The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot

The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot

The student news site of Portola High School

Portola Pilot

While accounts that shame people on social media may have good intentions, social media users often do not know the full story behind others’ choices. According to sophomore Michael Kwon, some students were reposted on troll accounts even if they were following social distancing guidelines or spending time outside with their families.

“Quarantine Shaming” Needs to Stop

Lauren Hsu and Celine Lee | May 29, 2020

Despite the widespread support for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order issued on March 19, many California residents, including those from Irvine, continue to resist these restrictions. In response...

Education specialist Desiree Shaffer waves a “Go Bulldogs” sign to incoming cars of students and family members, who show their appreciation even behind windows and masks. From a safe distance, Shaffer stops to check in and chat with the families before sending them down the line of other cheerful staff members.

Caravan for Special Education Creates Smiles From 6 Feet Away

Ava Caleca and Kelthie Truong | May 28, 2020

Paper signs flutter in the afternoon breeze as staff members patiently await the next round of cars, equipped with joyful honking and eager passengers.  Initiated by special education department chair...

The Iris Episode 2: The Reign of King COVID the 19th

The Iris Episode 2: The Reign of King COVID the 19th

Ajinkya Rane and Jordan Lee | May 28, 2020

Jordan and Ajinkya tackle what's on everyone's mind - the Coronavirus. With guests spanning from a Portola student facing difficulties with asthma medication and a physician specializing in pediatric emergency...

With the help of semi-permanent dyes, junior Kailyn Pham is among the many students experimenting with different hair colors since the start of quarantine. Dark silver locks are only the most recent of Pham’s several hair transformations in the past few months.

Students Become their Own Quarantine Hairstylists

Kelthie Truong, Back Page Editor | May 26, 2020

  With hair salons among the many closures of non-essential businesses, students have taken hair transformations into their own hands, flaunting everything from brightly-colored hair to clean-shaven...

Hope Squad members aim to create a safe school environment, promote connectedness, support anti-bullying, encourage mental wellness, reduce mental health stigma and prevent substance misuse, according to the website.

Hope Squad Supports Students Virtually In Midst of Pandemic

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 21, 2020

Hope Squad has shifted from meeting at office hours or lunch once a week, to meeting every Friday via Zoom to discuss and find ways to support peers struggling with mental health throughout quarantine.  Hope...

This year’s election is anything but traditional, and presidential candidates should strive to create realistic policy goals.

Healthcare and Voting Advocacy are Crucial to a Presidential Victory

Ajinkya Rane, Co-Managing Editor | May 21, 2020

While choosing between Joe Biden and Donald Trump seemed like an important decision just over a month ago, it has become a distant memory in light of recent threats of nationwide layoffs and overflowing...

Protests have spawned across California in an act to challenge the state’s stay-at-home order and social distancing restrictions.

Stay-at-Home Protests Inspire Economic and Social Resurgence within California, Starting with OC Beaches

Ryne Dunman, Contributing Writer | May 20, 2020

Amid Gov. Gavin Newsom’s crippling stay-at-home lockdown, sporadic protests have erupted across California. While state officials are slow to act with the state’s economic decline and continue to extend...

Before Coronavirus cases increased exponentially in California, heavy waves of pollution in the air caused by combustion and crowds of people led to faded views of mountains and landscapes. Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s enactment of a stay-at-home order on March 19, combustion on the roads and during gatherings have decreased 48% along with traffic according to U.S. News.

Why the Coronavirus has Helped the Environment

Aadi Mehta, Contributing Writer | May 20, 2020

Although the pandemic continues to overwhelm healthcare systems globally, lockdown measures by state and world leaders have reduced pollution and helped the environment become more sustainable.  According...

A Ralphs employee, Marko, sanitizes carts to ensure the safety of customers. While Ralphs still maintains its normal operating hours as they are necessary for providing residents food and day-to-day essentials, they have implemented precautions that reduce risk of customers contracting the virus.

Governor Announces Modifications to Gradually Reopen

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 19, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced modifications to gradually reopen the state on May 12, dealing mainly with restrictions that industries and businesses need to follow. The update was a  follow-up to the initial...

The American Journal of Public Health found nearly 45,000 annual deaths are associated with lack of health insurance. According to a West Health-Gallup survey, an estimated 34 million people, one in eight American adults, say in the last five years they have had at least one friend or family member who died after being unable to afford medical treatment for their condition.

Stop Deaths Caused by America’s Healthcare System

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 14, 2020

With hospital beds overflowing with coronavirus-infected patients, public support for universal healthcare has increased by 41%, according to a poll conducted in March by the Morning Consult. At a time...

Although the American government is based in individual freedom, people must give up some of their freedom in order to deal with crises such as COVID-19.

Leaving Home for Nonessential Reasons Will Lead to Preventable Danger

Farhad Taraporevala and Annie Qiao | May 12, 2020

With California’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order entering its fifth week, citizens are fighting back, flocking to beaches and holding protests that violate physical distancing policies. Californians should...

Donate to Portola Pilot
$0
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All Portola Pilot Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest
Activate Search
The student news site of Portola High School
Coronavirus