Raven Report Issue 2 by Sequoia High School Raven Report

News Downtown jail site fires up arguments Page 3

Opinion Are teenagers too old to trick-or-treat? Page 4

Sports Volleyball “family” is all set to win Page 8

Sequoia High School

Raven Report

Volume IV, Issue 2

Orange fever sweeps campus By DANIEL JUDE and NICKIE PUCEL Sports editor and staff reporter Two strikes. Two outs. One stadium on its feet ready to celebrate. “And let the party begin!” said Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper as closer Brian Wilson ended the final game of the regular season. The San Francisco Giants were champions of the National League West Division. During the exciting year, the Giants gained new fans all over the Bay Area, including many at Sequoia. “It’s really my first time being a big baseball fan; I used to think baseball was lame,” said English and music teacher Jane Woodman, a Giants fan since the beginning of the summer. The Giants entered the regular season’s final series on Friday, Oct. 1 needing one win to clinch the division title and a playoff spot. The Padres took the the first two games of the series, but on Sunday, Oct. 3, the Giants shut out the Padres 3-0, and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Giants finished with 92 wins and 70 losses. Out of the Giants 162 games, 52 were decided by one run. This gave rise to Kuiper’s signature phrase: “Giants baseball: Torture.” These close, torturous games made the Giants one of the most exciting See GIANTS, page 8

1201 Brewster Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062

October 27, 2010

Let’s be blunt, it’s high time to discuss Prop 19 By SARINA KOCHER GROSS, Editor-in-Chief The Regulate Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, also known as Proposition 19, is a California ballot proposition to be voted on Nov. 2. This proposition is causing controversy in the Sequoia community as various opinions from students, parents, and teachers surround the political issue. If approved, the proposition would legalize the use

and production of marijuana for those age 21 or older, with certain restrictions and limitations. Prop 19 would allow possession, cultivation (up to 25 square feet per residence), and transportation of marijuana for personal use, with taxation and regulation by local governments. It would still prohibit the possession of marijuana on school campus, the usage around minors, and driving while under the influence. Currently, the use of mari-

juana is only legal for medical reasons. Possession of marijuana (up to one ounce) is a misdemeanor . Selling, cultivation, and distribution are felonies. Many are of the opinion that Proposition 19 should not be passed. Even though the proposition does not make marijuana legal for teens, many are concerned about the increase of use among high school students. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse

(NIDA), 42 percent of teens will have tried marijuana by the time they graduate. “Legalization would make [marijuana] more casual, and then eventually there won’t be any boundaries surrounding it. Right now, students are at a crucial point in their lives, preparing for college and making life decisions; any bad decision will effect you, not only now but also further down the road,” said junior Cameron Logie. See PROP 19, page 3

Fire Alarm Update Alarms due to construction: 4 Alarms pulled: 2 Unknown: 1 Total so far this year: 7 Fine for pulling an alarm: $5,000 Reward for information regarding the perpetrator: $250 “Pulling a fire alarm is arrestable,” said principal Bonnie Hansen. “It is considered a crime because it pulls the fire department from focusing on real emergencies and it wastes taxpayer dollars.”

Junior Paige Richards promotes the new School for Schools club, which raises awareness of international issues. Photo by Jimmy McGarry.

—Sarina Kocher Gross

Club connects students to invisible children in Africa By LAYNE DIENER Staff reporter While most students at Sequoia are worrying about how to update their Facebook statuses, a group of juniors is raising money to build schools in Uganda for impoverished children. This club, called Schools for Schools, was formed at Sequoia just this year. The club works with the Invisible Children organization, which helps rebuild

Uganda through their school system. Uganda, Africa, has been in Civil War since the early 1980s. Joseph Kony began the “Lord’s Resistance Army,” in which he abducted Ugandan children and manipulated them into joining the army so they could help overthrow the Ugandan government. He chose children because they are considered easy to train, easy to feed, and easy to take advantage of. Junior co-presidents Kinsey Dittmar and Paige

Richards saw a presentation over the summer at their church concerning Africa’s many problems. Dittmar and Richards imagined that students here at Sequoia would be able to provide so much for African children—an education. Dittmar, along with English teacher Justine Rutigliano, found Schools for Schools, an organization that raises awareness and funds to build schools in Uganda. This new club at Sequoia

has been trying to raise students’ awareness of international issues, as well as fundraise for their cause. Junior vice-president Adriana Wenz noted that the goal of this club is to become a school-wide movement. Richards encourages students here to join because it’s a “good way to be more aware of things they never see.” Dittmar wants students to have “the ideology that there’s more problems than See SCHOOLS, page 6

News

ACS brings cancer awareness By ALEXANDRA DEAS News Editor

One in three people develop cancer in their lifetime. If this statistic shocked you, you might be interested in joining the American Cancer Society (ACS) club at Sequoia. “Even if you have not had cancer directly affect your life, the chances of you or someone else in your future having it is too high to be ignored,” said senior Arina Garcia. The club’s goal is to get people involved to spread awareness to the current generation. “If awareness is reached to adolescents, future cancer can be prevented,” said ACS co-president Katerina Petrova. The club has been at Sequoia for eight years, and started out with two students and math teacher Eileen Bray, the club supervisor. It is now so large that there are hardly ever seats

available at meetings. The club is student run and its leaders are able to prove themselves on a bigger level than just at Sequoia. Participants in the club have the opportunity to become involved at the San Mateo County Youth Council, which is a part of the global ACS network. The ACS foundation prides itself in being “the official sponsor of birthdays.” It helps raise money to help more cancer victims survive and be able to celebrate more birthdays. The main event associated with the club is Relay for Life, a 24 hour event where communities come together to celebrate survivors and raise money for research and awareness. At night, a luminary ceremony is held, and hundreds of paper bags with messages to loved ones are filled with a candle and lit to spell out the message “Hope.” “This part of the event makes people feel vulnerable. It really puts things in perspective,” said trea-

surer, Linda Gordon. The luminary ceremony seems to have biggest impact on people. This event is not only held here, but it takes places annually all over the world. Survivors, current victims, family members, and people just there for support, all take part in something bigger than just their community. “It is like one big family coming together,” said Gordon. A majority of people sign up just to participate in this event; however, there are more opportunities to participate: the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Daffodil Days, and volunteer opportunities associated with the foundation. “Being a part of ACS makes people more aware of the global network of community volunteerism,” said Petrova. The club educates members of cancer risks and ways to be aware. “Remind your family members to get a mammogram,” said Buckley. The club meets on Tuesdays in room 104 at 11:45. Email acs.seq11@ gmail.com for more info.

Freshman class adjusting

Compared to Charter Middle School, whose 8th grade class only had 27 people, Melton said about Sequoia, “it’s way better because People are whizzing by in there is so much to do for so a blur and everything seems many types of people.” unknown. The room numBut high school has its bers aren’t in order, and the challenges academically. map doesn’t really help. You “You can’t be a slacker. You search for a familiar face, but have to try your best in all can’t find any. your classes Welcome to the otherwise world of being a you’ll fall befreshman. hind,” Melton But after two said. months now, Kennedy 23.9% Newly the freshmen McKinley 14.4% elected Freshhave figured it Central 9.9% man Class out. “It took a North Star 8.9% President Kate couple of days, Clifford 8.5% Boudreau said, but once I knew Garfield 5.2% “This year the where to go, it Hoover 6.0% freshmen are was easy to folRoy Cloud 3.7% hitting the low,” freshman Cesar Chavez 1.6% ground runMarisa Melton Tierra Linda 1.6% ning. Sequoia, said. Belle Haven 1.2% you better be Freshman Other 15.1% ready!” Matt Jenkins, Adminitive previously Vice Principal homeschooled, Mike Kuliga, in charge of the said that at first he was “like freshman class of 2014, said ‘Whoa…there’s a lot of that he is very impressed so people’ but [now] I like it.” far. This year, 23.9 percent “It’s a very diverse group of the freshmen come from Kennedy Middle School and and a very spirited and enthusiastic group,” Kuliga said. 14.4 percent from McKinThey have big plans to get ley Middle School. Central involved. Middle School follows, “I want to make an impact sending 9.9 percent of the on the school and make it a students who make up the better place,” Jenkins said. freshman class. By LAUREL DEARBORN Staff reporter

Where are they from?

This month’s Financial Literacy article is sponsored by the RCSSE:

Learn About Money From People Who Failed We all know millionaires know how to make money. I’ve always wanted to know why most people don’t become millionaires or don’t succeed at having enough money to lead a stress-free and independent life. Here are five key lessons I’ve learned so far from those who fail becoming millionaires:

Redwood City Sequoia School Employees Federal Credit Union http://www.rcsse.org/ 530 El Camino Real, P.O. Box 5413, Redwood City (650) 366-7777 Serving employees and their families in the following districts: Redwood City Sequoia San Carlos Belmont Ravenswood Las Lomitas Menlo Park Portola Valley Woodside

Canada College district

1. Don’t assume higher income always means more savings. If you increase your spending every time your income goes up, you’re standing still, not moving forward. A perfect example: your income goes up, and you immediately get a more expensive car or apartment. 2. Don’t assume higher incomes are guaranteed for life. Ask somebody you know who worked on commission for the last few years if their income stayed up during the meltdown. Always assume your income may drop. Repeat that thought every day. The more prosperous you get, the more careful you should become. I’ve got a friend whose income skyrocketed during the meltdown, but she’s living exactly like she did before the money rushed in. “I know this can go away,” she says. 3. Pay attention to cash flow. Even if you’re working at a McDonald’s, cash flow impacts your life, whether you like it or not. 4. Never let failure slow you down. Ever heard of Mark Twain? He spent years paying off debts after a business meltdown, but never dodged his debt or lowered his head. Most millionaires will tell you they failed many times before making it big. 5. Confront money issues head on, don’t ignore them. Be up-front with people about money. Reach out to them don’t wait for them to contact you. If you have debt problems and belong to a credit union, call them for credit counseling. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ll fail a few times when it comes to money management before you succeed. So what? Learn from those mistakes and you’ve got a better chance down the line to be the millionaire in someone else’s story about success. For more information, go to www.rcsse.org or call Larry Wagner, RCSSE Vice President.

News

BE INFORMED With a statewide election on Nov. 2 and a citywide controversy up for debate, students now more than ever need to get involved politically.We break down two issues we think Sequoia High School students should know about to be informed citizens.

Site of proposed downtown jail causes controversy

Novem STATEW ber 2, 2010 IDE EL ECTION BA

LLOT • Governo r • Lieutena nt • Secretar Governor y of State • Prop 19: L

egalizes m arijuana u permits go nder state vernment law, s to regula • Prop 21: $ te and tax 18 annual . vehicle lic charge to ense surhelp state parks and • Prop 23: R wildlife. equires re porting an greenhous d reducing e ga of • Prop 22 — s emissions. Prop 27

will house 768 beds belonging to prisoners ranging from drug addicts to those with psychiatric disorders. In June of this year, city officials proposed the alCalifornia’s overcrowded jails are one of the ternative site of Chemical Way, east of the freeway. state’s greatest concerns. But with a proposal to This site would require parolees to be driven to the build a new jail just half a mile from Sequoia High School, many are growing worried about its impact. jail from their trial at the courthouse and might increase traffic flow on the 101. Now, almost three Redwood City is currently home to two coryears after the building’s proposal, rectional facilities and one county jail; all three are severely over17,000 inmates are annually there is still a controversy over the location of this new facility. crowded. Maguire, the county jail, released from Maguire. Redwood City residents along is currently filled with 140 percent • 64% have at least one with Sequoia students are worof its rated capacity, making the psychiatric disorder ried about an additional jail placed prison liable for lawsuit. The county • 50% or more have a drug downtown and the bail bonds serproposed the construction of an problem vices that will accompany it. additional jail just two blocks from • 42% will re-offend within “Since this is the only jail in the the Courthouse and within walking 12 months, county, all criminals are brought and distance of Sequoia. • 30% are violent released here. So now, my friends According to the website www. • 23% of males & 30% of and I have to worry about all of nodowntownjail.org, created by a females are homeless the homeless ex-convicts roaming group of Redwood city citizens in • 17% are gang members our streets when I just want to chill opposition to the downtown jail, downtown,” said freshman Ben Sehl. this six-story cement jail will be The existing jail currently releases thousands of constructed at the threshold of Redwood City’s prisoners into Redwood City’s downtown yearly, downtown, off of Brewster Ave. on Winslow St. It By ANNA DAGUM Staff reporter

PROP 19 (from pg 1) According to NIDA, marijuana

could benefit society. Supporters argue that it would eliminate violence from underground markets, generate savings for the government, minimize affects brain systems that are still incarceration rates, and reduce teenmaturing, impairs short-term age usage. memory and distorts perception. “[Prohibition] encouraged crimiAccording to the United States nality and institutionalized hypocrisy. Drug Enforcement Administration, It deprived the government of revmarijuana is addictive and users enue, stripped the gears of the politican become dependent on it to an extent where treatment is necessary. cal system, and proposed profound limitations on individual rights,” said A teacher explained more opformer New York Times public editor position to Prop 19. Daniel Okrent. “Opponents of Proposition 19 Senior Jimmy Newsom agreed: say if marijuana becomes more “It allows use of a substance that has widely available, more young been shown to be much less harmful people would use it, which could than alcohol and is already used by interfere with their education and the public.” cause more car accidents,” said hisAccording to SAFER, marijuana tory teacher Marc Crownover. is one of the least toxic drugs, conMarijuana is considered a “gateway” drug that leads to the usage of tradicting other studies. SAFER says other, more harmful drugs. Studies it is not addictive and is much less by the Substance Abuse and Mental toxic than alcohol, which causes more damage to the brain. Research has Health Services Administration shown health benefits of marijuana, (SAMHSA) conclude those who as the medical argument goes: slowuse marijuana at a younger age are more likely to use other drugs. One ing down tumor growth and treating seizures, migraines, glaucoma, Obsesstudy concluded that those who smoked marijuana as an adolescent sive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorwere five times more likely to use der, Alzheimer’s Disease, and others. harder drugs in the future. “Approval would reduce the num“[Proposition 19] would have ber of people in prison on marijuana no positive effect on society,” said charges, therefore saving tax dollars,” junior Cassandra Ricks. said Crownover. But others think legalization

so Munks said this should not be a concern. “If the new jail is constructed downtown, there will be no change to safety,” said Munks. “At this point, it’s more of a visual impact.” Sequoia parent Susie Peyton disagreed: “Downtown is where a community congregates. [The new jail] will cause an undue burden above and beyond the current impact we feel from the existing jail.” California spends approximately $45,000 a year just on the feeding and housing of each parolee, whereas the government spends $7,500 per pupil annually. Many say that California’s priorities are in need of reversal when the government spends $37,500 more on prisoners than students. Sherrif Munks believes the jail is necessary. “The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of action,” said Munks. This cost of action, in building a new jail, is an estimated $150 million. Yes, the county as a whole is in need of another jail, but when it would impact the safety and budget of Redwood City only, many wonder why it can’t be placed elsewhere.

The Department of Justice report- harder for youth to have possesed that there were 872,720 marijuana sion of weed. Right now, alcohol is arrests in 2007, with 89 percent harder to get than marijuana,” said being for possession. There is also a junior Oliver racial disparity Contento. in arrests for Cannabis History in the U.S. The philomarijuana possophical 1611: The English introduced marijuana session: Shenanargument for in Jamestown. There, it became a major doah University legalization is commercial crop and was grown as a professor Jon that individusource of fiber. Gettman reals have the 1937: The Marihuana Tax Act made canported African right to make nabis federally illegal in the U.S. Americans are their own 1970: The Controlled Substances Act three times choices, with classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug more likely the condition (having the high abuse potential and no to be arrested that an indiaccepted medical use). for marijuana 1972: California ballot measure Prop19 vidual’s actions activities than supported the legalization of marijuana, do not harm Caucasians, but did not pass because only one-third another. The although their supported the measure. government usage is only 1996: The Compassionate Use Act legalstill retains the ized medical use of marijuana in Calif. about oneright to inter—Source: http://brainz.org fere when the fourth more. The approval action has a of Prop 19 would save money by significant threat to the individual. decreasing the amount of prisoners Prop 19 is bringing national incarcerated for marijuana charges attention to California. In the past, and reducing the underground drug measures that have attempted to crime. legalize marijuana has failed. AcBy having restrictions on marijuana cording to the July Field Poll, 48 similar to that of alcohol, some think percent of likely voters oppose the this would eliminate the underground proposition and 44 percent support sale of drugs, which would make it. If Prop 19 were to pass this, it marijuana harder for those underage is uncertain how the proposition to access. would go into effect and what the “If anything, it would make it results would be.

Opinion

High schoolers shouldn’t be trick-or-treating anymore BY MATT BROTHERTON and CONNOR GROSSMAN Staff reporters

Have you ever thought you were too old to be trick or treating? While it is perfectly acceptable in elementary and middle school, high school might be the line at what’s an acceptable age to trick or treat. As a teenager, asking for candy while right behind you there is a seven-year-old sporting a green Power Ranger costume with the little plastic jack-o-lantern candy bucket doesn’t seem fair to either of you, and it’s an awkward situation for the adult. “Anyone can trick or treat no matter your age, you’re never too old.” said Senior Kyle Gordon. We disagreed with Kyle and decided that honestly, trick or treating as a teenager just doesn’t have the same thrill and excitement it did when Halloween was more of a new

experience for us. The entire concept of trick or treating does seem appealing: free candy! But in this day and age, Halloween has turned into more of a child’s holiday and the focus is on the kids. Around 2,000 years ago, the Celts celebrated the new year on Nov. 1. On the night of Oct. 31, they believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. During the celebration, they wore costumes to scare the ghosts away. Around the ninth century A.D., Christianity started to adopt the concepts of Halloween, wearing costumes to scare the returning ghosts off. However, sophomore Jeremy Smith said, “No matter how old you are, trick or treating is always acceptable.” But companies don’t need to target an older audience of teenagers who can go out and buy it themselves if they want.

We decided that while trick or treating is meant for younger kids, getting into the holiday spirit is fine for all ages. With that being said, if you don’t trick or treat, you should still celebrate the holiday in other ways. Throw a Halloween party; you can still get into it and dress up but you don’t have to hit the streets and trick or treat. If you have little brothers or sisters take them out trick or treating, it’s the closest alternative to the actual thing. Of course you could embrace the holiday to its true meaning, and go out to scare people. For example, if you have a bench or chair on your porch, dress up like a scarecrow and wait for the perfect time to jump. Or you could invite some friends over to watch a movie, such as Paranormal Activity, widely acknowledged to be one of the scariest movies in theaters last year. In fact, the

sequel, Paranormal Activity 2, was released in theaters on Oct. 22. Halloween isn’t all about just collecting candy from other people. It’s more of just having a good time with your friends getting into the holiday and leaving the younger kids to their own fun trick or treating.

Looking for a place to go? • Great America’s Halloween Haunt is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October, including Halloween from 7 pm to midnight. • The famous Winchester Mystery House does special nighttime flashlight tours on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Halloween weekened. • Arata Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay is home to one of the largest and most confusing hay mazes in the bay area. On Halloween they will be open from 9 am to 7 pm.

Students and teachers weigh in on Collaboration Days BY LAUREL DEARBORN Staff reporter Bell rings. Sit down. Kickoff. Teacher Talks. Bell rings. Off you go! That’s about all you have time for in the 30 minutes that’s dedicated to each class on Collaboration Mondays. So is it even worth it? “We get out at 12:50,” freshman Matt Dieroff said. “What’s not to like?” Collaboration days are designed for teachers to “collaborate” or work with other staff members about curriculum and school wide activities. All class periods are 30 minutes long and this schedule is used about every other week. Senior Garrett Ahern said, “It’s nice to be able to leave school earlier. It gives students a break. Its also nice to ease into school after the weekend.” One hundred percent of both seniors and freshmen say they like Collaboration Days and 97 percent of both juniors and sophmores said they also like them. So obviously students enjoy them, but what about teachers? Many teachers find it hard to fill the time with material valuable for students but find that the time dedicated to talking with the other staff members is incredibly useful. “It’s enough time to do a quick review of previous material,” special education teacher Erin Tate said, “but its hard to cover new information.”

What are your reasons for or against Prop 19? Do you like 3D movies? Respond to an article by writing a letter to the editor at ravenreport09@gmail.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

“It’s tricky to think [of what] students can do in such a short time but [for the teachers] it’s definitely worth the short periods,” said Kirstin Milks, science teacher. Lots of students love extra time to hang out with friends and have time to do homework, but sophomore Michol Walichiewick disagrees. “I can’t do my classwork in 30 minutes and I don’t have a chance to learn anything,” Walichiewick said. Freshman Emma Peyton agreed. “I think high

school students should be able to move at a fast pace, even in 30 minutes.” Senior Jocelyn Pantoja had a message for the students. “People learn things everyday,” she said “It’s not a matter of time, it’s up to the students to take in what our teachers are teaching.” Collaboration days are something that most teachers and students benefit from and enjoy. Even though each class only lasts for 30 minutes, it seems that both find the time productive.

Sequoia High School

Raven Report 2010-2011 Editor-in-Chief Sarina Kocher Gross News Editors Zeenat Ali and Alex Deas

Feature Editor Sami Mast

Layout Editor Santiago Ortega Sports Editor Daniel Jude

Staff Reporters William Baker Matt Brotherton Anna Dagum Laurel Dearborn Layne Diener Connor Grossman Will James Caroline Lempert Josh Pitkofsky Nickie Pucel Rebecca Sand Jacob Warren Faculty adviser Kim Vinh Mission Statement The Raven Report strives to provide Sequoia High School with informative, engaging and relevant news. The staff will exercise integrity and adaptability while promoting justice and transparency through professional reporting about the school, the community, and the world. Letters to the Editor The Raven Report welcomes letters to the editor from students, parents, or community members, sent to Room 308 or by email to ravenreport09@gmail.com. Letters must include the writer’s full name and ID number, and the staff reserves the right to edit for space and style.

Feature

Raven goes Ravenclaw: Potter magic enchants halls By JOSH PITKOFSKY Staff reporter Harry Potter is fake. It is completely fantasy and most of the magical events that occur in the books and movies are impossible. Yet with the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” movie coming out on Nov. 19, Sequoia students are finding their Potter spirit and making magic real: in addition to the Sequoia Quidditch Club created this year, the junior class of 2012 homecoming hall theme was based on this popular book series. “People see Harry Potter or read the books know that it is magical [and impossible], but it’s something that you want to be true... so now you have Quidditch club who brings that magic to Sequoia,” club creator senior Thomas Hunter said. Quidditch is a game played by wizards from different schools and countries in a huge stadium. Quidditch is a big deal for the schools, equivalent to football. At Quidditch games, school pride is big. Wizarding schools bring banners, hats, and scarves displaying their school’s name, and the crowd yells and cheers for their team. Hunter says that the goal of the club is for people to have fun. “It’s not like a varsity sport where they cut people [from the team],” Hunter said. So how do the Quidditch games work? How is it possible for students to play a game meant only for wizards and witches?

Butterbeer recipe One hour, serves four

• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar • 2 T water • 2 T butter • 1/2 t cider vinegar • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 t vanilla extract • 1/8 t pumpkin pie spice • Four bottles cream soda

Crowds gather at the recreated Hogsmeade Village in Universal Studios, Florida. Sequoia has also created its own Potter spirit. Photo by Sami Mast. “Well obviously we can’t fly,” Draper said stating a main concern for critics of the club. But an average Quidditch game would go something like this: • Three hoops are set up on opposite sides of a field. • There is a keeper (goalie) on each team whose job is to stop the chasers (offense) from getting the quaffle (ball) in the hoops. • Each team has three chasers. If the chasers score, it counts for 10 points for that team. • The beaters (defense) have bludgers (balls) that they try to hit at people with bats, attempting to stop the chasers from scoring. • The seeker (special offensive team member) tries to catch the golden snitch (a little golden ball with wings

that if caught, results in that team winning the game.) • The snitch in this case will be a tennis ball in a sock of a person in a gold suit. • Each player must have a broom in between their legs while running. Some of the goals of the club include having regular practices, and hosting a student versus teacher game. They also want to have a game against Burlingame High School, which also has their own Quidditch Club. Harry Potter is also the inspiration for the junior class hall theme. “There’s a lot of variety and possibility for great costumes,” said junior Alison Logia. “We’re changing the Ravenclaw colors to purple for Sequoia spirit.”

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240F. Step 2: Stir in the butter, cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream. Set aside to cool. Step 3: Cool, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice (to taste). Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until thickened. To Serve: divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, and then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each. —from mugglenet.com

Skip the lines at the Potter park RECREATIONAL BOXING PROGRAM

You don’t have to be a boxer to get a boxing workout! Our after school non-contact recreational boxing program is a perfect way to have fun and get fit. Participants...

increase cardiovascular fitness, lose weight, elevate energy levels, enhance muscle tone, build confidence, and reduce stress in classes that combine music, movement, and motivation. Learn stance, footwork, and striking technique for a super cardio total body workout. Work with qualified coaches to build skills while gaining strength and stamina. Competitive training is also available for students interested in participating in USA Boxing sanctioned events. As a member of USA Boxing and the United States Olympic Committee, we sponsor athletes to compete in local, regional, and national level tournaments and events. This training program yields the same physical benefits as our recreational program and beyond. As a 501 (c) (3) non profit we offer low cost programming as well as free scholarships to those who qualify. For more info go to www.peninsulaboxing.org

PENINSULA BOXING & FITNESS

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Harry Potter is not only getting big here at Sequoia; the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida receives thousands of visitors each day. I spent a couple of hours at the park and created some tips to shorten line times. The main attractions to the park are Ollivander’s Wand Shop, The Forbidden Journey ride, and The Three Broomsticks Restaurant. If you are lucky enough to get to the park early, head to The Forbidden Journey first. The line for this ride is partially a tour through the castle, the only

trouble is, before you get to the main part of the castle, there is a large part of the line that is in the sun. Despite the rumors of long lines and the hot Florida sun, freshman Molly Shea said, “As soon as I get my driver’s license, here I come, road trip!” Freshman Amir Amerian, another Harry Potter fan, agreed. “I would love to go to Harry Potter land because I love Harry Potter in general. Even J.K. Rowling approves of Harry Potter Land,” Amerian said. —SAMI MAST

FEATURE 6 Heavy messenger bags, backpacks, and purses may cause back pain By ZEENAT ALI News Editor Students attend school seven to eight hours a day. If every class requires a textbook, and a textbook weighs three to four pounds each, that’s almost 20 pounds to carry, not including binders, folders or the make up bags that some girls carry. Sequoia students are seen carrying giant backpacks, but also messenger bags or purses. Which one is the healthiest choice? You can fit nearly all your books and binders in a backpack, but with that much weight on your back, students may develop health problems. Students Sequoia students are asked to carry around a said they experience discomfort from their backlot of books. Photo by Zeenat Ali. packs; 64 percent reported having back pain at some time, according to WebMd researchers. the weight. “I have had students in the past complain about “I carry a backpack because that way I get to carrying too many books,” said the school health store more binders and heavy materials in there and aid Claudia Rendon. not have to carry them in my hand all the time,” For example, sophomore Sunil Butler said, “It said senior Daisy Rodriguez. used to hurt my back because I carried a lot of Messenger bags and purses have also been in things since 5th grade but now I am used to it.” style for a while. They are easy to carry, but you However, some students still prefer them despite cannot put the same amount of school supplies in

SCHOOLS (continued from page 1) just in the United States,” she said. Rutigliano advised this club at the last high school she taught at, Capuchino, and has brought it to Sequoia because of her passion for these issues. “People always say we have a lot of problems here in America, but if we can raise our understanding of international issues, I think we can better understand ourselves, society, and the human condition,” Rutigliano said. The popularity of the club has surprised and pleased Rutigliano. She says, “I didn’t expect people to be so interested; it was inspiring.”

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messenger bags as you can in a backpack. Nevertheless, some people are still very fond of them. Senior Bianca Maldonado said that having a messenger bag is easier. “I like to be hands free than to be carrying all of my binders and heavy textbooks,” Maldonado said. Another student also agrees with Maldonado. “With a backpack it always strains your back and with a purse it is easier,” said sophomore Marisa Steck. Shelby Escobedo also added, “ its more convenient and less time consuming.” But carrying something else besides backpacks can also cause health problems. “Having messenger bags or purses causes more pressure on one side of the shoulder because the weight is not distributed equally. What I recommend is having the backpack with wheels,” Rendon said. There is an alternate solution for messenger bags/purses and backpack carriers who feel like they are straining their back with all the heavy books that they carrying. Students should carry less books and binders and “use lockers,” said science department chair Mitch Weathers.

Guide to collab cuisine By WILL JAMES Staff Reporter Sequoia students get to enjoy a collaboration day every two or three weeks. We have shortened classes, early dismissal, and the chance to have lunch off campus. Most students lean toward any tasty, affordable choice within reasonable walking distance of Sequoia. We have a great variety of restaurants nearby, but some stand out above the rest. These are the favorites.

Panda Express Sequoia station

Panda Express opened in Sequoia Station just before graduation in late May of last year, and has since been one of the favorite lunch choices for Sequoia students. Popular choices are the Panda bowl for $5 (one entrée on a bed of rice or chow mein) and the two-entree meal for $6 (two entrees with a side of rice, chow mein, or steamed vegetables.) When tax and the price of a drink are factored in, a meal costs $7-$8, making it one of the more expensive fast food options. Entrees consist of meat, usually chicken or beef with some sort of tangy, sweet and spicy saucy, and assorted vegetables. It provides welcome change from the flavor-lacking fast food that is so common in many other places.

In n Out 949 Veterans Blvd As almost all Sequoia students now know, the new In-n-Out Burger has become one of the most popular spots for food in Redwood City since its opening on Aug. 27. Sophomore Patrick Murti said, “I like to get a Neapolitan shake, double- double and fries.” He said he likes to go there because “it’s good food, good service and a great place to meet friends.” Meals range in price from about $5 to $7.50, similar to most fast food

combos. Unfortunately, long lines are common at all times of the day, and it is a longer walk than the other choices, but it is still a delicious place for a classic burger and fries.

Pizza my Heart 831 Middlefield Rd. (next to movie theatres) More of a real restaurant than the other fast food choices, Pizza my Heart offers award-winning pizza in the middle of downtown Redwood City. Although it seems a bit more upscale than the other, strictly casual choices, it is quite affordable. Slices cost $3.25 to $4, and drinks are $1.75. For $6.75, you can have a salad, slice of your choice, and drink. For larger groups, whole pizzas range from $15.25 to $22.25, depending on the toppings. “I love going there because the pieces of pizza are giant, and its right near the movie theater,” said Sophomore Willem Burns. “My favorite slice is the pepperoni,” he said. Some other popular slices are The Big Sur (pepperoni, sausage, portebello mushrooms, and garlic) and Pesto. If you are in the mood for pizza, this is the place to go in Redwood City.

Tacos El Grullense 999 El Camino Real

Located right across the street from Sequoia, it is a convenient choice for any student. It is also the least expensive of the four. Tacos can be bought for $1.25, and although they are small, they are flavorful and you can’t deny the value. A more substantial burrito costs $4.25, still a good price for any lunch. “I like it because the smell reminds me of my grandma. I love the tortas too! They’re like my favorite thing ever!” said Sophomore Melissa Aguilar. For first timers, stick with the mild salsa, as the hot salsa certainly lives up to its name. A great place to find cheap, authentic Mexican food.

Feature

3D movies only a 2D revelation By SAMI MAST and LIAM O’HARA Feature Editor and staff reporter

It’s the weekend and all you want to do is catch a good movie with some friends. The previews start to play and you notice something similar about each one. The last sentence of the advertisement is “coming in 3D!” That’s a good way to kill your mood. In 2009, 17 3D movies were shown in U.S. theaters alone. The overproduction of 3D movies is getting completely out of hand; almost every movie in theaters has the option of 3D. This new way of movie watching is completely overrated and not worth our time. We aren’t alone in this hatred towards this new phenomena. Sophomore Kayla Beard said, “They are stupid, unnecessary, and they hurt your eyes.” Compared to the regular $10.50, paying $3.50 extra (for adults) for a movie that has barely any 3D is just ridiculous! Beard says it’s paying “an

extra $4 for something that doesn’t make a big difference.” It’s a complete waste of money and we don’t see the point in having them around. But although we agree that most of these movies are bad, Beard makes a good point saying that “if the 3D is used well, than it can be good, but it is normally either overused or underused; that is the biggest problem. They don’t use the right amount of 3D.” The success of “Avatar”, a visual masterpiece that went on to become the highest grossing film of all time, earned its success with it’s 3D effects. “Titanic” however gained it’s title with exceptional acting and story telling. “Avatar’s” not going to win an oscar for most original story rather it beat out “Titanic” by relying on an expensive gimmick that is 3D. Movies with great plots and great actors are being tossed aside at the box office when movies in 3D with mediocre actors and average at best story lines are making millions based on there visual effects. “Avatar,” (2009)“Jack Ass 3D”(2010) and “Creature from the black Lagoon,”(1954) are some of the very few 3D movies that have created a better movie viewing experience and made a killing at the box office. The movie industry has been trying

to repeat the success of these movies, and has tacked on 3D on blatantly terrible both in terms of plot and visuals in an effort to raise revenue. These movies include the “Last Airbender,” “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” and “Cats and Dogs:Revenge of Kitty Galore” that made a mere $6.9 million in it’s opening weekend, the lowest for a 3D movie of all time. Even cinematically exceptional movies such as “Toy Story 3” that have utilized 3D have added nothing to the movie going experience, under using the 3D to charge an extra four dollars for an already overpriced ticket. The lacking quality of these 3D movies is largely due to the fact that many movies are not filmed in 3D, rather they are adapted after the movie has been made, and as a result movies such as “My Soul to Take” and the “Last Airbender” that were not meant to be viewed in 3D are being added in an effort to make an extra buck, whereas movies such as “Avatar” that were shot in 3D are visually exceptional, but rely solely on the visuals, not it’s Pocahontas-esque story. The fact of the matter is that 3D movies do not add anything to the viewing experience. 3D is a bonus when used correctly, to compliment a movie, such as Coraline in 2009, however trying to rely on only visuals, is not advancing the industry, and trying to replace good acting with a rather gimmicky effect is not a step in the right direction.

Sharks come back with a bite By JACOB WARREN Staff Reporter “The 2009-2010 Sharks season was supposed to be the season to Sharks fans,” sophomore Willem Burns said. The Sharks came up short on this end, and ended up going home without the Stanley Cup. With the new season, Burns and other Sequoia students are feeling a buzz about this team. The San Jose Sharks won the Pacific Division last year, finishing the regular season with 113 points. They battled injury, fatigue, and the sting of losses. When the Sharks got to the playoffs they got a huge energy boost, and went in smelling for blood. The Sharks had a very tough series against Colorado, and even had assistant captain Dan Boyle score on his own goal. “I watched all the playoff games last year, and the Chicago games were tough but the Detroit games were an all out brawl,” said Burns. The Sharks are off to a good start rebuilding from last year with two new goaltenders and a new captain, a super star named Joe Thornton. “I’m hoping that this will be the year for the Sharks and they can win it all,” sophomore Cheyenne Johnston, another Sequoia fan, said.

Sports

Volleyball team unity spikes as winning sets standard By DANIEL JUDE and SANTIAGO ORTEGA Sports Editor and Layout Editor The volleyball team has had a great season so far, going 7-3 as of Oct. 22. Having moved down to the Ocean division, they have a new mentality and are looking to go deep into CCS. Last year, the team had mainly underclassmen, and no seniors. This season it is mainly sophomores and juniors, and two seniors who lead the team. Junior captain Nicole Kielty believes that this team’s experience has given it a different attitude. “We have more drive to be the best,” Kielty said. The volleyball team has come a long way since last year’s season. And with its squad of 13, Kielty says that “communication is key. Since we have become better and our chemistry is stronger, we are able to work together better.” This year’s volleyball team not only excels in gameplay but also in team camaraderie. “We’re more like a family.”

as one cohesive unit. Coach Jane Slater said, “Katerina is the offensive leader, Nicole the defensive leader, and Niki rallies people: she’s got the voice.” When you watch the team, the chemistry and camaraderie is evident. After every play the team meets in the middle and exchanges encouraging words. “Everyone is nice. They want to win for each other, we haven’t had that [in past seasons]” said Slater. The team has shown an The team regroups by the bench for advice from exceptional ability to win Coach Slater during a game against Capucino High close games, only losing one School. Photo by Santiago Ortega. time in contests that have junior Paola Nuñez said. welcoming, I felt accepted.” gone to five games. “Last “If one person doesn’t do The team-first attitude is year we would fall apart in well, the whole team goes hammered into the team by the last game, now we’ve down” said senior co-captain its captains. gotten really good at staying Katerina Petrova. “Any play Kielty and senior cowith it and wanting it more.” gone wrong doesn’t matter captains Niki Serrano and Petrova says. because the rest of the team is Petrova are working hard This new perseverance in there to pick each other up.” in “their different roles every game has given them Incoming freshman Joy [which] flow together,” as belief in themselves. “[This Robinson has fit into the team Kielty described it, and year] we walk into the gym perfectly. “Everyone was really guide the team to working with confidence: we can

win.” Petrova says. This confidence and drive to be the best is much attributed to Slater. Every practice and timeout speech inspires the team to stay focused. Junior Beth Landrum said, “[Slater] wants us to work our hardest. She pushes us.” “She’s not the type of coach that will yell at you,” said Petrova. “I think for a girls team its more influential to see the coach’s disappointment rather than them yelling.” The players have tremendous respect for the coach and want to demonstrate that through their game play. This year CCS is realistic judging by the team’s start. “I could see us winning the division and moving [back] up to Bay.” said Robinson. If the team can stay focused in its final three games, that is a likelihood. A run into CCS would be icing on the cake of this successful season, and could be signs for seasons to come.

Cross Country running towards CCS finish line By JOSH PITKOFSKY Staff reporter

Sophomore Sherry Sanders cruises to the finish in Half Moon Bay. Photo by Patrick Rick Hunter.

GIANTS

(continued from page 1) teams to watch in the league. “I enjoy close games, they are intense,” Woodman said. “I was listening [to a close game] on the radio when I got to my dentist’s. I called him and said I had to take an important phone call so I could listen to the rest of the game.” With a team full of oddball personalities working cohesively, “they have fun, [and] as a fan I have fun,” said junior Cameron Satterlee. “I try to watch as many games as I can,” freshman Sam Peyton said. A few heads were turned after last season’s tight wild card race, but this year, the Giants gained much more attention, and fans are popping up all

Running a few miles at 6:15 a.m. isn’t fun. It’s “amazing!” according to Junior Manny Avila. Avila puts himself through these morning practices to do better in the meets, and indeed, Avila is the 30th fastest Sequoia runner ever to run at the Crystal Springs cross country course. Avila and senior captain Danny Raggio are running the fourth and fifth fastest times since 1983. On the girls side, sophomore Gaia Bouchard-Hall is the fastest girl from Sequoia and 11th in the league. “These stats have proven that our caliber for training has gone up and our competitiveness has gone up,” said head coach Andrew Hutchinson. After the team competed in the second league meet on Oct. 5, Hutchinson stated, “the team has a good chance at CCS; our talent is there, if we stay healthy and keep improving we will be at CCS.” The final spots for CCS are hotly competed; the 7-11th place teams are only about 20 points apart

over Sequoia. “I definitely noticed an uptake in orange and black gear [around the school],” said English teacher and Padres fan Jason Drogin, who has been teaching at Sequoia for five years. “I have noticed an increase in staff wearing them,” said visual and performing arts teacher Daniel Broome, who is in his 20th year at Sequoia. “I always followed, [but this year] I got into it,” Peyton said. This is the story of many students. Are these new fans “true fans?” Satterlee believes in these new fans, but Broome disagrees. “[Sequoia students] do care more. They might just ask someone [the score] the next day, but they do care,” said Satterlee. “[These fans] love when they’re winning, but want nothing to do with

on the boys and girls sides. “We’re all competing for the last two spots for CCS,” said Hutchinson. The team’s wins come from its spirited attitude. “I think cross country is fun, there are a lot of supportive people on the team. When I’m at home I’m not stressed out about homework because of cross country,” sophomore captain Sherry Sanders said. “[Cross country] deserves more attention than it gets; it lost momentum at Sequoia because of bad teams, but the athletes that are doing cross country now are reviving the sport,” said Coach Hutchinson. Upcoming events: • Oct. 28 @ Crystal Springs, Belmont • Nov. 4, P.A.L. League Championships @ Crystal Springs, Belmont • Nov. 13, CCS Section Finals @ Toro Park, Salinas

them when they’re losing,” said Broome. Satterlee, a regular attendant at AT&T Park since 2005, says, “[Now that they are winning] its definitely more fun to watch.” The team has captivated the whole Bay Area, and everyone “can all get back behind the Giants and watch them Sophomores Mikayla Wilkes and Alaina Woo are among many Sequoia fans seen regularly sporting shine.” black and orange. Photo by Nickie Pucel. While most fans believe this success is excited about this team. not a fluke, Drogin warns fans that “it “If they play their best, I think they would be best to temper their enthucould win [the World Series],” Woodsiasm.” man said. Regardless of this season’s Enthusiasm tempered or not, Gioutcome, Giants fans are hoping for ants fans all around the Bay Area are another thrilling season next year.