HOLLYWOOD HIGH • HOME OF THE SHEIKS
THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE 1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028
VOLUME X ISSUE I OCTOBER 2012
Staff Changes Bring New Faces
Sanchez promoted, two assistant principals and three teachers join school JOHN SACOPLA CHRONICLE REPORTER
This year, students are seeing changes around Hollywood High School, such as new teachers, assistant principals, and even a new principal. The school has also lost Assistant Principal Marco Tolj, who became a special education coordinator, and administrator Tadeo Climaco, who was named principal of a charter school. After Jaime Morales, former principal, was promoted to an instructional director for LAUSD, a decision had to be made on who was to fill the gap. Alejandra Sanchez, who was assistant principal, applied to be the new principal. The application process took a month, and involved an interview with LAUSD superintendent, Dr. John Deasy. She also interviewed with a group of teachers, parents and students. She became the new principal
in August. Sanchez said one of her goals for Hollywood High is to present the school to parents as a safe learning environment, as well as a school that offers rigorous classes for those who want to challenge themselves. She also said she wants Hollywood High to become a more competitive school when it comes to grades and testing. She wants to improve the problem areas of students, namely mathematics. “I feel very privileged,” said Sanchez. She has strong feelings for students as they are pleased to see her as the new principal, greeting her in hallways or in the quad area. “I appreciate them so much; they are so full of energy.” Cassandra Morris is one of this year’s new assistant principals. Morris was originally from Los Angeles High School. With Sanchez moving up to principal, a position was open
for assistant principal. LAUSD reassigned Morris to fit the open position. She is in charge of the Teaching Career Academy and the 11th grade class. “I’ll have a good experience with students,” said Morris. “I always have a good experience with kids.” Her message to all students is “make today a good day; the choice is yours. You can make your day a positive day.” Josie Scibetta was principal of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Academy at the Bernstein High School complex. An opening for assistant principal led to her reassignment on Aug. 15 to Hollywood High School. Scibetta said she was pleased in her reassignment. “I’ve always wanted to work in Hollywood,” she said. In the past, Scibetta worked as an assistant principal in
Bancroft Middle School, where is replacing performing arts she met students who are now magnet teacher Paul Itkin, who attending Hollywood High. retired. Her duties include SAS, Dean Levengood came from special ed, athletics, discipline, Webster Middle School and is testing and school safety deteaching ninth and tenth grade partments. English in the New Media Rosa Cruz, formerly a school Academy. safety coordinator, is now His previous principal inteaching Spanish classes. formed him of the New Media Cruz sought an opportunity Academy that Hollywood High to teach Spanish when Jess See page 8 Dominguez, the former Spanish teacher retired last year. With her credentials in teaching, she was hired as one of Hollywood’s Spanish teachers. “My goal is to be able to teach Spanish 1, 2, and 3 to the best of my ability,” Cruz said. She said she happily enjoys teaching as much as her previous occupation as a safety coordinator. Fred Auriemmo returned to Hollywood High after teaching English at Bernstein High PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNA BAUTISTA School. He previously worked Alejandra Sanchez is now Hollywood’s new principal. here from 2002 to 2008. He
School Could End a Month Early Unless Proposition 30 Passes, Deasy Says HOLLY SAN NICOLAS CHRONICLE REPORTER
PHOTO CREDIT: KIMBERLY SOTO
The loss of access to Xerox machines made things difficult for teachers and students alike.
Take-off This Year Suffered From Some Turbulence JOHN SACOPLA CHRONICLE REPORTER
It was a rough start for the 2012 school year as the school struggled from budget cuts and other problems from within and from the district. In September, several things that Hollywood High normally supplies seemed to be dwindling, namely planners, picture day photographers, and toilet paper. Planners every year have been distributed to students. This year however, students will have to find another way to remember homework as planners will not be provided to them. Students also faced a picture
index 2 • Op/Ed
6 • Entertainment
3 • News
7 • Sports
4-5 • Homecoming 8 • Features
day with a shortage of photographers. In the years past, the schoolhas always provided four photographers for students. This year, only two photographers were provided, leading to long lines and an overcrowding of students outside the large gym in hot weather. Instead of receiving ID cards on the spot, as promised, student had to wait a week. Perhaps the most bizarre incident was the disappearance of toilet paper in student restrooms during the second week of September that left students stranded in- restroom stalls. “I think it’s a funding problem that starts not at the school, but see page 8
see page 6
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy spoke at a press conference for student journalists to discuss issues concerning the future security and funding of our schools on Sept. 13. Members of the Crimson Chronicle staff met with other student journalists at Robert F. Kennedy School’s library regarding Propositions 30, 38 and his hopes for the future of the district. Proposition 30 will raise taxes on the richest 2% going from 7.25 to 7.5 percent. The money will help pay off part of California’s financial debt. This will aid in the effort to keep schools and colleges open, and would last for seven years on the top 2%, while sales taxes would be increased by about ¼ of a percent for four years. Proposition 38 would
mean that all of the money collected would go to schools around the district. However, the taxes would be heavily and permanently raised on lower and middle income Californians, according to Deasy.
Despite these grim realities, Deasy hopes for the best “Vote, vote, VOTE. You need to vote and exercise your voice. Every kid has the right to graduate...LAUSD is the most genuinely thankful and respectful community, and I believe in you all.” This was the first time any LAUSD superintendent met with student journalists. Dr. Deasy told a little bit about himself at first. A Boston native, he and his family struggled financially. Once he was done with high school, he began working in a juvenile prison. “One thing I would notice was who was in jail, who didn’t leave, and who kept constantly coming back,” Deasy said.
“Only one of these initiatives can pass, and if neither pass, it’ll be a very, very bad situation”
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“Only one of these initiatives can pass, and if neither pass, it’ll be a very, very bad situation,” said Deasy. It is possible that school could end a month early, before Advanced Placement exams, he said. “The College Board [is] not willing to change dates and if school were to end in the end of April. We would have to rely on donations to pay for a location where AP students can be able to take their AP exams.”
see page 3
see page 3
2 OCTOBER 2012
OPINION/EDITORIAL
STAFF EDITORIAL
Hey Kid, want some chocolate?
Too Bad. After 11 years of attending school, the arrival of senior year is very tions in terms of who to sell the stuff to. Adults often do not trust teenagers with exciting to most students...until you see the price you must pay. their money and do not enjoy waiting a week or so for their items and students are Every year the prices seem to be fair and manageable, but this year the seunlikely to carry around more than $1 or $2 that they would be willing to part with. nior dues have increased by at least 25 percent. Prices The only way out of the senior sales is to pay a fee of $70 start from $125 and go up to $145. Depending on how as if $125 was not enough already. Not all seniors are soon you would be able to pay. Senior dues have always going to be as successful as others at this fund raising included items that are not exactly necessary, such as a activity and for that they get another fee slapped onto their list of troubles. second tassel or senior breakfast. Maybe if seniors were allowed to fundraise on their It is a tradition to celebrate some of those events, but own without the catalogs at school they would be able some of us have trouble affording it. Parents could be to pay off their fundraising requirements themselves left with an empty wallet by the end of senior year and instead of making their parents pay for it. seniors are going to be too overwhelmed with college Perhaps the school should sell the very basic necessiapplications, senior projects, and homework to get a ties of graduation individually instead of choosing from job to help pay off their dues without endangering their packages that include unnecessary items. The A La Carte grades. price guide the seniors were provided with already do As far as fundraising goes, this new plan is terrible. nothing to shave down the minimum cost of $125 and The plan is to sell from a catalog instead of the usual two should include that kind of selection. boxes of chocolate. This is largely due to restrictions by It would be much better, and it would allow parents the district regarding selling unhealthy food on campus. to save a bit more money so that they can focus on the To make that goal of 20 sales, about $7 apiece, you stuff that they actually want to get out of graduation.If are going to need a lot of friends who owe you a favor. the school or the district are unable to put a cap on the Seniors still do not have any idea what they would be CARTOON BY:WILLIAM SAN NICOLAS rising costs of graduation, upcoming seniors will definitely selling from the catalog. have to break their piggy banks if they want to walk the stage. That will be a big problem this year because there are fewer op-
PASS THE TOILET PAPER KARRYN HUDSON CHRONICLE REPORTER
While looking around the school during the first week, I saw students lined up all around the main building because they did not get the classes that they need to graduate. It seems ridiculous that students were in the hallways when they should be in class just because their class schedule was wrong.
One student was programmed into two different classes during the same period. He attended the correct class, but he kept getting automated calls at home saying he wasn’t attending the other class. This went on for weeks and his parents couldn’t understand why the school was unable to correct the situation. And to top everything off, there was a period of time last month when there was no toilet paper in the bathrooms. By the time sixth period came, the toilet
JACQUELINE PORTILLO CHRONICLE REPORTER I felt relieved when I got my extra packet of lunch tickets during advisory on the second week of school. Since I lost last year’s packet somewhere in my room. Coming from a school where budget cuts were non-existent and lunch tickets were known as ancient, I had a hard time keeping my lunch tickets around. When Dr.Burns gave the announcement of a new lunch system, I have to admit, I was
stoked. “Will it be like Palisades High School’s lunch system?” “Is this the end of lunch tickets?” “Are we swiping a card or using a code?”. I was anxious to know the answers to my questions. Everyone received a card, with their name and some sort of barcode imprinted on it. While everyone in my advisory seem puzzled, I felt a huge relief for this year. When I saw students struggling and with a face of frustration when they’d get to the window, it then hit me that nobody really knew how much of an upgrade the system is. There have been many comments on the new lunch system,
paper was gone and there was barely any soap left at all. I had to wait until I got home, otherwise I might have gotten stuck in the bathroom. Or as one of my classmates said, “Once I knew there wasn’t any toilet paper, I didn’t have to go anymore.” Holding it all day cannot be healthy. At least we know that some of theses problems have been fixed, but others are still going on. We students apparently have to learn to deal with it.
MEMORIZE YOUR LUNCH CODE and how it seems to be a failure, but I believe it’s only a matter of time. Lines will be faster, you will have more time to enjoy you’re food, and you get to chat with your friends longer during lunch. The faster every student memorizes their code, the faster we’ll see results, and that’s a fact. So is the new lunch system an upgrade to our school? It definitely is. Goodbye to those annoying lunch tickets, and long lines; now it’s up to our fingers and memory to do the job.’
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR ASB PRESIDENT pudding, but also about wanting to hear everyone’s opinions. So if you have any suggestions about how to make our school better or more interesting, please do not hesitate to contact any leadership student or myself and feel free to drop off any suggestions to any of the leadership boxes located around campus. We need everyone to cooperate to make Hollywood high shine.
IBIYEMI FAMILONI ASB PRESIDENT
Welcome back to school! Even though this year’s summer break felt like a week, I hope you had a great one. Now that we are back in school, we have to focus again. But that does not mean it has to be all work and no play. I meant everything I had said in my speech. Not just about me being chocolate
If we are ever asked, “Hey do you go Hollywood High?” Instead of replying with the usual dull answer, “yeah....”
We want every student here to respond with a resounding, “Oh YEEEAH!”
So freshmen, I hope you’re excited to be starting high school at Hollywood high. Sophomores, you’re no longer freshmen anymore! Juniors, prepare your selves for the year that is supposed to be the most challenging, yet the greatest in terms of accomplishment. Seniors, we are finally here after 3 long years, let’s make the time between now and graduation worthwhile,
Letter to the Editor
All letters to the editor need to be signed, however, names can be withheld upon request.
Dear Editor, Stop the bike thieves! Two years ago, one day when I returned to the bike racks to unlock my bike and head home, I noticed that my handlebars were stolen. Now two years later, when I went to check up on my bike on Tuesday, Sept. 11, I saw my seatpost had been taken off my bike and had been thrown on the ground. Fortunately, it wasn’t stolen. Later in the week more parts from other bikes went missing. This has to stop! People who bring their bikes to school to promote cycling should have the proper security that they deserve. The bike racks located in the back of the main building is one of the least supervised places on campus. There are no cameras in sight to capture the bike thieves in the act. The longer the school takes to take action, the more parts from bikes will go missing and costing the owners money in order to replace the parts that were stolen. This completely frustrates me because I try to promote cycling as much as possible, yet due to the lack of security many students do not bike to school because they are paranoid of the thefts that have been going on lately. Edmundo Rea, SAS 12th grade
Crimson Chronicle Staff
Editors-in-Chief: WILLIAM SAN NICOLAS & VANESSA GARCIA Chronicle Reporters JENEFFER ACUNA DAISY ALVAREZ JOANNA BAUTISTA ASHLEY CARRILLO AMBER CODERO EMELY DIAZ ELLIOTT GATICA KARRYN HUDSON JACQUELINE PORTILLO VICTOR RODRIGUEZ JOHN SACOPLA HOLLY SAN NICOLAS KIMBERLY SOTO DESARAE ZENDEJAS ADVISER: Karen Cusolito THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE, OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FORUM, WITH ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING ALL DECISIONS CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS. the newspaper operates under california education code 48907 whiCH guaranteE free expression for students. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOMe AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. OPINIONS IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY OPINION ExPRESSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION, UNLESS SO ATTRIBUTED
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NEWS
OCTOBER 2012
3
Superintendent Talks Recovery DAISY ALVAREZ CHRONICLE REPORTER
LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy attended a press conference Sept. 14 at Hollywood High School about improving student attendance. “We had the highest attendance rate in LAUSD history last year,” said Deasy. “We’ve made a lot of improvements over the past few years.” Also speaking was school board member Steven Zimmer, and Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti. Both men represent the Hollywood area.
On this day, a group of workers for LAUSD went from house to house and made phone calls to students who have stopped showing up to school without a reason. “We did a total of 83 home visits and recovered 27 students on that day. We also made a total of 168 phone calls,” said Jenny Liu, graduation project counselor. Noyra Benitez, a graduate from San Fernando High School, spoke about how she got helped on student recovery day a few years back and how the counselors got her back on
track. “To know that there are programs like these for people who lose hope, is great,” she said. ”It was hard, but I knew the outcome would be worth it.” This program offers students a chance to win prizes that are awarded monthly if they attend school. Seniors are eligible for a brand new car. The school district hopes to improve attendance with this program and achieve at least a 96% attendance rate.
Music Video Brings Seniors Together JOANNA BAUTISTA CHRONICLE REPORTER
Senior Karryn “Willow” Hudson is filming a music video for the popular song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen starring all participating seniors. Filming has been going on for the past month, but more seniors are welcome to join in on the fun. So far only about 30 seniors have signed up for the video out of the 300 seniors enrolled this year. The music video will be a
collage of seniors singing and dancing along to the song; enjoying their final year at Hollywood High School. “I think it’s a really good idea because it’s a new school year for us, why not try something different and fun?” said senior Kimberly Luna. This music video will be one of the many memories that seniors will be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives. “ It’s our last year in highschool and I was like ‘if I want to have my big movie break, why not have it my senior year
with my fellow seniors?’ “ said director Karryn Hudson. Hudson invites all seniors to participate in her project which she hopes will be shown during the senior reception or senior breakfast. “ I think this will be a fun and enjoyable experience to produce this video with my fellow seniors,” said senior Luis Rivera. If any seniors are interested in participating in the video, feel free to contact Karryn at her email: karryn.hudson@ gmail.com.
There are other changes in the curriculum as well. Life skills will no longer be necessary, but “health is still a requirement,” Ross said. Courses like life skills are actually being removed in order to lower the amount of credits needed for graduation, but that change does not imply a lowering of academic challenge, however. Credits for graduation will be lowered from 230 to 210, but “that doesn’t mean it is going to be easier...it’s actually harder, not easier,” said College Counselor Heather Brown.
The difficulty arises from the courses included in the A-G list. Students will now need to have at least one year of advanced courses in core subjects or a foreign language and three years of college preparatory math. Two years of world languages must also be taken amongst other classes as well. These and other changes can be found on the LAUSD policy bulletin. They only apply to the class of 2016; sophomores and above need not worry. Information regarding the changes can be sought from a counselor.
Incoming Freshmen Face Changes In Graduation Requirements WILLIAM SAN NICOLAS CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
Graduation requirements for the class of 2016 have changed from those of previous classes, according to SAS Counselor Cynthia Ross. This year the freshmen come to school with different responsibilities than that of their predecessors. Their requirements to leave high school now officially include the A-G requirements needed for entry into the UC system.
Lunch Tickets Replaced By Computer As Students Struggle To Adjust AMBER CORDERO CHRONICLE REPORTER
Long lunch lines have become a common sight as students enrolled in the school lunch program punch a sevendigit code into the system before they can get their lunch. Many students think this is a hassle and complain it takes too long, “It’s horrible! It’s a waste of time,” said MET Junior Julio Diaz. Students sometimes don’t even have time to eat their lunch by the time the bell rings. “The lunch lines were so long. I was late to my class,” said Anonymous. If students are complaining
and arriving late to class, is this new system better? Once students adjust, the process will speed up, said Procle Boayes, the cafeteria manager. “At first it’s a little hard, as it goes on they will be okay. Give us a chance to learn.” Clearly the administrators think that this new system of lunch will be good for the school. It is supposed to get better, yet it is the middle of the school year and those long lines are still out in the quad. If the students were given the choice to either keep the new system or go back to the old one, do the administrators truly believe that the students
would keep it? Also to add to the student bodies frustrations, lunch prices have increased. The price of breakfast and lunch has gone up by $0.50, for those who don’t have reduced lunch tickets, they now have to pay $1.50 for breakfast and $2.00 for lunch. If you have reduced price tickets, breakfast is still free and lunch is $0.40.
Vanessa Garcia contributed to this story.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAISY ALVAREZ
Superintendent John Deasy speaks on student attendance.
Student Pepper Sprayed In Boys’ Bathroom JENEFFER ACUNA CHRONICLE REPORTER
A student was pepper sprayed Monday Sept. 24. 2012, in the boys restroom according to Essick Allen, dean of students. No names or information about the students involved have been revealed but the case is still open. “It is a crime; this is being treated like if the student had a weapon. It is surprising that many students do not know pepper spray is a weapon,” said Allen. According to Allen, this is the first time he has dealt with a pepper spray incident. The school police officer did not comment on this and gave no information regarding the students involved. The student was seen in the hallway of the 200 building with red and watery eyes saying “This pepper spray really
burns! My eyes are hurting! It’s so hot!” Student Ike Dayon witnessed the boys arguing. He said, “A group of guys go out of the restroom. One of them wiped his eyes and his face was red. They start yelling at each other and one group leaves. The other group goes back into the restroom and then leaves later.” Mrs. Scibetta, assistant principle in charge of discipline, said, “Pepper spray is considered a weapon and pepper spray is an arrestable offence. If a student brings pepper spray to school, they will get arrested. The student has been disciplined.” According to Scibetta, “A student should not wait until a problem escalates. If they have a problem, they should talk to their counselor or an administrator.”
Early Start Calender Ensures Clean Break Between Semesters HOLLY SAN NICOLAS CHRONICLE REPORTER
Los Angeles Unified School District’s new early start schedule triggers a spark of hope in some and skepticism in others. The 2012-2013 school year commenced on Aug. 14th, 2012, and may come to a conclusion in late May or early June of 2013. The first semester will end before winter break, rather than mid-February. To some, it is a matter of convenience, and to others, it is a lack of funding and control. “It’s going to be a very positive experience,” said Principal Alejandra Sanchez, “Early Start
highlights on finishing the semester before winter break. I definitely agree with it.” Assistant Principal Ms. Morris also welcomes the change. “It’s convenient for high school graduations, and it’s consistent with the rest of the country,” she said, “The Early Start program will help us become more aligned with the testing schedule.” What can be said for sure is that there will now be a long holiday splitting apart the two semesters should the new schedule remain the ideal choice of LAUSD.
HOMECOMING COURT
TARA AULTMAN SAS
ARIADNA ANGULO SAS
CAROL DELGADO PAM
REANNA FULGENCIO SAS
FERNANDO CASAMALHUAPA TCA
IKE DAYON SAS
AILEEN ORTIZ SAS
CHRIS DIAZ SAS
QUEEN & KING
STAAR BRYAN PAM
VALERIA LUCAS SAS
LUIS RIVERA SAS
HE’S BRINGING 1932 BACK AND HE KNOWS IT parents could not afford to send him, but that did not stop him. He worked for a year as an engineer at a salary of 44 cents an hour, and was finally able to attend the school he wanted. After graduating he created his own engineering companies, those companies are still alive today at Riverside and Orange County. So look out Sheiks for we will be in the presence of a man that went through so much but never gave up. A man who we will honor at the Sheik Fiesta.
PHOTO COURTESY: HHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
looking forward in visiting Hollywood High for EMELY DIAZ CHRONICLE REPORTER the second time, he has many fond memories that he will never forget. Hollywood High School “I remember having Alumni Day 2012 - Sheik to walk a mile everyday Fiesta, will take place on back and forth in order to Friday Honoring graduates get to school, back then my that attended Hollywood parents didn’t have a car High, including one special so I had to walk,” said Carl Sheik named Carl Johnson Johnson. who is an alumnus of the On the day of his Class of 1932. graduation he was informed Johnson at the age of 97 that he was accepted into will not only be attending California Institute of the Alumni Day celebraTechnology. Unfortunately tion but will also attend the he could not attend it. His Homecoming game. He is
before and after picture carl johnson class of 1932 photo. he’s excited to make his return this friday at the reunion
2012 Nominees
DEZIREE GUTIERREZ CINTHYA GUZMAN SAS SAS
PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNA BAUTISTA & AMBER CORDERO
SESHA BROWN SAS
FABIAN BARRON SAS
BRAYAN CASTILLO SAS
ASHLEY LOPEZ SHALISA SANUNTOONG SAS SAS
MALIK MADISON PAM
MATTHEW SEVEN MAUN SAS
PRINCESS & PRINCE MAN ON THE STREET
hOW WOULD YOU ASK YOUR CRUSH TO THE HOMECOMING DanCE?
Natalie Hernandez 12th Grade, SAS- “I would get a box of pizza and write ‘would you go to Homecoming with me?’ and inside the box. it would say Is that too cheesy?”
Edgar Gaitan 10th Grade, TCA “I would maybe get a blimp.”
Tony Sanchez 10th Grade, SAS- “I would go ask the people in the shout outs to point the attention towards me so I can ask my girlfriend during a football game.”
INTERVIEWED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HOLLY SAN NICOLAS VICTOR RODRIGUEZ ELLIOTT GATICA CHRONICLE REPORTERS
Josh Martinez 12th Grade, MET - “I’d probably get a shirt and have it say ‘would you go to Homecoming with me?’ and give her a bouquet.”
ENTERTAINMENT
6 OCTOBER 2012
DESERAE ZENDEJAS
CHRONICLE REPORTER
If you are looking for a good, scary time this Halloween, then why not try Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios? There are many reasons you should, including the horrifying mazes and attractions. There are gory scenes of the macabre everywhere you look. No matter where you go, you will shake in the wake of pure, unadul-
terated terror. Universal added the Silent Hill franchise this year in addition to the increasingly popular Walking Dead. If you want to see for yourself, be wary: this event is not for the faint of heart. The tell-tale warning at the front doesn’t lie; it is indeed a spectacle of terror and carnage, not exactly recommended for those under 17 years of age. However, for the brave and bold, think nothing of it.
Pick your poison. Are you scared of clowns? Psychotic, undead nurses? Zombies? If you picked any or all of the following, then maybe it’s time for you to pay a visit to Horror Nights with your family and friends. Go ahead and risk a scream-induced sore throat. Get ready for the thrill of your life, because “Once you go in, you won’t be able to come out”. It’s a Halloween event to DIE for.
PHOTO CREDIT: JENEFFER ACUNA
Halloween Horror Nights: Frightful Fun
ONE OF THE CREATURES AT THE HALLOWEEN HAUNT.
Halloween Haunt: Fright in the Fog Still Going After 40 Years JENEFFER ACUNA CHRONICLE REPORTER
After 40 years, Knott’s Scary Farm is still going strong. Halloween Haunt celebrated 40 years on Sept. 21 as all the monsters, ghouls and witches came out to give Haunt fans a good scare. This year, Halloween Haunt has 12 different mazes and one VIP maze. The 12 mazes they have are new and a few have been brought back by popular demand. The mazes are Trick or Treat, Dia
De Los Muertos 3D, Uncle Bobo’s Big Bizarre 3D, Virus Z feat. Carrie, Uncle Willy’s Slaughterhouse, Endgames, Evil Dead, Pinocchio Unstrung, Terror of London, Dominion of the Dead, Delirium, Fallout Shelter. TRAPPED was the VIP maze. Jessica Jimenez, 30, from Moreno Valley has been going to Halloween Haunt ever since she was 15 years old. She got the chance to experience TRAPPED and said, “TRAPPED is seriously one of the most terrifying mazes
I have been in. I never thought I would be able to conquer my fears of..., well I won’t say because I don’t want to give spoilers away.” Knott’s Scary Farm fan Mark Herrera, has only missed one year of Halloween Haunt. “I have been coming to Halloween Haunt ever since it started. The only time I missed was because there was a fire so I couldn’t exit the freeway.” said Herrera. He explained why he came back to Haunt’s 40th year; “Why
wouldn’t I come back? I grew up here. I love Halloween Haunt and it never gets old and as long as I can walk, I will be here every year.” If you like to get scared and have fun at the same time, going to Knott’s Scary Farm 40th Halloween Haunt is highly recommended. Just like they say at Halloween Haunt, see you in the fog. PHOTO CREDIT: JENEFFER ACUNA
Perks of Being a Wallflower Film Pleases Fans of the Book JACQUELINE PORTILLO CHRONICLE REPORTER
With a popular cast, Stephen Chbosky’s novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower was easily portrayed by Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, and Emma Watson. The indie film was definitely worth the wait for the readers who enjoyed the
book before the film. The actors involved reflected the rebellious and troubled teens in the year of 1991. The novel and movie are narrated by a depressed freshman, Charlie, and the book is written out of the letters Charlie sends to a significant other (anonymous). Taking place in a Pittsburg suburb, the film lets its viewers live with Charlie
and his struggles as a freshman in high school, and the way he stands out due to his sensitivity and intelligence. With Lerman giving Charlie the “lost” and “awkward” boy character, Watson giving Sam her role “smart” and “sensitive”, the most impressive was Miller who gave Patrick the whole teenage package. Applause from the viewers after the
movie ended made their critique towards the film obvious. The film was worth the wait, the watch, and the movie ticket. The Perks of Being a Wallflower lives up to the novel’s reputation and storyline. I give the book, the film, the actors, and the author-director, Stephen Chbosky, an A+.
Owl City Provides a “Good Time” at Fonda Theater in Hollywood KIMBERLY SOTO CHRONICLE REPORTER
ALBUM COVER PROVIDED BY: GOMOXIE.ORG
Owl City played a great show last Monday night at the Fonda Theatre before a youthful and energized group. Adam Young, the lead singer of the one-man band is touring to promote his third album titled “The Midsummer Station.” Many people have heard Owl City’s summer anthem “Good Time” and we catch ourselves dancing to the beat but experiencing it live was a completely different feeling. The atmosphere was incredible and had me humming to the tunes all night. Although I’m not the biggest fan of pop, especially bubblegum pop, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what song they would play next.
Backed by musicians, Young played many of the new songs including “I’m coming after you” which had everyone singing along and mimicking Young’s hand gestures while he jumped around from left to right. Young’s presence on stage was incredibly energetic and captured the moment perfectly He smiled and pointed to specific people in the crowd. The technical aspect of the show was flawless. During one of his new songs, “ Speed of Love” there was a laser light show. The crowd’s faces were being beamed with strokes of wonderfully blended colors and I couldn’t help but do a 360 around the whole room.. You could feel the bass resonate throughout the theater, and it was powerful enough to make my feet
rumble. Young sang the old time favorite “fireflies” and was fully aware of the power that song has on a group of people. Couples joined hand in hand and some put up their Ipad’s displayed with red glowing hearts to show their admiration towards Young. Everyone sang along and waved their hands back and forth including the reluctant adults. Although I was once skeptical of Owl City’s performance, I now have a deeper appreciation for his work and how much he enjoys seeing his fans have a “good time.” No pun intended.
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 2012
7
PHOTO CREDIT:VANESSA GARCIA
PHOTO CREDIT:VANESSA GARCIA
september’s athlete of the month
SANDY JIMENEZ SAS SENIOR
VARSITY BELGINY MOLINA SAS JUNIOR HIT THE BALL TO SCORE YET ANOTHER WIN FOR THE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Jeneffer Acuna CHRONICLE REPORTER
TROJANS GOT “SERVED”
CC: How does it feel being Athlete of the Month?
SJ: It feels like I’m doing something right and I feel like I’m living up to the expectations of being captain. CC: Do you think you deserve to be Athlete of the Month?
SJ: I don’t see it as a “deserve.” It is my responsibility and it is something I should be doing. CC: What is your passion about the sport you play?
SJ: Playing for four years has taught me to love the sport and it helps relieve my stress. CC: What inspired you to join this sport?
PHOTO CREDIT:KARLA HERNANDEZ
SJ: I definitely wanted to try something new. I always hear girls talk about soccer and basketball. Nobody really cares for volleyball but it teaches me discipline and technique.
GIRL’S VOLLEYBALL BEAT USC MAST LAST FRIDAY VICTOR RODRIGUEZ CHRONICLE REPORTER
months ago. As a result varsity and junior varsity beat USC Mast on Sept. 27. “The players have been phenomenal and are getting better and better every week... Lady Sheiks of Hollywood High School We will have a very good volleyball program are in the middle of their season with solid for years to come,” said LeWinter. “We’re numbers. The record for varsity is 4-2 and trying to make life long volleyball player,” 3-3 for junior varsity. said varsity Coach Burns. Eric Burns, who has The coaches are supportive been teaching volleyball “The players have and are not just teaching the for more than 10 years, been phenomenal girls to play volleyball, but will be coaching the varshow them how to play as a sity volleyball team. Scott and are getting betLeWinter is coaching ter and better every team.“Both teams are competjunior varsity. week...” ing for the league champion“This year’s volleyball ship and varsity also has a program did an extensive chance to make the LA City playoffs again summer workout… (focusing) on learning this season,” said LeWinter. the game of volleyball… with a lot of new With seven more games still in the girls starting at the beginner level,” said season anything is possible for Hollywood Burns. High School’s girl volleyball team. By watching a game now, you could hardly tell they were beginners a couple of
sending the wolves home early varsity football scores 55-6 against Angelou High JACQUELINE PORTILLO KIMBERLY SOTO CHRONICLE REPORTERS
JUNIOR RICHARD REYES TAKES THE LEAD DURING THEIR MEET AGAINST TORRES TOROS
OFF TO A GOOD PACE
Cross country team wins first meet DAISY ALVAREZ CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hollywood High School’s Cross Country team won their first meet of the season against Esteban Torres High School on Sept. 27, 2012. The meet was held at Elysian Park and the course was three miles long. Some runners achieved first place for every division which included FroSoph, JV, and Varsity for boys and girls. Tenth grade SAS student Sergio Espejo ran the course in 19:50 which got him
first place in the FroSoph Boys Division. This is not the first time the XC team has won this season. On Sept. 22, five members of the team won medals at the Belll-Jeff Invitational. Tenth grade SAS student Eduardo Salvador ranked in 10th place out of 100 runners. coach Carcano said that this was a “good start to the season” and said he hopes to make it to All-City finals.
“good start to the season”
Hollywood High hopes to add another win to their record when they face Roybal High School at Friday night’s Homecoming game. Sheiks are currently in 3-2 , with their victory over Angelou High School game ending 55-6. Hollywood High’s football team show the new kids on the block that the big boys play no games, on their game versus Angelou High School. Friday, Sept. 21,2012 With the right amount of victories and losses throughout the season , Hollywood High School’s football team finished off with another sweet victory. The first touchdown was made by Aron Kaplan. leading the Sheiks with a good start. When the crowd viewed the score board, they were not surprised to see that the Sheiks were on a run and not looking back with a 36-0 lead by the end of the second quarter. It was a definite reassurance that the Sheiks are looking forward
to a very good season with a great team. “A tackle by number 40 and 60, Cortez and Kaplan. We also have a shout out for the cheerleaders from Mike Hawk. Shout out to the cheerleaders from Mike Hawk.” Announced PE teacher, Ms. Langer. The scored looked really good on the Sheiks throughout the game, and looked better than ever when lineman, Luis Rivero “Yetti” contributed by making a touchdown of his own with a hand-off by player Andy Martinez. Touchdowns were also made by Sam Morales, quarterback Andy Martinez, and Ronald Clayton. Every football game is important, but the upcoming Homecoming game is soon approaching and there is pressure on Hollywood’s junior varsity and varsity team to take the sweet victory once more. With the 3-2 record, Hollywood High’s football team is off to what seems to be good start this year, and is looking in great shape. Only the Sheik players know what they have in store for us this season, hopefully, more victories.’
8 OCTOBER 2012
FEATURES
THE EUROPEAN CULTURE CLUB FLIES HIGH
VALERIE, MADLEN AND MS. TARON POSE WITH BIG SMILES WHILE VISITING FRANCE
JUNIORS MADLEN AND LUSINE VISIT FAMOUS CHURCHES DURING THEIR VISIT IN FLORENCE, ITALY.
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PHOTO CREDIT: KIMBERLY SOTO
Josie Scibetta is now one of the assistant principals.
CATCHING A NIGHT GLANCE OF THE eiffel TOWER
The ten days spent in Europe were possibly the most amazing days I have ever experienced. I have never thought that I would be able to go to France and Italy during my sophomore year. I must admit that the thought of going to different countries without my parents was very frightening at first, but luckily everything turned out to be fine. Being a lover of everything foreign and being a member of the Europe Culture and Travel Club helped prepare me for the wonders of Europe. Our days were filled with travel and cultural education as we not only saw the historical sights, we also learned about them as well. During the entire trip I couldn’t help but feel amazement at what people have achieved. Being at the sights shown in our history books were ten times better than just looking at pictures. As a student who has learned Italian, thanks to Ms. Taron, I definitely felt more comfortable in Italy. Believe it or not, I actually had conversations in Italian! I do feel bad for the people who couldn’t go because they missed out on a lot. Not only have I been to places people would dream to go, I strengthened my relationships with all the fellow students who went with me. I am very thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to experience such a fantastic and life changing trip. I’d like to thank Ms. Taron and Mrs. Bender from the bottom of my heart for informing me of this opportunity. Thank you so much for letting me, and the fellow members of our club, experience the beauty of Europe with you two. After all, our mommas didn’t pay $3,000 for us not to be grateful. Madlen Dokholian President of the European Culture and Travel Club PAM JUNIOR
Turbulence Printers to In Take-Off Remain in Classes
Staff Changes School was offering and became quickly interested. His interest in the New Media Academy stems from his different style in teaching which involves video game courses in text. He said he is also interested in the academy’s students that are doing podcasts and such. “I’m happy to be here,” Levengood said. His goal for his students is to challenge them to using critical thinking and using creativity. “I want them- to believe they are creative,” Levengood said, “I want them to leave with 21st century skills and to make it through college and have great memories that are exciting to them”. Randall Fenderson is a health teacher from TCA who
PHOTO CREDIT: MADLEN DOKHOLIAN
It’s day four of our France and Italy trip and we have finally visited what I was waiting for, the Eiffel Tower!!! I can’t believe we actually were there, right under it! It was an overwhelming experience. A month ago I could only imagine being here, but it still seems surreal. Somebody pinch me! We were given a little history about the tower and its architect, Gustav Eiffel, and how it has been one of the tallest towers in France. We were ready to go to our hotel after the Seine River cruise, but we decided to stay and watch the tower sparkle at exactly 11 pm. It was amazing seeing one of the worlds’s most known landmark! -Valerie Orozo Senior SAS
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PHOTO CREDIT: JOANNA BAUTISTA
Cassandra Morris is now one of the assistant principals. started teaching during the second week of school. Fenderson previously worked in a high school at Bogota, Colombia for two years until he returned to Hollywood. Fenderson was once a coach for a swim team. Fenderson had a passion for understanding health and in teaching students. He decided to combine both passions and become a health teacher. Hollywood High is the fourth school he taught at, and in terms of students, he said he believes Hollywood has the best population. “I’m excited to be back in L.A. again,” said Fenderson. “These kids are more real, kind, good, much more genuine.”
at the state and national level,” said social studies teacher and United Teachers Los Angeles chapter chair Michael Ulmer. Plant manager Frank Muniz said that the budget cuts had some involvement in the fiasco, but it was the management to be scrutinized. After a few days, a $1,000 shipment of toilet paper arrived during the same week the crisis began and with $3,500 in toilet paper coming the week after that. Muniz advises students to use hand driers when drying wet hands instead of using toilet paper. “Please use the supplies properly; don’t make a mess,” said Muniz.
ELLIOTT GATICA CHRONICLE REPORTER
Printers will not be removed from classrooms as some had feared, rather a contract with Toshiba will change the ways copies will be made. With little funds for printing utilities, the Los Angeles Unified School District is signing a contract with Toshiba to implement new copy machines. These copy machines will not remove all of the printers from each teacher’s classroom as feared by teachers and students. At the Sept. 24 meeting held by the School Based Management Committee, members voted to have this release with Toshiba. Students will still be able to print their documents from teachers’ classrooms, but copies and toner will be more
limited. The machines that the school has now can only print roughly 500 pages per toner cartridge. We only have a $12,000 for printers and copy machines which are more costly when considering other printing utilities such as toner. “We need to conserve,” said Principal Sanchez during the meeting. Conservation and what the teachers and students need will help regardless of limited money. The only catch would be that teachers will need to physically go to a new printer for larger amounts at once. “The teachers have what they need for the students and Mrs. Sanchez is able to stay in her budget,” said Michelle “Hope” Walker, an SBM member. The issue on printers will be discussed at the next School Based Management meeting on Oct. 8, 2012.
JROTC Cadet Makes Top 10 In All-City DAISY ALVAREZ CHRONICLE REPORTER
First Lieutenant Freddy Garcia placed in the top 10 at the All-City Staff competition on June 9, 2012. The competition was held at Los Angeles High School where 59 other cadets competed as well.
Senior Erika Zazueta, junior Erick Avila, and sophomore Jam Delos Reyes also competed in All-City. The cadets were required to go through a drill evaluation, PPT presentation, an interview, and a 300 question test which were worth 300 points.
Battalion Commander Garcia came in 9th place. “It is leadership at it’s finest,” said BC Garcia.
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