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
Karli Riehle

Karli Riehle, Illustrator

Procrastination at its finest level + being a perfectionist is not a difficulty modifier I would recommend enabling.

All content by Karli Riehle
Before the internet, the Incel (Involuntary Celibate) population wasn’t a community. However, after mass globalization and connection via the internet, the impact of certain ideologies and beliefs can outgrow the knowledge of their consequences. It can also hide the warning signs behind a screen and anonymous messages, delaying any substantial response to the danger before it translates to real world effects. Incel culture is a far cry from what it was originally supposed to be, but the actions of its most known members have since transformed it into something that can’t be ignored so easily. This is especially true in the malicious endeavors brought to light by a new Netflix series, “Adolescence”, that was released on March 13, 2025.

[Photo] Evaluating the harrowing rise of incel culture with “Adolescence”

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
May 22, 2025
The automobile industry has been a prevalent factor in American culture for a long time, resulting in the sprawling expanse of roads covering the country. With cities planned in the image of cars, pedestrians face significant dangers traveling without one in various places all across the country. The busy metropolis was the model from years ago, one that has since become outdated and requires a replacement. With future adaptation towards more urban settings, the importance of cars is downsized. These urban settings will put the pedestrian first, aimed at providing safer human interactions without the threat of an accident lurking at every corner.

[Photo] The state of urban planning

Jane Kim, Writer
May 1, 2025
It’s no secret that at nutrition and lunch, sometimes trash doesn’t make it all the way into the bin. However, the amount of trash found on campus is a growing problem. Considering the efforts taken by staff to ensure students are cleaning up after themselves properly, the lack of such care to pick up trash affects both the reputation of the school and then staff’s ability to function. With various forms of plastic or cardboard lining the halls, it makes the ground difficult to navigate without getting messy in some capacity. The amount of waste also affects the planet, with litter already being found almost everywhere on the planet in some capacity.

[Photo] Satire: This article is trash

Viggo Bortolin, Reporter
April 24, 2025
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.

[Photo] Immigration in Ventura: Past, present and future

Julia Geib and Oliver Kelley
March 18, 2025
With over 100 million downloads worldwide, "Block Blast" is a mobile game published by Hungry Studio available on a variety of platforms across the internet. Rated as a 4.9/5 on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, the game has exploded in popularity near the end of 2024 despite being initially released in 2022. Aimed at solving unique block puzzles in the pursuit of a higher score, the main objective is to clear the board of colored blocks. However, it serves a dual purpose of helping users pass the time, while still engaging the brain.

[Photo] Addiction or Entertainment?

Shea Stevenson and Lyla Huff
March 3, 2025
Falling on January 29, 2025, Lunar New Year is the holiday following the second new moon after the winter solstice. Lasting 15 days, celebrations from different cultures typically corroborate one of the 12 Chinese zodiacs; 2025 is the year of the snake. Associated with general qualities of an enigmatic and uncanny personality, depending on the time of year and conditions of the child’s birth, superstitions may point towards what the child’s personality may be like in the future. During the holiday however, Lunar New Year celebrations will be centered around snake imagery in cultures that support the 12 zodiac signs, also including the traditional exchange of red envelopes and grand festivities that occur otherwise. Common celebrations may include lion dances and dragon dancers, performed by crews of two for the lion and nine for the dragon. There may be fireworks and lanterns hung on the streets, plus a variety of other decorations as each family sees fit to celebrate.

Cartoon 117: Lunar New Year

Karli Riehle, Illustrator
January 29, 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?

[Photo] Satire: The reconstruction of the email

Bailey Basurto, Reporter
January 21, 2025
Throughout the year, 2024 has gifted the musical world with any number of incredibly well done albums and impressive songs. Popular artists such as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar's albums gained a large amount of traction after release, earning a spot on the best of 2024 list. Other artists such as Charli XCX, Wallows, and beabadoobee's albums are similarly featured as the highlights of 2024.

[Photo] Best of 2024: Albums

Morgan Houston, Ruby Jenkins, Oliver Kelley, Audrey Szijj, and Layla Solomon
January 9, 2025
Full of excitement and anticipated releases, 2024's film reel contains a wide variety of genres and plots, including several sequels such as "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," "Inside Out 2," and "Twisters." By contrast, "Heretic," "Challengers," and "It Ends with Us" were all standalone films ranging from psychological horror to sports and romantic drama. With many films still in development through 2025 and beyond, the best reel from 2024 will surely leave a lasting mark.

[Photo] Best of 2024: Movies

Julia Brossia, Amber Duhs, Morgan Houston, and Oliver Kelley
January 9, 2025
"Smile 2" hit theaters on Oct. 18, 2024, a sequel to the previous film "Smile" released on Sep. 30, 2022. Skye Riley, the main character played by Naomi Scott, is about to embark on a world-tour when she begins to experience increasingly disturbing events before appearing on stage. Lasting two hours and 12 minutes, the movie is rated R for its use of blood and violence and has generated $137.7 million in box office admissions since its release.

[Photo] “Smile 2”: A frightening, twisted horror sequel

Shea Stevenson, Writer
December 12, 2024
Following the 2021 album “Call Me If You Get Lost” as the seventh studio album, “Chromakopia” was released on Oct. 28, 2024, through Columbia Records as the eighth studio album from the artist Tyler, The Creator. The album contains 14 songs, beginning with “St. Chroma” and ending with “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.” Earning well over 85 million streams on Spotify within the first day of its release, as well as selling 142,000 albums in the first week. Topping the charts in several categories, the album has surpassed “Call Me If You Get Lost” as Tyler’s biggest first week sales and the biggest debut by units for a rap album released in 2024.

[Photo] “Chromakopia”: Tyler, The Creator’s new sound

Oliver Kelley, Writer
November 22, 2024
Every year seniors are faced with the same struggles upon returning to their final year of high school. Almost immediately after returning to school, seniors must begin college applications of varying length and effort. Those who want to go to college must apply quickly after the school year begins, alongside managing their primary coursework and maintaining their grades. Providing insight into the process, Foothill Technology High School’s (Foothill Tech) class of 2025 shares their perspective on the college season and where they may end up going in the following years.

[Photo] College application season at Foothill Tech

Morgan Houston, Writer
November 8, 2024
Throughout the year, many seniors progressively suffer from a disease known as senioritis. The symptoms of such an affliction may include a lack of motivation to do work, turning in late assignments and general burnout after completing three years of high school already. With just one last year to complete before starting adult life, they try to skate by on the bare minimum to enjoy one final year of being a teenager before being thrown into society as an adult. Whether they will be joining the workforce, going to college, taking a gap year or doing something else, senioritis is one final thing that plenty of seniors suffer through.

[Photo] STEMbassadors and Idea Center

Kellen Spears, Writer
October 30, 2024
Rooted in Chinese mythology, "Black Myth: Wukong" is an action RPG game that bases its story off of the Journey To the West. The game was developed and published by the company Game Science, released on Aug. 19, 2024, and has soared in popularity since its release. As of Aug. 23, 2024, Game Science released data that indicated that the game had sold 10 million copies, and obtained 3 million concurrent users across all available platforms.

[Photo] Black Myth: Wukong an overview

Kellen Spears, Writer
October 6, 2024
Drivers education is just one part of the process in learning how to drive on the road properly. Available in person and through online classes certified by the state's DMV, there's a variety of methods to attaining the necessary prerequisite for a teenage license. Covering everything regarding the law of the road, the importance of this class for high school students seeking to hit the road hasn't faded.

[Photo] Opinion: The issue with Drivers Education

Audrey Szijj, Writer
September 22, 2024
With the first part released on July 18, 2024, season six of the show "Cobra Kai" is set to be released in three parts on Netflix. Each part contains one set of five episodes, making a total of 15 episodes within the season with the third part releasing in 2025. The show is primarily focused on martial arts, along with being a sequel to the original "The Karate Kid" films created by Robert Mark Kamen that were released from 1984 to 1994.

[Photo] Part one of “Cobra Kai” season 6 kicks its way into Netflix

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
September 13, 2024
With the continuous rise of online news and readily available information, it is getting easier and easier to find anything you want about a given subject. Along with this instant information, the online newscape has found its hold in politics. Consistently social media is a talking point in modern debates, as the online platforms tend to divide the general public on large issues. Due to these constant debates and intense disagreements, a greater divide is being placed between groups such as Republicans and Democrats. With this growing divide between a variety of groups, it's important to consider social media’s role in fostering the growing issues.

[Photo] Opinion: The media is polarizing us

Jane Kim, Writer
June 24, 2024
Celebrated officially on the last Monday of May each year, the origins of Memorial Day trace back to May 5, 1868. Three years after the end of the Civil War, an organization of veterans from the Union side gathered to lay flowers on the graves of the war-fallen. The first declaration of the day of decoration was made by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, who announced that it should be May 30. In the same year, 1868, the first large gathering of this event was held at Arlington National Cemetery, where flowers were left on both Union and Confederate graves in the cemetery. However, there were still small, local observances before this event. Such as on April 26, 1866, when a group of women decorated the graves of Confederate soldiers lost in the battle at Shiloh. Union graves were also present, however, ignored due to them being the enemy of the time. Disturbed by the bare graves, the women set flowers on their graves as well. However, this was not the only instance of claiming to be the first to have a decoration day ceremony, as 25 other instances tie for the title of the original Memorial Day celebration. By 1900, states had adopted proclamations recognizing Memorial Day as an official day, with the Army and Navy taking on regulations to observe this day properly at their facilities. After World War I, the day began to encompass all deaths in American wars and then was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971. While the national date remains on the last Monday of May each year, many southern states also have separate dates to honor the Confederate soldiers who died. Mississippi has its Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Georgia on April 26, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and North and South Carolina observe the day on May 10, while on June 3 Tennessee and Louisiana recognize the date as Confederate Decoration Day. Virginia claims the last Monday in May as Confederate Memorial Day, while Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day on Jan. 19. A small tradition emerged from Memorial Day, and that is to place small American flags on each grave. As well, in Dec. 2000 the U.S. Congress passed an act named “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” that encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day and have a minute of silence as they honor and remember those who have passed in service of their country.

Cartoon 116: Memorial Day

Karli Riehle, Illustrator
May 27, 2024
As the influence of the digital age continues to be a well discussed topic, the newest generation, generation Alpha, has been raised in this era of technology and connectivity. Born between the years of 2010 to 2024, children born in this era often have access to screens very early, raising some questions about their behaviors as they continue to age.

[Photo] Satire: The impending horrors of Generation Alpha

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
May 10, 2024
Published by the musical group TOMORROW X TOGETHER, the minisode is the third to be released. It was released on April 1, 2024, and contains five songs within the minisode. The most viewed song on Youtube from "minisode 3: TOMORROW" is "Deja Vu," which has soared to 55 million views on the official music video. Following this release is writer, Julia Brossia, reviewing the songs within the minisode.

[Photo] Album Anatomy: “minisode 3: TOMORROW” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Julia Brossia, Assignment Editor
May 8, 2024
It's no small fact that movies are a popular form of media. Especially in the entertainment industry, movies are continuously being produced and showing up in movie theaters or on streaming platforms. When movies are released, it's common to find reviews from professional critics and fans on sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Letterboxd and many others. As films are advancing in technology, intensive CGI and other editors are becoming more common to see. Occasionally, a movie will release that many claim is "so bad, it's good."

[Photo] What makes a movie so bad it’s good?

Kelly Quinn, Writer
April 17, 2024
Social media has long since harbored influencers of all types and kinds, including skincare product sponsorships. Especially in 2024, skincare products and routines are rising in popularity on various social media platforms. The routines featured in the videos often outline a long process involving multiple products and steps. However, some brands and products have earned more prestige and popularity among skincare enthusiasts. While some may vouch for a complicated routine, others are beginning to promote simpler, more affordable alternatives.

[Photo] Opinion: Is a 10-step skincare routine worth the cost?

Audrey Szijj, Writer
March 22, 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.

[Photo] Bridging cultures: The impact of the California State Seal of Biliteracy

Bailey Basurto, Writer
March 3, 2024
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.

[Photo] Pulling the plug on the Matilija Dam

Beatrice Barnes, Writer
February 29, 2024
Lunar New Years is a time for celebration recognized in various places throughout the world. Following the setting of the second new moon after the winter solstice, Lunar New Year in 2024 begins on Feb. 10. After the initial day, the new year period lasts until 15 days later when the next full moon rises and a lantern festival is held on the final day. With celebrations recorded back as early as the 14th-century Shang Dynasty, it's said that the celebration originated from a battle against a Nian, a dragon that would prey on villages and livestock. The Nian would come down to the village once a year, until an old man had advised the village that the Nian was afraid of bright lights and loud noises, along with the color red. The village had hung red banners, lanterns, and decorations of all kinds on their houses as well as lighting firecrackers, then performing a very loud lion dance accompanied by a long dragon dance. When the Nian arrived to attack the village, it was scared off and retreated to where it had arrived from. Now to keep the Nian at bay, every year the Lunar New Year is celebrated. Associated with the lunar new year are the 12 Chinese zodiacs, which work in a 12-year cycle. The order of the zodiacs was decided in an old folk tale of a great race between the 12 animals to get to the Jade Emperor, the order decided by their place in the race. The rat is the first zodiac, as it finished first place in the race by riding along the ox’s back and jumping off at the last second. In last place was the pig, marking the end before a new rotation is started. Lunar new year in 2024 is the year of the dragon, the fifth animal to finish the race. With the dragon as Foothill Technology High School’s mascot, this year is sure to bring good luck and prosperity to the students.

Cartoon 115: Happy Lunar New Year!

Karli Riehle, Illustrator
February 10, 2024
The publishing industry is always changing, except in this case, it looks to be continuously changing for the worse. Favoritism towards certain ethnicities is an ongoing issue, and has been sitting idly without being addressed. Featuring the book “Yellowface” by Chinese-American author R.F. Kuang, writer Kalea Eggertson explains some of the most apparent issues with the publishing industry, especially in the 2020s.

[Photo] The dilemma of the modern publishing industry

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
February 2, 2024
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.

[Photo] Best of 2023: Best of Foothill Tech

Audrey Szijj, Emilie Huovinen, and Beatrice Barnes
December 31, 2023
Literature is a consistent influence in the lives of many people. It comes in many forms, including books loved by people all across the world. Looking at the year of 2023, writers Kalea Eggertson and Jane Kim reflect on books from throughout the previous year.

[Photo] 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
With college applications coming to a close, so does this wave of stress and pressure. Some students get ahead of the deadlines, writing their applications early. Though mixed with school work college applications often leave quite a few students scrambling to meet the deadline with well-done work. It can feel overwhelming, application upon application to get done. It emphasizes the hurried pace of college applications, resulting in a thankful wave when they are finally done and over with.

Cartoon 113: The season of college applications

Karli Riehle, Illustrator
December 11, 2023
The American taboo of horse meat has already been addressed on the Foothill Dragon Press in the form of an opinion article written by Dane Dodos. However, that's only one side of the argument that could be made on if horse meat should be introduced into the American diet. Unite with writer Kalea Eggertsen against Dane Dodos as she saddles up to provide a more stable suggestion to the dispute.

[Photo] Opinion: Quit “horsin’ around” and saddle for a more stable idea

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
November 28, 2023
Birds are a common sight around the world, with 11,118 species of birds existing around the world. Around our town of Ventura, we have a variety of species of which nine are brought up in this article. The nine bird species that are covered are the Cooper’s Hawk, Brewer’s Blackbird, Black Pheobe, Brown Pelican, Dark-eyed Junco, Eurasian Collared-Dove, House Sparrow, Turkey Vulture and the Sanderling. Jane Kim and Layla Solomon decide to research and show off these nine birds, sharing facts about each of them in turn with individual drawings to display the birds.

[Photo] Why we may be living in a mass extinction and a casual guide to birds of Ventura

Jane Kim and Layla Solomon
November 13, 2023
With the rising focus on mental health, ensuring our cognitive functions are well taken care of is important. It takes some research to know what to do and what to avoid, so join Kalea Eggersten as she discusses the activities that could benefit your cognitive health as well as potentially harm it.

[Photo] Act now: The dangers of cognitive decline and five simple things you can do to prevent it

Kalea Eggertsen, Writer
October 28, 2023
Lasting from Oct. 2, 2023, through Oct. 5, 2023, signups for the annual blood drive were available to students 16 and up on Foothill Technology High School’s stage in the Quad. It will be taking place on Oct. 11, 2023 and those participating will donating around a pint of blood each. Vitalant, a blood donation company, will have large trucks set up in the front of Foothill Tech, with all those donating cycling in throughout the school day. Thank you to all who are donating and have donated in the past!

Cartoon 111: Thank you Dragons!

Karli Riehle, Illustrator
October 11, 2023
Also referred to as a red tide or an algae bloom, the brilliant blue waves are caused by phytoplankton that emit blue light when disturbed. In previous years the event has been rare to find, occurring sparsely. Recently, primarily during the summer of 2023, bioluminescent waves could be seen splashing the shores of Ventura County.

[Photo] Bioluminescence: Wonders of the bright blue ocean

Nisha Reddy, Writer
September 27, 2023
Comprising of 12 songs, Olivia Rodrigo's new album "GUTS" is her second studio album and was released on Sept. 8, 2023. Rodrigo's first studio album, "SOUR," released in 2021, was critically acclaimed and beloved by fans, making her second album long anticipated. Writer Isheeta Pal takes on the task of listening to "GUTS" and reviewing it, delving into its key themes and messaging.

[Photo] Album Anatomy: “GUTS”

Isheeta Pal, Writer
September 20, 2023
20 years after the initial film, the 2003 movie, "The Haunted Mansion" is given a revisit. With its release, movie critic Rihanna Samples gives her thoughts on this spooky delight.

[Photo] Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” is a frightfully fun movie for all

Rihanna Samples, Multimedia Editor
September 1, 2023
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Karli Riehle