Howdy to the New Year

VOLUME CMLVII September 27, 2019 The Torrance High School Newspaper News Torch Lighting the Way to Torrance High School Since 1922 HOWDY TO THE NEW YEAR FUN DAY AT CLUB DAY BY EDUARDO BENITEZ Another Club Info Day showed a certain perspicacity in their re- graced Torrance High School with its cruiting skills. Kitzia Lopez, President of presence as students focked to join Nurturing Future Generation Club, said, “I several clubs involving volunteer hope everyone fnds what is best suited for hours or interests and hobbies. them.” Inter-Club-Council Representative, KIWIN’S, Maroon Monsoon, Reyna Flores, opined, “Club Info Day is and others actively recruit new members important because all clubs are represent- for opportunities from “fresh” applicants. ed and the students are exposed to organi- Other clubs like Chess Club, Club The- zations.” It is great to hear so many pos- Howdy Dance atre, and Random Acts of Kindness Club itive thoughts on this very popular event. Seniors Jett Hayes and Mihir Menon gained notoriety through the experience. Club Info Day was benefcial for Photo Courtesy of: Members passed out fyers, hop- spreading solidarity and good cheer among Photo Courtesy of: Alice Lee ing to elicit new members. Some members the ranks of the enrolled student body. Austin Bunuan GIDDY UP WITH THE TARTARS BY ALICE LEE The Howdy Dance “giddied” in the main gym of Torrance High School on Regardless, the students put on a smile and took their energy to the gym and September 13. The frst dance of the school year is normally different from the rest. gyrated. Mosh pits ensued and students were jumping into each other to every song. DJ Associated Student Body Director, Mr. Nathan Jones, says the howdy Emerson played songs like “Go Loko” by YG, “My Type” by Saweetie, and lots of others. dance doesn’t have a theme. It’s a “welcome back to school” dance occuring after the Freshman Sophia Zepeda attended her frst dance frst football home game. The idea is to spend time with fellow classmates and dance. and said,“It was defnitely different from middle school.” Zepe- The dance featured casual attire, like tank tops and jeans. Attendance was da preferred different song choices, but enjoyed her experience regardless. good because the admittance was a reasonable $5.00. The Maroon Monsoon club She plans to attend other school dances as the howdy dance made a theme for that night: USA! The football team played against Santa Paula High was memorable.The frst dance was a success with good attendance. School. The varsity team put forth an amazing effort but lost by forty-two points. THS is confdent the next football games and dances will be successes!

Photo Courtesy of: RED MEETS YELLOW Austin Bunuan & Alex Simon BY DAEZSA PASION Sophia Baik (9), Keri Tanaka Welcome, class of 2023, to buddy under their wing. The gym Torrance High School! THS has given was packed, but ASB and the Senior (12), and Irish Spellacy (9) you a spirited introduction through the Class Council helped to make the annual Senior/Freshman Buddy Week, meet and greet a smooth operation. which occurred September 9 through The week was flled with 13 in various venues on campus. fun activities coordinated by the Se- Anticipation rose and excite- nior Class Council. These activities ment soared during the weeks between included “bring your Freshman bud- registration and the end of the second dy to lunch” and “match with your week of school. Vincent Cabrera, Se- buddy” day. This gave Senior and nior Class President, said he and Kea- Freshman buddies a chance to get la Fitisemanu, Senior Class Activities, to know one another while giving paired up the buddies using answers to the Class of 2023 a warm welcome. an interest survey asking about places As a Senior buddy my- students general questions of interest. self, I look back on my Freshman On September 9, the bud- year, wishing I had participated in this dies gathered in the main gym for a event. Freshman year is daunting for meet and greet. The Freshmen were many people, so having someone who elated to be paired with their Senior has more experience on your side is buddies, eager to meet someone who more comforting than facing the frst Sarah Kim (9) andLois Kim (12) can help guide them through the inner year alone. So, Juniors, by the time workings of high school life. The Fresh- Senior registration arrives, please Photo Courtesy of: men outnumbered the Seniors, and a don’t miss the opportunity to sign up Austin Bunuan & Alex Simon few kind Seniors took more than one for Senior/Freshman Buddy Week! TURN THE PAGE! NEWS! PAGE 2 ENTERTAINMENT Have you talked to any of the foreign exchange students yet? Hear about Have you seen the VMA’s? what they think Go check out our VMA’s about THS on Page 2! Best Looks column on STUDENT LIFE PAGE 3 Page 4! Did you see the Chase Take a look at our frst Bank fre? Read more about comic of this year on the it on Page 3! same page! 2 STUDENT LIFE September 27, 2019 OPENING GAME FACE TO FACE BY KAYLA COLLINS PROVES IMPROVEMENT Blemishes and pim- pimple or blemish directly. BY DAEZSA PASION ples are a common occurrence Then you can sleep and - boom Lights illumina- Coach Hollis and the team with high school students. These - it’s like it was never there. ted the Zamperini Stadium were eager on the feld, products will help relieve you of Here’s a reassuring review from feld as Torrance High School hoping for a good game. those breakouts. Let’s start with a M.Ksmith from Buzzfeed: “Usu- “kicked off” the football sea- Junior Mat Mccomas clay mask, especially the Aztec se- ally it takes days to [reduce son on Friday, September 6 led the team as quarterback. He Photo courtesy of: Daezsa Pasion cret Indian Bentonite healing clay. the blemish], but this literally against Leuzinger High School. made various and sundry plays Clay masks are took one night.” The reviewer Students, faculty, throughout the game, main- Home Football game vs. Leuzinger fast acting masks to help dry suggested trying a fast-acting and avid football supporters ly consisting of throws to the out and alleviate of your ble- drying lotion. This is recom- gathered to watch the frst home team’s receivers. His throwing mishes and balance out the mended for acne prone skin. game of the 2019-2020 season. arm was challenged that night. natural oils on your face, lea- It can be found at your local The Maroon Monsoon In the second quarter, ving your skin fresh and clean. drugstore at a range of $10-$20. supplied much of the energy. both teams took a knee becau- According to Glo- Another great product Sporting their themed Hawai- se THS fullback Senior Mouha- ria from Buzzfeed, this healing is La Roche Posay multi-purpose ian shirts, the group cheered med Ndoye was injured and be- clay is a “great product.”Glo- balm. It is used for the entire body. throughout the night with gusto. came unconscious. Paramedics ria added: “After the facial, It’s great for very dry skin becau- Sparkling perfor- were called to transport Ndoye my pores are totally clean, se it leaves your skin hydrated. mances from the Drill Team, to the hospital. We are conf- and they seem to disappear. Sarah K. on Buzz- Pep Squad, Color Guard, and dent Ndoye will return quickly. My skin also tigh- feed had to say,“ I usually can’t Concert Band went buzzing With two minutes and tens and takes on a youthful wear balms because they affect with energy all evening. The nineteen seconds left in the fourth glow. The results last for about my extremely acne-prone, oily crowd was electrifed as the quarter, Leuzinger scored the fnal a week or a little longer.” You skin... a night of this balm reco- Varsity Football Team ran onto touchdown. The 0-48 loss was a can fnd this product on Amazon vers my skin back to normal.” the home feld for the premier real disappointment, but despite the for $10. This is recommended It’s a great product time this season. Pandamonium! loss, the Tartar Nation was still in for oily to combo skin. because it’s easily accessible At times we are too and can be found at your local THS Varsity Football good spirits for the rest of the game. Photo courtesy of: Coach Rock Hollis said: “We “We are looking forward to impro- busy and we can’t wait 10-20 mi- Target for $15. All of these pro- were, and still are, [excited] that ving our play,” Coach Hollis said, Urban Outftters nutes for the clay masks to dry. ducts are fast acting and have That’s okay. Drying lotions are ef- great results. They are afforda- we fnally got the opportunity to “and showing what the true Tartar Mario Badescu Drying Lotion play in front of the home crowd.” Spirit is all about.” Go, Tartars! fective in applying to an irritated ble and great for everyday use. SENIOR BRUNCH MUNCH BY JESSICA TANG Torrance High School organized its Activities Director Nathan Jones stated, “The annual Senior Brunch at the Senior Patio on Sep- turn out is solid, with lots of smiles. High tember 13 to start off the Seniors’ fnal year. The school will be fun if you put in the work. You Brunch went from 7 AM to the morning bell. will remember these events when you’re ol- ASB served bagels, donuts, and der.” Over 100 students gathered around the pastries of every type to satisfy varied tastes. fountain to enjoy the free breakfast and to Lemonade, SunnyD, and iced tea were offe- spend time with friends and freshmen buddies. red to assuage any thirst. ASB students wor- Senior Madison Albers said, “It’s ked diligently while Seniors multi-tasked - tal- nice to eat tasty desserts and joke around king, laughing, and eating all at the same time! with your friends...and it’s free food!” Simi- ASB started planning the event in larly, Senior Natalia Corrales, with a bagel July writing letters and making calls to lo- in her hand, added, “I had fun today and this cal businesses for donations. Typically, Tor- cinnamon bagel is awesome.” The atmosp- rance Bakery, Ralph’s, and King’s Hawaii- here was flled with joy and excitement. an donated the pastries and goodies served. As the Seniors’ fnal year begins, Senior News Torch Editor Alice Lee feelings of nostalgia come to mind. As a se- stated, “We are very grateful and we couldn’t have nior, I feel we will remember this year the done it without them.” There were leftovers becau- most tenor twenty years later, so the memo- Photo Courtesy of: Jessica Tang se of the generous amount of food donated. ries we make now are the most important. This year’s Senior class The next event is Homecoming, so watch Seniors enjoying brunch at the senior patio is one of the smallest in fve years. out for those tickets. It’s your last year! INTERNATIONAL Foreign Exchange Student TARTARS BY ANDREW GERGES The Torrance High School Foreign Ex- Italian students remain in one class- change Student Program was created in 2015 to room everyday for a whole year. attract international students to study on our cam- Guilia believes changing class- pus. Students have the option to attend any school, rooms every period “makes the day seem to but often choose THS because of its location, go by faster.” She thinks it is worth it becau- beautiful campus, and high academic standards. se “[she] gets to meet new people and make Seniors Giulia Borzatta and Rebecca Toto have more friends.” Guilia has high hopes for this come to THS to engage in American lifestyle. year and has already started off very well. Mr. Nathan Jones has al- Rebecca Toto is also from Italy and has Giulia Borzatta (12) ways believed the program gives the stu- been eagerly anticipating this year. She in Italy, dents and the school “exposure.” The pro- “when a person turns 14, they must choose a particu- Photo courtesy of: Giulia Borzatta & Vector Stock gram allows students to share their cultures. lar feld to pursue...” It is similar in terms of deciding This year, THS has enrolled twen- a major for high school as Americans do in college. ty-one international students from Italy to Nor- Rebecca prefers the American system way to Brazil. Students stay in America for at because it allows her to create new friendships least a year to immerse themselves in American from different grades. She is very excited about culture. Most fnd it enriching and cherish it as a being on“the beautiful Torrance campus.” She lifetime memory despite being away from home. needs to follow a routine and fnd people to Giulia Borzatta came from Italy and help with her imperfect English profciency. she constantly fnds new experiences and cultu- The Exchange Program has allo- re-shocks even though she has been to the States wed hundreds from across the world to come before. Her homeschool schedule runs Monday to California and experience the “THS li- to Saturday from 8 to 1 in the afternoon. The te- festyle.” It has been benefcial to the stu- achers switch classes instead of the students. dents and a feather in our school’s cap. September 27, 2019 NEWS 3 CHASING THE FIRE BY MIKI IGNACIO The Chase bank at the Hawthorne Offcers were dispatched at around Boulevard and Carson Street in Torrance erup- 11:44 pm. The fre spread in a short amount ted in fames the evening of August 23. Accor- of time. Firefghters called for assistance from ding to Torrance Police Department, a driver many government agencies, including Redon- lost control, ran a red light, and crashed into do Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Los Ange- the bank. The passenger and driver were rus- les County fre departments. Treskes added hed to the hospital, but the driver’s condition is the fre lasted “ about three to four hours,” and still unknown. However, Assistant Fire Chief it took 46 frefghters to extinguish the blaze. Jon Henderson has reported minor injuries. Assistant Fire Chief Jon Henderson NBC4 reported the car was a Hon- told KTLA-TV at the scene (according to The da sedan. “When [we] got to the scene, the Beach Reporter), “It had a rubberized roof and vehicle was completely encased in the struc- façade around it made of combustible metal, so it ture with two occupants inside,” Torrance provided for a very challenging frefght.” Thank- Assistant Fire Chief Steve Treskes stated. fully, frefghters suffered no injuries or casualties. Photo Courtesy of: Daily Breeze Causes of the accident is current- Currently, the Chase bank loca- Chase Bank Fire Being Contained ly unknown. It is reported by TPD Sgt. Paul tion is uninhabitable. Current status of the Kranke the driver was not suspected of DUI safe deposit boxes and bank vaults are un- (Driving Under the Infuence), or “drunk dri- known. Fortunately, there are other Chase ving.” The speed of the car is also unknown. locations to serve you. You can bank on it. SPIDER MAN HOMELESS BY JOSHUA FLORES AND EDUARDO BENITEZ Despite grossing over $1.1 took time to address the Spider Man deal billion worldwide, Spider Man is forced during a recent Disney convention. to return to Sony as negotiations bet- Both were disappointed but were glad ween the company and Disney dissol- they had managed to include the web ved. Sony had arranged an agreement slinging hero in fve movies, three of with the Disney owned Marvel-Studios which appeared alongside the Avengers. in 2015 to share the character, allowing Actors like Jeff Goldblum were the studio to create their version of Spider upset by this news, while others like Jon Man as well as two stand-alone movies. Favreau held a positive outlook regarding Negotiations between the com- the future. Though one actress, Elizebeth panies seemed unclear as news outlets Olsen, couldn’t bring herself to be quite like Newsweek, Digital Spy, and Buz- so upbeat. “It really is sad. I mean, Tom zFeedNews state both companies have [Holland] was...the greatest Spider-Man organized a 50/50 split but neither would to me.” The departure of Spider Man has left fans bewildered. Fans can only Photo Courtesy of: Photo Fest agree to the deal. Fans quickly accused Sony of stealing proprietary material. hope the movies will retain the same gre- The cast of Friends in their original season. Kevin Fiege and Tom Holland at quality the Marvel Studios produced. FRIENDS ON THE BIG SCREEN

BY USHNA ANWAR Fathom Events showcases Friends Fathom Events announced a three- on September 23, 28, and October 3 in theaters day marathon called Friends: The One With The throughout the country. Chances are you have Anniversary consisting of twelve episodes. Ray heard someone talk about the show Friends or Nutt, the CEO of Fathom Events said, “Fans seen individuals walking around in attire with will have the opportunity to come together and the word ‘Friends’ written on its iconic logo. look back on some of the most hilarious and This show was immensely po- emotional scenes from the acclaimed come- Photo Courtesy of: Foundation for Economic Education pular in the 90’s and is as beloved to the dy — this time in theaters.” Get your tickets Amazon Forest Fires Out of Control following generations who have redisco- pronto!The marathon incorporated a special vered it and its six adorable characters. feature for the fans which was extra footage. According to the Netfix twitter, “We’- According to CNET Writer Katie Con- re sorry to see Friends go to Warner’s streaming ner, “Each night will include four different epi- service at the beginning of 2020 (in The US).” sodes, never-before-seen content and exclusive AMAZON FOREST The 25th Anniversary of Friends which interviews...all in 4K high defnition.” happened on September 22 was an excellent Fortunately, there was still unseen footage af- way to honor the show before it left its most en- ter twenty-fve years. This event will bring FIRES terprising streaming service. friends and family together in a brand new way. BY JOSHUA FLORES For the past month the Justine Calma with the Ver- Amazon rainforest has been on fre. ge says there are many explanations Caitlan O’Kane of CBS News reports: for the Amazon being on fre: “Ex- “Smoke ...is being blamed for an in- perts say deforestation and a practice crease in respiratory problems in Bra- called slash-and-burn are to blame zil.” O’Kane also reported these health for most of the fames.” Companies problems “are particularly affecting and governments cut down patches of children and the elderly.”The Amazon forest, allow the area to dry, then set is signifcant because it houses over the area on fre ablaze to accommo- ten million different species. It’s often date development or other concerns. referred to as “The lungs of the Earth.” Many efforts are taking In a report to the EPA, Dr. place to combat the fres. Calma adds: Christie Klimas, an assistant Profes- “After weeks of international and in- sor of Environmental Science and ternal pressure, [Brazilian President Studies at DePaul University, no- Jair] Bolsonaro deployed the military ted: “The Amazon Basin contains to help battle the fres on August 24, more than half the world’s remaining sending 44,000 troops to six states.” tropical rainforest, and is facing un- Countries like France and precedented changes [having] major the UK have offered to send fnanci- impacts on biodiversity, regional hy- al aid, but so far President Bolsonaro drology, and the global carbon cycle.” has only accepted aid from the UK.

4 ENTERTAINMENT September 27, 2019 EVERY SUMMER’S BOILING HOT TRENDS BY ALICE LEE SUMMER Social media creates trends con- are moving away from the conventional idea tinuously. Torrance High School students of beauty, and investing in products that are followed these on-going trends, like metal comfortable to wear.” Wu included results straws, disposable cameras, crocs, and the Tik from a survey by Senior Analyst Piper Jaf- EVER Tok app. The plastic straws proved harmful fray. Wu continued; “Crocs [are] the 13th to the environment, getting stuck in the no- most popular footwear brand among aver- ses sea turtles and the consumption other sea age-income female teenagers.” It ranked from animals. So, metal straws were purchased to 30 in 2017 to 12 just last year. The demure BY NATALIA CORRALES help the environmental movement. Ultima- reputation of crocs have decreased further. tely, the Starbucks Corporation created new The social media video app Tik lids for cold beverages to eliminate the need Tok grew because of the increase in comedy for straws and cut down on plastic waste. skits and talent videos created by teenagers. Disposable cameras grew in re- CNN Business writer Sherisse Pham wrote: cognition from teens once Youtuber David “The company that owns TikTok now has one Dobrik started to use them constantly. His billion users and many are outside China.” infuence on his 13.8 million subscribers Pham continued,“As of March, increased the interest of the cameras. The TikTok was the most downloaded app in Ap- “vintage” style from last year continued. ple’s App Store for fve consecutive quarters, Disposable cameras became trendy becau- according to market research frm Sensor To- se of the vintage flters attached to them. wer.” Their purpose is to entertain and have fun. Crocs are foam clog shoes which While many of the summer trends were in- eventually became popular recently. CNBC teresting, these trends caught the attention of writer Jasmine Wu wrote the article “Ugly many millennials worldwide. The content and as in: Crocs have taken over teen footwear, trend creators infuenced THS students as well. and boosted its stock,” said, “...Consumers Stay cool, there are hotter trends coming in!

Adopt a pet! By Alice Lee Mandy 19-06084 3 Year Old Female Pitbull Available at the spcaLA PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center 7700 E. Spring St. Long Beach, CA 90815 562-216-2542

Meet Mandy, she’s a happy girl who always has her signature smile on! She enjoys getting attention and pets from her human friends and would do best as the only Friend for Life in the home. Stop in and she’ll make you smile, too! https://spcala.com/adoptable/pet/?ss=19-06084 VMA’S BEST LOOKS BY USHNA ANWAR The 36th Annual Video Music Awards (VMA), hosted by Sebastian Maniscalco, aired on August 26 on MTV from New Jersey. Viewers ex- perienced their favorite artists perform on stage and display their outfts on the red carpet. Fans tuned into the show via cable and streamed it on the internet. The carpet exposed many celebri- ties and their intriguing sense of fashion. There were many looks that night; however, the fans thought some were more eye-catching than others. The audience loved seeing their favorite new musician, Lil Nas X, at the show for the frst time. He defnitely surprised the crowd by arriving Choice Awards on August 11. in a glittery ensemble that screamed western style. The 2019 VMA’s EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADVISOR was one for the books concern- According to Teen Vogue, “In just Alice Lee Mr. Parker Bostwick a few short months, the artist has breathed ing talent and style. We can- fresh air into thefashion scene and made fans not wait to see what these ar- STAFF WRITERS MANAGERIAL CHIEF TORRANCE tists come up with next year! want to celebrate themselves just as they are, Alice Lee Eduardo Benitez NEWS TORCH simply by choosing to rock clothing that ma- Miki Ignacio PHOTOGRAPHER TORRANCE HIGH kes them happy.” It’s all about the apparel. Kayla Collins Ushna Anwar Taylor Swift made a grand entrance. SCHOOL Daezsa Pasion GRAPHICS EDITORS The singer walked the carpet in a Versace rain- 2200 CARSON bow rhinestone blazer accompanied by black Ushna Anwar Natalia Corrales STREET over-the-knee boots by Christain Louboutin. Joshua Flores NEWS TORCH CLUB Taylor Swift was one of the TORRANCE, CA 90501 frst out on the carpet as she previously re- Eduardo Benitez WRITERS leased her album, Lover, three days before. PAGE EDITORS Eduardo Benitez According to Popculture writer, Kyle Miki Ignacio Andrew Gerges [email protected] Phillippi, “The record quickly became the top-sel Kayla Collins ling album of the year after just two days.” The pu- Alice Lee blic especially loves the previously mentioned look Photo Courtesy of: Daezsa Pasion Jessica Tang as it closely resembles what Swift wore to the Teen Bryan Bedder