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Landon Block

Landon Block is an honors student at California Polytechnic State University studying political science. He is a proud Encinitas native and graduate of San Dieguito High School Academy. He has significant experience with Jewish youth organizations, serving on the boards of Tikkun Project and NFTY SOCAL. He enjoys writing about politics, technology, education and current events. Most of all, he hopes to highlight underrepresented youth perspectives. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing tennis and ultimate frisbee, reading news stories, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.

Most social media platforms are heavily driven by algorithms. The algorithms determine what content s see on their feeds based on various factors like preferences, interactions, and trending topics. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)

Opinion: Depending on social media for news can be dangerous. Here’s why.

January 3, 2025 at 5:13 p.m.

I’ve had an Instagram since April 2014, which means I’ve been on social media for over half of my life. It’s hard to my life without social media...

President Joe Biden at an event in North Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16. (AP)

Opinion: Why Gen Z is thankful to Biden, excited about Harris

July 24, 2024 at 10:06 a.m.

What a crazy political time we are in. On Sunday, Joe Biden announced he would step aside from his campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next...

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The comment section is gone in many sites, but you can still make your voice heard

February 21, 2024 at 9:04 p.m.

Block is a political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is from Encinitas and has been writing with the Community Voices Project since February 2023.On...

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I’m a Progressive Jew. Here’s how I’m seeking common ground amid the Israel-Hamas war.

November 15, 2023 at 2:17 a.m.

Block is a political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is from Encinitas and previously served on the boards of the Jewish youth organizations...

Landon Block alongside the inaugural cohort of Demand a Seat: Students Edition in Denver, Colorado

This training helped me transition from the classroom to the campaign trail. I’m ready.

October 20, 2023 at 2:37 a.m.

Editor's note: The views expressed in essays posted or printed as part of the newspaper's Community Voices Project are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of...

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Accessing public records isn’t easy. Here’s how I was able to find what I needed.

September 1, 2023 at 10:39 p.m.

Block is a second-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is from Encinitas.On Sept. 12, 2022, I filed a public records request for...

Landon Block attends a protest at the San Dieguito Union High School District headquarters in May 2022

Young people can offer fresh perspectives on today’s issues. We must take them seriously.

August 12, 2023 at 12:14 a.m.

Block is a second-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is from Encinitas.Many young people, myself included, are increasingly grappling with ways to...

Silhouette of man's head in front of computer monitor light at night

Here’s how AI is helping me get through college (Hint: It doesn’t involve cheating)

June 19, 2023 at 12:07 p.m.

Block is a first-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He is from Encinitas.Most students (that I know of at least) aren’t using artificial...

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I’m a college student who s banning TikTok, but Congress’ RESTRICT Act goes too far

April 27, 2023 at 11:31 p.m.

Block is a first-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He’s from Encinitas.TikTok absolutely poses a danger to American s (and all s for that...

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The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas was five years ago. Fear is still with me.

April 5, 2023 at 10:19 p.m.

Block is a first-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He’s from Encinitas.I don’t think I’ll ever forget how I felt on Feb. 15,...

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It’s been five years since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas H.S. But I still fear.

April 4, 2023 at 11:26 p.m.

Block is a recent alumnus of the San Dieguito Union High School District, who attended Diegueno Middle School and San Dieguito Academy. He lives in Encinitas.I don’t think I’ll ever...

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I’m a college student. Here’s why Twitter and Instagram are such a big part of my life.

March 1, 2023 at 12:18 a.m.

Block is a first-year political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He’s from Encinitas.Social media has become very close to necessary to teen life. I’m...

Here’s how AI will change entertainment, education, elections and more

January 20, 2023 at 12:58 a.m.

Block is a student majoring in political science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He’s originally from Encinitas.AI, or artificial intelligence, is really cool and really scary....

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Opinion/Guest commentary: Give attention to your local elections

November 4, 2022 at 10:13 p.m.

The 2022 midterm elections and which party will gain the majority. Sometimes it seems like that’s all the news has been talking about for the past year. While the national...

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Opinion/Guest commentary: Give attention to your local elections

November 4, 2022 at 10:12 p.m.

The 2022 midterm elections and which party will gain the majority. Sometimes it seems like that’s all the news has been talking about for the past year. While the national...

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Opinion/Guest commentary: Give attention to your local elections

November 4, 2022 at 10:00 p.m.

The 2022 midterm elections and which party will gain the majority. Sometimes it seems like that’s all the news has been talking about for the past year. While the national...

Landon Block at a protest held immediately prior to the board meeting on May 19.<br/><br/>

A San Dieguito school trustee told me student opinions hold ‘near zero value.’ He’s wrong.

June 9, 2022 at 1:01 p.m.

Block is a recent alumnus of the San Dieguito Union High School District, who attended Diegueno Middle School and San Dieguito Academy. He lives in Encinitas.I was a student in...