September 7, 2018
VOL. MMXVIII, No. 4
RAM’S EAR R I O V I S TA H I G H S C H O O L
Chaos Strikes the Rio Bridge by Preston Ebert, Staff Writer
Photo by: Greg Mitchell, RV Bridgeman
On Thursday, August 9 the Helen Madere Memorial Bridge got stuck up and halted all traffic on Highway 12. The bridge was stuck up from 3:30 pm to 3:00 am. When this happened it left almost everyone that lived on the opposite sides of the bridge stranded from their homes. With the bridge stuck up, there was a huge roadblock for anyone needing to travel across the bridge. Some people like James Blake said, “I didn’t even get home. I went to a friends house for the night.” This, though not super serious, really affected other people that were not able to stay at a friends house like Jaqueline Leal. She stated, “It took me seven hours to get home and I had to take two ferries just to get home.” These examples just scratch the surface of what happened that day. Not even considering the countless number of truck drivers and just regular people that live past Isleton that were stuck on Highway 12 until 3am. Some people were so irritated that they got into car acci-
dents just trying to get on a ferry. Jaqueline Leal said, “We were just about to go on the ferry when two cars hit each other and stopped everyone from going on that ferry for 40 to 45 minutes while the cops and fire department figured everything out.” Many people couldn’t get home, many Rio Vista residents couldn’t get around town due to all the streets being filled with traffic, and some people got in car accidents just trying to get home. It’s crazy to see just how much one bridge getting stuck up affects so many people in so many different ways. Even at the end of August, it is still affecting people but now in a different way. The bridge is stuck down and can’t go up for cargo ships or any sailboats. This now has boats stuck in West Sacramento waiting for clearance and in the bay waiting to get past the bridge. Who would have ever thought that one bridge being stuck could affect so many businesses and people’s lives?
A sight of the Rio Vista bridge that’s becoming more and more common.
Photo by: Preston Ebert
New Math Teacher a Man With Many Talents
Can Yilmazer, AFS student from Turkey, names tacos his favorite food he’s tried so far.
Can Arrives from Turkey Photo by: Javier Lopez
by Jessica Mingay, Staff Writer
Mr. Hamilton destroying Chris Nunes in ping pong during the Back to School Social.
by Javier Lopez, Staff Writer
Rio Vista High School welcomes a new addition to the math department, Mr. Hamilton. He teaches geometry and algebra at RVHS. He had always wanted to teach in some way, so he got his teaching credential at UC San Diego. Mr. Hamilton grew up in San Diego with three brothers. In high school he played outside linebacker in football, ran track, wrestled, swam and did competition show cheer where he was fifth in the nation in partner stunts. He has no pets but would like to have
two dogs someday. This is his first year teaching. Mr. Hamilton took the job at Rio Vista High School because he liked that it was a small school where he could connect with students easily. He believes that students and staff at RVHS should know that he is learning as much from the students as they are from him. Mr. Hamilton has some advice for the students at RVHS: “You should find something that you enjoy doing” and “be the one that lifts someone else up.”
Every year, Rio Vista welcomes AFS exchange students from all around the world. Last year, we welcomed two. This year, we welcome three! There is Linh “Mia” Le from Vietnam, Can Yilmazer from Turkey, and Timbé Kelepily from Mali. Can arrived Friday, August 10th from Ankara, Turkey, and he isn’t the only member of his family to be part of the AFS program. While in high school, his dad was also an AFS member who spent a year in Maryland. So far, Can likes RVHS and says, “The classes are different and the students are different.” When asked about the classes, he says that he doesn’t get to choose his classes in Turkey. This isn’t his first time in the U.S though. He has also gone to Chicago, Ohio, and San Francisco. While here, he hopes to
meet new people and see different events. When asked if there is a big difference between the two cultures, he responds, “Yes, a huge difference. It’s much more open and easy going in the U.S.” Something Can likes about Rio, is that it’s a small town where everyone knows each other and he also likes the people in school. His favorite class so far is Government. He says, “it’s new and interesting in that class.” His favorite food here so far is tacos and something he did back home in his free time is he hung out with his friends and play video games. One thing he wants all of the students here to know is he’s a good person. If you would like to get involved with the AFS program by hosting or donating, contact Donnie Surla at (707) 374-6336 Ext:1233 or dsurla@rdusd.org.
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September 7, 2018
RAM’S EAR
EDITORIAL
The Scam the World is Blinded From by Aiden Mayhood, Editor-in-Chief
The biggest scam America faces today and has faced since 1913 is hiding in plain sight. Yet, many Americans don’t know its capabilities and the actions it has taken in stealing your hard-earned money and time. Of course, I’m talking about the Federal Reserve of the United States. n the early days of our great nation, the United States lacked credit after the American War for Independence. When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, Alexander Hamilton created a template for a federal bank organization backed by creditors and the wealthy in New England in order to provide credit to the government, provide credit for businesses, and created a national currency. The bank would also safeguard all the funds the government collected. However, one of Hamilton’s adversaries, Thomas Jefferson, the secretary of state at the time, was adamantly against the plan. A statist and an agrarian, Jefferson was distrustful of a central bank and viewed such bank as unconstitutional. Jefferson’s opposition, however, was not enough. Hamilton got the central bank he wanted in 1791, but a bill to re-charter it failed in 1811 The Second Bank of the United States was chartered in 1816 when it subsequently was vetoed in a re-charter bill by Andrew Jackson in 1836, who considered the bank unconstitutional. When a central bank no longer existed, state banks took charge in issuing paper currency themselves. In 1863, the National Banking Act was passed in which federally-chartered banks issued a national currency under federal supervision. When banks failed, customers withdrew money from their accounts in lieu of another failure under their bank. These banks did not have enough money on hand, and as a result, these banks failed as well. In response, the Federal Reserve Act was signed into law on December 23, 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson. Since the Federal Reserve was created, the FOMC, or Federal Open Market Committee was established in 1935 to act as an organization in monetary policy making. Later, the Federal Reserve Act of 1977 was signed in order to artificially set prices. The Humphrey-Hawkins Act of 1798 asked the government to set goals for itself regarding monetary policies. The latest act, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, expanded the regulatory roles of government in the economy and encouraged bank speculation at the same time. The Federal Reserve may seem like an institution that keeps our economy in
check and alive, which it does, but it is only preserving our quickly-dying economy at the expense of the taxpayers of America and benefits the wealthy bankers. Let me outline the steps the Federal Reserve takes to provide money for American congressional budgets and to keep the debt clock rolling endlessly. We are told from childhood that money doesn’t grow on trees, but the Federal Reserve has the power to create money from thin air. Politicians get voted in through the American election system by making promises, many that involve the entitlement system. In our Keynesian-theory economy, the government goes into debt in order to keep the economy strong and pumping, known as deficit spending. The U.S. Treasury, in order to pay its debts, borrows money through bonds, or IOU’s. These bonds are essentially promises of payment with interest tacked on as an incentive. Taxation of the American people is the only way to pay back these bonds that build up our national debt. Money from the future is stolen in order to create prosperity in the present, leaving the debt for future generations to pay. Banks around the world participate and compete in auctions in which U.S. treasury bonds are sold off. These major banks make money off the interest on the bonds that have built up since they were issued. Through OMO’s (Open Market Operations), the banks that buy the treasury bonds sell them to the Federal Reserve of the United States, making profit along the way. To pay for the bonds that were purchased from the bankers, the Federal Reserve writes checks to the bankers, creating new currency that enters the world economy. The worst part is that the Federal Reserve is writing checks, another IOU like bonds, to the bankers who buy U.S. Treasury bonds with an empty account. When American citizens want to write checks, their bank accounts must have money in them or else the check will bounce. The Boston Federal Reserve puts it simply by saying, “When you or I write a check there must be sufficient funds in our account to cover the check, but when the Federal Reserve writes a check there is no bank deposit on which that check is drawn. When the Federal Reserve writes a check, it is creating money.” With the new currency created through U.S. Treasury bonds and Federal Reserve checks, the bankers who profited off the system buy back into it, purchasing more treasury bonds and selling them back to the Federal Reserve in an endless cycle. (Continued to page 5)
RAM’S EAR Published byby Rio Vista HighHigh School, Digital Publications Class Published Rio Vista School 410 South Street, Street Rio Vista,| CA 410 South4th Fourth Rio94571 Vista, California 94571 (707) 374-6336 ext. 1224 email: rvhsramsear@gmail.com
Printed by School Paper Express, Wappingers Falls, New York Letters to the Editor: To be published, letters must have the author’s name, address, and telephone number.
Editor-in-Chief Aiden D. Mayhood Assistant Editors Madison Myer Sydney Saldana Adviser Julie Griffin
Ram’s Ear Staff Preston Ebert, Noah Arroyo, Wyatt Hagan, Javier Lopez, Layloni Rubiaco, Taylor Fitzgerald, Aidan Frisbie, Jessica Mingay, Lily Griffin, Jayden Griffin, Mary Griffin, Lane Eggers
Calendar of School Events
SEPTEMBER September 4 - Volleyball @ Galt (away) 5:00 September 5 - Volleyball vs Delta (home) 5:00 September 5 - Coffee with RVHS staff (Media Center) 7:30 am September 6 - Volleyball vs Winters (home) 5:00 September 7 - Football @ Winters (away) September 8 - CC @ Vacaville September 10 - Volleyball vs Dixon (home) / Booster Club Meeting 6pm September 12 - Arena Night 6:00 - 7:00 pm September 13 - Volleyball vs Vacaville Christian (home) 5:00 September 15 - Football @ Galileo (away) September 18 - Volleyball Vs Golden Sierra (home) 5:00 September 20 - Volleyball @ Linden (away) 5:00 September 22 - Volleyball @ CIVT / cc @Manteca September 25 - Volleyball @ Highlands (away) 5:00 September 27 - Volleyball vs San Juan (home) 5:00 September 28 - Football vs Highlands (home) (JV) 5pm (VAR) 7pm
OCTOBER
October 2 - Volleyball vs Vacaville Christian (Away) 4:30 October 3 - Coffee With RVHS Staff 7:30 am October 4 - Volleyball vs Golden Sierra (Away) 5:00 October 5 - Football vs San Juan (Home) (JV) 5:00 (V) 7:00 October 9 - Volleyball vs Linden (Home) 5:00 October 11 - Volleyball vs Highlands (Home) 5:00 October 11 - Cross Country Meet #1 Lindon 3:30 October 12 - Football vs Linden (Away) (JV) 5;00 (V) 7:00 October 12-13 - 71st Bass Derby October 16 - Volleyball vs San Juan (Away) 4:30 October 19 - Football vs Golden Sierra (Away) (JV) 5:00 (V) 7:00 October 23 - Volleyball Playoffs October 25 - Volleyball Playoffs October 25 - Cross Country Meet #2 Vacaville Christian 3:30 October 26 - Football vs Vacaville (V) 7:00 October 30 - Volleyball Section Finals
NOVEMBER
November 3 - Cross Country Subsections November 3 - Volleyball Section Finals November 6 - Volleyball Norcal playoffs November 6 - Senior Portraits November 7 - Coffee with RVHS staff 7:30 November 7 - Senior Portraits November 8 - Senior Portraits November 10 - Cross Country Sections November 11 - Cross Country Clarksburg 8:45am November 17 - Volleyball State Championship November 19 - Basketball Delta 6:00pm November 22 - Cross Country Turkey Trot November 24 - Cross Country State November 26 - Basketball Delta 6:00pm November 28 - Basketball Delta 6:00pm
Te a c h e r A d v i c e o f t he Mon t h “Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be the best version of yo u rs e l f. ” - M s. G i l l i l a n d
September 7, 2018
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RAM’S EAR
RIO VISTA HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL Block B 2nd Semester 2017-2018 PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL (4.0 GPA or Above) SOPHOMORES
Jeff Contreras Eamon Drury Tuck Forbes Fallon Garrett Lily Griffin Wyatt Hagan Jaqueline Leal -Carrillo Anna Lett Fisher Lyon Zachary McLean Macie Oglesby Devin Petersen Pete Rossi Fatima Sandoval Villanueva Marivella Torres Nathan Torres Ashlee Weller
JUNIORS
Madison Myer Bailey Adgate Stephanie Aguilera Per Anderson Emily Bellante Asucena Castorena Caleb Eggers Alicea Gonzales Alexis Lackey Masne Ethan Medders Kaitlyn O’Connor Olivia Roberts Valerie Rodriguez Sydney Saldana Aidan Walker Zoe White
SENIORS
Jacob Kinser Aiden Mayhood Henry Rossi Meagan Delancy Montana Olson Suheng Chiv Cindy Torres Camacho Amaya Frisbie Cecilia Hernandez Isabella Hernandez Gerardo Mandujano Brooke Okamura Jennifer Oropeza Jesus Rivas Alondra Villalpando Benjamin Whiting Brennen Bellante Brady Bowers Conor Cline Jayden Griffin Katlyn Langlois Jason Mandujano Escobar
RAM’S HONOR ROLL (3.50 TO 3.99 GPA) FRESHMEN
Alexander Montes Jesus Silva Figueroa Adrian Tejeda Madison Belcher Daniel Cantine Jr. Sumain Chiv Colby Eisenhour-Libby Diana Freyre Alexander Ornelas Joshua Davis Katilyn Du Bois Spencer Emigh Ashton Frazier-Roberts Nova Griffin Fabrizio Lazo Gutierrez Yareli Antunez Zaragoza Oscar Aguilera Rodriguez Karen Mandujano Mesa
SOPHOMORES
Jared Beechler Preston Ebert Kevin Jimenez Rosales Kawika Makua Lacee Myer Joise Preston Aidan Rosen Marisol Segoviano Alex Tejeda Garcia Miguel Tejeda Jr. Caroline Upham Arthur Weller Jose Chavez Cody Fuller La’Kenthia Landers Christopher Nunes Bryan Rish Joseph Solis Jason Tello
HONOR ROLL FRESHMEN
Anjolina Arriola Kayla Brazil Kylee Carlson Jeanette Chavez Monica Garcia Jenna Holden Jimena Torres Ruiz Melisa Uribe Castillon Grant Baldwin Christopher Barros Johanna Contreras Eric McCann Jamie McDowell Brook Summitt James Bautista Vasconcellos Sean Kelly Maia Stone Diego Torres Susana Valencia Luna Johnny Young
SOPHOMORES
Savanah Arias Jacob Awender Dawna Coad Christian Escoto Trevor Gomes Kylei Goodwin Benjamin Sisneros Carson Spradling Atziri Villasenor Tyler White Hannah Eckard-Henderson Liseth Mendoza Jessica Mingay Ofelia Montano Jason Mortenson Hannah Reidmiller Lexie Steinbrook Tyler Stevenson Dominic Viera Kyle Williams
JUNIORS
River Billoups Yocelyn Corona Araceli Elisea Stacy Gomez Kaylee Kitchens Deanelly Martinez Megan Ross Samuel Sandoval Neida Segoviano Lozano Brena Stoval Richard Zamarripa Lizbeth Antunez Logan Boothe Madison Davis Kimberly Broughton Isabel Flores Julian Gutierrez Jr. Guadalupe Lopez-Manjarrez
JUNIORS
Freshman Class Officers
Junior Class Officers
SENIORS
Monica Castillo Donald McNabb Katlyn Preciado Mercedes Roberts Jameson Torres Andrea Villasenor Michael Arellano Elizabeth Webber Cole Barber-Pender Ingrid Gallardo Camberos Martin Magana Antonio Silva Ibarra Joseph Stevenson
(3.00 TO 3.49 GPA) Esmeralda Aguilar Duran August Giannini Savana Groves Bryan Romero Cassandra Steinbrook Eric Avalos Julian Carpenter Mary Griffin Amber Griswold Saul Rivas Edgar Rodriguez-Flores Maria Segoviano Ruben Silva
photos by Mary Griffin
Sam Esperson Marjorie Forbes Meraiah Groves William Lindsay Rojas Mandujano Tucker Mayfield Jennifer Oakes Mckenna Pratt Donald Roos Jr. Isabella Saldana Sophia Saldana Scarlett Dole Daniela Arias Kayla Delk Greta Dole Stephanie Corona Garcia Melissa Mandujano Rojas Malissa Torres Camacho
SENIORS
Sophomore Class Officers
Senior Class Officers
New Class Officers Elected
by Aidan Frisbie, Staff Writer
On Thursday August 16, class meetings were held to vote on new class officers.The new officers are as follows. The Freshmen class elected Jorie Forbes, president; Jaimie McDowell, Vice president; Bella Saldana, secretary; and Sophia Saldana, treasurer. The Sophomore class elected La’Kenthia Landers, president; Lacee Myer,Vice president; Wyatt Hagan, secretary;
and Zach McLean, treasurer. The Junior class elected Madison Myer, president; Zoe White, vice president; Sydney Saldana, secretary; and Joey McGahey, treasurer The Senior class elected Brooke Okamura, President; Brennen Bellante, vice president; Jaylynn Lacy, secretary; and Anna Ramirez, treasurer.
Putting the Pen to Paper
Gladiz Chavolla Anna Ramirez Lana Volkerts Diana Bernal Judith Chavez Bryce Ciaramitaro Anahi Gutierrez Jaden Lira Destanie Rendon Marduc Sanchez Celis Symphony Weller Robert Zamarripa Marlys Eckard-Henderson Jaylynn Lacy Jennifer Ortiz Christian Reidmiller Lillian Welbourn
photo by Layloni Rubiaco
FRESHMEN
RAM’S EAR
OPINION POLL
Sophomore Wyatt Hagan has many talents; one being that he makes his own pens.
“What is the most difficult class you have this block?”
by Layloni Rubiaco, Staff Writer
Deanelly Martinez (11) “All of my AP classes which are only two but ya know still.” Dawna Coad (10) “World history.” Tycen White (10) ”Math.” Zach Mclean (10) “Algebra 2.” Meagan Delancy (12) “AP Gov.” Payton Avila (12) “AP Lit.” Alex Porto (11) “English.” Davis Miller (11) “Math.” Tuck Forbes (10) “Pre-Calculus.” Camryn Brown (10) “Physiology.” Josie Preston (10) “English.”
Isabella Hernandez (12) “AP Lit.” Eamonn Drury (10) “Physiology.” Jason Avalos (11) “Physiology.” Gabriel De La Rosa (12) “Gov.” Jorge Arce (10) “World history.” Macie Oglesby (10) “History.” Alejandra Vasquez (10) “Algebra 1.” Anthony Zepeda (10) “AG Mech.” Ashlee Weller (10) “Geometry.” Dominic Vieira (10) “History.” Devin Petersen (10) “Spanish.” Mason Cobb (10) “World History”
Wyatt Hagan, a sophomore at Rio Vista High, has a love for making his own pens and has been making them for nearly two years. Wyatt juggles being involved in FFA, his school work, family time, and his pen making. He was inspired by his Uncle Bill. ”My Uncle Bill makes duck calls by hand” said Hagan. “He has inspired me to start making my own pens by hand.” Wyatt Hagan has been on honor roll for five years, he is a very hard working. He enjoys making people happy and working with others. He is always looking forward to making custom pens for anyone and everyone. He loves making his custom pens
and hasn’t enjoyed something as much as he does when he is making his pens. Wyatt loves challenges so he loves making custom pens that fit his buyers personalities and choices. Throw him an idea and he’ll try his hardest to make your dream pen. Wyatt has been selling these pens along with his mother, Angie Hagan all around Rio Vista. The wooden pens are ten dollars and the acrylic pens are fifteen dollars. He says he is raising money for a car and college. You can get the pens from Angie Hagan at Lira’s or Wyatt at school. He always has them on him!
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September 7, 2018
RAM’S EAR
Photos by Noah Arroyo
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Devon Paminto starting his senior year off right at the back to school social.
Stacy, Deanelly, Araceli, and Maria getting their “Aloha Spirit” on.
Back to School Social a Festive New Event By Sydney Saldana, Staff Writer
For the second year in a row Rio Vista High School has had a Back-to-School Social on the first Friday of the year. The social is a chance for friends to hang out and catch up on everything they did over the summer. This year there was a DJ, festive leis, and even a ping pong table! The school even had Hoot Apple there to barbecue hot dogs and burgers. For most people, it was their second time going to a Back-to-School Social, but for the incoming freshman it was something entirely new, thankfully, they had a great time. “It’s fun and we’re having a great time hanging out with our friends!”
said twins Greta and Scarlet Dole at the event. All in all, people had a wonderful time. When asked if she was having fun junior, Stacy Gomez said, “Yes, because I like meeting new people and getting to hang out with my friends, but I wish more people were here so I could meet some new faces.” The social may have been early in the year, but it was definitely worth it to be there, especially when you think about all the memories you’re making. Hopefully, there will be an even bigger crowd next year.
August 1 Mikayla Perez Nevaeh Tesch August 2 Amaya Frisbie August 4 Kayla Brazil Nicholas Broughton Brooke Okamura Synia Reed August 5 Bryce Ciaramitaro August 6 Yonatan Gutierrez Cecilia Hernandez Isabella Hernandez Zackary McLean Donald Roos Jr August 7 Asucena Castorena August 8 Ingrid Gallardo August 10 Emily Bellante August 11 Yamilec Carrillo Carson Quintana August 12 Mason Kitchens August 13 Carter Lira August 14 Isabella Saldana Sophia Saldana August 17 Christopher Barros Kamren Robles August 18 August Giannini August 19 Brena Stovall August 20 Gladiz Chavolla August 22 Ryann Kelly August 24 Isabel Flores August 26 Jennifer Ortiz Guadalupe Salcedo August 27 Jason Calvan Arturo Navarro Lexie Steinbrook August 28 Li’yah Aragon August 29 Mason Abell Victor Zavala Anthony Zepeda August 30 Kaytlin Preciado
August 31 Roberto Mandujano Maria Segoviano September 01 Mayra De La Torre Andrea Villasenor September 02 Patti Severs Silvia Valencia Luna Susana Valencia Luna September 03 Megan Bodle Taurus Byers Bryan Rish Jameson Torres September 05 Karson Christianson Chance Gentry Collin Guzman Theodore McGill September 09 Ashlee Weller September 10 Nathan Hearn Ayla Houk September 11 Karen Mandujano Destanie Rendon September 12 Angela Romero Henry Rossi Adrian Tejeda September 13 Melchor Torres Paola Torres Symphony Weller September 14 Jeanette Chavez Hannah Henderson September 15 Joey Garner September 16 Greta Dole Scarlett Dole September 19 Colin Lira September 20 Sean Kelly September 22 Amber Griswold Lexi Page Brandon Ramirez September 25 Kevin Jimenez September 26 Joseph McGahey Guillermo Mandujano Jose Silva Alejandra Vasquez September 27 Trinity McQueen September 29 Sophia Gans
Stacy Gomez enjoying the Mayan culture with her family in Cancun.
Students Make Memories During Summer Vacation
By Lily Griffin, Staff Writer
June 2, 2018, marked this years first day of summer vacation. While some students caught up on their sleep and Netflix, others were busy exploring and traveling. Sophomore Conrad Vosefski visited beautiful Hilo, Hawaii. He went to a variety of beaches and even went on the black sand beach. He went there this summer to visit his family he hadn’t seen in a very long time and this trip had been planned for quite some time now. His favorite food he ate on this trip was “spam musubi”. Conrad had a wonderful time on his vacation and hopes to go the college on the islands. “Being there was dope,” he commented. Junior Stacy Gomez had a wonderful summer this year. She went to Cancun, Mexico with her parents and sister. She visited the gorgeous beaches, but not that often she said. Stacy’s favorite part about this trip was “going to the theme parks.”
Stacy hopes to return again in the future. Freshman Kaylee Medlock had quite an eventful summer. Her and her mother moved to Northern California for a fresh start. She came all the way from the Southern California town of Victorville. She says the differences between Victorville and Rio Vista are quite extense. “Rio Vista is a much smaller town than Victorville.” Rio Vista High School is also a much smaller school compared to her old school, she had about a couple thousands of students compared to around 400 students. Pretty big difference!! Kaylee says “I like how its a little town.” Though multiple students went on very interesting trips to places as Hawaii and Cancun, Mexico, and another moved from Southern to Northern California, summer is always a time to relax and refresh for the new school year.
A few of the students in radio class live in the studio after over a year break.
Radio Rio KRVH Back Live on Air
By Layloni Rubiaco, Staff Writer
As of August 10, 2018, Radio Rio has been put back on air. Mrs. Griffin has pushed the class hard to get them back up and running and has done an amazing job. Radio Rio has a hard working class of 16 students focused on groups doing various segments. During their first week on air, they interviewed Lee Williams from Hog August Bites, David Hamilton from Grillin’ and Chillin’ in Dixon, Mr. Smith, the Rio Vista High wrestling coach, and also got a visit from Aidan Frisbie and Boone Hurley from the JV football team. Students say this is one of the those experiences you don’t expect to have in high school. They get to see and do everything hands-on. “It is cool to see and watch how everything works” says Lily Welbourn.
Some say it is unlike anything they’ve ever done, actually being able to be on air with hundreds listening. “We enjoy doing this for not only the community but for ourselves,” says Nevaeh Tesch. “It’s honestly amazing,” says Wyatt Preston. The class has split themselves into four different groups. The “Daily Crew” is in charge of giving you weather updates, current events, and school events. The “What’s going on?” crew lets you know what’s going on around the world, social media, and actual life experiences.The “Music Crew” is basically a group of students who try to give you the best music and playlists that they can, and the “Podcast Crew” is simply in charge of making the radio a little more open and create happiness.
September 7, 2018
RAM’S EAR
Page 5
New School Year Brings New Officer Team Artist
RAM’S EAR
OPINION POLL
of the Month
by Sydney Saldana, Staff Writer
Photo: Maddy Myer
“Where is the best place to nap at school?”
by Wyatt Hagan, Staff Writer
in Anaheim, which usually occurs in late April. Aidan Frisbie says,“ It is a great experience to have and you do many things like talk to the state officers and other FFA members from all across California.” They also went to Disneyland and had the park all to themselves. State Conference is just one of the examples of leadership experiences that the FFA officers. The officer team also wants to revive the Ag Day at D.H. White School and wants to have a leadership event at Riverview Middle School. The officers are very excited for this year, so come and enjoy the events!
The Scam the World is Blinded From The bankers get to keep the new currency created out of thin air, and the government debt rises. When the bankers spend that newly-created currency on buying more treasury bonds, the treasury keeps that currency and it builds up. The treasury gives the currency to the government through congressional budgets voted on by Congress. Politicians who run on campaigns promising new social programs and increased military spending get what they ask for, and the debt rises as a result. The government has to pay their employees and contractors who deposit their hard-earned money in banks. These banks have very little legal requirements when it comes to your money, and they only have to hold onto 10% of what you put in. With the other 90%, the banks indulge in stock market speculation and risky loans, making even more profit. Fractional reserve lending, the act of keeping 10% of deposits and loaning the rest of the 90%, is controlled by the Federal Reserve. Well, you may ask, how do banks only reserve 10% of deposits when your bank accounts are displayed as full? The banks create IOU’s for themselves in order to keep track of the money they owe you while spending it at the same time. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York elaborates by saying, “Commercial banks create checkbook money whenever they grant a loan, simply by adding new deposit dollars in accounts on their books in exchange for a borrower’s IOU.” If you deposit $500 in your bank account, the bank will hold onto $50 dollars in case you want to take it out of your account. The bank gets to spend $450 dollars of your money while saying that you still have a grand total of $500 in your bank account. So, the bank puts $950 into existence: you get to pull out $50, $500 is shown in your account, and the bank loans out the $450 to the next person, who takes that money and puts it into their bank account. The bank will hold onto $45 of their money, say that $450 exists in the account,
Mayra de la torre Mayra was chosen by Mr. Rivera as September’s artist of the month. Mayra is currently working on a portrait in her art class.
Michael “Lunch Box” Mason’s Bangin’ Bench
(Continued from page 2)
and $405 dollars will be loaned out to the next person. The cycle of fractional reserve lending repeats and repeats, resulting in currency that is created out of thin air. Bank credit builds up as money is re-deposited and re-lent endlessly. Inflation is a result of a build-up of bank credit. As more currency enters the economy, prices of everything, from consumer goods to bills, rise. In order to pay for these goods, the American populace works in their career to earn a wage. The wages the American populace earn is taxed by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), and the IRS finally uses the taxes they collected to pay back the interest that is built on the bonds that the U.S. Treasury sold to wealthy bankers. The craziest part is that the Federal Reserve is actually a private institution with supposed public oversight. The Federal Reserve is made up of stockholders who bought into the Federal Reserve in 1913. The stockholders are covered in secrecy, and the public doesn’t know who they are due to mergers and acquisitions that have occured over decades. On top of this, the stockholders receive a 6% dividend due to their ownership of the Federal Reserve. These same stockholders who are regarded in secrecy are most likely the major bankers who buy bonds from the treasury and sell them back to the Fed. It is a scam that the American people have no idea about! The American economy relies on borrowing through deficit spending and public borrowing through the banking system. If either of these stopped, no new currency is created in order to replace the currency that was spent in order to make payments on bank loans and payments by the people and treasury bond interest by the Internal Revenue Service. The debt ceiling must continually increase in order to keep the American economy machine running, and politicians never attempt to tackle the national debt because it would result in a catastrophic economic recession that would cause a deflationary wave of the
Photo: Jessica Mingay
This year, the Rio Vista High School FFA Chapter has a new officer team. The FFA Chapter president is Ruben Silva, vice president is Joey Stevenson, secretary is Wyatt Hagan,reporter is Lane Eggers, treasurer is Jessica Mingay, and sentinel is Aidan Frisbie. The officers plan to have big changes, like trying to get more people involved in more FFA activities. They have many events planned for this year, like the Welcome Back Barbeque, which is happening on September 11th at 6:00 p.m. One of the events that the new officer team hopes for more members to attend is the California FFA State Convention
Photo: Maddy Myer
FFA Officers “left to right” Aidan Frisbie, Lane Eggerrs, Wyatt Hagan, Jessica Mingay, Joey Stevenson, and Ruben Silva
Logan Brown (11) “Anywhere and everywhere.” River Billoups (11) “In class.” Brennen Bellante (12) “On the toilet.” Nicholas Broughton (9) “In a classroom.” Alexis Sandoval (9) “The grass under a tree.” Karson Christianson (10) “Ms. G’s desks.” Carson Quintana (11) “The library.” Aidan Stovall (9) “I don’t know.” Izzy Hernandez (12) “Any class except your AP classes.” William Lindsay (9) “At lunch under a tree.” Gabriel Sanchez (11) “The grass.” Jennifer Oropeza (12) “In Sherman’s classroom.” Judith Chavez (12) “In class.” Darin Rasmussen (12) “In my car.” Jameson Torres (12) “On a desk that isn’t too cold.” Jacob Kinser (12) “Mrs. Apple’s couches.” Makenzie Vassar (12) “Mr. K’s classroom.” Edgar Rodriguez (11) “Library at the book corner.”
2018 graduate, Michael Mason, made this bench in his Ag Mech class last year and he generously donated it to the school. It is located in between Mrs. Gomes’s Athletic Director office and the stairs leading up to the quad.
U.S. dollar. In conclusion, the Federal Reserve banking system is a fraud and a scam. It is a continual loop of IOU’s in the form of bonds and checks from an empty account, resulting in major profits for the banking elite of our modern society around the world. The U.S. Treasury issues bonds to bankers who purchase them and sell them right back to the Federal Reserve, who takes these bonds and creates currency out of them from an empty account. The bankers get this currency and spend them again at the treasury to buy more bonds. The treasury uses this money that is paid to them by the bankers and appropriates to the government through congressional budgets voted upon by the U.S. Congress, which includes spending on public works, social programs, and war. Employees of the government deposit their money in the banks, which is multiplied infinitely out of thin air through the fractional reserve lending system. The currency supply builds
up, resulting in rising prices of goods and services and inflation. The American people spend this currency supply that they worked hard for in their jobs and get taxed on it by the IRS. The IRS gives the money to the U.S. Treasury who spends that money on paying back the interest that is owed by the Federal Reserve who bought the U.S. Treasury bonds from major bankers. The debt ceiling rises as a result of politicians not addressing the national debt and not deflating the economy. Finally, the stockholders of the Federal Reserve, who are most likely the major bankers who sell bonds to the Federal Reserve, receive a 6% dividend. The bankers make a profit selling the bonds to the Federal Reserve, make a profit on the interest paid back to them by the Federal Reserve through the IRS, and receive their 6% dividend as stockholders of the Federal Reserve. The system is meant to be confusing because your hardearned money is being stolen and entering the pockets of the mega-wealthy elites.
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September 7, 2018
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RAM’S EAR
Rio Vista Foundation Plans Fundraising Dinner for New Hydration Stations
OPINION POLL Who is the most inspiring teacher you have this year so far is and why?
By Lane Eggers, Staff Writer
Alonzo Chavolla (9) “Ms. Stark, because she has so many amazing stories.” Katlyn Langlois (12) “Mrs. Reis, she is an og and my fav!” Synia Reed (9) “Ms. Stark, because she makes sure all her students are comfortable.” Unknown (9) “Ms. Chesnut because she is really strong mentally and physically.” Melissa Torres (9) “Mrs. Griffin because she went through tough times when she was paralyzed, and still worked hard.” Symphony Weller (12) “Mr. Porter because he keeps my spirits high.” Nathan Hearn (10) “Mr. Russell cause he is just a cool dood you know.” Johnny Gornto (10) “Mrs. Gomes. Idk she is just a beast.” Miguel Quiambao (10) “Mr. Sherman does a good job at explaining.”
On Saturday, October 27, at 6:00 p.m. the Rio Vista Foundation is hosting a fundraising dinner and silent auction to raise money for Rio Vista High School to purchase two new hydration stations. These new hydration stations will allow students at RVHS to drink from a water fountain, but also refill their water bottles with refrigerated, filtered water. This will help students to, of course, stay hydrated but also reduce plastic waste. In the past, the Foundation has raised money to purchase Smart Boards and Chromebook computers for D.H. White Elementary School, as well as to build the community swimming pool. The event will be hosted at the Point Restaurant and there will be a prime rib and chicken marsala buffet. Tickets are $35 and will be available at Pets 4 All or from Verla Chaddick at (707) 374-2750.
Jared Beechler (10) “Ms. Mason because she likes giraffes.” Kayla Delk (9) “Mrs. Griffin because I want to be a graphic designer.” Mason Wilcox (9) “Mr. Baldwin because his shoe game.” Victoria Valdez (9) “Surla, I can pretend I like school.” Monica Garcia (9) “Mrs. Reis because she teaches us the importance of agriculture.” Payton Avila (12) “Ms. Alduenda because she has been so helpful. ” Alondra Villalpando (12) “Mrs. Gomes because she has achieved all her goals and I just want to be like her, kind and motivated.” Meagan Delancy (12) “Mr. Porter because he let me write Great Britain a break-up letter.” Tycen White (10) “Mrs. Surla she is my mood.” Juan Carlos (10) “Mrs. Gornto because she had a party.” Zoe White (11) “Ms. Roman she always went above & beyond to help me.” Destinee Stewart (11) “Mrs. Mason, because she tries to make sure everyone understands.”
RVHS Spirit Wear
PSAT Test for Grades 10th and 11th
Sweatshirts $25.00
Sweatpants $22.00
PSAT is October 10th. Price is $16. Deadline to purchase is September 12th.
T-shirts $10.00
Socks $15.00
$40.00
Photo by: Noelle Gomes
Cross Country Running its Way Back into RVHS
Cross Country team posing after a long day’s run.
By Jayden Griffin, Staff Writer
Cross Country is back! Rio Vista High School hasn’t had a cross country team since 1992 and the last time Cross Country won a section championship was in 1986. The coach, teacher, and athletic director Mrs. Gomes said, “I’m really looking forward to this season to see how we compare to other schools. I feel like we have a really good shot this season.” Rio Vista High School decided to bring back cross country because our school has a lot of good runners for track and cross country, but cross country was the better choice because it requires less equipment and fewer coaches. The cross country team has four invitationals and three league meets. Their practices consist of lots of dynamic warm-ups,
static stretching, resistance training, plyometrics, running, and a cool down at the end of practice. “ I think we’ll do pretty good this season,” commented freshman team member Sam Esperson. Sam has been running cross country for three years with Riverview Middle School, and has also competed in a 10k in Clarksburg. If you are interested in coming out and showing your Ram spirit for the new cross country team, the team had events on August 24 at Lodi Lake and September 1 at Lagoon Valley in Vacaville, September 22 in Stockton, September 6 in Sacramento, and September 27 in Oak Grove/Linden at 3:30. RVHS wishes you luck on a successful season!
September 7, 2018
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RAM’S EAR
Spring Athletes Honored New Year, New JV Season at Sports Awards Night by Sydney Saldana, Staff Writer
This year’s volleyball season started off with a week of brutal conditioning followed by three tryout days. Coach Ann went into the start of the season with twelve open spots on her team. On the last day of tryouts she announced that she was keeping all thirteen girls that had been at tryouts even though her plan had been to keep only twelve. This year the JV team has five sophomores and eight freshmen, a huge difference to last years nine sophomores and five freshmen. Coach Ann has said, “This is a young team and we will definitely have to put in the work.” Coach Ann had a lot of positive things to say about the incoming freshmen on her team, “The freshmen girls are very eager and willing to learn. Some have a very close bond and a few even shared the same womb. We also gained a lot of height with the Saldana twins and Dallas.” Although she’s been very focused on helping the newest girls improve, Coach Ann has made sure to keep an eye on the returning sophomores’ progress. When asked if she had noticed the returning players becoming leaders she said, “Absolutely. All of the returning players have grown up so much from last year. They all have more confidence and are very helpful with the new players.” Coach Ann also had a lot to say about the team captain, Josie Preston. “Josie has really stepped up and you can always hear her encouraging, motivating, and helping others to better understand things. Newly-elected captain Josie Preston had a lot to say about her expectations for
by Lily Griffin, Staff Writer
The Spring Sports Awards were held on May 20, 2018 in the theater to honor athletes playing Baseball, Softball, Swimming, and Golf. Corey Farrell, Ann Reidmiller, Chris Mingay,
Toni Tucker, and Mr. Fonseca all gave out awards to the athletes who showed the most talent, hard work, or improvement. The following students received awards:
-Junior Varsity Softball-
Most Valuable Player- Alicia Gonzales Coaches Award- River Billoups Defensive Player of the Year- Madison Davis Offensive Player of the Year-Jessica Mingay
-Varsity Softball-
Most Valuable Player- Brianna Summitt Defensive Players Award- Anna Ramirez and Katlyn Langlois Coaches Award- Amaya Frisbie All League - Brianna Summitt, Anna Ramirez, Katlyn Langlois, Olivia Roberts
-Golf-
Section Qualifier- Wyatt Hagan 2- Time Section Qualifier- Blaine Dart Most Improved Moving Day Award- Pete Rossi Gentlemen’s Award- Michael Mason
-Varsity Baseball-
Most Valuable Player- Hunter Apple Offensive Player of the Year- Chris Kimbrow Defensive Player of the Year- Ethan Medders Mr. Baseball- Brady Bowers All League - Hunter Apple, Chris Kimbrow, Jaden Lira, Brady Bowers, and Ethan Medders All League Honorable Mention- Conor Cline and Logan Boothe
Bella Saldana getting ready to serve the ball.
this season. “For this season I am most excited for the team, we have so much potential to be powerful. Just as long as we keep progressing, working as a team, and improving our skills we will be great.” Coach Ann has high expectations for this season. She hopes to take first in the league and have no losses, since the JV team were so close last year with only one loss and ending as co-champions. She says, “It’s tough to tell with the season starting so soon and not having as much time to practice. I really need to see these girls in action and then make whatever changes that may need to be done.” The last thing Coach Ann has to say is for all the students at Rio Vista High School. She wants everyone to know that, “Volleyball is a fun sport. Fun to play and fun to watch. I would really like to have everyone come check out some games.”
Cheer Squad Puts in Work Over Summmer
-Boys Swimming-
Most Improved- James Valdez Coaches Award- Liam Smith Most Valuable Player- Sam Franceschetti All League - Sam Franceschetti (2 ind. events), Colin Lira (2 ind. events), James Valdez, Mason Cobb. Relay: Mason Cobb, Colin Lira, Liam Smith, Trevor Gomes. Relay: Sam Franceschetti, Chance Gentry, Liam Smith, James Valdez
All League - Emma Wright (2 ind. events), Lily Griffin (2 ind. events), Tillie McTeer, Katie O’Connor 2 Relays: Emma Wright, Tille McTeer, Lily Griffin, Katie O’Connor
Academic All-League Players 3.5 GPA or Better! Softball Madison Myer Jayden Griffin Amaya Frisbie Mercedes Roberts Olivia Roberts Elizabeth Webber Brianna Summitt Melina Majors Alicea Gonzales
Girls’ Swimming Lacee Myer Kaitlyn O’Connor Cecilia Hernandez Isabella Hernandez Megan Delancy Hannah Henderson Emma Wright Tillie McTeer
Boys’ Swimming Gustavo Valladares Sam Franceschetti Bryce Swink Fisher Lyon
Golf Wyatt Hagan Zackary McLean Pete Rossi Lane Eggers Aidan Walker Jared Beechler Bryan Rish Cecilia Berti Blaine Dart
Baseball Ethan Medders Henry Rossi Brady Bowers Jason Mortenson Bryce Ciaramitaro Conor Cline Trinity Gonzales
Photo by Lisa Rae Coad
-Girls Swimming-
Most Improved- Izzy Hernandez Coaches Award- Megan Delancy Most Valuable Player- Emma Wright
RVHS 2018-2019 Cheer Squad at the JAMZ cheer and dance camp in San Jose, CA over the summer.
by Mary Griffin, Staff Writer
Over the summer, the Rio Vista High School cheerleading squad went to a JAMZ Cheer and Dance Camp. It was a two-day camp held in San Jose, California. The camp consisted of dancing, stunting, cheering, and bonding with each other and other cheerleaders. During camp, the JAMZ staff, who are professional cheerleaders, would give out awards to the people who caught the attention of a JAMZ staff member. The awards consisted of stunt evaluation, jumps, superior evaluation, dance, rowdy, funk and JAMZ Future Starz. The Rio Vista cheerleaders received a bunch of awards this year. Macie Oglesby, Noelani Coffee, Anahi Gutierrez, Ingrid Gallardo, Tatum Carlisle won individual awards for jumps. Symphony Weller, Anahi Gutierrez, and Ingrid Gallardo received individual awards for dance.
Makenzie Vassar, Brooke Okamura, Anahi Gutierrez, Savana Groves, Noelani Coffee, Macie Oglesby, Ingrid Gallardo, Jaylynn Lacy, Lily Griffin, Clarissa Moore, Savannah Arias, Dawna Coad received individual awards for stunts. Zoe White, won an individual award for funk, and Kylei Goodwin won an individual award for “rowdy”. Finally, Symphony Weller, Brooke Okamura, Lily Griffin, Liseth Mendoza, Kylei Goodwin, Zoe White won individual JAMZ Future Starz awards. Cheerleaders were evaluated during camp and invited back to compete for the coveted award. The JAMZ Future Stars winners received an invitation to Orlando, Florida to perform during the Orange Bowl halftime show. The Rio Vista Ram cheerleaders are looking forward to a challenging and fun season.
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September 7, 2018
RAM’S EAR
Photo by: Madison Myer
Photo by: Jessica Mingay
Rio Vista Football Back on the Rise
JV Football team setting up to shut down Will C. Wood’s offense.
Photo by: Lisa Rae Coad
Kaylee Kitchens going up for a spike in the game against Esparto.
Serving Up a New Season by Madison Myer, Staff Writer
In the last week of summer, volleyball players came out for a full week of conditioning. The following week was spent with two days of “open gym” and three days of tryouts. Going into tryouts, Coach LuAnn Haley had 12 open slots on the Varsity team. At the end of the extensive last day of tryouts, Coach Haley announced that she would be keeping the 11 girls that were there that day. The varsity team is made up of eight juniors and three seniors. This is the third time these girls have all been on the same team. Most of these girls played together at Riverview as 7th and 8th graders, again as freshmen and sophomores, and now for the final time as juniors and seniors. When asked her opinion on how this season will compare to last, Coach LuAnn stated, “It’s really hard to pinpoint and compare seasons. Each season is different in it’s own way because you have a new team and new athletes. I feel like this season will be very high energy and a great showcase to show our talents and mold together as a family.” This year’s team has a lot of talent and spirit to bring to the court. Coach LuAnn expressed that she is most excited about “seeing the product of all our hard work.” She also exclaimed, “I love to see the girls exceed their goals for the game!” Just in time for the season to start, the team elected seniors, Jayden Griffin and Destanie Rendon, as captains. The varsity volleyball season kicked off on Monday, August 20 at home against Humphrey Able Charter. With the help of Jayden Griffin’s amazing kills and Sydney Saldana’s super serves, the Lady Rams swept Able Charter in three smooth sets. This win has put them at 1-0 for the start of the season, as of press time.
Conor Cline powering through Millennium’s defense. .
by Noah Arroyo, Staff Writer
This season is going to be a very exciting one, due to the games that the varsity and jv football teams have scheduled. The Rams Varsity Team will be returning Section Champs. The Rams varsity will have some big shoes to fill this season returning to the league because of the big target they have on their back. The Rams JV team had a decent season last year with hitting some bumps along the road. The varsity team had some bumps last season due to injuries losing Hunter Apple, Quinn McGill, and Noah Arroyo for a part of the season. August 16th, the Rams JV team had a home game against Will C. Wood Wildcats. They had a very exciting first game with the final score being 33-12. Starting quarterback Kawika Makua threw for 2 touchdowns, Anthony Gonzalez had 3 touchdowns and estimated about 130 yards total. Ryan Hurley, a Senior at RVHS, is a top prospected running back in the league and has big shoes to fill from his big performances from last season. Ryan has attended multiple football camps over the summer to improve his athletic ability on
the field and be a heavy force in the back field. Returning starting quarterback, Ethan Medders, a Junior at RVHS, is expected to have a very good season considering the stats he put up last year. Returning left tackle, Mikey Arellano, a Senior at RVHS, had an outstanding season on the offensive and defensive line. Mikey also attended several camps to improve his talents on the line. He had been a top prospected lineman at a few of the camps that he attended. The Rams Varsity team played Brookside Christian on Friday, August 17 and took the win with a score of 57-12. Ethan Medders had thrown 2 passes for a total of 170 yards and one of those catches being a touchdown connected with Conor Cline. Ryan Hurley had 17 carries all game for a total of 185 yards and rushing for three touchdowns to help the Rams on their victory. Mikey Arellano was a heavy force on the Rams defense, putting up 5 tackles. On Saturday, August 24 the Rams had traveled up to tracy to play the Millennium Falcons and both teams left satisfied with their victories. JV beat the Falcons 38-0 and the varsity won 49-6.
On Varsity, Ryan Hurley powered for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns and Ethan Medders threw for 164 yards and one touchdown. On defense Devon Paminto and Kamren Robles were a powerful force having 7 tackles each. On JV Kawika Makua threw for 48 yards and 1 touchdown and Anthony Gonzalez rushed for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense Boone Hurley was a force to be reckoned with having 8 tackles, the most on the team.
Get involved in Booster Club! The next meeting will be held on September 10 @ 6 p.m in the staff room.
Meetings are the second Monday of every month.
Athletes of the Month by Madison Myer, Staff Writer
Jayden Griffin #2
Michael Arellano #74
“Jayden has played volleyball all 4 years of high school. So far this season she has exceeded my expectations in stepping up and being a leader for her team. Jayden plays middle hitter/blocker and is bringing the heat to the net this season. Jayden was also voted a captain by her teammates. I look forward to her “Jiggifying” her opponents this season,” expressed Coach LuAnn Haley.
“Michael has worked extremely hard this offseason and it has shown up on the field. He has improved his technique and we look forward to seeing the results of that hard work on Friday nights. Michael is also a leader both on and off the field. Michael attended almost all of our volunteer events this summer as well. We expect a big year from big Mike!” exclaimed Coach Chris Medders.
Varsity Volleyball
Varsity Football
Aiden Mayhood Varsity Cross Country
“Aiden has gone above and beyond to help get things organized. He sets a great example for the younger runners and is an excellent runner. Aiden always gives 100% effort even when he doesn’t feel like it,” proclaimed Mrs. Gomes, RVHS cross country coach.