By: Oscar Morales, Local News Reporter

March 16, 2023

SAN BERNARDINO - In recent weeks there has been a series of storms here in California. Here in Los Angeles it's been raining heavily but just north of us in San Bernardino there have been many chaotic and strong snow storms which have left people trapped in their homes. Many citizens are concerned that they might run out of supplies that they need in order to survive. These storms have not only caused many people to be confined to their homes but has also caused Yosemite National Park to be closed indefinitely. Further south in San Bernardino County emergency crews have been working against the clock to try and help communities that have been severely affected.

The public is becoming more desperate. With supplies, medication, and food running out, the situation is only worsening. Derek Hayes, A resident of San Bernardino, has had to resort to the usage of snowshoes to gather basic necessities as well as checking up on his elderly neighbors. This county is just one of thirteen who are in a current state of emergency that was issued by Governor Newsom. This declaration allows for certain resources to be sent over to try and provide some assistance to those affected.

In more recent developments it has been reported that citizens are angry. They believed that the resources that they were given were “too little and not enough”. They  are currently in a state of disaster which was declared by the state but people are trying to get it to a federal level to try and get more funds for more resources. If they are able to achieve this they will be able to get more help quicker. This will be helpful because it will allow those trapped inside to finally leave their homes in a long time.

People are barely starting to try and leave their homes for necessities. There are still heavy amounts of snow that are not able to be plowed because there is snowed in cars on the road. Some people have gone to try and acquire some supplies but haven’t been able to return home. This is causing great concern to some citizens. People have all of their belongings back home and worry that homes have collapsed from the pressure of the snow.

Over the course of the past few days people have made more and more progress to escape their homes and the snow. Civilians still have a lot of work to do to properly return to normality. At the current rate of their progress it seems that they might be able to go back to normal within a few weeks. This should be enough time to readjust and replenish their supplies. Once people are more prepared it won't take long for the snow to be cleared out and everyone can stop worrying about this.

By: Julissa Castillo, Local News Reporter 

March 16th, 2023

LOS ANGELES - Due to the sudden increase in hate crimes, local authorities are fighting for ways and new laws to decrease this trend.

Recently over the past years, authorities have noticed a rise in hate crimes in the state of California. A dramatic rise has been seen more specifically towards ethnic groups. This creates a very unsafe environment for the targeted groups which typically are groups of African Americans and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Other racial groups have been targeted such as sub-Asians and Hispanic and Latino families. Anti-religious hate crimes have also increased exponentially targeting Jewish religious groups. 

Hate crimes can be defined as a crime typically including violence towards an ethnic, racial, gender, or religious group. Most of these crimes are motivated by biased opinions, stereotypes, and influenced perceptions. Hate crimes and hate speech have often been mixed up, although hate speech shouldn’t be justified it is not a crime because violence isn’t being committed. Hate speech is more focused to derange and intimidate, while hate crimes are physical actions being carried out to hurt the targeted group. Hate crimes often intimidate and evoke fear in the offended hate crime and typically, that is the main goal of a hate crime. The United States and other countries overall have struggled with hate crimes coming from their citizens. Although hate crimes have been severely penalized in the United States, with the recent increase, authorities worry that the rules and laws set aren’t enough to keep these crimes from happening.

Overall hate crimes increased when former president Trump took office and they increased once again now that President Biden was elected in 2021. They increased all over the country but specifically in California the State Department of Justice identified a 32% hate crime increase since 2021. Hate crimes against African Americans rose 12.5%, those towards sexual orientation groups a total of 43%, and those towards Hispanics and Latinos 23% in California alone. These numbers are severely concerning considering that California is a state of high diversity in many aspects. These numbers have invoked fear in these racial and LGBTQ groups making them not feel safe and unsatisfied with how the justice system responds to these hate crimes. As a result, California's governor plans to respond with a new plan in an attempt to put an end to this increase in hate crimes.

Authorities are worried about how these hate crimes are being executed. Recent reports indicate that racist flyers were found throughout a neighborhood in Folsom California. Another recent report reported 5 arrests for an attempted bombing, police force, and the FBI found bombs and bomb-making agents, white supremacy propaganda, and even Nazi flags. Hate crimes have gotten so out of hand that two Trump supporters were arrested because they attempted to bomb the Democratic headquarters in Sacramento. As seen in recent months, the severity and danger these hate crimes have been causing California authorities have felt pressured to do something about it. As of now, California is trying to propose a new bill that hopefully institutionalizes anti-racist practices. “AB 1079 would implement a plan of action to mobilize those community and state partnerships to respond when a hate crime has been confirmed by the Department of Justice,” says Corey Jackson a head figure of the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice needs to set a budget proposal for this new bill to be carried out in 2025-2026.

Overall, hate crimes are serious and put in jeopardy the peace and even lives of citizens. Violent and severe crimes like bomb threats, etc., should not be allowed and severely penalized not just in California but in the entire country. No racial, ethnic, or sexual orientation group should live in fear that there are people out there willing to harm them severely with the Justice system doing little to nothing about it. California hate crime rates have skyrocketed and as a result, a new bill is being hoped to be passed in order to protect its residents.

By: Alexis Garcia and America Cabrales, School News Reporter

February 21st, 2023

LOS ANGELES - At the 32nd USC MAE, students got a closer look at Universal Studios Hollywood's brand-new Super Nintendo World. On a Friday morning in 2023, on February 17th, Super Nintendo world opened. A section of Universal Studios Hollywood called Super Nintendo World is modeled after the Super Mario video game. In addition to meet-and-greet opportunities with Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Princess Peach, it features a variety of locations to explore, including Bowser's castle, Toad's kitchen, Princess Peach's palace, and more. Let's go on this trip together.

The map for Super Nintendo world is pretty amazing. The detail they put on the map is off the charts but once we stepped into the park and went down to the lower lot. We got an amazing view of what it looked like from above when we were going down the escalators. Once we stepped off the escalators and we walked. You can see many merch around the park, shirts, plushies, hats that have different characters or different types of hats. It was amazing, we ended up getting a power up mushroom headband and a light up star popcorn bucket!

As we all know, the ride they have brought out is called “Mario Kart: Bowser’s” challenge”. For The Mario Kart ride we had to put on special goggles almost like Vr goggles to see all the players that are racing. We were able to move our car wheels freely and steer through the track trying to beat everyone in the game. We were able to steer our wheel underwater and on cloud courses! We collected coins and many people threw shells at us. Sadly, we didn’t win the golden cup because of those people throwing shekels but it was a blast seeing the animations and the cart designs. The cart looked like Mario’s cart.

Once we entered the lower lot we were given the opportunity to purchase a “Power-up Band” at the character shop. There was a variety of bands to choose from starting with Mario, Luigi, Toad, Yoshi, Princess Peach, or Princess Daisy. We were required to scan the barcode located on the Power-up Band to interact with the activities throughout the park. The band was used to collect digital currency and keys across the park to enable a clash with Bowser Jr in the finale. The app compared our score to that of other teams. After buckling up, tapping Power-Up Band on the steering wheel of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge to keep track of our score as we were riding and playing the attraction. Win prizes to collect digital keys with your Power-Up Band. The following prominent obstacles can be found all over the country: Thwomp Panel Panic, Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, and Piranha Plant Nap Mishap. To access the final challenge and enter Bowser Jr.'s lair to play the Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown,we had to have at least three of the four keys. Using our Power-Up Band, we punched blocks all throughout the country to gather digital cash and stamps. This Power-up Band may also be used with your Nintendo Switch.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is incredible, therefore we think everyone should go and enjoy it. Everything was incredibly wonderfully put together, from the décor to the rides. With a Power-up band, you may play the minigames that are set up around that area of the park in addition to taking in the view. You can also see which team is winning by having the highest score by using the wristbands. Also, you would be able to meet Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach and take photos with them. In addition to having great artwork and decorations all everywhere, the area also has ride lines that are just like those in video games. One of the rides will be "Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge," in which you'll ride in a kart similar to the ones in the games and attempt to win the golden cup. When you have a chance, visit the store on the lower lot to be able to purchase a memento of your choosing, beginning with headbands or a plush figure!

By: Anthony Quintanilla Angelina Alvarenga, Local Weather Reporters

February 7th, 2023 

CALIFORNIA - The state of California has recently gone through multiple big storms that swept the state with tons of rainwater, as well with many damages and environmental changes. We will be discussing the aftermath and the benefits this storm has had on the state of California.

During the early start of the storm, many parts of California like San Francisco, Bakersfield, and other cities in the bay area of California suffered terrible floods leading to many people fleeing their homes. The estimated damages these floods did throughout California were about 30 billion dollars in damages and economic losses. The estimate for economic losses was about 5-7 billion dollars. Much of the damage was to state infrastructure such as roads and many highways being flooded or destabilizing the asphalt. Many farms in the California Valley suffered financial losses due to and crops destroyed by the storms and floods in those specific areas. A 90-acre Ventura County strawberry farm, which was covered with strawberries, is now all destroyed because of the storm. The owner of the farm Fidencio Velaquez said “It was a total loss” since there were metal pipes and lots of trash throughout the field.

Since late December the atmospheric rivers have dumped massive amounts of rain and snow on California. The storms have produced deadly flooding, crippling snow, dangerous mudslides, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes. The atmospheric rivers funneled extreme amounts of moisture over the oceans into narrow bands of clouds. These clouds are transported over land and they can produce many hours of intense rain and snow. A view captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration captures the “bomb cyclone” which can be seen spinning over the Pacific Ocean as it approaches the West Coast from January 3rd to 4th. The bomb cyclone was a rapidly intensifying storm whose central pressure dropped at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, which was one of a series of powerful storms that has repeatedly thrust atmospheric rivers into California in recent weeks.

One of the most impacted cities by the storm was San Francisco which got around 12.37 inches of rain, marking the third wettest 15-day period. This caused sinkholes to open in roads and the power was cut to many homes. 22 people were killed during the storms, but 19 were confirmed by the counties. Another city that was impacted by the storm is Santa Cruz. The reported amount of rain was 1.80 inches of rain according to a Sentinel weather observer. Then the following Saturday it reported 31.35 inches of rain. According to Mayra Tostado, a spokesperson for PG&E said “In some areas, significant hazards caused by the storms such as fallen and falling trees, flooding, mudslides, and landslides have hampered access to our equipment. Due to these issues and the extensive damage to our electric infrastructure across Santa Cruz County, some customers may be without power for several more days until we can safely access our equipment to complete repairs.”

Climate change may have had a huge impact on the storm. A warm atmosphere can hold more water vapor which can lead to an increase in the heaviest downpours, including the California atmospheric rivers. A 2022 case study found that human-caused climate change increased the amount of rainfall from February 2, 2017, by about 11% and 15%. If the same event would have happened to take place in a warmer world with 541 parts per million of carbon dioxide, researchers have found that rainfall quantities in the two atmospheric rivers would have been another 9% and 26% higher. Climate scientist Shradda Dhungel of the Environmental Defense Fund has said, “Cycles of drought and rainfall are characteristic of California's climate. But human-caused climate change has made these events more intense and severe,”

California before the storm was in a very major drought and the California Valley was suffering the most. Many farms had to find better ways to limit their use of water but, due to the heavy rain, especially in the California Valley, there is updated data. The valley went from an exceptional drought to a severe drought which is really good since they have been in a drought for a very long period of time. Additionally, some areas in the bay went from a severe drought to a moderate drought. Some reservoirs in that area of California went from halfway filled to almost max capacity due to all the heavy rain California has been receiving through those couple weeks.

By: Haley Romero and Valery Gonzalez, Local News Reporters

February 7th, 2023

CALIFORNIA— California residents have been woken up by the numerous earthquakes in the past several months—the most recent one being on Jan 25, 2023 at 2 AM with a magnitude of 4.2. Just a couple of days ago Turkey had a horrifying earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 causing over more than 19,000 deaths. It seems that California is as well fast approaching a similar seismic scenario. 

According to records and interviews, mega-quakes that might break the southern San Andreas fault from near the Mexican border through Los Angeles County and beyond could cause huge aftershocks and jolt places as far away as Sacramento and San Francisco. California has experienced main shock earthquakes followed by distant aftershock earthquakes. California residents must prepare for what to do when the “Big One” occurs. 

It is critical to prepare for an earthquake in order to limit the danger of injury and property loss. There are several methods to prepare for an earthquake. Ways to prepare for an upcoming tragedy is to prepare an emergency kit with nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a radio. Large furniture in your home, such as bookshelves and water heaters, should also be secured to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake. Identify safe spots in your home where you can take refuge in the event of an earthquake, such as behind a strong desk or table. Have an evacuation plan in case you need to leave your house fast. It’s important to include a first-aid kit!

When an earthquake occurs, it may be a disastrous occurrence that causes enormous damage and devastation. In these instances, it is critical to assist and rescue those who may be trapped or injured. Quick aid may frequently mean the difference between life and death, and it can also serve to mitigate the overall damage of the earthquake. By uniting together to assist those in need, we can express compassion and solidarity while working toward a shared objective of offering relief and support to those who have been harmed. Furthermore, offering aid during an earthquake can strengthen communities and develop a feeling of resilience and readiness in the face of future catastrophes. Ultimately, assisting and rescuing people during an earthquake is an important part of disaster response and may have a big influence on the lives of those impacted.

Overall we might never know when the “Big One” might occur but it is important to always be quick with your actions if the earthquake were to hit at any moment. Don’t panic and always take your emergency bag and whatever you find valuable if you have time. Also, make sure to be aware of your surroundings as you might not know what is not earthquake-proof.  Once everything is over make sure to find anyone who needs the necessary help, you might just be able to save a life! Always be careful, be aware, be quick, and be safe. 

By: Jaylen Cartagena, Local News Reporter

November 17th, 2022

LOS ANGELES - Takeovers in Compton have been on a rise and have been causing harm on the streets. People are getting hurt for a “fun” event or “show” but in reality it's stupidity and reckless driving. This creates a bad reputation for places in our city because of the danger in the streets. While it can be considered fun, it's killing people. People are getting run over and shot over illegal takeovers.

LAPD said it's nearly impossible to get the huge crowds under control; they describe it as a “warzone”. This is one of the reasons Compton has started to use Botts’ dots they've been put strategically across the city to prevent the illegal car race scene. I've seen the takeovers and it's pointless putting people in danger over something so juvenile. There is never a way to fully predict these things or what will happen but when the authorities catch the perpetrators they should be charged and face all the consequences.

In the interview I had with an acquaintance who has seen many reckless driving scenes he said, “It’s pointless to put people in harm's way when you can go to the track and do it there without harming anybody”. There is that option, people can have fun but do it safely too. But if people do choose to do this, why not go to a place where you can do this instead of on a random street putting innocent people at risk. People like being rebellious and that's something that won’t be going away any time soon.  

Another interview I had was with an individual who liked the takeover scene. He said, “It's fun but dangerous… I think it would be better knowing I could do this safely then on a public street”. He also said the adrenaline was boosted for him because due to the risk of getting caught. Every move is unexpected and that's what people like about it. No one knows what can happen, and it can change within seconds. The takeover scene can be seen as good and bad. Sometimes it could be cool to watch or be a part of but it can be bad because what if you attempt to swing your car and you hit a crowd on accident what happens then?

The main reason for this article is to show you reckless driving is not okay and supported just because some members of a community likes it. The takeover community is not fully aware of the trouble they could be causing and deaths that are being caused by their actions. There is a safer alternative to doing these things to prevent death and harm to yourself and others. Innocent people are at risk because people want to have fun. Stop reckless driving and keep yourself and others out of harm's way.