Student develops suicide prevention bot for online messaging platform Discord

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February 18, 2026

Occidental student Liv G (junior), who has asked to keep their last name anonymous for privacy, said that a suicide prevention bot which they developed for the messaging app Discord has managed to reach over 2500 online communities around the world. The program uses machine learning to scan messages in chat boards for possible signs of suicidal intent, Liv said. If a message is flagged as indicating distress, the bot provides users with a list of mental health hotlines in over 200 countries and territories.

According to Liv, making the bot accessible to as many people as possible was a key part of the development process.

“I found this list of suicide lifelines and I just went all the way down the list and added every single one, along with information on each organization, how to donate and so on,” Liv said. “Unfortunately some countries still don’t have a lifeline, which is just awful.”

Liv said they first started working on the program during the pandemic, when they were in ninth grade. According to Liv, working on the bot started as a way to improve their coding skills, but eventually grew into a larger project which they still work on to this day.

“Back in 2020, I was trying to get better at coding, and I realized that you could make a Discord bot using Javascript,” Liv said. “I was looking for a way to apply that, and I realized that mental health was a huge issue. There are a lot of people online who could really use some help that’s just there in the background, just in case.”

Liv said they have worked at the Information and Technology Services help desk since their first year at Occidental. Vice President of ITS and Chief Information Officer James Uhrich said Liv is an excellent and innovative worker with a strong technical skillset.

According to Uhrich, the ITS team originally hired Liv because they independently discovered a flaw in the college’s student directory system.

“When Liv got here during their first semester, they didn’t apply for a job with us, but they uncovered some procedural issues with one of our tools, contacted us and told us, ‘You’re doing these things wrong.’ We realized they were right, and so we agreed that we should hire them,” Uhrich said. “Here is this smart, creative problem solver looking for things to improve in the community. That’s exactly who we need.”

ITS Director of User Experience Jacob Sargent said that Liv stands out to the ITS team because of their proactive approach to problem solving and ability to connect disparate systems together. According to Sargent, Liv’s familiarity with day-to-day student life has helped them identify problems and safety concerns with the college’s IT system that would not have occurred to full-time staff at ITS otherwise.

“I was so impressed with their approach,” Sargent said. “Instead of being upset about a problem and handing it off to us, they went out of their way to systematically review the security of student data within our systems and found something that we hadn’t previously considered.”

According to Sargent, Liv realized that because student ID numbers were publicly visible on college resources like Raftr, anyone with access to the app could find and use the numbers to make transactions in the Marketplace or Tiger Cooler.

“That’s been fixed now, because as a student, Liv understood how people actually use this information in a way I don’t think we would have as staff,” Sargent said.

Although the suicide prevention bot for Discord was their first big coding project, Liv said their experience with coding goes all the way back to their early childhood.

“I’ve been coding since I was really little with a program called Scratch, which is made to teach simple coding with a block system,” Liv said.

Liv said they think online messaging forums provide a unique opportunity for people struggling with their mental health to seek guidance and counsel from their peers without the fear of judgement they might face in the real world.

“I think in a way being online helps you to talk and be more open about things you may not talk to anyone about in real life, because you have this sense of anonymity,” Liv said. “I’m just trying to help in any way that I can. A lot of people die from suicide every year, and if could make that number go down by just one, then that would be worth all the time in the world.”

Contact Adam Pildal at pildal@oxy.edu

Women’s Twentieth Century Club enters the 21st century

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Emma Williams

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February 18, 2026

The Women’s Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock aims to create spaces for women to come together and help their local community through public service, according to club historian Linda Allen.

Ela Ros Jones, president since 2018, said the women’s club is the heart of the Eagle Rock community.

“We feel that the founding ladies are keeping an eye on us, making sure, ‘Hey, you guys continue the work we started,’ and I think we’re doing that,” Jones said.

According to Allen, when the club was founded in 1903, the women’s suffrage movement was picking up steam, and women’s clubs began popping up all over the country.

“I heard the story that one of the ladies who really started the suffragette thing, she wanted to go to hear Charles Dickens back East,” Allen said. “And they would not allow her to go in — because she was a woman — and listen to him. So she got pissed and said, ‘Well, we’re going to start a women’s thing and have our own speakers,’ so they started building clubs.”

Women’s Twentieth Century Club in Eagle Rock, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Olivia Adams/The Occidental

The Women’s Twentieth Century Club is holding a Pub Quiz 5 p.m. Feb. 22, according to Erica Person Werner, one of the club’s four vice presidents. Werner said the event is a fundraiser intended to make their clubhouse a more accessible space for the community.

“It’s a really beautiful thing to just be able to gather with a group of people who have a common sense of purpose about community service and multi-generational friendships,” Werner said.

Jones said the future of the women’s club relies on expanding membership, especially with younger women.

“I want to bring in younger women so they can make a difference,” Jones said. “Because at some point, we have to step down and the younger women come in, [and] I want these younger women to come with new bright ideas.”

Inside the foyer of the Women’s Twentieth Century Clubhouse is a sign that reads “Knowledge is Power,” which Jones said she believes is almost a motto for the Club.

“If we don’t have the knowledge, we seek out for it,” Jones said. “It makes the club stronger […] plus [it] brings in the community, bringing in everyone,” Jones said.

According to Allen, when Occidental’s new Eagle Rock campus was built in 1912, there was a proposal to make it an all-male school. The college never accepted the proposal; however, Allen said the women’s club positioned itself against the idea. Later, the club helped raise money for the Occidental amphitheater, Allen said.

According to the club’s website, they have established a scholarship fund to support female Eagle Rock High School students pursuing higher education. The website said the club also had a childcare center, which was open for 35 years before it closed in 2007.

According to Jones, the women’s club does many different things for the community, such as hosting fundraisers, helping families during the holidays, supporting the local Eagle Rock High School Key Club and hosting Red Cross blood drives.

“Last year, during the fires […] [some organizations] helped organize a food and supply drive for people who had lost their homes in the fire,” Werner said. “So, the clubhouse was just packed full of things that had been donated for the residents of Altadena.”

According to Werner, she was searching for a service-minded sisterhood when she moved back to California after the death of her parents and experiences of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Werner said the Women’s Twentieth Century Club was the perfect match.

“The world can feel really overwhelming, and it’s a really beautiful thing to just be able to gather with a group of people who have a common sense of purpose about community service and multi-generational friendships,” Werner said.

Contact Emma Williams at ewilliams4@oxy.edu

‘Every moment is a gift’: Senior center Valentine’s dance

By

Samhita Krishnan

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February 18, 2026

Seniors gathered at the Highland Park Adult Senior Citizen Center Feb. 12 for a Valentine’s Day dance featuring music, dancing and social activities, according to attendees and organizers.

Daisy Buena, who has worked at the senior center for nearly three years, said the event grows each year and offers seniors an opportunity to engage socially.

“This is my third Valentine’s Day event with the seniors, and honestly, I think it’s the biggest one yet,” Buena said. “Seniors love to dress up, party and take home little gifts, like a single carnation — it brings back memories from when they were younger.”

Buena said events like the Valentine’s Day dance have a significant impact on seniors’ emotional well-being.

“A lot of seniors come in kind of depressed, looking for a new routine or something to look forward to,” Buena said. “They enjoy classes and events like this because it gives them a reason to get out of the house and celebrate.”

Two women at the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center Valentine’s Dance on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

According to Buena, Valentine’s Day can be a way to show appreciation beyond romantic relationships.

“I just think it’s a way to show love, even just for the people you know and care about,” Buena said.

Marlene Reyes, who works with Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, was present at the event to promote local health services and said her participation reflected the clinic’s engagement with the local community.

“It’s a great space for community,” Reyes said. “I love to see all the folks here dancing, spending time with each other. The seniors are lively and talkative, and they come to my table to ask questions. It’s wonderful that there’s a space dedicated for them.”

According to Reyes, the event encourages seniors to connect with friends, family and neighbors.

“For me, Valentine’s Day is a day to honor love and friendship,” Reyes said. “It’s a nice day to remember and be intentional about those you care about.”

Loya (right) selling jewelry at the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center Valentine’s Dance on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

Rosa Brizuela, a regular attendee, said she comes to the dance to maintain social activity and stave off loneliness.

“I usually get into depression if I don’t get out of the house,” Brizuela said. “At this age, we don’t have many events. This is the one we really enjoy.”

According to Brizuela, the dance floor is a place of freedom.

“When I was younger, I had to follow my parents’ rules,” Brizuela said. “Now I feel free — I can dance, jump and do whatever I want.”

According to Brizuela, companionship later in life relies on sensitivity, respect and understanding.

“We have to be more sensitive and respectful of each other because we’re all different,” Brizuela said. “Sometimes we have little discussions, but it’s better to be here than at home alone.”

Rose Salcedo (right) and her friend selling raffle tickets at the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center Valentine’s Dance on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

Barbara Irigoyen, who attended with her husband, Johnny Irigoyen, said the event allows couples to celebrate long-term relationships and shared history.

“For me, Valentine’s Day means love,” Irigoyen said. “It’s special because you take time for your partner. Every moment is a gift, and we treasure it together.”

According to Irigoyen, her decades-long relationship with her husband has persisted through family connection, patience and faith.

“Our parents introduced us,” Irigoyen said. “I prayed for a husband for 10 years, and I got him. We married when I was 30, and we’ve been helping each other ever since — 56 years now.”

According to attendees, events like the Valentine’s Day dance foster personal connections and joy.

Valentine’s Day doll decor at the Highland Park Senior Citizen Center Valentine’s Dance on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

Buena said even small gestures, like handing out flowers, make a lasting impression.

“My favorite part is seeing their appreciation,” Buena said. “Even if they don’t say anything, you can see it on their faces. They’re smiling extra wide when they leave.”

Brizuela said dancing and socializing at the event allows seniors to stay engaged with their peers and the broader community.

“This is the fun thing for us,” Brizuela said. “Now is the time for us to enjoy ourselves.”

According to Reyes, the dance offers seniors a chance to celebrate in a safe, welcoming environment and to maintain relationships beyond the home.

“It’s more than just dancing,” Reyes said. “It’s about building relationships, enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating love in all its forms.”

Contact Samhita Krishnan at krishnan@oxy.edu

Highland Theatre purchase ignites cautious optimism

By

Diana Trutia

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February 18, 2026

After an indefinite closure beginning in February 2024, the century-old Highland Theatre was recently purchased by actor and director Kristen Stewart, with the goal of maintaining the space as a community hub. The theater will likely reopen in the coming years, according to NBC4 LA.

Lance Simon, an organizer of the Highland Park Film Festival, said he is hopeful the Highland Theatre’s new owners will hold true to their promise of utilizing the theater as a space for community.

“My hope is that the words that have been put out there in the public [by Stewart] are authentic, they’re genuine,” Simon said. “We can help people to pay the bill, to utilize the building, but also have people engaged to make them respect the building, make them more proud of the neighborhood they live in, share their joy and pain.”

Gated ticket booth at the Highland Theater on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

According to Simon, the theater remained furnished after the closure. Simon said previous infrastructure, built for older technologies, can serve new purposes when the theater reopens.

“The building is so much more beautiful than you can even imagine,” Simon said. “There’s all this back-of-house space that is no longer relevant to film projection, which can be used for other events. You could make a speakeasy.”

Jamie Tijerina, president of the Highland Park Heritage Trust, said the Highland Theatre has been designated as a historic cultural monument since the 1990s. According to Tijerina, one of the primary issues faced by local art spaces is the lack of economic resources, which ultimately led to the closure of the Highland Theatre.

“Many of [these spaces] run on completely all-volunteer labor, and for the long term, is that sustainable?” Tijerina said. “How long can people keep these things up without the sufficient support needed?”

Jamie Tijernia. Courtesy of Jamie Tijerina

According to Marita De La Torre, a co-founder of the Highland Park Film Festival, Highland Theatre was well-regarded by the local community in the decades leading up to its closure. De La Torre said the theater was affordable, even when prices at comparable theaters were higher.

“Everyone in Highland Park, no matter what — if you were a newcomer or someone that had always been here — could afford to go see a first-run movie,” De La Torre said.

De La Torre said Highland Park had not hosted a film festival prior to 2014 and the Highland Park Film Festival represented a key opportunity for community members to connect. De La Torre said the theater was not only the original festival location but also championed the festival’s creation in 2014.

According to Simon, the festival consistently aims to feature filmmakers with strong connections to Highland Park and give these filmmakers the opportunity to tell their personal stories.

“It’s stories about Los Angeles, it’s stories about growing up with a single parent, it’s stories about the fantasies children have, of being adults, of being an astronaut,” Simon said. “Kids realize that they get to tell their story now.”

Construction work on the Highland Theater on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

Simon said the reopening of the theater would benefit not only Highland Park, but the entirety of LA, due to the historic relevance of the neighborhood.

“Highland Park was the first suburb of downtown Los Angeles,” Simon said. “[The reopening] is important for Los Angeles because it’s so easy to get lost in this mega city, right? […] LA works not because it’s huge, but because it’s a huge place with a lot of little communities within it.”

Tijerina said she expects locals to be excited about the reopening of the theater, so long as it continues to serve its original mission of supporting the community.

“Back when [the theater] closed, there was a wider conversation around the closure of theaters in Los Angeles as a whole, and the closure of theaters generally, especially post-pandemic and post-streaming era,” Tijerina said. “It’s really positive that we have somebody who is willing to make this a theater again, and who seems to have a goal for the theater in the future to be open to the community, and it doesn’t seem like the vision for it is going to be exclusive.”

Sidewalk art depicting the Highland Theater on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 12, 2026. Lila Weiner/The Occidental

According to Tijerina, Highland Theatre’s successful reopening in a community-oriented way may encourage others to follow suit with additional historical theaters around the country.

“Having a successful model would mean that we’d have other successful instances where somebody who’s able to put in the cost, who’s independent and more community oriented and hands-on and on the ground, in the space, would be actively involved [in theater restoration],” Tijerina said.

De La Torre said she is pleased the new owners of the theater have chosen to focus on community rather than pure economic gain, preserving the social history of the theater.

“They chose the right thing, they were on the right side of the history of the Highland Theatre,” De La Torre said. “It’s exciting that [the theater] found an owner who is so cool, first of all, and a filmmaker, and an actor, [who is] going to be its champion.”

Contact Diana Trutia at trutia@oxy.edu

NELA small businesses show solidarity amid ICE activity

By

Samhita Krishnan

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February 18, 2026

Small businesses in Highland Park are responding to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity with signage, temporary closures and community events following a Jan. 30 general strike against immigration enforcement action that took place across LA.

At Pop-Hop Books & Print on York Boulevard, employee Jonathan Hinton said the store displayed hand-painted signs reading “Ice Out of NELA,” and
“Fuera ICE,” which he said reflects opposition to ICE presence in the neighborhood.

“We’re sad and angry about ICE’s presence in our community,” Hinton said. “We are a gathering place for creative people and for people in our neighborhood. We care about our neighbors.”

Anti-ICE signs in the window of Pop Hop Books Co-Op on York Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 11, 2026. Abigail Montopoli/The Occidental

Rosario Calatayud-Serna, co-owner of Pop-Hop, said the signs were created with community members during a general strike.

“The signs are probably the smallest way that we can express our disagreement with the current deportation regime and our support for community members who are affected by it,” Calatayud-Serna said.

According to Calatayud-Serna, the strikes focused on calls to remove ICE from LA neighborhoods.

“I don’t think [the signs] keep ICE out,” Calatayud-Serna said. “I think they are signs of solidarity. They aren’t really protecting anybody — they’re really just to show support and voice what we’re in favor of or against.”

According to Hinton, Pop-Hop participated in the nationwide January business strike, closing its register while keeping the space open for people to gather and make signs.

“Our register was closed. We weren’t making any sales, but we kept the space open for people to come and make signs and gather,” Hinton said.

According to Calatayud-Serna, the strike was emotionally complex.

“It’s always a little bittersweet when I see demonstrations and so many folks gathering,” Calatayud-Serna said. “You feel proud, and a sense of solidarity but also the frustration of it all.”

According to Calatayud-Serna, families gathered, children chanted and neighbors honked their car horns during the strike.

Café de Leche is another small business on York Boulevard that took similar steps to support the community. Soleil Hernando, an employee at Café de Leche, said the cafe prioritizes being a space where staff and customers can check in with one another.

“We know everybody by name,” Hernando said. “We know their orders, and we’re checking in with them constantly. A lot of times, customers will come in and tell us if there’s ICE activity in the area so we can let other customers know.”

Soleil Hernando in Café de Leche Coffee Shop on York Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 15, 2026. Abigail Montopoli/The Occidental

Hernando said the cafe partnered with the band Las Cafeteras to distribute ICE alarm whistles to local businesses, and recently kept its doors open during the national shutdown while providing free drip coffee and space for art making.

“We turned the space into a place for people to make art and signs,” Hernando said. “People could leave and protest later, but we also protested a bit outside, peacefully of course.”

Hernando said the Jan. 30 strike was personally meaningful, and employees were able to transform their frustration into creative expression.

“It felt good to put the feelings that we’re feeling about it into art and create something beautiful,” Hernando said. “There were really cool, creative signs. One of our coworkers even said, ‘Honk if you love Latinas,’ so we could still find the fun and the funny while dealing with a serious issue.”

Hernando said the cafe lost income from closing that day, but the community responded generously.

“The very next day, customers tipped over $450, which shows how much they were trying to support us,” Hernando said.

Anti-ICE sign in the window of Café de Leche Coffee Shop on York Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 11, 2026. Abigail Montopoli/The Occidental

According to Calatayud-Serna, it is important to note the status of small businesses as gathering spaces distinct from private homes.

Hinton said bookstores like Pop-Hop allow people to connect and share information quickly.

“We’re a different entity than a home,” Hinton said. “People can gather here.”

Calatayud-Serna described such gathering spaces as third spaces, where people can feel safe expressing ideas and emotions.

“A third space is a place where people can feel safe and comfortable sharing ideas […] being in a space with other people that you know feel the same way that you do,” Calatayua-Serna said.

Hernando said the cafe’s mission is centered on creating a welcoming space for customers.

“You can always come here, enjoy a coffee, and not have to think about what’s going on outside,” Hernando said. “It doesn’t have to be present all the time, this is a space for coffee and equality for all.”

Hernando said collective business closures can be an effective form of protest, depending on scale and resources. Hinton said small closures can build momentum toward larger actions.

“I think it probably depends on their scale,” Hinton said. “You can’t get the really big-scale ones that have an effect unless you have smaller-scale ones to begin with.”

According to Calatayud-Serna, strikes are about more than closing a store; they are about building trust, solidarity and showing up for one another.

“Long term, they will have, and they do have, an effect and will make an impact,” Calatayud-Serna said. “Even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, when people come together like that, it shifts something. It shows businesses, neighbors and families that they’re not alone.”

Hernando said businesses should act within their means but highlighted the opportunity her bigger cafe had to show vocal support.

“As a larger business, we were able to make our support really loud and vocal, and I hope it meant as much to the community as it did to us,” Hernando said.

According to Calatayud-Serna, resistance is a continuous effort.

“I know that we’re in it for the long haul,” Catalayud-Serna said.

Contact Samhita Krishnan at krishnan@oxy.edu

Photo Essay: KOXY’s ‘Rock the Glen’ hosts student bands

By

Amy Wong

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February 11, 2026

Killin’ Duskin starts off the night during the KOXY show at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Jan. 30, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Audience enjoys the music of Killin’ Duskin’s performance during the KOXY show at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Jan. 30, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Barstool Deskjob performing original songs during the KOXY show at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Jan. 30, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Lone Fir Cemetery ending the night strong during the KOXY show at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Jan. 30, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Audience pumps up during Lone Fir Cemetery’s last song during the KOXY show at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Jan. 30, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Eagle Rock Camera & Goods comes to the end of its roll

By

Abigail Montopoli

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February 11, 2026

Eagle Rock Camera & Goods on Colorado Boulevard announced via Instagram that the camera store’s last day in business was Feb. 7. The post cited issues with the location as the reason for the closure.

Employee Matt Welch said he got his job at the store after getting to know owners Jason Lee and Raymond Molinar as a customer.

“Jason and Raymond created a space that a lot of people sought out and made a community hub,” Welch said. “As small as it was, as brief as it was, it was cool meeting so many people who were just stoked about photography and art.”

According to Welch, Eagle Rock Camera & Goods partnered with The Photo Dept. Lab to develop patrons’ film. According to Instagram, The Photo Dept. Lab had a physical dropbox where photographers could drop off their undeveloped film.

“When [Eagle Rock Camera & Goods] was open, you could buy film, you could buy vintage used cameras, photo books and photo accessories,” Welch said. “You could drop off your film for processing and scanning as well.”

Store owners Ray Molinar and Jason Lee inside the Eagle Rock Camera & Goods store on Colorado Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 16, 2024. Mali Abel/The Occidental

Olivia Fishman ’24, a former Community News section editor for The Occidental, spoke with Lee and Molinar in 2024, shortly after the store opened in December 2023.

“[Lee] and [Molinar] were really chill and nice guys, and I was really happy for them,” Fishman said. “I think it’s really sad that another small business is closing […] I think it really resonated with community members, and it’s unfortunate that it closed down relatively quickly.”

Repeat customer and hobbyist photographer Chris Wessman said he liked that there was a physical camera shop that patrons could visit.

“A lot of film photography is kind of gone by the wayside because everyone wants to shoot digitally,” Wessman said. “I appreciate that there’s other people [who] appreciate the artistic side of photography and film, photographs and all the avenues that come along with it.”

Welch said he believes that film photography is a different way of seeing the world, and that he appreciates the intentional aspect of shooting on film.

“I have tens of thousands of photos on my phone that I barely look at, but I still go back and look at my negatives or I’ll open my Polaroid albums,” Welch said. “We have those forever, as long as [we] take care of them.”

The Eagle Rock Camera & Goods shop on Colorado Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 5, 2026. Marty Valdez/The Occidental

Welch said he is really grateful for the shop and all that it offered.

“It was a really rad place to go and hang out and pick up film and cool cameras,” Welch said. “[I got] to look through photobooks that are out of my wheelhouse or new to me and find out about photographers I’ve never known before.”

According to Fishman, Eagle Rock Camera & Goods was a unique location, with a reading table in the center that helped create a community hub in the store.

“The area hadn’t had an analog film [or] camera shop and it fit perfectly,” Fishman said. “It was a really nice store.”

Welch said he will miss the community the store formed. He said he is grateful for his time at the shop and the relationships — including with Lee and Molinar — he formed while working there.

“I’ve always loved both of their work, and when I found out they were opening a shop in the neighborhood, I was really excited [about] it,” Welch said. “I just got really fortunate that I got to get to know them through going there and eventually working there.”

Contact Abigail Montopoli at montopoli@oxy.edu

*This article was updated on Feb. 12 at 4:38 p.m.

Ethics Bowl team prepares for nationals

By

Amelia Darling and Zumyna Kabir

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February 11, 2026

After competing in a regional Ethics Bowl tournament in December, the Occidental College team qualified for the national competition in St. Louis in March. There, students will represent the college in modeling ideal philosophical conversations, according to the team’s coach, Professor Erica Preston-Roedder.

The team was prepared through Preston-Roedder’s fall course,
Ethics Bowl: Contemporary Debates on Ethical Issues, which emphasizes developing thoughtful ethical analysis of cases and articulating these analyses both verbally and in writing, according to the Course Catalog.

Co-captain Edgar Zatarain* (senior) said going into the Dec. 11 competition, the team was prepared but nervous. Zatarain said teams get scored on three parts: their presentation, their response to the opposing team’s interrogation and a Q&A from the judges.

“There’s three judges, and each judge scores you,” Zatarain said. “The top four schools get to go to nationals.”

Zatarain said as the first match started, the other team was fumbling.

“They were talking too fast, they […] weren’t saying the right things, they weren’t answering the questions, and I was like, ‘Oh, I think we can win this one,’” Zatarain said. “We swept them.”

As the competition continued, Zatarain said Occidental’s team kept winning, becoming the first team to qualify for nationals.

Zatarain said the team’s win over club competitors in December caught them off guard, and now they are scrambling to prepare for nationals in March.

“It’s kind of hectic, but it’s […] exciting and fun,” Zatarain said. “It’s going to be a grind this next month.”

Coming from Medford, Massachusetts, co-captain Abby Sloan (senior) said that she had unique exposure to the Ethics Bowl at her high school, which partnered with Tufts University to foster a strong philosophy and ethics program. Sloan said that her familiarity gave her an advantageous perspective.

“It was definitely a very collaborative effort in our meetings, but I think on the day of the competition I was able to […] step up,” Sloan said. “It was helpful to have someone who could delegate.”

Sloan said that having a strong team and Preston-Roedder as a mentor prepared them well for the competition in December.

“Our experience at the competition was not only so much fun, but it was a lot of hard work from everyone,” Sloan said. “I feel like we really pulled together in the final moments.”

Preston-Roedder said her team did a terrific job at the qualifying competition in December.

“It’s always unpredictable what happens at the Ethics Bowl, but I was really pleased with the work that some of the students had done,” Preston-Roedder said. “When we beat Stanford in the early rounds, it felt pretty good.”

Preston-Roedder said the distinction between debate and Ethics Bowl is that with Ethics Bowl, students get to argue what they actually believe.

“Ethics Bowl is supposed to model an ideal philosophical conversation where you explain what you believe, why you believe it, acknowledge why someone might disagree and explain how you would respond to their concerns,” Preston-Roedder said. “It’s similar to debate, but maybe like a kinder, gentler, more authentic form of debate.”

Preston-Roedder said that in the Ethics Bowl, the team works together to decide their positions and arguments.

“It’s both relying on your teammates to know their stuff, but also agreeing with them about the material well enough that you trust each other,” Preston-Roedder said.

Preston-Roedder said team members have to learn when to stick up for themselves and when to compromise.

“When students do disagree about the case, sometimes what happens is one student will present the main argument, and then the student who disagrees will […] present the objections as forcefully as they can,” Preston-Roedder said. “The loyal opposition is an important part of a good argument.”

Zatarain said Ethics Bowl is collaborative, even with opposing teams.

“You guys are kind of working together to try and answer […] what is the right thing to do,” Zatarain said. “The other teams are also trying to fix the same problems, so it very much is collaborative in that way.”

Dylan Kuskin (senior) outside Johnson Hall at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 5, 2026. Amy Wong/The Occidental

Dylan Kuskin (senior) said that Ethics Bowl hones skills that could help everyone, from lawyers to actors.

“[Ethics Bowl] has given me the opportunity to […] mature my public speaking skills, to have more confidence in myself [and to] see between the lines,” Kuskin said.

Kuskin said emphasis on structured, respectful dialogue feels especially relevant now, during such a politically charged time.

“Ethical conversation has never been more important,” Kuskin said. “One thing Ethics Bowl does […] is gives you an opportunity to learn how to articulate divisive topics.”

Kuskin said this connects directly with what the competition itself is designed to do — engage with difficult topics in a more respectful and structured way.

Although most members of the team are humanities majors, Kuskin said he has seen many people outside of the humanities shine.

“You can be the most shy person on the planet and still excel at it,” Kuskin said.

Preston-Roedder said she has been trying to figure out if Ethics Bowl can bring on additional Occidental students for scrimmages in the future.

“I think it’s so important to avoid the groupthink in the room,” Preston-Roedder said. “As soon as we start talking to other people, we discover new ideas.”

Zatarain said he encourages any student interested in Ethics Bowl to give it a try.

“It’s a lot of public speaking and […] trying to sound eloquent in front of people, and I think that’s useful for anything,” Zatarain said.

Contact Zumyna Kabir at kabir@oxy.edu and Amelia Darling at adarling@oxy.edu

*Edgar Zatarain is a writer at The Occidental.

Local high school students participate in citywide protests

By

Abigail Montopoli

-

February 11, 2026

Eagle Rock High School (ERHS) was one of many LA Unified School District (LAUSD) schools that participated in a walkout Feb. 4 in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. JC Hizon is a senior at Eagle Rock High School who said she was a lead organizer for the ERHS walkout.

“[This walkout] was actually my first time ever organizing something like that,” Hizon said. “It started from just being furious about everything and knowing there’s a lot that I could be doing, that I should be doing, but I didn’t know where to start.”

According to a student who wished to remain anonymous, students from all over the city met at LA City Hall to protest after walking out of school between first and second period.

Hizon said she used her free first period to make posters, and shortly before the walkout officially began, she gave a speech while the students were walking out.

“I felt myself shaking […], not because I was scared, or anything, but just out of pure, unbridled rage,” Hizon said. “I told admin […] I’ve heard [parents] say that they are afraid of letting their children go to school or walk back from school because ICE [could] get their hands on them.”

Student demonstrators on Townsend Avenue and Yosemite Drive in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 4, 2026. Marty Valdez/The Occidental

According to an email from a LAUSD spokesperson, the school district hopes to prioritize safety while supporting the rights of students to advocate for causes important to them.

“Schools are providing students with opportunities on campus for student expression, offering additional District resources and guidance for students to engage in meaningful, age-appropriate discussions in a safe and welcoming environment,” the emailed statement said. “They are also allowed to participate in peaceful demonstrations on campus during non-instructional times, within parameters set by administrators.”

Hizon said the student organizers reached out to ERHS administrators to inform them of the walkout. She said they offered alternatives such as a school-wide talk during a lunch period.

“[The administration] is very concerned about our safety and well-being while out there, and the safest place they tell us is at school,” Hizon said. “Before we left the building, we were stopped by a couple of admin and they [asked] ‘are you sure you guys want to do this?’”

Los Angeles Police Department cars surveilling students while on the Highland Park Metro station platform in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 4, 2026. Marty Valdez/The Occidental

Troy Clark is a senior at South Pasadena High School, in another school district, who said his school had around 300 to 400 students walk out for a student protest on Fair Oaks Ave.

“[South Pasadena High School] came and officially commented on it, and said they were supporting it and leading it along with the students,” Clark said. “It ended up being pretty much a school-sanctioned event, where some whole classes went out together.”

According to the anonymous student, there were four to five main organizers of the event, herself and Hizon included, and they had originally anticipated around 40 to 60 of their classmates to participate. Hizon said she heard from staff at ERHS that between 400 to 600 students walked out.

“I remember being outside and watching everybody come out, and it honestly just kept going,” the anonymous student said. “I think we filled up almost half a block, or maybe even the whole block by our school.”

Students on the Highland Park Metro station platform in Los Angeles, CA. Feb. 4, 2026. Marty Valdez/The Occidental

The anonymous student said it was inspiring and encouraging to see how many students wanted to participate throughout LAUSD.

“Everyone put so much effort into making sure that it was safe and that it was organized,” the student said. “You could tell that the crowd was full of passion, and everybody’s there because they care about something.”

Hizon said the organizers planned a route where students could take the bus from ERHS to the Highland Park Metro Station, which would then transport them to LA City Hall. According to Hizon, she feels the work and preparation paid off after seeing the extent of the walkouts.

“I think something that a lot of students who went to these walkouts should know is that this shouldn’t be the end of it,” Hizon said. “This isn’t the end of those walkouts. This isn’t the end of these protests. This isn’t the end of students voicing out their opinions.”

Contact Abigail Montopoli at montopoli@oxy.edu

Baseball and softball teams load up for redemption seasons

By

Julian Levy and Miriam Arenal

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February 11, 2026

Occidental baseball kicked off their season last Friday with a 7–5 victory against Centenary College. Two-way player Griffen Rogers (sophomore) earned SCIAC Pitcher of the Week honors, throwing two scoreless innings and earning a save on the mound. Rogers also went 5–12 at the plate. The softball team is gearing up for their season opener against Suffolk University Feb. 13. Sporting fresh additions to their rosters, both teams are looking to improve their records from last season.

Alysha Wagner (senior) said she’s interested in how the softball team will perform in comparison to last year’s 11–27 season, but that she has positive feelings going into the new season.

“I’m optimistic,” Wagner said. “We lost eight seniors last year, and we’ve gained eight new freshmen. I’m interested to see how [the freshmen] will integrate into the lineup.”

Wagner said she has personally been working on her backhand plays at shortstop and that the team has been improving their hitting consistency.

“That’s what our coaches have been really trying to get us to do […] make adjustments to the pitcher sooner,” Wagner said.

Head coach Christine Hipa said she is striving for a higher standard among the team.

“Each year our practice plans, conditioning and weight training [have] changed to adapt to the team,” Hipa said. “[Our goals are] getting faster, stronger and more consistent.”

Anna Kim (sophomore) said she is excited and feeling more comfortable as a part of the team. Kim said she shocked herself with how well she did last season, after leading the team in batting average and stolen bases as a first year.

“I definitely feel a lot more confident now that I have a year of experience under my belt,” Kim said. “I’m just trying to keep up with the bar that I set last year and improve upon that.”

Sophia Siu (senior) said the team has been preparing for longer series of games.

“We’re trying to persevere,” Siu said. “The coaches have been setting up week-long practices so that we build our endurance and can get through the four-game series during our tournament in Hawaii.”

Rachel Rotunno (first year) said she’s ready to play competitively at the collegiate level and likes how Hipa has been rebuilding the program.

“A big emphasis that our coach is making this year is a championship mindset,” Rotunno said. “Players are certainly starting to buy into it.”

According to Wagner, the softball team has an ongoing motto.

“We like to say that we’re hungry,” Wagner said. “We’re definitely gonna carry it over to this year. We’re hungry for wins.”

The baseball team is also looking to turn things around after a 10–30 season last year. Head coach Luke Wetmore said he’s optimistic.

“We’re doing the right things,” Wetmore said. “Our young pitchers are getting better pretty much every time they go out.”

Wetmore said while the players are entering the season in good shape, much remains to be seen.

“There are a lot of questions to be answered,” Wetmore said. “If guys click and we pitch well, I think we’ve got a chance to make the conference tournament […] We don’t get there from wishing or wanting, we get there from development and recruitment, regardless of where we are.”

Thomas Munch (junior) said he is excited about the synergy of the team.

“I could not be more confident going into this year,” Munch said. “We’re older, we have a lot more talent on the offensive and the pitching side and we have new coaching staff […] This year it feels like [the players and coaches] are working in tandem.”

Matthew Uytioco (senior) said the team is also continuing to improve their mental game.

“It’s a long season,” Uytioco said. “It’s very mentally testing […] Sometimes things aren’t going to go our way, so staying in the present has been really big for us.”

Thomas Woods (senior) said he hasn’t been this excited for a baseball season in a while.

“I’m super excited to see how we’re going to perform,” Woods said. “I speak for the whole locker room when I say that it’s going to be a fun year –– I think we have what it takes.”

Woods and Logan Rooney (senior) both mentioned how player injuries negatively affected the team last season. Rooney said many of those players are now returning.

“I think we have so many great guys who work really hard for what they do,” Rooney said.

Woods said focusing on the team’s health is an important priority.

“Making sure we all stay healthy […] that’s going to be the key to the season,” Woods said.

Uytioco, Rooney and Woods also underlined the importance of fan support for the team.

“If you’re a fan, please come out –– we love seeing fans,” Uytioco said. “It gives us that much more energy, that much more confidence.”

“Feeling like we have people supporting us […] helps us feel like we’re representing the college, and we take pride in that,” Rooney said.

“We love it when people come out,” Woods said. “The hill’s always open.”

Contact Miriam Arenal at arenal@oxy.edu and Julian Levy at jlevy@oxy.edu

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