticals bought the rights to … More Drastic price increase in HIV medication sparks national outrage

Recent trials of Nazi war criminals leads to age-controversy

November 10, 2015

Germany is seeing a large increase in trials of Nazi war criminals due to a group of prosecutors that has been hunting down everyone who was employed at Auschwitz during WWII. Currently, a 91-year-old German radio operator is being tried on 260,000 charges of accessory to murder for all of the Jewish people that she … More Recent trials of Nazi war criminals leads to age-controversy

What America does not understand about hookahs: the dangers of tobacco

November 10, 2015

As cigarettes and most conventional tobacco products are becoming increasingly stigmatized as the twenty-first century progresses, big tobacco companies have been urgently trying to find new ways to mass-market their products. Whereas cigarettes and chewing tobacco are slowly sinking into disgrace, flavored hookahs and vaporizer, “vape,” pens are gaining popularity. The severe health effects of … More What America does not understand about hookahs: the dangers of tobacco

Syrian refugee crisis leaves millions homeless

November 10, 2015

Many of us know that life can be hard, but most of our experiences cannot even begin compare to what over eleven million people —  half of whom are children — have been experiencing as they are displaced from their homes, villages and country. The Syrian Refugee Crisis started in 2011, when thousands of terrified … More Syrian refugee crisis leaves millions homeless

SLVHS AVID students go paddle boarding with the principal

November 10, 2015

On September 23, the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) class took a trip to Cowell’s beach for a day of teambuilding and paddlebaording.  SLV has been offering AVID for a while now, and it is a wonderful resource for the SLV student body. In AVID, students receive tutoring for all of their classes from brilliant … More SLVHS AVID students go paddle boarding with the principal

Umpqua College shooting shocks the nation

November 10, 2015

Tragedy struck at a community college in the rural city of Roseburg, Oregon. On October 1, a 26-year-old man identified as Chris Harper-Mercer opened fire on students at Umpqua Community College. Students in the humanities department building heard gunshots coming from a public speaking class. Quickly the building was evacuated and the campus went on … More Umpqua College shooting shocks the nation

SLVHS students show school spirit during the 2015 Homecoming Week

November 10, 2015

Early October marks the beginning of fall, with homecoming week at San Lorenzo Valley High School coming in like a flurry of crisp leaves flying on a crisp autumnal wind. Homecoming at SLVHS is the first full week of October every year; it is a five day period of crazy spirit days that ends with … More SLVHS students show school spirit during the 2015 Homecoming Week

Tensions grow in the Middle East in response to civil war in Yemen

June 2, 2015

Tensions are growing in the middle east as the country of Yemen is yet to reestablish a strong central government. The current civil war that is raging within the countries borders have lead other neighboring nations to launch their own air attacks in hopes to weaken opposing sides and put an end to the war. … More Tensions grow in the Middle East in response to civil war in Yemen

South Carolina Shooting video; another incidence of police brutality

June 2, 2015

Southern Carolina police officer Michael Slager is being charged with the murder of a black man named Walter Scott, thus adding to the heightened restlessness regarding shootings between white officers and unarmed black victims. Slager initially claimed that Scott had attacked him and stole his gun. Slager said that he had feared for his life, … More South Carolina Shooting video; another incidence of police brutality

The newly dubbed “Boomer Building” takes the place of science building

June 2, 2015

Boomer is a name that carries a lot of weight around the San Lorenzo Valley. An influence to many and a skilled science teacher at SLVHS, Mr. Preston Boomer shaped the minds of three generations of valley students over 56 years. Until 2013 Mr. Boomer taught chemistry and physics in the science building, also known … More The newly dubbed “Boomer Building” takes the place of science building

Editorial: 7.8 Earthquake devastates Nepal

June 2, 2015

More than 5,000 deaths have been reported in the recent 7.8 earthquake that viciously shook central Nepal and its neighboring countries on April 25th, forcing Nepal into a national state of emergency. The epicenter of the quake was almost exactly between two of Nepal’s largest cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara, both of which I had the … More Editorial: 7.8 Earthquake devastates Nepal

Local hotspot, the Boulder Creek Brewery burns down

June 2, 2015

On March 29th, the well-loved Boulder Creek Brewery burned down. The Boulder Creek Boulder Brewery was located at 13040 State Route 9 and was known as a “Laid-back watering hole serving hand-crafted ales, burgers, fried avocados & hearty entrees,” according to favorable Yelp reviews. The Brewery was located in the central area of the town, … More Local hotspot, the Boulder Creek Brewery burns down

Death of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn incites calls for change

February 2, 2015

On December 28,  Leelah Alcorn, a transgender seventeen-year-old from Ohio, committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving vehicle, and her story regarding the struggles of feeling like a girl trapped inside a boy’s quickly surged all over the internet. Before her death, Alcorn posted a suicide note on the social media site Tumblr, … More Death of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn incites calls for change

Santa Cruz Land Trust plans wildlife crossing

January 27, 2015

In the last seven years, fourteen mountain lions have been hit and killed while crossing Highway 17, in addition to numerous coyotes, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and deer. In fact, according to Santa Cruz Sentinel, wildlife deaths are far more frequent on Highway 17 than other highways and freeways. As a result, the Land Trust … More Santa Cruz Land Trust plans wildlife crossing

International Winter Holiday Traditions

January 5, 2015

Tis the season to be jolly! December is a month of multicultural holiday celebrations. Some of these more well known holidays are Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. However, December has many more notable holidays such as the Three Kings Day celebration, St. Lucia’s Day, Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, the Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe, and Omisoka … More International Winter Holiday Traditions

Stay safe this Halloween with these easy tips

October 30, 2014

Halloween has always been one of the most beloved American holidays, but today we are faced with the realization that it is not what it once was. Instead of a fun family experience, it can now lead to potentially dangerous situations. To stay safe this Halloween without compromising the enjoyment, you must beware of tricks … More Stay safe this Halloween with these easy tips

SLV featured environmental monitoring project: Atmospheric Monitoring

October 30, 2014

Of the many exciting opportunities afforded to SLV students, the environmental monitoring projects are in their own category. These different student projects monitor different aspects of our local environment. Each project is conducted under the watchful eye of science teacher Ms. Orbuch, and are extracurricular activities. The students who are involved in these projects put … More SLV featured environmental monitoring project: Atmospheric Monitoring

A first-hand account of Ms. Orbuch’s foreign adventures

October 30, 2014

Back from her travels around the world, Ms.Orbuch, the APES and Biology teacher, has returned to SLVHS to continue inspiring the scientists of the future. Now, Ms.Orbuch has shared her experiences to satisfy many students’ curiosity about her legendary trips.   Q: Where did you go? A: South Africa, Botswana, Columbia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji … More A first-hand account of Ms. Orbuch’s foreign adventures

Some Of This Year’s Popular And Upcoming Video Games

September 30, 2014

If you are one of the many video-game savvy students at our school, the release a new game may be the most anticipated moment for you this year. If so, here are some upcoming games that you may want to check out: In the 2012 game The Walking Dead, the player becomes Lee Everett, who tries to … More Some Of This Year’s Popular And Upcoming Video Games

Abby Sherman Player Profile: On the Road to Success

April 17, 2014

Abby Sherman, Senior, has been running since 7th grade when Rob Collins (Cross Country coach) noticed her talents during P.E. She had done ballet since the age of two and stopped dancing after middle school. She also stopped playing basketball and volleyball in high school in order to focus on running, “and it’s a decision … More Abby Sherman Player Profile: On the Road to Success

Softball Season’s Prospects Looking Good

April 8, 2014

The San Lorenzo Valley softball team has come to a start after February’s two-week long tryout. Although the girls haven’t started league, the season is looking promising. The first non-league game for Varsity was an away game on February 26th versus Willow Glen, which SLV won. Varsity has also played Watsonville, King City, North Monterey … More Softball Season’s Prospects Looking Good

Mastodon, Gojira and Kvelertak at the Fox: A Blowout Show for SLV Metalheads.

April 8, 2014

No self respecting SLV metal fan would be unaware of the artful and intense progressive metal band Mastodon, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. Their captivating energy, thought provoking lyrics, aggressive power and overall proficiency as musicians no doubt puts them in the upper echelons of the contemporary metal scene. They creatively incorporate a unique rhythm style … More Mastodon, Gojira and Kvelertak at the Fox: A Blowout Show for SLV Metalheads.

Having Pizza Delivered to the Academy Awards

April 8, 2014

Glitz, glamour, and drama, all come head to head in film’s biggest night of the year: the Oscars. The first ever Academy Awards were held in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, California. However, the first televised Oscars was not until 1953, and now is broadcasted to over 200 countries worldwide. This is the … More Having Pizza Delivered to the Academy Awards

Senior Profile: The Talented Michaela Sanchez

April 8, 2014

Michaela Sanchez, 18, is a senior at San Lorenzo Valley High School. Vice President of one of only two honors clubs offered at SLVHS, the California Scholarship Federation, and a member of the Queer-Straight Alliance and Knitting clubs Michaela hopes to study Biology in college. A lover of science, her favorite high school class was … More Senior Profile: The Talented Michaela Sanchez

Monthly Horoscopes

April 8, 2014

Aries(Mar 21-Apr 19)- You will find the beauty in the little things; wake up and watch the sunrise or read a book in the sun. Potatoes are your enemy this month. Taurus(Apr 20-May 20)- You will find inspiration in music this month. Take the lyrics to heart and explore new genres. Don’t go scuba diving. … More Monthly Horoscopes