The Pen Newspaper

OUR LATEST ISSUE

VOL XLV | ISSUE 1 | NOVEMBER 4, 2024

News

California Fires Run Wild

Gunner Lee • November 4, 2024

Due to the area’s Mediterranean climate and human influence, wildfires have erupted across California, devastating both the natural environment and key infrastructure. Three major wildfires...

Houston, We Have A Problem

Alesha Paramasivum • November 4, 2024

On June 5, 2024, Boeing’s Starliner launched in a surge of expectations and a whirlwind of anticipation to the International Space Station (ISS). This test flight was intended to take American astronauts...

AVID Tutoring

Shooting At Apalachee High

Simon Thanh Vuong • November 4, 2024

Whether it be dismissing students for the day or starting the very next class, the familiar chime of school bells has brought structure to American schools for decades. However, this emblematic sound is unfortunately...

Opinion

Hold the Phone

Adam Lu • November 4, 2024

For students, cell phones are a fact of life, and many instinctively reach for their pocket for that familiar object whenever they need mental stimulation. With their obsession comes an onslaught of consequences...

an era of endorsements

Camila Gutierrez • November 4, 2024

The human gaze is drawn to what is most extraordinary. Celebrities are those who stand out in the media — specifically actors, singers and influencers. It is because of this popularity...

A Better Bathroom Break

Isabella Attallah • November 4, 2024

From graffiti adorning the walls to masses of toilet paper strewn on the floor, the state of Peninsula bathrooms has long been an issue. The sickly-sweet stench of vape was consistently a lingering scent in the air...

Editorial

SOS: Save Our Schools

Josie Kwak & Alena Rhoades • November 4. 2024

Whether perusing Nextdoor forums or observing neighborhood yard signs, one can clearly see the deepening political divisions among Palos Verdes households. One subject of contention in the upcoming 2024 election pertains to our very own school district, PVPUSD...

Focus

Portuguese Bend Slides Into Uncertainty

Andrew Lu • November 4, 2024

In past months, what has been a far-off issue to national and international news outlets has become a new reality for the locals of Rancho Palos Verdes. Landslides, which have a long history on the Palos Verdes...

Government on Trump's Greens

James Pan • November 4, 2024

As the United States approaches the final stages of the 2024 presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the importance of political outreach becomes more apparent...

Harris and Trump on the Policy Podium

Mason Kim • November 4, 2024

With the 2024 United States presidential election rapidly approaching, it is anyone’s guess as to who will forge the nation’s policies for the years to come. In the national polls, current Vice President Kamala Harris...

United we Stand

Sydney Malicse • November 4, 2024

On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were tragically lost in a series of terrorist attacks. The 9/11 commemoration ceremony, which happens in New York City, is an annual event where people from around the...

Deep Dive on Project 2025

Shawn Lo • November 4, 2024

In April 2023, the Heritage Foundation, one of the largest conservative think tanks in the United States, released a 900-page document titled Project 2025, which outlined goals and initiatives for former president...

Student Life

Sligh's Stylish Stitching

Elyssa Lee • November 4, 2024

Crocheting is more than just a craft — it is a creative outlet that promotes mental well-being and strengthens relationships. After discovering this craft from her grandmother when she was young, junior Jordan Sligh taught...

Faust Forward to Fame

Katherine Baek • November 4, 2024

Senior Faust Lapuente is a 17-year-old music artist who has already amassed over 28,800 Instagram followers and 2,273 monthly Spotify listeners with just two released singles. “Another One,” released on...

What Are Some of Your Freshman Fears?

Sura Kiasatpour • November 4, 2024

Making new friends is always a scary experience, no matter the circumstances, especially when coming into Peninsula with so many new people around you. It is easy to overthink before trying to branch out...

Spotlight on S11

Selah Hartman • November 4, 2024

Whether students just took a tough test, are having issues with friendships or are having a particularly bad day, the SAGE therapists in room S11 are available to provide students with resources and support...

Sports

PANTHERS CLAW THROUGH PIONEER LEAGUE

Jarrett Meza-Torne • November 4, 2024

Having been undefeated so far in all their matches, Peninsula’s football team is charging through this year at full speed, leading many to note the new updates— namely, Peninsula’s shift from the Bay League to the Pioneer League following a tough season last year. The three teams...

Too Cool for Competition

Kyra McGath • November 4, 2024

Despite the heat causing several competitors to pass out, the freshman boys on the Peninsula frosh/soph cross country team placed first out of 26 schools at the Cool Breeze meet in Pomona, California, on Aug. 31. The team, collectively known as “frosh/soph,” includes both freshmen...

Arts & Entertainment

Marvel Needs a Hero

Soren Kim • November 4, 2024

For the last 16 years, Marvel has been the biggest movie franchise in the world, amassing over $29.8 billion in box office revenue and receiving rave reviews, with over 12 of their movies having at least 90% on Rotten Tomatoes (Business Insider). Although Marvel’s success in movies...

Croissants, Cappuccinos and Clouds

Elena Thomas • November 4, 2024

The Promenade on the Peninsula has recently welcomed a new business that offers drinks, pastries and a calm atmosphere: misc. coffee. The café, whose name is short for “miscellaneous,” launched with a soft opening on Aug. 12 by owner JT Chung, who chose to set up his business in Palos...