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
Bailey Basurto

Bailey Basurto, Reporter

Average tulip and “LaLaLand” enthusiast.

All content by Bailey Basurto
N93 masks, COVID tests and wipes that advertised killing 99.9% of viruses flooded the markets with the onset of the 2020 pandemic. People overturned grocery stores to stock during the infamous toilet paper shortages, and students sat through online school at dining tables or in bed. Everyone had a complete 180 from any form of normalcy, with the lock downs causing even those who weren't previously germaphobic to become extra cautious. Quarantine and social distancing became normal, emotional bonds were strung together by phone calls, but after five years of all of that, did the world really end?

Half a decade later, Foothill Tech reflects on when the world ended

Jane Kim and Bailey Basurto
March 2, 2025
Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) annual Senior Recess event, originally scheduled for earlier in the year, took place on Feb. 27, 2025, after being delayed due to rain. The event, designed to give seniors a chance to reminisce about their childhoods, transformed the school’s campus into an elementary school-style playground. Students enjoyed various nostalgic activities, including hula hoops, an art table and other classic games reminiscent of recess during their younger years. As the school year nears its end, the Senior Recess event offers a moment of reflection for students before they head off to college or other post-graduation plans. For many seniors, the event serves as a reminder of simpler times and provides a fun opportunity to bond with classmates one last time before graduation.Thanks to the hard work of the Associated Student Body (ASB), Senior Recess has become a beloved tradition at Foothill Tech, offering students a unique way to close the chapter on their high school journey.

Seniors bathe under the sunset of nostalgia at senior recess

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
March 1, 2025
On Feb. 25, 2025, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) opened the floor to the public at the Board Meeting discussing Resolution #25-03. The resolution debates for reduction of certain certified services at the elementary, middle and high school level to help allocate money for budget cuts. The meeting garnered attendance of students, teachers and families, many of whom came with signs or wearing red to show support for those who were targeted by Resolution #25-03. Though the final decision of the budget cuts was to save elementary and secondary school counselors as well as teacher librarians, the Board and the district still have a long way to go before all the issues become resolved.

The Board of Education passes controversial Resolution #25-03 due to budget cuts, leaving students and faculty in uncertainty

Maggie Lay, Bailey Basurto, Viggo Bortolin, Ella Asher, Shea Stevenson, and Aubrey Alderman
February 27, 2025
The Grammy 2025 recap! The Grammy is a top tier award given to all sorts of different music artists various different genres. It is not only sought after as an award, but as an experience. The Grammys feature live music, with some of this year's live performances including guest artists such as, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish and Charlie XCX.

67th Annual Grammy Awards recap

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
February 16, 2025
Surviving into the modern era from its creation in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson, the email is recognized as an important mode of communication between individuals. Although now seemingly outclassed by a variety of other platforms and methods, it still remains as a steady method of sending messages to and from each other. Serving as a background option when these classy new features fail, the email hasn't quite died out yet. Which begs the question; will email become objective with more time, or be adapted to new needs?

Satire: The reconstruction of the email

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
January 21, 2025
On Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 2025, program leaders, students and teachers alike welcomed underclassmen into their classrooms, providing information about their program through demonstrations and presentations. In the Bioscience Academy classroom, students in the program were spread throughout multiple classrooms, demonstrating skills and showing off equipment to the students touring. Many of the demos were interactive, encouraging students to engage and acquire a sneak peak at what they would be learning if they decided to apply for the program.

Dragons explore new opportunities at elective open houses

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
January 16, 2025
On Jan. 9, 2025, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) boys soccer team played against Thatcher High School (Thatcher) in a league match. The dragons took the win 3-0 with goals from Dylan Files '26 (number 6), Kaizer Castillo '28 (number 7) and Ammar Atiah '26 (number 20).

[Photo] Boys soccer triumphs over Thacher in dominant 3-0 victory

Conor White, Reporter
January 11, 2025
The week of Dec. 16, through Dec. 20, 2024 marks the end of the first semester for Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students. With this week comes the pressure of finals, last-minute studying, completing projects and reviewing months of material. Despite the stress, students persevere, looking forward to a well-earned two-week winter break after their rigorous exams.

Foothill Tech students wrap up finals with a bang before holiday break

Aubrey Alderman and Bailey Basurto
December 22, 2024
On Dec. 13 and 14, 2024, the Ventura Harbor hosted its annual Parade of Lights, with this year's theme being Candy Land. This event has free admission with some paid activities. They had kids rides, carnival games and some food vendors on the Harbor Village lawn. Along the main walkway, they had faux snow, a bubble guy and LED performers dressed up in light up costumes.

The Ventura Harbor lights up in the Parade of Lights 2024

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
December 19, 2024
Nov. 5, 2024, marks one of the most highly anticipated and pivotal days of the year: Election Day. After years of preparation, the stage is set for a historic showdown between two major political parties. As shown above, Donald Trump, with his running mate J.D. Vance, is leading the Republican ticket, while Kamala Harris, with her running mate Tim Walz, is representing the Democratic Party. This election is set to be a defining moment in American politics, with both candidates offering different visions for the nation's future. This series covers a range of ropics such the importance of swing states, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students' opinions on the election, enviromental policy and much more.

2024 Presidential Election Series

Jane Kim, Layla Solomon, Bailey Basurto, Beatrice Barnes, and Ruby Jenkins
November 5, 2024
As a continuation of the 2024 Presidential Election series, this article dives into the various policies and hot topics of the 2024 election and addresses Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) seniors' opinions in regards to these topics.

2024 U.S. Presidential Election: AP Government students’ opinions on policies

Jane Kim and Bailey Basurto
October 29, 2024
On the sunny afternoon of Oct. 25, 2024, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) participated in the annual Trunk or Treat event hosted by students in the parking lot. In the picture above, Jaden Abara ‘25 hands out candy to roaming students and shows off her costume for Halloween.

Trunk or Treat: A festive celebration of the incoming Halloween

Bailey Basurto and Shea Stevenson
October 27, 2024
This year for the Thriller-themed Rennannace Rally a new system was implemented, where each student was able to enter a raffle that could win them a basket with some special treats inside. During fourth period class right before lunch, a member of ASB handed out cards to each student that achieved Renaissance that quarter. On these cards were three different place holders for stamps, in which you could earn these stamps by visiting each booth and collecting that item or task. In order to fill your card you had to spin the wheel, pictured here, as well as stop by a table and collect a Shirley Temple and a cup of dirt and worms. Once you collect your stamps you could turn your card into an ASB member on the stage for a chance to win the raffle.

Foothill Tech ASB offers a thrilling Ren Rally to cap off spirit week

Ella Asher and Bailey Basurto
October 21, 2024
At Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) there are constant problems with traffic when it comes to pick up and drop off. Though there are many routes for drivers to take, on school days it's routine for the streets to be built up with cars. Street signs and construction are meant to protect drivers and prevent hazards, though done at the wrong time, can equally harm drivers as help them.

Navigating the lanes: School traffic in Ventura County

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
October 16, 2024
Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) class of 2025 gathered for a group photo marking the beginning of their senior year on Aug. 16, 2024. They gathered as early at 5:30 a.m. to celebrate their accomplishment.

Class of 2025 dives into their senior year at Senior Sunrise

Bailey Basurto and Aubrey Alderman
August 17, 2024
Aug. 14, 2024 marked the first official day back to school for the 2024-2025 school year for all Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students as well as the whole Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Students flooded the gates a few weeks earlier than anticipated due to the schedule change, which prompted a new school calendar. Nevertheless, students still arrived with all the first day jitters, new school supplies and fresh outfits to show off in this new school year. Along with this excitement, the Associated Student Body (ASB) took extra time out of their summer break to prepare the school and decorate the buildings to match the year's theme of “Year of the Records”. With posters and decorations, as well as staff members dressing up to match said theme, students were inspired for the new year even if they were not totally ready to end their summer break.

Kicking off the first day: Foothill Tech prepares for a record-breaking year

Maggie Lay, Ella Asher, Shea Stevenson, Bailey Basurto, Aubrey Alderman, Viggo Bortolin, and Natalie St. Pierre
August 15, 2024
On the morning of June 11, 2024 Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) associated student body (ASB) won the 2024 Platinum Tier School of Distinction Award. Only 59 high schools in the nation have been awarded this award, which required the high schools to have a positive environment and culture on campus.

Foothill Tech ASB honored with 2024 Platinum Tier School of Distinction award

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
June 14, 2024
On the evening of May 16, 2024, students of DTech Dynasty six, gathered in Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) Spirito Hall displaying their end of the year projects and products. Displayed here is a series of products that represent a small portion of DTech and what each student is capable of creating. These particular products represent different aspects of Ventura and showcase the beauty of the town. Along with this, the products are being sold to support DTech and the students that create items such as these.

Off the record: DTech seniors show off final project at Prototype Trade Show

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
May 20, 2024
On May 4, 2024, the long awaited prom took place at the Poinsettia Pavilion with the theme of the "Roaring '20s". The entrance had a balloon arch with red and gold carpets welcoming students. After getting their wristbands, Associative Student Body (ASB) provided students with a place to check in bags and coats so they could be stored safely during the dance. Throughout the night, more and more students gathered in front of the DJ to dance, while others played games outside and socialized with friends.

A night of glitter and glamor: Prom 2024

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
May 6, 2024
The Associative Student Body (ASB) at schools host and execute various events, such as Spirit Weeks, rallies and dances. At Foothill Technology High School, (Foothill Tech) events are often cancelled from lack of participation. While most ASB events are successful, the growing lack of school spirit towards the end of the year is a problem for attempted events.

News Brief: Discussion on recent ASB canceled events

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
April 20, 2024
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a popular method for many couples dealing with infertility to have children of their own. It is a process that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, and then placing the egg inside a uterus, allowing it to grow and develop into a baby. However, there have been debates about the legal status of embryonic children, such as the law passed in Alabama on Feb. 16. Join our writers as they discuss the situation around IVF in Alabama.

Navigating IVF: Challenges in Alabama’s reproductive landscape

Kalea Eggertsen, Bailey Basurto, and Audrey Szijj
April 13, 2024
The Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) Associated Student Body (ASB) assembled a "Teen Beach Movie" Spirit Week, reminding students to finish the quarter strong as they head into spring break. From spirit days such as Pajama Day and Summer Coolin' to the Renaissance Rally at the end of the week, ASB planned events to bolster connections around the school creating a fun environment.

Dragons bask in the sun with a “Teen Beach Movie” themed Renaissance Rally and Spirit Week

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
March 24, 2024
These three Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students represent the minority of students that prefer fast food over school cafeteria food. By using apps such as Doordash, GrubHub, Uber Eats and more, some students choose to enjoy a tasty meal with a high price. This prompts the discussion of whether or not ordering food is a sustainable way for students to eat a delightful meal.

From the comfort of a lunch table: Food delivery at Foothill Tech

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
March 18, 2024
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
Across the Ventura Unified School District, a widespread malfunctioning of printers has occurred, which has been deemed a "printer blackout". This has not only affected Foothill Technology High School, but numerous other schools within the district.

Foothill Tech faces technology shut down during the district wide printer black out

Bailey Basurto and Aubrey Alderman
February 4, 2024
Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students got an amazing opportunity to hang out and have fun with the dogs of the "Love on a Leash." These sweet volunteer dogs and their owners walked around campus on Feb. 2, 2024, and brought a smile to students faces amid the potential stress of a new semester.

News Brief: Dragons enjoy the companionship of dogs from “Love on a Leash”

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
February 3, 2024
Burnout is described as the complete exhaustion caused by overwork. As the school year trudges on, students begin to become exhausted, especially those involved in athletic activities. It seems as though burnout has been creeping up on high school students everywhere.

Opinion: Is academic and athletic burnout ruining the high school experience?

Jane Kim and Bailey Basurto
January 21, 2024
Another year has flown by quickly, and with the coming year comes new resolutions to attempt to fulfill. Let's see what the dragons of Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) have in mind as we join reporter Bailey Basurto and see the students' 2024 resolutions.

Dragons embrace the new year with New Year’s resolutions and high hopes for 2024

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
January 3, 2024
On the chilly night of Dec. 14, 2023, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) hosted its Christmas holiday performance. The Foothill Tech Drama club acted "Elf The Musical" and emotions sparked as the character, Walter Hobbs, played by Eliel (Leo) Suarez '24, first meets his eldest son, Buddy the Elf, played by Scarlett Palmieri '27.

Drama students bring Christmas to Foothill Tech with “Elf The Musical”

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
December 18, 2023
Within Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), awareness is being raised concerning the amount of students enrolling into the district's schools for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.

Concern raises within VUSD about the impending enrollment decline

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
December 4, 2023
At the Seaside Sunday Market, there are racks of jewelry for sale. The necklaces and earrings are handmade and carefully crafted with aqua and lapis lazuli gemstones sourced from Pakistan, which is home to many unique varieties of minerals and stones.

Streets of Vintage Flea Market: Small business haven

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
October 17, 2023
Celebrating Foothill Technology High School's (Foothill Tech) first spirit week of the 2023-24 school year, Eva Goncalves '25 and Miranda Aguilar '25 wore Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears because the theme was dynamic duos.

Dragons participate in a costume filled spirit week for the Halloween season

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
October 15, 2023

Dragons find their connection at Club Rush 2023

Bailey Basurto and Aubrey Alderman
September 17, 2023

The dawning of a new school year: the Class of 2024 celebrates at Senior Sunrise

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
September 4, 2023
In honor of the first day of school, going along with the theme of Lights, Camera, Action, Foothill Tech’s Associated Student Body (ASB) decorated the entire campus with various “Back to the Future” decor along with bright, festive streamers and balloons. They had name tags for each student written on gold stars arranged in the number corresponding to the grade of students. It was a fun way to kick off the start of the year and welcome students back to school.

“Lights, Camera, Action!” Dragons strut the red carpet into the 2023-2024 school year

Ella Asher, Maggie Lay, Bailey Basurto, and Aubrey Alderman
August 24, 2023
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Bailey Basurto