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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

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 Miracle for Youth tutoring service aims to provide one-on-one digital meetings with student volunteers and staff. Elementary students in need of tutoring as well as interested volunteers can apply via the website.

A Miracle For and By Irvine Youths

Chiara Ng and Nate Taylor | May 15, 2020

To combat the loss of in-person education, students across Irvine launched Miracle for Youth, an online tutoring service and educational non-profit. The co-founders and executive board of the organization...

At schools like University High, students are allowed to take AP classes a year earlier than at Portola or Northwood high schools, giving them a figurative head start in following their passions at a collegiate level.

District Unity for Course Progression is Key to Equity

Akshay Raj and Manan Mendiratta | May 15, 2020

There is a disparity in course offerings between the Irvine Unified School District high schools. All IUSD schools should offer the same Advanced Placement (AP) courses to the same grades to ensure equity...

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...

“The Shawshank Redemption” is commonly recognized to be one of the greatest movies to not win the Best Picture Award.

Binge These Throwback Movies During Quarantine

Shawyan Rooein, Centerspread Editor | May 13, 2020

Being stuck at home can be a drag, but what better way to enjoy your time than curling up in a blanket and watching some of the greatest movies from the past. Here are four classic movies to binge during...

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...

The homeless are cold, unbathed and also more susceptible to Coronavirus, as they do not have facilities to keep themselves hygienic. Their unsanitary conditions and already deficient health status increase the risk of these individuals contracting the virus, which also poses a threat to the public.

Helping the Homeless is Curing California

Bia Shok, Staff Writer | May 11, 2020

Just minutes away from Irvine, hundreds of individuals are unsheltered and on the streets. As of March and April of 2020, on top of their usual concerns of finding food and a place to sleep, the homeless...

Antiviral medicine remdesivir and plasma therapy are among the treatments undergoing clinical trials to determine effectiveness.

Trials for COVID-19 Treatments Show Progress

Minnah Tanzeen, Staff Writer | May 8, 2020

Results of clinical trials for COVID-19 treatments will be available as soon as mid-May from current researchers, according to Reuters. Researchers are currently testing the antiviral medicine remdesivir...

Given that testing is largely unavailable, wealthier communities can show higher cases of Coronavirus simply because they can gain access to testing easier. The data from the Department of Public Health shows that ethnic minorities are being affected more than any other group.

Minority Communities Have Been Hit Hardest by Coronavirus

Maya Sabbaghian, Managing Editor | May 8, 2020

Data published beginning on April 6 by the California Department of Public Health shows that minority communities, namely African Americans and Hispanics, are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19...

From Shopping at Whole Foods to Stuck-at-Home Foods: Best Grocery Delivery Services

From Shopping at Whole Foods to Stuck-at-Home Foods: Best Grocery Delivery Services

Kelthie Truong, Back Page Editor | May 8, 2020

Prior to stay-at-home orders few would have expected weekly tasks like grocery shopping to induce anxiety. But with daunting long lines and confined spaces, the prospect of simply going to the store prompts...

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