
Anthony Luo, In-Depth Editor

SHS alumnus pursues screenwriting career amid a turbulent Hollywood landscape
David Mandell, Class of ‘11, studied acting at the University of Southern California before becoming a writer for short films, movies and television.

Meet Shawn Mortensen: LGSUHSD’s newest school board trustee
The Los Gatos High parent, who works in business development, is also the president of the Los Gatos Home and School Club.

New district plans include updated facility rental policies and revamped campus security systems
Administrators will be standardizing the use of Facilitron to rent campus spaces alongside the installation of new security cameras.

Longtime golf coach brings decades of experience and traditions to the course
Dave Gragnola, a Class of ‘77 alumnus, has been coaching both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams since 2010.

Cliff drops and beam flips: Outside-of-school athletes train and compete in dangerous sports
Student athletes competing in freeriding, freestyle skiing and gymnastics must rigorously train their bodies and minds to turn extreme risks into muscle memory.

Forget about Netflix — Kanopy is the perfect streaming service for moviegoers
Providing a wide range of movies and TV shows, including indie, classic and international cinema, Kanopy is ad-free and subscription-free — all you need is a library card.

Board to interview 12 applicants to fill vacant trustee position at special Tuesday morning meeting
The candidates, who will be interviewed on March 11 at 8 a.m., range from former board members to teachers at local schools.

In a bad sign, ever more marijuana shops are popping up near schools
Without strict regulation, cannabis dispensaries have crept dangerously close to high school campuses in the Bay Area and across the nation.

Board adopts new district election system, tables superintendent decision and announces the resignation of Trustee Alex Shultz
On Jan. 14, the Board of Trustees began a district transition to “By-Trustee area elections,” and postponed the superintendent recruitment decision until a public forum is held for more community input.

Off the beaten streets: I spent my winter break visiting Japan’s hidden gems
While tourist hotspots are certainly great experiences, I found myself most immersed and relaxed in quieter, everyday locations.

‘CHROMAKOPIA’ shines a light on the untold stories of adulthood
Exploring concepts of maturity, family, love and identity, Tyler, the Creator’s eighth studio album, released on Oct. 28, is a masterful display of musical storytelling.

Alumnus reflects on campaign for Congress following defeat
Republican Bruce Lou, Class of ‘15, advanced through the open primary in California’s 11th Congressional District but lost to incumbent Nancy Pelosi in the general election, earning 18.7% of the vote in the heavily liberal San Francisco area.

Wendy’s Krabby Patty Kollab highlights the missed potential of fast food
While it has its strong points, Wendy’s Krabby Patty and Pineapple Frosty meal proves that the tastiest fast food bites remain in our imaginations — or our childhood TV shows.

Board of trustees approves solar energy system contract
The solar energy contract was signed on Sept. 24, and construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

New concerns arise over former superintendent Sanderson’s 2022 hiring
The firm hired for nationwide search was paid more than $25,000 but didn’t uncover allegations of misconduct and a suspension from his time as the principal of an Atlanta-area middle school.

Lords of the flies: How two teachers handle insect invasions in classrooms
While some teachers struggle to get students to focus amid the distractions, others have instead targeted the distractions themselves — the flies — through various means.

Widespread criticism over district leadership leads to community meetings and attempts at rebuilding trust
Teachers and parents have recently raised concerns about the expansion of the district office, shrinking of certificated staff, discrepancies in pay and a lack of communication between the superintendent and community groups.

Changes to AP testing procedures set to take effect in 2025
Following College Board’s shift to digital or hybrid tests on the Bluebook app, both Saratoga High and Los Gatos High will not be accommodating as many tests or test-takers as in previous years.

Bando Stone and The New World is an exhilarating sendoff to the Childish Gambino persona
The album, released on July 19, accompanies the upcoming movie with the same title, which Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, stars in and directs.

Readings, role plays and really last-minute study sessions — a beginner’s guide to succeeding in AP Euro
Two survivors of the class came up with a list of top five tips to get through the year.

Board narrowly votes to add new director position
Approval of the job description for director of fiscal services passed on a 3-2 vote last month after public comment and tough questions from the student board members.