School Newspaper

For decades, San Joaquin Memorial High School has offered its students the opportunity to learn the basics of reporting, editing, and journalistic ethics through its print newspaper program. As of last year, the print newspaper is no longer in service, but this does not mean that students will leave their journalism ambitions behind them. In the beginning stages of digitalizing the publication, students will find a home for their articles here on the school's website. This, above all things, is providing students with a more realistic image of the journalism world today: Digital, fast-paced, and vastly more shareable than a physical paper thanks to social media and email. 

Therefore, readers (be they alumni, current students, or parents) will now have access to what the students are noticing in the world around them, either just at school or on a vastly bigger stage.

We look forward to sharing articles with you. 

"Nintendo’s Green Plumber returns in this terrifyingly terrific third installment."

By Jacob Tashjian, Staff Writer

“Luigi’s Mansion 3” on the Nintendo Switch is the third installment to the Action-Adventure series, “Luigi’s Mansion.” Created by Nintendo and developed by Next Level Games, “Luigi’s Mansion 3” represents a brilliant return to form for the series, introducing new and innovative gameplay that builds upon the classic “Luigi’s Mansion” formula of exploring rooms, capturing ghosts and solving puzzles while exploring beautifully designed yet haunting rooms, making “Luigi’s Mansion 3” a must-buy for any fan of the series and a fantastic game for anyone with a Nintendo Switch. 

Taking place in the new Scare-Scraper Hotel, the player controls the lovable coward Luigi as he ventures around the hotel trying to save his friends, who have been captured by King Boo, leader of the ghostly foes. In order to save his friends Luigi has to go through a total of 17 unique floors of the hotel that take on creative environments that the mansions of the older games could never achieve; he captures the ghosts that haunt each room with his new “Poltergust G-00,” collecting money lying around the hotel (which contributes to a special ending) and solving interesting puzzles until he fights the final ghostly boss of the floor. As far as plots go, “Luigi’s Mansion 3” is not anything ground-breaking or profound, but it is simple, filled with humor and supplements what this game excels at: gameplay and puzzles. It also does something that not enough games do, namely allowing the character to pet the ghost dog, making it a contender for game of the year in my book.

Alongside these new combat features is a new and controllable character named Gooigi, a gooey version of Luigi who can do what Luigi can not.From walking in tight spaces, walking through bars, and walking on dangerous areas like spikes, Gooigi becomes a great asset. Although a single player cannot control both characters at the same time, leaving the non-controlled character in a dazed and immobile state, playing with two players in co-op can resolve this issue. The introduction of Gooigi adds a new level of complexity to puzzles as players have to utilize both Luigi and Gooigi, sometimes in near synchrony, to complete the unique puzzles found within each floor.

“Luigi’s Mansion 3” is a fantastic entry to the “Luigi’s Mansion” series and a contender for the best game in the series. While the game suffers from lackluster rewards for fully 100% completing the game, does not contain a lot of replay value and lacks the dark atmosphere of the other games in the series, its gameplay innovations in combat and puzzle solving make playing the game a treat, and that is no trick.

 I give “Luigi’s Mansion 3” a strong 3 outta five.

From laugh out loud hysterics to slow dramas these films have a little something for everyone

By Xochitl Noriego, Staff Writer

While National Hispanic Heritage Month may have recently ended, it doesn’t have to be the end of watching the Latinx films for which you may have seen recommendations. From emotional dramas to well-made comedies there are a wide range of well known to more indie Latinx films that you should add to your watchlist immediately. Whether wanting to see representation for yourself, expand your worldview or something else entirely the following five films will have something you’ll love. 

5. Born in East L.A. (1987)

    Starring comedic genius Cheech Marin, “Born in East L.A.” is based off of Marin’s song of the same name. Marin’s character begins the movie by being rounded up by the immigration police and deported. While seemingly a difficult topic to make a comedy film about, Marin masterfully creates a film full of both heart and laugh-out-loud hysterics. There won’t be enough time to catch your breath between each punchline. This is a popcorn movie at its very best. When you want a film to sit around the TV to laugh at with your best friends, this is it. 

4. Selena (1997) 

    Jennifer Lopez stars as one of the most influential Latinx pop stars to have lived. Selena was one of the defining artists of Latinx pop music, her music to this day is still played often. The biographical film about her is the same in that it has become one of the defining films of the Latinx community. A story about perseverance, “Selena” never tries to be anything other than a story about Selena, the good and the bad. Beautiful as it is tragic Selena holds a special place in the hearts of many Latinos and for good reason. Whether you know everything about Selena or if this is the first time seeing her name, this film will bring you to tears and touch your heart in the best way. Add this to your watchlist when you want something to inspire you. 

3. Roma (2018)

    This Alfonso Cuaron film has a lot going for it. It’s directed by one of the best directors working today with a cast of talented and passionate actors with a story that is sure to tug some heartstrings. This semi-autobiographical film about Cuaron’s upbringing in Mexico is a love letter to the nanny who raised him. The nanny in this film being portrayed by Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo. Aparicio was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award for this role and rightfully so, as “Roma” is carried by Aparicio’s performance. Following Cleo and her life with the distinctive Cuaron directing style Roma is a slow day-in-the-life story. While the slow pace, black and white picture and Spanish language may put off some people all these elements work together to paint a picture of Cleo and the family she works for so complete it feels like you are walking the streets of Roma, Mexico with them. When you want a slow, relaxing movie experience just open Netflix and press play. 

2. Mi Familia/My Family (1995)

    “Mi Familia,” also known as “My Family” stars Edward James Olmos as the oldest son of the Sanchez family, Paco. Paco recounts three generations of the Sanchez family, beginning from his father’s journey into Los Angeles from Mexico, continuing to his younger brother Chucho’s tragic life, and ending with a hopeful note with Paco’s youngest brother Jimmy. The film never shies away from the hardships Latino immigrants face in the United States, from the repatriation of Latino U.S. citizens during the Great Depression to police brutality, the film acknowledges the issues without ever feeling like it is bogged down or becomes about those issues. Instead, this film, as the name implies, focuses on family and the lives of the three men who are the focal points of the movie. It also doesn’t hurt that its depiction of Mexican-American culture is startlingly accurate. This film will have you holding your stomach from laughing one minute and balling the next. Even if you aren’t latinx add this to your watchlist, at the very least to see young Jennifer Lopez in one of her most dynamic roles. 

1. Frida (2002)

    Actress Salma Hayek’s labor of love “Frida” is dripping with character. Hayek’s performance as the titular character alone make this a worthwhile film to watch. Full of anguish and life, Frida Khalo comes to life as the soundtrack infuses more energy into the already energetic setting of Mexico. While at times the film can feel overdramatized, the touching performances of all the actors really make this film the masterpiece that it is. Whether you have in-depth knowledge of the artist's life or you know nothing at all “Frida” will capture your imagination and keep your mind working long after the credits roll. Be prepared to recommend this film to all your friends. 

"...the problem lies in studios who use their fan base for a quick cash grabs by pumping out sequel after sequel or remake after remake."

By Megan McCraw

       For many years we have viewed Hollywood as the cinematic center of the nation, if not the world. A place of creativity to bloom and eventually present to the masses. For years the city has produced original works, but adaptations as well, such as “The Godfather” Yet, it is almost impossible to catch a glimpse of this now in the age where quick cash grabs possess more importance than actual entertainment. As of recently, it is no secret that the new cinematic trope is nostalgia. If it ever graced American screens pre-2017, you can bet it will be back as a remake or unnecessary sequel. Unfortunately, this is especially noticeable in the companies who used to be known for their original content. For example, Walt Disney Studios, a household name has released remake after remake in order to feed off their older audience. Adults can’t help but see their favorite childhood film and feel a sense of responsibility to see it again. After all, it was an important piece of their childhood. 

       One may think, “What’s the big deal? No one gets hurt right?” But sadly you’d be wrong. Movies used to be a place where original storytelling could be spread and appreciated. Films such as “The Breakfast Club”or “The Godfather” were considered timeless classics. As sad as it is to say, this is no longer the case with the original films. Outshined by bigger studio remakes, many promising films have gone unnoticed. Michael Keaton’s “Birdman” and Saoirse Ronan’s “Lady Bird” (pardon the pattern) were both award winning films and even raised as some of the best films of our generation. Unfortunately, due to sharing the screen with larger movies including Disney produced pieces, they went underappreciated. 

       Now this doesn’t mean that franchises or cinematic universes are inherently bad such as Marvel studios which has maintained consistency in their films of hard work and in turn good content. No, the problem lies in studios who use their fan base for a quick cash grabs by pumping out sequel after sequel or remake after remake. Beating a dead horse until it’s done spitting out every piece of money. This is apparent in lower quality films from larger studios ( *cough* “Justice League”). Now as these big universes are coming to an end, completing their decade of dominance in cinema, there is hope for more spotlight on original pieces. This new break can be the kick start creativity in Hollywood needs, as long as we allow it to happen.

"Very recently in the entertainment industry, the music world has increasingly become divided over the fusion of country and pop genres."

By Emma Farris, Editor-in-Chief

It’s that noise you hear driving home late at night- surrounded by darkness and bitten by the chill of the wind. It’s the sound that spills out of the open window onto the road speeding behind you. The beats that make you and your best friend jump up and down in your seats, the words you both know by heart and scream at the top of your lungs. The soundtrack to those crazy perfect nights: country-pop music; but is that genre even real? The question has music fans divided.

    Coined as the new “Nashville Sound” due to its Tennessee origins, country-pop is the fusion genre of traditional country music and pop music techniques. Notable examples of this music style are Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” and Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” These songs and countless others like them all have the unique combination of modern producing technology, often used in pop songs with the lyrical sentiments, and vocals of country singing. 

The loud guitar riffs and pounding drums behind lyrics like, “You got your hands up/ You’re rocking in my truck” in Luke Bryan’s “I Don’t Want This Night To End” inspire listeners to imagine the specific scene of driving a truck down a dark country road, and with that the corresponding feeling of carelessness. Country-pop music has become a genre popular among young adults, often played at large parties because of its ability to quickly energize the audience. 

    This musical fusion, however, has not gone without criticism, with many “country music purists” as Rolling Stone termed them, claiming this new style of country music lacks the essence of the traditional sound. In an effort to become more mainstream, artists remove the conventional instruments such as the banjo and fiddle in favor for bass guitars and drums. As for lyrics, critics say the focus has shifted from exhibiting the bluegrass country life to encouraging partying, drinking and reckless dancing. For some, the final straw was Florida Georgia Line’s collaboration with hip-hop artist Bebe Rexha in the chart topping “Meant To Be.” 

    These changes to the genre however have actually served major benefits to country music. Cross-genre collaborations and modern, more radio-friendly sounds make country music more widespread and enjoyable to a larger audience; country-pop brings the fans of both musical styles together in a cohesive way. The country music fan base has grown massively in the past ten years, and that is very much due to the changes it has undergone, and many artists find success in this. Taylor Swift, the country-pop sensation herself, transitioned from country to pop in her fourth album “Red” and her popularity has only grown exponentially since. Today’s country artists are simply adapting to the modern music industry, just as any other singer would. 

    At the end of the day, country-pop music shares the same message as the country music of the past; both styles are reliant on inspiring emotions and allowing their listeners to enjoy themselves. Calling someone a “fake country fan” for jamming out to “Singles You Up” by Jordan Davis defeats the purpose of country music, to bring people together for a good time. Just as the ultimate model for country-pop Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana once said, with country-pop music one can truly have the “best of both worlds.”

"Despite attempts from firefighters to fight back, many families are forced to flee from their homes as the fire and smoke tear through the region."

By Emmit Boyer, Staff Writer

    It appeared to be an ordinary evening for residents of Sonoma County on the night of Oct 23. It was a little past 9 p.m. and residents had already begun preparations for bed, tucking their children in or settling down to watch their TVs for the night. As many began what would constitute an ordinary nighttime routine, a pungent smell cut through the misty scents of the night: the smell of smoke. 

    At 9:24 p.m. that day, a wildfire broke out in northeast California near Geyserville, a small community within Sonoma. This seemingly ordinary fire slowly crept throughout the area, eventually becoming the largest fire this year, with the smoke capable of being captured from satellites. This fire was known as the Kincade Fire, one of the many fires that blazed through California these past few months. The Kincade Fire alone tore through 77,758 acres of California land, scorching and burning its way through the homes of families desperately trying to flee. Although nobody has been killed, four people have been injured and 374 homes have been destroyed, leaving many homeless on the ashy streets.

    Many believe that this fire was caused by a PG&E powerline failing and collapsing near the area, although these reports are unconfirmed. “If bans on practices burning controlled fires and the removal of dead trees was lifted, then perhaps accidents like this wouldn't spark fires so quickly and the amount of fires would reduce,” junior student Nick Dalena said. Despite this, a frantic PG&E began to shut down power in Northern California in areas nearby the initial fires, beginning on Oct. 26. It is estimated that despite not being caught in the fires path, three million people were left without power in the region due to PG&E’s attempts at containment. 

    While the Central Valley has remained away from the flames itself, the effects of it are still being experienced. Due to the way the mountains surround Fresno’s location in the Central Valley, smoke from the fires rapidly became trapped, even when the fires die out. “It has been really smokey for some time now, and I hope the wildfires are managed soon,” junior student Cobe Young said. The smoke becomes trapped in the Valley and drastically affects the air quality, worsening it for sports or any outside activities. Smoke may not be visible and the fires may no longer be raging, but its effect on the Valley’s air is obvious to those who have been here for much of their lives. 

By Jacob Zarate, Staff Writer

The book “Everything Everything,” by Nicola Yoon, reached #1 New York Times Best Seller, was translated into more than 33 languages and was named One of the “Best Books of the Year” by Huffington Post, The New York Public Library and the School Library Journal. This comical romance novel begins with an introduction to the main character, Maddy. Maddy suffers from a disease called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (a.k.a. bubble baby disease) which practically makes her allergic to the world. She hasn’t been out of the house in 17 years, and has zero physical friends. All this changes, however, when she meets Olly, her new neighbor.

    To begin, the story adds an incredible insight to what life is like to someone who is suffering from bubble baby disease. The book contains many unusual and outside-the-box writing techniques. It includes graphs, pictures, charts, models, emailing format, lists, poems, book reviews the character makes and individual word definitions Maddy learns throughout life. These add-ins are fun to read, but overall, make the book seem even shorter. Throughout the book, Maddy internally struggles with love, fear, honesty and truth. The caretaker, Carla, was a maternal figure for the main character, and really helped Maddy shape her self-identity. In the end, Maddy is able to overcome her obstacles using the lessons that Carla taught her about love and life. Olly as a character is funny and serious at the same time. He helps teach Maddy that love conquers all, and there really are “people worth melting for.” Her mother, however, begins the story in a positive and healthy relationship with her daughter, but ends with a poisoned and ruined one. Their relationship is never fully restored and Maddy is unable to forgive her mother of her wrongdoings.

    While the story might appear to be light and easy, it also contains many serious and difficult problems the characters have to deal with. For starters, her neighbor Olly comes from an unstable family. His dad is abusive and, because of it, the family seeks help and ends up moving away. Olly’s sister struggles with an addiction to smoking that mirrors her home life. Olly himself often takes shelter from his family by running away and hiding on the roof. Towards the end of the book, we also find out that Maddy’s mother suffers from a psychological disorder attributed to the death of her husband and son. She undergoes therapy to help her and her emotional complications. These problems are unfortunately never really solved in the end, with the exception of Olly’s family moving away from their father. This book also contains moderate language use and too much romance for my taste.

    Overall, this book is a nice easy-read and a great “getaway car” from your everyday life. I wouldn’t, however, recommend this book if you wanted something inspirational or thought-provoking. In the end, I  probably wouldn’t read it again. If you want to skip the book, there’s a new movie that came out.