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
Beatrice Barnes

Beatrice Barnes, Social Media Editor

Your average vegetarian who loves the outdoors and runs for fun.

All content by Beatrice Barnes
On June 5, 2025, the senior class of 2025 will experience their long awaited graduation. Held at the local Ventura Community College, the graduation ceremony is the last of many stepping stone of their high school journeys, signifying not only the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new, exciting future. For some, a new chapter represents attending a four-year university, while for others it means starting in their desired profession quite early. Despite the variance is where the class of 2025 is starting this new chapter of their lives, many have similar views and advice they can impart on the incoming seniors and students of Foothill Technology (Foothill Tech). Pictured above is Rhea Gill '25, Aadhya Bavkar '25, Julia Geib '25, Vivian Ryan '25, Stella Jennings '25, and Aditi Shanbhag '25, a tightly knit group of friends that have experienced all the highs and lows of high school together, giving them a variety of helpful advice that they can share.

Advice from the Class of ’25

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
June 4, 2025
In recent years, it has become noticeable that students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) have had a decline in participating in clubs and extracurricular activities. Busy schedules including working part time jobs and the growing influence of social media have significantly lowered the interest of students.

The death of clubs at Foothill Tech

Maggie Lay, Beatrice Barnes, and Peyton Fox
February 1, 2025
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 each presidential candidate's views on reproductive rights by unpacking and tackling the complicated policies and views both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Reproductive rights

Ruby Jenkins and Beatrice Barnes
October 23, 2024
As a continuation of the 2024 Presidential Election series, this article dives into the swing states, exploring their demographics and what will influence how they vote come November, along with touching on the campaign trails of both Presidential candidates.

2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Environmental policy

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
October 5, 2024
Pincha Boba's modern interior fostered a relaxing ambiance, ideal for enjoying a refreshing beverage, unwinding after an Advanced Placement (AP) test, or chatting with friends.

Hidden Gems: Pincha Boba

Beatrice Barnes and Ruby Jenkins
September 19, 2024
Ryan Alderman '25 stands in front of the spring section at Trader Joe's with a smile on her face. Throughout her shift, she can be seen carrying out a variety of tasks like bagging, stocking and helping customers, which allows her to have a great time at her job while she converses with a variety of people.

Taking a look at where Foothill Tech’s Class of 2025 is working

Julia Brossia, Beatrice Barnes, and Amber Duhs
May 18, 2024
Many schools in California are bordered by conventional farms that spray toxic pesticides near school grounds, but not Rio Middle School. The Rio Farm is located just down the street from Rio Middle School, and students regularly visit the farm to engage in hands-on learning about the benefits of organic farming. Students from schools across the county also visit the farm on field trips, and through education, Rio Farm is empowering youth to stand up for agricultural sustainability.

Op-Ed: Pesticides are a culprit of climate change, California politicians must act now

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
May 9, 2024
As spring begins, the hills surrounding Ventura turn green and flowers bloom. Earth Day reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature in our everyday lives.

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
April 23, 2024
As the COVID-19 lockdown becomes a distant memory, colleges are reevaluating the role of standardized test scores in the admissions process. Despite recent data showing significant racial and socioeconomic gaps in Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, some of the nation's top universities are reinstating standardized test score application requirements.

Opinion: Is standardized testing exacerbating racial and financial inequity?

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
March 1, 2024
The removal of the Matilija Dam is a colossal undertaking, and creating a plan of action has required decades of careful environmental research. Funding for the project has come from federal, state and private partners, and many downstream improvements along the Ventura River must be completed before initial sediment release in 2030.

Pulling the plug on the Matilija Dam

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
February 29, 2024
With the help of the tips and tricks outlined in the following article, escape the depths of your reading slump and tackle the pile of books that have been waiting patiently for your attention.

Four tips to get out of a reading slump

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
January 26, 2024
2023 was a year to remember! Join the Foothill Dragon Press's writing section as they discuss popular topics such as movies, concerts, video games, books and fashion, along with year-shaping events at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). The Best of 2023 series has everything from old favorites to newcomers.

Best of 2023: A year in review

Ruby Jenkins, Camilla Lewis, Isheeta Pal, Beatrice Barnes, Julia Brossia, Amber Duhs, Paula Gonzalez, Emilie Huovinen, Kelly Quinn, Layla Solomon, Audrey Szijj, Kalea Eggertsen, and Jane Kim
January 1, 2024
Concerts have always been extremely popular, as they are able to bring together large groups of people together in solidarity to support their favorite artist, and this year was no different. Join our writers as they delve into some of the best concerts of 2023, featuring artists such as Taylor Swift and Harry Styles.

Best of 2023: Concerts

Ruby Jenkins, Beatrice Barnes, Isheeta Pal, Lily Toreja, and Amber Duhs
December 31, 2023
Time sure is flying by fast these days! As we transition into the new year of 2024, it is time that we look back on 2023 at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). Go along with writers Beatrice Barnes, Audrey Szijj and Emilie Huovinen while they review the new additions to campus, best events and cafeteria food at Foothill Tech from 2023.

Best of 2023: Best of Foothill Tech

Audrey Szijj, Emilie Huovinen, and Beatrice Barnes
December 31, 2023
Fashion is one of the many ways students at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) express themselves on campus. Whether students pull inspiration from social media, friends or even horror films, the items in their wardrobe are an integral aspect of their individual identity.

Highlighting Foothill Tech’s best dressed students

Beatrice Barnes and Maggie Lay
December 23, 2023
Harvest Cafe's hot matcha latte with house-made cashew milk was subtlety sweet, and made for the perfect comforting beverage on a chilly winter afternoon. The exceptional latte art was a clear sign of a talented barista, which is not at all surprising, as the drink itself did not disappoint.

The matcha manifesto: The ultimate guide to matcha lattes

Julia Brossia and Beatrice Barnes
December 20, 2023
Cursive writing, once taught in schools, seems to be disappearing from the minds of many in the next generation. Is this a tragic loss or a long overdue goodbye to the well-known form of penmanship?

Opinion: Cursive: A dying art or good riddance?

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
November 27, 2023
With youth mental health on a rapid decline, experts question the cause of this crisis. Some turn to social media as an obvious culprit, although little evidence suggests that it is solely to blame for the current adolescent mental health epidemic. Despite this, social media has forever altered society in both positive and negative ways.

Is social media to blame for a youth mental health epidemic?

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
October 31, 2023
An enormous, eye-catching paper mache octopus is situated at the start of the ArtWalk exhibition on Main St., Ventura, greeting attendees as they enter the event. Inspired by Ventura’s natural environment, this work of art highlights the abundance of sea creatures that call our oceans home.

ArtWalk: Showcasing Ventura’s creative crowd

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
September 29, 2023
The charming exterior of Butter and Fold attracts many customers at all hours of business. From the elegant teal and gold color scheme to the waft of freshly baked breads, it’s impossible to simply pass by without taking a peek inside.

Butter and Fold: The perfect place to satisfy your pastry cravings this fall

Julia Brossia and Beatrice Barnes
September 25, 2023
The interior of Butter and Fold has a stylish yet warm atmosphere, demonstrating the cafe's elegance and charm. Customers are seen conversing over beverages while employees happily work with a smile on their faces.

The iced coffee looked appealing, but was a catastrophic disappointment. This was the only menu item that we thoroughly regretted purchasing, and was a definite outlier among the cafe’s otherwise impressive offerings.

The sweetened iced matcha latte appears with a beautiful green color, making your mouth water before you even take a sip.

The mini sourdough baguette with chocolate chips had a beautiful appearance, crispy on the outside with an abundance of dark chocolate chips making a sweet yet bitter flavor.

The sweet almond brioche (top right), tart plum brioche (top left), madeleines (bottom right) and mini sourdough baguette with walnuts (bottom left) all have a unique flavor, coming together to create a wonderful variety of pastries.

A hand drawn sign greets customers upon entering, and the thoughtful gesture sets the tone for your visit at Butter and Fold.

Is anything under $5 "basically free?" Can carrot sticks and ranch suffice for an adequate dinner? Learn more about TikTok's newest "girl" trends and how helpful or harmful they can be.

“Have your cake and eat it too”: Is TikTok right about healthy eating and spending?

Lily Toreja and Beatrice Barnes
September 8, 2023
Lynna Nguyen ‘24, Nathan Turner '24, Jaslyn Shirk '24 and Lola Tennison '24 all stand proudly as they receive their award for their project in the Energy Efficiency to Mitigate Climate Change and Ocean Acidification (EECCOA) Project. The project, which the students competed in through Mrs. Hunts’ Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science Class is an important STEAM competition which takes place every year. Read more to learn about both the project and this years winners.

The EECCOA competition: Reducing Foothill’s carbon footprint one piece of trash at a time

Amber Duhs and Beatrice Barnes
June 17, 2023
Invasive black mustard plants are abundant along the main trail at Harmon Canyon. They vastly outnumber native plants, which is detrimental to various aspects of the environment. Come fall, black mustard will dry out and pose a prominent fire hazard.

Ventura’s superbloom: Yellow flowers or invasive weeds?

Beatrice Barnes
June 1, 2023
On May 12, 2023, fourth period AP Government and Economics participates in an outdoor activity to gain a better understanding of the relationships between workers, product and profit. As motivation to win, students race against the clock, hoping to beat the times of their peers in other class periods.

A guide to Advanced Placement Government and Politics

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
May 20, 2023
Ojai Pixie Tangerines, a well renowned staple of Ventura County agriculture, are on display at this free produce stand near pixie orchards along the Gridley Trail in Ojai, Calif. Hikers and adventurers can stop by the stand for a tasty local delicacy and are encouraged to make a small donation in the attached donation box.

Op-Ed: Groundwater scarcity threatens Ventura County agriculture

Camilla Lewis and Beatrice Barnes
April 25, 2023
Explore this interactive Google Map to see which states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment and when they did so.

Women’s History Month: The struggle for equal rights continues

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
March 30, 2023
Moons Thai Cuisine, a local restaurant located off of East Thompson Blvd., offers a wide variety of authentic Thai food. With a multitude of five star reviews, this local hole in the wall restaurant is the perfect place to dine with family and friends.

Hidden Gems: Moons Thai Cuisine

Beatrice Barnes and Ruby Jenkins
March 17, 2023
Read along as writer Beatrice Barnes explores the science of water consumption and food production, as well as the actions one can take to reduce their water footprint.

Food for thought: Reducing water footprint with our diets

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
March 16, 2023
Foothill Tech student and Foothill Dragon Press staff writer Beatrice Barnes outlines the difficulties she faces as a part time music student at Ventura due to conflicting bell schedules at the different schools.

Opinion: All Ventura high schools should be on the same schedule

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
February 14, 2023
Recent salary negotiations for Ventura Unified School District employees has affected Foothill Tech teachers, students, and administrators alike.

Ventura Unified teachers’ wage agreement: How Foothill Tech has been affected

Amber Duhs and Beatrice Barnes
February 12, 2023
Fashion trends skyrocketed in 2022, changing with the seasons. From newer additions like the Airpod Maxes to the throwback of low rise jeans, there was something fashionable for everyone this year.

Best of 2022: Fashion and trends

Frances English and Beatrice Barnes
January 10, 2023
On Oct. 25, 2022, Foothill Technology boys' varsity cross country finishes racing at the CIF State Champioships in Clovis, California. Kai Bensen '23 comforts Erik De la Trinidad '23, offering support at the finish line after both athletes achieved a personal record for the five-kilometer course. De la Trinidad had a time of 17:32.5 and Bensen ran a 17:22.8.

Boys’ cross country takes eighth at the CIF State Championships to conclude their season

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
January 5, 2023
After losing her sister Rebecca to cancer, Dahl-Nicolle felt the need to paint flowers. She has always been a portrait painter and this sudden urge to paint flowers was unfamiliar. She used her time in the studio to remember her sister and mourn her passing. The paintings that came from this are a way for her to understand and process her grief. "A Year Without You" puts this act of remembrance on display and invites others to join in remembering those that have been lost over the past few years.

“The Totally R.A.D. Foundation”: Providing hope for local families affected by cancer

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
November 18, 2022
“Loop 83”, a local indie rock band, performs their first outdoor public concert on Oct. 15, 2022 at the downtown Ventura stage in front of City Hall. During a span of an hour and a half, they played a variety of original songs that attracted many onlookers.

“Loop 83” wows downtown Ventura in their first live concert

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
November 4, 2022
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Beatrice Barnes