By Sienna Lamond, ’26

Staff Writer

On August 20, 1989, José and Kitty Menendez were murdered in their Beverly Hills, Calif., home. Their sons, Joseph Lyle Menendez and Erik Galen Menendez, were hysterical and devastated. As police began to investigate, what they found was astonishing. On March 8, 1990, Lyle Menendez was arrested for the murder of his parents, and days later, so was Erik.

The brothers’ family hired Leslie Abramson, one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the area. She got a story out of the boys that no one had ever heard before; a story of betrayal and tragedy. Erik admitted to Abramson that his father had been molesting him from the time he was a child until the week before he killed him. And worse, according to Erik, his mother knew the whole time and didn’t do anything to stop it. This, Abramson argued, is what pushed 18-year-old Erik and 21-year-old Lyle to murder their parents.

The original trials took place back in the 1990s, and the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But some recent events have gotten conversations about the case and the brothers stirring again. Los Angeles County’s former District Attorney, George Gascón, released a statement in October recommending that the brothers be eligible for parole immediately. This is an effect of new evidence and the press’s reinvigorated interest in the case due to shining Tinseltown herself: Hollywood.

A true-crime drama series released on Netflix in October called Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story may have been a catalyst for these new developments. The show received massive amounts of attention for its incredible costumes, set, script, and, most importantly, impressive actors. Cooper Kotch, who took on the role of playing Erik, emulated the character’s pain and emotion in a one-take 45 minute episode titled “The Hurt Man,” which captured and stunned audiences nationwide. Due to the theatrically impressive nature of the 9-episode sequence, it commanded attention from the press and social media. In the ’90s when the case was first being publicized, the public’s attention on the event and the brothers swayed the atmosphere in court. The media lost interest in the case after the first trial was declared a mistrial; that is thought to be one factor that may have impacted the brothers’ ultimate sentence. Now that the brothers are back in the public eye, general feelings of sympathy, hope, and justice are igniting in the people, which could mean good things are to come for them both.

While in prison, it is my belief that Lyle and Erik have proven that they rebuke the title of the Netflix series; they are not monsters. Both brothers have worked for over 30 years to better themselves, others, and their community. Erik received an Associate’s Degree in Sociology and Social and Behavioral Sciences from UC Irvine, started a meditation group in prison, and he and Lyle started several support groups for inmates, including a group for inmates with physical disabilities and a general group therapy program. Meanwhile, Lyle received a Bachelor of Arts degree, also from UC Irvine, founded the Adverse Child Rehabilitation program in 2016, and founded the Greenspace Project, in which inmates had the opportunity to paint murals, which raised $250,000. Furthermore, the brothers’s family asks to bring them home. Their aunt, Joan Vandermolen stated in an AP News post, “They have grown, they have changed, and they have become better men, despite everything that they’ve been through. It’s time to give them the opportunity to live the rest of their lives free from the shadow of their past.” In addition, prison guards and fellow inmates express that Lyle and Erik are far from dangerous criminals, and instead are more like friendly neighbors. Cooper Kotch, the aforementioned star of the TV series about the brothers, visited Erik in prison and spoke on the experience in a press-tour interview promoting the show. He explained how he felt the same way as almost everyone who knows the brothers personally, and he believes they should be given a second chance.

If the brothers were so innocent the first time, why were they convicted and sentenced to life? To that, I answer that they weren’t so innocent. They certainly didn’t seem very innocent. While the prosecution maintained their charge of first-degree murder throughout the court proceedings, the brothers’ defense changed. At first, the brothers pleaded not guilty when their lawyer was Robert Shapiro, whose name you may recognize from his defense of OJ Simpson in his murder trial. The family eventually fired Shapiro and, instead, hired Leslie Abramson. When their lawyers switched, so did their plea, which the prosecution used to their advantage. On top of that, the brothers lied throughout the months following their parents deaths. Their family’s therapist recorded them confessing to everything except the whole base of their defense: the sexual abuse. Furthermore, not a single man on the jury voted in favor of the brothers’ story, leading to the conclusion that most men would not be sympathetic to their tragic tale of sexual abuse. In court, the question arose that if the brothers were being truthful about the sexual abuse, why didn’t they speak up sooner? Why didn’t they admit to the abuse while confessing to their therapist? Why lie about the murders in the first place? Why never tell anyone? These questions eventually resulted in the defense team losing the second trial and the brothers just narrowly avoiding the death penalty.

The 1990s were a very different time from now. Social, psychological, and scientific studies have been conducted to provide us with answers to not only this case, but all those that resemble this one as well. Why did they do it? The answer is in your head–literally. “Childhood is a pivotal time for brain development,” writes the Integrative Life Center, “The effects of physical abuse and neglect can disrupt this development.” The ILC goes on to describe all the ways in which an individual’s brain is affected developmentally when that individual experiences abuse in any form during childhood. Teenagers and young adults are known for being reckless, irrational, and irresponsible, and this is completely developmentally appropriate. The parts of the brain responsible for processing emotions and making decisions, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, are not fully formed until a person is around 25 years old. When childhood abuse is added to the equation, the growth of these crucial parts of the brain is stunted and brain maturity is reached much later in life. Taking this into account, not only were Lyle and Erik younger than the typical age for brain maturity, but their abuse further affected their ability to process emotions and make rational decisions. The Los Angeles Times wrote in a 1993 article, when the case was being tried, “By age 18, traumatized severely by 12 years of abuse, Erik Menendez was racked by overriding feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and fear . . . when he and his brother sensed violence on the night of Aug. 20, 1989, it was as if he was on autopilot when they blasted away at their parents.”

Despite new understanding about the impact of abuse on children, the brothers are still serving time in Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif. After over 30 years, they may get a second chance. The brothers maintain their defense that they were sexually and emotionally abused their whole lives, which leads to the belief that this story of tragedy and betrayal is the truth. While murder is unacceptable, so is manipulation, molestation, and abuse of a child. Lyle and Erik spent their whole childhoods feeling trapped and afraid in the place they were supposed to feel comfortable and relaxed. Given modern knowledge and the time since the whole cascade of events occured, it is within the realm of possibility for the brothers to see freedom again. Is justice imprisoning abuse victims, or is it setting murderers free? The situation begs the question that every individual must ask themselves: are the Menendez brothers the villains of the story, or have they been victims all along?

By Billy Hersey, ’27

Staff Writer

I didn’t have high hopes for Wish, Disney’s latest animated film, mainly because of the negative press around it. After watching it, I can say that while it’s far from Disney’s best, it isn’t awful. The film’s message and soundtrack make it worth watching, at least if you’re a fan of Disney.

The creators wanted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney and the company’s legacy, so they designed a whole new art style combining methods from the classics like Pinocchio and Snow White, but also using present-day technology. They wanted to prevent the film from feeling old while paying homage to the many films made through the years. Being so used to the recent animation style of films like Moana, I was originally surprised and skeptical of the art in Wish, finding it a little “off.” But after seeing the making of the movie and learning more about the creators’ vision, I started to understand and found the new style a nice change of scenery. 

This aspiration to honor Disney’s many classics led the filmmakers to include references or nods throughout the film. Some say there were too many “Easter eggs,” and in some cases I agree. But the nods also remind viewers of their favorite films and add to their appreciation, which I feel is just what the architects of the movie wanted. 

Critics of Wish have said that the plot is basic and the movie is too fast paced, and I have to agree. I feel there was a need for more character development which could have slowed the movie and made the writing and story more complex. Some also longed for the classic Disney villain and felt the “bad guy” in Wish was barely evil and his reasons for turning evil were valid. I also felt the villain was missing something and I feel that adding more background especially with the father would have been nice especially since the filmmakers are trying to show he and Asha, the main character, had a close relationship. We barely know anything about Asha’s friends or how they met, especially Dahlia, who she seems closest to. I think perhaps the film could have benefitted from more of a background behind their friendship especially when thinking about all the things Dahlia did for Asha and the trust they have for each other.

Since this is a movie whose intended audience is mainly children, there were many reviews from adults seeing it with their young children and loving it. A simple story that is easy to follow is probably better for kids who may not be able to follow a more complex plot preferred by adult viewers. Lots of people love the character Star, who has lots of personality and a strong connection with Asha even though he doesn’t speak. But they noted the missed opportunity to add more after reading or hearing about the different ideas that arose during the character’s development.

One thing that really added to the film was the creative and beautiful soundtrack, especially the song “This Wish” because of its hopeful lyrics and sound. Something else that redeems the movie’s flaws is its theme. The creators try to convey to viewers that it is never too late to try to make a dream come true, and that if you want your wishes to come true, you have to work for them.

While this is far from my favorite movie, I would recommend that Disney fans watch it at least once to experience the beautiful art, hear the songs and feel the message. The movie has its issues, but I feel its goal to celebrate a century of classics created by the company has been achieved.

By Siena Oliver, ’27

Staff Writer

In English class the last two years, I’ve read 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. These two books were published four years apart in 1949 and 1953 respectively. They are both cautionary tales about the future, the use of technology, and mass censorship of a society that seems not to care that they are being manipulated.  Both books are extremely important in the literary world, but I found Fahrenheit far more enjoyable to read.

Both books follow men living in dystopian societies, who eventually start to question their ways. The protagonist of 1984, Winston, begins his story working at the “Ministry of Truth” where his job is to edit and censor all types of media and information, essentially changing history. Montag, from Fahrenheit 451, works as a fireman who burns books, which is another form of censorship. Both of these characters work in respected jobs for the government and actively take part in changing the information that is given to the public. At some point in both of the books, the protagonists each have a revelation about how they cannot stand to live under the rule of an all-powerful government that so blatantly controls the information they receive. Winston and Montag both end up rebelling, and in doing so make connections with people they otherwise would not have.  

Although the books are fairly similar in terms of content and meaning, I personally disliked 1984 but enjoyed Fahrenheit 451. In my opinion, 1984 was too long and often seemed to drone on with unnecessary and boring information, while Fahrenheit 451 was a fairly fast-paced and short read that held my attention throughout the entire story.  I found the authors’ writing styles to be a bit wordy and confusing at times, often sounding sort of like poetry. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the length and excitement of the book. As a reader, I dislike stopping books in the middle, but with 1984, I nearly did because it was so hard for me to get through. 

By Sienna Lamond, ’26

Staff Writer

Like jazz was born in Louisiana, reggae was born in Jamaica; and just like jazz had stars such as Louis Armstrong, reggae had Bob Marley. A biopic called One Love about Marley was recently released in theaters. The highly anticipated film was preceded by a clip of Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, who also works in the music industry, giving a statement on how proud the family was of this film. As I watched, though, I couldn’t help but feel like the movie was a disservice to Marley. The set design, costumes, and actors were all perfectly suited to the story, but the entire movie only captured two years of Marley’s life, accomplishments, and legacy (1976–1978). I feel that the movie failed to encapsulate just how great and impressive Bob Marley truly was and what he did, not only for music but for peace.

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, the same year that World War II ended. For almost the entirety of Marley’s childhood, Jamaica was a piece of the British Empire. In 1962, Jamaica was granted independence as a nation but maintained its status as part of the British Commonwealth. However, political unrest still plagued the country. Tensions between two large political groups, the Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP), resulted in violence and danger throughout the country. 

Marley utilized his musical skills to speak on political topics, the most famous instance of which is the “One Love Peace Concert” held in Kingston, Jamaica in 1978. This is one of the most important highlights of his career, which thankfully the movie includes. Here, Marley stood as a symbol of unity as he clasped the hands of the PNP and JLP leaders, Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, in front of the roaring crowd. Marley sought more than an end to violence; he sought the betterment of his home country. Through songs like “War,” “Slave Driver,” “One Love,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Rebel Music,” and “Concrete Jungle,” he literally and metaphorically uses his voice and platform to provide the Jamaican people — and people globally — a sense of hope that the fight for peace will be heard and not silenced. 

To fully appreciate the mysticism of the legendary Bob Marley, one must understand the sociopolitical climate at the time he delivered his message to the world. The movie touches on the political unrest and violence in Jamaica, but Marley’s music had global implications wherever political unrest and unjust social structures existed. In his lyrics, “Rasta don’t work for no CIA,” it’s evident that Marley’s music was viewed as a pivotal motivator in elections and, thus, was threatening to various political regimes. Whether it be Cuba, Africa, or Chile, his music was viewed as destabilizing to the established structure. Ironically, Marley’s power came from remaining politically neutral even as his reach expanded globally. Despite assassination attempts and pressure from multiple sides, Marley never wavered from his philosophy: “Live for yourself, and you will live in vain. Live for others, and you will live again,” and that love is stronger than fear, hate, and violence. The movie could have included more examples of him as a symbol of peace, such as his music playing as the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and its impact on civil rights worldwide. 

The few scenes that touched on his musical journey and the development of his songs seemed oddly placed to me. The drum circle scene does well to portray his Rasta roots and shed light on the spiritual nature of his music; however, I would have preferred a more chronological journey to understand and appreciate his early music that led to him ultimately creating his greatest hits and the sound that the world recognizes him for. I would have also liked to see the movie shed light on Marley’s legacy. Despite passing at the early age of 36 to cancer —which is another unclear aspect of the film—he had a tremendous impact on popularizing reggae music worldwide. Music tends to set the tone for an era. Think of the U.S. in the 1940s, being focused on classic stars like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, but then in the 50s, Elvis and Rock n’ Roll came to popularity, challenging the conformist norms of the decade. Reggae was the rock n’ roll of the 1970s. It was new and therefore alluring to younger folk, raising a generation focused on its message of peace and love. Many of Marley’s associates continued his musical journey. Others, from Eric Claypton to Lauren Hill, covered his songs. His children have had illustrious musical careers as well, such as the aforementioned Ziggy Marley, who released songs such as “Love is My Religion” and “True to Myself,”  carrying on his father’s legacy and message. His grandson (and Rohan Marley and Lauren Hill’s son), YG Marley, has recently come out with a modern reggae song called “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” which has gained popularity through social media, namely TikTok. 

Overall, the movie does well to introduce us to Bob Marley, the man, but I attest that he deserved even more. A man whose music and message reverberate through the ages deserves more than an hour and 45-minute biopic covering two years of his life. A legend of his status deserves an epic film capturing all his trials and tribulations and the lessons he learns while overcoming them. Marley teaches the world that no matter what dire circumstance confronts you, there is love, hope, and belief in a brighter tomorrow, and he does so brilliantly through his music. I hope this is not the end of Marley’s tributes; as he says himself, “in this bright future, you can’t forget the past,” because acknowledging fault is how we progress and do better for ourselves and the world in the future.

By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

Step into the hallowed halls of Sephora, and you’ll find more than just shelves ransacked of beauty products – you’ll stumble upon a spectacle that defies imagination. What was once a sanctuary for makeup mavens of all ages has now morphed into a playground for the pint-sized, where chaos reigns supreme and the rules of etiquette are but a distant memory.

“People say the store looks like an elementary school for the beauty-obsessed 10-year-olds, some of whom have been caught treating employees poorly and destroying displays,” mocked Katie Camaro in a Jan. 29 article from USA Today, eyes wide with disbelief as she bore witness to the pandemonium that has taken root within Sephora’s walls. Indeed, what unfolds before them is a scene straight out of a twisted fairytale – a fairytale where tween queens tower above, armed with mascara wands and lip gloss scepters.

Imagine, if you will, a troop of tweens descending upon the aisles like a swarm of locusts, their eyes alight with the fervor of discovery and desire. But instead of gentle exploration and whispered inquiries, their approach is anything but subtle. With reckless abandon, they snatch at samples, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake as they wreak havoc upon displays and unleash turmoil upon the nerves of troubled Sephora staff.

Yet, it’s not just the chaos and discord that raises eyebrows – it’s the alarming trend of tweens purchasing products better suited to seasoned skincare veterans than fresh-faced adolescents. “A bigger concern for many is pre-adolescents obsessing over beauty products traditionally marketed to women and older teens, including exfoliators and anti-aging products with retinol that may be too harsh for pre-teens’ skin,” said Tom Ryan in a Jan. 31 article in Retail Wire. Indeed, wandering through the aisles of Sephora, one can’t help but notice the potent potions and elixirs, tempting young patrons with promises of flawless skin and eternal youth.

From retinol-infused creams to potent exfoliators, these young beauty devotees are unwittingly playing Russian roulette with their delicate complexions. “Preteens are bombarded with influencer-sponsored advertisements and step-by-step tutorials for makeup and skincare products unlike generations past,” Ryan continued in Retail Wire. In their quest for TikTok-worthy perfection, they’re sacrificing more than just their pocket money – they’re trading innocence for the fleeting promise of beauty, unaware of the potential long-term effects on their still-developing skin.

As Sephora transforms into a playground, the stakes have never been higher. It’s not just about the products lining the shelves or the chaos unfolding in the aisles – it’s about the future of an entire generation, grappling with unprecedented levels of anxiety and self-esteem issues. As one can’t help but wonder, what price are we willing to pay for the pursuit of perfection?

But amidst the madness lies a glimmer of hope – an opportunity to educate and empower the next generation of beauty enthusiasts. By promoting a culture of kindness, respect, and self-acceptance, Sephora can reclaim its status as a sanctuary for all – regardless of age or experience. For beauty knows no bounds, and neither should our compassion.