Grizzly Gazette

Wendy Rodriguez

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Wendy Rodriguez

[Video] Announcements May 20th, 2022 w/ the Senior Video

May 20, 2022

It's our last broadcast of the year and yes, it includes the senior and college signing video.

A photo of the writer next to the Godinez Fundamental High School (GFHS) mascot. Picture taken on September 15, 2021.

Swan Song: From Nothing to Everything

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 10, 2022

When people think of high school, there is not one clear image but many interpretations and different things that one looks forward to during these life-changing four years. Being in my last year, high...

A photo of the writer next to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) mascot. She will attend UCLA in the fall. Picture taken on April 9, 2022.

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A photo of the writer next to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) mascot. She will attend UCLA in the fall. Picture taken on April 9, 2022.

Maritza Jacobo will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall. Jacobo chose UCLA because it has a good medicine program and that is what she wants to pursue. She said, “I am looking forward to interacting with people from different cultures as well as joining clubs and organizations on campus that will help me achieve my dream of becoming a pediatrician one day.”

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Maritza Jacobo will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the fall. Jacobo chose UCLA because it has a good medicine program and that is what she wants to pursue. She said, “I...

Above is the schedule that office manager, Olivia Arredondo, created on January 14th, 2021. On this particular day, she had seven teachers out, so teachers who checked in that morning in the main office were asked to help cover classes with this sign-in sheet.

[Photo] A New Year Brings Along a New Variant and Disorder to Schools

January 18, 2022

Above is the schedule that office manager, Olivia Arredondo, created on January 14th, 2021. On this particular day, she had seven teachers out, so teachers who checked in that morning in the main office...

After months and months of practicing without a cheer coach, the Godinez cheer team finally had its first official performance on pep assembly day.

Holiday Spirit is Alive at Winter Pep Assembly

Wendy Rodriguez and Abryana Mercado December 11, 2021

On December 10th, Associated Student Body (ASB) organized the last pep rally of the year which took place outdoors during both lunches. All winter sports along with clubs like the Dynamics Dance Crew...

ASB President Joshua Cruz introduces Los Endiablados de Santa Ana.

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ASB President Joshua Cruz introduces "Los Endiablados de Santa Ana."

Los Endiablados de Santa Ana conclude the pep assembly with some of their music hits that even get people on the dance floor.

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"Los Endiablados de Santa Ana" conclude the pep assembly with some of their music hits that even get people on the dance floor.

As part of the annual Make-a-Wish donations, Senior Class Vice President Kylie Mayo hands senior Crystal Juarez a Visa GiftCard. Juarez will use the gift card to buy archery equipment and hit targets with her sister before she goes back to college for spring semester.

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As part of the annual Make-a-Wish donations, Senior Class Vice President Kylie Mayo hands senior Crystal Juarez a Visa GiftCard. Juarez will use the gift card to buy archery equipment and hit targets with...

ASB President Joshua Cruz and Senior Class Vice President Kylie Mayo hand out the Make-A-Wish donations to students at the end of the pep assembly.

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ASB President Joshua Cruz and Senior Class Vice President Kylie Mayo hand out the Make-A-Wish donations to students at the end of the pep assembly.

The Dynamics Dance Crew managed by the Grizzly Lounge danced to a series of songs on the day of the pep assembly.

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The Dynamics Dance Crew managed by the Grizzly Lounge danced to a series of songs on the day of the pep assembly.

The Girls Soccer Team played a game of Simon Says directed by ASB member, Jesse Church Jr.

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The Girls Soccer Team played a game of "Simon Says" directed by ASB member, Jesse Church Jr.

The Godinez Colorguard pulled out a stunning performance for the student body.

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The Godinez Colorguard pulled out a stunning performance for the student body.

The GFHS Dance team performs a series of Christmas songs to spread some holiday spirit.

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The GFHS Dance team performs a series of Christmas songs to spread some holiday spirit.

From left to right, Junior Class President Natalie Eulloqui and Junior Class Vice President introduce the 2021-22 boys and girls basketball teams with a game of tic-tac-toe.

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From left to right, Junior Class President Natalie Eulloqui and Junior Class Vice President introduce the 2021-22 boys and girls basketball teams with a game of tic-tac-toe.

Girls and boys waterpolo teams face in a game of musical chairs. Boys waterpolo won the game for first lunch.

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Girls and boys waterpolo teams face in a game of musical chairs. Boys waterpolo won the game for first lunch.

ASB hypes up the crowd first with their dance routine.

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ASB hypes up the crowd first with their dance routine.

The Black and Gold Regiment perform throughout the pep rally including the entrance of winter sports.

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The Black and Gold Regiment perform throughout the pep rally including the entrance of winter sports.

From left to right, seniors Aleah McClure, Kayley Frias-Ceballos, and Allison Elizalde work on the UC and Cal State applications during their third period AVID class.

[Photo] Last Minute Tips to Successfully Submit Your College Applications

November 8, 2021

From left to right, seniors Aleah McClure, Kayley Frias-Ceballos, and Allison Elizalde work on the UC and Cal State applications during their third period AVID class.

Aaron Raya, classified substitute at Santa Ana Unified School District, takes attendance for AP English Literature teacher, Monique Statlers class, on Friday October 29, 2021, at Godinez Fundamental High School during third period.

Substitute Teacher Shortage Adds a Burden To Schools Across the Nation

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2021

Friday mornings in the front office of Godinez Fundamental High School (GFHS) are chaotic.  A typical morning for office manager Olivia Arredondo at GFHS is finding sub coverage for two to three teachers...

From left to right, seniors Aleah McClure, Kayley Frias-Ceballos, and Allison Elizalde work on the UC and Cal State applications during their third period AVID class.

Last Minute Tips to Successfully Submit Your College Applications

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2021

As the November 30 deadline to apply for most colleges rapidly approaches, seniors are hard at work filling out their future.  Counselors including Jimmy Bravo, the higher education coordinator for...

Our girls varsity volleyball team play home against Westminster on September 28th, 2021.

Girls’ Volleyball Ends Set for Another Season

Antonio Heras and Wendy Rodriguez October 16, 2021

The girls volleyball team finally had the chance to come back and play the sport they love after almost two years of school closures. According to Coach Jenevieve Nixon, the team started practice during...

A newly established group, Los Endiablados de Santa Ana, got some of us falling in love with their romantic music.

[Photo] First Pep Assembly of the Year Performed with Enthusiasm and High Temps.

October 3, 2021

A newly established group, Los Endiablados de Santa Ana, got some of us falling in love with their romantic music.

The Godinez Colorguard team approximately took two weeks to pull off a stunning and entertaining performance for the students and faculty.

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The Godinez Colorguard team approximately took two weeks to pull off a stunning and entertaining performance for the students and faculty.

Choir and piano teacher, Jeanette McMahon, thought that the whole process was super and easy. At this point, whatever we have to do to stay open and keep students safe, we need to do. Ultimately, I dont want to go back to online learning so weekly testing is a small price to pay to stay open, added McMahon.

[Photo] District Wide COVID-19 Testing Starts at Godinez

September 28, 2021

Choir and piano teacher, Jeanette McMahon, thought that the whole process was super and easy. "At this point, whatever we have to do to stay open and keep students safe, we need to do. Ultimately, I don't...

From left, senior, Jesse Church Jr. and junior, America Bernabe, work on a welcome back to school poster in the ASB room at Godinez Fundamental High School, on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

SAUSD Prepares to Welcome Staff and Students Back for a Different Kind of School Year

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief August 13, 2021

After 18 months of distance learning, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), prepares to safely reopen schools on Monday, August 16, 2021.  Superintendent of Schools, Jerry Almendarez, said...

Just some of the Gazette staff that showed up for the last day of school for seniors.

The Gazette Staff Says Goodbye to a Most Unusual Year

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 26, 2021

Never in a million years did we think as students that a global pandemic would cause the 2020-21 academic school year to be fully online. Juggling all our classes and participating in extracurricular...

From left to right, Marian’s great uncle, Salvador Franco Rizo, her grandma Gloria Franco Rizo, and her great aunt, Maximalia Franco Rizo pose for a picture in front of Ostioneria Bahia Mexican and Seafood restaurant located in Tustin. Photo taken September 24, 2018.

Everything Happened All of a Sudden

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2021

Going into an online-only senior year of high school was odd and strange for senior Marian Romero-Medina. Her school and family life seemed to be going well— that is, until she lost multiple loved ones.  Her...

A photo of Juan Carlos Contreras. One of the things he enjoyed was playing the guitar. In fact, he started a guitar club at Saddleback High School.

Santa Ana Community Mourns the Loss of a Multi Talented Teacher

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2021

Known for his extreme love and gifted talent for music, Juan Carlos Contreras, passed away from COVID-19 in early January of this year.  Miriam Contreras, his wife who is a teacher and World Languages...

From left to right, mom Guadalupe Cornejo, sister Vanessa Flores, brother Mateo Florentino, and Monserrat Flores celebrate their moms birthday.

A Long Life Ahead Got Cut Short

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2021

Ever since Monserrat (Monse for short) Flores, 19, was a little girl, she always loved being around children and she dreamt of opening a daycare or becoming a teacher one day. On December 5th, 2020,...

Recent graduate (class of 2020) Monserrat Flores stuffed animals placed in a corner of her sister Vanessa Flores room in remembrance of her.

In Memory of Those We Lost this Past Year

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief May 20, 2021

With over 60,000 deaths in California due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it is evident that it is no longer just a number, but more about the millions of lives that this pandemic has taken worldwide from...

A photo from the mostly virtual SAUSD School Board meeting who met on March 23, 2021, to decide on students fate in the classroom or online at home for the rest of this school year.

[Photo] Santa Ana Unified School District Board Announces That Distance Learning is the Norm for the Rest of the School Year

March 29, 2021

A photo from the mostly virtual SAUSD School Board meeting who met on March 23, 2021, to decide on students' fate in the classroom or online at home for the rest of this school year.

Owner Lilia Cerpas poses in front of Genesis Bridal Boutique located in Downtown Santa Ana on 4th Street at the entrance of her store.  Photo taken March 22, 2021.

Local Business in Downtown Santa Ana Closes its Doors

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief March 26, 2021

When Lilia Cerpas started her business 20 years ago, she never thought a worldwide pandemic would push her to close her doors for good. “The COVID-19 pandemic affected me a lot; all events were cancelled,”...

Our class photo in the center with a few phrases from some of our journalists reflections of the past year since the March 13, 2020, lockdown.

A Year in Reflection: Stories from the Newsroom One Year After it all Began or Ended

Editor's Note: The following is a reflection from our editor-in-chief, Wendy Rodriguez. One year. One year after it all began--or ended.  March seems like an eternity. Yet, here we are, one year...

The infographic captures the rise of COVID-19 cases in Orange County.

Testing Sites are Here to Stay

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief February 17, 2021

Even if you don’t feel any symptoms but you think you may be infected with the virus, please contact your healthcare provider immediately to know your options.  The Orange County COVID-19 Testing...

Orange County COVID-19 case investigator, Jessica Jimenez, at her workspace in her home. She works a full day as part of the contact tracing program connecting the dots of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Continues to Change Lives in Orange County

With over 242,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3,848 deaths in Orange County, Calif., and 44,000+ in Santa Ana, it is clear that the coronavirus has had a major impact on our community.  Now more...

On the morning of January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. delivered his inaugural address to all Americans shortly after he took the oath to office.

A ‌New‌ ‌Beginning‌ ‌is‌‌ ‌Here with President Biden’s Inauguration

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief January 22, 2021

Hope. Hope is what I feel.  From the moment Joe Biden and Kamala Devi Harris were elected President and Vice President, to the inauguration of both of them, I have felt nothing, but excitement and...

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have faced a decline in their mental health.

Teen Depression and Anxiety Increases due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Wendy Rodriguez and Britney Perez-Avila December 14, 2020

With self-isolation normalized during the COVID-19 pandemic, students find themselves face-to-face with mental health problems that are amplifying.  Teenagers who live in America anxiously wait for...

From left, seniors Jesus Mora and Ivan Villegas cleaned Someone Cares Soup Kitchen on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

Everybody Has a Story: Ivan Villegas

Jessie Diaz, Peter Cobarruvia, and Wendy Rodriguez October 21, 2020

For the Everybody Has a Story spotlight, this month we decided to interview senior Ivan Villegas who is an athlete, in ASB, and a Key Club member. How do you balance all of your extracurricular activities? I...

The editor-in-chief smiles for her staff photo taken last week on October 7, 2020.

Ninety Nine Problems and Homework is One

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief October 15, 2020

We are in a pandemic, elections are coming up, in-person learning isn't in session, yet teachers are assigning us three or more hours of homework most nights.  With everything going on, students hope...

An infographic showcasing common words used related to online learning.

Challenge Continues for Online Learning

Wendy Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief September 28, 2020

For junior, Mariela Rodriguez, going to school online was necessarily not the best option because she lives in a household of nine family members.   As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many schools...

This was the first day of school welcome mural for  the 2019-2020 school year created by GFHS Associated Body Students. Picture taken August 12, 2019

Santa Ana High Schools Prepare for a Different Start to the School Year

Wendy Rodriguez, New Editor-in-Chief August 10, 2020

For incoming junior, Jasmine Delgado, she’s a mess when it comes to organization. Going to a high school that is online only, is not helping. As August 17, 2020, quickly approaches, Godinez Fundamental...

A picture of the GFHS Hollywood sign located at the entrance of the school. Picture taken February 28, 2020.

Students to Start School Distance Learning

Wendy Rodriguez, New Editor-in-Chief August 3, 2020

On Tuesday July 28, 2020, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) School Board and school leaders held a meeting with its focus on the reopening of schools.   According to the SAUSD Board of...

The computer screen which shows the authors Google Classroom journalism page. Photo taken on July 14, 2020, at 4:23 p.m.

Santa Ana Unified School District Announces Online Only Learning for the Start of the School Year

Wendy Rodriguez, New Editor-in-Chief July 20, 2020

On Tuesday July 14, 2020, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) announced that the 2020-2021 school year, which is set to start in August, would begin entirely online.  The district’s school...

Laurie Jocham and her husband holds the newest edition of her family, Bailey.

Godinez Says Farewell to Three Teachers

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter May 13, 2020

The 2019-2020 academic school year has come to an end. Along with the graduating Class of 2020, three teachers, who have decided to retire at the end of this school year, are looking forward to starting...

GFHS student, Karyme Iniguez, models one of the masks that she and her mom make. Photo taken April 16, 2020 at 6:25 p.m.

Santa Ana Community Makes Masks for Those in Need

Wendy Rodriguez, Staff Writer April 24, 2020

As California tries to flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19, staying at home is the new normal and face masks are essential.  Wearing a mask is required in most places and grocery stores...

A screen of the official Instagram page for the Wellness Center at Godinez Fundamental High School. Picture taken on April 6, 2020 at 12:21 p.m.

There is Help from the Wellness Center

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Claudia Tapia, the Wellness Center’s director and the Family and Community Engagement Liaison supports students, families and the community by connecting them to resources. During this difficult time,...

Julie Phan works on her lab report in her AP Biology class earlier this year.

Ease of Online Learning Comes with New Worries

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Junior Julie Phan, does not like online learning. She misses actual face to face interactions between her teachers and peers. She feels it’s a crucial part of her learning, and finds herself easily distracted...

Sophomore Jessica Martinez sits in bed, in front of her Chromebook to complete her English homework. Photo taken on April 6, 2020 at 11:31 a.m.

Being Flexible is Key for Sophomore

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Sophomore Jessica Martinez enjoys the change to distance learning because she is able to work at her own pace to complete assignments.  “I’m a fast learner so it has been easy for me and I don’t...

Spanish teacher Eliana Vallejo holds up a sign that she made to send encouragement to her students.

A Positive Mindset is Key for Spanish Teacher

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Spanish teacher Eliana Vallejo, believes that the hardest challenge for her is managing her schedule. During the quarantine, Vallejo is at home with her baby while still trying to teach to over 150 students.  Vallejo...

Jasmin Gutiérrez smiles as she prepares to enter the ThunderDome for the March of the Flags at Orange County Leadership Camp during the summer at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Stressed Over Advanced Placement Classes and College

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Senior and ASB President, Jasmin Gutiérrez, admits that at the beginning of the quarantine, it was difficult for her to adjust to a new schedule and remain focused because she was not in a traditional...

English teacher Tessa Heaney holds up her message of encouragement for students that was added to a video Grizzly News Network produced.

Teacher’s Perspective Changes about Online Learning

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

English Teacher Tessa Heaney, knows this was something unexpected, but believes that her students are fortunate enough that they’re familiar with online platforms such as: Google Classroom, Google Meet,...

After finishing her chores, freshman America Bernabe works on her Geometry homework at her desk in her room. Picture taken March 24, 2020, at 7:25 p.m.

A Stressful Experience due to Distractions

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

Freshman America Bernabe has mixed emotions when it comes to online learning. As much as she enjoys learning at her own pace, she learns better with the help of others. “I am hurt as a student especially...

From left to right clockwise, English teachers Tessa Heaney, Joyce Feuerborn, Jeanne Rodebaugh and Regina Parga, discuss online English strategies during their first 9 a.m. meeting on video chat program, Zoom.

Teachers and Students Shift to Distance Learning Curriculum

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter April 6, 2020

On Friday, March 13, 2020, Godinez Fundamental High School closed its campus and students are not expected to return until further notice.  Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed in a statement that “California...

As COVID-19 spreads, families prepare. As seen in this photo, there is limited stock of milk at Stater Bros on Edinger Ave. in Santa Ana.  Photo taken at Stater Bros on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 8:06 p.m.

[Photo] Panic Shopping Across Orange County Leaves Shelves Empty

March 23, 2020

As COVID-19 spreads, families prepare. As seen in this photo, there is limited stock of milk at Stater Bros on Edinger Ave. in Santa Ana. Photo taken at Stater Bros on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 8:06 p.m.

As the coronavirus quickly spreads, Godinez Fundamental High School prepares to close for four weeks.

BREAKING NEWS: SAUSD Schools Close due to Coronavirus Outbreak

Mario Campos and Wendy Rodriguez March 13, 2020

No sports, no performing arts, and no school for Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) students. SAUSD Superintendent, Jerry Almendarez, announced earlier today that all schools will be closed through...

Lizeth Fuentes Ramirez smiles after her game against Garden Grove on Thurs., January 23, 2020. This photo was taken at Centennial Park soccer field at 4:34 p.m.

Everybody Has a Story: Lizeth Fuentes Ramirez

Wendy Rodriguez, Staff Writer February 26, 2020

Being on the JV soccer team, AVID (Advanced Via Individual Determination), Key Club, and ASB Senate (Associated Student Body) makes sophomore, Lizeth Fuentes Ramirez, pretty busy. Fuentes started playing...

This picture was taken after the ceremony ended, on February 6, 2020 at 8:53 p.m.

My Experience Competing in a Literary Arts Festival

Wendy Rodriguez, Staff Writer February 12, 2020

When I’m writing, time just stops. At the start of my sophomore year, there were several flyers around campus informing students to join a writing competition. It seemed enthralling, but terrifying...

Two of our journalism students, Jonathan Uriostegui (left) and Editor-in-Chief Ashley Ortega (right), hope to stay awake after the new later start times commence. Photo taken Jan. 22, 2020 in the Wellness Center at 8:53 a.m.

California Students Get Ready to Sleep in Due to Later Start Times

Wendy Rodriguez, Reporter January 21, 2020

For some high school students, the constant lack of sleep can ruin their day. However, more sleep and wider awake students may happen with later start times in the next three years. On Sunday, October...

A Allison Ruth Wendel with a smile on her face, from her GoFundMe page her family put up.

10-Year-Old Santa Ana Girl Dies by Suicide

Wendy Rodriguez , Staff Writer October 31, 2019

Allison Ruth Wendel, 10, from Santa Ana committed suicide on Sunday, October 13, 2019. She attended Hazard Elementary School as a fifth-grader in neighboring Garden Grove Unified School District.  The...

[Video] Conquering your Senior Year

Ivan Montano and Ivan Ortiz October 8, 2019

When you start high school, you look forward to senior year. Now that senior year has arrived, it is going to go quick. Senior year is mostly prioritized around the involvement of prom, the thrill of...

From Left to Right: Seniors and Journalists Erick Pompa, Roman Arcos, Susana Leon, and Cynthia Molina patiently wait for the new equipment to arrive in the workout room located at the bottom floor of building 1.

New School Year Brings New Improvements to Godinez

Wendy Rodriguez and Karina Bartolo September 27, 2019

On August 12, 2019, a new school year at Godinez Fundamental High School commenced and as students took their first steps onto campus, many noticed the new improvements made over the summer. Godinez...

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