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
Though Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) has done away with its previous 60-hour community service requirement, students play a key role in contributing to local causes, offering them field experience, industry connections and future career ideas.

From 60 hours to a lifetime of good: Community service at Foothill Tech

Lily Toreja, Writer • March 15, 2024

In October of 2021, administration announced that the 60-hour community service graduation requirement for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) had been lifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic...

On Feb. 28, 2024, the Party for Socialism and Liberation held a vigil for Aaron Bushnell outside the United States Army Recruitment Center in Ventura, Calif. Many gathered to honor Bushnell's death and bring attention to the Israel-Hamas War.

Aaron Bushnell’s protest through self-immolation shines light on the Israel-Hamas War

Julia Brossia and Maggie Lay • March 10, 2024

On Feb. 25, 2024, Aaron Bushnell lost his life in an act of self-immolation outside the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C. as he screamed the words “Free Palestine” in protest of the war in Palestine....

The start to the California March Primary means a new chance for new beginnings for laws and propositions in California. Which begs the question; is it worth it to vote? The importance in voting has never been more crucial. By including the younger generation's opinions in the polls, it gives a bright perspective into the future of our state relating to climate change, reproduction rights and women's rights.

Foothill Tech’s student voters and why they matter

Jane Kim, Writer • March 7, 2024

Is it time for Taco Tuesday? Wait, it’s Super Tuesday! The much anticipated March 5, 2024 was the California primaries, which include primaries for the U.S. California senators, representatives, California...

With elections currently taking place in the community of Ventura, Calif. it is more important than ever for people, including students who are first-time voters, to cast their ballots. There are resources such as ballots mailed to citizens to fill out their opinions and ballot drop off boxes placed conveniently around town. With a wide variety of candidates, students 18 years of age of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) are eager to use their voice to impact their future.

A guide to voting for students on Super Tuesday

Emilie Huovinen, Writer • March 5, 2024

Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) requires each high school senior government class to reserve time for students to either pre-register or register to vote. This ensures that all students who are...

In the aftermath of COVID-19 and the lockdowns that followed, schools struggled to get into the swing of things and return to a new sense of normalcy. This was seen directly with the graduation rates across the nation, and more closely across the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Of the class of 2023 in VUSD, 87.1% of students graduated, and here at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), 94.5%, which was lower than the graduation rates previous to the shutdown. That being said, the graduation rates are continuing to grow, leaving hope for the future.

Graduation rates: How do VUSD schools compare?

Paula Gonzalez, Writer • March 4, 2024

Ventura County high school graduation rates have risen slightly from pre-pandemic levels, an indication that across-the-board improvements made in 2022 are working. However, Ventura Unified School District...

For students aiming to be officially recognized as bilingual or multilingual, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Multilingual Seal is available for application for graduating seniors until March 1, 2024. While taking at least two years of a language other than English is an A-G requirement for the University of California and California State Universities, it is also important to be able to connect to others within other cultures. Speaking another language opens up a wide variety of opportunities within a plethora of industries where being fluently multilingual is valuable and can place you above another candidate. It is also possible to receive more than one seal, for each language the student applies for.

Bridging cultures: The impact of the California State Seal of Biliteracy

Bailey Basurto, Writer • March 3, 2024

Every year, high school seniors across the state of California are provided with the opportunity to apply for the State Seal of Biliteracy, and more locally, the Multilingual Seal in Ventura Unified School...

The Matilija Dam is located in Ojai, Calif. and was first opened in 1947. Since then, it has accumulated approximately eight million cubic yards of sediment and the condition of the dam itself has deteriorated to the point that it no longer serves its purpose. After decades of careful planning and environmental research, it has been decided to remove the dam. Writer Beatrice Barnes explains how they plan to execute this large project, expected to end in 2030 with sediment release and removal.

Pulling the plug on the Matilija Dam

Beatrice Barnes, Writer • February 29, 2024

Imagine a Ventura, Calif., where soft sand replaces abrasive rock on our beaches and endangered steelhead trout can freely migrate to their head water habitats. Sounds ideal, right? Well, removing...

Burch Studio is located in Downtown Ventura, Calif. It's tucked away, and the entrance is lit with a LED sign. The studio provides a space for musicians to bond and create art together.

“Rock and Roll High”: The teen collective program at Burch Studio

Audrey Szijj, Writer • February 28, 2024

The music industry is ever-changing and in more recent years, there have been more young artists than ever. From Olivia Rodrigo to Tate Mcrae, younger artists are making their mark on the music industry...

Car clubs from over Ventura County, Calif. gathered to share their cars with glittering rims, smooth paint jobs and unique decorations.

Lowriders of Ventura County: Cars and culture

Layla Solomon, Writer • February 18, 2024

10 car clubs from across Ventura County, Calif., gathered at California State University Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) to display their unique cars together, listen to music and have a good...

After meticulously setting up lighting, sound, props, and other equipment, William (Pape) Crown '24, checks the camera for any adjustments that may need to be made. Daniel Franco '24 runs over his lines during the last few minutes before beginning the scene, preparing for his monologue.

The quest of SP Films and the value of learning history

Jane Kim and Paula Gonzalez • February 18, 2024

With a camera in one hand and crumpled script in the other, the SP Films crew began its film-making voyage as inexperienced sophomores in Yiu Hung Li and Claire Adams’ College Preparatory (CP) English...

Lori Walker, the head lunch lady of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech), is a vital part of the community, helping run the school cafeteria from her small yet influential office located at the heart of Foothill Tech’s Spirito Hall. She welcomes everyone with a kind smile and charming personality, always willing to help anyone in need. She is such a vital part of the Foothill Tech community and can be easily considered one of Foothill Tech’s Hidden Heroes.

Hidden Heroes: Illuminating Lori Walker

Jane Kim and Kalea Eggertsen • February 16, 2024

This article is a continuation of the Hidden Heroes series that features essential staff and other personnel on the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) campus. If you wish to learn more about...

The Teach 5 Proposition and the end to VUEA negotiations impacted many teachers and staff throughout the Ventura Unified School District. With Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) faculty reflecting on this scheduling inequity, the struggle is ongoing for a final solution to benefit all parties, including students.

VUEA closes Article VIII negotiations with VUSD

Amber Duhs and Audrey Szijj • February 15, 2024

Jan. 23, 2024 was a monumental day for the teachers of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) as Article VIII negotiations were officially closed after a series of proposals between Ventura Unified...

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