The headliner for this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium is Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. As of 2023, Apple Music became the sponsor of the important cultural spectacle, and for the first time in Super Bowl history, a Spanish-language artist will be headlining. The timing of this major sports event and halftime show appears to be a statement about one of the most fearful times in modern American history.
Make sure to take photos
On Sunday, at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny took home the biggest award of the night in the Album of the Year category, for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” The album translates quite literally to “I should have taken more photos.” Much of what’s happening in the political climate of the United States right now is being documented on people’s cell phones.
On Jan. 24, nurse Alex Pretti was shot dead by a federal agent in Minneapolis, Minn. Pretti’s death was captured by civilians from every angle possible. They showed a federal law enforcement official removing his gun before he was shot. On Feb. 2, Pretti’s death was officially declared a homicide.
Now people are wondering whether or not Bad Bunny will make an intentionally controversial statement at this year’s halftime show. Art has always been political, just as politics has always been a lens on humanity. During Bad Bunny’s recent Grammy acceptance speech for the Best Música Urbana Album award, he said, “We are not savage. We are not animals. We are not aliens. We are humans. And we are Americans…Hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”
The last time that the Super Bowl came to Santa Clara County was in 2016, with the 50th anniversary of the sports event. The halftime show, which featured Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and Coldplay, drew criticism from some who deemed it as “anti-police.” Responding to the selection of Bad Bunny—with Green Day slated to rock the crowd ahead of the game—President Trump stated, “I’m anti-them. I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.” Most recently, Bad Bunny generated $450 million for Puerto Rico’s economy with his recent tour, even though he lowered his ticket prices for locals in his home territory.
Bad Bunny decided to not bring his tour to America because he was concerned with how ICE has been targeting a wide swath of immigrants, scooping up even people who are legal citizens at times. After he was announced as this year’s halftime show headliner, many news reporters made ignorant statements showing they were unaware that Puerto Rico has been part of the United States since 1898, 127 years ago.
No vacancy?
The Los Gatos Hotel is booked at almost full capacity for this coming weekend. An official with the hotel told the newspaper they had just one vacancy, citing that they believe it’s due to the Super Bowl coming to the area. A Toll House Hotel official said their busy season doesn’t hit until Spring, and their current bookings are at more than 60% for this weekend—but they expect to continue to fill those throughout the week.
Meanwhile, Los Gatos High School Students organized a school-wide walkout on Jan. 30, to protest ICE. It lasted two hours long and captured the attention of concerned parents. Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Superintendent Heath Rocha sent out an email on Feb. 1, affirming that the students held the right to protest through Senate Bill 955.
(The Super Bowl host committee says there’s no ICE operation “planned” for the Super Bowl, the New York Times reported. However, a federal security presence is still expected.)
“We called into the attendance office to request Senate Bill 955,” said LGHS junior Louisa Horwath, adding students are allowed to protest without repercussions.
Her partner in coordinating this protest is Nova Jayaraj, another junior at LGHS.
Horwath says this was a group effort that gathered over 300 students to participate, saying that makes her extremely proud.
Spanish teacher at LGHS Danielle Stinson uses Bad Bunny songs to help students learn the language more fluently by practicing translation, students say.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner
Whether you are attached or have love to celebrate in a non-romantic way, the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its third annual Sweetheart Stroll (which will be followed by the “Get Fresh Valentine’s Week,” Feb. 7-14).
From 12-5pm, the Stroll invites all to come and take a walk to explore the town by experiencing pop-ups and special events put on by businesses and restaurants.
To enter, pick up a Sweetheart Stroll passport and event map at the Chamber’s table in the breezeway next to Automobuild. This event will also be a great time for participants to download the free Los Gatos Perks Pass, which gives access to businesses that will be participating throughout Valentine’s Week.
Guests who collect four stickers on their Sweetheart Stroll passport can enter to win prizes worth hundreds of dollars.
“The Sweetheart Stroll brings together everything people love about Los Gatos: a walkable downtown, local businesses, and a little Valentine’s magic,” said Jennifer Lin, CEO of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a joyful way to spend the afternoon, support local, and continue celebrating all week long.”
