Story by Sofia Alva News Associate Editor Photo by Ella Jayasekera Photography Editor Graphics by Charlotte Cohen Associate Design Editor The district’s annual School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) revealed evidence of racism and other inequities at SPHS. The data, which analyzes performance level across a variety of demographics, generated severe criticism from parents and students. The SPSA […]
SPHS students invited to participate in workshop combating political polarization
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer Graphic courtesy of Jonathan Eisenberg Contributor South Pasadena Hometown Exchange (SPHE) is hosting “Skills for Bridging the Divide,” a student workshop focused on helping youth respect different political viewpoints on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event is open to all SPHS students. Participants of the […]
The Anti-Racism Committee fights for local change
Story by Haelee Kim Staff Writer Photo by Will Hoadley-Brill Contributor Since its inception, the South Pasadena Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) has dedicated itself to dismantling racism within the city through grassroots organizing in government, education, public safety, and the arts. This past year, the ARC worked with Care First and Black Lives Matter (BLM) South […]
Freshman bonding program aids transition to virtual high school
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer Over 160 ninth graders attended the ASB Wellness Team’s first freshman bonding event on Thursday, Jan. 24, which debuted a larger program aimed to promote acceptance among students new to SPHS. The freshman split up into mentorship groups with two upperclassmen leaders, who will be part of the ninth […]
State restrictions postpone SPUSD TK-2 reopening
Story by Katie Hohman Staff Writer Photo courtesy of Abigail Silver Contributor The district has delayed its grades TK-2 return plan indefinitely after state officials released new restrictions on Thursday, Jan. 14 that prohibit L.A. County schools from reopening due to record coronavirus cases. SPUSD elementary schools had previously been approved to reopen in January, but […]
Vaccine distribution brings hope, frustration
Story by Zoe Schlaak Staff Writer Illustration by Alicia Zhang Staff Illustrator Photos courtesy of Anne Michels M.D., Jose Cervantes M.D., Josh Albrektson M.D., & Jehni Robinson M.D. Contributors Community members expressed relief and annoyance about vaccine distribution as South Pasadena approaches 1,200 coronavirus cases. California organized the vaccine distribution into Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, and they are […]
Student experiences survey aims to address oppression at SPHS
Story by Lilian Zhu Staff Writer The ASB Wellness Team, in conjunction with the counselors and social worker Natasha Prime, released a Google form for current students to share their experiences with racism, homophobia, sexism, and other forms of oppression at SPHS. Students are also encouraged to give constructive feedback on how SPHS can become a […]
City Council passes permanent eviction protection ordinance after months of prolonged moratorium
Story by Zoe SchlaakStaff Writer Photo by Noah KuhnNews Editor The City Council unanimously approved a permanent renters protection ordinance that requires landlords to obtain a permit before evicting tenants for remodeling at its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The permanent ordinance follows months of a prolonged moratorium and advocacy from the South Pasadena Tenants Union (SPTU). […]
APUSH students aid people experiencing homelessness through annual sock drive
Story by Quinn Manzo Staff Writer Graphic by Daniel Lin Contributor The annual SPHS student-run sock drive and fundraiser for people experiencing homelessness began on Tuesday, Jan. 5 and will continue through Friday, Jan. 29. South Pasadena community members can place new pairs of socks into the designated bag at the front office on Fremont Avenue or […]
2020: A year in review
Story, Photos, & Illustrations by Tiger Staff 2020 has been an unprecedented year. At this point that phrase is an annoying cliche, but with 12 months that included a global pandemic, a nationwide reckoning over racism, a fierce election cycle, and many local clashes and scandals, there is no other accurate way to describe this […]
Holiday donation drive for those facing homelessness rendered a success
Story by Eddie ZhouStaff Writer Photos by Sophie YeungStaff Photographer Black Lives Matter South Pasadena, Care First, and the Anti-Racism Committee distributed cold weather gear and hot food to around 40 unhoused locals in a holiday donation drive at the South Pasadena Public Library and the Arroyo Seco Park on Thursday, Dec. 24. In total, volunteers […]
City Council extends eviction moratorium four months amidst public misunderstanding
Story by Zoe Schlaak Staff Writer The South Pasadena City Council further extended its eviction moratorium, which prevents renters from eviction due to substantial remodel without a permit, another four months at its meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The extension is intended to allow for more community outreach and time for the Planning Commission before […]
Activist groups seek donations for holiday drive to support unsheltered neighbors
Story by Eddie Zhou Staff Writer Graphic by Grace Dennis Contributor Care First South Pasadena, Black Lives Matter South Pasadena, and the Anti-Racism Committee of South Pasadena are hosting a holiday donation drive for unhoused neighbors on Thursday, Dec. 24. The groups will distribute cold weather gear and hot food at the South Pasadena Public Library […]
ASB celebrates the holidays in annual winter assembly
Story by Georgia Parsons Staff Writer Photo by Eliot Correll Contributor SPHS ASB showcased its annual Winter Assembly via YouTube on Tuesday, Dec. 15 to spread holiday cheer to students during finals week. The 12-minute video featured a montage of ASB members’ 2020 recaps and the dance team’s performance of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For […]
Late starts return to SPHS second semester, asynchronous periods out
Story by Noah Kuhn News Editor Graphics courtesy of Janet Anderson Contributor SPHS’ second semester will feature bimonthly sets of late start days where students begin hour-long Zoom classes at 9:30 a.m., according to SPHS Principal Janet Anderson in the PTSA’s weekly newsletter on Monday, Dec. 14. Unlike first semester, there will not be any department negotiated […]
Virtual Business’ Pebbly company takes home wins
Story by Katie HohmanStaff Writer Photo courtesy of PebblyContributor SPHS’ Varsity Virtual Business team and new company Pebbly, an online pet rock company, excelled at the regional and national Virtual Enterprise competitions held on Nov. 19, winning multiple gold and silver awards. Seniors Michelle Jee and Olivia Yanover earned a silver award in the Radio Advertisement competition, […]