Category: Showcase

  • Congratulations to Harvard Bound Jackrabbits

    Congratulations to Harvard Bound Jackrabbits

    The Class of 2022 has worked hard to be where they are now. They’ve tackled challenging classes, tests, and competitions since their start at Poly. They’ve received acceptance letters and now know which schools they’ll go to in the fall. The beginning of a new chapter has just begun. This year, Poly has two students who have excelled and achieved so much that they’ve been accepted to Harvard University. The future Ivy Leaguers are PACE students Anouska Ortiz and Martin Bigil-Rico.

    An acceptance to Harvard is nothing to disregard. With only about a 5% acceptance rate, it’s easy for anyone to doubt an acceptance. The moment of seeing that first yes can bring out loads of emotions that begin to build up from the start of applying.

    Ortiz said the idea of her getting into Harvard hadn’t crossed her mind until it was real. She said, “I just saw the first word, ‘Congratulations!’, and started crying from happiness. My dad brought out confetti he bought a few days prior, and my family and I celebrated together that evening.”

    Ortiz said she’s “ineffably grateful for this acceptance, and I am fortunate to have received such a blessing.” She mentioned that she felt right at home during a tour of one of Harvard’s campuses. She said, “Since then, I’ve had a goal to attend Harvard, to revisit the place I felt so connected to.”

    Bigil-Rico said that the idea of attending a school like Harvard “felt unreal and more of a fantasy than anything.” He explained that seeing the acceptance came as a surprise. “I was with friends when I opened the decision letter… we all jumped out of our chairs in disbelief,” he said. He’s grateful for the opportunity and feels incredibly lucky. “While I am very excited to be attending Harvard next year, I always remind myself to keep working hard as the journey has just begun,” he said. He also mentioned that Harvard had given him a full-tuition paid for all four years he will be attending.

    Steven Meckna, an AP Euro teacher and coach, spoke positively about both students. “I had both of them as juniors during Covid. I would always open up the zoom at 7:20 AM in case anyone wanted to talk to me. Anouska would check in early and have questions about history. Martin would show up to school when it went into hybrid. So I got to know him a little better. Those guys are excellent students: an incredible intellect, ability to analyze, and a good healthy curiosity.”

    Regarding their acceptance, he said, “These are kids who have achieved what’s arguably the highest honor you can get in American academics. They’ve been accepted into and chosen to go to the most prestigious university in the country.”

    It’s important to have support behind you regarding significant decisions that’ll affect your future. 

    Ortiz said that her biggest support came from her family and teachers. She said, “My sister and dad have always pushed me to success and have always aided me throughout my high school career. Everything I do, is for the unmatched dedication of my mom, since she’s the one who has inserted the dream of going to Harvard in me since that summer before tenth grade.”

    Two teachers who have aided in her growth and education are Meckna and English teacher Sarah Schol. Ortiz said, “They as well as all of my teachers here at Poly, are always in my corner. If they’re reading this, thank you for your undevoted time and effort.”

    Bigil-Rico’s top supporters were his family and teachers. “My family supported me all along the way, and they were always there for me. I never really received pressure from them to do well in school. They really wanted me to find my own path in life,” he said.

    There was also Meckna and a Harvard professor who Bigil-Rico is an apprentice to. He said, “Mr. Meckna wrote my letter of recommendation to Harvard, and I do believe it is what got me in.” He explains how Meckna is a teacher he can go to to have a conversation and feel a connection. He said, “he is the best instructor I’ve met so far in my academic career and such a great person who I look up to as a human being, and I am ever grateful for everything he has done for me.” He also explained that after his professor at Harvard found out about his acceptance, he offered opportunities as a physics major and participation in cutting-edge research.

    Both students had advice for students who hope to achieve what they have.

    Ortiz’s advice to other students is “to pursue anything you’re passionate about. Once you find what interests you, even if it changes, you find that you’ll drive yourself. Focus on discovering your authentic passions, using those to express your truest self, because success will follow thereafter. Everything will fall into place.”

    Bigil-Rico said “to not hope on such things. Luck plays an incredible role in the admissions process. It is incredibly easy to work so hard toward getting into a certain school, have a seemingly perfect application, and then be rejected. I stressed myself out way too much, and I basically devoted my life to just getting into a college. You have to take life one step at a time: get good grades, participate in activities you’re interested in at a high level, win a couple awards, reach out and make a few connections, hang out with friends, and then when college applications come, you can worry about that.”

    Ortiz said she plans to study Harvard’s chemical and physical biology and linguistics majors. After receiving a Bachelor’s, she wants to continue her education in medical school.

    Bigil-Rico said that he wants to study physics and computer science with a secondary in literature while at Harvard. After undergrad, he wants to become a physics professor, a software engineer, or an author. He knows that whatever path he takes will be the best for him.

    Meckna had brought to High Life’s attention that these two students weren’t recognized in the latest newspaper. He advised writing an article honoring these two students. He said, “They [should] get something that needs to be addressed because these are kids that have achieved the highest things you can achieve in academics. That’s worthy of much more recognition and celebration than it’s been given.”

    He also said, “It’s a testimony to those kids and their very special efforts to be successful, to the program at the school that provided them this opportunity, and to the school that facilitates the program.”

     

  • Students Return to Poly’s Campus After Over a Year At Home

    Students Return to Poly’s Campus After Over a Year At Home

    The students of Poly High School returned back to in-person instruction on August 31 after an entire year of online learning due to Covid-19.

    After a school year of distance learning, students have mixed feelings about the transition into the new school year. Some students have found it difficult to return back to school since they have gotten used to the more independent environment of online learning, yet others are enthusiastic about being able to socialize in the classroom once again.

    Most students have not been at Poly for in-person instruction since March 13, 2020 when the district sent students home due to growing concerns regarding the virus. Instruction was moved online and students were forced to navigate their way through a new system of online schooling.

    Even during the “calm” after the chaos of figuring out how to begin teaching online for all the students, it was hard for many students to keep up with school. It seemed that there were just too many distractions on the computer, and in the students’ homes. “My grades were [bad] online,” said Poly freshman Javier Pineda Marquez. “I got distracted because my mom played loud Selena Gomez music while she was cleaning. I also played games with my screen off and on mute.”

    Another freshman, Alfonso Martinez said “I got distracted by the T.V and my sister’s class going on right next to me.”

    As conditions improved over the past year, the school district resumed normal in-person classes beginning on August 31, which students have had mixed feelings about. 

    Vanessa Marquez, a junior in CIC, said, “It’s been hard having to wake up early and actually go to school and pay close attention because I’m not really used to it.” Most students were able to wake up later during online school, like Marquez, and are having trouble getting up on time everyday. 

    “It’s been hard doing a lot of work during class and it’s very tiring,” said Angela Reyes, a junior in CIC.

    However, some students are excited about the return to the campus. Malia Ocubillo, a junior in CIC, said that being back in school has been better for her since she is able to interact and socialize with people she hasn’t seen in a long time.

    With students being back on campus, there are rules in place in order to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible, such as wearing masks at all times. Students are urged to frequently wash their hands and use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

    LBUSD also required all students that were to return to school register for Covid testing if they hadn’t yet received the vaccines as part of their safety precautions. For the Covid test, Poly High School uses a nasal swab procedure that is painless and lets students test themselves. If a student happens to test positive for Covid or have been potentially exposed to Covid, they will have to quarantine or test negative before coming back to school. 

    Over 60,000 tests have been given to LBUSD students this school year, which resulted in a low positive rate under one percent. “This low rate is a testament to the hard work families, students and staff have put in over the last few weeks,” said LBUSD Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker in the statement. 

    The district also required all staff to have the vaccine or take part in weekly covid testing. According to a district statement, a study even said LBUSD is a model for Covid safety. 

    “I think it’s very nice, the Covid precautions are being taken very seriously…Although I wish we would have gotten back sooner, we know that the district was doing all that they could,” said 9th grader Tika Jonnum.

  • My Pfizer Vaccine Experience

    My Pfizer Vaccine Experience

    With the pandemic changing lives drastically, the creation and distribution of a vaccine is crucial to the return of a “normal life.” As the various vaccines rolled out it has become a new controversial topic, with various conspiracies involving Bill Gates, microchips and the government all undermining the public’s trust in Covid-19 vaccines.

    Despite the controversy, misinformation and politics, I was determined for months to get the vaccine. As a student-athlete (in person), restaurant worker and volunteer at my local church, I felt as if it was necessary for me to get the vaccine. Recently on April 17th, I had finally got my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Here’s how the vaccination process went.

    Luckily for me, the process was made easier since I had such ease scheduling appointments. With three members of my family being employees for the city alongside my job as a restaurant worker, I am considered to be a somewhat high priority individual for getting vaccinated.

    Despite this, it still took persistence. It took three appointments for me to get my first vaccine shot.

    The first attempt was at Dodger Stadium on March 12th for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Both my mom and I waited around an hour, in a line that looped around the hills of Los Angeles. Upon arrival, I was denied the vaccine shot since I am not old enough for the Johnson & Johnson shot specifically (you have to be 18 to get a one dose vaccination shot.) It was frustrating. After weeks of anticipation, waking up early in the morning and getting out of bed, only to be denied a vaccination shot.

    The second attempt was through my dad. My dad had signed me up for a vaccination appointment on March 22nd at a high school in Lynwood through his job within the school district. Once I arrived, the wait in line was quick. The volunteers at the vaccination site were on point, both taking my temperature and verifying my appointment in a matter of minutes. Through this appointment, I was scheduled to receive the  vaccine which was a two dose shot. But, once again, I was denied the vaccination shot. This time I was denied since the organization providing and funding the vaccinations did not allow Moderna vaccinations to anyone under 18 (even though all two dose vaccinations are allowed to anyone above 16). At this point I was not surprised but still disappointed, I understood the vaccination process was already long so these constant setbacks seemed like a waste of time. After this failed appointment, both my mom and dad made constant efforts toward my vaccination.

    These previous attempts lead up to my third and final attempt. My first dose of the Pfizer vaccine was scheduled for March 27th at a Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles. Once my final appointment was scheduled, I understood the requirements, age limits and even the side effects since my family members had received their vaccinations (and since I learned so much through the other attempts).

    Both Kaiser appointments were quick and seamless, with the workers giving simple and clear instructions. The entire process took under 25 minutes, including the time it took to find a parking space, wait in line and receive the shot. For those that are used to amusement parks, you could compare the Kaiser vaccine experience to the line to a popular ride, they gave clear instructions throughout the process, with railing and stickers on the cement to direct you in the proper direction.

    The process started with a 5 minute wait in line after confirming your information. Once finished filling out the paperwork and reading about the vaccine, you are led by a volunteer into the tent where people were getting their shots. You then wait until a spot opens up. Once you sit down in a seat, you are then introduced to the medical professional and confirm whichever dose and vaccination you’re getting. After this you receive your shot. From my experiences and everyone I’ve talked to about the shot the first shot itself was less painful than expected and quick while the second shot was the more painful one (but it didn’t still hurt all that much.) Immediately after you take your shot you’re instructed to wait 15 minutes in a waiting area in case of any side effects (nothing happened to anyone both time during times during the waiting period.)  

    The side effects after receiving the shot were tolerable. The first shot had only left my arm sore for around three days. The second shot was different, I was left with a fever the night of the shot and a headache three days following the shot. 

  • Ben Platt’s Sing To Me Instead Album Review

    Ben Platt’s Sing To Me Instead Album Review

    At a young age, Ben Platt became interested in the theatre arts. When he was 11, he took the opportunity to do a small tour with the musical Caroline, or Change. Since his debut in the musicals, The Book of Morman and Dear Evan Hansen, Ben Platt also starred in the Pitch Perfect movies leading to his nomination in the Teens Choice Awards and a Tony Award. He has appeared in other movies and shows and is now the lead in the series The Politician on Netflix. That same year Platt released his album Sing To Me Instead.

    Sing To Me Instead, released on March 29, 2019, is a Pop album of 12 songs that revolves around the world of love, heartbreak, and healing. With each song, I felt as if I were being drawn in and invited to see Platt’s love story. 

    One of the songs, “Share Your Address,” tells the story of how Platt is known to move fast in a relationship and has quickly fallen in love. “It’s ’cause I’ve waited far too long, for someone just like you,” inferring that Platt was tired of waiting, and now that he’s in love he wants it all. It contains a very upbeat rhythm that invites the listener to get up from their seat and start dancing. At the beginning of the song, the music seems exciting and the piano part is repetitive but enjoyable. 

    A song that also tells a story about a new love is “Honest Man.” In his documentary on Netflix, Platt stated that he wrote this song about a past relationship where his boyfriend hadn’t come out yet and Platt described how he wished he could’ve tried his best to support the relationship and his partner as he went throughout his journey of coming out. Throughout the song, the piano seems to stay the same quiet soothing sound. The beginning starts off slow and quiet but by the end, it’s a bit faster and there are more high notes. This song is something that some people can relate and sway their heads to. 

    In “Temporary Love,” written by Platt, Ben Abraham, and Jonny Price, Platt sings a song that would bring ease to a partner who has been heartbroken many times and fears a new relationship. The lyric “This is not a temporary love” repeats all throughout the song, and “Know your heart is in my hands,” gives hope to the listener that unlike past relationships, this one won’t lead to a big heartbreak. The song could possibly be a storyline that follows after “Honest Man,” in which the partner is still doubting a relationship with Platt’s character. 

    “Hurt Me Once,” is a song that is a sudden change from Platt’s previous songs. Composed by Platt and Eg White, this song tells a story about a relationship that is slowly ending, where one is losing interest and the other desperately wants the relationship to continue. The song brings a melancholy vibe that is sure to cause sorrow to everyone who has ever had a heartbreak. The lyrics, “You have all these choices, I have none,” implies that the partner who desperately wants to save the relationship knows that one doesn’t work without the other. They know that if a partner becomes disinterested in the relationship, it’s not worth saving, it’s up to the disinterested partner to decide if the relationship should continue. There’s nothing to do but to wait around to see if heartbreak is going to come. It may be a sad song but the lyrics make it a catchy song that even someone who’s never experienced a relationship heartbreak will be able to enjoy. 

    One of the most popular songs in the album, “Grow As We Go,” follows the theme of heartbreak. In this song, one partner is lost and believes that in order to grow they need space from the relationship and that it should end. This song is in the view of the second partner, singing that the other one doesn’t need to leave in order to change, that they can grow together. The background music is very calming and can leave the listener at ease. The lyrical section encourages a healthy relationship in which the partners talk to each other and help one another through “every twist and turn.” 

    A song that moves from heartbreak to healing is “New.” In this song, Platt expresses how after an ended relationship, he feels like a whole new person. The lyrics begin, “Wish that I’d known, this feeling was coming, when I was crying over you,” describing how even though a breakup may hurt, it will be over and you’ll feel like a new person that you never would have imagined. The beginning rhythm was electric and can cause your body to move to the beat. The line “Burned all your letters just for fun” shows how easy it is to just let go and discover the new person that you’ve become. This is a great song for anyone who is past the point of being sad after a breakup and gives them a chance to jump up and dance. 

    It’s a great album for anyone who’s in love, heartbroken after a breakup, or past that point and ready to become a new person. Platt’s music is creative and very enjoyable. Months after the Covid-19 outbreak, Platt released a new single titled, “So Will I.” He is also hoping to release his second album sometime in 2021.

  • A Rude, but Subtle Awakening

    A Rude, but Subtle Awakening

    These past months have had a series of highs and lows. It’s been hard for me to stay consistent in many ways. I often catch myself overthinking small things such as the way I speak, write and solve homework problems.  With the COVID-19 pandemic being the root of many of my problems in the present day, I noticed that I’ve been overwhelming myself with thinking about my future. Although, before the pandemic I wasn’t very social, I hate the fact that I don’t always have the option to decide if I want to be. I am not a very social person, I keep my circle small and the few people that I confide in bring me joy through these times.  Recently,  while speaking to one of my friends I told them that I had been attempting to do too many things at once resulting in not getting anything done. I realized that I was ironically stressing myself out trying not to stress which resulted in not completing anything. I came to the conclusion that staying inside everyday while doing online school has made school my entire life. School is important to me but the question that I frequently ask myself is this: What’s next?

    I say to myself, “After school what can I do with my day, realistically speaking?” Then the only thing I come up with is doing homework so I have a better GPA which will make the chances of me getting accepted to a university greater. While confiding in my friend, they  reminded me of how unhealthy it can be to overwhelm ourselves. Hearing that from an outside source other than myself and my mother seemed to be a little more effective. My friend then offered to take me out of the house to clear my mind. After being away from my computer and my family,  just embracing the moment that I was currently experiencing, I felt a tremendous amount of weight lift off of my body. One particular outing my friend took me on was as simple as walking to the beach and sitting on the sand before sunset. Having experiences non-related to school has improved my capability to perform when solving problems. I appreciate the little things and experiences more than I have ever before. At this point in my life anything can happen, school shouldn’t be more important than myself.

  • Working out During Quarantine

    Working out During Quarantine

    Working out is endorsed by doctors and health-specialists for all kids or for anyone who may be in need of it. Many supply this need with walking, biking, or other hour-long activities that can be accomplished at a park or out in the open. Other workouts are done in gyms or closed-off workout spaces. Some people indulge in building up a private gym in their homes and have been unaffected by the change Covid-19 brought upon them. Others, however, have been left in the dark about how best to go about continuing their routine while stuck at home – and some people are too busy trying to support themselves or their dependents to worry about it.

     

    I have experienced this myself, even as a student with no workout-heavy extracurricular activities, the sharp decline in the amount of walking I accomplished in a day, walking from class to class, and walking around school with friends have left me uncommonly lethargic, eternally tired, and while my grades have taken a sharp upturn with the abundance of time I have to do nothing, my physical upkeep has been lacking. While no negative effects have shown long-term problems, should the world go back to normal, it shows me more clearly the lack of agency I take in keeping myself fit, as I usually rely on everyday exercise to keep me healthy.

     

    Without that outlet, I’ve been put in charge of my own health and wellness, and I’ve done my best to develop a small, important way to make sure you move about and give your body the smaller exercises it needs to stay healthy.

     

    1. Don’t sit at your computer all-day

    No matter what you believe, schoolwork won’t keep you glued to your chair all day. Every workspace and school schedule allows for small breaks to be taken in between bouts of work and classes. Don’t take this time for granted, and sit at your computer or on your phone, watching Youtube or Tik Tok. instead, get up, shake out your legs and stretch your arms, use every break you can to move as much of your body as possible.

    1. Have a small workout or stretch routine

    Set aside a small amount of time in your schedule to work out, no matter how intense it is. It can range from a small ten-minute low impact routine, or an hour-long weight-lifting routine. Any extra movement will be beneficial for your body, and its health. I prefer a ten-to-fifteen minute workout, short and simple, with hand weights to ensure I keep the strength in my arms and torso. There are plenty of examples of short, long, easy, and intense workouts out there if you look for them.

    1. Understand that you need to go outside

    With the threat of Covid-19, many fear going outside. By saying you need to go outside, I’m not encouraging you to go outside and have parties or visit others, but to sit or stand outside, with proper mask protection and sunscreen, and stretch or stand or walk. Breath in the air and let the sun warm you. Becoming stagnant inside can lead to more brittle bones with a lack of vitamin D, which can become a long-term problem. Make time every day to stand outside, and sit or lie down, in your front or backyard, if you can, or try to squeeze the time in when going out for needed groceries. 

    My main suggestion would be to do a pre-warm-up outside, or if your workout is short, spend your entire workout outside, if you are able to do so and with proper face protection. I do a combination of school work and workouts outside, intermittently throughout the week.

    Image result for Dumbbells

    Working out and moving around, no matter how often, is an activity that will help with the monotony of staying indoors and any feeling of stillness that may come upon you. These are three smaller ideas that I’ve come up with to help myself when facing being indoors for the unseeable future, and keeping your body strong is one of the main ways to combat this. 

     

    The next time you get a ten-minute break, rather than looking at screens, stand and stretch, take a breath, and move your body.

  • Food Review: The Attic on Broadway

    Food Review: The Attic on Broadway

    The Attic on Broadway story is that Steve the owner opened it in 2012. It was not always a restaurant, it was a house that he turned into the restaurant. The staff members are so nice they treat you like family. I have personally met all the cooks and I have met the owner. The Executive Sous Chef Cheyenne McKenna states that she has been cooking at  the Attic since it first opened. She is super nice. My oldest brother works there also; he is Sous Chef. The smell from the kitchen always smells so amazing. The food makes my mouth water.

    A dish that they have in the Attic is the Mac & Cheetos. The dish is their homemade pasta coated with creamy cheddar, mozzarella and  jack cheese sauce, then topped with crumbled Flaming Hot Cheetos with green onions. This is one of my all time favorite dishes to get. The smell makes my mouth water, the Flaming Hot Cheetos mixed with the mac – the flavor makes your mouth burst with flavor. The presentation of the dish makes me feel so excited because I know what goodness is coming. It also makes me hungry because I can see the creamy cheese sauce melted down the side of the dish.  The food always is served fresh and hot. I truly recommend this dish.

    Another one of my favorites is the house made granola. 

    This wonderful dish bursts with flavor with the mix of fresh house made granola served with honey yogurt and mixed berries. The crunch and the creamy yogurt go amazing together. This dish makes me feel good because it is a healthy yummy choice. The barriers that come in the dish are strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.  

    This dish is my favorite dessert to get at The Attic. This is Banana’s foster pudding it is made with the banana bread and with sliced bananas with caramel sauce on top also on the side with homemade whipped cream  with a mint leaf on top. This deliciousness is always warm and explodes with flavor with  the bananas, the bread, the caramel with whipped cream all in one bite is magnificent. I highly recommend this dish.

     

  • Mythology: January

    Mythology: January

    Cronus or Kronos/ Chronos 

    At the start of a new year, the concept of time is engrained in people’s minds. The concept of the future, the past, and the present is what makes a New Year a New Year. With this theme of time, it makes us wonder who was the God of time, and what did he stand for? There are two Greek Gods that represent time: one named Cronus and another named Chronos. The reason for there being two different Gods is that they were both based on different religions. However, the main difference between them is how they both stand for an entirely different vision of how the world came to exist. 

    Chronos is the primordial god of time and he was depicted as a serpent with three heads. Primordials are typically considered as the physical embodiment of a concept rather than a God who controls that concept. In essence, Chronos was the time itself and time exists because he does.

    On the other hand, Cronus (also known as Kronos) is a God, more specifically the Titan Lord of Time. Cronus specifically represented destructive time and the time of harvest. He was described as a destructive and all-devouring force because he envied his father, Uranus, leading him to castrate his own father. Due to this, he is depicted with a scythe, to represent the instrument he used to castrate his father. While the Greeks considered him a cruel and tempestuous force of chaos, he was also associated with the “Saturnian” Golden Age, causing him to become the God of Time.

    These different embodiments of who controlled time and what time demonstrate the enigma that time embodies. The Greeks’ different idea of what time reflects our society today, as we all have a different perspective of time. When we go into a new year, what we make of our time is up to us. 

    Heh

    Time is often perceived as an eternal, linear stream. The Egyptian god that represents infinity and time Heh has many different representations of his name, all meaning endless- Huh, Hah, Hauh, Huah, or Hahuh. Heh has no clear gender, however, Huh represents the male aspect and Heh or Hauhlet represents the female aspect of this deity. Heh is additionally known to represent long life and eternity. 

    The Egyptians believed that before land existed on the earth, there was a watery mass of dark, directionless chaos. There were four frog gods and four snake goddesses – the number four representing completeness- that lived in that chaos who formed the Ogdoad, or system of eight deities. Heh was paired with Hauhlet and came to symbolize infinite time. As the God of infinity, Heh was linked with numbers. The image of Heh with his two hands raised was the hieroglyph for one million, considered equivalent to infinity in ancient Egypt (thus having the title of “the god of millions of years”).  During the day, Heh traveled in a boat named ‘Barque of a Million Years’ until the end of time.

    Heh is often shown crouching holding a palm stem in each hand with a shen ring at the base of each palm stem, which was the Egyptian symbol for long life (the shen ring is a traditional symbol for infinity). In ancient Egypt, time is depicted as infinite, paralleling how we see time today as the new year begins and time continues.

     

  • New Dog in Town

    New Dog in Town

    Kelly Rodriguez, center, with Zion, left, and King, right.

    This is Zion, my dog. The small dog is my sister’s dog, named King. We are going to talk about King first. We got King when he was two weeks old. My mom got him from my grampa for $50. We have had him for two years now. He´s really smart and we don´t have to put a leash on him. Also, we never trained King or Zion.

     

    Zion is a really good dog. We got him when he was two months old. Zion was my brother’s dog at first. My brother’s name is James. He paid $400 for Zion he was supposed to pay 800, but my tia’s girlfriend was friends with the girl who sold Zion to us. James and I agreed that I would take care of Zion when he’s at work.

    Zion when he was a puppy.

    So I took care of Zion and my brother would come home and not give him any attention because he was tired and Zion would make a lot of mess, so my brother decided he wants to sell him and my mom was okay with it because she doesn’t want him. After all, he’s going to grow big but I told both of them no I’ll keep him since I take care of him more than my brother since he’s always working. My mom said no I can´t keep him but I begged her to let me keep him and she said okay.

     

    Now Zion is seven months. He’s a husky mixed with a   german shepherd. Zion still makes a lot of mess. I walk him every day for like 30 minutes or less. I take him everywhere with me because my mom doesn´t want him in the house. Sometimes when I try to go somewhere I can´t because of him since my mom doesn´t want to babysit him, so I just stay home or try to figure out something.

    Zion is in the festive Halloween spirit.

    Zion is an indoor dog because I live in an apartment and my neighbor has other dogs outside and they don´t want Zion close to their dog because he’s big so I try to take him out when I go somewhere.

     

    Zion loves meeting new people and kids, he is so nice to them. One day we went to the dog beach and he lay down next to someone and tried to hug them – I got a little jealous.

     

    Zion is my whole world, the only one who makes me happy. Also, dogs are better than people.

     

    Kelly Rodriguez with Zion.
  • 2020 in Pictures

    2020 in Pictures

    Stores in Downtown Long Beach are ripped bare after looters derived out of protest  in result of the death of  a police brutality victim, George Floyd, 
    Businesses put up signs informing customers to stay six feet apart from each other and to wear masks at all times.

     

    In Downtown Long Beach restaurants are open for out door seating, blocking off a section of Pine Avenue.
    Poly High School student, Zion Wilkins, attends a 7:50 am Zoom meeting.
    Murals are painted on boards that establishments in Downtown Long Beach put up due to recent protest resulting from the murder of a black man, George Floyd, by police officers. In this painting 3 black people who have died due to police brutality are painted surrounded the names of many other victims.
  • 2020 In Pictures

    2020 In Pictures

    A liminal space of a bedroom changed into a home office out of the necessity of the stay-home order due to Covid-19 [Taken: September 10] (Xandria Hines)
    Liquor Store sits closed and streets remain empty on September 3rd (Xandria Hines)
    Restrictions of mask requirements remain on most continually populated and shopped at stores [Photo was taken September 3rd] (Xandria Hines)
    Picture of full a street full of cars taken through the blinds of a home in Long Beach on September 11 (Xandria Hines)
    A wall in a Ralphs store completely sectioned off just for hand sanitizer on September 6. (Xandria Hines)
  • Volunteers Clean-up Downtown Long Beach After Riots

    Volunteers Clean-up Downtown Long Beach After Riots

    On the night of May 31, citizens of Long Beach watched as rioters looted and destroyed countless stores in Downtown Long Beach and other areas of the city. The looting came after thousands of peaceful protesters marched down Broadway making their voice heard and joining the millions across the country protesting the death of George Floyd. 

    These protests have been notorious for turning violent and some people are taking advantage of the large crowds to break store windows and loot both small and corporate businesses. Organizers of the protests in Long Beach wanted to make it clear that the looting seen in Los Angeles and other cities would not be tolerated at the protest. That tactic kept the protests peaceful but only for a short time. Around 5 O’clock the city of Long Beach declared a curfew which would be in effect from 6pm to 6am. This curfew was the push that sent many of the peaceful protesters home.

    At the same time, the march took a turn to the Pike where stores like Nike, Forever 21, and H&M were looted. The chaos carried up to Long Beach Boulevard and Pine Avenue. Multiple news outlets were broadcasting the anarchy in the city throughout the night and some people decided to make a plan to take action and clean up the mess that was made.

    The next day volunteers met at Jean Machine at 7am where they hit the streets and cleaned up what they could. Sam, the owner of Jean Machine was speechless and was in disbelief as he stood in his store surrounded by piles of his merchandise strewn on the floor. “I just want to go home and sleep,” he told volunteers inside the store. One of the volunteers directed me over to a cash register that had been smashed on the floor and told me how the register “served the community for countless years and provided clothing for hundreds of residents” and “provided clothing for anyone no matter their status.” 

    There were hundreds of people walking up and down the streets with brooms, dustpans, and garbage bags all sweeping up glass and picking up trash from the streets. Many of them with the same purpose, to help protect and rebuild the small businesses in the city. There were also clean-up crews in other parts of the city.

    Curfews were set in the Long Beach for the second day in a row with the business district closing at 1pm and the rest of the city at 4pm in an effort to curb any plans for looting again.