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ARTISTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE CONTROVERSY BEHIND AI IMAGE GENERATION

Published on Dec. 20, 2022

Story by Tana Villanueva

On November 28, the immensely popular digital art program Clip Studio Paint announced that they would implement AI art in a new update. This AI would operate in a similar fashion to an already existing AI called Stable Diffusion, and it would be added early the next month.

The backlash from its users was so widespread that it canceled the update after just four days.

At a glance, it would seem that AI image generation is fairly harmless. After all, AI outputs have been improving steadily in recent years. It saves a lot of time and it helps people who aren’t too skilled in the arts to experiment for themselves. Many proponents of AI image generation say that AI likely won’t steal jobs from artists, but rather create a separate market and make art more accessible to others.

So why do so many artists hate AI “art”? To understand the significance of AI-generated images in the art world, it is first important to understand how these generators work.

AI image generators work using a generative adversarial network, or a GAN. There are two parts to a GAN: the generator creates the images and the discriminator differentiates between human-made images and AI-made images. The image that the AI puts out is one that is created by the generator and close enough to the original data set to get by the discriminator.

In order for the generator and the discriminator to work, the program requires a set of human-made images as a basis for its own creations. Some programs use millions of images taken from all over the Internet. For a stylized, artistic image, the AI requires… well, art. And therein lies the problem.

Many artists reported their art being used in AI programs without their consent. Many AI models imitate certain art styles, which are often very near and dear to an artist’s identity. Various artists' mangled, distorted signatures and watermarks occasionally pop up in AI images.

The use of copyrighted images in AI art brings up a lot of ambiguities, both legal and ethical. There are currently no laws in place to protect an artist’s intellectual property from being used to train AI models. However, many artists are strongly opposed to their work being used to train AI.

One example of the blatant disregard for an artist’s wishes occurred in November of this year. Sam Yang, also known as Sam Does Arts on social media, is a 22-year-old digital artist and influencer based in Toronto. At the time of writing this article, he has amassed a huge following on his social media accounts, with over two million followers on Instagram and almost a million subscribers on YouTube. His art is known for its blend of cartoony and painterly elements.

Early in November, a Reddit user trained an AI model to emulate Yang’s artwork without his consent. “Artists don’t ask permission when referencing art they wish to emulate,” the user replied in a Reddit comment. “I refuse to do the same.”

Yang posted about his disdain towards this AI model on his Instagram story, but he included the programmer’s username in his screenshots. His fans attacked the user in droves, pushing them to delete their post and images. Yang spoke out against his fans’ behavior, but people online created more AI models using his artwork out of spite.

Supporters of AI-generated images state that an artist does not “own” their art style. After all, artists use other people’s work as inspiration or reference for their own art. However, they also spend years developing their individual art styles through study and experimentation. Using another artist’s work to develop one’s own skills is not the same as putting that artist’s work into a computer and copying every part of their style.

“My work, and the work of every single fellow artist, is a product of our own unique memories, experiences and identities,” Yang stated in his Instagram story. “Please respect that and don’t try to feed our entire existence to a machine to produce souless [sic] copies of what took us our entire lifetimes to craft.”

Yang is not the only artist to be affected by AI image generation. On October 3, beloved South Korean comic book artist Kim Jung Gi passed away from a heart attack at the age of 47. Days later, a programmer created an AI model trained with Jung Gi’s art.

Needless to say, fans of Jung Gi’s art, as well as the art community as a whole, were enraged at the programmer’s decisions. While it was originally intended to be an homage, the use of a model to copy his art is incredibly disrespectful and insensitive, especially less than a week after his death. To add salt to the wound, the programmer requested that people credit him if they want to use the model. He essentially wants credit for copying someone else’s art.

Another baffling instance of how AI harms artists happened in the same month. An artist known on social media as AT livestreamed the process of one of their paintings on Twitch. During the stream, someone took a screenshot of the unfinished piece and finished the rest using AI. They uploaded their image to Twitter before AT could post their finished artwork.

The thief demanded that AT admitted to using their AI-generated image as a reference. They then conducted an unprompted Q&A session in which they claimed to be a self-taught artist who learned how to paint in just one week.

As an aspiring artist who has spent seven years honing my skills and studying art both independently and formally, I can’t support AI image generation. While AI isn’t exactly at the point where it can be used professionally, there still remains the looming possibility of it replacing human artists one day. In addition, the wanton theft of intellectual property without any laws or regulations to protect human artists makes the whole concept seem far less appealing. Furthermore, the images that AI generators push out don’t have the soul or intention that makes human-made artwork so special. You can’t exactly dissect an AI-generated image for any sort of meaning or message like you can with human-made artwork. It just doesn’t have that same emotional value.

All in all, I can see how AI images can be utilized for good. It makes art more accessible for people who don’t have the money to hire an artist, and it’s just plain fun to mess around with. However, with programmers’ disrespect toward artists’ wishes and careers, people are better off supporting an artist directly or learning how to draw themselves.

GIRLS VS. DRESS CODE

Published on Nov. 30, 2022

Story by Alaya Bell and Yamille Guzman

School dress code has been enforced since 1969. Schools say it helps prevent distractions from class work and our learning environment, but what exactly is considered a distraction? Why is a woman's body distracting?

Here is a piece of the student dress code that stood out to us:

“Attire that exposes midriff or buttocks is prohibited at all times.”

This is what schools consider a distraction: Young girls and women's bodies? If you ever ask a teacher why the dress code is enforced, they will most likely say, “so the boys aren’t distracted.” We think making girls change their clothes is the wrong way to prevent distractions.

We are teaching girls at a young age that they should change and accommodate boys’ and men's needs. If boys are so distracted, then why don’t we teach them to have self control? Maybe the reason boys don't have self control when they're older is because they were never taught to. They were taught that if they can’t control themselves, then it's the girl’s fault that’s their job to fix, and if they don't change, they are asking for attention.

These are the habits schools are teaching young girls and boys to have when they're older. We understand that girls shouldn't be coming to school in undergarments, but most schools won't even allow girls to show their stomachs and legs on a hot day. Schools are sexualizing young girls' bodies before boys are even thinking of them in that way.

Tell us this: What makes our shoulders so distracting? What makes girls’ belly buttons so uncomfortable for our learning environment? It’s always “cover up, you’ll distract the boys” and never “stop looking.” Women’s shoulders, knees or stomach should not have to be covered up on a hot summer day due to men being “distracted.” Studies show that girls are 5.5 times more likely to get dress coded than boys. Girls are attracted to boys' hands. Does that mean we should make them wear gloves during school to help us stay focused? No, so don’t make girls change to help boys focus when you would never make boys change for girls.

Girls are getting dress-coded for wearing straps that are “too thin” on a 90 degree weather day. Boys can wear ripped jeans and cut off shirts. What’s the difference between our shoulders and theirs? Schools are teaching both boys and girls horrible habits: Teaching girls to change for men and their needs, and teaching boys to have no self control because it's the girls job to cover up. Now when girls hit high school and college, boys are calling them “hoes” and “sluts” and saying they're asking for attention all because they're wearing shorts or a crop top. That’s what school taught them growing up: That the way girls dress has to be sexualized always and the more they show, the more attention they want. So maybe instead of teaching boys that girls should cover up, maybe teach them to control themselves and respect women's bodies.

FIGHT FOR WHAT’S RIGHT

Published on October 6, 2022

Story by Stephanie Cruz Perez

Roe v. Wade was a turning point decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which they ruled that the Constitution of the United States grants women to have the right to an abortion. On Friday June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This means that states have the right to ban or restrict access to abortion.

Many women have started protesting because they are feeling anger and disappointment that they took away their rights to get an abortion. The majority of women did not want Roe v. Wade to be overturned because they think that getting an abortion should be a personal choice.

I agree with those women because other people should not tell you what to do with your own body. I personally would not judge another if they get an abortion because that is their decision and they should be able to do anything they want with their body. Thinking about Roe v. Wade being overturned makes me mad because I do not want anyone to command me as to what I should or should not do with my body. I believe that women have the right to choose whether to terminate their pregnancy because it is important to their freedom and equality.

Making abortion illegal can affect us women. If a woman was diagnosed with a disease and is also pregnant, their doctor may deny her decision to terminate her pregnancy because it is illegal in that state. This can lead to very serious consequences, such as death. Another reason is that poor women may suffer because they may not be able to afford to travel to places where abortion is legal.

Human beings need to speak up about this important issue going on in the world. We need to fight to get our constitutional right of getting an abortion back. We need to protect women's right to choose.

PONDERING SOCIAL MEDIA

Published on September 29, 2022

By Pablo Ramirez

I feel like people use social media too much, so much to the point that it’s their only source of happiness. You'd think since it's a source of happiness, it can't be that bad for you. Well, you would be wrong. I have seen so many people get publicly bashed online just for the fun of it, and it happens very, very often. People often talk about how it’s childish to get mad over "1’s and 0’s" online, but those are the same people talking bad about everyone they come across "for fun." It’s crazy how people enjoy themselves at the expense of others. When you can’t sleep because of what some random guy said online that you are already insecure about, it becomes a bigger problem than just hurt feelings. Then sometimes your friends and family don’t help because they’ll just say you’re overreacting or childish. Or maybe they overreact and try to sue!

If you have access to the internet, you’re going to interact with people. It’s almost inevitable. That being said, I have played video games for a really long time. Almost right after I get my homework done and shower, I start playing games. Every time I get on the games, I met a mean person. One in particular was being mean, but he started getting a little more angry than usual, which was also happened sometimes, but he began being extremely racist to everyone in the game. The same guy called me and another player "aliens" because of our ethnicity (Hispanic). He also said the n-word over and over during the game while making jokes about eating nothing but burritos and tacos. Eventually, his friend started defending him, saying it was just a joke and that we were all soft. This happens so often, way more than it should, but of course "it’s just online," so it’s okay? That seems to be the logic of most people, unfortunately.

Another time I experienced extreme hate was when I was playing video games with a friend who is a girl. She got called so many hateful names just because she spoke to the team. When I spoke to the other team members to defend her and try to make them stop, they called me a “white knight'' and said that she wasn’t going to date me because I defended her in a game. I feel like everyone who has been defending someone has been told to shut up or that they are dumb for defending others, because apparently speaking up for people who don’t want to or are too shy or uncomfortable to do so get a ton of hate too. I think we need to fix communications like text and voice chat in video games because what I've experienced, heard, and seen are just disgusting misuses of what game developers are trying to do to make the game better.

People have to realize that social media is dangerous. Every time you turn on the news, there seems to be something about social media, and it’s usually bad. People who make content on the internet are influencing the youth of today. Yeah, some people are just trying to make others smile and teach children to do important things in life like cooking, but that doesn't mean people like Andrew Tate don’t exist. We have to figure out a way to fix social media as a whole or face the consequences in time.

A SINGLE COMMA SPARKS SHOCKWAVES IN THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD

Published September 29, 2022

Story by Tana Villanueva

As small as the comma is, it carries a lot of weight. It can completely change the meaning of a sentence and in a certain court case it cost a dairy company an estimated five million dollars.

The Oxford comma, also known as the serial comma, appears just before the final item of a list. Note the difference between these two sentences:

I have three rabbits, two dogs, and a cat.

I have three rabbits, two dogs and a cat.

The first sentence has a comma before “and a cat,” while the second does not. In many cases, including this one, the inclusion of the Oxford comma is optional. However, it serves to clear up some strange misunderstandings. For example, Skynews shocked readers with a strangely worded tweet:

“World leaders at Mandela tribute, Obama-Castro handshake and same-sex marriage date set…”

The lack of the Oxford comma implies that Barak Obama and Fidel Castro had shaken hands and got engaged. Of course this is false, but imagine the confusion it must have caused!

A clearer way to rewrite this tweet would be:

“World leaders at Mandela tribute, Obama-Castro handshake, and same-sex marriage date set…”

Now, you can spread the great news of the bettering of international associations and the legalization of gay marriage without falsely announcing two political leaders’ engagement.

All jokes aside, you can see why the Oxford comma is important. In fact, its use has been debated in court with a lawsuit to the tune of five million dollars. In 2017, drivers for Oakhurst Dairy in Maine appealed the judgment to a 2014 case stating that they were ineligible for overtime pay. Maine law states that employees are owed overtime pay unless their jobs fall within the following criteria:

The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of:

(1) Agricultural produce;

(2) Meat and fish products; and

(3) Perishable foods.

At first, this law seems cut-and-dry. However, the lack of a comma between “packing for shipment” and “or distribution” leaves an important part to interpretation.

The drivers claimed that the passage means “packing for shipment” as well as “packing for distribution.” Therefore, they would be exempt from this law because they do not pack products but distribute them instead.

On the contrary, the company asserted that in the statement, packing for shipment was a separate task from distribution and that the drivers could not be paid because distribution does not warrant overtime pay.

In the end, the court ruled in the drivers’ favor and won them millions of dollars!

The Oxford comma has been a controversial point in linguistics for many years, sparking arguments across the world between its passionate supporters and vehement detractors. Academics, book publishers, and lawyers use the Oxford comma because of the clarity it brings. Meanwhile, many journalists reject it. It interferes with sentence flow and adds unnecessary bulk and punctuation.

Even different style conventions disagree on the use of the Oxford comma. MLA, APA, and the Chicago Manual of Style require it while the AP stylebook prohibits it. If you are writing a report for school and you don’t know whether or not you should leave in the Oxford comma, consult the style guide your teacher requests you use.

I personally love the Oxford comma, and I will defend it to my grave. But even with all of the debate surrounding it, the Oxford comma is ultimately optional; it is neither grammatically correct nor incorrect. If you are not following any style guide, then the decision on whether or not to include the Oxford comma falls on you. Just make sure that if you omit the Oxford comma, you don’t stir up a multimillion dollar misunderstanding.

Journalists in Mexico live in constant fear for their lives

Published June 8, 2022

Story by Esmeralda Sanchez

While known for being a breathtaking tourist hotspot, Mexico can also be described as “hell” for those who work in the media industry. The New York Times claims that Mexico is in between Afghanistan and Somalia for being one of the worst places to be a journalist.

Since the early 80s, the Mexican government has controlled the police and has them threatening, mistreating and going as far as murdering its journalists with no consequence or remorse for the lives taken. Although many deaths are blamed on cartel members, the government also takes part in these murders. Many mayors and local officials have ordered these heinous crimes against the media without being met with repercussions and unfortunately this cycle continues into present times.

A 2017 New York Times article states that “public servants like mayors and police officers have threatened journalists more often than drug cartels, petty criminals or anyone else in recent years.”

The government’s concern for journalists’ security is little to none.

The PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) existed from 1929 to 2000. The political party was responsible for controlling mass media while they promised a better future for Mexico. Unfortunately, this promise was never kept, and the situation only got worse. Even after the PRI fell, conflicts in Mexico continued to be a problem for journalists and still do to this day.

Since the year 2000, over 104 journalists have been murdered in Mexico, with 2,000 attacks from 2019-2021 alone ton top. Members of the press have pleaded for protection and support from the government but have received nothing. When a case is opened, information isn’t given to the reporter's friends and family, leaving their families clueless as to what has happened.

The government continues to downplay the violence taking place against the press and has had no concern for any reporters in their country. The citizens' right to press freedom in Mexico could be considered as a myth seeing as how many lives are threatened in the business. Programs to keep Mexico's journalists safe are not scared but they are extremely underfunded. Some people even go as far as to say funds for baseball are more expensive.

President Lopez Obrador, who took office in 2018, has vilified journalists and independent news outlets continuously during his morning briefings. The European Parliament was even brought into the mix by urging President Obrador to tone down the bashing of the media in Mexico, but was only met with backlash and insults after calling the European Union “sheep.”

According to The Guardian, since Lopez Obrador became president, attacks on journalists have gone up 85 percent, and more than 19 reporters have been killed. Out of the many topics journalists choose to cover, politics and corruption face the highest risk.

Many journalists aren’t even working when they are attacked. Two reporters working for El Veraz Online News outlet were shot on May 9 while sitting in a car outside of a convenience store. The majority of media workers in Mexico have something in common: They all work for small and independent news outlets, which heighten the risk of attacks from those who wish to silence them.

Most of these news outlets are online-only with small websites, while some post to Facebook. Often, journalists have to work multiple jobs to support themselves and their families. The struggles of being a journalist alone, topped with the constant fear for their lives and the safety of their families, shows just how chaotic and unjust censorship and the war on the press in Mexico truly is.

Journalists fear that everytime they leave their houses, it will be the last time they are home. Most reporters even have to go out with armed guards just to do their job and make a living. With growing news of a rising death toll on journalists, the fear of attacks and even death grows stronger for reporters like Jesus Aguilar who works in Tijuana. There are even times when Aguilar is in his car and has to “move the seat back and lie down to protect” himself.

Without journalists in countries like Mexico, citizens wouldn’t get the coverage needed to be informed or to stop problems in their communities. The public needs the press to report the underbelly of the world and shed light on corruption.

“Journalists are important to give the world an unbiased and true view of the world around us,” said Yearbook teacher Ms. Kaufman. “The press should have protected access to places and situations to make sure that we aren’t being misled by people who want to hide the truth or fake “protecting” people from events.”

Cries for protection and support for journalists continue to grow daily, the unjust ways of the government must stop in order for the media to thrive. No matter the risk, Mexico's reporters and journalists continue to put their lives in danger to tell the truth about their country.

In the United States, a free press is promised in the first amendment of the Constitution, but Reseda students can be an informed population and support the press on a national, local and even school level.

Students can conserve energy as summer is approaching

Published June 6, 2022

Story by Mallory Blake

California is an overpopulated state and sees heat waves almost every summer season. The Reseda neighborhood is no exception, with around 70 thousand residents as of 2019, according to city data.

With summer officially in reach, state officials like Governor Gavin Newsom are urging residents of California to conserve power and energy.

According to predictions made by officials from California Public Utilities Commission, California may be short of 1,700 megawatts. However, that would leave a tenth of California, or 1.3 million homes, powerless.

This summer may include power outages all over the state, all while officials are considering alternative energy sources because of the little power left.

Reseda physics teacher Mr. Hwami shared what he thinks is the best source of alternative energy for California.

“We have a lot of sunshine and the majority of the state of California is a desert, so I think solar energy and wind energy should be utilized more,” Hwami said. “California could also try as an alternative energy source to harvest energy from the ocean.”

According to tips provided by the office of energy, students can save energy this summer by running the fan instead of the AC, using the water or energy saver button on appliances, unplugging cords if not in use and closing the blinds, which stops half the heat from slipping inside.

Ms. Colossi, a science teacher on campus, adds that she personally saves energy by “turning the lights off in rooms when not in use” and by “putting certain appliances on timers to turn them off automatically.”

“I have been driving a hybrid vehicle for years,” she said.

Saving energy can also save money. Running a fan for a month will only cost five dollars on the electricity bill, while an AC unit can cost four dollars for only eight hours of use.

As a resident of California, help follow the energy conserving tips urged by state offices in this time of need before it is too late.

New COVID variant raises concerns about another lockdown

Published May 27, 2022

Story by Valerie Valeriano

With the new subvariant Omicron variant spreading fast, it is unclear whether or not there will be another lockdown. With California’s fully vaccinated population being at 70%, the state is in a better position than it was last winter.

After COVID-19 cases started to die down this spring, people thought they could finally catch a break.

Many have gone back to their old routines as if the pandemic has never existed and if there are no more current cases. With hospital capacity going down and mask mandates lifting, things are seemingly going back to normal. Many people believe that there couldn’t possibly be another wave.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The new subvariant of Omicron is spreading rapidly throughout the U.S., and the CDC reports that it has been spreading more rapidly than previous variants. Luckily, Americans that have been vaccinated and boosted are still less likely to catch COVID and more likely to recover with mild symptoms if they do.

When the first lockdown back in 2020 happened unexpectedly, current seniors and underclassmen reported having no motivation and lack of participants during online learning. It was hard for students to keep up with their classes and attendance during these two years. If this were to happen again, it would not be easy. Some Reseda seniors fear the rise of the variant may possibly affect their future college experience.

“I hope it doesn’t interfere with my potential football career and college experience,” said Reseda senior Jason Wagner, who will be attending LA Valley College in the fall. “I feel like I can have a lot going for me, and if this continues to spread – which I really hope it doesn’t – I would be very bummed, not just for me, but for the people affected the most.”

Oher seniors feel the same way.

Joshua Montejano, who will be attending California State University Northridge felt like it would cause him to take another step back.

“When we first went on lock down in 2020, it was really hard for me to stay motivated and keep up with my school work for what we thought was only going to be two weeks of online learning,” said Monejano.

“The lockdown really took a toll on me and really affected me to lose all motivation to keep going and pushing myself to complete my work,” he said. “And to think that this new variant can cost us another lockdown – I don't think I will be able to handle it again.”

Coronavirus continues to spread with 90,000 daily new cases, according to US News. It is important that everyone plays their part in keeping themselves safe and updated. When the variant is under control, the safer and more relieved everyone will be.

Gun safety can prevent homicide and suicide

Published May 18, 2022

Story by Ricardo Hernandez

Homeowners, single moms and many others question if they should have a gun at home just in case of a break-in or the need of self-defense.

While people feel that firearms allow them to protect themselves and their loved ones, if a gun gets in the hands of a child, someone that is intoxicated or someone that is suffering a mental health crisis, it can be dangerous and even fatal.

Common sense gun laws and regulations are also shown to prevent homicide and suicide. But as long as people own guns, gun safety must be taken seriously.

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice found that about 60 percent of all adult firearm deaths are by suicide. Deaths by homicide take up 61 percent of adult firearm deaths – just one percent more than deaths by suicide.

These tragedies can even be committed by teens. Some of the largest homicides in the United States have been committed by teenagers: school shootings. On February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff in a high school in Parkland, Florida, murdering 17 people with a semi-automatic rifle.

With the perpetrator just 19 years old, people asked, “how can a kid his age have an assault weapon?”

To have a gun and ammunition at home in California, owners must be 21 years of age, get a state-issued permit and attend gun safety classes to renew their gun permit every five years.

The second amendment of the constitution allows citizens to legally own and possess guns in the State of California, but the state has the right to regulate and restrict the ownership of certain types of guns and to certain types of people. It is believed to benefit the safety of the people of California.

According to Aftermath, there are about “492 people unintentionally killed by guns in an average year. Thus far in 2022, there have been unintentional shootings by over 21 children resulting in 9 deaths and 13 injuries.”

But there's still a problem: when people own guns at home, whether legally or illegally, that's where accidental homicides come in. Some people keep guns in well-known places where children and teens can reach them. Guns should be kept in a place where others can’t find them because having a registered weapon at home has rules that must be followed. Gun owners must take gun safety classes to learn how to hide their weapon and keep their family safe.

Gun safety classes teach people the rules of how to safely handle their firearms and how to keep them out of the reach of children and teens. Common sense rules are to store it somewhere safe, always have the safety on, keep it locked, unloaded and covered with a sheath and the most important: never point it at anyone else.

Gun safety is a necessity even among the gun control debate. If people own guns, they need to be trained to handle firearms because they are still deadly weapons. Even with gun control laws, gun safety must be practiced to reduce homicide and suicide by firearm. Gun owners’ main priority should be to keep themselves and their families safe from accidental homicide and suicide.

Shootings in Southern California reflect a bigger problem

Published May 12, 2022

Story by Rebecca Ponce

In the United States, there have been 179,890 injuries and 91,949 deaths due to gun violence in the past five years. Just in the week of April 20, 2022, there were 370 deaths and 803 injuries.

In the first week of April, freeway shootings in LA County made headlines. On Tuesday April 5, three incidents were reported in just 24 hours.

The first incident was reported in the afternoon from the northbound 710 freeway near the 105 in Paramount.

According to Fox 11, highway patrol reported an unknown SUV driving near the passenger side of a vehicle and opened fire.

The second reported shooting was in the morning around 10:30 a.m on eastbound 91 freeway close to the Avalon Boulevard off-ramp in Carson.

The third shooting took place overnight on the 710 freeway in South Gate. Gun fire started between vehicles around 12:30 a.m. The suspect was in the third lane, while the victim was on the first. Gunfire was aimed directly at the victim, who pulled over to call 911. The suspect fled, and the victim died later on in the hospital.

These incidents have produced victims of gun violence. Being a victim of gun violence can cause them to have anxiety, depression and trauma. It also affects the economy. Communities, families and individuals lose $51.2 billion dollars a year from victims and perpetrators.

Gun violence is a problem in the U.S, yet not enough action has been taken to prevent it. Gun ownership is the highest in the United States. More precautions and laws should be made in order to reduce gun violence. We can protect our economy, communities, schools and families.

While firearms are commonly used for hunting, target shooting and self-defense, they can become deadly under the wrong ownership. It can result into self-injury such as suicide or accidental homicide.

To prevent gun violence, there should be proper criminal background checks required to purchase a gun. Yet background checks still won’t promise the safety of others as people can get their hands on firearms without background checks.

Everytown Research reports that “U.S. states with weaker gun laws and higher gun ownership rates have higher rates of mass shootings.”

In California, the minimum age required to purchase a gun is 21, but the minimum age to buy ammunition is 18.

According to Gun.Laws.com, 86 percent of juveniles that are in correctional facilities have owned a firearm, while 65 percent of juvenile offenders have owned three or more illegal firearms. In Rochester, New York, about 22 percent of young males living in the city carry illegal guns. Harvard Public Health found that 82 percent of teens 17 and under who committed suicide used a firearm.

Teens should not be able to own or carry guns as they make teens more likely to inflict self-harm and become dangerous around others.

About 7.011 million guns were manufactured in 2019. During the coronavirus pandemic, the rate of gun purchases increased. The Annals of Internal Medicine discovered that 7.5 million U.S. adults became gun owners for the first time during the months of January and April 2021, and, according to U.S. News, gun violence increased by 30 percent during the pandemic.

Gun violence in the U.S might not come to a stop immediately, but there are many ways to help predict it, prevent it and stop it. The United States can start by adding more security in public areas, enacting common sense gun laws and educating younger generations about gun violence.

Homophobic laws in Texas and Florida affect LGBTQ+ youth

Published March 4, 2022

Story by Matan Bendor

Homophobia has been a topic of debate and contention for many years around the U.S., despite gay marriage having been legalized on June 26, 2015.

In February, Florida House Representative Carlos Smith spoke against a bill nicknamed “Don’t Say Gay,” officially called HB 1557: Parental Rights in Education.

This bill would disclose all discussions about LGBTQ+ matters in Florida classrooms.

It also requires “schools to tell parents within six weeks of learning the student is any sexual orientation other than straight,” says FOX News.

“State laws that ban or constrain the discussion of LGBT life in classrooms - sometimes referred to as "no promo homo" laws - are not uncommon in the US,” according to BBC News.

The White House has claimed the bill is “designed to attack” LGBTQ+ kids and teens.

This bill will harm students in the future by suggesting that being gay is to be kept secret, not talked about or that it is something to fear and hate. In reality, these are just personal opinions of politicians that don’t belong in a classroom.

As reported by Clifford Rosky, a law professor at the University of Utah, “anti-gay curriculum laws currently exist in as many as 20 states.”

By intentionally restricting education about the topic, it encourages students to not consider themselves anything other than straight or cisgender, while requiring schools to “out” students to their families can have dangerous consequences.

According to Out Not Down, 40 percent of teens are kicked out of their homes after coming out.

President Biden stated, “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are," as reported from NPR News.

NPR also mentions that Biden tweeted, “I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve."

Florida is not the only state that has recently been on an anti-LGBTQ crusade. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has called upon “licensed officials” — including teachers — to report parents who seek treatment for their transgender kids for child abuse.

NBC News reported, “Gov. Greg Abbott said those who fail to report instances of minors receiving gender-affirming medical care could face ‘criminal penalties.’”

Instead of focusing on the state, Abbott has chosen to personally interfere in the lives of transgender kids and punish parents who seek to support their children.

Reseda student Ivan Hernandez shared his opinion on this matter: “I think that what Florida and Texas are doing is stupid, and they don’t care that the teens will be affected in a negative way.” He went on to explain that what the two states are doing is unjust and that Biden is right to fight it. Hernandez asks, “why do they have to do that?”

“There are so many things to worry about that are worse than LGBTQ since they aren’t even hurting anyone,” he said. “People just hurt them.”

Laws like those in Texas and Florida suppress LGBTQ+ individuals, rob them of education that reflects who they are, and make them feel inferior. Every person should be respected equally no matter what gender or sexuality they identify as.

Without an acknowledgment of the LGBTQI+ population in schools, those who will later understand their sexuality and gender may be hindered in their self-acceptance, and transgender youth may not get a chance to accept themselves at all if they are denied care.

States like Florida and Texas need to move forward and realize that the LGBTQ+ population is people, too. Any political leader that does not recognize this does not deserve to lead their state or country.

New bell affects students and staff

Published February 24, 2022

Story by Mallory Blake

The bell that rings to tell students to go to class has a big impact.

On Feb 2., Reseda changed its bell after having the same one for four years. According to Administration, the bell was last changed during the first semester of the Class of 2022’s freshman year, in 2018. Changing the bell sparked controversy among students and staff on campus.

Junior Easton Satin Shaw has found that the new bell is “discouraging and hard to hear every day.”

Areli Mercado commented on her experience: “The bell messes up my mood, but I actually find it easier to hear.”

Students even went as far as creating a petition regarding the bell change to get attention from administration. Ms. Rickey Onadja, Assistant Principal, had said that the administration may reconsider changing the bell back if close to 75% of the student body (800 students), signed the petition. However, the petition has only received around 200 signatures from students and staff on campus.

The bell was probably changed to sound more modern, as construction is already happening to modernize the school. The last time construction took place on campus was during the 1960s.

Things changing without warning can have different effects and differ per person. Some people enjoy changes, some hate changes and some could care less about things changing.

Sophomore Ella Morales said, “I honestly was surprised when I first heard the new bell because there was no warning that the bell was being changed, but it didn’t have much of a toll on me. I think the bell is about the same decibel, so it is neither harder or easier to hear the bell.”

With construction going on around campus and in loud classrooms, it may be hard to hear the new bell for some. Many have found that the bell sounds too similar to the noise the loud speakers make when an announcement is about to be made or to construction noises.

Math teacher Ms.Hanson shared her observations and said, “Initially it was distracting and confusing for most of my students because of how similar it sounded to the construction; some didn’t know when class was starting or ending. On top of that, the bell is rarely on time.”

What might help everyone to hear the bell is having a higher decibel bell and or upgrading the loudspeakers throughout the school during construction.

Despite differing opinions, the bell seems to be here to stay.

High amount of COVID cases lead students to reconsider in-person schooling

Published February 24, 2022

Story by Matan Bendor

Talk of wanting to go back to virtual learning has grown throughout Reseda.

As bad as some students want to return to virtual learning, schools will not close due to California's suggestion that schools should stay open. This will keep all LAUSD schools open, not just Reseda.

According to Cal Matters, “Unlike many districts, Los Angeles Unified has the necessary COVID safety precautions in place and has had them since we returned to in-person learning in August.”

All LAUSD staff had to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 10 and had to upload their vaccination cards. This also pertained to students.

Masks are mandatory in and out of classrooms, and students and teachers have to cover their faces fully. All students must be vaccinated by August 2022.

After a poll, The Regent Roar found that a total of 19 people said that they think the school should go back to virtual learning and that 38 said the school shouldn't. Four staff members participated in the vote: two said yes to going virtual and two said no.

As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, Reseda only has 2 postive cases. LAUSD should be optimistic, though, since Reseda’s rates alone have gone down .42 percent, and they have been steadily declining since January.

LAUSD is taking all precautions to keep schools open so that students won’t lose touch with a more “normal” education and face more learning loss. Keeping students in school helps with focus and improvement in grades and ambition.

Many students say that their motivation in school greatly decreased once they started classes on Zoom, and many parents were unhappy that their kids had to use screens to learn.

Student Alexander Sizalema says, “It was a lot harder for me to focus on Zoom, and I didn’t do well in school.”

Other students struggled to understand the content of many of their classes since they could not access the same materials as opposed to learning in the classroom with other students.

Reseda hopes to see changes in COVID cases and full vaccination of all students. And as a district, all LAUSD schools will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Students share their opinions on Valentine's Day

Published February 10, 2022

Story and Photos by Jenny Puban

People either love or hate Valentine’s Day.

Feb. 14, or Valentine’s Day, is the day that many people show their love to their friends, families and partners. Everyone has different opinions about the holiday. The Regent Roar asked and gathered opinions from Reseda students to share with their readers.

Senior Gabriela Gonzalez, who likes Valentine’s Day, shared her thoughts: “It is the day where people show their affections to their friends, partners or loved ones.” She added, “Although that shouldn’t be just Valentine’s Day.”

Gonzalez, however, doesn’t consider Valentine’s Day to be a special day and mentioned, “To give something as a gift, we do not need to wait for a day like this.”

Parmida Hemati, a sophomore in the Environmental Club, stated that Valentine’s Day “is pretty nice” as she planned to pass out Valentine's grams to people who ordered from her club. She said what makes Valentine’s Day special is “people being in love.”

Molly Sandridge, a junior, shared that she loves “getting to buy sweet gifts” for her friends. “I think what’s special about Valentine’s Day is getting to celebrate the love and friendship that I have with my friends,” she said.

Melida Amaya, a member of the soccer team, said that she likes Valentine’s Day because “it’s a great day to express your love to your loved ones and show them how much they meant to you,” and later added, “What’s special about Valentine’s Day is that you get to hug your friends and show them love!”

Tina Tazehdel from 11th grade thinks “It’s a good time to remind yourself of love or to show your love to someone.” She also mentioned that “couples are happy,” and that is what makes Valentine’s Day special.

Despite all those that like Valentine’s Day, Junior Jasmine Altmark has a strong opposing view of it.

“I don’t really enjoy it because it’s more of a romantic day, and I’m not in a relationship,” said Altmark. “It’s definitely overhyped,” she added.

She later said that people who celebrate Valentine’s Day “crave something that is a marketing tactic.”

Students have different points of view on Valentine’s Day, whether they believe it's a day to show love or that it doesn't need to be celebrated. However, Valentine's Day or not, everyone should focus on their loved ones every day while Valentine's Day can remind others that there is always someone who loves them and cares by their side.

Students share their thoughts on A-G requirements

Published December 15, 2021

Story by Ada Garnica

A-G requirements are mandatory classes California students take throughout high school. At first, the requirements only applied to college and university admissions, but California high schools adopted A-G requirements as graduation requirements so students would be ready for college at the CSUs.

In order to graduate, students must pass all A-G classes. Two years of social science, four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of science, two years of LOTE which means The World Languages, 1 year of VPA which stands for Visual Performing Arts, and one year of an elective.

Student Mallory Blake is a sophomore at Reseda Charter High School who has already taken some of the classes required for A-G credits.

Blake believes that “some of the requirements are a bit unnecessary,” but that “a majority of them are important.”

Blake restated the purpose of the requirements is to “to take a variety of classes within a few different categories.”

The Regent Roar also interviewed Nayely Barrera, a senior at Reseda Charter High School, who has completed all of her A-G requirements.

She thinks that “certain requirements like English and Spanish are the most important.”

Barrera also shared her excitement for the A-G elective requirement that she has to take next semester: “I haven't taken it yet, but I know I'll love the art class.”

Zayn Malik has been accused of “striking” his girlfriend’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, sparking conversation on domestic violence

Published December 10, 2021

Story by Jasmine Altmark

Zayn Malik’s alleged “striking” of his girlfriend’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, has raised more awareness towards the issue of domestic violence.

The former One Direction star has been under fire for alleged domestic violence against the mother of model Gigi Hadid.

The supposed incident occurred on Sept. 29. Malik has been charged with four harassment offenses.

According to TMZ, the argument occurred at his and Gigi’s home when the conflict occurred. That’s when he allegedly called Yolanda Hadid a sexist slur, cursed at her and pushed her into a dresser. He also allegedly tried to fight a security guard.

Malik tweeted out on Oct. 28, saying, “In an effort to protect that space for her I agreed to not contest claims arising from an argument I had with a family member of my partner’s who entered our home while my partner was away several weeks ago.”

According to Page 6, Malik has to complete a domestic violence program and take an anger management class as well as pay several hundred dollars.

Malik has been sentenced with 360 days of probation for multiple charges and also cannot have contact with the security guard or Yolanda.

The Hadid/Malik case is not the only domestic violence incident that has occurred among celebrities.

In 2009, Chris Brown bit Rihanna’s arm and hit her head on a car window.

According to ESPN, Dwayne Haskins was allegedly injured by his wife. It was reported by the police that she punched him in the mouth which caused him to lose a tooth. He originally denied the attack but his wife faces domestic violence charges.

Many women feel that abuse is “normal” and that they should keep quiet about it if it happens. Many men are also disregarded if they are abused and also feel the need to keep it quiet because of the shame. According to Reuters, “Men tend to worry that they would not be believed, or that they would be perceived as less massculine if they reported abuse, their analysis found.”

According to National Coaltion Against Domestic Violence, “1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post traumatic stress disorder, use of victimservices, contraction of sexually transmitted disease, etc.”

Victims often stay because that person promised they would change, acting like they’re the only person that they have, thinking that the abuse is just in their head, fear of people not believing them, etc.

Here are some tips to avoid or help anyone escape an abusive situation:

1. Look for the physical signs of domestic violence like bruises or black eyes and emotional signs like being on edge, depression, or isolation.

2. If students know someone who is in an abusive situation, they shouldn’t give up on them. They need your help. Let them open up when they feel comfortable.

3. Don’t pressure a victim If they feel pressured, they might withdraw further.

4. Give them support. Let them feel as comfortable as possible.

5. Don’t blame them. It’s not their fault.

6. If students hear or see domestic violence occurring, they should immediately call the police.

7. Help the victim make a safety plan.

8. Think of a place to go, like a trusted family member or friend.

9. Help victims put together a carry bag that is accessible with passports, social security cards, money, some clothes, etc.

10. Make a list of shelters, domestic abuse hotline, and, most importantly, emergency contacts.

11. As an alternative to calling law enforcement, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline number below.

If students know anyone or are themselves in an immediately dangerous situation, they should call 9-1-1. For help getting out of an abusive situation, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233).

Reseda fire alarm goes off in class

Published December 10, 2021

Story by Jorge Mira

On separate occasions, the fire alarm was pulled twice this semester. Both instances were deemed false alarms.

However, it used to go off more in the past.

According to Mr. Jorge Lira, a teacher’s assistant and Reseda alumnus, who has worked here since before the pandemic, the fire alarm “used to go off every other day.”

“It was at least once a week,” added Ms. Rachael Kaufman, a yoga, English and yearbook teacher.

Most likely, the students who pull the alarm do so as a prank and run, making the troublemakers anonymous.

“There were no consequences for the students, therefore it kept happening,” said Lira.

As annoying as this is for students and teachers, the fire alarm is incredibly

Important in case of an actual emergency.

“The fire alarm helps us because it can save lives by telling us that there is a fire and everyone can evacuate,” shared Lira.

While it hasn’t been as much of a problem this year, students must continue to take the fire alarm seriously. That means no more pulling pranks or fire alarms.

This way, if and when there is a real fire, everyone will be prepared.

Reseda High School boasts famous alumni and appearances in multiple films

Published December 6, 2021

Updated December 10, 2021

Story by Matan Bendor

Famous alumni, TV productions, and movie sets have all been a part of Reseda Charter High School’s history, much of which current students may recognize or never heard of.

According to All About Jazz, Ted Nash graduated from Reseda in 1978. He is a well-known American jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer who was born into a musical family with a well-known father and uncle, both Hollywood musicians. According to “All Music” Nash has won two Grammys and is one of the founders of Jazz Composers Collective

According to IMDb, Randy Kerber, another well-known alumnus of Reseda, is a famous pianist who composed all piano solos in the 2016 musical romance “La La Land.'' Kerber graduated from Reseda in 1976, was nominated for an Oscar in 1986 for the movie “The Color Purple” and was nominated for a Grammy for his arrangement of "Over the Rainbow" for Barbra Streisand.

Many students might know Garik Davtyan and his girlfriend, Britney, from TikTok, who have over 6.6 million followers and over 311 million views on TikTok, with most videos banking over 1 million views each. Davtyan, whose most popular video has over 70 million views on TikTok, graduated from Reseda in 2019.

The 2017 film “Spiderman Homecoming” featured some scenes shot at Reseda. One scene with Tom Holland as Peter Parker was shot in the A building on the first floor near the staircase.

The 2007 hit song “Misery Business” by Paramore has accumulated 229 million views in total since 2007. The music video for “Misery Business” includes a part shot at Reseda. The pop-rock music video has over 200 million views.

The TV show “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” also features scenes shot at Reseda in episode 6.9 and Episode 9.5.

The 2021 movie “Licorice Pizza” included some outdoor scenes filmed at Reseda likely prior to construction. “Licorice Pizza” is in theaters now.

Its students know that Reseda is a very unique school, made even more so with its famous alumni and appearances in popular movies and TV shows. It will hopefully continue to do so as time goes on.

CAMPUS RENOVATIONS TO REMOVE "CONTROVERSIAL" SIGN AND BRING RESEDA INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

Published October 21, 2021

Story by Matan Bendor

The “Homemaking” sign has been perched on the H-building since the 1950s, but construction plans show that the sign will eventually be taken down and the building possibly leveled.

Homemaking classes were not only popular but also common in the 1950s, so having a building with a few classes dedicated to the practice wasn't absurd at the time.

It is odd, however, that no changes were made to the building in the school’s 66-year history. To push the school forward into the 21st century, our current principal, Ms. Welsh, has put forward plans to renovate this building. This is an important topic because, in the past, women were expected to abide by the “housewife” lifestyle and “take care of” their husbands.

There was even a Chatelaine’s Club, which was Reseda’s homemaking club for women, dating back to a yearbook from 1960.

While these were typical classes and clubs that young women were a part of back in the 50s and 60s, expectations of women have now changed. It’s time for our buildings to do the same.

Two teachers, Ms. Kaufman and Ms. Hanson had some comments on this sign.

Kaufman is a third-year teacher at Reseda Charter but a second-year teacher on campus due to the COVID-19 regulations last year during the school year.

When asked if the sign has ever been brought up to her or in general, Kaufman responds, “No, I actually don't think I’ve ever really noticed it more than just have like seen it.” She goes on to say that it has become a part of her life to see that sign, and it didn't stand out.

She says that she never really connected H-building with the Homemaking sign, which is what the H stands for, and that she saw it when she first came here, but it just blended in with the rest of the school.

Kaufman mentions, “I knew that that's where our ASB and art classroom was before, so I never had that association with what the room could've been previously.”

She talks about how the course would be an archaic type of course for its specific role that was placed on women at the time.

“I think a big issue with removing that sign could be the fact that we have such a historic campus, so, in renovations, we do need to keep things the way they are,” says Kaufman when asked what she knows about renovations and changes to the school, including the sign. She does add though that with the renovations, the sign will come down, but in the past, the sign may have been kept for historic reasons.

One could argue that the sign might not be a part of history that needs to be displayed on the building for the whole school to see, but rather talked about and learned from to not repeat history. Simply calling it the “H-building” is much more progressive for the school, and keeping the “H,” can teach students what it means and where it came from.

Ms. Hanson states, “This is my first year on campus. My first year was during the pandemic,” when asked how long she had been teaching here. She also says that she is a Regent alumna, Class of 06.

She has never had anyone mention the Homemaking sign to her in this school, but she does remember seeing it still in place when she went to school here from 2002-2006.

Hanson explains, “My mom and uncle went to Reseda High in the 70s. They used to offer classes including a woodshop, metal shop, and home economics. I believe the home economics classes were held in the H building,” in response to being asked about any knowledge of the history of the sign in relation to the school.

Home economics would be a useful class to teach to everyone — not just women — and should still be an option in schools today.

Hanson agrees and tells the Regent Roar, “I like it and would like schools to bring back some of these skills for course credit. Not everyone is destined for academia. There are many esteemed and lucrative careers beyond the scope of academics. Trade schools, culinary/pastry schools, and others are valuable skills and paths for students to choose. I would like to teach home economics.”

The “Homemaking” sign and H-building have so much history and controversy that they are worth being talked and taught about and taught so today’s Regents learn their own school’s history.