![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Forest fire erupts in Santa Cruz Mountains
The mushroom cloud of smoke was visible as far away as Mountain View, off the 85 freeway. The forest fire erupted at 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
September 26, 2016
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is currently fighting a massive forest fire which erupted in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 2:45 p.m. today and has blazed through over 400 acres of forest across Santa Clara and Santa Cruz county lines.
The fire, which now threatens over 300 homes and structures, is still growing at a fast rate, with the potential to span over 1,000 acres. Rising above the Santa Cruz Mountains, a large mushroom cloud of smoke was visible across much of the South Bay in the afternoon.
Originating from a small structure in Loma Prieta, the fire spread to nearby brush, setting the surrounding forest ablaze. So far, the fire has destroyed one other structure.
The triple-digit weather throughout the Bay Area over the past two days has made the environment extremely dry and hot, allowing the fire to spread rampantly in the absence moisture. According to CBS San Francisco, the record-breaking temperatures have reached 10 to 25 degrees over normal September levels in some cities.
Cal Fire’s Morgan Hill department reports that the fire’s high rate of spreading has caused it to swiftly consume over 300 acres as of 4:55 p.m. The dry, forested and mountainous environment of the region presents a serious challenge to emergency responders. As warm winds blow through the mountain ridge, fire-fighters can not predict the course of the fire as it the wind pushes it in many directions.
Deploying air support units equipped with fire retardant, Cal Fire is working to contain the inferno that continues to envelop more and more of the area. The San Jose Fire Department has also sent multiple fire engines to assist Cal Fire in their efforts.
A plume of smoke could be seen from Los Gatos. The forest fire erupted at 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
Mountain residents received evacuation orders at homes situated at Casa Loma Road, Loma Chiquita Road and Summit Road at 4:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz County resident and Soquel High School junior Max Peer shared his thoughts on the fire.
“[Fire authorities] are considering shutting down Old San Jose Road, where I live. The plume of smoke is massive; everyone is taking photos,” he said. “I hope they can contain it as quickly as possible, and I am nervous about the whole situation.”
As the fire continues to spread, Soquel High School and Loma Prieta High School have opened evacuation centers to offer refuge to those living in the area.
Check back with Harker Aquila for more updates.
