December 2015

La Costa Canyon High School

MavLife

December 2015

One Maverick Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Volume 10 Issue 3

“Almost, Maine”: Bringing a Change to LCC Theater

sections of the show that come winter and people are trying to find together to formulate the overall warmth in the form of relationships. theatrical experience.

“Almost, Maine” will be a beautiful “Everything is very student show.” driven,” Golden said. “It’s studentTheater’s purpose is clear. assisted directed; the tech is led Not only is the goal to produce by students, some of our music is a flourishing play, according to originally composed by students, Golden, but it is also to make the choreography is by the students. people feel welcomed and see I love the idea of having a program the theater as a place to exhibit where a big emphasis is led by the talents. The theater is not reserved students.” for theatrical purposes alone. It Golden goes in further detail provides an outlet for all types about the students who wish background present their Our club is growing tocreativity of the play. to It was made the community. and you can see for audience Whoever you to feel are and whatever people are having immersed quirks you have; the in the acts as theater is accepting fun. I feel like if they were of any background. in Maine “Our mission we’re on the way to themselves. is that if someone creating something wants to make He notes that what allows friends and wants special.” this intimate to be apart of setting creative, Brad Golden something are the our doors are open components to anybody and associated everybody,” Golden with the actors, audience and said. “Theater is inclusive; we play theatrical space. The play itself characters, we are characters. Part is made to create a cathartic of our code is that we embrace experience within each audience everybody. Our club is growing member. and you can see people are having “The show is about low, tied fun. I feel like we’re on the way to together by a two-person vignette,” creating something special.”

Golden said. “The thread that ties the play together is love and the Jasmin Sani other thread is location which is this Staff Writer made up time in icy cold Maine. It’s

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Photo by Kalli Anderson

Students Maria Tenereillo and Shane Ellman perform in the fall school play, “Almost, Maine.”

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new production titled “Almost, Maine” was performed in our own theater on November 13th through the 19th. The play marks the first of the year under the new theater director, Brad Golden.

Having taken on a different theatrical approach from previous years, Golden had planned to leave the audience members in awe as he prepared for the play. Claire Granich, junior and thespian club member, was also optimistic that the community would take a liking to the

upcoming play.

“We have a really cool show coming out and it’s completely different from anything we’ve ever done before,” Granich said in anticipation of the upcoming show.

“All the changes that have been made have been made for the better and we are super excited to see the outcome for our play!”

Granich also shares that although this is Brad Golden’s first year at LCC, he is doing an outstanding job. He helps improve

the actors and actresses tone and mood towards certain scenes.

“Mr. Golden is such an awesome teacher and he’s brought a new atmosphere to our program.

We all have a good time and and you can see there’s a lot more positive energy this year,” Granich said.

Brad Golden himself is amazed at all the hard work he’s seen his students complete. In order to prepare for the upcoming play, “Almost, Maine”, students collaborate to create different

San Diego Regional Sheds Light on MavBots As LCC’s Robotics Club prepares for a Local Tournament, members reflect on the importance of the team’s founding.

Photos by Erin Sumabat

Left:Two MavBot members position their robot at competition. Center:The Robotics Team shows Maverick pride as they transport the robot. Right:The whole MavBot Team uses the robot to pick up storage boxes.

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CC’s robotics club, MavBots, is preparing for the 10th annual San Diego Regional: FIRST Robotics Competition held in Del Mar, California. If successful, they will advance to championships hosted by FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) stationed in St. Louis, Missouri and hoping to challenge what is possible in the creative spectrum of an emerging field.

Robotics is for students seeking an outlet for complex creative energy. With technological advancements on the rise, robotics is becoming a popular subject

IN THIS ISSUE

of choice. Members of the club Matthew Burigana said. “I wanted to can expect to collect skills such learn engineering skills in a handsas engineering, on environment teamwork, where I could Being able to marketing, finance directly relate what experience how [the and business.

I was learning to the MavBots engage in way it contributed to robot] operates after local competitions the function of the all that work-- it’s that test their machine.” robots in a variety MavBots gratifying.” of specific skills was founded John Misiaszek by sophomore outlined by the FRC. Connor Fine and “I joined strongly mentored robotics because I saw it as a way to by his father Michael Fine of Fine learn more about mechanics,” senior Technology Solutions. The club

NEWS 2 LCC VS. TP Rivalry

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OPINION 4

The history behind the infamous Torrey Pines and La Costa Canyon rivalry.

PAGE 6

FEATURE 6

SPORTS 10

Girl’s Soccer Season Preview

Girl’s Varsity and JuniorVarsity soccer begins for LCC’s winter sports season.

PAGE 10

focuses on educating members with skills they may use in a professional or informal engineering setting.

Each task is assigned before each tournament at the same time around the world to participants.

Financial limits on materials utilized, materials themselves and time are all variables part of a rubric controlled by FRC and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Registration fees alone for returning teams are set at $5,000.

Dec/Jan

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

EXPLAINER 12 ENTERTAINMENT 14 Hungry Mav The MavLife Staff finds some of the best pumpkin pies in the local area.

PAGE 12

8-9 LATE START 9-10 WINTER DANCE SHOW 11 ROCK THE MIC INTER BAND 15 WCONCERT 21-1 ROCK THE MIC

7 COMEDY SPORTZ

2

News

DECEMBER 2015

Speech and Debate Competes in Fullerton Tournament

Varsity and JuniorVarsity Speech and Debate students travel to Fullerton for the CSUF Fall Invitational Tournament.

3 News Theater Renovations Planned For Next Year

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

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s the school year commences into full swing, the Speech and Debate team will be looking to have another great season. According to members, the team has had many important tournaments thus far but the most notable was the CSU Fullerton Fall Invitational tournament on October 24th and 25th.

“Overall, the team did well,” senior debater Emily Merz said. “We had some novice teams advance to the elimination rounds in debate, and a couple varsity advance to the elimination round which is really good overall. My partner and I made it to the quarterfinals, so that’s pretty good.”

For freshman and novice debater, Sabrina Stringfellow, Speech and Debate has proven to be valuable to her education and high school career. She illustrates ways that the team has positively influenced her.

“I think I’ve been doing really well,” Stringfellow said.

“I’m really glad I joined Speech and Debate. It’s been boosting my confidence, it’s been helping me with different types of writing and different events. That has helped me through school.”

Stringfellow details her trip to Fullerton, where she was able to win her last round and salvage some important lessons.

“I didn’t do as quite as well as I would have liked to,” Stringfellow said. “I gained a lot of experience. We had five different rounds and with each round I gained a lot more experience. By my last round, I was able to win because of my Photo Credit by LCC Speech and Debate previous rounds that helped me.”

From left to right: Sabrina Stringfellow, Karen Franke, Jamie Conrad and Evan West.

The junior varsity Speech and Debate team and teacher Stringfellow plans to use her new experience to improve Karen Franke pose infront of the CSU Fullerton sign during the Fall Invitational Tournament. and further help the team. She hopes to be a bright spot for the future of Speech and Debate.

December on LCC’s campus. Though the Mavs aren’t allowed They plan to use this time to reflect on Novice and senior debater, Jamie We had some novice to compete in the tournament, they are looking forward to what they have learned from Fullerton Conrad, has had a great season up being involved in the event. and use that knowledge to better their teams advance to the to this point. However, like every “We’re busy running the whole tournament, making sure skills. elimination rounds in sport, people go through slumps. The all the rooms are in place, and making sure that the judges have “We don’t have any big ones Fullerton tournament proved to be a coming up,” Merz said. “There’s Berkeley everything they need,” Conrad said. debate, and a couple slump for Conrad.

As the Speech and Debate team looks to build on an in February which is a really big varsity advance to the “I didn’t do as well as I wanted to already successful season, they reflect on the valuable lessons tournament, but that’s a little ways off.” do,” Conrad said. “The team did really they have learned thus far.

An important, upcoming event elimination round which well because we have a great debate for the debate team is the Winter Trevor Ferguson team.” is really good overall.”

Classic tournament. It is a nationwide Staff Writer The team has some time to tournament held on the first weekend of Emily Merz prepare for their next big tournament.

Photos by Kalli Anderson

Above: Theater students, in plays like the most recent “Almost, Maine,” will be affected by the renovations.

Below: The soundboard is going to be upgraded along with other theater renovations in the next school year.

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Robotics Team Competes In Tournament [continued from page 1] Teams find financial support through multiple sponsorships. Teams work on the mission in a variety of different ways, all hoping to achieve the same goal. Past tasks include throwing basketballs, exercise balls, and frisbees

through targets.

“They don’t tell you what you’re going to do until January 9th, so every team in the whole world gets it at the same time,” adviser Michael Fine said. “We all go sit down and watch

Above: MavBot team members John Misiaszek and Brandon Recce try to figure out how to move storage boxes.

Below: Team members work together with the robot to compete in the competition.

Photos by Erin Sumabat

a video about it, then you can see what the field looks like and then you have to go.”

With guidance from the club, students are able to learn by doing, which enables them to develop a better understanding of technology. This method permits learning cultivation where members are allowed access to materials in order to apply what they learn. The club encourages innovative ideas that are made obtainable to produce. Though a challenge may seem difficult to reach, these stretch concepts can become reality.

San Dieguito Academy’s robotics team, Paradox, was formed in 2007 and has been a mentor in aiding LCC’s development in the robotics world. The two teams have collaborated to discuss possible methods to accommodate a challenge. As both SDA and LCC attend the same event, the mentorship between the two teams focuses on collaboration rather than competition or rivalry.

“Some people used hooks to pick up the boxes, some people used arms, some people used grapplers [for the preseason tournament at Francis Parker],” club president John Misiaszek said. “We came up with various solutions to the problem. That was a two day event just to figure out how to accomplish how to pick up these boxes and what would be more efficient.”

The pre-season event took place at Francis Parker in Linda Vista, CA on October 17th in preparation for San Diego Regionals which will determine their presence at the main event with FRC in Missouri. The assigned challenge was to manipulate a machine in retrieving and stacking large boxes.

Teams arrived around 7am to test and make adjustments on their robot and the tournament ran until almost 7 pm.

A constricted timeline of six weeks to build a machine is a challenge for professionals, but high school students are able to take this on.

Consisting of mainly collaborative work, MavBots is looking at expanding their numbers. While support is always encouraged throughout the year, December 1st is the cut off date for those who wish to drive the robot in competition- the glorified position on the team.

Club meetings are every Wednesday at lunch in preparation for San Diego Regionals and FRC. Members discuss possible strategies to predict the unannounced prompt and create a solution.

“You’re involved in the competition, you’ve spent all this time building the robot to finally have it compete,” said Misiaszek. “Being able to experience how it operates after all that work--it’s gratifying.”

Erin Sumabat Staff Writer

n the 2016-17 school year, the theater is going to receive renovations to improve productions and enhance experiences. Almost twenty years have passed since the construction of the theater, making it as ‘new’ as the school itself.

Brad Golden, the theater arts teacher, also comically shared that “our equipment is just old. Essentially we are using the iPhone 2 while everyone else is on the 6s.” Based on this analogy, the school has decided that it is time to enhance our theater.

In order to make these changes, a seemingly long process must be executed.

The wait may be long, but the outcome will present itself with multiple improvements.

Bryan Marcus, our principal, is hopeful that the alterations will become evident sometime near summer break.

“This project is a priority for us,” Marcus said. “We’re already in the initial stages of working with our district and companies to get estimates.”

While it is unclear what specifics will be upgraded, it is understood that the project will be directed towards repairing any damages and enhancing the audio and visual production. For instance, components of the theater like carpeting, seating, and lighting will be updated if needed.

“Things break sometimes,” Golden said. “Some of our lighting equipment is malfunctioned. The students deserve to work with professional equipment.”

The funds to make this project possible will come from capital facility money that is set aside by the district maintenance department, and from a $449 million bond.

This bond is used for infrastructure upgrades on campus and a portion of this money, depending on how much is available, will be used to renovate the performing arts center.

“We go to the drawing board and ask, ‘What technology can we use and how will it help us?’” Marcus said. “What eventually becomes written on the list would be sent to

maintenance and then comes back to us with an associated cost. Once the planning process ends, we look at what we can do.”

Brad Golden expresses his gratitude for the project by stating that the theater department is “very lucky that the arts are being valued as a place of creativity and education.” He shares that the “arts are always struggling to survive, and sometimes they unfortunately have to be subsidized.”

In an effort to make the arts more pronounced, changes will be made throughout the year. As money becomes available the required renovations will be checked off.

Shining a brighter light on the theater ultimately serves as the goal of this project.

“I want every kid that walks in that door to look around and see a theater they’re proud of,” Marcus said. “I think kids are proud of our current performing arts center, but I think when you go into the media center and you look around you’re very much in awe. I want a similar feel for when kids, parents and our community walk in the theater and see the technology, lights and sound.”

Mr. Golden shares the same objective; he too wants to establish a sense of pride within each student.

“With an improved theater comes an increased possibility that we can change an audience member’s perspective on life,” Golden said. “It will only help us create arts that’s more meaningful.”

The upgraded equipment will work to develop a better connection between the entertainment displayed on stage and the audience viewing the production. Brad Golden offers to clarify the theater’s purpose.

“We’re here to entertain and to share positive and inspiring messages,” Golden said.

“Theater has a great purpose. We’re very luck that LCC is going to be behind us and give us a greater chance to have an effect.”

Jasmin Sani Staff Writer

SDUHSD Will Implement New Bell Schedule in 2016-17

New schedule will offer students a chance to take an “x period,” allowing seven classes per year rather than six.

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he students of La Costa Canyon High cut a little bit shorter and the students will School have been accustomed to going be able to work on homework from the class to their six classes; three per day, every other they just had. day. However, the new year promises a change “It’s meant to be a support class, an in the bell schedule. extension of the class in case the student The Board of Trustees of the SDUHSD missed a concept,” English teacher Thea held a special workshop to discuss the Chadwick said. “In my class, I would use it to proposed new daily schedule for LCC and go over essays.”

Torrey Pines High School for the 2016-17 The students will remain in the class they school year for continuing and incoming just finished, and ask the teacher questions to students on Aug. 31. better understand what they just learned or “We, as a family at LCC, all talked about work on the homework given to them. rebranding the bell “We want to design schedule,” Bryan Marcus a bell schedule where We want to design said. “The academies kids are more connected are offering four by to the school and leave a bell schedule four which means a school with a better where kids are more student can take up to understanding of what eight classes a year but they’re learning,” Marcus connected to the the average student said. takes around seven. We Chadwick also claims school and leave with designed a schedule that it was not only Mr. so the kids choose the a better understanding Marcus, but the entire school not based on the staff that wanted a new of what they’re schedule, but on what is bell schedule. best fit for them.”

“All of the teachers learning” The new schedule want the schedule to will offer students a change and we’ve all Bryan Marcus chance to take an “x wanted this for a while,” period” that will meet Chadwick said. every day at the beginning, middle or end of It is optional for students to take a the school day, allowing seven classes per year seventh period, but taking an additional rather than six. LCC will still keep its block elective will give them the opportunity to get schedule, but 20 minutes will be shaved from more credits. each block period, leaving the traditional six “An additional class would be good classes at one hour and 40 minutes each; the x because if you wanted to have a free period period will be 55 minutes long. you could still have it, while still taking all of “We are still trying to stay on a rotating the classes you need to take,” freshman Taylor block schedule because the community really Evans said. likes this schedule,” Marcus said. “We like that Along with the staff, a lot of upper and you don’t have to go to class on a daily basis. underclassmen students are excited about the Seventh period would be part of rotating new bell schedule. block.”

“You can take more classes and get more Another new addition to the bell credits [with the new schedule],” senior Bryan schedule will be advisory periods. Instead of Johnson said. “You would spend less time on having two hour classes, each class will be homework which is really nice.”

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Week 2

Week 1 Monday

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Freshmen, the students most affected by the change, show enthusiasm about the bell schedule modifications.

“I definitely would like the advisory period,” freshman Matthew Orgera said. “It would be a lot better because I’m always busy.

It will be nice to have more time to work on my homework.”

The LCC staff is also looking at adding new classes for students to take as a seventh period so this way students can take more recommended courses.

“A new schedule would allow me to take

Time 1:29 0:10 1:29 0:35 1:29 1:28

Time 1:30 0:10 1:25 1:30 0:35 1:30

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Graphic by Emily Brown

more college recommended courses and I could take all the classes I wanted instead of having to choose between them,” freshmen Taylor Evans added.

Overall, with a seventh period and a potential advisory period, the new bell schedule will bring many new changes to La Costa Canyon for the upcoming school year.

Sophia Gambale Staff Writer

4

Opinion What Does Winter Mean to LCC Students?

DECEMBER 2015 MavLife 2015-2016 Staff Editors-In-Chief: Aneleise Frandsen, Cassie Amundson Design Editor: Jade Harabedian

“Shorter days- winter means cold big jackets- I mean we are pretty spoiled here.”

- Maya Harrison, 11

Feature Editor: Kailey O’Connell Sports Editor: Connor Hines News Editor: Emily Brown Graphics Editor: Daniel Stuart Opinion Editor: Cooper Gee

“It means getting cozy and listening to Christmas music.”

-Olivia Moran , 9

Entertainment Editor: Reilly Tiglio Photo Editor: Kalli Anderson Social Media Manager: Kara Gibson

“ Winter means: Cold weather, snow, jackets, hats, and cuddling by the fire” - Makila Singer, 11

Copy Editors: Kailey O’Connell, Brittany Bloom Adviser: Stacy Hardcastle

“It means Mammoth” - Carson Berry, 10

Editorial: A High School Competition at its Core

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ompetition seems to be commonplace at almost every high school, manifested through the likes of everything from a championship placing game to a school produced comedy skit, and it continues to be something that lies deep within the fabric of the student community. LCC is no stranger to this environment of rivalry.

Ever since Torrey Pines’s burning of the letters “TP” on the grass field many years ago, LCC has determined Torrey Pines as a formidable and challenge-worthy rival in almost every athletic department our school holds.

In the game of school versus school, student tensions are something that have developed between schools in response to this powerful conflict of school spirit that continues on to this day, despite many attempts to lessen the more negative impact of this very rivalry in recent years.

Among these stands LCC’s brief ban in 2013 on student T-shirts portraying the phrase, “Beat TP”, which were thought of as unnecessarily combative statements against Torrey Pine’s student base and sports teams. The shirt ban was lifted, but the resounding impact of the ban still lingers amongst the student base here at LCC. As the Mavlife team, we want to inform all students- new or seasoned, that the rivalry still very much exists and an obvious disconnect is still existent between

VERSUS VERSUS VERSUS

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avLife is the student newspaper of La Costa Canyon High School.

LCCHS student media products are public forums for student expression.

Students are responsible for their work in print publications, online content and video broadcasts, as well as in other products, none of which are subject to administrative approval. Students make all final content decisions.

Media programs follow Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Student Press Law Center standards. In addition, student media programs work to follow all copyright laws and avoid libel, slander, and infringing upon the rights of others.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the editorial board, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective.

Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s views.

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the Falcons as a school-wide identity and the Falcons as simply fellow high school students. LCC’s rivalry continues to imprint negatively on Maverick opinions of the Torrey Pines Falcons, despite this very negativity being founded in unjustifiable terms. Ironically, many LCC practices are held alongside Torrey Pines students, and many LCC students know Torrey Pines students closer and better than their fellow LCC peers.

In the future that awaits us all as to-be college students, some of us may end up rooming with a Torrey Pines’ student and be thankful that we are rooming with a familiar face instead of fearing the dreaded incompatible roommate who becomes the bane of one’s college experience.

While this rivalry has been deeply rooted in LCC’s culture, it is not something that should define the schoolwide opinion of Torrey Pines students as a negative one. No matter the occasion, it is important to look behind the curtain of rivalry and see the Torrey Pines Falcons not as extensions of their school identity and athletic achievements, but fellow high school students who share the same goals and community that make high school we all know and grow up in, well, high school.

Cooper Gee

TheA lookGreat Balancing Act of the Student Athlete into managing the busy life of a student athlete

Senior Staff Writers: Kennon Aarnes, Gillian Chaffer, Chad Crilley, Bryce Gallagher, Soren Gregory, Danielle Lee, Amanda Mester, Calvin Zeljack Staff Writers: Trevor Ferguson, Sophia Gambale, Claire Granich, Jenna Husong, Sophia Imparato, Sydney Kay, Hunter Mcgahan, Jasmin Sani, Samantha Sinatra, Acacia Southwell, Jack Stevens

“Happiness and family” - Noah Wood, 12

Opinion

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

Soren Gregory Senior Staff Writer

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ou’re a student first, athlete second. This is often repeated to an extreme extent.

The balance of being both a student and an athlete is one that is hard to describe. On one hand, you get all the glory of playing a sport that you love and you are able to represent your school. On the other hand, you are held up to a higher standard and because of that, you get a increased sense of pressure from your peers, parents, coaches and so on. Due to that stress, many athletes often stay up till the crack of dawn to finish their homework and that brings even more pressure to the athlete’s daily routine.

According to a 2013 Dallas Morning

News article, the secret to teen athlete success might be their sleep. And a 2011 study from Stanford University School of Medicine showed that college-age Basketball players’ performances improved on the court after they got more hours of sleep. The study goes on by explaining that teenagers need 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours of sleep a night.

As a student athlete, you are pushed to the brink every time you step on the field. The issue starts to become taxing when you have to start missing class due to your sport, and then having to make up missed work and all other assigned work. Next thing you know, you are the subject to your coaches wrath because you have to make up a test after school and miss practice.

While being a student athlete is hard, the satisfaction ultimately outweighs all of the negatives.You get to represent your school

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in a very fun way, whether it’s getting that perfect free throw, catching the game winner, or just being a part of the team.Your teachers and peers view you in a different light and they hold you to a higher standard. That change in perspective can often drive people to push themselves to a higher standard and to higher goals.

To some, that is their drive and reason behind playing sports.

In a 2015 article by Public Schools Review, titled “10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students”, one of the 10 reasons they included was community representation. The article goes on by saying that athletes learn the fun in rivalries and revel in the praise of a job well done for their school’s sports team.

While getting little to no sleep and the stress of being a student athlete can be viewed as detractors, the benefits of being part of a team and being viewed in a more positive are

numerous. The lifelong lessons you get from playing your sport lead to having zero regrets when looking back on your time in highschool and all the great memories it holds.

While being a student athlete is hard, the satisfaction ultimately outweighs all of the negatives.

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Cooper Gee

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Opinion

DECEMBER 2015

A ‘Hot Topic’ : Global Warming sources such as wind power or solar power will act as a large step towards a greener campus and world. At our school, we have taken the first step to slow down and stop global warming for good, through embracing the rays of the sun by using solar panels to power the entire school. We only have one chance to keep the ozone layer in tact, and we should take advantage of this chance.

Kennon Aarnes Senior Staff Writer

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moking, deforestation, even driving your car home from school, all contribute to the destruction of our ozone layer, which is thought to be the cause of a worldwide phenomenon, global warming.. As the ozone layer slowly dissipates, life on Earth loses its protection from the sun’s UV rays. Animals on land and sea would die out, even at the bottom of the sea.

Overall, our campus should take a stand to contribute to the preservation of the Earth and the species that inhabit it. Through LCC’s contributions to the world by lessening ozone layer damage we, alongside many others, have taken the first step to make the earth healthier and cleaner.

According to Ozone Depletion, for every 1% that the ozone layer is destroyed, there’s an increase of 2% in UV-B rays which are now on the planet’s surface. On the bright side, there was not anymore depletion of the ozone layer from 2002-2005, and it’s still getting better.

Scientists predict that in the next 50 years, the ozone layer will be completely full once again, as long as people try and stop the depletion of it. Here at LCC, we choose to utilize solar power, which depletes the amount of UV-B rays at school.

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olumbine. Virginia Tech. Sandy Hook. These are just a few of many schools that have been terrorized and traumatized by school shootings. Shootings, once a horrific tragedy, have now practically become a normal occurrence in America. According to the Washington Post, the United States is the country with the most guns and the most gun-related homicides on Earth. Because of the easy access to deadly weapons, school shootings and massacres have become frequent in our society. How can we allow the deaths of hundreds of innocent people because of our society’s infatuation with guns? Gun control should be heavily regulated in order to prevent these senseless tragedies.

People in the U.S. who are interested in purchasing firearms do not have to pass a background check when buying the weapon.

This makes it easier for criminals and people with mental illnesses to obtain access to the guns. If a criminal is let out of jail and has the impulse to commit another crime, there is not much that can stop them from purchasing a gun and acting out this crime. This dangerous cycle of criminals committing crimes and innocents being wounded or killed needs to stop. In order to break this cycle of violence and death, America should enforce background checks on all possible consumers.

As a student at a high school amidst these massacres, reports of these shootings are worrying. Because of the lack of restriction on deadly weapons, it is not hard for people to commit these crimes.

They are not only limited to schools either. One can search for shootings in the news and get reports from merely hours ago of injuries and deaths.

Taking this issue to its core, we need to do background checks on anyone interested in buying a firearm so that our society can prevent all of these horrendous crimes from happening again.

The oceans are also becoming gradually warmer, killing off coral reefs and creating a chain reaction with other species that live off of the animals within them.

Plants are also suffering from the UV-B rays, which stunts their growth and can lead to more famine around the globe. Connecting this issue back to our campus, the plants and grass around campus would also suffer and die, leaving our school a grey and concrete-laden landscape.

If you can’t control yourself, you can’t control weaponry.

The number one cause of global warming is burning fossil fuels and coal for energy in power plants. Energy preservation by turning to energy

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Jack Stevens Staff Writer

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7

MAVERICKS  FALCONS VS

The Rivalry Explained

“IBELIEVE THAT

WE WILL WIN!” Fans shout back and forth, rocking the stands

under the beaming Friday night lights. At the“I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!” Fans shout back and forth, rocking the stands underneath the beaming Friday night lights. At the renowned Torrey Pines versus La Costa Canyon football games, it doesn’t stay quiet for long as stomping feet, piercing whistles, and occasional cowbells rally each team onto victory.

Students, parents, and supporters of all kinds swarm by the hundreds, decked out in all white for the Mavericks or all black for the Falcons. The flames of a rivalry, although years-old, still burn brightly today.

“THE T-SHIRT WAR” How and when did this passionate rivalry begin? At first, San Dieguito High School and Torrey Pines were the only schools in the San Dieguito Union High School District. Bitterness began to stir when head football coach Ed Burke left the Falcons for the Mustangs.

“He’s a legendary high school coach around the country,” La Costa Canyon history teacher Doug Heflin said. “When he came to San Dieguito, we got good.”

Burke returned to coach at Torrey Pines after a few years and, for the time being, the ill will subsided. When La Costa Canyon opened in 1996, it replaced San Dieguito High School as the new representative of the north part of the district, and would soon be named Torrey Pines’ new rivals.

“It was north versus south--the civil war of the school district,” Heflin said.

The rivalry became football-oriented when Torrey Pines began to beat La Costa Canyon consecutively after it opened. In an effort to show pride for their number of wins, the Falcons created T-shirts to wear to each game.

“Torrey Pines had always made these ‘Never’ shirts, and they would list all the scores from all the games that they won on the back,” Maverick Athletic Director Kari Digiulio said. “Every time Torrey Pines beat La Costa Canyon it was like, “Never ever,” or “Never in the 90s,” and they kept going with all these T-shirts.”

When the Mavericks eventually won, the football team revealed their own T-shirts underneath their jerseys, which read, “FTP.” Little did the crowd know, it stood for something other than what they assumed.

“In really little writing, it said, ‘Forget the Past,’” senior Savannah McMahon said. “It was funny because everyone thought that it stood for something else.”

The intended message of “FTP” voiced the one chant that students in the stands weren’t allowed to yell.

“We couldn’t say those words aloud, so we made a shirt,” Maverick alumni Chris Plummer, from the graduating class of 2008, said.

The letters’ dual meaning only added fuel to the rivalry’s fire. To reduce the tension with Torrey Pines, La Costa Canyon made new shirts reading, “Beat TP.” But after a while, administration decided to take “TP” out of the shirt entirely.

“I don’t have a problem with the ‘Beat TP’ shirts because that’s what you do—you want to beat your opponent,” Digiulio said. “But since putting a stop to the printing of those shirts and making it ‘LCC Pride,’ I think it’s become better.”

Although the T-shirt battle has subsided for now, alumni hold onto their shirts as souvenirs of a memorable time in their high school careers.

“I kept all my stuff like that,” Plummer said. “Even throughout college--I know I’ll never wear it again, but it holds so many memories.”

“It was north versus south—the Civil War of the school district,” Doug Heflin said.

“SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST”

Especially for the notorious rivalry game, students show their school pride by looking and sounding uniform in the stands. Wearing all white or all black and yelling various chants and songs, students utilize yet another way to compete with the other team.

“It’s super hyped up,” Falcon senior Ara Suhadolnik said. “The student sections have their own game between each other because you want to be louder and have better chants than the other team.”

Because of this competition, school spirit now depends heavily on the fans’ enthusiasm and preparedness.

“Last year, especially at the basketball game, I remember [the Falcons’] student section was a lot more creative and involved,” Maverick senior Jacob Lin said. “Someone would just yell something and everyone would repeat it, compared to someone being in charge and having a plan. It showed last year that we didn’t have a plan or a leader, and Torrey Pines had both.”

In some cases, however, students used their voices to degrade the other team rather than support their own.

“Back in the day, some of the dialogue back and forth was not at all appropriate, on both sides,” Torrey Pines principal Mark Jaffe said. “For students at a high school level, calling out the players on the other teams and making derogatory remarks about their families is just not cool.”

With power in numbers, students have the ability to do some verbal damage.

“It’s brought ugliness out of our students, in terms of the things that we’re yelling or finding out about people’s personal lives to attack [the other team] on the field,” Digiulio said.

“I remember, in 2003, La Costa Canyon attacking the kicker from Torrey Pines. It becomes less about the sport and more about what negative things you can say.”

Administration favors integrity and safety, but students worry that it limits the schools’ competition too much.

“Administration puts a big damper on [the rivalry] because they are scared that violent things will happen,” ASB senior Class President Bryan Johnson said. “But it’s a big deal to us as a student section that we have this rivalry.”

Kailey O'Connell Feature Editor Jade Harabedian Design Editor Claire Granich Staff Writer

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“TIME FOR A CHANGE”

“BATTLE OF THE FANS”

Football, however, isn’t the only game played on the field. Another vital component to the rivalry is the Survivor competition, which takes place during halftime.

During the five days leading up to the football game, seniors compete for the opportunity to represent their school as a Survivor. Through several mini competitions, like scootering around the Student Center or eating an entire watermelon as fast as possible, a male and a female winner are chosen to compete on Friday night.

For some students, becoming Survivor has been a long term goal.

“When I was a freshman, I would always see [the Survivors] up there,” La Costa Canyon Survivor Savannah Boyd said. “Every year I was stoked to watch the competition. I’m super competitive, so I thought, ‘I want to do that.’”

Over the course of Survivor Week, students have the chance to show which skills they can bring to the table in the real competition.

“I’m fast because I do cross country and track,” Boyd said. “I’m also good with doing things under pressure, like eating fast.”

However, the Falcon competitors had assets of their own.

“At the game, the [Torrey Pines Survivors] were both big and pretty tall,” Maverick Survivor Josh Trup said. “It was obviously going to be a hard matchup.”

With both schools’ pride on the line, student competitors face stress going into the competition.

“There’s only two of us to carry our school’s reputation,” Boyd said. “It’s just a little game, but I still wanted to make La Costa Canyon proud and put Torrey Pines in their place.”

When halftime on November 6 rolled around, the Maverick Survivors felt unprepared.

Rumor had it that, prior to the showdown, Torrey Pines’ ASB hadn’t communicated with La Costa Canyon’s ASB to let the Maverick Survivors know the basic activities they’d complete that night.

“I was a little discouraged because [the Falcons] knew ahead of time what was going on and we didn’t,” Boyd said.

Confusion took place in the stands as well when observers couldn’t easily see some of the game’s tasks.

“The crowd didn’t really know what was going on,” Trup said. “A lot of people thought I was eating pie at the table when I was suppose to be solving a puzzle.”

By the end of the competition, Torrey Pines’ Survivors took the victory. Nevertheless, Maverick fans cheered on their competitors through it all.

“I was a little nervous everyone would hate me if I lost, but [the crowd] jumped right on my side,” Boyd said. “Everyone was screaming, ‘You got this!’ I knew they would support me no matter what.”

Despite their effort, competitors look back on the game with dissatisfaction.

“I wish it was more of a fair competition,” Boyd said. “I wanted a re-do, where [the Mavericks and Falcons] are both on an even playing field.”

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In some ways, the two schools’ competitive nature has impacted students negatively.

“The rivalry has created a barrier between the kids,” Suhadolnik said. “People can really dislike each other because they go to the other school.”

Bad blood between students, however, rose to a whole new level. In years past, Mavericks supposedly tried to sabotage their opponents.

“There was vandalism against both schools,” Heflin said. “Somebody from La Costa Canyon allegedly put broken glass all over Torrey Pines’ football field.”

Falcons have also taken the rivalry to extremes, abusing their adversary’s mascot.

“There were [Torrey Pines] kids hanging the cow costume from the goal post,” Digiulio said. “At that point, we were instructed by the superintendent of our district that something needed to change with these two schools, because it had gotten out of hand.”

Both schools’ administrative teams hoped to see a change in the direction the rivalry was headed. In 2013, they implemented the interactive field trip “Sportsmanship Summit.”

“We put together a plan to bring student athletes together at San Dieguito Academy,” Digiulio said. “They learned CPR lifesaving skills. It was a sportsmanship symposium.”

However, not everyone who went to the Summit were persuaded to tone down the rivalry.

“We can’t be nice, friendly rivals and still be competitive,” Varsity football player Paul Neumann said. “We can respect each other, but when it comes down to the actual game and the actual rivalry, we leave everything on the field.”

Teachers also tried to make a positive experience out of the rivalry through the creation of the Beach Bowl. Doug Heflin created this title so the competition could involve all the region’s beach communities, such as Carlsbad and Encinitas.

Like Carlsbad Rotary Club’s “Rotary Cup” for the football City Championship, teachers wanted to create a Beach Bowl trophy to pump up the rivalry between La Costa Canyon and Torrey Pines.

“Coach Darin Brown thought a surfboard would be a cool trophy,” Heflin said. “A retired science teacher, Mr. Trust, said he had an old board in his garage we could use, and Mr. Lenc said they would work on decorating it in his art class.”

Now, the surfboard trophy is presented to the winning football team each year, one half painted green for the Mavericks and the other half gold for the Falcons.

Despite ugliness of the past, the years of competition have created more energy and excitement for Mavericks and Falcons alike.

“I think the spirit on campus is awesome and traditionally, it has been that way with every sport when you’re playing Torrey Pines,” Digiulio said. “Even at times when our specific sports aren’t doing as well, we still bring a crowd for that game.”

Between the two schools, competition is something each student can relate to and share.

“The rivalry brought togetherness and unity,” Plummer said. “Like being a fan of a sports team, you have something in common regardless of how different you are.”

Even after high school, the Maverick to Falcon connection still remains.

“The interesting thing is all these kids know each other,” Jaffe said. “When you guys graduate, you’ll end up being friends.”

Over the years, La Costa Canyon and Torrey Pines have found ways to compete, for the most part, in healthy, productive ways.

“The two schools are so close in everything that they have,” Digiulio said. “They have great athletic programs; they have great academics. When we can bring it together as a spirited rivalry as opposed to a hatred towards one another, we’re good to go.”

Administration maintains that the rivalry improved both campuses for the better.

“I really like the direction both schools are going,” Jaffe said. “I’ve been in this district for 23 years now, and I’ve been at six of the schools at some capacity, and I’ll say, first and foremost, that I’m proud of this school district.”

“The rivalry brought togetherness and unity,” Maverick alumni Chris Plummer said. “Like being a fan of a sports team, you have something in common regardless of how different you are.”

Sports

10

DECEMBER 2015

Maverick Standout Competes at Professional Level the wildcard into the tournament.”

For Berger, the wildcard entry into the tournament was much more than just an opportunity to show off her skills; Goldsmith, who recently has been with the young athlete every step of the way, has helped Berger to renew her self-confidence in her tennis abilities.

“I was at a very low point Photo by Kalli Anderson Brett Berger has balanced academics and athletics beautifully in her junior year. with my tennis a a Costa Canyon High School has historically been a breedlittle bit ago; I couldn’t win a match,” Berger said. “I ing ground for successful individuals in academics, the arts, started to win a little bit more, and then Ben came along and and athletics. Junior tennis player Brett Berger may just be gave me almost a boost of confidence. He saw potential in another worthy example of the way the Maverick tradition is me.” carried on through the student body at LCC. Tournament Director Goldsmith truly saw potential in At just fifteen years old, Berger was granted a wildcard* the young star, and has since helped her to win tournaments, into the 2015 Carlsbad Classic, a WTA** professional level coming out to watch and cheer Berger on. tournament held at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad.

Ever since winter break last year, Berger has trained hard The opportunity didn’t come without a little help from for the opportunity which came on Tuesday, November 24th, family friend Ben Goldsmith, director of the Carlsbad Classic but not all came easily. and manager of WTA pro Daniela Hantuchova.

“This summer was rough because I had mono,” Berger “I met Ben Goldsmith, Daniela Hantuchova’s manager, said. “I was trying to train, but it was hard.” two years ago,” Berger said. “Ever since I met him, he’s been What initially began as a small cough turned into a bad coming to a lot of my tournaments and watching me, and case mononucleosis, and the young budding tennis star was keeping in touch.” sidelined for some time. After regaining strength, a six-day It was nearly a year ago that Berger discovered she would training week has been nothing out of the usual for Berger. compete in the Classic, when on Christmas morning.

As for the tournament match itself, 16-year-old Berger “For my Christmas present, he told my parents that would take on Maria Sakkari of Greece (world no. 168) on they had to videotape me as I opened my present, and it was Tuesday, November 24th on the Center Court of the 2015

L

Carlsbad Classic. “[Before the match,] I was looking forward to seeing the turnout and the crowd,” Berger said. I thought it’d be fun to play in front of everyone.”

Berger’s walking out onto court Tuesday afternoon represented the conclusion of many days and training sessions spent on the practice court, in the gym, and even inside her head. The young athlete in fact has been working with three different coaches in preparation for the tournament--one for technical things, one for strategy, and one for the mental side.

“I was very nervous that day,” Berger said. “We’ve been trying to figure out a lot of ways for me to stay in the present and not worry about the future, so when I got out there, it’s not as stressful.”

Brett Berger, 11 “We’ve been trying to figure out a lot of ways for me to stay in the present and not worry about the future, so when I got out there, it’s not as stressful.”

With the entry into the Carlsbad Classic came additional media attention and even a partial sponsorship with the tournament’s title sponsor, nutrition bar company GoMacro.

When GoMacro approached Tournament Director Goldsmith for someone to help promote the product, he once again turned to Brett Berger. Berger would end up being the centerpiece of a GoMacro promotional video, and was given free nutrition bars for the duration of her training and the tournament.

“I was kind of nervous about it at first but [videographer] John Phaneuf did a really good job of making me feel comfortable,” Berger said. “It was really fun; I think it’ll be fun to look back on later.”

While no longer a part of the Maverick Varsity tennis team (in order to make room for studying and additional

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Boys’ Basketball Program Seeks New Leaders in 2015 W

Senior Geoff Newcomb attempts to score in a playoff game last year against Santa Barbara High School on March 14th.

Photo: Kevin Mummau

ith the fall athletic season nearly in the books, students at La Costa Canyon now shift their focus to the winter months, which will once again provide the exhilarating rush inside the gym for the 2015 edition of Maverick Basketball.

After losing many of last year’s star performers and leaders, the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team will be looking to new faces for new sources of leadership this November. Seniors Geoff Newcomb and Dustin Demkiw will presumably fill that very role.

“For the first time in my sixteen years as head coach, we return no one with starting experience or any of our scoring from last year,” head Coach David Cassaw said. “This is a situation that we have never been in.”

Coming into this winter, the team will be without last year’s entire starting lineup. Gone are Tommy McCarthy, Brady Twombly and Travis Fuller, who will all be playing for Division I collegiate programs this coming season.

“This is going to be a rebuilding year,” freshman Graham Cook said. “But we’re going to surprise some people; we’re better than people think.”

This appears to be a realistic expectation for the team as this year’s roster will primarily be made up of lower classmen.

This season should provide a renewed beginning and renewed opportunity for multiple lower classmen, who will greatly rely on their senior counterparts.

“They’re doing what seniors do,” said Cook. “If we [lower classmen] play with the same intensity that they bring, we’ll be

fine.”

Expect some of the team’s juniors to also come to the forefront as leaders, such as junior Christian Gallagher, who will likely share duties at point guard with sophomore JaQuan Carroll.

“I’m more of a facilitator,” said Gallagher. “I believe everyone has a role facilitating the team.”

Additionally, missing most of last year’s leading scorers will leave the Mavs looking for production from many different players on the offensive side of the ball.

“There are a lot more plays [this year],” said Gallagher. “Our plays go with how our players play.

Coach Cassaw has adapted to our skill set and knows how we play, and that will help us play to the best of our abilities.”

Those who do not directly start the majority of games this year will still presumably be called on consistently in second halves, or when the Mavs have a sizeable lead.

“We will be strong this year, but we will use more assets on our team,” Gallagher said. “We’re a deep team but we don’t have the same skill set as we did last year.”

As already mentioned, senior guard Geoff Newcomb will be making the transition to a fulltime starter, after only being a role player off the bench in previous years.

“As the only senior on the team with Varsity experience, they will look up to me for leadership,” said Newcomb. “I’m the only returning Varsity player that we have.”

With the lack of Varsity experience on the roster, the

team’s youth should develop over the course of the season. Due to the nature of the roster, team chemistry among the players will not be perfect on day one, but a bond is expected to grow stronger as the season nears.

“We’re all new and we will all have to develop,” said Newcomb.

“We will have to adjust to the style of play at this level.”

Still though, rebuilding the roster and starting lineup will remain the team’s focus in order to gain experience and compete at the highest level possible.

“We want to win CIF,” Carroll said. “We are going to be

Geoff Newcomb , 12 “We’re all new and we will all have to develop.

We will have to adjust to the style of play at this level.”

good this year.”

With the loss of almost all of the team’s top rebounders last year such as Evan Kaplan (6 foot 6 inches, 5.7 rebound per game average) and Travis Fuller (6 foot 7 inches, 8.6 rebound per game average), this smaller, younger team will evidently need to work an extra amount to become

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

MAVLIFENEWS.COM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 training), Berger’s Varsity experience Freshman year as a positive turning point in her tennis career.

As a part of the Varsity team Freshman year, Berger played doubles with then Senior Allie Mulloy. Together the team helped to win the Avocado West League, League Individuals***, and CIF Team competition. Berger’s teammates embraced the youth as a part of the Varsity program, taking her under their wing, and supporting her through her success Freshman year.

“Tennis is such an individual sport, and it was cool to finally have a team,” Berger said. “They showed me how to make tennis more fun, and bring a different aspect into the game.”

Berger lost the match to Sakkari of Greece 6-0; 6-0, but the experience, in Berger’s eyes, is extremely valuable as she moves forward and returns to competing at the regional and national level in the junior USTA**** circuit.

“It was by far the most amazing experience of my entire life,” Berger said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better team supporting me and cheering me on these past couple weeks.”

As she continues onward with her tennis career, Brett Berger is quick to credit the support of family and friends, who flew from all over the country to watch her first professional match, along with her coaches.

“Both my parents have been really supportive and have helped me come a long way,” Berger said. “My coaches especially have been too; my current coach Steve Dawson has been helping me a ton but my old coach Gary is still my mentor-type figure and has still been there along the way.”

Only the brightest times lie ahead for tennis sensation Brett Berger, as she continues to represent the Maverick tradition in the most affirmative of ways. *wildcard: wildcards are entries granted into professional tournaments to new players, or anyone who the tournament director thinks is deserving of competing **WTA: The Women’s Tennis Association of professionals ***League Individuals: In San Diego CIF tennis competition, the CIF creates a single-elimination tournament involving notable singles players and doubles teams from the Avocado West League ****USTA: United States Tennis Association

Connor Hines Sports Editor

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11

Lady Maverick Soccer Looks to Back Up Championship Run This Winter

Photo: Midori Simovich/MaxPreps.com Senior Danielle Goad dribbles downfield in the CIF Division II Southern California Championship last year against Mater Dei. LCC would win 3-1.

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s we enter this winter, Girls’ Varsity Soccer remains one of the most talked about programs in the 2015-16 school year. The team will enter December as the fourth best high school team in the nation and the second best in the state of California. Winning both the CIF San Diego Section and State Regional Championships, high expectations once again return this year.

While many juniors and seniors alike return from last year’s team, the Varsity squad will be working without the likes of NCAA Division I athletes Kelli Stonebreaker, Megan Grant, Genesis Lucero, and Chelsea Churchill.

In the CIF San Diego Section finals, the 2014 Lady Mavs defeated crosstown rival Carlsbad High, and won the CIF Southern California Regional Championship after defeating Mater Dei, off three goals coming from Hadley Sbrega, Hayley Mayne, and Megan Grant.

Despite the loss of four playmakers from last year’s championship team, senior and Colorado State commit Danielle Goad still has high hopes for the 2015 Varsity team.

“I think we’re strong, we only lost four seniors but they were pretty crucial players,” Goad said. “But we have eleven seniors this year, so I think we still have a pretty good starting line-up.”

At the conclusion of last year’s championship run, it is believed by many that the team has reached the ceiling and will be unable to achieve any more. Although aware of this, the starters in 2015 look at this in a different light.

“As for the team, I think we are aiming to repeat last year by definitely just keeping up that confidence we gained after winning CIF and state,” junior Kami Hoban said. “That energy will hopefully transfer over. Everyone needs to be hyped to play and perform and just have fun.”

Still, taking down the toughest competition will continue to be a challenge for the Varsity team in 2015.

“I think we need to have a clean sheet,” Hoban said. “We need to keep up a good defense and a create a better attack to score more goals during games.”

As for success during games, Hoban, among others, already has a few ideas of what she believes to be the hardest upcoming struggle during their season.

“Our biggest competition is probably Carlsbad, so we need to focus on beating them more, and especially not lose any of our home games,” Hoban said. “We definitely need to start encouraging people to come to more games; they’re really fun and I think it would help a lot.”

Another hurdle brought to light by many starters in 2015 is the seniority, which is most definitely brought to focus, as eleven seniors will compete for starting spots in 2015.

With a variety of ages and personalities, getting along could potentially aid the team in achieving their goals for this year’s upcoming season.

“We really just need to get along, because we don’t play well when there’s a ton of drama, like any sport I guess,” Goad said. “Equality is the main thing. There’s the usual seniors versus freshman drama, but the freshman always prove themselves and it works out.”

Before last season, Maverick Soccer as a whole had never won a CIF San Diego or Regional championship. For many, including Goad and Hoban, last year was a monumental step in the right direction, as well as for the school community as a whole.

Furthermore, multiple girls expected to start in 2015 have already committed to their respective NCAA programs, including Kelsey Aaknes (Colorado University, Boulder), Kallie Kampfl (Loyola Marymount), Courtney Van Winkle (UC Davis), and Hayley Maybe (UC Irvine), among multiple others.

Notable contests in 2015 will come against Torrey Pines on January 6th, Cathedral Catholic on January 15th, and Carlsbad on January 29th and February 19th.

Jenna Husong Staff Writer

Girls’ Varsity Soccer 2015 Notable Matchups 12/18 vs. San Marcos (5:15) 1/6 vs. Torrey Pines (5:15) 1/15 @ Cathedral (3:30) 1/22 @ El Camino (5:15) 1/27 @ RBV (5:15) 1/29 vs. Carlsbad (5:15) 2/10 vs. El Camino (5:15) 2/12 vs. RBV (5:15) 2/19 @ Carlsbad (5:00)

Winter Athlete Q&A Hunter McGahan

Staff Writer

Kaylee Berry (10) Basketball

Trevor Hall (11) Basketball

Cole Cardinale (11) Soccer and Baseball

Water Polo

Madison Germuska (12)

The athlete I look up to the most is...

Stephen Curry

Tim Duncan

Buster Posey

Natalie Coughlin

My favorite season is...

Summer

Winter

Fall

Summer

My favorite position in my sport is...

Post

Center

Third Base

Set

My favorite type of donut is...

Maple

Chocolate

Chocolate

Chocolate

The song I listen to the most is...

“Hotline Bling” by Drake

“Jesus Walks” by Kanye West

“Call Me Maybe”

by Carly Rae Jepsen

“On My Mind” by Ellie Goulding

69.7%

Calvin Zeljak and Bryce Gallagher

63.4%

Senior Staff Writers

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49.5%

38%

Percent of voters per age group; 2012 election

C

-Visit www.mavlifenews.com for more coverage, the most frequent updates, video stories, breaking news, and the Mav of The Week

itizens in the United States of America constantly see presidential candidates in the news. All 17 candidates are in what is called the primary season, as they are trying to win the nomination for their party for the presidential election taking place on November 6, 2016. But the only way for them to gain the nomination for their party or to win the presidency is through the votes of the American people. Voting is a fundamental basis for the democracy the US government is based on.

Based on our governmental system, students at LCC see voting as a crucial aspect of being a responsible citizen.

“I think it’s our responsibility to vote and I think it’s our responsibility to get educated because there’s someone out there, there’s some party out there for everyone’s views,” senior Zach Carter said. “I think that it’s ignorant to sit back and say ‘government doesn’t work for me’ and just not vote.”

As a democracy, the United States government must be based on the voting system.

“We live in a republic, so it’s important to pick our leaders because otherwise we allow other people to pick our leaders, so we should express our opinions,” senior Emily Merz said.

For some students at LCC, voting is seen as more than just a right.

-Follow @MavLifeSports on Instagram, Twitter, and Periscope for the latest news, scores, and updates in Maverick Athletics Use #MAVNATION. Live broadcast coverage of Maverick Athletics is carried all year long on the “MavLife Sports Stream” on Ustream.com -Add @mavlifenews on Snapchat for interviews, Game Day Takeovers, and much more!

The La Costa Canyon Maverick Basketball program celebrates in a midseason game last year. After losing three top players to NCAA Division I programs, the team will look to rebuild and rebound this year. Photos: Kevin Mummau

13

2016 Presidential Election: To Vote or Not to Vote 18 to 24

be tough to play,” Cassaw said. “We’re going to be a team that night in and night out shows up on the defensive end of the floor with that tenaciousness and intensity that is going to keep us in every single game.”

The Explainer

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the strong, defensive powerhouse they once were.

“I think that everyone will look at our school and think we’re soft,” Gallagher said.

“We want to show everyone that we’re a tough team and that we can compete with other teams who may think they are tougher.”

Following a season which concluded with a 24-8 win-loss record, and semifinal finishes in both the CIF San Diego Section and Southern California Division II playoffs, a similar result may initially seem improbable.

The team opens their 2015 campaign on December 3 against first-year head coach Jim Choe and the Rancho Bernardo Broncos.

Rancho Bernardo finished 2014 with a record of 16-13.

Among other anticipated contests in the 2015-16 year is a date with archrival Torrey Pines on Friday, January 15th at La Costa Canyon (7:00 tipoff), in which the Mavericks will look to avenge a 68-42 loss last year at the hands of the Falcons, who finished the 2015 year 31-4, losing out to St. Augustine 46-42 in the CIF SDS Open Division Championship.

Fans can also look forward to matchups against Sage Creek on January 20th at home, and February 10 at El Camino High School as the Mavericks will take on the Wildcats.

No matter the age of the team, the goal is to compete at the highest possible level, and our school will be behind every step of the way.

The team itself isn’t going to be the only group that is going to step up its game. The Stampede, La Costa Canyon’s spirited student section, is going to have to bring its A-game to inspire and further motivate the team.

“The student section will play a huge role.” Gallagher said. “When we get people supporting us, it will amp us up, it’ll amp the crowd up and the more we get rolling, the more the crowd will get rolling and it’ll go on exponentially from there.”

While many look to this year’s season as a disaster waiting to happen, players and coaches remain motivated to pursue success.

“We’re going to be a team that is going to

DECEMBER 2015

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[continued from page 10]

Sports

65 and older

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“It [voting] is seen as a privilege, but I kind of see it as an obligation,” senior Will Fox said. “You just need to invest a short period of time for very important reward. It’s small investment for what you’re getting out of it.”

Students at La Costa Canyon have many resources to keep up to date on all current events and candidates running for the presidency, giving everyone a basis of understanding when it comes to casting a vote.

“We have all these resources and we have so much knowledge that I think it’s our responsibility to use it,” Carter said. “It’s our job to display it through voting because other people in America may not be able to make the educated decisions that we can make. Since we can make them, we should.”

But some citizens choose not to vote. Some may not be aware of how to register to vote, or do not support the candidates running for the presidency. Even so, voting is still a crucial part of the United States of America.

“If people are choosing not to vote, they are basically throwing their hands up to the whole democratic process, and if you get enough people doing that, the entire system falls apart,” AP Government teacher Jobi Denyes said.

While many believe that a single vote doesn’t matter, a few votes could make all the difference. For instance, the popular vote in a single county could affect the electoral vote of an entire state.

“In San Diego, for instance, the difference between Democratic and Republican is 100 votes,” Merz said.

But sometimes, it may be hard for students to relate to issues that have never directly affected them, and key issues may not be fully grasped until one is older.

“I think as you get older you start to have families and then you see that this stuff matters,” AP United States History teacher Bill Vice said.

Overall, LCC students see voting as a necessity to exercising democratic powers.

“Voting is fulfilling your duties as a citizen,” Carter said.

“People fought so hard to make this country great; this is the land of opportunity. We have this beautiful democracy that other countries are fighting for so I think to not vote is to refuse this opportunity that so many people in so many parts of the world would die to have.”

WHO IS RUNNING?

Voices on Voting Zach Carter

“I think that people just have to be optimistic and understand that this whole thing is driven by votes. It’s a government by the people, for the people. If people don’t participate, then yes, things are going to stay the way they are and it might not go the way you’d like it to go but it’s up to you to be an active citizen.”

Will Fox

“I think that voting is the perpetuation of something very very important: a democracy. If everyone starts to look at voting as a luxury, that’s when you fall into something that’s very different and very dangerous.”

Jobi Denyes

“Democracy is based on the will of the people, and the will of the people comes through votes and political participation. ”

Electoral College: Explained

I

Republican Candidates Jeb Bush Ben Carson Chris Christie Ted Cruz Carly Fiorina Jim Gilmore John Kasich

Democrat Candidates

Rand Paul Hillary Clinton Marco Rubio Bernie Sanders Rick Santorum Martin O’Malley Donald Trump Mike Huckabee take will y Lindsey Graham a r 8, ion D ovembe 16 t c e l E 20 on N George Pataki place

n the United States of America, the Electoral College is the process in which the president is actually chosen from two candidates. Introduced in 1789, the Electoral College is a group of “electors” that are chosen from each state. On election day, which is held on the Tuesday directly following the first Monday in November every even-numbered year, the American people vote for their candidate of choice.

When people are casting their vote for a candidate, they are really casting their vote for the candidate’s electors, who are delegates that make the state electoral vote. Each individual vote in that state is then counted to determine a majority. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular citizen vote, even if that majority is won by a small margin, obtains the electoral votes. However, a few states split the electoral votes between candidates based on majority.

The candidate with the overall majority of the electoral votes, which would be 270, wins the presidency. Some states have more electors, and therefore more electoral votes than others because the number of electors per state is based on the state’s representation in Congress. For example, California has 55 electors, while Arizona has only five. This voting system the United States follows is considered an indirect popular vote.

55

Information from The Public Policy Insititute of California

Electoral Votes 43% Democrat 32% Republican 20% Independent 5% Other

/

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For more information on the presidential election and how to vote, visit www.usa.gov, a candidates website, or the political party website.

Californians vote in the presidential election

Aneleise Frandsen & Cassie Amundson Editors-in-chief

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December Horoscopes

Entertainment DECEMBER 2015 Teacher vs. Student Malia Starita

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20)

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his month is all about expansion Pisces.

Whether it’s in knowledge or with friendships don’t be afraid to branch out.You will be surprised by the results.

pisces 2/19-3/20

Erika Wanczuk

Aries (3/21 - 4/19)

A

ries you have been working your tail off lately. Even though we all commend you for your crazy hard work, it’s time to take catch up on some gemini sleep. Treat Aries a day off and taurus to a day of nothing! 5/21-6/20 3/21-4/19 yourself4/20-5/20

8/23-9/22 5/21-6/20

6/21-7/22 9/23-10/22

Question

Starita

Wanczuk

1. What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?

10 years

2 years

cancer 6/21-7/22

L

7/23-8/22 4/20-5/20

2. Who invented scissors? scorpio 10/23-11/21

emini don’t get too distracted with the fun temptations of this month. This month iscapricorn very important in terms of work and saggitarius aquarius virgo scorpio libra school so12/22-1/19 make sure to stay on top of it or else cancer gemini 11/22-12/21 1/20-2/18 8/23-9/22 9/23-10/22 be way behind. 10/23-11/21 6/21-7/22 5/21-6/20 you will

Picasso

3.

How many different types pisces of kangaroos are there?

2/19-3/20

C

3/21-4/19

4/20-5/20

5/21-6/20

4. How many bones is a person born with?

20

da Vinci

B

V

irgo, this month it seems that you cant

Libra (9/23 - 10/22)

L

ibra this month is all about patience.

Whether it’s in work, school, friendships, capricorn family or aquarius pisces even love you will find yourself be12/22-1/19 1/20-2/18 2/19-3/20 ing tested on many occasions.

Stay calm and cancer scorpio libra be sure totaurus relax as much as possible. gemini 6/21-7/22 10/23-11/21 Aries 9/23-10/22 3/21-4/19

4/20-5/20

5/21-6/20

Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21)

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top holding yourself back Scorpio! This month is all about being honest with how you feel. If there is something bothering you, aquarius afraid to tell someone about it.You scorpio don’t be pisces 1/20-2/18 2/19-3/20 cancer leo virgo won’t regret it! gemini libra taurus 10/23-11/21 7/23-8/22 4/20-5/20

8/23-9/22 5/21-6/20

6/21-7/22 9/23-10/22

Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21)

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his month is all about decluttering your life. Don’t carry around unnecessary baggage from last year or months in the past. It s pisces time tocapricorn letlibra go! saggitarius aquarius 2/19-3/20 virgo scorpio gemini 11/22-12/21 8/23-9/22 5/21-6/20

cancer 12/22-1/19 9/23-10/22 6/21-7/22

1/20-2/18 10/23-11/21

Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19)

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his month is all about your friends. They are needing some extra “you time” so be sure to hangout with them when you get the They will appreciate itpisces more than you capricorn chance.aquarius think! 1/20-2/18 scorpio libra 12/22-1/19 2/19-3/20 10/23-11/21

9/23-10/22

Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18)

S

chool needs to be your top priority this month. Although it may seem stressful, you will do great as long as you keep focused.

Aquarius, you can do it! aquarius Keep it up pisces 1/20-2/18

2/19-3/20

Wanczuk adds a point for herself and our first point of the game. Leonardo Da Vinci created scissors!

Over 50

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Neither knew the answer to this question.

There are over 50 different kinds of kangaroos out there!

MS: 0, EW: 1

Around 300

220

The number varies per person but on average people are born with around 300 bones. Looks like Starita takes the point for this question!

MS: 1, EW: 1

No

Yes

Starfish may not have brains, but Starita sure does! Malia Starita takes the pont and the game.

MS: 2, EW: 1

cancer 6/21-7/22

reak out the Vitamin C and a lot of water 5. Do starfish have brains? because this month is going to be the illest aquarius pisces for you,2/19-3/20 literally.Your health may go down and 1/20-2/18 scorpio you may find yourself fighting a cold or maybe scorpio leo virgo 10/23-11/21just fatigue, but don’t worry, youlibra will recover 10/23-11/21 cancer 7/23-8/22 8/23-9/22 9/23-10/22 gemini taurus 6/21-7/22 4/20-5/20 quickly.5/21-6/20

stop laughing and smiling this month, and pisces saggitarius we lovecapricorn aquarius you for it. Those around you love you 2/19-3/20 11/22-12/21 12/22-1/19 1/20-2/18 for it because you make thosescorpio around you in a virgo libra great mood.

Keep it going10/23-11/21 Virgo! cancer 8/23-9/22 gemini 9/23-10/22 6/21-7/22 5/21-6/20

Looks like neither could get this stumper! A squirrel’s average lifespan is 8 years.

MS: 0, EW: 0

324

Leo (7/23 - 8/22)

Virgo (8/23 - 9/22)

Answer 8 Years

MS: 0, EW: 1

Cancer (6/21 - 7/22)

onfidence is key this month. When you are faced with a new experience or opcapricornportunity, aquarius don’t hesitate to takepisces it.You will scorpio libra 12/22-1/19 1/20-2/18 2/19-3/20 surprise yourself and those around you.You cancer 10/23-11/21 9/23-10/22 gemini Aries are killing it Cancer! taurus 6/21-7/22

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Leonardo da Vinci

Gemini (5/21 - 6/20)

G

Advertisement

INTRODUCTION TO AFFORDABLE COMMUTING

Taurus (4/20 - 5/20) ove is in the air Taurus. Take the opportuni-

ty to go out and meet new people because you may meet someone that just may be more than a friend. cancer leo virgo libra gemini taurus

MAVLIFENEWS.COM

No

FINAL SCORE = Starita: 2, Wanczuk: 1

“Almost, Maine”: Fall Play Review

pisces 2/19-3/20

Senior Molly Latchford, who played battered girlfriend and avid laundry-doer Marvalyn, felt the difference in having the audience on the stage.

“It is gives us more feel of the audience and makes us want to do better, ” Latchford said.

Audience members sought refuge from the snowy winter wonderland during intermission, a quick walk over to Almost’s local pub, the Moose Patty, a set painted and constructed in the theater’s own Black Box. cancer While there, the audience members could 6/21-7/22 purchase food and drinks from cast members such as Pete played by junior Jacob Reiss. Reiss had to remain in character throughout the intermission, giving him no break in the show.

“It was hard during the first few nights but on our seventh night I got better at remembering it better,” scorpio Reiss said.

10/23-11/21 Entertainment during the intermission was provided by Sloan Dempster, Bryce Gallagher, and a fleet of student musicians. Scored by students Michael Gould, Keegan Holst, Alex Tierney, and breakout star Senior Hayden Sproul proposes to senior Iman Fitzgerald in “Almost, Maine.”

Josue Vasquez, the music lent a home-town feeling to an already intimate set. itting on the stage during the play is not what audience In a particularly interesting episode of the play, Lendall, pisces members normally do, but nothing about La Costa Canplayed by the outgoing and talented Hayden Sproul, faces 2/19-3/20 yon’s production of John Cariani’s “Almost Maine” is ordinary- the pain of being dumped by his girlfriend Gayle, played by it is extraordinary. powerhouse Iman Fritzinger.

A virtual list of extraordinary flows throughout the “I spent a lot of time thinking about Gayle’s life was show, from the interaction with players in a bar scene during like, what her past was like, what her friends and family “intermission” to the snow that drifts down from above to coat relationships were like,” Fritzinger said. “I tried to cooperate the actors and audience in a faux wintery powder. that into the character.”

“It really set the mood of the wintery season,” junior Both actors portrayed their characters in a real and Haven Hendricks said of the snow. believable way, the audience felt their emotions alongside the Director and new theater teacher Brad Gold brought actors. snow, in reality tiny soap bubbles that look like the winter Overall, the production of “Almost, Maine” was a roaring staple, to the set as a way to help show the idea of two success, combining multiple classes, and multiple student characters falling in love. groups to give a new spin to high school theater.

Cariani’s production is a collection of love stories, separate from each other but all taking place in a small town in Acacia Southwell Maine called Almost.

Staff Writer Audience members were seated on the stage, making it feel like the they were a part of the tiny Maine town and the lives of the actors in the production.

Today’s lesson is in comfort, convenience and value. When you ride Metrolink, you’ll enjoy having time to connect with friends via social media, easy parking, even some extra quiet time to study, all while saving some serious cash. Visit our website to learn more, and get ready to move to the head of the class. metrolinktrains.com/studentyouth

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*except Weekend Day Pass. Please visit metrolinktrains.com/studentyouth for a complete list of details, restrictions and information.

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Entertainment

The Hungry Maverick

DECEMBER 2015

Pumpkin Pie Edition

T

he Hungry Maverick is an evaluation done by the MavLife Staff, to find the community’s best tasting food, drinks and deserts. For this issue, MavLife staffers were in the mood for some pumpkin pie from around Encinitas and Carlsbad! We decided we needed to grab some from your favorite shops Champagne Bakery, Betty’s Pie Whole, Cocos, and Costco. See who won below!

Reilly Tiglio Entertainment Editor

Champagne Bakery

Rated: 5/5

162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Ste. E-10 Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)-944-9446 ince 1987, Champagne Bakery has been known “The crust was flaky and didn’t become soggy for its classic french quisine and fresh bakery under the weight of the delicious filling,” senior around the county. Whether you are looking for Cooper Gee said. breakfast, lunch or dinner you will find tasty opThe pie was the class favorite by a landslide tions to fix any craving. Along with the entrees you due to its great texture, flavor and overall appeal. will find all the pastries and baked goods your eyes “The spices of the pie were not and stomach can handle. Therefore we decided that overwhelming,” junior Brittany Bloom said. we had to put their pumpkin pie to the ultimate “They all added to the overall great flavor of the test. pumpkin.”

S

Rated: 3/5

Cocos

407 Encinitas Boulevard Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)-436-6023 family favorite for decades, Cocos Bakery has been serving “feel good” meals since 1948.

Many of our staffers enjoyed the pie’s They have every food that your wildest comfort appearance and smell yet once they tasted the food dreams could imagine along with a well cake, they were somewhat disappointed with the known fresh bakery. Our staff decided that we flavor and texture. had to bring Cocos traditional pumpkin pie to the test.

“The pie didnt taste great and the texture “This pie looks great and fresh, but the taste was much harder than the other pies,” sophomore seems somewhat fake to me,” senior Aneleise Sophia Gambale.

Frandsen.

A

Betty’s Pie Whole

155 Quail Garden Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024 (760)-230-6781 etty’s Pie Whole is a new member to our cinnamon looks so pretty on it.” community. They serve a wide variety of “whole” pies made with fresh fruit and ingrediAlthough this pie looks fantastic and maybe ents from local distributers. Many “foodies” spoke even the best out of all of them, the taste of the highly of Betty’s Pie Whole so we decided to test pie was somewhat off to our staffers. their extremely adorable pumpkin pie.

“There is a very strong sugar after taste,” “This pie looks so good that I dont want to sophomore Kennon Aarnes said. “I felt like I bite into it,” senior Kailey O’connell said. “ The needed more crust to make up for it.” dollop of whipped cream is super cute and the

B

Rated: 1/5

Costco

951 Palomar Airport Rd Carlsbad, CA 92011-1110 (760) 929-0963 veryone knows Costco, it truly needs no According to our staff, the pie was the worst introduction. It has been serving things “BIG” out of all four tested. They felt that the taste and (literally) since 1983, and consumers have been texture was very artificial and just all around not loving it since. The pumpkin pie from Costco was the best tasting. massive, no surprise but we had to put the taste to the test.

“The pie is just really squishy and tastes like a rotten vegetable,” freshman Sophia Imparato said. “ The pie looks really soggy and almost uncooked,” junior Jade Harabedian said.

E

Rated: 4/5