By Nicolas Ngo & Noah Shifter, Staff Writers
Youth Committee posts billboard messages
In an effort to promote mental health amongst TC residents, the Youth Committee’s positive billboard initiative aims to provide support and encouragement as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Under the direction of City Manager Brian Cook and City Clerk Peggy Kuo, the Youth Committee created themed billboards focusing on the attributes of resilience and growth. They were displayed starting in early December on Rosemead Boulevard’s electronic billboard and will last until May 2021.
Results from a recent Gallup poll reveal that 9% fewer respondents rated their mental health as excellent compared to before the pandemic. Along with senior citizens, young people reported the greatest drop in excellent mental health. Psychological experts forecast an especially heavy toll on teenagers as important social interactions waned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hope that the billboard will make the citizens of TC feel a bit more at ease with the current situation,” Youth Committee member senior Sydney Liao said. “Things aren’t always ideal, but the city is always here to help and support its residents.”
New ethnic studies mandate at CSU
In Assembly Bill 1460, California required on Aug. 17 that all students at California State Universities take an ethnic studies course beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, meaning that current seniors who commit to a CSU will be required to take the course. Many universities have to create new courses in order to comply with the legislation.
CSU pushed for a different requirement that allowed students to choose between an ethnic studies or social justice course. In opposition to the law passed, CSU estimated that the requirement will cost them around $16.5 million each year.
In August, California reviewed a similar bill requiring an ethnic studies class in high schools. It was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who wanted the proposed curriculum revised but supports the concept. If passed in the future, the bill will come into effect in the 2029-2030 school year.
“The mandating of ethnic studies in schools could reduce racial tensions because of how it would raise awareness of different ethnic groups’ cultures,” sophomore Dennis Lee said. “However, some people might resent this mandate, which could lead to greater tension between groups.”
Newsom enacts stay-at-home order
Due to the influx of COVID-19 cases in California, Newsom implemented a new stay-at-home order effective Dec. 6 at 12:59 p.m. to slow the spread. The order will be in effect for at least three weeks.
According to the L.A. County Health Department website, TC has confirmed 1099 positive cases and 60 deaths as of Dec. 16. There were 232 new cases from Dec. 2 to Dec. 16.
The stay-at-home order includes the closing of playgrounds, salons, museums, zoos and movie theaters along with both retail and shopping centers operating at a maximum 20% capacity. Restaurants are limited to takeout and pick up. Also, religious services must operate outdoors.
TC public facilities also will remain closed until further notice, including the City Hall, Civic Center, Live Oak Park and Temple City Park. However, playgrounds at the parks will remain open.
“The stay-at-home order is a responsible measure to the large spike in COVID-19 cases,” junior Katie Slu said. “It’s really concerning that cases are rising so rapidly, especially because my family has asthma, and there’s a real threat that we could get seriously sick.”