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The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

The Student News Site of Foothill Technology High School

The Foothill Dragon Press

In San Diego Calif., off the coast of La Jolla, many sea lions are seen lying on the beach. Normally, one would look at these animals and think they're just sleeping or resting. However, after taking a closer look, it was clear to see that the behavior of these sea lions were anything but normal. Many were swaying, hyperventilating and even becoming violent. As a result,  residents and tourists have needed to call animal control and marine-life services on their trip to the beach.

California’s recurring toxic algae bloom is destroying Ventura’s local beaches

Audrey Szijj and Layla Solomon April 12, 2025

As the days get longer and the summer sun grows closer, beachgoers flock to enjoy tanning, catching waves and walking along the sand, but under the ocean’s picturesque waves lies a toxic problem: domoic...

Inspired by the Humans of New York project, the Foothill Dragon Press staff aspires to highlight students around campus pursing their passions and interests.

Humans of Foothill: Alex Lawson

Aidan Gomez, Photographer April 5, 2025

Alex Lawson '25 is an avid member of the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) community. As a worker in the cafeteria, member of the track and field team, yearbook reporter, member of the Overcome...

Max Fielder '25, a senior at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), truly represents Dragon pride. Well-known as a dedicated and friendly upperclassmen, Fielder loves video games, befriending new people and organizing events through ASB (Associated Student Body). Fielder enjoys his free time at the beach or gym with friends, highlighting how extroverted this Dragon is at heart.

Get to know our seniors: Max Fielder

Peyton Fox, Reporter April 1, 2025

If you’re ever in a bind or a lost freshman in the halls, Maxwell Fielder '25 is a perfect senior to turn to. Even with so little time left in the school year, Fielder still makes an effort to help out...

March; Woman's History Month. What started as just a single week in March, grew into something much bigger, it's a month that celebrates everything that woman have done for the world. It didn't start to really take root till the 1980s where it then became widespread. March has much more to offer than just a middle man from winter to spring, it is a time to celebrate the women in your life.

The history of Women’s History Month

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer March 31, 2025

It is incredibly easy to acknowledge the fact that March is a month to briefly think about the achievements of half the population. However, many don’t realize that March is a time to feel and genuinely...

Time will always keep progressing and with that, comes change, but just how much do things really change as time passes by each generation of individuals? The older generation and younger generation of Asian-Americans have all lived very different lives, however, there seems to be a common factor that comes along with growing up in a country as a minority. Dive into the lives of specific people expressing their own experience with the beautiful blend of cultures, generational change, and the undeniably constant factor of discrimination. Though the stories of a single man or woman's life are often overlooked, these are stories that should and need to be told.

The Asian-American experience: Unveiling the stories of the old and new generations

Emmanuel Takaya and Jane Kim March 30, 2025

For some Americans, the word “home” brings up thoughts of white picket fences and Fourth of July barbecues. But for others, home might be known as something entirely different: jiā, ghar, tahanan....

Ensuring that every student has a safe environment to learn in is one of the greatest responsibilities of school faculty and staff, and unfortunately, there’s a reason for that. Even in the most sheltered of communities, school violence persists to rear its ugly head. On campus bullying, sexual violence, gang violence, physical fights and use of weapons or illegal drugs all fall under the mantle of school violence. According to a survey released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2024, 67% of public schools reported at least one violent incident occurring throughout 2021 and 2022, amounting to about 857,500 violent incidents. Despite this, various sources all confirm that more and more preventative measures are being taken to minimize school violence, and violence across the nation is declining as a result.

Protecting students: The devastating reality of school violence

Natalie St. Pierre, Writer March 28, 2025

Whether a student is homeschooled, attends public school or has already graduated, school violence is a national perturbation. It can occur in any type of setting, from a prestigious boarding school to...

Campus supervisor, Michael "Mike" Bowen, has impacted students across the district. His empathy and support has allowed students to feel comfortable throughout their day. Bowen’s strong work ethic to make Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) a safer and more supportive environment truly makes him a hero.

Hidden Heroes: Acknowledging the valuable role of Michael Bowen

Emmanuel Takaya, Writer March 26, 2025

When you first walk into a high school, you are immediately met with rowdy students, laughing while enjoying time bonding during breaks. Upperclassmen enjoy venturing off campus for a meal, while the freshman...

Containing a long history of immigration, California has become known as a popular state for immigrants of all ethnicities and cultures due to its widespread protections and programs available for their benefit. Ventura itself has a diverse background with its population, with many finding success in their journeys with the opportunities presented within the city. Despite the complex system in place for immigrants seeking to enter the United States, many persevere in search of a better life or greater opportunities they may not have had before in their home country. Immigrants also contribute to the culture of the state and city in a variety of ways, overall benefiting everyone involved.

Immigration in Ventura: Past, present and future

Julia Geib and Oliver Kelley March 18, 2025

The golden state of California has the most diverse demographics of all the 50 states, largely attributed to the state's long history of international immigration. Beginning during the Gold Rush of the...

Foothill Technology High School reached a new milestone as of January 23, 2025. Reaching the highest grades in the school’s history since its founding in 2000, 85% of students were reported to have a 3.0 GPA or above or improved their GPA by 0.5 points or more. These students qualify for renaissance, the school’s method of rewarding academic success and showing appreciation for the student’s hard work and dedication. After renaissance acceptance rates fell directly after COVID-19, this new milestone demonstrates a bright future for the students and their continual success.

Breaking records: Foothill Tech celebrates its highest grades in the school’s history

Audrey Szijj, Staff Writer March 16, 2025

Since the opening of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) in 2000, the students have shown outstanding progress and achievements in their academics. Renaissance, which was created in 2001, has...

Bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow hatched a complete three eaglet brood for the 2025 breeding season. The three previous years, the pair had lost their eggs to weather conditions or ravens. The eagles can be observed via live video feed on the Friends of Big Bear Valley YouTube page, where thousands watch daily to see the birds.

Baby eaglets bring joy from Big Bear

Layla Solomon, Writer March 12, 2025

On the morning of March 4, 2025, bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow — Big Bear Valley’s only year-round active eagle pair — welcomed two eaglets from a three egg brood. Thousands of viewers eagerly...

Looking for a novel to cozy up with? Or maybe a quick beach read for the summer? Before looking towards a corporation or online site, check out these local independent bookstores of Ventura, Calif.

Independent bookstores of Ventura

Ruby Jenkins and Morgan Houston March 10, 2025

Independent bookstores are the backbone of the literary community. While it may seem more convenient to shop online or from large corporations such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble, supporting your local...

As one-time funds that supported Ventura Unified School District's budget deplete, the district announced the imminent implementation of budget cuts. Staff and faculty alike remain unsure as to what the future holds.

VUSD staff at risk of being pink slipped: Investigating VUSD budget cuts

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer March 8, 2025

Ever since Superintendent Antonio Castro sent out his message to all Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) staff and families on Jan. 30, 2025, many have been wondering what the budget cuts will mean...

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