HOLLYWOOD HIGH • HOME OF THE SHEIKS
THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE 1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028
VOLUME XI ISSUE I OCTOBER 2013
Sacks, Morrison Exit Stage Left Lunch Retired teacher Paul Itkin returns as magnet coordinator passes on the go RAY REYES CHELYAH MILLER Holly san Nicolas CHRONICLE REPORTERS & MANAGING EDITOR
Stormy Sacks, longtime to accept the job offer from H20 director and PAM coorCortines High. dinator, resigned last month Sacks produced many great and Katherine Morrison stage things during his tenure at Senior lunch passes will return tech teacher will also be leavHollywood High. Among many once more this school year ing this month, according to other things, he directed several sources. Tommy, Rent, A Chorus Line Sacks left last month after and the award winning In The KEVIN FLORES receiving an offer to be one Heights. He directed The Carol CHRONICLE REPORTER of the new music teachers at Burnett Spectacular at the El Ramon C. Cortines High. Capitan, and had the intersecLunch passes for seniors will Upon learning of his resigtion of Highland and Selma return soon, according to Principal nation, over a dozen students named in her honor. Alejandra Sanchez. checked out of Hollywood As acting teacher Judith Lunch passes were suspended High to join him at Cortines Bridges put it, he did the due to liability issues that could High, a modern campus in work of seven people: crehave brought problems to the downtown Los Angeles that ative director, choral director, school if any students happened to caters to the visual and permusic arranger, conductor, be injured while taking lunch outforming arts. producer, fundraiser, and side school grounds. “Last year, we Downtown power brokers Magnet coordinator. “This decided to suspend them while we was an unbelievably great run tried to find a safer way to do them,” have long wanted Los Angeles to have a performing arts for him, a great run for all of Sanchez said. school to rival New York’s La us,” said Bridges. Seniors who meet the requireGuardia High School of Music The staff was thoroughly ments will be allowed to leave the and Performing Arts. shocked at Sacks’s decision to Stormy Sacks and alumnus Carol Burnett at last year Hooray school during lunch every Friday, But the show will go on at leave Hollywood. “He came in for Hollywood event at the El Capitan Theater. with the exception of certain dates PHOTO CREDIT: Sharon Graphics Hollywood. Former drama here personally and told me,” the school decides to exclude. and English teacher Paul said Lisa Goldschein, dance without a permanent singing to students leaving as well. The requirements to be eligible Itkin is returning as magnet teacher. “He said ‘I want you teacher. Thirteen students have left for a lunch pass will be a 2.0 GPA coordinator. to know before its made pubAs the director of the to Cortines High and others or higher, one proficient score on Retired stage tech teacher lic because we’ve worked so Magnet Program and the head to different schools. Because either the math or English CSTs, Frank Sele is returning after closely together for the past of H2O, his resignation took of this, H2O has downsized no scores lower than a basic in any school to build sets for the up12 years.’ ” many people by surprise. considerably. parts of the CSTs, a good attendance coming production of Dracula. All of this does not, howSince Sacks has yet to be Auditions were held to try with a maximum of five absences Principal Alejandra Sanever, signify the end of the permanently replaced, all of and remake H2O, but it is not that will be increased as the school chez, Board of Education magnet. Money for produchis classes are being led by a the same. “It’s not really H2O year progresses, no D’s, F’s, or U’s Member Steve Zimmer, the tions is still coming in. substitute. anymore, not because Sacks on their most recent report card, president of the parents orga“The most important thing Sacks’s students and H2O left, but because everyone and no suspension in the past nization, and Sacks discussed is that The LAUSD Student Insingers are already feeling the else left too,” said Kiyomi school year. the distribution of funds for tegration Office has agreed to sting of his departure. “I kind Morrison. “The students will have to the magnet program. Sacks fund school productions,” said of lost a lot of my will, a lot of While no one knows for complete a field trip form, we will talked to Zimmer about funds Sanchez. “What we need is to my inspiration to sing,” said sure what made Sacks leave, write the dates, and then Ms. Payne for productions, and about just stick together, and have Alex Birinyi, PAM senior and the important thing is that the and Ms. Ross will be there outside compensation for time spent the same vision and we’ll be H2O singer. After his resignamagnet program will go on. watching the students as they go working on productions after fine.” tion, practices and rehearsals Some of his final words were, out to buy their food,” Sanchez said. school. The LAUSD Student Intecame to a standstill. “The magnet won’t die. Seniors are happy to learn that “There were concerns gration Office, which oversees “There’s been no rehearsal. Steps will be taken to make the lunch passes will be able to about not salaries, but the exmagnet schools, is providWe’ve practiced songs that sure the magnet will conreturn this year as a privilege for all tra work they do after school ing $87,000 for productions, won’t happen now. Everytinue.” All in all, feelings were their hard work, but some think it putting on productions,” said ensuring that the magnet thing’s basically stopped spared, and the Performing should have been released sooner Sanchez about the meeting. program will go on. However, production wise,” said H2O Arts Magnet will continue to such as the beginning of the school “The school doesn’t have that Hollywood High still could singer, PAM sophomore Kithrive. As Principal Sanchez year. “It sounds great that they kind of money.” not afford to keep Sacks on as yomi Morrison. put it, “He gave us so much, are bringing back lunch passes for Sacks’s request for comthe coordinator of the MagH2O has been particuwe can just build on that.” seniors, but I wish they brought it pensation could not be met, net program, Sanchez said, larly affected not only due to back sooner, like when the school and Hollywood is currently Sacks’s resignation but also year began,” SAS senior Jorge Callela and he ultimately decided said. Sanchez said the delay in distributing the passes is compiling the The Barona Education Grant elected Hollywood to receive this check list. “We need to come up with the VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF names of the kids who are eligible.” For any seniors wanting to know Assemblyman Richard more information regarding lunch Bloom presented a $5,000 passes, they are encouraged to go dollar check from the Baand see Ms. Payne in the counselrona Education Grant to the or's office. school's library to purchase 227 new books. Bloom is California's 50th assembly district member covering areas from Malibu to Hollywood. He was invited 2 lop/ed From left to right: Richard Bloom, Whitham, Sanchez, Brandy and Zimmer present the check to the school. from the Barona Band of Mis4 lnews sion Indians from San Diego Bloom. they provide great resources able to check them out," said County to present this check With the lack of funding, Calfor any assignment. With Librarian Sherri Whitham. 6 lfeatures on Sept. 24. ifornia ranks last in the stuthis money, I would be able (CONTINUE ON PG.5) 8 lentertainment "It was Hollywood that dent to library ratio. "School to purchase 227 new books was elected to this gift," said libraries improve tests scores, this year and students will be 10 lSports
index
PHOTO CREDIT:AMBER CORDERO
Library receives $5,000 to purchase 227 new books
2 OCTOBER 2013
OPINION/EDITORIAL
STAFF EDITORIAL
FREEDOM OF A JOURNALIST A student-run newspaper is no different from any other publication. Whether they are national or local, all journalists are protected by the First Amendment. Under California Education Code 48907 student journalist attending a public high school, including charter schools, are granted the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, distribution of printed materials or petitions, the right of expression in official expression in
official publications, except that expression shall be prohibited which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous. Meaning, in short, that we have the freedom as journalists to seek out and release the truth to the public as we see fit, within reason. CEC 48907 is to us what the Hippocratic Oath is to doctors. We will give knowledge and answers in the most tasteful and interesting way we can. We know our limits, but more importantly, we know our rights. The law also protect teachers
and other school officials against retaliation for students' lawful exercise of their free-speech rights. The First Amendment is our shield, and our pens are our swords. We stand prepared for the epic battle that is making sure that all of you get a crisp, informative paper every month. To do that, we have staff members from every grade and every small learning community. We want to help you know what’s going on, and CEC 48907 plays a big part in making this possible.
Is senioritis just an excuse to be lazy? SAMANTHA CLAVEL CHRONICLE REPORTER
Are Hollywood High School seniors facing a case of senioritis? Seniors with senioritis are just making excuses to be lazy. Senioritis is not a real thing, it is just students procrastinating. Students that claim that they have senioritis are just paranoid about graduation.
New year, HELLO new schedule!
dulce mandujano CHRONICLE REPORTER
It happened this year- we finally got the 7th class period. Since my freshman year, the administrators, teachers, and students were talking about the school changing the whole bell schedule. When I was in my sophomore year people would ask me, “do you want to have seven classes?” I was one of the people that was not against it. I believe it is one less class to worry about next year, because I get to finish my credits early. I had my doubts, but I knew with this, I can continue in peace not worrying which classes I still need and not have to squeeze some classes in my schedule. I have to say, if I had the 7-period opportunity in my freshman year, I would at least finish my A-G requirements and actually get classes to help me apply to colleges and get more credits to get into a better school. Going to summer vacation I was worried that I will still have to go to school to finish some classes I would not have the chance to get in class in my high school years. I was hearing that if we wanted to go finish some our classes in the summer we can take it in a community college for free with the exception that we have to pay for the textbooks. It is a hassle with working more than before and actually trying to have the bell schedule in our heads. It is confusing but we are people who can take any environmental habitat. We have move places before? For example going from one class in elementary to going to middle school with six classes is a big difference, what is the difference with one more? Students can actually take classes they failed without worrying about other classes they also need to take, with that one extra period they can take it and use it from the failed class and won’t take one of the classes they had to take that year. We do have to give time for our homeworks instead of watching TV or playing video games, but we can benefit this and finish high school earlier and enjoy our Senior year. Others would not have to go to adult school because the class they failed was not able to fit in their schedule. There is other schools with eight classes plus advisory each day and have been able to work well , why can’t we? We just let it be complicated for us, we should take the advantage and finish high schools early. I hope for this bell schedule to benefit students this year and the other years we will have.
It is just a matter of slacking off on assignments and not studying for tests until the last minute. That is a bad thing to do because the grade will tend to drop and then they will end up failing the class. If students do this on their last year it can affect them from walking the
ABRIL CHUVAC
stage or participating in any senior activities. If students start dressing in sweatpants, sweatshirts, and have a repeated absence then that’s a warning sign of senioritis. I really think seniors with senioritis are just lazy with the work that is given to them. I don’t blame
them for being lazy and procrastinating on their work, but it will soon affect them in the future. I think seniors should realize that this is their last year and that colleges are watching them. The more they slack off and start doing bad, the more colleges will realize that they are not
New schedule, new problems
college material. So senioritis is something no senior should get or they will end up not participating in senior activities and perhaps even miss out on college.
the Crimson Chronicle Staff
Editor-in-Chief VANESSA GARCIA Compared to last year’s schedule, we have one more Mangaging Editor class to worry about. This means we have 50 minutes Holly San nicolas in each class instead of the previous 53 minutes. Many Photo Editor students like this new schedule because of the benefits it Amber Cordero has brought to them but what about the negative aspects of Chronicle Reporters the new schedule? We now have more homework, another class, and less time to get to class. Ana Amador Angel Hernandez For the past two years, I have been worried about my Natalie Angel Valerie Herrera six classes and how much homework I get for each of them. Levon Arakaleyan Nevi Ivana Jenny Jeong Now I have another class to worry about this year? Which Marcos Arellano Drake Johnson to me means more homework and less time to do it as well. Jose Beltran It used to take me four to five hours to finish my homework Adriana Benitez Lauren Kim Kimberly Cardenas Christian Lehnig but now it takes me a hour or two more. Not only do I have Walter carRero Karla Lopez to worry about my AP classes and keeping my grades up Gerardo Chan Hovhannes but I also have to start thinking about what colleges I want Abril Chuvac Maghakyan to go to. If it wasn’t stressful during the past school years, I Susan Cifuentes Dulce Mandujano wonder how stressful it will be this year. Samantha Clavel Joanna Martinez Julie Contreras Erick Mejia During passing period we used to have six minutes Maricela Cordova Chelyah Miller to get to class but now we only have five minutes. Now, I Azniv Derdzakyan Steve Montoya know what you’re thinking, what does it matter, it’s just Kevin Flores Keith Neal one minute of a difference? Well, apparently that extra Leslie Flores Andrea Perez minute does matter since before I still had time to go to Josue Perez Rocio Flores the restroom now I have to rush to class especially, this Smirna Galindo Ray Reyes year since my classes are across campus. Funny how no Elosia Garcia Kevin Rodas one notices what a difference a minute can make until it is Daron Gomez Gabriel Rodriguez needed; its like that extra penny no one cares about until John Guanzon Erika Salazar Jacob Sasson its needed. If we still had that extra minute we would prob- Valerie Gudino William Guevara Beatriz Sison ably have less people being tardy. I must say though that the one thing, as a student, that I Elena Gutierrez miss the most and I am sure everyone does is, is advisory. Nemesis Gutirrez Troy Hazelton To me, advisory used to be boring, but at the same time it ADVISERs: was fun to have 25 minutes get help in our academics. It Karen Cusolito & was also the time most of us used to study for a test/quiz we would have been having that day. Most of all though we Antonio manriquez used it to finish homework assignments that we did not THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONIhave time to finish at home. CLE, OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FOEven though this new schedule can help some students RUM, WITH ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING DECISIONS CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS. the to improve their grades it brings a lot of stress in the rest ALL newspaper operates under california educaof us. Now we have to worry about another class and more tion code 48907 whiCH guaranteE free expression for students. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE homework to finish on time without advisory to help us. WELCOMe AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE Having our old schedule was less stressful and helpful as OPINIONS OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY OPINION ExPRESSED well. Hopefully, this year school does not end up being as IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION, UNLESS SO ATstressful as it has started to be. TRIBUTED CHRONICLE REPORTER
OPINION/EDITORIAL
october 2012
WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING YOU HAVE SEEN ON “ I saw a tranny with no shoes dressed in an orange dress. she/ he winked at me, and I winked at him/her back”
Jason Ortiz NMA JUNIOR
“ I saw an old lady stripping in front of the Chinese Theater”
“ A guy holding a sign that said “go F*** yourself”
Sandy Perez SAS JUNIOR
Oscar Romero SAS SOPHOMORE “ A crazy woman next to Starbucks throwing pieces of bread at people”
“ An actual cop trying to pick up [on a woman dressed as] a skimpy cop”
Carlos Lemus SAS Sophomore Maria Gutierrez SAS Senior
Interview by: Walter Carrero PHOTO CREDIT: AMBER CORDERO
COFFEE: YOUR BEST FRIEND OR YOUR WORST ENEMY? BEATRIZ SISON CHRONICLE REPORTER
Every morning at school, I always see people walking around and drinking coffee from Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Throughout my years here, I have noticed that more and more students are drinking coffee. Now I wonder if students know the effect of caffeine in their bodies. I drink coffee, too. I drink a few times a week whenever I don’t get enough sleep from school work and other activities to wake me up and give me energy in the morning or when I just want to hang out with my
friends, but I didn’t know what can the caffeine to do my body until I researched it. According to Teens Health website, teenagers should limit their caffeine consumption to no more than 100 mg of caffeine daily. Drinking too much coffee can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and jitters. It can also interfere with sleep. Before, the only thing I knew about drinking coffee was that it increases your mental awareness and gives you energy. Who knew something so beneficial could be capable of doing such damage?
IS THE BOWL REALLY THE GOAL? gerardo chan marcos ARELLANO CHRONICLE REPORTERS
Graduating at the Hollywood Bowl has been a tradition at Hollywood High School for many years and it has allowed the graduate to have a great stage for this milestone in their lives. The Bowl provides a giant space to allow loved ones to take part in this momentous event. No graduating class wants to be the class that ruins this tradition. The Hollywood Bowl is no ordinary stage. It has
had some of the most amazing shows performed there by many artists. Many high schools would only dream about being on that stage. The Bowl is the goal, but is graduation at the Hollywood Bowl really that important? Is it really necessary? The most important thing is graduating. The diploma is what really matters. We are all stressing out about how are we going to fundraise for this big event but all this stress
will not matter. The Hollywood Bowl cost one dollar to rent, but the equipment and crew add up to $22,000. This money will not benefit us in any way, all we are doing is paying for random people to attend. There would be no limit on how many guests may attend if we graduate at the bowl, but it is unnecessary for these people to be disrupting the ceremony. If the graduation takes place in the auditorium, there would be a limited
amount of people, but it would be a proper ceremony. We do not need all this extra stress to raise all this money for one day. Not everyone can donate $70 for graduation, and selling healthy snacks is difficult. Seniors would have to sell three boxes of snacks with 57 snack bags each. We already have enough with the senior projects and the other work from the seven classes most of us are taking this final year of high school.
Even if we fundraise, there is still a huge possibility that we may not meet the amount of money needed to pay to graduate at the Hollywood Bowl and all of it would have had been for nothing. The real reward is the diploma and all the different experiences each and everyone of us has had.
3
4 OCTOBER 2013
NEWS
Lunch applications benefits students with $300,000 New policy says no application=no locker
adriana BENITEZ CHRONICLE REPORTER
After losing about $300,000 last year because not enough students turned in meal applications, administrators took no chances this year. The start of the 2014 school year was persistent on students to turn in their meal applications on time in attempt to increase the school’s revenue. For this reason locker combinations were dependent on applications. No lunch application meant no locker. As a result, most students found it imperative to turn in a lunch application. New Assistant Principal Dr. Travis Brandy announced at the first senior assembly that he would track down every senior that had not turned in their lunch application.
“I went on ahead and ran a report that gave me a list of all seniors who had not turned in their lunch applications,” Brandy said. “And I called everybody in one by one into the office…gave them a deadline to turn it in.” Between Sept. 3-19, he collected 100 applications from the senior class. To date, 84% of seniors turned their meal applications. Meal applications status reads: 85.5% (1,334) of all students submitted applications, in which 73.77% (1,182) qualified, as of Sept. 20 The school’s Title 1 allocation for this year is $325,000. This money is used for teacher professional development, substitutes’ pay, activities for
parents, teachers’ aid, school supplies, etc. “Everybody benefits from Title 1 funding, ” said For the first time this
Everybody benefits from Title 1 funding year, students were able to submit applications online. This new alternative made it convenient for parents and students to get it done faster rather than wait for the mailing process. The Los Angeles Unified School District reviews the percentage of students
who qualify for free or reduced lunch and determines the amount of money the school will get for the Reading Coach Laura Cavalli, compared to other schools who only focus on their Title 1 students. Students are encouraged to submit their meal applications as soon as possible. For it is not only for the school’s interest but the students as well. Not only will students receive a free or reduced lunch, but they benefit from SAT/ACT and AP Test fee waivers. Moreover, they are able to receive their locker combinations, an issue that many struggled with. “First and foremost the purpose of meal applications is to provide food for students,”
Cavalli said. She claims that students who eat lunch are more alert and successful academically.This is will increase overall school performance. The constant reminder for students to turn in lunch applications was not meant to be a nuisance or a burden but rather a benefit for the whole school.
No more D’s for the Class of 2017
New A-G requirements will affect future students graduation status azniv derdzakyan CHRONICLE REPORTER
Class of 2016 and 2017 received graduation requirements and college admission “A-G” requirements, which were passed by LAUSD a year ago and take effect as of this year starting with the freshmen. “Some people are so worried about it, in reality its not adding much to the basic diploma, just a few classes. Nothing is beyond any student. They need
opportunities for a better life,” said Assistant Principal Craig Alessi. College counselor Heather Brown supports the new requirements. “To be college ready, to be college prepared, students should take math,english,science, and history every semester until they graduate,” she said. Students should “always do more than the bare minimum,” Brown
said. The minimum credits needed for the class of 2016 is 210, whereas the classes of 2014 and 2015 can only graduate with 230 credits. Classes of 2014 - 2016 could graduate with a D or higher, but the class of 2017 has to graduate with a C or better. The new requirements include the A-G curriculum (15 college prep classes) health, and physical education.
State Grants a New Recording Studio and Culinary Arts Facility
“The district’s most important goal is to have students graduate from LAUSD,college ready and prepared for careers,” Superintendent John Deasy told the Huffington Post. Class of 2016 and 2017 require 30 credits (3 years) for math and 20 credits (2 years) for world languages to graduate high school. However, the classes of 2014 and 2015 require 20 credits for math and
NEW BRIEFS
Recording studio, kitchen officially open Erika Salazar
JROTC Annual Fun Day Screams In
CHRONICLE REPORTER
PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN RODAS
Hollywood High School dedicated a new recording studio, a renovated auditorium, and a modernized culinary arts classroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Many important people attended this special event including parents, a congressman, a city councilman and a school board member. The event started out with the presentation of the colors by the JROTC Color Guard and a performance of the National Anthem by H20. The first speaker was Steve Zimmer, the vice-president of the LAUSD Board of Education; he was also the master of ceremonies. The next speaker was Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents the Hollywood area in the House of Representatives. He used to chair the Committee of the Arts and explained that back in the 90s, art was considered a luxury. Art was cut at many schools, generating a loss of many potential artists. He referred to the new recording studio and modernized culinary arts classroom as a movement “forward, not backwards” in the arts. He also presented Principal Alejandra Sanchez with an award for Congressional Recognition. Another speaker was council
Principal Sanchez cut the ribbon to the new recording studio on Sept. 25
member Mitch O’Farrell, who presented Sanchez with a cer
tificate from Mayor Eric Garcetti commemorating that day. Another speaker was Mark Hovatter, Chief Facilities executive, who overlooked the construction of the new recording studio and the new modernized culinary arts classroom. He recognized Stormy Sacks and Ms. Morrison for taking part in the project. One of the most applauded speakers was Stormy Sacks, former coordinator/music director/vocal coach who devoted 20 years of his career to Hollywood High School. Sacks noted that the idea for a new recording studio and renovated auditorium started back in 2003. He applied for many
no languages for high school graduation. “It is challenging us freshmen to graduate,” said SAS freshman Edgar A. Castro. LAUSD made the requirements for high school graduation and university similar so that they could accordingly be considered for admission.
grants to make it possible and in 2007, he received a $3 million grant to do so.
The last speaker was Scott Folsom, who is a member of the LAUSD School Construction Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee and Hollywood High graduate from the Class of 1966. He said that at Hollywood, “everyone came together and learned teamwork” in order to “achieve the honorable.” After Folsom concluded his speech, everyone went onstage to cut the ribbon, marking the opening of Hollywood High School’s new recording studio and the modernization of the culinary arts facility.
All of LAUSD’s JROTC programs are taking part in JROTC’s traditional Fun Day on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The admission price is $30,including the bus and ticket fee. The main reason why JROTC holds this special day is to not only to have fun enjoying the park’s attraction, but to give the cadets, the people who are in the JROTC program, an opportunity to communicate with other schools’ cadets. The Fun Day activity helps engage cadets involve in cooperation and participation to instill a sense of unity. “Fun Day is a tradition that JROTC has been doing for over 15 years. It is not mandatory to attend, but it is mandatory to have fun,” said Senior Army Instructor MSG Herbert Harris (retired). Lauren Kim
Voices raised for democracy
Congratulations to C/CPL Cristian Artiga, C/2LT and Executive Officer Holly San Nicolas, and C/CDT Tanny Garcia of the Sheik Battalion, who will participate and compete for a chance to win a $30,000 scholarship in the Voice of Democracy essay contest on Oct. 22. The prompt was “Why I’m Optimistic For Our Nation’s Future.” Fifty thousand students worldwide competed for this essay to win the grand prize of a $30,000 scholarship. This essay is open to all students across the nation. Keith Neal For More stories and photos visit
thecrimsonchronicle.com
NEWS
New field brings new challenges
october 2012
5
Field renovations complicates schedule and training for many athletics KEVIN RODAS
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Many have speculated about the field being renovated, but very little are fully aware of the whole situation. Seeing as the field is a major component to Hollywood High School, it is no wonder that its renovation is such a widespread topic. The field is experiencing repair to its turf, track, and irrigation system. The funding for the field comes from a bond formed by residents. According to Principal Alejandra Sanchez, the field is being rebuilt thanks to a tax bond voted upon eight years ago. The citizens of Los Angeles voted upon refurbishes to Hollywood High School some time ago, but the process of the decision has taken eight
years to take effect in the form of a bond specifically designed for reconstruction of the field. There was no say in what the money would be used for, as the bond is specifically designated to one major component of the school. Due to the school requiring a safety zone in case of an emergency, the speed of the field renovation has been drastically decreased. In previous years, the field has been our location of safe evacuation but in its current state, the field is in no condition to hold the student body adequately, the school is forced to use only a partial portion of it. Using this small portion of the unfinished field re-
ally affects the construction worker’s ability to perform their job. Because of this, the field will not be completely available until the beginning of September 2014. Athletes are the main people being affected by this change. “It is depressing having our field like this. It makes it difficult for us to practice,” said Soccer Player Angel Contreras, SAS Senior. With only the basketball New field is set to be finished by the beginning of September 2014. courts and small gym being PHOTO CREDIT: KEVIN RODAS available, the athletes are not reputation. To put the final nail getting the proper practice in the coffin, the physical eduthey should be. cation department is also takThis, in effect, could impair ing a loss with fewer choices their performance against for daily exercise. other high schools and thus impacting the school’s athletic
TCA students gets their hands on a fun filled year A variety of different field trips planned to prepare them for their future teaching career
ELOSIA GARCIA CHRONICLE REPORTER
TCA students will have a great advantage ahead of them this year. All freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will be able to have a great learning experience through field trips throughout the course of the year. This year’s field trips are full of hands- on activities and two career field trips for students who are interested in becoming teachers. The Lull Special Education Center (a center that handles severely disabled handicapped students), is one
of the places that would be provided for students who are interesting in a teaching career. Before going to the the center, students would first have to create a lesson to later on teach at the center. TCA also provides students interested in science and enjoy hands- on experiments to have the opportunity to visit the Sepulveda Wildlife Basin, where they will be taught an experiment which will later be taught by them. “TCA is is a completely in-
clusive small learning committee,” agreed Kelly Bender, lead teacher of TCA. “The purpose of these field trips and experiences is to help our students see that they can make a difference in their own lives and in the world around them, which goes along the TCA motto: ‘creating a more humane society through lifelong teaching and advocacy.’” Transportation and field trips are available to TCA students thanks to the support of Linked Learning and Hol-
Bloom speaks to students
Whether Class of 2014 will graduate at the bowl is not yet confirmed HOLLY SAN NICOLAS managing editor
The Class of 2014 is running into some turmoil regarding whether or not they will be able to graduate at the Hollywood Bowl due to a lack of knowledge and participation from the seniors. According to documents given to the senior class, renting the Bowl costs only one dollar- but with a catch. Parking lot attendants, electricians, decorations, and other such amenities cost approximately $22,000. It puts quite a lot on the Class of 2014’s plate, but the question is, are they prepared to step up to said plate? Principal Alejandra Sanchez thinks so.”I’m very optimistic for the senior class, ” she said. “I think that the students are more responsive this year. After the assembly we held in the auditorium last month, it was pretty clear that everybody wanted to graduate at the Bowl.” It is true that they want it to happen, but the weak link in this situation is the maturity level of the seniors. “Currently, people don’t seem to be taking it seriously enough. They’re acting like it’s a joke, and it’s not a joke,” said Co-Vice President Mikaela Berry after a seriousturned-goofy meeting held on Sept. 25. From creative differences over the class
song to the class motto, what is really of concern at the moment is the issue of where the money will come from. “The majority of students said they will donate. We’re still trying to come up with ideas to fundraise,” said Berry. “Most likely, we will be selling healthy snacks from the magazines again,” said Sanchez. “It is a commitment, so we do have to take this seriously. We have to learn to do things within our means. I have a lot of faith in the seniors, though. I know we’ll make it.” June may seem far away from now, but seniors are strongly encouraged to do everything that they can now to ensure their graduation eligibility and secure their culmination ceremony location. They must have completed all 230 required credits and service learning hours, passed both math and English portions of the CAHSEE exam, have been absent for no more than seven days, have cleared all detentions and debts to the school, and paid or fundraised in full for the costs of the Hollywood Bowl.
Currently, people don’t seem to be taking it seriously enough. They’re acting like it’s a joke, and it’s not a joke,
year, which only applies to field trips to colleges. For this reason, each grade level will visit two colleges in one day- one community college and one four- year college. These field trips will help students understand how to transfer from a community college to a four year university.
(continue from pg. 1) Whitham applied for the grant few months ago and was overjoyed with the news that Hollywood was chosen for this grant. Among the several schools within the district that applyied Hollywood met all the requirements and was selected by The Barona Education Grant Program. They fund materials that promote academic improvement, and will benefit current & future students, including books and computers. LAUSD District 4 board member Steve Zimmer attended this event, as did Principal Alejandra Sanchez, Assistant Principal Dr. Travis Brandy, teachers James B. Carmicle, Neil Fitzpatrick and several students. “We will not see any more cuts, now that Proposition 30 passed. We are now aiming to help every stu-
PHOTO CREDIT:VANESSA GARCIA
Class of 2014 faces new challenges and obstacles
lywood High School, who have been supporting TCA since past years. As students keep advancing into the next grade level, they are a step closer to college. For this purpose, Hollywood High provides TCA students with a learning experience at colleges. Sophomores this year will be visiting Cal State Northridge and Pierce college to inform themselves more about college and start preparing for it. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors get one field trip per
dent receive the necessary tools to get them the proper education they deserve,” said Zimmer. After the presentation of the check, students were invited to ask Bloom questions regarding his serving as Major of Santa Monica. Bloom talked about his experiences and choices he made such as making smoking illegal in public parks and beaches. With a budget of $100 billion dollars, California has cut 3040% of funding in public education. “The cost of education continues to increase every year and my job and interest is to pass law that will help people,” said Bloom. The library will be seeing these new purchases throughout the semester and they will be display and ready to be check out at once.
Homecoming Court Nominations King
Queen
Matthew Maun
Sesha Brown
Kira Morrison
Prince
Princess
Azniv Derdzakyan Katrina Bernardo
Ryonn Taylor
Jaime Mora
Emani Mack
Duchess Countess
Quenarii Lampkin
Blair Robinson
Jester
Samantha Englander
We're fools whether we dance or
Homecoming Is Not Really Homecoming At All
VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Friday night football games simply are not the same without the full enjoyment of watching it from the stands of your own field. With all
the renovations going on, most of my favorite sports and players will be all be competing at different schools. It also makes iit hard to attend since the games and their location are just so far from home. The announcement of homecoming being held at Belmont High really brought myself and others not “down” to go. Simply because it was
too far and most parents would not want to pick their child up that late because it can and may be a hassle. Homecoming at Belmont is definitely going to feel a little out of the ordinary. One unfortunate thing that bugs many players is that they won’t have their senior night in Sheik territory like their previous teammates. Playing that last game at home brings
nothing but pride and joy in being a Sheik team player, and they won’t really have that chance this year. The excitement of homecoming is just not what it used to be. Hoping that Spirit Week will bring some kind of excitement to the crowd and make others go and show their Sheik pride that night at the game is something that needs to happen. With a
Grease themed dance the following day, homecoming just might end up being fun as always, just a little odd and different. Although I admit, it would have been great to see my fair share of football, soccer, cross country and baseball games from the comfort of Sheik territory.
Dress To Impress: 50’s style Daron Gomez
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Be “T-Birds” for a Night Guys White t-shirt, black leather jacket, blue/ dark jeans (cuffed at the bottom) Converse or black shoes
GO Pink Ladies “Sandy” Black tube top, black high waisted disco pants, black leather jacket and red heels
Polka dotted dress with black or white heels
Regular black spaghetti- strap shirt, denim jacket, belted skate skirt, and a pair of oxfords A simple black dress with red or black heels
Accessories black/red bandanas red lipstick black/red clutches hoop earrings (or pearls or studs) bracelets==vintage style sunglasses black/red hair bows
Ladies:How to ask a guy to homecoming
VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sometimes you just got to be the man and ask him out.
Check Yes or No
Slip a note in his locker (make sure it's his, not a freshman or a girl's) with two boxes on it, asking if he wants to go to homecoming. Make the box that says “yes” really big, and the one that says "no" too small to fill out!
Be Dramatic
If he’s dramatic, don’t be afraid to ask him in an extra bold way! Get down on one knee in the middle of the hallway to ask him. It is creative, funny, and weird sweet. And there’s no reason why big, romantic gestures should only be reserved for guys—just be sure he gets the humor.
Make It A Game
Write him a note about something random and circle specific letters in the note that spell out “Will you go to homecoming with me?” Give it to him and see how long it takes him to figure it out!(It may take awhile ,guys tend to be clueless at times)
Make It Facebook Official
Send him a private link on Facebook or make him YouTube video of you asking him to homecoming! Make it sweet or funny depending on his personality. For example, don’t speak and just write words on flashcards, or sing along to a funny song they're sure to play a the dance! Sometimes ladies the guy is just too shy to ask you ,so be the man and wear the pants and be bold and confident and ask him. There is no harm in asking him. And if he says no, well then that is his lost and go to the dance either way and make it the best night possible.
not, so we might as well dance
8 OCTOBER 2013
ENTERTAINMENT
SO GOOD IT’S A FELONY hovhannes MAGHAKYAN JOSUE PEREZ CHRONICLE REPORTERS
Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most anticipated games of the year, was released on Sept. 17. It is the successor of Rockstar’s 2008 game, GTA IV. GTA V takes place in the fictional city of Los Santos. In GTA V, the city of Los Santos is based upon the city of Los Angeles, including landmarks as the Hollywood Sign, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. In the game, players are able to interact with the world more than in previous games. Players are able to visit Del Perro Pier (Santa Monica Pier) and ride on the roller coaster, The Leviathan, and the Ferris Wheel, appropriately named the Ferris Whale. In the game, a new ability the player has is to play as three different characters. The three characters of choice are Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Each character has a specific skill set. As one plays, the level goes up for each skill set even further. Each character also
has a special ability (like Franklin’s ability to slow down time). In the game, these three characters are always doing something even if you are not playing or near them. With the use of three characters, missions and free roam have become much more diverse and enjoyable. The ability to switch between characters within missions can have a major impact on your results. If one is better at doing something like driving or creating a distraction, one is able to switch to a character that is doing that task and have a Non-Player Character or NPC take over your previous task. In free roam, if using one character gets boring, players can switch to another character that could be something much more interesting. GTA V’s open world is nothing less than amazing and beautiful. The world is triple the size
PHOTO CREDIT:ROCKSTAR GAMES
of GTA IV’s. The game world feels much more open. The new structures, landmarks, and environments give the players motivation to continue playing and exploring everything the game has to offer. The game still manages to include previous iconic landmarks from past GTA titles such as San Andreas, Mount Chilliad. With the addition of the new ocean environment players are able to go fishing. They can even get attacked by
a shark. GTA would be nothing without its vehicle buffet. The brand new, long awaited addition to the game is the use of airplanes. Airplanes can now be used whenever the player wishes. Ever wanted to go for a joyride in a submarine? Of course you have, and lucky for you, submarines have also been added to the game. Later in the story, players will gain access to a submarine in order to explore the seafloor. There are also new cars available in the game along with a improved garage to customize cars. The garage has been given many more additions to it, including upgrades, parts, and much more. Always running into gunfights or want some extra protection? Go over to the garage and upgrade your armor. Want a better looking car? Give it a nice paint job. Driving in the game has also been improved, handling is better than it was
in GTA IV and it feels much more smoother. In previous Rockstar games the graphics engine Criterion Games’ RenderWare was used, but GTA V has implemented a new graphics engine, Rockstar Advanced Game Engine or RAGE, created by Rockstar games. The price for a brand new copy of GTA V is around $60 with used copies around $55. The game has only been released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but for anyone wanting to play it on Next Gen consoles such as the Xbox One or PS4 you will have to wait until 2014. Throughout the years, Rockstar games has created several timeless classics that many people have enjoyed to the fullest extent. GTA V was the most anticipated game of the year, but it could also very well be the best game of the year.
Gravity: box office smash on its way to Academy Awards Erika Salazar
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Is this movie Oscar-worthy?
they became stranded and lose all communication with Earth. They must cooperate with each other in order to survive in space or die trying. The film has been receiving rave reviews from critics at almost all the film festivals it has played. It has been shown in festivals, such as the 2013 Venice Film Festival, and in practically everyone of them it has won an award. It has
won the awards for “Future Film Festival Digital Award” at the Venice Film Festival and the “Best Actress Award” at the Hollywood Film Festival. In fact, Sandra Bullock has received positive feedback for her role in Gravity because of how emotionally challenging her character has to be in the movie. Similarly, George Clooney has also been applauded
Ben Affleck is the Batman Gotham City Needs Holly San Nicolas MANAGING EDITOR
In August, it was announced that high-profile actor Ben Affleck, of Argo and Chasing Amy fame, would be cast as Batman in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel (currently being referred to as Batman Vs. Superman until further notice). What happened next can only be described as a complete and utter cyber outrage from the online Batman community- and undeservedly so. Batman fans from all across the nation expressed anger and disbelief at the notion of Affleck portraying the iconic hero. At one point, there were even some (halfhearted) threats against Affleck’s life. Affleck, who has experience playing superheroes with 2003’s Daredevil, is without a doubt a great actor. In addition to his acting, Affleck had directed many hit movies, and was even at one point approached
by Warner Bros. Studios to direct a live-action adaptation of The Justice League. The man is a fan of comic books, and will more likely than not let this trait come out as he shines in his role as The Dark Knight. With films like Armageddon, Argo and The Town under his belt, Affleck has shown his growth and maturity as an actor throughout the years. In order to play Batman, he will need to tap into a darker, more cold part of his brain to truly capture the character. We don’t need to worry about Affleck screwing up the franchise any worse than several others may or may not have before him…(Adam West, you had your place in the universe, but the Batcave was not it.) All we really should be biting our knuckles over is who will win: Ben Affleck’s Batman, or Henry Cavill’s Superman?
by critics for his performance in the film. Overall, the movie has been praised for its actors, special effects, cinematography, and direction which adds up to it being a fantastic movie. Don’t take my word for it, go watch Gravity for yourself! While you’re watching it keep in in this question, “Is this movie Oscar-worthy?”
PHOTO CREDIT: Warner Brothers
Gravity is director Alfonso Cuaron’s new sci-fi film starring Sandra Bullock, and it could possibly be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of 2013. The film stars Bullock, who has already won an Oscar for Best Actress, as a medical engineer on her first trip in space, alongside George Clooney, a veteran astronaut on his last mission in space. It is set in a futuristic time and follows these two characters into space where
The Battle of the Console: XBox vs. Playstation 4
john guanzon gabriel rodriguez CHRONICLE REPORTERS
The Xbox One states that it’s dimensions are 13.5 X 10.35 X 3.14 inches while the PlayStation 4’s measurements were 12 X 10.8 X 2.08.The winner of the size comparison is the PlayStation 4 to the Xbox one which was the size of a 1980’s VCR. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One provide a 500 gigabyte hard drive though the PlayStation 4 has a user removable hard drive. Both consoles provide a cloud storage, play as you download, remote download,and the ability to account access from multiple consoles. Many have been excited to the Which one do you prefer Xbox or Playstation 4? announcements of the consoles but what PHOTO CREDIT: Game Stop matters is the games that will be released such as Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag for both the Xbox 1 and Playstation 4. The price for the The layout of the PlayStation 4 controlPS4 is going for $399.99, while the Xbox ler is also similar to the other Playstation One is asking for $499.99. controllers.The only difference is a “share” button. Controllers Kinect The Xbox controller maintains the same The Xbox One will ship with an updated layout as the other Xbox designs.The direc- version of the Kinect sensor; the new Kitional pad has been changed to a four-way nect uses a 1080p. The Kinect microphone design and the battery packet is slimmer. remains active at all times by default so it Menu and view buttons have replaced the can receive voice commands from the user home and back buttons. Pre-ordered Xbox when needed, even when the console is in One controllers have the words "Day One sleep mode (so it can be awakened with a 2013" engraved in the center. command).
ENTERTAINMENT
OCTOBER 2012
ana amador
CHRONICLE REPORTER
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is a modern, incisive and witty look into the life of an everyday teenager. In this 444 page-long fiction novel, Craig Gilner a New York city teenager, is about to enter the ninth grade except to him it won’t just be high school it’ll be THE high school. Craig spends his entire summer studying, reading and preparing himself for a prestigious school which he really feels the need to get into, because like many teenagers before him Craig is worried about getting into a good college.The school and the pressure from the world around him give Craig depression. Completely written from Craig’s point of view, the au-
thor takes you through Craig’s extremely relatable problems and eventually how these problems land him in a mental hospital. It’s no wonder the feelings described in the book by Craig, the main character, sound so authentic since the author himself, Ned Vizzini, spent five days in an adult psychiatric ward and wrote the book only a few days later. Most of the books Vizzini has written are relatable to teens. The way Craig explains how high school and life generally can be depressing (and he admits that the fact that he’s lazy makes this a lot worse) is great. Craig describes his life in a very interesting way, explaining how he has
PHOTO CREDIT: ANA AMADOR
So it IS a kind of a funny story
tentacles which are all the horrible things that intrude his life. An example he uses is how getting behind on homework can become a nightmare,
because when things spiral out of control he puts it as, no homework= not passing the class, which leads to not passing school = not getting into a good college = not having a good job = no good health insurance = not being able to pay for all the antidepressants he’s sure he’s going to need because his life sucks, etc. Thats what the tentacles are to Craig- evil things that just spiral out of control because he’s so overwhelmed. Craig also has something called anchors which are things that occupy his mind or make him temporarily happy, his major goal in the story is to find a solid anchor. Craigs friends definitely play a part in his depression. The
9
friend that plays the biggest part is Aaron, a smart, fearless and handsome guy whose dad seems to be some sort of mad writer. Aaron also has a girlfriend, Nia, whom Craig becomes attracted to and jealous over. To Craig, his friends are the real world and the mental ward is another world, which to him is easier to handle in some ways. At the end of the book you’ll be left hoping for the best and wanting to hear more. It is very relatable, dramatic, hilarious, and real.
For Starters it was good book Marcicela cordova CHRONICLE REPORTER
elderly can rent a younger person’s body for the elders can feel young again. Except while Callie’s body was being rented out, something goes wrong and she is found back in her own body three weeks early. Not only that, but the woman who rented her body still lives inside her and was using her body to take down Prime Destination. Callie discovers the dark secrets of Prime Destination and has to make
the ultimate decision of either fighting for Prime Destination or fighting against them. Callie, who is only sixteen years old, is the embodiment of a fierce and brave girl. She is not whiny; all she cares about is keeping her brother safe. Price creates a beautiful bond between Callie and her brother that expresses their love and care for each other. Throughout the story it keeps the reader wondering what is
going to happen next? Starters has a little bit of everything. It has suspense, action, drama, mystery and romance. It is not your average dystopian book, and the ending has a real plot twist that will only leave the reader craving for the next book to come.
PHOTO CREDIT: ULTIMATE CLASS ROCK
It hurts to Achieve the Honorable VANESSA GARCIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTO CREDIT: BARNES AND NOBLE
Hollywood high alumni Amy the book became people I cared Kaufman Burk released her first about, and the story brought tears book Hollywood High: Achieve The to my eyes more than a few times. Honorable, a coming of age story It reminded me of the intensity and in which the protagonist, Caroline importance of friendship and one's Black, transitions from an all- girl social world in high school. private school to her local high This book is thoroughly entertainschool, Hollywood High. ing. I would rate this book a 5 out of As her new ad5 because I think evventure began she eryone has a little bit I knew high found herself in a of Black in them. We school was deficompletely differhave all gone through ent environment nitely going to be these experiences of meeting a whole ourselves, and it’s an new type of people, a whole chapter of overall great read. exposure to sex and my life. From start to finish, it drugs, and extreme is a delight read. violence and behavior. Reading this book reminded me of my freshmen year when I transitioned from middle school to high school. Seeing guys wearing way too baggy pants and some girls wearing next to nothing, people having relationships, and girls fighting in the locker room made me feel like I wasn’t ready for high school. I was still wearing my old, blue, saggy flare pants from middle school and Disney t-shirts. I was still living in my inner 8-year-old state of mind. I knew high school was definitely going to be a whole chapter of my life. This book taught me more than Achieve the Honorable sells for $3 on Amazon I ever realized. The characters in
PHOTO CREDIT: BARNES AND NOBLE
Starters may seem like your typical dystopian book about a girl who is left to fend for herself and falls for a guy but there is a twist to this society that is characterized by oppression and disease. Callie, whose parents died in the Spore Wars, is left to take care of her younger brother who is sick. She is in desperate need for money, which leads her to turn to Prime Destination. Prime Destination is where the
Joan Jett returns with a whole new album that was released on Oct. 2
Unvarnished Joan Jett & The Black Hearts DRAKE JOHNSON CHRONICLE REPORTER
Female rock guitarist, singer, and producer Joan Jett is back to release her new album Unvarnished, filled with loud distortion, aggressive but catchy lyrics, and that old school Rock n Roll that our old folks grew up listening to. The new album will be out on Oct. 2. This will be Jett’s 14th studio album and newly released album in seven years since her 2006 album Sinners. Jett says that the songs on the album will revolve around the death of her parents, the incident of Hurricane Sandy, and the grieving struggles over the past ten years of which she refers to as her “decade of death.” Jett said, “The songs have
a serious tone, but they’re relatable.” The 10-song album will also feature special guests Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters and Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! Jett and the Blackhearts performed their first single “Any Weather” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Aug. 8. So what can you be looking forward to this album? Only that she can please the crowd after all these years and still not give a damn about her bad reputation.
10 OCTOBER 2013
Entertainment
I wear your granddad’s clothes, I look incredible MARICELA CORDOVA SUSAN CIFUENTES CHRONICLE REPORTERS
“Only got twenty dollars in my pocket. I- I- I’m hunting, looking for a come-up.” (Macklemore, “Thrift Shop”) Thrift shopping or as some people are calling it “thrifting” has really changed in today’s society. It is now considered cool and hipster, add in the great prices and it’s no wonder that thrifting has gotten popular. Crossroads Trading Co. is one of the many thrift stores located in Los Angeles.This thrift shop is mainly about finding your own sense of style. There is a variety of clothes to choose from, such as animal prints, lace, and designer clothing. You could even say that it is better than Ross. The store is super clean and the workers there are very friendly. Crossroads is not only friendly on your budget but also friendly to the environment. This thrift store is not just a second-hand store, it is a place where one recycles cloth-
belief that they ing. What’s the difare dirty and/or ference? The thing unsanitary. We are about thrift shops not saying it isn’t is that whatever entirely true, but you donate they at Crossroads, they automatically take it and put it in their do their best to sale racks. Oh sure, keep the customthey check for tears ers happy. This or rips but they means having the don’t exactly check place and clothes sanitary. When we the quality. With asked Avery, an Crossroads, the employee, on his workers personally thoughts about the go through every stigmatization topiece of article Thift Shopping a place to find antique finds for a killer deal wards thrift stores to see if it is torn, Photo Credit: Maricela Cordova he answered that stain or simply environmentalists or people people have always had stigma not worth recycling. If it is not who actually care about our about thrift stores, but that it up to their standards there’s planet, Crossroads supports doesn’t change the fact that a dumpster right next to the the planet by donating five there are still good quality store. cents to the environmental deWhen we say it is easy on clothes for customers. fense fund when the customer your wallet, we mean it. If you Goodwill is another thrift does not take a plastic bag. have unwanted clothes still in store that offers clothes at a How can you not like Crossgood shape, they will buy it affordable price. Goodwill ofroads? from you, and you can use that fers more than clothes though; Thrift stores have always money to buy more clothes it offers books, movies, and been stigmatized over the home furnishings at amazing from their store. For all those
prices. However, Goodwill isn’t the best place to buy clothing in our opinion. But it is the best place to buy books. If you like to read books but do not want to go to a bookstore, you should go to Goodwill. The books have been hardly used, and they cost next to nothing. So what are you still doing? Get yourself to a thrift shop where you can have the ultimate thrifting experience and look chic after buying all those clothes from the thrift store
Crossroads Trading Co.4470 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA Goodwill4575 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA
You are all going to die tonight Christian lehnig CHRONICLE REPORTER
The technical trickery at Universal Studios Hollywood Always exceeds that of any other Halloween haunt in Los Angeles but opening night’s 2013 debut featured something else: a satisfyingly variegated variety of shocks and shudders. I won’t pretend there was a dearth of gore – far from it – Halloween Horror Nights continues to succeed at its intended goal, which is to bring horror movies to life, turning them into amazingly detailed walk-through mazes that immerse fans in the worlds of their favorite movie monsters. The irony is that, in basing its Halloween Horror Nights is the rated to be one of the scaries and best place to go this year. Photo Credit Ricky Brigante attractions on successful hor- ror film franchises, Universal presses with its recreation of the effect helps rejuvenate the has fallen prey to the probBlack Sabbath 13 in 3D offers the disturbingly distorted char- old familiar monsters, like a lems that plague sequels and an over-the-top, almost campy acters from the namesake vidtransfusion of new blood. The remakes, which tend to recycle concoction that should please eogame. There is also a pleaspulsing lights are more colorthe same elements from year to both fans and newcomers.The ingly otherworldly sensation, ful, enhancing the monochroyear, for fear of tampering with maze consisted of Black Sabcreated by ghostly characters matic look of the venue (mostly the formula for success. Never bath songs on the album “13”, who seem to appear behind inspired by black-and-white the less, Halloween Horror providing numerous tunes walls – and then disappear just horror films), and the dancing Nights 2013 has something for perfectly suited to the horrors as inexplicably. Still, there is a monsters (some of them quite everyone – from the twisted on view lack of variety to the frights: oversized) seem electrified flesh of Evil Dead to the sinister Evil Dead: Book of the there are lots of disfigured in a brand new way. There is spirits of El Cucuy, from the Dead is modeled after the nurses, plus a few other bizarre also a great gag with a charshock-rock of Black Sabbath to 2013 remake. It may take beings, but the the scares are acter who seems to be a stone the apocalyptic shock of THE sharp-eyed fright fans to note fairly standard issue (pop out fixture – before opening her WALKING DEAD. the distinction, but this maze is from around the corner), with eyes and coming to life. Little The highlight of Halloween set in a different location from little sense of a theme or narof it is really very scary, but it is Horror Nights 2013 is the its predecessor and features a rative progression. The only certainly novel. presence of the “walkers” from grittier feel, in keeping with the surprise is the incongruous Overall, the mazes seem the AMC television series, who source material. Some of the bunnies seen near the end – slightly less dark and threatserve double duty here, infestfilm’s most grizzly shocks (e.g., which provoke not screams of ening this year. There are still ing their own maze,The Walkthe girl being sawed in half) fear but tsks of confusion, as some great jump scares, but in ing Dead: No Safe Haven, and are recreated with ghoulish people shrug their shoulders an effort to jangle the nerves, invading the back lot Terror intensity. Of course, Book of the and mutter, “Huh?” the audio effects tend to be Tram tour. When you have seen Dead is an ubiquitous presFor Halloween 2013, Uniturned up loud from start to one flesh-eating zombie, you ence, but chainsaws (a staple versal Studios Hollywood has finish, offering few opportunimore or less have seen them at too many Halloween attractaken its year-round House ties to build anticipation and all, but there are memorable, tions) are not overused; there of Horrors walk-through suspense. iconic images from the televiare more than enough other attraction and rebranded it One unfortunate dividend of sion series that are brought atrocities on display to satisfy Universal Monsters Remix. focusing on an individual charto live here, creating a look horror hounds without nonYou will see the same old sets acter (The El Cucuy maze) is that distinguishes this year’s stop saws and blood. and props, backed by a throbthat there is less material to Walking Dead from previous bing techno-electronic beat; work with, leading to a certain zombies. The new lnsidious maze imas incongruous as that sounds, monotony. El Cucuy jumps out
at you in the first room, then the second room, then the third room, etc – and it’s always the same character with the same appearance. Halloween Horror Nights features a handful of Scare Zones. As usual, the best two are the ones utilizing the theme park’s most appropriate settings: There is a Purge zone near the front entrance. The chainsaw-wielding performers do a good job harassing passersby, and the originality and excitement of the Survive the Night aspect was really an improvement of last year’s Toyz. Summing up: Halloween Horror Nights 2013 is not perfect. I think some of the dramatic potential of The Walking Dead could have been more fully exploited, and we are disappointed to see that props, sets, and gags are still being recycled under new brand names. However, it is churlish to focus on these flawed details when the big picture is so impressive. Frequent haunt-goers may be a bit too jaded to appreciate just how awesome Universal Studios annual haunted theme park event really is. Bottom Line: If you have not been to Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights, you really owe it to yourself to make the effort. However, if you have attended on previous occasions, there may not be enough new and novel frights to make a return trip an absolute necessity.
SPORTS
october 2012
Athlete of the Month GAMES Jeffrey Puebla Coronado CC: How do you feel about being Athlete of the Month? JP: I feel um.. actually surprised.
CC: What was one of your best moments you had in football? JP: It was my first full on football game, I was playing quarterback and we were winning, so all I had to do was take a knee (kneel down to get the clock continuing) so I took the knee and we won.
CC: What advice can you give to other alethes? JP: Well... like Carmicle says "Practice, Practice, Practice". CC: Why did you decide to join football? JP: I love the game and its a good way to release stress. CC: How long have you been playing football? JP: Since my sophomore year. Three years, one year in JV and two years in Varsity.
11
TO WATCH
Football at BELMONT Homecoming (OCT 18) Football at BERNSTEIN (OCT 25) Football at TORRES (NOV 1) Football at ROYBAL (NOV 8)
AbRIL Chuvac dULCE MANDUJANO CHRONICLE REPORTER
Hoping Homecoming’s game against Belmont ends their loss streak Leslie Flores Sheiks hope Nemesis Gutierrez Valerie herrera CHRONICLE REPORTERS
Both Varsity and Junior Varsity lost against the mighty Cobras last Friday night with an ending score 31-21 for varsity and 21-0 for JV, marking this loss against Miguel Contreras High as the team’s fourth loss in a row. Varsity began their season this year with a rough start having a three game losing streak and only two wins. The varsity football team ended the first game of the year on Aug. 29, with a win against Panorama High School 2713. They defeated Augustus Hawkins High School 14 -8 on Sept. 6. It was not until Sept. 13, when the Sheiks were defeated by Rancho Dominguez High School with a dismal 2616. With the next two games the team begins to add on to
to regain themselves this Friday against Belmont after losing against Contreras last Friday night
their losing streak having lost to Chavez High School with a score of 7-6 and Westchester with a devastating score of 25 to 6 and now another lost against Contreras. The most heartbreaking loss was the game against Chavez High School. During the second half of the game the team scored a touchdown having a score of 6-0. Chavez’s football team was able to tie Hollywood. As the game approached the end, Chavez scored another touch-
No track, no problem X-country wins first meet Steve Montoya
down as Hollywood followed with its own touchdown. The touchdown, however, was not counted due to the player having fumbled the ball as he reached the touchdown area. This was another devastating loss for the football
CHRONICLE REPORTER
Undeterred by an unusable track, cross-country runners have won victories against Robert F. Kennedy and Bernstein High Schools on Oct. 10th. The race, set in Elysian Park, ended with the Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity teams securing wins against Bernstein and RFK, while the girls’ team ended up tying with Bernstein, but did not win against Robert F. Kennedy. The team has had to face challenges in training this year due to ongoing construction and renovation projects on the school’s track and football field, according to cross-country coach Adolfo Carcano. The team usually did their practice runs on the track, but now, they must either do long runs around the school campus, or do their repeats on the Runyon Canyon Park hiking trails, Car-
cano said. This year, the team hopes to land a spot on the All-City Finals once again, to finish at least in the top three of the Central League. “I hope that we don’t end last,” Carcano said. SAS Sophomore Henry Le said that despite the track closure, he had felt ready for the track meet. “We trained during the summer, which has helped us a lot. The feeling of family has kept us together through everything,” he said. “All we have to do now is run.” The team will face off Marquez High School at their next meet on October 17.
team since earlier junior varsity had lost to Chavez with a score of 14-0. After having a four-game losing streak the varsity Sheiks hope to improve by winning at the upcoming game against Belmont High School. Some of the obstacles that have prevented the team from being successful in previous games have been the communication between players, organization and injuries of the players. Varsity coach Frank Galvan wishes to improve these problems as well as others such as
little but noticeable mistakes and having the team become more dedicated. He expects the team to be as competitive as they can be against other high school teams. Football players also believe that they need to help each other and play as a team in order to improve as a whole and win against other teams. Now, as they continue to improve their skills as a team, their ambition is to become a better team and win against the difficult upcoming games. The coach believes Bernstein would be the most challenging game although he considers all games to be difficult. The football players Aron Kaplan, Austin Quintanilla and Roney Simon also consider both of those games to be formidable.
Opinion: Running out of funds
Valerie Herrera CHRONICLE REPORTER
Sports are very important to me for many reasons. Not only do they help with the growth and development of a teenager’s mind and body but they also encourage the school’s spirit. Like most sports at this school, crosscountry lacks money, which is necessary to have in order to buy uniforms and shirts. Cross Country Coach Adolfo Carcano ith sports teens also learn many skills they will use later in school or in adulthood. When I joined cross country my life changed drastically and in a better way. It helped me realize that there are great people out there who care for their community so much that they’ll give anything to help. Carcano is someone who I truly respect because of all the effort he has put into this wonderful sport. We have made history by making it to City Finals which is every runner’s dream. Our team has also brought home many titles that have put Hollywood High School on top of every school. We have had great moments but there
have been obstacles along the way. There are also invitational races and the banquet, although those two things are optional it is always enjoyable to have them. All the money we get comes from fundraisers but mostly from the coach’s pocket. I think it is unfair that one person has to pay for everything, fortunately coach Carcano does it because he cares about the sport, the school and the team. Cross country has always been an underrated sport because not many people know about it. Our team has not let anything bring us down, we go to the races to win because that’s always our goal. We like to put our school in first place and we demonstrate we have that so needed Sheik Pride.