Tag Archives: Leslie Cardenas

Opinion: Willow Project is Concerning

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By Leslie Cardenas

President Biden’s administration has approved the controversial Willow Project, a massive oil drilling project in Alaska.

The large-scale oil drilling project had been going through the administration’s approval process for months until its approval on March 13. Throughout these months, climate change activists have been protesting this project by sending more than one million letters to the White House and a Change.org petition that has over 3 million signatures. 

So, what is the Willow Project?

The Willow Project is a massive $8 billion oil drilling project on Alaska’s North Slope in the National Petroleum Reserve. It would open up 600 million barrels of oil and would produce 239 million metric tons of CO2 in 30 years. Most of the oil produced would take years to reach the market since the project has not even begun construction.

Jim Sugar/Getty Images

Originally, ConocoPhillips, the company that proposed Willow, was approved by the Trump administration in 2020 and was initially set to construct five pads. The Biden administration however, reduced it down to three pads. Although the Biden administration had approved The Willow Project, it might take some time before construction can even begin due to impending legal challenges. Earthjustice is an environmental law group that will more than likely file a complaint against the project and try to block the project from going forward.

Why should you be concerned?

As I said before, when started, the project would produce 239 million metric tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This is the equivalent of 64 coal-fired power plants. The Willow Project would be a “carbon bomb,” according to environmental organizations.

Essentially, the noise, traffic, and pollution would not only be devastating to those who call Alaska their home but would affect the world as a whole. People may think that it is only animals being affected but that is not the case. There are Indigenous Alaskans who would be affected by The Willow Project as well. The project threatens the caribou population which is a vital resource many native communities rely on. This project goes directly against Biden’s campaign promise as well.

(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for This is Zero Hour)

Here’s three ways you can help:

  1. Sign the Change.org petition.
  2. Write to The White House 

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20500

  1. Contact Local Representatives

You can find out where your local representatives stand regarding the issue and contact them. If you are not sure of your congressional district or who your representative is you may use this government website.

Celestial Messages: Spring Horoscopes

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By Lady Selene

Spring is here with the start of the Spring Equinox and the beginning of Aries season.

Pisces, Aries, and Taurus let’s take a look at your seasonal horoscope!

•Pisces (Feb 19-March 20)

While others around you may be stepping into the light, Pisces, you may want to consider hibernation. This shadow part of the year is comfortable and natural for you. Stepping into the light may be stressful and challenging. So, you should take a couple weeks to adjust and accept your desire for peace and privacy. 

•Aries (March 21-April 19)

It’s your season, Aries. The start of Aries season along with the Aries new moon, that took place March 21, both signify new beginnings for you, and the Equinox symbolizes balance. These work hand-in-hand to let you know that the more you want equality and balance in your life, the quicker they will come to you. Your manifestations will come into fruition if you align yourself to the movements of everything around you.

•Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Balance is natural for you, Taurus. The Spring Equinox is the time for arranging things ready for a spring clean, for seeing balance and your happiest time of the year. Prepare to fill a big bag of items that you no longer need or love. You’re a little hoarder so make sure you are tough on yourself and say goodbye to anything that may throw you off balance.

Flower Language

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By Leslie Cardenas

Writing a letter is one way to show your affection to someone, another way to show love is through flowers. 

Around Valentine’s Day, many people show their partner affection through the gift of flowers, but did you know that these flowers all hold specific meanings? It’s called flower language and it’s been around since the 1800’s. “Le Langage des fleurs” by Charlotte de la Tour was the first popular book published on the subject. The book offered many, many different meanings to specific flowers to be used in making bouquets. 

With that in mind, here are 15 flowers you can use in your bouquets this Valentine’s day.

  1. Aster- Symbol of Love & Daintiness

2. Red Camellia – You’re the flame in my heart

3. Carnation – Fascination, female love, & Mother’s love

4. Red Chrysanthemum  – I love you

5. Daisy – Innocence, Loyal Love, I’ll never tell

6. Forget-me-not – True love memories, do not forget me

7. Gardenia – You’re lovely, secret love

8. Honeysuckle – Bonds of love

9. Jasmine, Yellow – Grace; Elegance

10. Morning Glory – Affection

11. Rose, Red – I love you, love

12. Rose, White –  I am worthy of you

13. Salvia, Red –  forever mine

14. Tulip, red – passion, declaration of love

15. Tulip, yellow – Sunshine in your smile

Top 10 Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

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By Leslie Cardenas

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner you might want to get into the season of love with music. All songs are from different genres and all express something different. Here are my top 10 songs to listen to when you are in love:

#10. My Girl by The Temptations

#9 – Sabor a Mi by Eydie Gorme y Los Panchos

#8 – Valentine by Laufey 

#7 – Watch Me by Labi Siffre 

#6 – Come and Get Your Love by Redbone

#5 – Space Age Love Song by A Flock of Seagulls

#4 – Light My Love by Greta Van Fleet

#3 – Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez 

#2 –  Ma Belle Evangeline from The Princess and The Frog

#1 – (They Long To Be) Close To You by The Carpenters

Do you want more love songs? Check out the Spotify playlist below to fulfill your listening needs!

Celestial Messages: Your Holiday Horoscopes

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December – February Horoscopes

By Lady Selene

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Blessings will be coming your way, Sagittarius, so make sure you prepare to take on any new responsibilities you may manifest. Now is also the perfect time to share your creativity and to step out of your shell and thrive.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

You may keep to yourself this month, which means it is the perfect opportunity to keep your intentions under wraps and begin to focus on yourself and your plans.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Inspiration may take on a big part of your life. You may feel inspired to change the things in your life that are no longer bringing you positive vibes. You may notice that it is hard for you to make connections with other people right now. Take into account the people around you, but don’t completely cut people off. 

Yule Celebrations & the Origins of Christmas

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By Leslie Cardenas

Christmas is the time that we spend with our families and friends, but the usual traditions we all enjoy come from long-ago Pagan traditions.

Yule marks the beginning of the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, and it celebrates the return of the sun. Lighting candles, lights on the tree, and stars represent the return of the light. After the winter solstice the days start to get longer and brighter, which is why we celebrate. Yule is traditionally celebrated by the Germanic peoples; they call it Midwinter.

The Christian holiday Christmas is heavily influenced by yule and the traditions surrounding it. Now, this holiday has become a representation of the characters, traditions, and symbols associated with Christianity.

During this time, we set our wishes into the universe for the new year. One way many witches do this is by making a yule log.

The yule log is one of many traditions that many Pagans participate in. The yule log is made up of the bark of a tree (or at times, a cake). The log is adorned with red, white, green candles, pine cones, mistletoe, pine, and evergreen. At times, cinnamon sticks and dried oranges can also be used if your intentions are to bring abundance into your life. The log is usually set in an altar or a centerpiece on the dining table. On the night of the winter solstice, the candles are burned to release the intended wishes into the universe.

Rose Parade Auditions

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JGHS working to join the 605 All-Star Band

By Giselle Ortiz and Leslie Cardenas

The John Glenn High School marching band and color guard decided to take a break from their usual competitive season this year and focused on their marching skills as they auditioned for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.

For the past 3 months, the band and color guard have been rehearsing to participate in the 605 All-Star Band. The 605 Band includes John Glenn, Norwalk, La Mirada, Bellflower, Cerritos, Artesia, Gahr, and Mayfair. These eight schools have banded together to record an audition tape to be admitted into the parade. The recording of the audition took place on December 4, 2022 at Bellflower High School.

While the band had much time on their hands to practice their marching, the color guard was awaiting a video of their routine to “Life is a Highway,” one of the songs the band auditioned with. Weeks passed by but the color guard still had nothing. It wasn’t until Thanksgiving where the color guard finally received their video. So when we got back from break, the color guard got to work learning their routine as a team. They had 4 days to learn the complete routine. 

Recording day was split into two parts. The first part was marching in a parade block and the second part was the field show.

Mr. Hinojoz (JGHS band director) conducting the 605 All-Star Band.

The morning of recording day, the band, color guard, and battery got divided into different sections. Band was on the football field, the color guard was on the practice field, and the battery was in the parking lot. The band began by warming up on the track. We did warm-ups for about 20 minutes before we began to run our first song, “Life is a Highway.” The sound of the band was amazing, we sounded full and strong. Eventually, the video photographers recorded our audio and after recording, we got a 10-minute break.

After our 10-minute break, we got back to the track to record us marching. This time, the color guard and battery joined us. We all got put into our ranks, which took a while since all the band directors were moving students around to make the block work better. Once we were set we began to march in a block while pretending to play. Towards the end of part one, we were given a break. When we came back, the pit for the field portion had been set up. We played with the field battery and pit a couple times and then we broke off for lunch.

During lunch, it began to sprinkle. The band directors decided to put us into the MPR. This delayed the recording of the field portion by about an hour.

The 605 band forming a “605” freeway sign.

Once it began to calm down we all headed back to the stadium. We finally began to work on the field portion. The field portion was the part most people did not enjoy. The JGHS marching band is specifically a parade band, not field. So we did not know anything about the drill nor were we used to the amount of time we would have to reset. We stood in one spot for a very long time. Though they let us have our jackets on while setting up, the minute we had to record they had us take our jackets off. It was very cold and many people were concerned about getting sick. The whole time we were told to airplay. It wasn’t until the very last run through where we were allowed to play.

Our overall experience during recording day wasn’t the best. But sure, the beginning was fun since it was something we are used to. 

Here are some more pics from that day:

Start of the day; members of the band line up by section.
The parade block; sign held up by color guard.
Drum majors from different schools representing the 605 Band. (JGHS drum major in the far left back: Lisette Rivas)
Field show for “Johnny B. Goode.”
JGHS trumpets during the field show. 
(Starting 3rd trumpet from the left: Andres Esparza, Franklin Zelada, Jacob Salcido)
Final drill of the day, the guitar.

In Memoriam: People We Lost in 2022

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By Leslie Cardenas

Christine McVie

English musician, and the vocalist and keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac. McVie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970. She wrote many of the songs including “You Make Loving Fun,” “Songbird” (which she also sings), and “Say You Love Me.” McVie’s death was announced through her family on Facebook. “She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30th 2022, following a short illness.” Christine’s friend and longtime singing partner Stevie Nicks also posted a statement.

Leslie Jordan

American actor, comedian, writer, and singer. Jordan was in several television shows. His television roles include Beverly Leslie on Will & Grace and several characters on American Horror Story. He was known to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Jordan passed away on October 24th in a car crash. He was 67 years old.

Robbie Coltrane

Scottish actor and comedian who gained recognition for bringing the loveable character Rubeus Hagrid to life in the Harry Potter movies. Coltrane was appointed an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2006 in the New Year’s Honours by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama. Coltrane died on October 14th. He was 72.

Sacheen Littlefeather

Native American actress, model, and activist on behalf of Native American civil rights. In 1973, Littlefeather went up on stage at the Oscars. She was dressed in her beaded buckskin dress. Littlefeather rejected an award on behalf of Marlon Barndo because of the mistreatment of Native Americans in the film industry at the time. She also mentioned Wounded Knee in her speech. The reaction of the audience was very disappointing with everyone booing her off stage. Actor John Wayne was so enraged with her speech that he had to be restrained by bodyguards because he attempted to physically attack her. Littlefeather sacrificed her whole career in order to give the speech that would make history. Sacheen will forever be a Native icon. She passed away on October 2nd at the age of 75.

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II had the longest reign of any British monarch and the longest reign of any female monarch in history. The Queen’s reign lasted 70 years. She was born in Mayfair, London. She was married to Philip Mountbatter, they had four children, Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. She passed away September 8th at the age of 96.

Olivia Newton-John

British-Australian singer, actress, and activist. She was a four-time Grammy Award winner. She was best known for her role as Sandy in Grease. Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and in 2017 she announced that the cancer had spread to her lower back. Olivia passed away August 8th with her family and friends by her side. She was 73.

Vin Scully

American sportscaster. He was known for being the “Voice of the Dodgers.” Scully entertained Dodger fans for 67 years. He was the longest tenured broadcaster with a single team in pro sports history. Scully passed away August 2nd at his home in Los Angeles. Scully was 93.

Margaret’s Place and Domestic Violence Awareness Week

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By Leslie Cardenas

To recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Margaret’s Place and its Peer Leaders conducted a school-wide campaign at JGHS this week, which included activities that were designed to empower students to get involved in ending the cycle of violence and promoting healthy relationships.

Each day, Margaret’s Place and its Peer Leaders hosted many activities during lunch time. On Monday, Margaret’s Place Peer Leaders tabled in the quad during lunch to encourage students to participate in our interactive mural. The interactive mural consists of responses to prompts on how to stand up, speak out, and make a change against domestic violence.

On Tuesday, Peer Leaders tabled in the quad once again, this time passing out tip cards and information on DV. On Wednesday, a trivia game was hosted inside Margaret’s Place (room 303). The trivia game helped students learn more about DV and how to get help. Students were invited to come to Margaret’s Place on Thursday to create art and writing around DV awareness and healthy relationships. This art may be submitted to be on a Margaret’s Place zine that will be distributed electronically to all Margaret’s Places in L.A. and NYC. Finally on Friday, students were encouraged to wear purple to honor domestic violence awareness.

Margaret’s Place offers individual and group therapy with our counselor Mrs. Lara. Margaret’s Place is a safe space for anyone and everyone to join. Room 303 is open during snack or lunch. Every Monday, Mrs. Lara hosts “Mindful Mondays” where students can learn about being mindful.

Domestic Violence affects an estimated 10 million people every year in the United States alone. As many as one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence.

Physical abuse is often the first thing people think of when they hear domestic violence, although that is not always the case. Abuse by immigration status, emotional, sexual, technological, and financial abuse are all types of abuse that are often used in abusive relationships. Many abusers hold power and control over their victims.

Power and control is when an abusive partner uses abusive tactics to keep their partner in a relationship. For example, if person A in a relationship is an undocumented immigrant, person B may use that to control the person by threatening to call immigration officials if person A makes an attempt at leaving the relationship. This is just one of the many ways an abuser might hold power and control over someone.

If you or anyone you know need support of any kind or think you are currently in an abusive relationship, speak to our Margaret’s Place counselor Mrs. Lara in room 303. If you prefer to call or text someone please use the resources provided below.

Hotlines:

National DV – (800) 799-SAFE(7233)

National Suicide Prevention – (800) 273-8255

Love Is Respect – (866) 331-9474

Chat lines:

National DV chat line – Text “Start” to 88788

Love Is Respect – Text “Loveis” to 22522

Opinion: Dress Code Inconsistent

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By Leslie Cardenas

While the dress code is made to encourage a positive learning environment, it frequently is used inconsistently and targets girls more than guys.

“I believe that the dress code system is a double standard; guys are allowed to wear and show certain things and certain parts. But when girls are showing or wearing something it’s seen as inappropriate or distracting,” said Daniel Flores.

The sexualization of young women’s bodies is a great issue when it comes to the dress code. Crop tops, tank tops, shorts, and skirts are all seen as “distracting” or “immodest” whenever a young woman is seen wearing them. Meanwhile, if a young man is seen wearing any of these it is not seen as such. Many students believe that this clothing that is socially seen as “immodest” isn’t really immodest. 

A few weeks back, California went through a massive heat wave. This heat wave hit temperatures as high as 100 degrees. Many people could be seen around campus wearing tank tops and shorts. But because of the dress code, girls were more cautious when wearing said tank tops. “The fact that this heat wave was super bad and they were still kind of being strict about it.” said Adriana Zaragoza. Girls brought cover-ups just in case a staff member told them to cover up. While the girls had to be cautious, the guys did not need to do a double-take when it came to getting dress-coded.

The dress code is also often used inconsistently. According to the handbook, many trends around campus, like sagging and pajamas, are not allowed. Yet, you rarely see people getting dress-coded for these kinds of things. “I feel like it’s starting to become an eyesore of seeing dudes with shorts hanging down and at some point, you’re hoping they have something underneath,” said Jimmy Jimenez.

The school has offered some solutions to the dress code. During the 2019-2020 school year, slides and open-toed shoes were taken off the dress code and were allowed to be worn to school. The school is taking proposals to change the dress code once again. This year, the school should allow any type of tank tops like cami tops and spaghetti straps to be worn.

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