High
TIDE
Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School Jan. 20, 2011 // Vol. XCII // Edition 7
hightideonline.org
4.
A different time. 1. Pep Squad senior Michelle Brunett cheers on the players in a 1986 game. 2. English teacher Tim Ammentorp huddles with one of his football players in a 1996 game. 3. Math teacher Bill Vaughn explains the homework to his class in 1981. 4. Senior Steve Durham and junior Bonnie Soong groove at an “After Game Dance”.
A WALK DOWN
MEMORY LANE
Teachers who attended Redondo tell of previous times when they were students. See pages 10-11 for more.
3.
2.
p8-9 //
Sophomore Paolo Raugsa reads his monologue to prepare for an audition.
p12-13 //
1. Local business’ like Dave’s Olde Book Store still thrive.
p18-19
//
Girls’ soccer faces P.V. tonight for senior recognition night.
NEWS // JAN. 20, 2012
45%
physically harmed by other students at school.
Facts & Figures
8% of juniors have been harrassed because of their sexual orientation.
been cyberbullied in the past.
of freshmen have been harrassed because of the way they look or the way they speak.
28% of freshman have been
One in four juniors have
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—CHKS Findings
Gay-Straight Alliance club takes steps against bullying by Justin Lee
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club president senior Jeremy Porr has set out to make a difference. When he was told that a fellow club member was being bullied, he jumped at the opportunity to use this as a teachable moment for the entire student body. The bullying of the GSA member got to a point where Porr felt he had to take action. “I decided to put out these signs to reassure our school’s LGBT students that they are safe,” Porr said. The signs that Porr is referring to were delivered to all the teacher’s mailboxes before winter break and can be seen in most
classrooms, including English teacher John Burke’s. Burke feels strongly that the flyers will serve as a good reminder for students to choose their words wisely. “It’s another thing to see [the message] written on a letter and a flyer as opposed to just hearing about it,” Burke said. Burke can also relate to the bullying that goes on in school on a personal level which is why he felt the need to make his students write a response to the initiative. “I’ve [did not like] seeing people being made fun of,” Burke continued, “I’ve watched my brother get bullied, and I was mad about it.” Burke believes that by writing a response
Construction Update: Modular buildings have been placed in the senior parking lots, much to the dismay of students who cannot find parking spaces.
Renovation revolution. The newly dubbed “student support services building” will have conference rooms, speech therapy rooms, and counseling services. The building will also house a special education classroom. All of the teachers in the science building will be moving out in mid-April. The modular buildings that are in the parking lots will be home to three art and three science teachers for the next year. The remaining science classes will be put in the adjacent Chamber of Commerce building.
to the initiative, people will think twice before they speak and that it will lessen student’s needs to make fun of other students. “[With] the trend that’s going on in society, you got to be more and more careful what you say and how you say it,” Burke said. Porr wants everyone to feel safe and accepted at school. “I really wanted teachers to not only put up this sign in their class but also to be [stricter] about what students say in their classrooms. I’ve been in a lot of classrooms where I hear students get away with offensive slurs and teachers don’t care to do anything about it,” Porr said. Most people use “gay” or “fag” as a sub-
Science Building: Teachers will be moving out and construction will soon begin.
stitute for stupid or dumb, and Porr believes that is wrong. “Most people on campus, including myself, don’t think that we have a problem with bullying on our campus so when I found out about this specific student; I was shocked,” Porr said. Porr hopes to see all teachers have a sign up in their room despite their political ideologies. “Putting these signs up isn’t about whether or not you support gay rights,” Porr said. “It’s about getting students to respect each other, raising awareness, and creating a safer learning environment for all students no matter what their sexual orientation may be.”
Cafeteria: A delay for contracts has delayed the project but it should be under way by March.
Library: Construction just began, but plans are for it to be completed by summer.
Student Support Services Building: Special education services will be housed here.
Small Gym: Mr. Brandt is looking into holding AP tests here while the temporary library is in the Bingo room.
800’s Building: A ventilation system will be installed over summer.
NEWS // JAN. 20, 2012
Genovese wants to embrace diversity The New York native finds an ideal fit in the diverse beach side community of Redondo by Aly Peet-Lukes
He steps outside and feels the warmth of the sun on his back and smells the salty sea air. The transition from New York to California was easy. According to Assistant Principal Adam Genovese, the transition from PV to Redondo was even easier. Genovese was a post-secondary counselor for six years in New York and two years at nearby Palos Verdes High School. “I loved PV. It was an excellent place with excellent people but it isn’t a secret that they aren’t exactly a melting pot,” he said. “I find diversity powerful and I find that it keeps things interesting. If everyone is a cookie cutter and a robot, it just starts to get mundane. If you have diversity, you have many different things to do and many different people and cultures you can interact with.” Genovese believes that diversity is only one of the many things that attracted him to Redondo. “[Redondo] has the spirit, it has the academics, and it has everything
that I would want from a school,” Genovese said. Genevese is a self-proclaimed “jock at heart.” “One of the biggest reasons I wanted to move to southern California was because [beach] volleyball can be played year-round instead of for ten minutes sometime in June,” he said. Redondo’s diversity, laid back beach atmosphere and athletic prowess attracted Genevose to apply for the job of assistant principal “without a question.” “When I put all these things together, it seemed like the job was scripted for me,” he said. Genovese is the third new assistant principal this year and is replacing the spot left by Amy Golden, who left last December. Genovese was born and raised in Long Island, New York and moved to California just before his thirtieth birthday. “I love the atmosphere [of Redondo]. I love the beach and the exciting city vibe of LA being a few minutes away,” he said. Genovese comes from a long line of educators. His father, mother, stepmother, and brother all had careers in the education system. “You always hear your parents talking about what they do and what goes into their day. I always felt like they were helping kids but still had the time and energy to do other wonderful things,” he said. “We had a nice house and nice things, yet [my parents] still loved what they did.”
PHOTO BY BRITTANY NGUYEN
Mid-year budget cuts not as drastic as thought by Andrew Czuzak
Another year brings more budget cuts to education. California’s rising debt has once again forced the government to cut money for education. Transportation, teachers, and supplies have all been cut in our state’s attempt to balance the budget. According to Principal Nicole Wesley, this year’s cuts will mainly affect colleges due to the necessity of K-12 public education. “We are very fortunate because right now K-12 schools are not affected; only UC’s and CSU’s budgets have been cut,” Wesley said. Governor Jerry Brown plans to correct these budget cuts with a proposed tax hike for the rich and a .5 percent sales tax increase. The estimated revenue of this bill, according to Brown, is $7 billion, $2 billion more than the proposed cuts. “If it passes, Jerry Brown’s revenue generation will help strengthen all levels of education and allow us to open new classes to meet student demand,” Wesley said.
Recent cuts forced some classes, like French 4, to be dropped from the schedule. Wesley said it was not cost efficient to hold a French 4 class when only 12 people want that class. Other classes that were proposed, like AP Computer Science, even with an increased demand never saw the light of day due to a lack of funding. In addition, many classes have seen an increase in class size from 30 students to 35 to keep costs down. “When you have more students in a class, you’re losing a deeper and richer discussion that you can only achieve when you have fewer students,“ Wesley said. Besides the changes in class size and availability, jobs at Redondo have been cut as well. Clerical workers who retired have not been replaced and those who are still working are forced to work harder to replace the lost productivity. Maintenance workers who help clean the school have been laid off, too. “One of the first things we will do when the economy gets back on track is to return
Redondo’s work force to full strength, but I really do not see that happening for at least a few years,” said Wesley. Although the cuts did not affect Redondo this year like the past two years, Wesley and the teacher’s union were forced to negotiate. Teacher’s union representative, Sarah Robinson, said that the teachers would have been forced to use furlough days if the budget cuts had passed. “Redondo’s teachers have been lucky because we have not had to take any furlough days during this year. However, some teachers have been forced to teach additional teachers and no new teachers can be hired,” Robinson said. Wesley does not believe that the budget crisis is over yet. She fears that the economy will only get worse and worse, which can only lead to more budget cuts. “We’re not out of the woods yet…I still worry if we will be able to enact all our plans for new classes and staff in the future,” Wesley said.
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Future STEM program in the works by Jason Rochlin
In order to give students an advantage when applying to college and planning their future careers, administrators are planning to implement a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program, according to Principal Nicole Wesley. “It’s important that we educate our students and give them the experiences [they need] before they leave here, so they’ll be better prepared for college and can be more competitive,” Wesley said. The STEM program will enable students to get a feel for what college is like before leaving high school. “Students in college pick a major, and most of their classes are dedicated toward that subject. [STEM] is like a mini-high school version of majoring in something in college,” math teacher Tim Baumgartner said. According to Wesley, RUHS would be among the first of public schools in the South Bay to offer such a program. Wesley hopes to loosely model the program around the two existing programs at the Da Vinci Magnet School in Hawthorne and the California Academy of Math and Science in Dominguez Hills. Students have shown interest in having a STEM program. According to Wesley, around 30 percent of seniors would be interested in STEM related careers. “If [students] are more willing to put in the work to be successful, I think it will be worthwhile for our students to get this kind of focus in their high school years,” Baumgartner said. For those who are not interested in careers in the sciences or math, administrators and visual and performing arts teachers are also developing a program that will offer courses in the arts. “[For] students in the ninth grade that have a passion or a vision or a goal to go into the arts after high school, we would like them to really get the experience that they would need to be better performers and go into these careers,” Wesley said. According to Baumgartner, companies in the community such as Chevron and Northrop Grumman are also interested in helping students train for future jobs in their industries. School counselors will be distributing the information to the students about all their possible choices when the program is more developed. “Students should keep their eyes open and consider all the options of the different pathways of STEM to find something that [they] are interested in,” Baumgartner said.
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OPINION // JAN. 20, 2012
PDA in moderation allowable if not appreciated
When does it become too much? Should it be allowed at all? Is it appropriate? The debate over public displays of affection among teens at school by Dan Furmansky has been going on for as long as I can remember. It is an issue that definitely splits people into two groups. Those that despise it and prefer it happen behind closed doors and those that simply do not care or choose to ignore it. Very few people enjoy PDA but a lot of people (including myself ) just choose to ignore it. It isn’t my place to say whether something should be allowed or not and of course being able to express your feelings toward another person should never be under fire. Of course, everything should also be done in moderation. We all know the difference between holding hands and kisses on the cheek and something you would see on Cinemax late at night. Some couples are aware of the world and people around them and know how to keep their displays of affection short, sweet, and to the point. It’s the romantics, the “usagainst-the-world” types that need to be reminded of how to act in public. We’ve all seen them, those couples that stare deep into each other’s eyes as if the meaning of life is in there and then proceed to consume each other’s face as if they were Hannibal Lecter. They simply forget that they are at school and that wherever you are at least ten people are either passing by or sitting around you. There are times when public displays of affection are cute, even heartwarming. Some couples you can just tell have a healthy relationship and don’t feel the need to display their love in an overtly physical manner at school. Those are the couples that hold hands, laugh with each other, walk to class together, and if they kiss, make it brief. Obviously our lives would be much easier if couples came with warnings such as “viewer discretion is advised” or “extreme sexual content” but sadly the worst kind of PDA comes when you least expect it and from the people who you would never imagine. Very few people actually look out for PDA, but for those that are in relationships with others at school it’s all about keeping in mind where you are and what others may think. Remember that you share campus with over 2,000 other students and that privacy is nearly impossible. My advice is to keep the PDA at school to a minimum and if you really can’t control yourself then wait until you’re at home or at least outside of school to let loose on your significant other.
Go
Redondo has a unique flair, from our beaches to our people. Supporting local shops preserves the personality of our town while putting dollars back into our community
Local
by Allegra Peelor
Local businesses are a vital component of the Redondo Beach community. There are many small businesses in the Hollywood Riviera alone, but still people choose to shop at huge chains instead of locally-owned businesses that are exclusive to Redondo, help the local economy, and even offer better customer service. Locally-owned businesses keep Redondo unique. Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach are called the “Beach Cities” for a reason; we are set apart from the rest of Los Angeles for having a more laid-back and overall “beachy” atmosphere and our local businesses help to establish this feel. Catalina Coffee, just two blocks farther than the Starbucks students frequent, is an independently-owned coffee shop and a staple of Redondo natives. They offer a larger selection of food and beverages, as well as a plethora of comfy seats (versus the four chairs at Starbucks). They also offer a range of flavored shots not available at the chain: hazelnut, cinnamon, chocolate, and pomogranate just to name a few. Lisa Z in the Riviera Village carries clothes you would find in any mall store plus one-of-a-kind designs. Clothing there is from independent designers who find pride in the art they produce, unlike Forever 21 (which rips ideas right off the runway and sends the knockoff designs to be produced by factory workers in the third world) or Urban Outfitters (which has been sued by independent artists for stealing designs and selling the overpriced copies). Lisa Z isn’t the only fashion-forward shop in the Riviera: stores like Ribbons, Papillon, and Renko offer great choices, too. Local clothing
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stores often have sales and clearance events. Their prices are fair, as their leather goods are genuine leather (as opposed to “leatherette”, whatever that is) and their fibers will last through more than one wash. In this sullen economy, small businesses have a greater, more positive impact on their local economy than big businesses do. A study conducted in 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana used the financial data from 15 locally owned businesses versus one average SuperTarget to find their impact on the local economy.
“[Local
business owners] aren’t anonymous CEO’s raking in millions of dollars. They are our friends and neigh-
important reasons to shop locally
two
”
Overall, the study found that while 32 percent of the money spent at the small businesses stayed in New Orlean’s economy, Target only returned 16 percent of its revenue back to the community. This was mostly due to locally-owned businesses tending to purchase goods and services from other small businesses, while Target imports products from factories and buys merchandise from large warehouses and other big businesses. The study concluded that $235 million per year would be generated in local economic activity if consumers shifted 10 percent of their spending from chains to local
A town’s individual character is maintained by the quirk and tradition of local shops
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businesses (http://www.newrules.org/retail/ key-studies-walmart-and-bigbox-retail). That’s money that could be spent on projects to improve Redondo, like updating our parks and helping our schools. Local shops also tend to have higher customer-satisfaction rates than do big businesses. Another study found that 70 percent of the consumers surveyed said that they liked patronizing local businesses as opposed to chains, citing better customer service and more friendly employees (http://andersonvillestudy.com/). Generally, local businesses have better customer service than chains because the owners want the consumer to recommend their store or product to other people in order to build a reputation in the community. Small businesses depend on their community in order to stay afloat, especially as more and more ventures are going under. Shop owners can’t afford a negative view of their shop so they go above and beyond to service their clients’ needs. Those in charge aren’t anonymous CEO’s raking in millions of dollars. They are our friends and neighbors. Big businesses have already established their product and don’t necessarily need more publicity; they have the money to create professional advertisements like commercials and billboards. Their reputation isn’t built on pleasing Redondo as they service thousands of other towns. When it comes down to it, they care about the bottom line. Going local is a great way to improve your karma. Money you send out comes right back in.
Small businesses contribute money back into the pockets of the community
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Non-profit organizations receive 250% more support from smaller businesses
http://sustainableconnections.org/thinklocal/why
New STEM program will help students achieve in math and science without the inconvenience of IB The title is f o u r fold – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – but the purpose is uniform: To not only educate students via traditional books, lectures, and tests, but to give them means to apply math and science subjects in a handson, career-focused way. Implementing the STEM program will be practical for school curriculum and ultimately beneficial to the students who participate. STEM education offers a broad range of science and math-related courses that include non-traditional subjects, including forensics and computer science. Requirements to complete a STEM diploma as a senior will align with the proven-successful AP classes we already offer on campus yet add a depth through career-focuses a stu-
Editorial
dent may choose, whether in medicine or electrical engineering. Teachers from both the math and science departments have already begun extensive planning to determine how to build the program, and have demonstrated their commitment to do so in a recent school board presentation. As opposed to the recentlyshelved IB program, the STEM program will not seek to add courses where curriculum is already strong but instead will provide students with tools to envision themselves beyond the curriculum. Many teachers have come forward to begin creating such tools in which they have placed their effort and trust. A STEM program will lessen the disparity between AP and CP courses as any motivated student, no matter their level, will be driven to explore a career path: Students may fulfill dual-credit courses taught on the campus of Cal State Universities or with Cal State professors, or even engage in re-
OPINION // JAN. 20, 2012
search internships at local laboratories and engineering companies such as Northrop Grumman. More so than high school classes, college courses and internships will equip students with the communication and collaboration skills they will need in the job world. Education is not passively sitting and learning for the next test, but it is actively applying and exploring for a very-near future. Our curriculum would do well to reflect that. Establishing STEM, beyond meeting the needs of a third of our school population’s career goals (as indicated on Naviance questionnaires) will build our reputation as a school that prepares students for life beyond high school, and thus attract more students in the area to our school. For those who do not plan to pursue a STEM-related career, the integrated STEM program will pave the way for other departments to build similar programs.
Around
Redondo “Is PDA (public display of affection) appropriate to show on campus during school?” “Yes it is appropriate. It doesn’t interfere with learning.”
—Kejahn Pratt
9th “No because it’s gross.”
Bungalows inconvenience student High Tide parking and should be relocated Staff Driving is a earlier or risk the possibility of being late to Editor-in-Chief: Alison Peet-Lukes Managing Editors: Meglyn Huber; Madeline Perrault News Editors: Daniel Garzon; Jeremy Porr Opinion Editor: Shannon Bowman Features Editors: Taylor Ballard; Kimberly Chapman; Anacristina Gonzalez; Bethany Kawa; Tricia Light; Emma Uriarte Sports Editors: Tatiana Celentano; Julie Tran; Zach Zent Photo Editors: Erinn Middo; Jenny Oetzell Copy Editor: Camille Duong Cartoonist: Cooper Lovano Online Editor: Brianna Egan Staff Writers: Matthew Brancolini; Dylan Biggs; Taylor Brightwell; Torrey Bruger; Logan Collingwood; Andrew Czuzak; Navea Dasz; Camille Duong; Brandon Folkman; Dan Furmansky; Shivaani Gandhi; Hana Ghanim; Andrew Hazeltine; Cedric Hyon; Craig Ives; Ilana LaGraff; Cole Greenbaum; Vivian Lam; Anthony Leong; Cooper Lovano; Diana Luna; Kayla Maanum; LeAnn Maanum; Isaiah Madison; Kylie Martin; Benjamin McLaughlin; Hayley Meyers; Madison Mitchell; Rachael Orford; Cameron Paulson; Allegra Peelor; Alejandro Quevedo; Jason Rochlin; Nancy Silva; Jessica Shipley; Taylor Sorensen; Savannah Stern; Hannah Son; Claire Tsius; Colin Welch; Cody Williams Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a highquality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body. This newspaper is wholly student managed, designed, and written newspaper that focuses on school and community events. The High Tide is published by the journalism class at Redondo Union High School, One Sea Hawk Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Advertising is $7.50 per column inch, $6.00 if paid in advance. Call (310)798-8665 ext. 2210. Signed commentaries and editorial cartoons represent the opinions of the staff writer of cartoonist and in no way reflect the opinions of the High Tide staff.
privilege that many upperclassman enjoy. The freedom to transport yourself where ever you desire is one of the highlights by Isaiah Madison of your teen years and a privilege underclassmen look forward to. Teens lucky enough to drive a car must pay 10 dollars to buy a parking pass. This parking pass allows them to park in either the senior parking lot or the lot by the auditorium. Lately there have not been enough parking spots for the large numbers of students parking. Recently, in preparation for the remodeling of science hall, bungalows have been placed in the majority of the spaces assigned to students in the auditorium parking lot. Staff members’ parking is unaffected by these bulbous intrusions, leaving students bitter and resentful. This is unfair for student drivers who have paid the 10 dollars in order to secure off street parking, while the staff who get their permits for free are hardly burdened by the inconvenient regulations the city has placed on surrounding parking spots. Additionally, the city restricts most of the parking surrounding the school to local residents. Students must also keep track of the local street sweeping schedule, constantly making sure they’re on the right side of the street or suffering a $48 fine. Students are now required to leave home
class, defeating the purpose of saving time by driving to school. Using parking as an excuse for tardiness is usually not acceptable, but is something that students are realizing is unpreventable. Parking may even worsen when the use of bungalows begins, with so many kids attending the classes in bungalows it will become a liability to have moving cars around carefree teens. Redondo is the largest school this side of the Mississippi River. We take up over 56 acres of land. Can’t the bungalows be placed somewhere else? Students realize that this is eventually for the benefit of the school and are excited for the much needed renovations. Although they understand why the bungalows are required, students don’t understand why they still have to pay 10 dollars when they are not guaranteed a spot. Administration could at least assign parking spots to students to make sure that everyone who needs one has a spot available. Furthermore, the staff have two additional lots they may park in, the science hall lot and the lot adjacent to the old office building. With these lots and the spots reserved in the student parking lots, staff have a greater amount of parking spots than utilized. Often students frantically searching for a spot are tempted by the numerous empty staff spots, but face consequences if they park there. In order to prevent parking from becoming a problem both students and faculty need to sacrifice parking availability. Something students have already done.
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11th
—Cameron
Lindquist
“Yes. If you truly love someone you should show your affection.” —Zane Zent
9th
“Yes because it’s healthy for couples.”
10th
—Nicolette Walsh
“Yes because it is good for relationships.”
12th
—Kris Martin
Compiled by Cody Williams Photos by Andrew Hazeltine
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HEALTH // JAN. 20, 2012
Acutane pill cures acne problems Lovelace and Biggs used to suffer from acne but Acutane changed their faces and lives by Shivaani Gandhi
What’s black, white, and red all over? A face with acne. But Senior Rachel Lovelace refuses to accept that. She used Accutane, a pill taken once a day for six months, to treat her acne. It reduces the size of the skin’s oil glands and the amount of oil they produce, which in turn reduces the amount of bacteria in the skin and prevents pores from getting clogged to begin with. (www.acne. org/accutane.html) Lovelace used it in the beginning of her junior year and believes her clear skin has made a difference in her life. “I have more confidence in myself to go outside, make new friends, and even have the confidence to get a job,” she said. Lovelace said she is a lot more open to taking pictures and going out with her friends now that she won’t be teased about her skin. “It’s not fun to have acne and it doesn’t make it easier when people judge you and tease you because your skin isn’t clear,” she said. According to Lovelace, when she started getting acne she used to get teased a lot. “I was very shy and didn’t want to go anywhere,” she said. Lovelace was hesitant to use Accutane at first because of the possible side effects, but she didn’t have any, except minor back pain and dry skin. Side effects can include nosebleeds, peeling skin, and unwanted hair growth. (www.ncbi.hlm.nih.gov) Senior Adrian Biggs agrees that Accutane is an effective way to treat acne, as he had no side effects. “I saw results after the first month,” Biggs said. “You feel confident that it’s really working. It’s reliable.” Lovelace also believes that after she used Accutane, her self-confidence increased. “I became less self-conscious because I knew my skin was beautiful,” she said. “Now I have a smile on my face and I have more confidence in myself.” Lovelace feels that she is more outgoing now that her skin is clear as well. “Overall, I liked [Accutane]. It was awesome for me,” she said. “I can walk around outside, knowing people are looking at me instead of my acne.”
Skin Myths
We have heard all the supposed “truths” of skin care from our mothers, friends, peers, but it is about time to set the record straight and learn the true health “to do’s and not to do’s”. Sorry mom, but who better to set the record straight on tanning, sunscreen, and acne treatment than the experts?
Q:
Are tanning beds a healthy alternative to sun bathing?
The Skin Cancer Foundation argues that no matter how you acquire a tan whether it’s lounging on the beach, in a tanning booth, or accidentally while indoors, there is still significant damage to the skin. “Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors,” According to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
A:
Mother’s may have influenced our opinion on skin health, but do mothers’ genes directly influence skin health?
Q:
“Sure, genetics play a role in how your skin looks, from the size of your pore to its texture and color. But banking on aging like your mom or grandmother is a big mistake,” Dr. Lee said in the Health News Digest. According to Lee, it’s our routine that influences skin health the most. She argues that “Skipping sunscreen, imbibing too often, coping ineffectively with stress, and sleeping on your side or stomach” can be damaging to your skin health. Lee recommends a healthy skin care routine that eliminates the harmful habits mentioned above to prevent “wrinkles, adult acne, and texture changes”.
A:
Do people with dark skin have a better chance of avoiding skin cancer than those with lighter skin?
Are more expensive acne products higher quality than less expensive products?
Q:
Q:
“While people of color are less likely to get skin cancer, they’re much more likely to die from it, due to a delay in detection,” said Perry Robins, M.D., president of the Skin Cancer Foundation in the Life Script Newsletter. According to Life Script Newsletter, in 2005, only 77% of African Americans survived melanoma compared to the 91% of Caucasians. When it comes to sun damage, no one race is safe.
“Many inexpensive drugstore brands are similar to highquality products, and manufacturers do scientific research and test them on thousands of women,” said Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a Boston-based dermatologist in Life Script Newsletter. According to Hirsch, the active ingredients determine the effectiveness of a skin product. Ingredients such as Collagen, tightens skin, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, clear and further prevent acne and Vitamin C to rejuvenates your skin (Hirsch).
A:
Q:
Should we give into the urge to pop a pimple? How beneficial is it?
“Squeezing pimples leads to infections – because you push bacteria into the skin – and scarring,” said Dr. Kenneth Beer, M.D., and assistant professor at the University of Miami and director of The Cosmetic Bootcamp, a dermatology training program for physicians in Life Script Newsletter. According to Beer, Popping pimples only spreads infection deeper through skin and causes reoccurring blemishes. She suggests applying a warm compress to the whitehead for five minutes 2-3 times per day. This will soften the skin so it pops on its own.
A:
A:
Does the SPF number on a sunscreen bottle determine the amount of protection that particular sunscreen provides?
Q:
The answer lies in the very word that makes up the acronym. According to Dr. Sandra Lee, a board certified Southern California dermatologist from Health News Digest, the SPF number is merely a factor when it comes to sun protection. “The SPF number on a bottle of sunscreen only gives a guide for how much UVB protection the product offers. It doesn’t tell you whether or not the product protects from UVA rays (which are also responsible for melanoma),” Said Dr. Lee.
A:
Compiled by Haley Meyers
ing up are the best ways to prevent sunburns and skin dama r e v o c d n ge V rays causes melanin production to increa reen a se Sunsc xposure to the sun’s U Overe y of protecting itself from UV rays and skin damage a w s ’ n i k s s the ure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) ray A tan i used by overexpos s a c e r a s n ak e t n e c b a r n e a o c f a w m it o h n Sunbur s a l u e r g M ery Early stage us t y o p i r e e s o t f s s o k i n m c e a h t n c s i e r a Melanom a sunburn on a cloudy day It is possible to get ’s rays can pass through clouds 90% of the sun Even your eye can get sunburn
SUN
FACTS Compiled by Savannah Stern
FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
Cancer patients have inspired Berman to raise money for Miller Hospital’s music therapy program by Mannal Haddad
As sophomore Tayler Berman walks through the doors of Miller Children’s Hospital carrying the money that the “Concert for a Cure” raised, she sees the smiling faces of the grateful children who will be able to enjoy another year of therapy. Berman’s motivation to start the “Concert for Cures” came from meeting Taylor Filorimo, a 15 year old living with Renal Cell Carcinoma. Things changed for Berman after meeting Filorimo in Texas, through mutual friends, two years ago. “It’s hard to see someone my age go through what she’s gone through. It can happen to anyone,” Berman said. This realization led her to reach out and create the “Concert for Cures” to raise money for Miller Hospital’s music therapy program, which relies strictly on donations. “She inspired me. She gave me the determination to benefit people at such a young age,” Berman said. Berman believes that Filorimo and the other cancer patients she has met gave her more than just determination. They gave her a better outlook on life. “They’re really strong. They’re struggling with so much and it is so inspiring. It pushed me to do more with my life and focus on all the positives,” Berman said. Since Berman had trouble relating to
the patients’ problems, she decided the best way to help would be using her musical abilities to raise money for them. “Music is my passion. I wanted to relate to the patients with it,” Berman said. “But it’s hard to empathize with them, so I try to sympathize.” Her passion for music soon turned into a passion for helping others. “I just wanted to help in any way and as much as I could. I can’t change things but if I can somehow make a difference I want to do as much as I can.” Berman said. Cain Castor, a sophomore who participated in the “Concert for Cures” with his band in June of last year, also utilized his musical talents to help the music therapy program. “Playing music is a passion of mine and it’s fun to do it for a good cause,” Castor said. “The fact that I get to help out sick kids just makes me feel better about myself.” Castor’s grandfather, who has been living with cancer for 13 years, was his motivation for helping with the concert. “I don’t personally know any of the patients but my grandpa has cancer and he made me want to step in and help out,” Castor said. Although the concert was a meaningful experience, Berman admits that it was a difficult task. “It was a challenge, but it’s worth it. A
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“Concert for a Cure”. 1. An advertisement for the fund raiser leans against a car. 2. Sophomore Taylor Berman makes a speech at the fund raiser. Various musical performers entertained in an effort to raise money for children in therapy. Berman participated after meeting children suffering in the hospital despite not knowing anyone in particular.
lot of people doubted me, but it’s the inspiration from the kids that drove me to pull through it,” said Berman. To Berman, the satisfaction of helping others outweighs the stress that the concert brings. “The most satisfying thing was just seeing the smiles of them knowing that somebody cares. It’s good to be selfless,” Berman said. “It’s satisfying to know people benefit from your selflessness.”
Oliver dances alongside her music idols by Kayla Maanum
Her candy red platform heels tapped on the floor as she closed her eyes and shook her hips, black lace top swaying with her to the beats of a live performance of Kanye West’s and Jay-Z’s “Ni**as in Paris”. The V.I.P. section was crowded as 25 other girls danced beside her- “Cut!” the director yelled, and the scene ended. Junior Alexandra Oliver recently showcased her talents of dancing and acting in Kanye West’s and Jay-Z’s music video for their song “Ni**as in Paris”. “[The other dancers and I] got to meet them but there was secret service and we couldn’t even take pictures or anything with them,” Oliver said. “But we got to meet them and they sang for us when we were performing so that was cool.” In the music video, Oliver plays a French model dancing in the VIP section of a concert. Though Oliver enjoyed the experience
because the artists are well-known, with her work comes a hectic schedule. “My agent actually called me and asked me if I could be at the audition at 12 o’ clock [during a school day],” she said. She ended up getting the part 10 hours before the video shoot. Oliver’s sister, sophomore Christina Oliver, also works professionally in the same fields. However, Christina did not have a role in Kanye West’s and Jay-Z’s music video. “I was actually extremely jealous [of Alexandra] because Kanye and Jay-Z are two of my music idols so I was kind of sad that I wasn’t asked to [audition for a role in the video],” Christina said. Though acting and dancing is a passion the sisters share Christina admits her busy schedule takes up most of her time. “[Working professionally] does take away from my school life a lot. A lot of my friends will get mad at me because
they’ll be like, ‘let’s hang out’, but I can’t because I have dance or I have acting. It takes up a good portion of your life,” Oliver said. Her sister agrees that professional life is separate from school life. “It’s like two different worlds. I have two different sets of friends which is a good break sometimes,” Alexandra said. Christina believes dancing and acting professionally has benefits. “It’s a good way to prepare myself for college because I need to be able to stay focused, but then again I want to be able to do stuff like acting and dancing. It’s good for preparing me for the future,” Oliver said. Alexandra also believes professionally acting and dancing has helped her become more social. “If I work with my sister it’s at least guaranteed I know somebody which is kind of cool, but I don’t mind not working
with her because then you can meet new people which is fun,” Alexandra said. In addition to meeting new people, Christina Oliver has gained a lot through professionally acting and dancing. “I’ve gained a lot of social abilities and I’ve met so many people who have been in so many different projects. It’s pretty much like a small world; you start knowing everybody,” Christina said. Some of the Olivers’ projects include a Sunny-D commercial, a commercial for IMBEE (a social networking site for kids), a web-cam commercial, an Exxon Mobile commercial, and the band N.E.R.D.’s music video for their song “Hot and Fun”. Though the Olivers do not see themselves dancing or acting as a career, it will still be a part of their lives. “[Dancing] is a good escape from life. When you didn’t have a good day it’s a really good way to express how you feel. It’s just a special thing,” Christina said.
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FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
Over the pressure by Taylor Sorenson
Two year varsity starter Brian Frew is known on the basketball team as a player who has proven successful in close games. When the pressure is on, Frew takes charge. “Especially when the game is close, the coaches expect me to [make the shot],” Frew said. Frew has been playing throughout high school and learned to face victory as well as defeat like last week’s game against Mira Costa. “The loss [against Costa] was tough especially because we weren’t able to hold onto the lead,” Frew said. Despite last week’s loss, Frew continues to be confident in his ability to make shots. “If a closing guard can’t stop me, I’ll be able to get my shot off and make it,” he said. According to Frew, part of his team’s success comes from their ability to play as a team. “We may not have as much talent as the years past, but we play well together,” Frew said. Redondo’s recent victory against Edison boosted team moral. “Winning [against] a division 1A team certainly helped our players regain confidence,” Frew said. As an individual he has proven himself as an asset to the team by keeping his cool under pressure, according to Frew. “Whenever I miss or don’t start
hitting the shots right away I get frustrated,” He said. “But the team is relying on me, and I can’t let it get me down.” During his junior year, Frew began his role on varsity with an opportunity to earn a starting position because of multiple injuries on the team. “[After playing on varsity] I began to feel confident in my ability to play and compete at the varsity level,” he said. Now the team has been taking necessary steps towards victory by drilling in practice and making it more physical and tough. “We’re basically dying in practice, but the team has been taking it well,” Frew said. “I think [the practice] is going to help us pull out wins at the end of the game.” Frew gives credit to his coaches for being hard on him and pushing him to succeed. “If I’m not playing up to my potential, they recognize it immediately,” he said. “Then it’s up to me to prove myself out there.” According to Frew, handling pressure is something he is used to. “When I’m playing a game and it’s close and the pressure is on to get a lead, I get hyped up inside and it gives me extra energy to play hard and make a big basket.
ne Shot
Pressure’s on. Sophomore Ian Fox shots a free throw from beyond the ark.
FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
Schweid beats stress by Lexxys Juarez
Stay up late and review everything taught since the beginning of the year. Cram the night before, stress about missing something that could be on the test. First semester finals are here, and freshman Julia Schweid is new to this. “I feel like it was just yesterday that we had just started the school year, and now all of a sudden we have to take these finals,” Schweid said. According to Schweid, the benchmarks she took in middle school didn’t require as much studying or pressure as finals do. “There’s a lot more work along with time and effort, needed to study for the finals. And I’m not necessarily sure what to expect because this all so new to me,” Schweid said. According to Schweid, she’s
decided to study beyond what her teachers have given her. “I think that’s the key: to just basically go through all of the chapters that you’ve learned, old homework assignments, and get all of the information in your head,” Schweid said. Schweid has also been helping her friends study in hope that they won’t cram like she has done in the past. “There’s so many things we’ve learned so far that you can’t just pick and choose what to review. You have to reassess absolutely everything my teachers have taught me if I wanna do well,” said Schweid. Spanish teacher Diana Muñoz has been preparing her students since the first day of school by giving them study guides, crossword puzzles, practice exams, and
Up All Night. Hector Echavarria studies for semester finals in his free time.
Preparing for the big show
Dare to be dangerous
by Madison Mitchell
Standing on the big stage with the pianist nearby, judges staring, and cameras rolling, senior Megan Cormier started her first college audition. The thoughts running through her mind stopped the instant she heard the cue to begin. “Once I started singing and got into my monologue, I felt good. I forgot about the judge, pianist, and cameras there,” Cormier said. To get over the stress of auditions, Cormier has found ways that works best for her. “I work with my voice coach and she gives me songs every week [to practice],” Cormier said. “I don’t think there is much you can do except prepare.” Cormier’s first audition was for
by Claire Tisius
Freshman Vaughn Cook spends his free time juggling in between classes and lunch for his friends and classmates. Cook can juggle four balls and three clubs at a time. When Cook first started it took him two days to learn how to juggle with balls and three hours to learn with clubs. “I can run, walk backwards, walk forwards, jump on one foot, a lot of weird things while juggling. I can even go up stairs while juggling,” Cook said. According to Cook, he hopes to become a teacher to teach others how to juggle every once in a while. “It’s fun, most people do not normally see juggling everyday. It brings a smile to people’s faces,” Cook said. From Clubs to Flaming Chainsaws: Vaughn Cook shares his juggling dream and how he plans to work towards it.To view photos of Cook performing a juggling trick and to listen to his full interview, visit hightideonline.org. Soundslide produced by Brianna Egan, Craig Ives, and Claire Tisius.
encouragement to study for all classes in order to prepare for their finals. Besides all this preparation, she feels the decision to do well and not stress over finals depends on the student individually. “I think that me and a lot of the other teachers have prepared our students well enough. It really just depends on the student themselves, whether they want to be useful with the information they’ve learned and apply it to their study time or not care at all,” Muñoz said. Stress over finals has filled the lives of most students, according to Schweid. “We just have to make sure we try and stay focused on these tests, and if we don’t do well, then we can learn from what we did wrong, and apply it next semester,” Schweid said.
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“Seussical” at Redondo. Now, four years later, she is auditioning for college at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Hollywood and Boston Conservatory to name a few but according to Cormier, getting through one audition makes the stress of the rest a little easier. “For my AMDA audition, I was totally confident and ready when I first got there. [But] as the time went on, I started to get more nervous,” Cormier said. Senior Kelsey Simon has also had experience with stressful auditions. The last audition she has had was for “Toy Camp” which just finished playing at Redondo last weekend. On Tuesday, she had an audition for the upcoming
play, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. “I get extremely nervous before auditions, even if I know exactly what I’m doing and what I’m going to say. There’s always that doubt in the back of your mind,” Simon said. “My problem with auditioning is that I think too much about what I’m doing instead of just going with the flow, but the more shows I audition for, the easier it gets and less stressful it gets.” Cormier and Simon have both had lots of experience in auditioning and their best advise is to be prepared. “Know your material, stay positive and humble, and have fun,” Simon said.
Step 2: Partner up. Junior Morgan Druitt and a partner read lines.
Step 3: Go for it. Junior Vicki Artaza takes a deep breath and walks into the spotlight for her audition.
The actor’s timeline:
Balancing Act. Cook juggles clubs now, but hopes to move up to knives.
Step 1: Choose. Sophomore Paolo Ragusa picks what he will preform.
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Cover Story
JAN. 20, 2012
70’s
Trends in the....
80’s
Trends: Tie Dye Lava lamps Mood rings
Trends: Drive-in movie theaters Arcades Rubix Cube Madonna, Top Gun Fashion: Pumps Punk fashion Feathered hair Legwarmers and fishnets
Fashion: Disco fashion Platforms and clogs Long hair and afros World Events: Chemical plant explosion in Dioxin, Italy Elvis Presley dies
World Events: Fall of Berlin Wall Wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana
90’s
Trends: Power rangers Titanic and Jurassic Park Tamagotchi Friends Fashion: Overalls Baby doll dresses World Events: Oklahoma City bombing Hubble telescope launched into space
JAN. 20, 2012
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STEPIN
Blast from the past. 1. Sophomomore Beth Samuels performs at a rally in 87’ 2. Here, “songleaders” pump up the crowd before a football game in 66’ 3. Current AP Government teacher Shannon Rodriguez won “Best Personality” her senior year graduating class of 87’ 4. Senior editors of the Pilot Staff of 66’ compare page ideas. 5. The cheerleading team of 87’ poses for a picture. 6. French exchange student Louiza Harir, sounds out a word. 7. Dance Drill members finish a routine during a zero period rehearsal. 8. Conversing before a performance, freshman Shana Perkins talks to Mike Sargent about the upcoming show.
TIME
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Redondo alumni return to school as teachers, and reflect on some of their memories.
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Water sports part of Rubke’s life since high school by Cedric Hyon 4.
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Friedrich and Cracknell reflect on their best high school memories by Cedric Hyon
The era is the 1990’s. Grudge rock and hip-hop fashion were the biggest trends. Students are done with high school and are ready to move on with their lives. Some of those students have moved on the become a teacher at the school. English teacher Robert Cracknell graduated from RUHS in 1994. Cracknell does not believe he followed the trend of clothing back then. “This was the era of Grunge Rock, where bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were really popular. People wore a lot of jeans and flannel shirts, but I would say my dress was probably similar to kids now: A T-shirt, shorts, and vans,” Cracknell said. Math teacher Joshua Friedrich graduated in 1997. He classifies himself under the “surfer” class. He also does not believe that he followed the common style of clothing in his time. “Bob Cracknell is three years older than me so the fashion changed a little bit. In the beginning of high school it was still plaid and ripped jeans, giving off the grunge look. There was also cross colors and a lot of bright colors and baggy pants. A lot of people would dress in monochrome, like all the same color,” Friedrich said. Cracknell considered himself a jock; he was on the football team and baseball team. Cracknell’s experience in football during high school influenced him to coach for the team when he returned to RUHS. “I had a great experience in Redondo. The program means a lot to me and I wanted to give kids that same kind of experience playing. That’s why I enjoy coaching kids so much. They can get the same experience I had as a player.”
Cracknell does not want to focus on one specific moment to consider his favorite in high school, but the football program as a whole was a great experience for him, according to Cracknell. “I’d say the friendships and relationships I’ve had with my teammates was the best. I wouldn’t want to focus on just one specific moment. Just the overall experience is what I enjoyed,” said Cracknell. Friedrich says that one of his best nights was his grad night trip. “Our grad night was really cool. We took a cruise in Newport Harbor. We had a dance party, a casino to play games and get raffle tickets, and a hypnotist. I just remember everyone being together for that last night,” Friedrich said. “Whether it was from different clicks or different people, I felt that none of that existed. We were all ready to move on with our lives and we were all one class. It was just a total unifying moment.” Cracknell came back in 1998. Cracknell says that the biggest change in the school is the technology students have access to. “Kids have so many options for communication and getting information that I didn’t have when I was growing up. We didn’t have cell phones or texting or Facebook. I didn’t even have a computer; I typed everything on a word processor,” Cracknell said. “We would call people on the phone and say ‘Meet up at Carl’s Jr. at 8 o’clock on a Friday night.’ If you weren’t gonna go, you still had to go because there was no way of getting in touch with anyone since they weren’t at home.” When Friedrich came back in 2006, he said the only big change was construction, such as the new 800 building. He
Awkward Senior Portraits. 1. Math teacher Joshua Friedrich sports the ever popular middle part and highlights in his 97’ yearbook photo. 2. Cracknell goes for a preppy look in his 94’ yearbook photo.
Senior classes of the 80’s thought to be most spirited by Cedric Hyon
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says the rest was just as he remembered it. “Pretty much everything looked the same as when I left it. I can remember students looking really young. I used to think that I was such in an adult in high school, but after I came back ten years later I said ‘Wow these kids look so young,’ said Friedrich. “The most change I’ve seen was in Measure C with all the new construction was being done.” Friedrich’s favorite moment as a teacher was seeing students come back to see him, send him postcards, or contacting him in some way. “I would say my best memories are of students that come back to visit me after they have left. Just because I know when they come back to see me that they genuinely respect me or genuinely learned in my class. Students who drop postcards or write letters to me at the end of the year, that means a lot to me,” said Friedrich. Cracknell’s favorite moment from school involved the seniors he helped as well. “I enjoyed teaching seniors and seeing them in their final days of school. They were just so excited and there was so much hope for the future and it was fun guiding them through with what they’re going to do in the future or what kind of advice I could give them,” Cracknell said.
Wearing his favorite outfit, a teal shirt with rolled up, florescent orange sleeves and pegged, skin tight jeans, Keith VanSwearingen walks the halls of Redondo Union. The year is 1989, his senior year, but it was not his last year at Redondo. As a former student, Van has seen the school’s progression since the 80s and has a great love of the school. “I hoped to come back to Redondo. I had good memories of teachers who cared, and I liked how the school was run. Redondo took good care of me, so I’m glad that I can be a part of it now,” he said. Tommy Chaffins, who graduated Redondo in 1988, shares Van’s love for the school. “What I like about the school then and now is that it doesn’t put a lot of weight on [wealth]. One of the endeavoring qualities of the school is that it judges on merit,” Chaffins said. According to Chaffins, the student body is more diverse now. The curriculum, however, has become less diverse. “When I was a freshman, I took ancient history and geography. I know health is important, but I feel we’re really missing something by not having [geography] now,” VanSwearingen said. Chaffins, the girls’ volleyball coach, never played volleyball for the school, but he was on the tennis team. “Students now have to put in a lot more money [for sports] than when I went here,” he said. School spirit is also considerably different now than it was in the 80s according to VanSwearingen. “Seniors now are more spirited, but back then freshmen were the most spirited,” he said, “Rallies were loud and exciting and the entire student body could fit into the gym.” Students also did not hang out as much at each other’s houses, and there were more school events. “There were a lot more dances then because there was a lot more interest,” Van said, “When I went to baseball games [and other sports], the stands were always packed.”
Long hair. Neon clothes. Classic rock blasting in the background. This was the average scene from biology teacher and swim coach Mark Rubke’s
high school years. Rubke attended Redondo from fall of 1967 to spring of 1971. Rubke began working at Redondo by assisting the swim coach and his career just spiraled from there. “A former coach called me and asked me if I was interested in helping out. That happened 35 years ago and that’s how I got started [with swimming],” Rubke said. “I fell in waterpolo when there really was no one else to do it. I love it now.” According to Rubke, the competition between Mira Costa and Redondo had been very serious, possibly even more than it is now.
“We had a strong rivalry with Mira Costa….on swimming at least I could compete with them on an individual basis,” Rubke said. “That influenced me even when I came back. To this day I don’t feel comfortable wearing yellow and green together.” Even though Rubke was a “nerd”, he enjoyed his experiences and the friends he made throughout his high school years. “I would say I was pretty nerdy—none of [my friends] were the high profile people on campus,” Rubke said. “They were articulate and I enjoyed their company. It was okay not being popular.” According to Rubke, one of the reasons he was considered “nerdy” was because he didn’t keep up with the trends; the “long hair, loud colors and patterns, and the classic rock”. “One thing I distinctly remember, because I wasn’t allowed to have it, was guys having long hair back then and my father refused [to let me], so that much more qualified for the nerd category,” he said.
THE RIVALRY
Teachers who graduated from Mira Costa reflect on the years-old rivalry between their alma mater and their current employer “I remember it as a My senior year, some friendly rivalry, but just kids I knew went to the as intense as it is now. Redondo field the night We would pin golden before the Redondo ‘Rooter Ribbons’ to our Costa football game shirts that said ‘Beat and covered the “N” in Redondo!’ and we’d Redondo so it spelled have to be on our best “RE-DODO” game.”
—Ashley Bowles, US History
—Alvin Fletcher, Physical Science
“One time, while our bus was leaving Redondo after an away game, Redondo kids threw rocks at our bus, and since the windows were open I got hit in the face. And another time, while they were at Costa,theypaintedan‘R’ on one of the buildings. Redondo was always on the attack!”
—Kris Moon, Culinary Arts
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FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
LOCALS ONLY Dave’s Olde Book Shop offers variety From shopping at the Riviera to eating at family-owned restaurants, many students support Redondo’s local businesses.
by Ben McLaughlin
Nowadays, many are turning away from books in favor of eReaders, but some still prefer the feel of a real book; the trip to the bookstore, the smell of books, the sound a page makes when it turns, and the gratification of finishing a book and shutting it closed. Dave’s Olde Book Shop on Artesia boulevard still celebrates books in an environment that is much more personal than a large chain like Barnes & Noble.
“There is more interaction here. There’s more of a relationship between customer and vendor,” owner Dave Prentice said. Prentice enjoys the relationships he forms with customers and sees it as a vital part of his business. “We get a lot of interesting customers here, mostly older people and avid readers,” Prentice said. Prentice also sees new readers and feels comfortable helping people find the books they would like.
“I’ve gotten pretty good at recommending books,” Prentice said. “I recommend books all the time here.” Junior Sadie Kimbro often goes to Dave’s, and she enjoys it for its wide selection of books. “It has older and less known books that you couldn’t find at a chain store,” Kimbro said. “My brother collects first editions of old books so its perfect for him.” Among other rare and leather-bound books, Dave’s has a book written in 1747
about electricity and its possible uses. Dave’s also has a buyback program where people can come in and sell books for credit or cash, and also sells books online. “This business is good as far as recycling goes because of our buyback program,” Prentice said. “Plus it helps the local community which is also good.” Prentice believes that running his business is “fun.” “I have a passion for books so it’s very rewarding,” he said.
Rod’s becomes a South Bay favorite by Dylan Biggs
The sizzling sounds of patties on a grill and the fragrant aroma of fresh salty fries and juicy burgers fills the air of Rod’s Char broiler. Dino Fotopoulos, the owner of Rod’s, believes his “better” burgers and fresh food allow him to attract an average of 250 customers a day and make being a successful local business rather easy. “People say we are better than the bigger chains,” he said. “We try to give the best service and the best food.” Fotopoulos says that he wants to hear input from his customers. “If there are any problems, I want [the customers] to tell me,” he said.
He feels that his regulars appreciate the high quality of food. “We have people who come in here three or four times a week,” Fotopoulos said. First-time costumer Mike Turzian enjoyed Rod’s “original” food. “I decided to treat myself to a good lunch,” he said. Tarzian, who chose to eat at Rod’s because he always saw it packed with people, feels that Rod’s is “better” than larger burger companies and plans on returning. “There’s a variety of food on the menu,” he said. Fotopoulos believes that his service and food make him a local “favorite”. “We try to be the best place in Redondo,” he said.
1. Photo by Jenny Oetzell
Wanna Chill Shaved Ice prepares to open by Sophia Ritchie
Shaved ice of every color in the rainbow tops every imaginable flavor of ice cream. The Hawaiian shaved ice craze has hit Redondo. Junior Natalie Zaragoza’s family will soon open a new shaved ice store, Wanna Chill. “When you combine ice cream and shaved ice it really is a magical taste experience,” owner Shaista Zaragoza said. Junior Natalie Zaragoza feels that the store will offer something for everyone, with over 60 different shaved ice flavors of low fat, fat free, sugar free, sorbet, and soy ice cream. “To compete with other businesses we are going to be carrying 13 to 14 flavors of ice cream,” Natalie said. Wanna Chill will also have a wide variety of toppings and friendly employees. “We are trying to reach out to everyone
by having things every person can enjoy.” Natalie said. They are focusing on the Hawaiian shaved ice experience because there are few shaved ice places in Redondo Beach. “We think we’ve found a unique menu that will delight our customers,” Shaista said. They will also they will have a fruit parfait and are hoping it will become a “South Bay favorite.” The store will also be supporting other local organizations and schools, and will give local students work experience. “One of the reasons [we wanted] to start this business is to give back to the community,” Shaista said. They also plan on supporting as many local fund raising events as possible. “Redondo is a great place to live, and when you “wanna chill,” we are a great place to visit,” Shaista said.
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Photo by Julie D’eath
Photo by Julie D’eath
Keeping it local. 1. Dave’s carries many rare books, some of which have been published over 200 years ago. 2. The store also has a buyback program. 3. Rod’s is a lunchtime favorite among locals. 4. The menu carries items ranging from greek salad to fish burgers.
FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
Family-owned Le Tete stays strong by Cameron Paulson
Even though Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Urban Outfitters attract thousands of customers every day, local clothing store Le Tete continues to hold its own. “The store was first built in 1983 by my husband and I,” owner Stella Tetenbaum said. “Le Tete has always been a family run business.” After many years of hard work, Tetenbaum hopes to pass down the business to her children and keep the tradition going. “[My son] Rolland works on internet sales and our web site while [my daughter] Olympia works on buying our products,” Tetenbaum said. According to Tetenbaum, she cherishes the store and every minute she spends in it.
“The store has brought me many good memories and has taught me many lessons,” Tetenbaum said. “The store is now a part of me. [I know that there are] many memories to come. When the time comes it will be hard to let go.” Despite all of the good memories, Tetenbaum has faced a number of challenges as well. “It’s always a struggle with the store,” Tetenbaum said. “We’ve been through every up and down there is but we still stand tall.” Just last year as the earthquake hit Le Tete faced troubles and damages. “After the earthquake, the whole front of our store was gone,” Tetenbaum said. “Our whole family was devastated.” Tetenbaum feels that since the store is
like a family member, the bad times are especially difficult. “It’s almost like it’s another one of my children,” Tetenbaum said. “Even though I know it can’t be smooth sailing the whole time, it’s my job as an owner to bring back the good.” After a rough few months, things have started to improve for Le Tete. “No matter what, it’s survival. We will do whatever it takes,” Tetenbaum said. “We fixed the whole front of the store and have just recently remodeled the back.” Tetenbaum is confident Le Tete will always stay strong. “The store has been through a lot but it is now a part of our family,” Tetenbaum said. “Le Tete is stronger than ever and will continue to thrive.”
Catalina Coffee provides authentic cafe experience by Katie Hill
Catalina Coffee Company feels like the home of an old friend. The warm and easygoing attitude of both the customers and the employees is sensed as soon as one enters the room. The dimly lit coffeehouse is covered in comfy vintage furniture and books lining the walls. It serves as a place for adults to converse over a cup of coffee and a hangout for teenagers, all conveniently located a few blocks away from the Redondo Union. According to Fallon Beeson, the café’s manager, the welcoming atmosphere of Catalina Coffee Company is a result of the small business’ close relationships with its customers. “Something that makes small business thrive, especially this small business, is its ability to work with the community and the sense of ownership and pride that the community has in us,” Beeson said. Catalina Coffee Company has served the community ever since Owner Ellen Brown and her son Jeff Sallee bought it 12 years ago. “[The community] knows our business and all of our employees on a personal level,” Beeson said. They bought it when it was the Redondo Beach coffeehouse Yesterdays. “[Yesterdays] looked like the seventies got sick everywhere,” he said. “There was a lot of blue velvet.” After buying Yesterdays, Brown completely remade it from the ground up, and has remained passionate about the coffeehouse ever since. “I remember a time when a coffeehouse wasn’t Starbucks. It was a place where you went, sat down, and had friendly conversations,” said Beeson. He feels that Catalina Coffee Company sets itself apart from the chains by staying true to what it always has been, an authentic
coffeehouse. Junior Loagan Thompson appreciates Catalina Coffee Company’s authenticity. “It’s nice to have such a cool coffee house in Redondo Beach. I haven’t seen many others like it,” he said. The Catalina Coffee Company does not only offer a “fun atmosphere”, but a unique array of baked goods as well. All of their food is either made fresh in the café or comes from a bakery in Santa
Monica. Their drinks are great as well, according to junior Keziah Wilhelm. “My favorite is the vanilla chai tea latte,” Wilhelm said. “You can’t get a better latte anywhere else.” The Catalina Coffee Company plans on opening another enjoyable and unique café in North Redondo on Artesia. “Catalina Coffee Company has heart, and you just can’t change that,” Beeson said.
13
Redondo Classics
Many Redondo businesses are over 30 years old.
Okell’s Fireplace Est. 1924
El Indio
Est. 1960
Tony’s on the Pier Est. 1961
Eat at Joe’s Est. 1969
Rosa’s
Est. 1972
Zeppy’s Pizza Est. 1972
Charlie’s Place Est. 1973
Fun Factory Est. 1975
Brogino’s Photo by Jenny Oetzell
Just like home. The Catalina Coffee Company attracts customers with comfortable couches, board games, and books.
Est. 1977
14
FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
Getting back
Thrifty fun
Recycling has more than one advantage for Ecology club
Fun that won’t break the bank Quarter mania laser tag
Lazer Storm in Torrance California. The first game is six dollars and every game after that is a quarter every Monday after 6 p.m.
A.M.C. matinee movies Movies before 12p.m. are $6 all the time
Outings at Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day excluding Wednesday. The park is free during the day and there is a small fee for camping at night
Geocaching
This activity is free and can be done anywhere. Geocaching is similar to a treasure hunt. First you must download the gps geocaching app onto your phone and follow the directions that it gives you. The app will take you to the nearest Geaocach capsule which will contain little trinkets and a log where you record your name and write a comment. You may take one trinket to keep but you must relace it. The capsule itself is usually hidden.
Groupon.com
by Alejandro Quevedo
Unlocking y o u r s av i ng potential 15%
3 out of 20 students admit they do not know how to be frugal
85%
17 out of the same 20 students say they have found ways to save money and have fun simultaneously
Groupon is a site that shows different sales and gives savings on local activities compiled by Jessi Shipley
How do you stack up Tips to make the most of your money compiled by Taylor Ballard from beingfrugal.net
1. Limit clothes shopping. 2. Shop at thrift stores. 3. Shop garage sales. 4. Reuse paper or plastic bags. 5. Use rechargeable batteries. 6. Eat out once a week. 7. Buy generic items
The feel of cold, hard cash is an immensely satisfying feeling. But when you earn it through recycling you get the added satisfaction of doing your part to help the planet. Recycling is a simple way to help the environment and make money on the side. It is done virtually everywhere in the US and helps reduce the amount of waste we end up burning, burying in a landfill, or dumping into the ocean. Freshman Justin Leavitt and the ecology club take advantage of the opportunity to do their share for the Earth and earn money for themselves. “It’s simple for us,” club president Cooper Lovano said. “It lets us do the right thing while earning money for the club.” In contrast, some believe that recycling does not build up enough value per item to be profitable. “It’s not a very good way to get money because its only five cents a bottle,” Leavitt said. “If you don’t make time to look for things to recycle, then it’s not really worth turning them in. I only make about $7 a trip.” Depending on how much time you put into it, recycling can go from bringing you a little bit of spending money to bringing in enough for large-scale things, such as funding a club. “We mainly recycle to pay club expenses but we can end up getting enough money from it to make donations to the [Surf Rider Foundation] at the end of the year,” Lovano said. Many people cannot find enough recyclables to get a large profit. But, if one looks hard enough a treasure trove of environmental gold can be found. “A lot of what we get are bottles and cans that we find around the school,” Lovano said. “The most we’ve gotten was twelve bags full of bottles and cans, which brought us around $86. The average we get is 6 bags full earning around $40.” If one knows how to look these opportunities can even be found at home. Plain old trash can have a treasure chest of recyclables. “My family plays a lot of sports so we accumulate a lot of water bottles which I can recycle,” Leavitt said. Though opinions differ one fact remains to Lovano: helping the environment is the biggest upside and it is very easy to do. “It’s simpler than other ways to get money like fundraising, and its more rewarding because it gives us a more handson feel to helping the environment,” Lovano said, “Plus it can bring in a good profit.”
FEATURES // JAN. 20, 2012
15
Top 5 most popular apps 1. Facebook 4. Angry Birds 2. Instagram
5. Temple Run
3. Yelp
Top 5 educational apps 1. Flashcard Deluxe 4. Spanish Dictionary Pro 2. No Fear Shakespear 5. The official SAT question of the day 3. myHomework
Most popular apps by Logan Collingwood
Smartphones are becoming increasingly prevalent in our day to day lives, mainly because they help make things more efficient and often provide ways to complete common tasks with less effort. Apple’s App Store, Google’s Android Market, and Blackberry’s App World all provide an abundant amount of mobile applications that have a wide range of functions in order to connect, assist, and entertain its users. With over 500,000 apps in the iOS App Store (www.apple.com), 400,000 apps in the Android Market (www.pcworld.com), and 55,455 apps in the App World (appworld.blackberry.com), finding the best
apps can prove to be a difficult task. The best applications usually become popular by word of mouth. For instance, the game Temple Run on iOS has taken over the app store in the past few weeks and currently holds a 5 star rating with over 337,689 user reviews. The simple yet addicting game Angry Birds has already been downloaded over 500 million times across all of its supported platforms. However, all is not fun and games with these new applications as they can become horribly addicting. As finals week approaches it may prove to be highly beneficial to turn off your phone before you open your text books.
Top 5 most useful apps 1. Barcode Scaner Shopping 4. Dictionary.com 2. Eat this Not That! Restaurants
3. Maps+
5. Geocach
16
SPORTS // JAN. 20, 2012
ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE
HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP As the best heavyweight wrestler at RUHS, senior Alexanthony Maldonado inspires the others to follow in his footsteps. by Navea Dasz
Upon entering the wrestling room, his first impression is of terror. The intimidating sight of upperclassmen drenched in sweat and out of breath instill a sense of perpetual fear. Second thoughts run through his head and suddenly he isn’t so sure about this anymore. That was four years ago. Today senior Alex Anthony Maldanado is the most experienced wrestler on the team. “I love the sport; I love everything about it,” Maldonado said. “There’s nothing better than being able to dominate someone.” Maldonado started out wrestling because
PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL
his older brother used to be on the team. “He’s been my role model since I was a kid,” he said. “Growing up, I’ve watched him play football, and I saw him wrestling a couple of times. I thought [wrestling] was a much cooler sport than football so I decided to join.” Although terrifying to him as a freshman, the feeling of competing as a wrestler proved well worth the first season anxiety. “I feel the rush, the adrenaline, and the crowd shouting. It’s a great experience, just being on the mat and seeing the other guy, and just being able to compete at the highest level,” he said.
Competing at the highest level does not come without hard work and effort. “Wrestling is not something you just pick up. You have to work at it and learn the basics,” he said. “You’ve got to put the time and effort, and eventually it’ll come to you.” Head wrestling coach Aron Schonberg noted Maldonado’s improvement. “He just builds on the previous year, and he’s gotten so much better,” Schonberg said. “He’s patient; he works his move, and now he’s added a couple of new moves and it’s just phenomenal to watch.” Not only does he improve as an individ-
ual with every passing year, but with every passing year, Maldonado plays an increasingly important role on the team. “He’s the leader, the guy that kids call on to be inspired,” Schonberg said. “He gets people motivated and encourages [them].” Teammate junior Nicholas Madrid also views Maldonado as an important, vocal asset to the team who holds learning to the highest esteem and lets the team know that. “He’s the one to pump us up,” Madrid said, “He doesn’t expect us all to win. He expects us all to give our best and put our whole heart into it. If Maldy wasn’t there, [the team] wouldn’t be the same.”
SPORTS // JAN. 20, 2012
DEFENDING THE BAY LEAGUE TRADITION
17
WRESTLING by Matthew Brancolini
on yesterday’s game vs. West...
“ We will be the Redondo
we really are against Costa. Tonight was not Redondo wrestling. That’s not how we wrestle. -David Travioso
PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL
Headlock. Junior Izzy Del Real pulls opponent down in match against Peninsula High School.
”
The wrestling team lost, 2-65, against West yesterday. They prepare to compete against Mira Costa next week.
STRAIGHT SHOOTING by Kylie Martin
PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL
Making a splash. Senior Julie D’Eath surges past a West High School player and makes a successful shot in a match last Wednesday. by Camille Duong
Last Wednesday the girls’ water polo team easily defeated West , 16-5. According to head coach Mitch Yamamoto, the win was largely attributed to a solid defense. “The team on defense is doing a good job of taking away shots from the other team,” he said. “They had two or three good shooters and we were able to slow them down quite a bit.” Junior Hannah Mansour agrees that defense played a strong game.
“To slow down a high power team like Palos Verdes is big for our program. -Mitch Yamamoto
”
“We did a good job of getting back and helping each other,” she said. According to Junior Sarah Logan the team perfected its defense and offense also made improvements. “Offense was better because we were moving, driving and getting open for more passes,” Logan said. Another crucial part of the teams’ win was accredited to the play of Logan and Senior Tiffany Morales according to Yamamoto. “Sarah is phenomenal in goal,” Yamamoto said. “Tiffany is the greatest player we have on offense and defense.”
A minor setback to their two previous wins, the boys’ soccer team lost to West, 4-2, on Tuesday. “We really should have won,” senior Jeffrey Brandon said. “We just got out-worked and we weren’t getting first to the ball.” Senior Kris Martin accredits their loss to a lack of energy on the field. “We didn’t start off the game with enough energy or the right mentality,” Martin said. “We were expecting to easily beat West. We shouldn’t have underestimated them.” According to Martin, the team’s defensive end was unprepared for West’s strong offense, getting beat by simple plays and not clearing the ball up when they needed to. “Our defense kept giving up balls easily and making minor mistakes,” Brandon said.
Mansour believes that the team improved in the game against West. “I think that overall we did very well in being aware of each other, making good passes, and taking hard shots,” Mansour said. After this win, the team looks to face Costa on Monday. Yamamoto hopes to strengthen the offense after concentrating on defense. “Because we concentrated so much on defense we’re playing catch up with the offense,” he said. According to Yamamoto he is confident with defense after their game against Palos Verdes. “Even though we lost 8-3 we were 2-1 going into the half,” he said. “To slow down a high power team like Palos Verdes is big for our program.” Yamamoto hopes to have the offense become more open and distance themselves from the opposing defense and take more shots on goal. “We need a lot more movement,” he said. According to Mansour the team needs to work on being more aware of one another to be able to make goals. “We need to be more vocal with each other,” she said. “We also need to work on making smarter shots.” The team is focusing on the offensive side of water polo because defense has been doing so well according to Logan. “The teams’ offense needs to be more aggressive, drive more often, and have the tenacity to go out there and play hard,” Logan is proud of the teams’ accomplishments in the season so far. The team also needs to work on defending the goalie. Despite the necessary improvements, Yamamato is still proud of the girls. PHOTO BY ALISA IDE “I’m proud of the team,” he said. “They’ve made huge improvements and ev- Swift kick. Senior Nathan Hierlhy dribbles eryone had contributed.” the ball in a game against West High School.
According to sophomore Dustin Herold, the defense was lacking their usual strength, and needed to start off more plays from the back. “We weren’t winning most of the 50/50 balls, and we were giving up a lot of balls in the offense,” Martin said. Brandon also believes that the offense could have maintained possession of the balls better, moved around quicker, and made smarter plays. “We just weren’t taking advantage of the shots we had on goal,” Herold said. Herold believes that the midfielders were fluid and serving the ball off well. Martin credits Brandon, sophomore Shane Staudle, senior Ruben Pereida, and junior Colin Jackson with controlling the middle and creating lots of opportunities for the team. “Jeff played well in the middle and was definitely one of the key players of the game,” Martin said. Martin believes that the loss will motivate the team to play better at their game against Palos Verdes. “We need to focus at practice more and have a better mentality before our game Friday,” Herold said. “You play the way you practice.” Returning as the number one champs from last season, PV is a tough opponent for the boys and has s been a hard team to beat in previous years. “Last year PV was a big and physical team,” Brandon said, “They were exceptionally good at scoring off of headers and throws.” However, Brandon believes that the boys can come through with a victory if their head is in the game and they train hard and focus during practice. “There is no question that PV will be a hard team to beat,” Herold said. “But if we play like we played our last two games, I think we definitely have a shot at winning.” Herold also feels that their offense has improved this year and because of that, they will put up a good fight against PV. Although disappointed by their loss to West, the boys remain optimistic about the rest of the season. “The season is turning out better than expected, and I think beating PV is a definite possibility,” Herold said.
18
SPORTS // JAN. 20, 2012
Here to win, play to lose The West Warriors defeat both boys’ and girls’ basketball. The teams head into tonight’s game against PV planning to get back on track and get their records up to compete in CIF.
Power’s out
Not so fast
by Brandon Folkman
by Mya Gelber
Despite a late fourth quarter run, the Seahawks suffered a tough 57-52 loss to West last Tuesday night. After a 15 -0 run by West just before halftime, Redondo’s early lead was crushed and the team spent the rest of the game down by as much as 10 points. Redondo’s strong fourth quarter defense and success from behind the three point line narrowed West’s lead to as little as three points, but was not enough as West walked away with the victory. For Senior Brian Frew, the result of the game was disappointing to say the least. “As a whole, the team could have played much better. We all need to play good defense the whole game not just at the end of the game,” Frew said. Senior David Passmore agrees that the team has a lot to improve on before this Friday’s game. “Our team needs to work on executing our offensive plays more efficiently. We missed some good plays that could have made the game closer,” Passmore said. However, both seniors PHOTOS BY MATT MARDISICH agree that the team’s strong fourth quarter defense is what sets it apart from Hoop! There it isn’t. On the left, junior Christopher Henderson drives the ball to the basket in the game against West. Despite a devastating loss, Henderson plans to stay positive and work to win the remainder of their games. “We just need to work many other teams. together and stay calm. If we can do that, i know we can win. We have the talent and chemistry to work together as a team “Our team plays good, and defeat the majority of teams in League,” Henderson said. On the right, junior Taylor Smith hook shots the ball in the game solid defense. We always against West. Smith has been practicing her lay up in order to ensure she will get the easy baskets when they matter most. pressure the ball, and have Overall, the team still feels confident good help defense for when going into this Friday’s game against one of us gets beat,” Passmore said. The loss puts the team in a tough po- PV, and hopes to use the loss to imsition as they now have to win a major- prove. “Our team plays and competes hard ity of their upcoming games to make in every game we play in. We just need the playoffs, according to junior Derek to cut down on some mental mistakes Biale. “Today was a big loss but we just that will hopefully reduce turnovers in have to keep our heads up and worry our games,” Passmore said, “Hopefully about winning the next game,” Biale we can bounce back from this loss and learn from it.” said.
The girls’ basketball team lost to West High last Tuesday, 52-31, and is preparing to play P.V. this afternoon. “We are going into league (7-8), and it will be tough. We’re going to need to scratch and claw and learn the value of the basketball better offensively,” said Coach Marcello Enriquez. According to senior Taylor Smith, the team’s loss at West was due to the inability to transfer their hard work at practice to games and lacking on offensive. “Practices are a lot more intense when it comes to conditioning and being on task. There’s a lot of running involved when we mess up and a lot of repetition of drills to make sure we know everything. We lost because of a lot of turnovers, which is usually our main problem,” Smith said. According to senior Annie Park, being able to move the ball and working together to keep the ball will help them win their upcoming game against P.V. “Playing good defense, executing on offense, and having no turnovers will definitely get us a win,” Park said. However, if the team predicts a win it will lead to their over-confidence and effect them negatively in how they might play tonight, according to Park. “I’m not going to expect anything, I feel like that will effect our style of playing. We just have to keep practicing hard and hope that it shows against P.V,” Annie said.
Sea Hawks V. Sea Kings AWAY Girls- 6:00pm Boys- 7:30pm
SPORTS // JAN. 20, 2012
19
Dropping in With mushy conditions and low quality waves, the surf team paddles to victory. by Diana Luna
W
PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL
Shooting through. Sophomore Kenny Okuda shoots through the pier to practice his accuracy and control for future meets.
ining by a landslide, the surf team beat South High Wednesday morning 99-71. Despite the frigid conditions, knee high waves and high tide; the team ended on a high note to end their season. Although South is not much of “competition” according to junior, Ryan Woolner, he does admit they have a few strong points. “South is an easy team to compete against [and] they have a few good surfers, but we have even greater ones and many more,” said Woolner. Individually, Woolner feels he needs to work on his vertical style and his back side style. But as a team, he senses a lack of team spirit. “Having more team spirit can give a team a more positive mindset which leads to surfing better,” said Woolner. Junior Ethan Pezzolo feels he can also relate to Woolner. “We were all pretty positive going into [the competition], it’s all about staying positive [and] it never hurts to be very confident either,” said Pezzolo. This year has been the best girl’s surf team for the first time in about five years according to freshman, Elle Inscore. She has been working hard on improving tricks like “hanging ten” and “walking the nose” and has been putting much effort on trying to catch more waves. “I need to definitely catch more waves,” said Inscore,” I go for quality not quantity and I really need to work more on quantity when I surf.” Not only would she like to improve on this individually, she would like to see some of the other girls also work on their tricks. As was expected, Redondo savored a well taken victory and left South with the desire for a better turnout for themselves. “The team surfed well as whole [Wednesday], “ said Pezzolo, “ we all stood out, not just one person.”
PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL
Quality, not quantity. Sophomore Luke Meyers trains to read better waves as he focuses on quality rather than quantity. “It’s crucial to be able to choose better waves because the heats are very short and we need to be able to get as many points as possible,” Meyers said.
The bounceback Despite numerous obsticles, soccer comes together to win. by Colin Welch
Girls’ soccer took their first bay league victory over West 2-0 last Wednesday. This was the third game of league play and in order to win Bay League they needed a victory according to junior Brittany Oldham. The team played very well as a whole according senior Erin Middo. “We were connecting our passes, creating many opportunities to score, and communicating a lot more,” Middo said. The previous two losses gave girls’ soccer the desire and push to run over West, according to senior Samantha Witteman. “We had momentum, and good team chemistry which really helped us take over the game.” Witteman said. The team’s excellent performance was attributed to their hard work, according to Oldham. “ We have been working extremely hard in prac-
tice,” said Oldham. “The first two losses acted as motivation for us.” According to Middo the team doesn’t need to improve but needs to stay competitive. “We don’t need improvement because we have the talent and chemistry, but we do need to stay hungry and come out strong every game,” she said. Girls’ soccer is going into the rest of league with a chip on their shoulder as they hope to win the rest of their games, according to Oldham. “We hope for this win will give us the momentum to defeat Palos Verdes and other Bay League teams,” said Witteman. Along with winning their league games they hope to prosper during CIF according to Oldham. “This was a crucial victory for us,” said Oldham. “We need to play at our highest level in order to continue winning.”
PHOTO BY CHRIS PALLUNGAS
Chraging the field. Junior Tonya Gonzalez takes the ball down the field in game against West Torrance. She had been practicing her line balls in preperation for the game.
20
SPORTS // Jan. 20, 2011
2.
3. 1.
New Zealand native Declan Andrew competes for a spot in Olympic trials. by Torrey Bruger
Pushing off of the edge and speeding through the water, heart pounding in anticipation. He hopes to quicken his pace and lower his time. This time the stakes will be higher than ever before. This time, senior Andrew will be competing for a spot on New Zealand’s Olympic swim team. Andrew began swimming at four years old and eventually decided to join a club team at age eight. He has been swimming competitively ever since. “[Swimming] can be mentally boring, but I’ve always had a good feel for the water,” Andrew said. Over the last two years Andrew has worked with a coach from Beach Cities club team and has drastically improved his swim skills, qualifying him for the New Zealand Olympic trials in March. “I am excited for the experi-
ence,” Andrew said. “My goal is not to be in the Olympics this year, but to get a feel for what it is like.” Andrew will be flying out to New Zealand at the end of March to compete in the trials, which determine who will join New Zealand’s swim team in this year’s London Summer Olympics. “I think he has a really good shot at making the finals,” Andrew’s Beach Cities coach, Jon Carroll, said. “What they say in swim is, once you make finals you have a good shot at going all the way.” Unfortunately, his competitors will not be his only roadblock. Andrew must also get used to the Olympic pool size, which is 50 meters, compared to the high school’s 25 yard pool. “It is going to be sort of difficult to adjust,” Andrew said. His coach believes that despite the challenges Andrew will face, the 18 hours of practice he puts
Making waves. 1. Senior Declan Andrew swims butterfly in the new pool. 2. Andrew pushes off the wall after a flip turn to keep his momentum going. 3. “In four or eight years, making the New Zealand Olympic team may become my new goal,” Andrew said.
in every week and his hard work ethic gives him an advantage. “If he continues to work as hard as he has for the last year and a half then he will for sure have a chance,” Carroll said.
GOING
TOWARD THE
GOLD
DOWN BUT NOT OUT by Hannah Son
New Year’s Day is a time to start over and prepare for the upcoming year, however for senior Samantha Witteman New Years began with an ambulance ride to the emergency room. Witteman was unexpectedly hit by a drunk driver while waiting at a red light at 1:30 a.m. “I was so freaked out and it was completely surreal,” Witteman said. Besides the initial shock, Witteman also learned that the accident caused whiplash and temporary a scoliosis-spinal dealignment. “After I heard the news about the scoliosis I was surprised. I never expected any of it to happen and it was all so unlucky,” Witteman said. To help prevent a lingering injury she visits the chiropractor three times a week and is more careful with her daily driving hab-
its and physical activities. “The condition is temporary and with the proper rehab and help from my chiropractor I should be back to normal in no time,” Witteman said. “When I am driving I am much more paranoid and nervous, this experience strengthened my belief in not drinking and driving.” As an attacking center midfieder on the girls’ varsity soccer team, Witteman’s injury affects her performance on the field both physically and mentally. “When I head the ball I feel a strong pain, but as I keep playing the adrenaline gets to me and the pain subsides,” Witteman said. “I feel most of the pain after the game when my back starts to tighten up.” Both her and her teammates are glad that it is not permanent and that she is able to play through the soccer season.
A car accident leaves Samantha Witteman with scoliosis and an at risk soccer season, however she perseveres through the pain to play.
“When I do sudden or quick cuts and turns it irritates my back.” Witteman said. “I am constantly worried about [my injuries].”
“With injury or not she
will fight for our team which makes her such a great leader. -Shannon Simon, 10
”
Teammate sophomore Shannon Simon knows the whole team is on edge with one of their captains injured. “The whole team is worried
when she is playing because she is such an impact player. If anything bad happens to her everyone would be very disappointed,” Simon said. Simon thinks that this injury shows Witteman’s dedication to the team. “With injury or not she will fight for our team which makes her such a great leader. She is super tough and knows when to stop if it is hurting her,” she said. Although her injury causes her pain during games she is determined to play cautiously throughout the entire season. “We already started the season and I played in the first game; not because I had to but because I decided that as long as I am careful and properly rehabilitated after the game I should play,” Witteman said, “It is my senior year I’m determined to play as much as I can.”
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER PALLUNGAS
Cruisin’ for a bruisin’. Senior Samantha Witteman shoots in a game against Notre Dame. She hopes to be able to play through the season.