The Mustang Oct. 2010 by The Mustang Newspaper

THE MUSTANG

issue 1, volume 15

Oct. 1, 2010

October 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG Editor-in-Chief News Editor Alexa Shapiro

Opinion Editors Kerry Roberson Kaylin Greene

As the school year began, students and teachers noticed that class sizes were even bigger than last year, creating less space and materials for the students. Story on page nine.

The Intrepid Shakespeare company has a new home: the Roundabout Theater. They will be performing Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” starting tonight. See full story on page 21.

With bright lights, cool nights, and raging music, Soma is the place to be on a Friday night. See full story on pages 16-17

Features Editor

The new head baseball coach for the Academy isn’t your everyday SDA employee. He has an impressive resume playing for the Yankees and winning a Cy Young award. See more on page 24.

Cara Reichard

Arts Editor Thea Brown

Sports Editor Pauline Disch

Assistant Sports Editor Anna Sheridan

Steeze Editor Tatiana Skomski

CAF Editors

Ari Brin Eleanore Hendrickson

Copy Editor Amy Dushkin

Photo Editor Jocelyn Lee

Senior Erin Nogle started drawing and painting freshman year. Her work is usually realistic portraits based off of photographs. Sometimes she even transcends into surrealism. The chosen cover is her portrayal of senior Evan Angelico. “I liked the way he was hiding his face. It was almost like James Dean, with his jeans and white shirt lying in the grass.” Though the cover is only her second oil painting, Nogle names oils as her favorite medium of art. “Last year I mainly did acrylic paintings. With oil you get a softness, and it’s really good for skin tones.”

Ads Manager Katy Swanson

Staff Writers

kai schlesinger

THE MUSTANG ONLINE: UNDER CONSTRUTION The Mustang is going online! But like the new performing arts center, it is still under construction. The Mustang will be rolling out new News, Opinions, Features, Arts, Steeze, Sports, and Circus Animal Fun stories. Check it out now for updates on our sports teams, information about the new teachers at SDA, spectacular summer trips, and much more. Read all of these at sdamustang.com. But be warned, it is still under construction.

Advisor

Numbers 54

453

students in John Brennan’s months estimated until weight training class, the the new performing arts center is finished largest class on campus

Austrian exchange students at SDA

Natalya Ballard Katherine Berriochoa Katherine Bueche Samantha Bueche Elisa Figueroa Rachel Huddleston Erica Lee Cherise Lopes Baker Emily Maxwell Erika Lynn Mazza Ashlynne McLean Charlotte Ohrbom Cassia Pollock Jack Rushall Kai Schlesinger Opal Theodossi Anna Williams Angela Zhang

tickets sold for the Welcome Back dance

Tim Roberts

465

335

students in this year’s fresh- students in this year’s senior man class class

points our API score went up parking spots taken away from the front lot due to last year construction

Notice

San Dieguito Academy Room 93 800 Santa Fe Drive Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-1121 x5161

The Mustang is the student newspaper of San Dieguito Academy. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the newspaper. The Mustang is an open forum which welcomes letters. Letters can be submitted to room 93, emailed to sdamustang@hotmail.com, or mailed to the above address.

news

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Prop 19 lowdown Below are the arguments from the Secretary of State voters guide.

Organizations sell products to raise money for their campaign. With stickers costing $9.75 and shirts priced at $20, voters can show support for their beliefs.

Reeferendum A

A Mustang survey shows a majority of SDA students are in favor of legalizing marijuana with the passage of Prop. 19, while a small number strongly oppose the ballot measure. Story by Alexa Shapiro. survey of 100 students found 59 percent believed Prop 19 , an initiative on the Nov 2 election ballot which will legalize marijuana in adults 21 and older, should pass. Students support Prop 19 Many students are in agreement that proposition 19 should be passed due to the ability it grants the state government to tax marijuana, providing California with much needed revenue. “I am for it, everyone already does it so let’s use it legally. That way money doesn’t go to drug dealers and marijuana can be taxed to give money to the government,” said freshman Vanessa Lee. “The reality is everyone does it, so in that sense it wouldn’t make a difference and it will boost the economy because of the money it generates,” said junior Evan Eichenberg. “I think it should be legalized because the state needs a lot of money right now and people are going to do it anyway,” said senior Kate Radcliffe. “It might affect the community who aren’t 21 and older, it might affect the kids that are going to be able to get it even easier than now, but the good side outweighs the bad in this situation because we need money. California’s debt is big,” said senior Delaney Sztraicher. Others believe that with marijuana’s legalization, the thrill of smoking will be lost.

Freshman Annie Goodstein is among these students. “It might reduce the use of it because there’s no thrill of the chase involved.” This “thrill of the chase” is what some believe drives young people towards the drug in the first place, and that by it’s legalization, there would be a sharp decrease in its use. “I believe it should be passes because it would deter persons who use it as a means of rebellion or as an act of contempt against the law,” said senior Daniel Podgorski. “I agree with legalizing it, because I think people only se it now because it’s illegal and people are rebelling in a way. If it’s legalized, less people will use it and people won’t want to rebel. Eventually society will be accepting of it,” said senior Kyle Shumate. Some said marijuana is healthier then a cigarette, leading them to believe it is better for you. “It should be legalized because it’s not a drug. If alcohol and tobacco are legal, then marijuana should be too. America is contradicting itself for allowing alcohol and tobacco,” said junior Austin Stubbs. “It’s similar to alcohol; they’re basically the same thing,” said senior Savannah King. Students against Prop 19 While many students favor proposition 19, a percentage of students are strongly opposed

to it because they feel marijuana will become overused. “It’s going to get out of hand and people will misuse it improperly,” said sophomore Riley Rowe. “It shouldn’t be legalized. Once it is legalized people are going to think it’s okay and more people will try it and become addicted to it,” said junior Wesley Chapman. “People are probably just going to use it for the wrong way,” said senior Yesenia Mentado. Additionally, students worry about the safety threats the legalization of marijuana pose. “This would increase the driving accidents since it is something you can be under the influence of [easily],” said senior Jesse Trout. “I heard once that marijuana stays in your system for a while so you can still be out of it and still feel it even if you had it once and even if it was a while ago. It should not be passed,” said freshman Allison Thompson. “I think it shouldn’t pass. Legalization of marijuana will create an entire population who use marijuana. We will have more accidents regarding people who need to focus. There will be higher crime rates which lead to more problems,” said junior Brendan Carruthers. Organizations worry While students are split on the issue of whether marijuana should be legalized or not, community members are generally

opposed to the measure as a whole. Despite arguments that it will help pull California out of a poor economy, organizations like the San Dieguito Alliance for a Drug Free Youth express strong opposition to the proposition. “Public health research indicates that factors that affect the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco included, are the availability, the price, the messages suggesting harmlessness, often reflected by its legality,” said executive director Judi Strang. “Legalization would increase marijuana’s availability, decrease its price, and increase messages that it was harmless – thus marijuana use would increase for all, especially youth since that is when alcohol, tobacco and drug use begins,” said Strang. Others worry about its addictiveness and the long-term effects it can have. “As a drug counselor, I’m aware of the effects of drugs on the body,” said Joe Olesky, Readi District Substance Abuse counselor for the San Dieguito Union High School District. Marijuana is very addictive and bad for the body, and 75 percent of users move on to another drug, usually coke or methamphetamines, said Olesky. As users smoke more, marijuana works less and eventually the user will move on to worse drugs, said Olesky. The journalism class contributed to this story. For more quotes visit the Mustang Online at www.sdamustang.com.

Much as SDA students did, California voters will decide whether to legalize marijuana in the upcoming Nov 2 election. Prop. 19, as defined by the California General Election Official Voter Information Guide, will legalize the possession, cultivation or transport of marijuana for personal use for adults 21 and up. This opens up the ability of the state and local government to regulate and tax marijuana. Additionally, it prohibits anyone from possessing marijuana on school campuses, in public or around minors, adheres closely to prohibition against driving under the influence, and limits the ability of people to possess marijuana in job situations that require full attention, according to the voters guide. Those in favor of Prop. 19 argue that it would stop wasting taxpayer dollars used on marijuana prohibition programs that have in the past failed and additionally generate billions in revenue. Marijuana would be controlled in similar methods as alcohol, allowing adult use and tightens criminal penalties to minors in possession. According to Yes on Prop. 19, it would weaken drug cartels that currently receive a large margin of profit from marijuana sales, and lead to enforced road and workplace safety, declaring the right of workplaces to remain a drug free environment. Those opposed to proposition 19 argue that public safety would be endangered due to an increase in driving under the influence. Additionally, by passing proposition 19, it could put thousands out of a job, jeopardize business funding given for a drug free work environment, and would take away the ability to require drug tests during the employment process and require companies to give marijuana smoke breaks in addition to cigarette breaks. Bus drivers could have marijuana in their system, although prohibited from smoking on the job or school grounds. This would put students who ride the bus at risk.

news

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

Supporters

•Valero Energy Corp.

Prop 23: Big oil, big bucks,

big ‘DEception’?

Oil companies have set their sights on repealing California’s global warming law. Story by Cherise Lopes-Baker

roposition 23 is a “common sense approach to protecting jobs, preserving environmental protections, and holding the line on costs for California’s struggling families,” according to the Yes on Prop 23 website. Little do most voters realize, Prop 23 is largely funded by out of state oil companies. The Nov.2 ballot measure would suspend California’s global warming law until the state’s unemployment rate falls below 5.5 percent for four consecutive quarters, a rate that has only been reached three times in the last 30 years, according to the voter’s guide from the secretary of state.

$$$$$$ Some out of state oil companies are spending millions to stop AB32, California’s global warming law. Valero Energy Corp., a Texas based oil refiner, gave over $4 million, according to Cal-Access, which provides financial information about campaigns. Tesoro Corp., a petroleum refiner and marketer based in California among other places, gave almost $2 million. Koch. Industries, a Kansas based pri-

vate conglomerate, also recently contributed $1 million dollars. Yes on 23 has raised over $7 million. No on Dirty Energy Prop has raised about half this, with more than $3 million dollars.

No on 23 says: Steven Maviglio, head of media for the No on Dirty Energy Prop campaign, told the Mustang why he disagrees with the oil companies’ involvement: “They’re from out of state. Most Californians don’t think they ought to be determining what California law is.” Maviglio said that oil companies are only funding the campaign because “they’d rather avoid paying for their pollution and crush their clean energy competition. So they’re buying their way onto the ballot.” He believes that the only reason oil companies are spending so much on the campaign is because “it will cost them millions of dollars to clean up their pollution and it’s cheaper for them to try to avoid the law than to comply with it.” The proponents were unavailable for comment. The opponents accuse the backers of using misleading

rhetoric to confuse the public and argue that Prop 23 is about oil companies not wanting to pay global warming taxes and not wanting to compete with clean energy resources. They claim that “Prop. 23 is deceptive and will increase pollution and kill jobs,” according to the No on 23 website. According to the No on Dirty Energy Prop campaign, “Prop. 23 would allow polluters to avoid our state’s clean energy standards, kill competition and jobs from California’s clean technology companies, and keep us addicted to dirty fossil fuels.”

Global Warming Law AB32 was passed in 2006 with the help of environmental, health, labor, business organizations, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. AB32 is intended to reduce green house gas emissions across the state over the next decade to the 1990 levels, a decrease of 15 percent from today’s emissions. AB32 would promote the growth of lucrative green industries while improving California’s air quality. Opponents of Prop 23 also claim that

the preservation of California’s global warming law would result in more jobs generated by the clean energy companies than jobs lost by the oil companies cost cuts.

Effects on the Economy According to the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), Sanjay B. Varshney and Dennis H. Tootelian conducted the proposition’s core economic study, which found that AB32 would be bad for the economy. However, according to the LAO, “this study indicates that it contains a number of serious shortcomings that render its estimates of the annual economic costs of state regulations essentially useless.” It also does not take into account that under AB32’s the proposed cap-and-trade regulations the government could be making several billion dollars per year in new allowance-related payments from businesses, according to the Secretary of State’s voter information guide. The voter information guide also suggests that there would be potential savings from using clean energy and the jobs that would be created through the clean energy companies.

•Tesoro Corp. •Koch. Industries •Holly Corp. •Ganahl Lumber Co. •Placid Refining Company LLC •Adam Smith Founda tion •Stan Boyett & Son Inc. DBA Boyett Petroleum •Occidental Petroleum Corp. •Robinson Oil Corp. •National Petrochemical & Refiner Association •Berry Petroleum Co. •World Oil Corp. •California Dump Truck Owners Association •No New Taxes, a Proj ect of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Opponents •Google •Natural Resources De- fense Council •Green Tech Action Fund •Environmental Defense Fund •Union of Concerned Scientists, Inc. •American Lung Associa- tion of California •Ella Baker Center for Human Rights •Foresight Wind Energy, LLC •Recurrent Energy •American Academy of Pediatrics- California •California Nurses Asso- ciation •Therapists for Peace and Justice •League of Women Vot- ers of California •California Professional Firefighters •American Jewish Com- mittee of Los Angelos and San Fransisco •Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California •Catholic Charities, Stockton Diocese

news

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

here’s representin’ you, kids

This coming November, many things are being put up to the vote, some of which can seem irrelevant for the average high school student. But one thing does, in fact, have a large impact on SDA students: the San Dieguito Union High School District School Board. The school board members are in charge of setting the budget, determining school policies, and more. This year, there are six candidates vying for three spots on the school board—one incumbent and five newcomers. They each have different backgrounds, different reasons for running, and different ideas for the future of the school district. Story by Cara Reichard and Thea Brown. Andrew Brown III is a graduate of San Dieguito, and has lived in San Diego his whole life, as have several generations of his family. He is a third generation business owner—he and his family now own a nursery and several greenhouses in Encinitas, which he thinks gives him a good connection to the community. He is also currently a governing board member on the Cardiff Elementary School Board, which he has served on for four years. He wants to make the move to high school

John Salazar is a graduate of San Diego State University. He has been a business man for 30 years. A few years ago he gave up his business in order to get a teaching degree, and became a substitue teacher, before deciding he would rather be a member of the school board. “I looked at the school board and thought that they could use a business perspective,” he said, referring mostly to the budget deficit the district is currently facing. “I have the ability to look at a budget and determine where things

because he believes he can be an advocate for teachers and students. He also believes he would be able to help more students in a bigger district. He said he doesn’t wan to be the kind of person who complains about problems, but rather the kind who stands up and does something about them. Since there’s only so much money to work with in the budget, he wants to put it into the best place to take care of students. “I’m running on the platform of doing bigger and better things with the budget,” he said.

Barbara Groth, an SDA graduate, is an incumbent running for another term. She enjoyed being on the board very much, working with great people in a good job, she said. Groth believes that the most important thing she could accomplish would be to help the district survive the budget crisis and setbacks. She also made a point of thanking teachers for helping adjust to the budget by saving an upwards of $400,000 by cutting down on things like paper use. Groth believes that the district is very

could be cut out.” Although he admitted that he does not have a specific plan for overcoming the budget problems yet, he feels his business experience would give him the ability to make changes if he were elected. His priorities would be to eliminate wasteful spending and replace ineffective teachers.

Rick Shea is experienced with administration with a resume including jobs as mayor and councilmember of Encinitas. Shea said that a couple members of the San Dieguito Union High School district asked him if he would be willing to join the school board, so he agreed to give it a shot. His main hope is to help make sure that the spending and the budget are approached in a smarter manner. Shea believes that the key is to make sure money the district gets from property taxes is spent wisely.

fortunate to have such high quality of education and learning. “We are lucky because we live in a district that teachers want to teach in,” she said. She also hopes to increase the number of career tech opportunities to give a wider range of opportunities for students.

Amy Herman was first a PTA president in Carmel Valley while her children were in elementary school. She also managed a construction business with her husband, giving her insight into management and economics. “This is an incredibly strong district. The test scores are great, the schools are great, the teachers are great, and the students are great,” she said. She said that both SDA and CCA have great programs that are different and innovative in the arts and technology and in order to keep these programs an

eye must be kept on the budget. The key is to cooperate with the board and the rest of the district instead of against to avoid creating additional problems. She’s learned from her construction business that it is best not to micromanage those around her, she said.

There is a necessity to prioritize what is more important to spend money on, he said. He hopes to keep the district and schools as good as they are, if not make them better. Shea stressed that his main platform is to keep putting the children first, regardless of any budget issues.

Sandra Timmons is a graduate of UCSD with a major in psychology. After graduating, she worked for the KPBS television program and, later, as a freelance producer for the California State University system, before leaving the business world to start volunteering extensively with schools, including Park Dale Lane Elementary School. She is running for school board because she has realized that education is her passion.She wants to see children get more motivated in school. In terms of the

budget, she said that it can’t be solved by one person. She would like to look into the community to get mentors for struggling students who can’t keep up in the large classes. “The core of the problem is that we don’t fund schools well enough as a state,” she said. “We need to look at that.”

news

THE MUSTANG

The Money Trail

Oct. 1, 2010

They can run but they can’t hide. The money to fund the District 50 political campaigns and their backgrounds can be found on public searches. Story by Natalya Ballard and Anna Williams.

ave you ever wondered who funds politicians’ election campaigns that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars? This November’s North County congressional election is between the traditionalist Republican congressman, Brian Bilbray and Democrat Francine Busby, who has run unsuccessfully three times. The same congressional district was placed under scrutiny in 2005, when Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the then-congressman, had pleaded guilty to taking over $2 million in bribes from defense contractors. In this election Busby accused Bilbray of not having local support, claiming that his support is mainly from Washington D.C. Lobbyists, with individual donations hitting amounts of $24,000. Bilbray has yet to respond. So far for the 2010 race, Bilbray has raised $915, 366, spent $382,737, and has $587,581 on hand, according to opensecrets. org on June 30, the date of the latest information. Busby has raised $439,954, spent $249,644, and has $190,310 on hand, open secrets’ records show. Funded by construction, insurance, and science biotech companies, Bilbray seems to rely largely on corporation contributions, such as AT&T and New York Life Insurance. Busby is funded primarily by people with connections to legal firms, and education-focused groups such as a member of the Cardiff School Board and Naiman Law Group.

Check the Facts Opensecrets.org is a site with information on the candidates including a list of companies and individual supporters and their donations. Another website that matches contributions by top organizations, special interests, money near votes, and corporations and vote by congressmen can be found at maplight.org. MAP is an acronym for Money and Politics. On this site, to narrow down the data range of contrbutions, the user can select

These are the top individuals who contributed to the campaigns for each candidate, according to opensecrets.org.

Bilbray’s Top Seven Contributors: 1) Millenium Laboratories: $23,600 2) Every Republican is crucial PAC: $10,000 3) Freedom Project: $10,000 4) National Electrical Contractors Assn: $10,000 5) New York Life insurance: $10,000 6) SAIC Inc: $9,800 7) Hunter Interprises: $9,600 courtesy of www.bilbrayforcongress.com An AP Government class analyzed political images to interpret the message that the politician wanted to portray. “Bilbray seems hardworking and getting down to business” “He is trying to show he will work into the night, but has a kind side with the baby pic.” “The three flags give the impression that he loves America and freedom”

the option to pick a certain time frame such as “within 7 days of their votes,” which refers to the amount of days between the time an “interest group” gave any contributions, and the date when a bill was voted on by the political candidate that may be remotely related to the contributor. If a user clicks on that, all of the people who have contributed to Bilbray within seven days to the time he voted on a bill that may have a connection to the organization directly, will show up; so this site claims there’s a connection between contributions and a vote.

Pricey Parties To raise campaign funds, politicians hold fundraisers with lobbyists and wealthy individuals. Candidates invite supporters, asking Political Action Committees (PACs) to donate $1,000 and individuals $500. Congressman Brian Bilbray, the Republican who represents North County, is no exception. Politicalpartytime. org reports that he has held 13 fundraisers since 2008. One of his fundraisers, a Summer Cookout, was held on June 29 at The Strategic Health Townhouse. This venue is owned by a lobbyist group that represents organizations opposed to

progressive health-care reform, according to thatsmycongress. com, a web site that reports on congressional campaigns and legislation. Thatsmycongress.com said Bilbray is one of the 36 congressmen who have used this venue to run their fundraising events. Located at 230 2nd Street, SE, Washington D.C., its close proximity to Congress allows for easy meetings between congressman and lobbyists who are willing to pay the $1000 attendance fee. The general public, including students, can easily gain access to information regarding a candidate’s fundraising parties using websites like politicalpartytime.org. They provide information presented on these politicians’ event invitations. Politicalpartytime.org is a branch of sunlightfoundation.com, a website aimed at “making the government more transparent.” According to the website, “These invitations provide a treasure trove of information for citizen journalists, activists and others who are interested in following how money flows to congressional candidates.”

Cigar Club Controversy

Bilbray has come under fire recently for reportedly sup-

porting bills that would benefit the lobbyists he met at the so-called “Cigar Club.” The Watchdog Institute, a team of investigative journalists based at San Diego State University, reported that Bilbray attended a Cigar Club at which lobbyists representing the National Gun Association, pharmaceutical and medical product companies were present. One of the bills he introduced was a bill that would get rid of the tax on medical device manufacturers. This tax had been part of Obama’s controversial and recently passed health care legislation. Medical and pharmaceutical companies would benefit from this bill, and are one of the largest contributors to Bilbray’s campaign, with $47,000 donations from Pharmaceutical/Health Product industries, according to OpenSecrets.org, a website that provides reports on politician’s campaign finances. The Watchdog institute stated that this controversy truly comes from the lack of transparency in the Cigar Club and not knowing how Bilbray interacted with these lobbyists. In July, Bilbray told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the purpose of the Cigar Club was to encourage bipartisan friendship among congressmen.

Busby’s Top Seven Contributors: 1) ActBlue: $5,050 2) Howard Hughes Medical Institute: $4,800 3) Merjan Financial: $4,800 4) Sd Va Med Center: $4,800 5) Sempra Energy: $4,600 6) Coughlin, Stoia et al: $4,500 7) Morrison & Foersten: $3,400

These are the top industries who contributed to the campaigns.

Bilbray’s Top Industry Contributors 1) Retires: $108,700 2) Real Estate $60,000 3) Pharmaceuticals/ Health Products $54,800 4) Leadership PACs $54,000 5) Misc Finance: $35,450

Busby’s Top Industry Contributors

1) Retires: $67,263 2) Lawyers/ Law Firms: $30,750 3) Democratic/ Liberal: $29,000 4) Real Estate: $11,580 5) Business Services: $10,217

news

Oct. 1, 2010

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Want a fast, easy way to fundraise for your class? Earn a 25% commission and save your friends 15% off drivers ed. Visit www.DriversEd.com/Associate-Programs. *Discount for online drivers ed class only.

THE MUSTANG

Fourth time’s the charm? Despite three losses, congressional candidate Francine Busby runs again, and and she has a lot to say about her adversary, incumbent Brian Bilbray. Story by Angela Zhang.

he Nov. 2 election marks Democrat Francine Busby’s fourth time running for Congress; she has yet to win. But despite being heavily outspent and running in a Republican-dominated district, she remains optimistic about beating incumbent Brian Bilbray, Republican. “Across the country incumbent after incumbent is being defeated…We have seen a significant shift to more of an independent electorate,” Busby told the Mustang. “District 50 [which includes part of North County San Diego] is a very difficult—not difficult, but very challenging district. People are sick of preconceived notions of politicians and unfair representation.” Bilbray has gathered $915,366 for his campaign while Busby has raised $439,954, less than half her opponent’s, according to opensecrets.org, a nonpartisan website that reports on where politicians’ money comes from, as well as where it goes. Finances are only one among her disadvantages. District 50 has historically been largely Republican, and the upcoming voting season has been deemed a “Republican year” by political observers. Busby has a history of winning her primary races by landslides, but each race against the Republicans, including incumbent Bilbray, has ended in defeat. Busby does not seem fazed by her financial disadvantage; in fact, she attacks Bilbray’s fundraising domination. “If you look carefully…you’ll find that a majority or at least a large percent of Bilbray’s money is

coming from PAC’s from D.C. and wealthy donors. You want to look at his record and see that $24,000 is coming from one company. And mine is coming from, at this point, over 3,100 individual contributions, and over 90 percent of mine are from this district. He was a lobbyist; he was paid to lobby. In a way I feel as though he’s still being paid to lobby rather than to represent this district. He doesn’t have the number of supporters here that we do.” According to opensecrets. org, during this year’s election cycle Bilbray has raised $336,207 through political action committees (PAC), which makes up for 37 percent of his overall funds. On the other hand, Busby raked up only $5,250 of PAC contributions, which only accounts for 1 percent of her campaign money. Campaign funding for Busby has taken a dive over years of losses. She began her legacy of unrequited campaigning in 2004, losing to Randy “Duke” Cunningham, 37 percent to 58 percent. She raised $235,925 compared to Cunningham’s $832,173. In 2005 Cunningham plead guilty to charges of conspiracy, including bribery and tax evasion. Busby ran again in the special election to replace Congressman Cunningham in 2006, but lost to Bilbray. However, the financial race has not always been explicitly in Bilbray’s favor. In 2006, Busby raised a total of $3.6 million while Bilbray was left one million dollars behind, mustering $2.6 million. Despite the gap in financial support, though, Busby still lost to Bilbray, 43 percent to 54 percent.

photo courtesy of www.busbyforcongress.com An AP Government class analyzed political images to interpret the politicians messages: “Looks friendly with Obama, so...democratic. She looks personable.”

news

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

Classtrophobia

Not enough books, not enough desks, and not enough room defined the beginning of the school year. With a smaller school budget due to the state crisis, the SDA battles to provide students with the personal attention some need to succeed. Story by Alexa Shapiro. The bell rings, alerting students that class will start in five minutes. Everyone begins to head off to class, pushing past clusters of students so large they resemble Big Foot. When students finally make it to their classrooms, some find themselves without a desk to sit in or textbook to read. With nowhere else to go, students resort to sitting in desks much too small for their ever growing stature, chairs scrambled across the classroom, or on the ground. This could be the life for many students this year at the Academy due to an increase in class sizes from last year. This is “purely a budget issue,” said Principal Michael Grove. While many students face issues of too large of classes and not enough personal attention, an equal number of students feel unaffected by the increase in their classes, finding that it had no real impact on their learning.

A Bad Budget This year, as in years past, the budget is terrible, and with decreasing revenue there is less money to hire new staff, said Grove. Due to this, class sizes have increased slightly from last year. “Class sizes are bigger, probably by about three-six more [students] than usual,” said Grove. Budget constraints led to a number of cuts that can be seen on campus. The college and career center has been dropped. Full time custodial staff has been cut, leading to more rooms to be cleaned in less time, and computer technicians have become shared throughout the district, leaving students with less technological support throughout the day, said Grove. “Basically everyone has been hit,” said Grove. Classes are created based on whether there are enough student sign ups. Some classes were large, but not large enough to make two classes, said Grove. In some situations, such as Japanese 1, a class of 44 could not be broken up, creating two classes of 22, because there simply was not enough room to do so, said Grove. “There’s a little feeling of helplessness, but there simply is not enough money to hire more teachers for classes,” said Grove.

jocelyn lee Second period AP government students cram together at tables seaing as much as seven as they learn about the constitution from teacher Oly Norris.

Students, teachers speak out on class sizes Not an Ideal Situation With an increase in class sizes, students have been noticing feelings of claustrophobia; less one on one time or learning at too slow of a pace. “Students are distracting when there are so many. It gets loud easily, and takes away teachers’ time,” said freshman Jorge Beltran. Other students feel as if they are not getting enough one on one time with their teachers. “I think if the class sizes were smaller it would be easier to learn because you could get more one on one attention with the teacher,” said senior Allison Flores. “Big class sizes make it so you don’t get enough individual attention,” said freshman Annie Goodstein. “[Large classes have] definitely made it a lot harder. It’s harder to do one on one [with the teacher],” said sophomore Sam Pasko. “I think if the class sizes were smaller it would be easier

to learn because you could get more one-on-one attention with the teacher,” said senior Allison Flores. Senior Zake Morgan feels his classes have slowed down due to an increase in class size. “In my math class there is a lot of down time because there are so many people who are all at different levels,” said Morgan. “I think that less gets discussed in class and it’s harder to move on,” said Morgan. “My world history class is huge. Math class is also frustrating. I can fall asleep for 10 minutes and not have missed anything,” said sophomore Brook Mitchell. Others simply feel too close to one another. “I feel claustrophobic. It’s weird being around so many people. I feel like if I lift my arms I’m going to hit someone,” said junior Will Chu. “My yoga class has 50 people in it, so we have to practice in the gym. I feel really claustrophobic,” said junior Kendra Scruggs.

In a Positive Light While some students recognized the increase in sizes, others found that it had no effect on their learning. “My classes are really big but it hasn’t affected my learning,” said freshman Melina Selinez. “My classes are bigger I guess but I don’t know by how much,” said junior Kiana Eberle. “Class size doesn’t affect my learning as much as just the certain people in my classes do. It hasn’t been a problem,” said Eberle “I’m not really affected by the class sizes,” said junior Jenai Machhi. “My classes are bigger than last year, but I don’t know that there is really a big difference. Learning is pretty much the same as always,” said senior Jamelia Michael. Junior Or’el Anbar feels the same way. “I have noticed that there are at least a dozen more kids in my classes, but it hasn’t really affected me much in the learning

standpoint,” said Anbar. Some students even felt positive about larger class sizes. “It’s like trying to fit all of the NFL into the kiddy pool, but that’s okay, because it’s intimate and cozy,” said junior Suki Berry. Some students took the opportunity to meet new people and get to know their school community. “I like the big classes because I get to meet new people and make new friends,” said senior Ryan Santore. “The classes are a lot bigger this year I think, but it just means there are more friends in my classes, so it has affected me in a good way,” said junior Justin Waters. “No [it’s not a problem]. I like having more friends in my classes,” said freshman Sarah Schwab. Senior Erin MacNabb saw the class sizes as a good preparation for college. “It’s almost a good preparation for college where you won’t get one-on-one anyways,” said MacNabb. story continued on page 09

news

Oct. 1, 2010 class sizes story continued from page 9

Strained Teachers Teachers have been hit the hardest with large class sizes, creating less one on one time with students and even falling short of having all the basic essentials for their students, such as desks. English and college application teacher, Carolyn Lee, had a small increase in class sizes from last year, resulting in not enough books for students. Similar situations regarding desks have surfaced in other classes. “I don’t have a problem with textbooks, but there are no desks. We have these teeny tiny desks that the students hate,” said Scott Huntley, the Advanced Placement World History teacher. Large class sizes have cut significantly into the amount of attention teachers are able to give each individual student. “It’s harder to talk with each kid every day and get all the instructions. I have to be really efficient with time,” said science teacher Linda Hauck. “It creates more work to

do, because there are that many more students to grade. It affects individual attention,” said Huntley.

Pulling Together In light of the difficulties presented with larger class sizes, teachers are remaining positive. “I look at it in a more positive light,” said Huntley. “I get to know more kids, five or six more, who I might not have gotten to know otherwise.” “It’s always harder when you’re teaching more kids but at the end of the day we are all facing the economic crisis and we each have to do our part,” said Lee. “It is what it is,” said math teacher Gail Lee. “I feel that when we have budget issues, we all need to sacrifice. As long as we’re giving the education students deserve then that’s all that matters.” Students and staff members have seemed to pull through with positive attitudes to get through this tough economic time, said Grove. “We are a family and we will do the best we can for our kids,” said Grove.

THE MUSTANG

Class Averages

Below is a list of first semester core and world languages classes, followed by the number of students in each class has. For more class size quotes visit the Mustang Online. The journalism class attributed to this story.

Classes with 12-29 students Shletered English Alg Readiness Pre Calc HP Stats/Prob Chemistry ASL I French III Japanese V Spanish V

12 28 27,29 28 28, 27 26 28 26 28, 29

Classes with 30-35 students Ap English 11 English 10 HP English 11 P Alg IB Alg II P Geometry P Pre Calc Chemistry Earth/Spc Marine Bio Physics AP US French III Spanish II Spanish III

32 33 31 33 34, 33, 32, 30 30 34 31 34 33 32 35 30 30 31

Classes with 36-39 students AP English 12 39 English 10 HP 36 English 11 P 38 English 12 P 38, 36 Alg IB 37 Alg II P 36, 39 Geometry HP 38 Geometry P 36, 39 Math Analysis 37 Biology 39, 38, 37, 39, 37, 39, 38 Chemistry 36 Earth/Spc 36 Physics 39, 39, 36 Intro to Biotech 36 Am Gov 39, 38 AP Econ 37, 39 AP Gov 39, 38 AP World 37 Econ P 39, 39 US History 37 World History 38, 38, 39, 36, 38 ASL I 36 French I 38, 36 Spanish II 39, 37 Spanish III 37, 36 Spanish I 37, 38, 39

Classes with 40-57 students AP English 11 AP English 12 English 10 English 9 P English 9 HP Alg 2/ Trig HP AP Calc AB Math Analysis/ Trig Earth/ Spc Physics AP econ AP euro AP gov AP US AP World Psychology Sociology ASL III Japanese I Spanish III Spanish I

WANT MORE PRACTICE ON THE ACT AND SAT? SDAF is working with both Revolution Prep and Catalyst Boot Camp to provide test prep to our students on campus for every SAT and ACT offered in this school year. Students have the option of two-day or six-week classes, depending on their needs. A portion of the fees for these classes will be donated to the SDA Foundation, which we will use to offset the budget situation facing our district. Revolution Prep (www.revolutionprep.com) offers six-week classes for ACT and SAT prep. The cost is $499, and all classes are held on the SDA campus. Catalyst Boot Camp (www.CatalystPrep.com) offers two-day “boot camps” for ACT and SAT prep, held prior to SAT and ACT testing dates. The cost is $165, and, again, the classes are held on the SDA campus. For details, visit the SDAF website at: http://sdafoundation.com/2010/06/get-ready-for-college/.

40 40, 41 43, 43, 43 43, 42, 42 42, 42 43 47 41, 40 40 42 41, 42 41 44, 43 41, 40 41 42, 40 42 41 48 40 42

news

THE MUSTANG

ACLU Sues Student charges questioned.

emily maxwell

Construction in the front parking lot causes congestion for student drop off and pick up. The new visual and performing arts building will be finished by July of 2011 and be ready for use in the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year

Ratings

A False Report

SDA drops in Newsweek rating

The alleged kidnapping last Friday that had the entire student body and staff worried turned out to be a hoax.

SDA has dropped in this year’s Newsweek’s annual rating of the nation’s top high schools, from 233 in 2009 to 663 out of roughly 1200 schools. The rating is based on tests, like an AP test, taken by the senior class divided by the number of graduating seniors. Scores reflect how rigorous the school’s academic program is. “It’s not a score we are particularly concerned about,” said Principal Mike Grove. “There are better indicators of school quality.” Scores do not reflect a school’s actual performance, but it is very publicized. It is geared for students and parents when choosing schools, but often, it’s not even considered. “It has never come up,” Grove said. - charlotte ohrbom

School administrators were told that the alleged abduction that occurred Friday Sept. 24 of a 15-year-old sophomore girl was a false report. With the report came local news coverage, cautionary all calls to SDA parents, sketches of the abductors to be sent to students in homeroom, and anxious feelings among parents and students. The girl, a Latina, reported that she was kidnapped by three Latino men and sexually assaulted on Melba Road after school while walking home. A press release made by the San Diego Sheriff ’s Department Monday said that in actuality, the young girl had skipped her fourth period class to get together with an adult male she had met on the internet. After discovering that the report was a hoax, Principal Michael Grove wrote a statement, which was then read aloud to fourth period classes. Grove also made an all-call to inform parents of the situation. “I’m very glad it wasn’t this random abduction,” said Grove. However relieved, Grove is upset by the anxiety and work that went into the investigation, as well as the reflection it leaves on the school. “People are going to remember [SDA] for the abduction, whether it’s true or not,” said Grove. Investigations are still under way to find the adult male who picked up the girl Friday afternoon, but as of now administration have not heard of any progress, said Grove. - alexa shapiro

San Dieguito Academy has been accused by the American Civil Liberties Union of requiring students to buy their own calculators, and making student athletes pay a $100 suggested transportation fee. School officials said the ACLU was wrong. “The donations are strictly voluntary,” said Principal Michael Grove. ACLU filed suit against the state of California, claiming that they had violated students right to a free education. While San Dieguito Union High School District was not named in the suit, the ACLU asked the District about potential violations. According to Grove, the district has not received any followups, from the ACLU. Many schools have attempted to justify fees with a waiver for students or families that find it financially difficult to donate. However, the California Supreme court has ruled that making a student sign a waiver is embarrassing and creates a stigma for that student. “I understand the embarrassment. If you have a problem, come and see us,” said Labeta Labeta stressed that if the accusations against the school are found true, the effect will be greatly unfelt. “We would just look at cleaning up their list [of complaints]. We would change our wording to make our intentions more clear,” said Labeta. - anna sheridan

Oct. 1, 2010

Close call San Dieguito Academy’s API scores improves from previous years. SDA’s API scores for 2010 drastically improved after a push by faculty to motivate students. The school’s overall score reached 841, a full 39 points higher than the year before. Scores for Latino students also went up, removing the threat that the state might intervene in school affairs. STAR testing scores, which account for 80 percent of schools’ API total, had been in a steady decline at SDA for three years, therefore putting the Academy in danger of state-supervised Program Improvement. SDA had not been able to meet the state’s growth requirements, especially for Latinos. “On the first sanction, we would have to send a letter to every family in the school, explaining that our school is under-achieving,” explained Principal Michael Grove. “The parents would then have the option to pull their child out of the school and send them to Torrey Pines, LCC, or CCA.” The school district would then have to pay for those students’ transportation to the distant campuses. At SDA, there are three significant subgroups which consist of over 100 students: white, Latino, and economically disadvantaged. While the latter two subgroups were below the target level of 800, they showed sweeping improvement of 50 points or more each. Grove attributed this to individual attention given to students. “We sorted through students by name basis and gave them support classes in addition to their regular ones,” he said. Because of the success, the individual attention will most likely continue into the new year. One of the persistent problems that SDA had to face was the issue of student motivation. “As a faculty we worked hard, and spoke with students to convince them to take it seriously,” said Grove. “The STAR tests are high stakes for schools, but not so much for students.” The API scores directly influence schools rankings and are made very public to the community. They often act as a factor when parents choose a school for their children. Colleges can also view the scores, but usually they do not negatively affect students’ admission. “We provided an incentive by appealing to kids’ love of the school,” said Grove. - ari brin

Schoolwide + Schoolwide + Schoolwide + Latino ‘07-8 Latino ‘08-9 Latino ‘09-10

opinions

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

prop 19? A good idea? highly doubtful The Mustang staff thinks that the measure to legalize marijuana should be defeated on the Nov. 2 ballot.

he Mustang urges people to vote against Prop 19, the Nov. 2 measure that would legalize marijuana for adults. The staff voted 15 to 13 to oppose it. The passage would compromise public safety. Legalizing marijuana could increase the number of people on the road driving under the influence of drugs. Similar to the way that adults can help minors access alcohol, Prop 19 would also make marijuana more easily available to minors. Another concern of the Mustang Staff is that the proposition has many loopholes and details that haven’t been thoroughly worked out, which

could cause further complications and confusion, resulting in a rapid repeal of the proposition. If the prop passed, illegal drug dealers would concentrate their efforts on underage users who would be willing to pay more money for a larger quantity of marijuana. The Federal Government might also retaliate with a crack-down on marijuana-related crimes, possibly leading to increased difficulty in accessing marijuana, for even medical reasons, in every state. Legalizing marijuana may encourage people to experiment in other types of illegal substances. Unfortunately, there are people that do things just because they

are illegal. Marijuana’s legalization may lead to larger and more dangerous drug use problems, which would defeat the major purpose of the proposition, and therefore the state’s drug issues would only increase. Some argue that allowing Prop 19 to pass would help alleviate California’s budget crisis; however, this may or may not be accurate. Usage would be expected to rise if the measure is passed. But a rise in the state’s revenue from increased buying of marijuana may be cancelled out by the increase in marijuanarelated crimes that could ensue as a result of the augmentation of marijuana users.

Bumper stickers advertise antimarijuana sentiments on www.noonprop19.com.

NO, No lisa

Clearly it wasn’t a masterpiece until the moustache was added. The pitfalls of modern art critiqued by Erika Mazza.

trashcan painted blue with a single potted lily sitting atop it, a sharp stripe against an otherwise blank canvas and a replica of the Mona Lisa but this time with a mole sharpied upon her face: these, I would not consider true art. However, in many art galleries across the globe, each of these items along with equally ridiculous attempts at a display of inner emotion are well accepted. It is a type of art not well founded but very well funded- late modernism. This type of art holds very little gratitude from the pitterpatter of my heart. Although many would assume that this is a sign of my terrible taste, it is more likely that I just can’t find unprecedented beauty in a line of blue paint or a trash can. For this, I apologize duly to those whom I offend. However, there was never a time I heard one of my overly expressive friends comment on the ethereal splendor of a toilet unless it was in a room of white walls and pretentious expressionists. There are artists who spend hours upon hours, which turn into days upon days adding up to weeks on one painting alone. Until near perfection, they detail whatever it is they are painting-

erika mazza and jocelyn lee

A six-minute masterpiece by a hormonal middle schooler. a portrait of a sullen family, a night overlooking a city, religious figures in a display of a Bible story, etc. Spending an hour on oil painting one petal of a flower is quite a bit more impressive to me than spending two minutes splashing paint on a naked woman and taking a picture of it. And yet, the second will probably be earn more in the end because everyone wants the latest piece. It’s not only the way that the art is that infuriates me, but how people react to it when in a gallery. They’ll come in cooing the latest ‘in’ greetings.

““Oh daaaarliiiiiing,” they’ll say before kissing the cheeks of each individual, coming away from them with a smile. Dressed in all black with sunglasses that they won’t take off until they go back outside because contradiction is only too artistic for words, so they might as well do it. Honestly, it looks more like a funeral without the casket. These cool cats throw around terms such as “faux pas” and “avant-garde”, smugly looking at the painting, airily nodding. Placing one hand under their chin and the other above their slanted hip, they’ll say something

like “Interesting…” or “Wow…” to create the image that they’re really ‘feeling it’. They’re more likely to be thinking about what they ate for breakfast than how the painting before them really makes them feel. However, if one says that the paintings on display could possibly mean nothing, one would be booed out of the room. They’d claim that the blank white sheet with exactly sixty nine staples in it clearly wasn’t a middle school boy making sexually frustrated comments with his squeaky-voiced friends, but instead a child prodigy. Quite obviously, he was making a statement about the severity of sexual restraint the society of the United States creates, and how it has become a staple to our lifestyles. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe there is meaning to these trashcans, these naked paintsplashed women or the one stripe on an otherwise blank canvas. Maybe I truly do not understand the full appeal of late modern art, but as John Ciardi says, “Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves that they have a better idea.”

What’s Up With That? “...short shorts? I hate seeing the booty!” -Kaky Payne, senior. “..People thinking that airlilne food is still a legitimate joke?” -Chris Breed, senior.

“...the construction? Will it be done this year?” -Evan Eichenberg, junior.

“...summer being cold?” -Megan Hatfield, junior.

“...Huntley’s beard? How ‘bout that flavor savor?” -Maia Rosengarten, junior.

“...paying for parking stickers?” -Katherine Ozorio, junior.

features

THE MUSTANG

kaylin greene A mosh pit during Warped Tour tossed enthusiastic fans like dressing on salad.

Another time, I think it was the Lamb of Gods show. There’s a thing called Wall of Death where the crowd splits entirely into two sections and they’re looking at each other from across the expanse and maybe there’s one guy in the middle who is super pumped up and super drunk, but he’s standing in the middle against these two seas, these two oceans. When the band calls it, and starts the song both of the crowds join together and just run at each other full force and they charge like two armies charging and they call it the wall of death. They hit and it just explodes into this huge mosh and you get this feeling that you can’t even describe.” - Evan Angelico, senior

A Life Saver “A while ago I went to a concert with my friend, and I got pushed into the mosh pit with this girl freaking out. She actually punched me in the throat. Then my friend like swooped in and picked me up and carried me the hell out of there. Thank God, because I’m skinny and would have gotten my ass kicked.” - Xana Young, junior

Blood and Gore “So I was in a concert and we were moshing. This kid got pushed really fast into me and the back of his head broke my nose and then it was bleeding everywhere. I went to the bathroom and I put a couple tissues and then I was good after that.” - Nick Fidel, senior

Crowd Surfing

very Monday , stories about crazy concert experiences from the weekend are bound to be circulating by the end of the day. The best, the most riveting tales, are undeniably the accounts of the mosh pit-derived horror incidents, where almost everyone involved sustains some sort of temporary injury. Pictures and bruises alike accompany the stories, forcing us all to admit our bizarre fondness for gore. Concerts are rarely innocent events anymore; gone are the days of peacefully singing along to popular songs that you’ve heard on the radio. This strange form of expressing love for music evolved beyond dancing and has become even life threatening. Here are some of the favorite mosh pit concert stories we’ve heard around campus.

“I was at Cage the Elephant and was with my friend. This guy face dived and was crowd surfing around. Then he came over to our area and my friend actually dropped him.” - Jada Golland, senior.

Dragged Out

The Wall of Death “When you’re in a mosh pit, you get this feeling that the crowd is one huge organism. You move and thrash and get pummeled but you’re doing it together and it feels like a sea. One time, I was at a show, I can’t really remember what it was, but there were a lot of circle pits. You kind of want to avoid circle pits because they are pretty dangerous and you can get really hurt. I saw a guy – no joke – he must have been seven feet tall and must have been at least 320 pounds. I tried to avoid the circle pit because of him because I knew if I got in the circle pit with him, you’re dead. I get pushed into the circle pit with him and you have no control because it’s like a river rafting tide pull. You get sucked into this circle and you can’t get out and you’re pushing and I see this huge guy behind me that I’m about to get pummeled by. Either way I make it out in time and it’s all safe.

Oct. 1, 2010

The mosh pit monologues You go to a concert and end up in the mosh pit. You get pushed, you get shoved. You get punched, you get pummeled. No matter what happens, you get a good story. Story by Kerry Roberson.

“I went to see Green Day and I bought a pit ticket so I was really close to the front of the stage. The whole time the show was absolutely nuts. The crowd was insane. When you’re in a pit like that you can’t control the way you move because the crowd moves you. So through the whole show people were crowd surfing and throwing their bodies at the stage. At one song, Billy Joe Armstrong actually brought 50 or 60 people up on stage. I tried to get on the stage like everyone else in the pit so you can imagine the insanity of a million people pushing you as far as you can forward so you’re smashed like a sardine. There was a little kid that got passed over this old lady’s back and they dropped him. The old lady fell down and she couldn’t get up so everyone had to lift her and crowd-surf her to the front where she collapsed in front of the stage and the security guards had to actually lift her up and carry her out in front of the stage and the whole time she was screaming, I’m going to sue you for dropping a kid on my back! It was probably like 110 degrees in the pit and the security guards were pouring water in everybody’s mouths and at one point Billy Joe Armstrong got out a high pressured hose and soaked everybody in the pit. Then they put toilet paper everywhere so we all got covered in toilet paper as well as confetti. I guess you could say it was a pretty gnarly concert.” - David Yuter, senior

features

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Guys that dance Dancing isn’t just for ladies anymore, or those clammy-handed boys forced to ballroom dance by their mothers in cotillion. Story and photos by Katherine Bueche.

he life of any high school student comes with many pressures and demands: piles of homework, disheartening social relationship drama, and the struggle between independence and parental control. Many teenagers struggle to find time to do much of anything in between, especially committing to the physical and mental burden of participating in a full time sport – especially being a guy in the seemingly foreign world of dance. Luis Cervantes and Kyle Filley, seniors, and Evan Costa, sophomore, have all chosen to set aside the time and explore their talents in the sport of dance, challenging themselves both physically and mentally. Entering this unknown territory can be intimidating at first, but the rewards and benefits they have all taken away from dance are worth it, they say.

Flow and rhythm Cervantes, 16, has been dancing since the end of his freshman year, and has been committed ever since. He practices twice a week and takes additional classes constantly as a part of training at Studio 429 in Encinitas, which he performs with around once or twice a month. “It takes a lot of energy and effort,” he said, adding that his style of hip-hop dance is physically intense and involves a lot of flow and rhythm. Surprisingly, however, he considers ballet and jazz to be much more rigorous. The adversity experienced by male dancers is something Cervantes deals with regularly, but

he stands up for his beliefs and ability in performing in a sport typically considered effeminate and simple. “Sometimes it is challenging to, because people don’t realize that we don’t just “booty shake” and dance like those people in the music videos. There’s way more to it.” Dance is his passion, and he finds it the best possible way to get away and forget about the world. He has always loved the way choreographers create moves based on their inspiration from the beats in music. “Dance has given me the opportunity to express myself in ways I never thought possible,” Cervantes said. “It has also given me the opportunity to meet people from all around the world.” He recently attended a competition in Las Vegas and finds it amazing that the other dancers from all over the world may not speak the same language, but they all share the same passion for dance. Inspiration goes back to Costa’s childhood, when he used to watch dance movies growing up. He was instantly drawn to break dancing, and now at 15, hip hop is his favorite style. Costa admires and looks up to dancers Keone Madrid, Mari, and Mike Song, saying, “Mike is a crazy good popper,” referring to a style of funk dancing involving the contracting and relaxing of muscle movements. “I’ve always wanted to be able to just stop and start the way he does. Mari and Keone, what they think of and create is just amazing, they always put me in awe.” He practices four days a

week, and finds the high level of commitment required to dance easy because of how much he loves it. He hopes to someday be on a professional team and travel the world, and perhaps even open his own studio as a choreographer. Costa brushes off the stereotypes associated with male dancers: “I just really don’t care what they think.”

Fluidity of movement Contemporary and jazz are the genres of dance that Filley, 17, says are his favorite. The intense flexibility and musically in tune movements of these styles is often overlooked, while in fact they require some of the most skilled moves in dance. Filley considers flexibility to be the hardest physical aspect of dance. Since guys tend to not be as naturally flexible as girls are, it can make conditioning a challenge. His favorite part about dancing is the self expression and stress release, he believes jazz has a fluidity of movement and power that influences people and really tells a story. Injuries are a reality of dance because it involves a lot of intricate movements, in which are typically minor. The most severe injury he’s ever gotten is a broken toe that hasn’t healed, since a cast cannot be put on, and it’s been about six months with no improvement. He dances every day of the week other than Fridays, and loves that he can express himself while getting great exercise and being an individual doing what he loves to do.

features

THE MUSTANG

Guys that dance

It takes massive dedication, precision, and all around physical strength to break out into moves that would upstage Justin Timberlake himself. Story and photos by Katherine Bueche.

Costa, left, practices â&#x20AC;&#x153;tuttingâ&#x20AC;? which is a style of dance involving many geometric movements. Cervantes, center, practices a dance routine. Costa, right, in front of Studio 429.

Kyle Filley, senior, practices his classical and jazz moves in a series of jumps, the first being a C-jump and the second a grande jete.

features

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

Gettin dirty: Show attendees at Soma show off their “hardcore dancing,” a common form of expression that is associated with music and mosh pits.

Making A Scene Y

Famously known as

a “scene kid” venue, Soma San Diego is

showing they have more to offer than hardcore music and jumping teenagers: they make you feel like you’re at home. Story and photos by Sammy Bueche.

ou pull up into the overcrowded parking lot after passing by the old creepy men visiting the World Famous Body Shop and a few minutes later, you arrive. The tan color outside with black windows doesn’t seem to promise much, but all arrivers know what their destination holds. The security guards are obliviously sending cars to various spots, and of course there isn’t one spot in sight. And that’s when you see the people. Three inch shorts with oozing cellulite coming out. Zebra print and checkers on everything. Hair that looks like it was run through a lawnmower and scratched by a raccoon. Anyone of the male gender repping a beanie. Yes, welcome to Soma. Soma is a beloved concert arena in Downtown San Diego that many teenagers know and are quite fond about. It typically features the genre of “hardcore”

music but has recently been featuring a variety of genres including reggae, ska, and indie music. It has a dirty, rustic appeal to it that many people seem to identify with over the scrubbed clean, sit down arenas that cost a fortune. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and you can guarantee that everyone there is going for the love of music. Junior Robert Hylton, who has been going to Soma since the start of his freshman year, likes “the people who work there, the accessibility to bands, and the personal aspect” of Soma. While the mildly ecstatic mobs of hardcore teenagers might frighten you off at first, don’t be afraid. You’ll fit in just fine.

Inside Access After a quick frisking from a very indifferent looking security guard and the “click!” of the ticket taker’s person marker, you

enter the doors. An assortment of tacky, bright colored cartoon character band shirts litter the wall along with a couple overpriced hoodies. There are litters of scene kids jumping up to the front to hopefully meet one of the band members and claim the coolest shirt, just like the other 300 kids that bought the same one. The gum encrusted carpet looks run down as if thousands of kids have rubbed their sticky, dirty feet all over it and the walls are an unrecognizable shade of brown. The dirtiness really is what gives it the allure. Making your way to the bathroom, there are tons of little scene girls with obviously just too much going on to pay attention to anyone walking in their general path. The white tile is coated with pools of dirty water and black grout, and the reddish brown stalls all seem to have something broken on them. Reaching the sink after us-

ing the bathroom is of course a difficult task, because it is highly important to give yourself a pseudo black eye of eyeliner and adjust your way too tight pushup bra before heading into the completely dark concert. And why should someone washing their hands get in the way of such an important task? There are some colorful types of people in the girls’bathroom, such as the dashing cutie with eight lip piercings and two nose piercings for good measure or the “I left my clothes at home” girls, because their horny groping, mosh-pit pushing boyfriends think it’s the hottest look around. The girls that shriek are the best too, because yelling at your mom on the phone as loud as you can just so that she really gets the message that you don’t give a damn about your curfew gets the message across better. If you’re lucky to get out of the bathroom unharmed, then

features

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Guitarist of local band Forever Ends Now, far left, plays a solo while performing on the Soma side stage. The singer of Colossal, left, sings for an intense song. Below right, a Soma bouncer cheerfully poses with a random concert-goer, making sure nothing goes wrong with the enthusiastic crowd.

you finally approach the arena. The gloms of people all make it difficult to pass by, and the intense flashing lighting systems onstage provide the only source of guidance. Every kid in the crowd seems to have a very similar look on, as also noticed in the parking lot. A lot of girls still haven’t gotten that “wearing clothes” message. Another weird thing about these kids is their obsession with things primarily used for little kids. A surprising number of kids are sporting fuzzy koala backpacks. Is there anything in there? Do you need a backpack at a concert? No. You don’t.

The Show Begins You find your way up to the front of the arena, and then the lights go down low. The bigger opening band is starting. An electric red flash beams through the audience and all of a sudden

you lose the ability to speak any further. Loud, body pounding bass and harsh guitar riffs flood the arena, and you basically lose hope at this point for being able to stand. Crowd surfers are everywhere, and instead of standing you really have to rely on the people around you as a support since the unforgiving pushing contradicts the usual form of stance. As the concert progresses, the lack of mercy within the crowd begins to emerge. There are a few unlucky kids that walk by either about to pass out from dehydration, or even better, with a bleeding body part/ripped out piercing. A shirtless boy completely drenched in sweat falls out of his suspension in the crowd with his shoes fallen off and a misplaced look on his face. As the bands progress and the headliner starts, more and more people come off to the sides, bruised

up and battered. And once the music starts to mellow down, so does the crowd. The headlining band decides to play an acoustic song as a different turn from their piercing screams and overwhelmingly loud guitar. A chubby girl sporting purple eyeliner and a matching tutu as well as another really useful backpacks grabs the shoulders of her equally chubby boyfriend that has jeans as tight as torture chambers and a sweat soaked beanie as he grabs her lower waist. They begin to slow dance, while seemingly oblivious to the lack of punch bowl and prom dresses that usually accompany slow dancing. You hear multiple flicks coming from lighters in the audience, and the cliché swaying of arms and lights begins. After this, the concert is seemingly over. Then, comes the rushing. Getting squished on the sides of the crowd pushing

through the exit gets you a ramming on the ever so comfortable metal railing into your lower stomach and a bunch of sweaty kids wiping their dripping bodies along you as they rush out to their cars. You finally escape this push of madness, and re-enter the cartoon shirt selling arena. After finally being able to relocate your group of friends, who are thankfully fully intact and don’t have any missing body parts or obvious bruising, you get to exit this scene. Secretly, you’ll miss this dingy little event you took part in. But you can never speak of the events at Soma that you’ve been to, for the general public does not quite understand the culture until they see it for themselves. You’ll be back soon. Just watch. The beatings and bruising have that strange sort of power. And now, it’s time to take a shower, because after Soma, you’re gonna need it.

arts

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

The famous trio performing for their fans.

Oh, Brothers... Chillin’ at the JoBro’s Concert

thea brown

A large quantity of blue dots has popped up along what students have endearingly coined the “grassphalt” (green asphalt below the tech building). Art teacher Jeremey Wright and his third period painting class are creating this new mural. The mural consists of a series dots in nine shades of blue, that decorate the grassphalt as well as the wall above it. Wright says that the whole idea of the mural is to bring less attention to the grassphalt, and that it is “not made to move you” or pronounce any social statement, but rather cover up a design problem. For more information visit our website. –Angela Zhang

so 2010

The Mustang, served a la mode In 1969 the Advanced Research Projects Agency ARPANET, a system to electronically transfer data. Since then the world has been transformed into an information highway where ideas and discoveries can be shared in a blink of an eye. These past four decades have seen a reshaping of the world into the digital age, and now it is time for The Mustang to make that transformation too. Starting this year SDA’s Mustang will feature articles online for consumption anytime. So check out weekly TV show updates, reviews, and everything else that couldn’t fit in print. Go online now to check out a day at Comicon, a night with Mike Posner, and TV everyday. -Thea Brown

Dance, Dance

Sda air

Students shook their groove thangs for self-expression at last Friday’s school dance. Study conducted by Ari Brin.

Tune in for the new school radio

Dancing is an art that cannot be described, nor captured in any picture known in existence. It is the innate instinct of a highschooler, but it is more than that; it is the basic need to rub one’s scantily clothed body against another. Dancing has the ability to awaken a soul that has been in the captivity of a classroom for much too long. Last Friday, many a heart was set aflame with the undeniable beats of Taio Cruz and Katy Perry, and many feets were left painfully sore. Students surely felt free to tap into their own dancing queen that night, and they did. Oh, did they ever.

“My friend was working on one for college so I thought why not here? They’re really sick,” said Steven Forsythe, senior, when asked about his inspiration to create an internet radio for SDA called SDA Air. Students will all be able to join Forsythe’s club and become hosts on the radio. “We’re going to have a bunch of DJs but we don’t know about guests yet,” said Forsythe. Junior Patrick Mattioli will be Forsythe’s partner for the SDA Air project as well as a DJ on the air. Students can even request music through calling or a Facebook forum. The first show on airs on Oct. 1 at www.sdaair.com. For more information visit sdamustang.com. -Cassia Pollock

This graph depicts the pure wild animal craziness from last Friday night.

I’m in the car, the blare of music pleasing my ears, when suddenly a wave of screaming girls hits me smack dab in the face. It causes me to have the biggest smile ever. I see fans standing in their “I love Joe Jonas!” and “Kanye wouldn’t interrupt Demi if he had the chance” teeshirts, holding neon posters and I realize that I did not come prepared. Someone comes over the speaker and I see fans running into the arena, so I join. “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” cast members are on stage trying to warm the crowd up for one of the main performers of the night, Demi Lovato. The stadium finally fills up with enthusiastic fans and I am ready; we are all ready. The lights fade out and the music fades in. The crowd goes crazy. The fierce and beautiful Lovato appears on stage singing her first single “Get Back.” With fans almost pulling her off stage, crying during her performance of “Don’t Forget,” and those amazing high notes, Lovato definitely did not disappoint. The fans stare at the screen with a JB clock going, “Tick, tick, tick,” until BAM! Screams from all around surround me and I’m barely able to hear my own thoughts. The Jonas Brothers appear on stage singing “Feeling Alive.” Fans create pandemonium in the crowd and admirers jump on stage causing buff body guards to surround the edge of the stage. These three brothers created an arena of euphoria and without a doubt those guys know how to entertain. I, along with most fans, were left wanting more because three hours of the JoBros was just not enough. -Ashlynne Mclean

thea brown

Everyone knows that a true Jonas Brothers fan is naked without their very own handmade sign. Adorned with anything from glitter to obnoxiously neon lettering, a Jonas Brothers sign is proof of a truly devoted fan. So rep it loud and proud that you are the real “MRS. JOE JONAS.” -Thea Brown

arts

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Fall Previews Even though the majority of us are still recovering from the harsh transition from summer to fall, we can all take solace in the approaching light at the end of the tunnel, an LCD light full of music and movies to remind us that life is not all that bad.

taylorswift.com

“Speak Now”- Taylor Swift The inspiring title of Taylor Swift’s new album, “Speak Now,” perfectly supports her squeaky clean image in a way that other young starlets have failed; when Miley Cyrus couldn’t be tamed, Swift was still writing songs about being 15. However, the album does nothing to mature her for the adult crowd. Swift is an artist revered by

only the middle school demographic, who worship the squintyeyed demigoddess. Her first single from the album, which comes out Oct. 25, “Mine,” is a tune reminiscent of last year’s “You Belong With Me,” with the same romantic storyline as Love Story. Hey, why fix a multi-million dollar method if it’s not broke? -Ari Brin

imdb.com

“127 Hours” Director Danny Boyle, still basking in the glittery Oscar aftermath of “Slumdog Millionaire,” has teamed up with James Franco to reenact the horrifying true story of a mountain climber who falls into a crevice and is pinned beneath a boulder for 127 hours as per the title, stuck between a rock and a hard place, literally. During these life-

“Age of Adz”- Sufjan Stevens changing days, the climber remembers his family and lovers as he summons the courage to escape by any means possible. The trailer previews the drama in a series of split screens and leaves the viewer with a tantalizing cliff hanger. Franco-ly, it all Boyles down to the movie coming out Nov. 5. -Ari Brin

Remember when Sufjan Stevens said that he was going to release an album for each of the 50 states in the country? Well I’ve never heard of the state “Age of Adz,” so I’m assuming the upcoming Oct. 12 album is not a part of this project. So for now put the states on hold and prepare for something completely different. The first single

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”

Interpol @ Soma

Thirteen years ago J.K. Rowling came out with her first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Soon the book developed into seven, becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Fan conventions and even a theme park stand to show the devotion of fans. However, the magic of Hogwarts will soon come to a close. The final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” ended the series in 2007, while the movie comes out in two parts,

At the infamous scene and hardcore paradise known as Soma, a new flush of talent is being introduced this fall. After the release of their new self-titled album on Sept. 7, the edgy band Interpol will be performing at Soma, something completely different from the venue’s typical genre of music. Their sound is unlike any other current band, with emotional lyrics embellished with a very distinct voice. They create a unique

listening experience that takes some time for the listener to truly appreciate. The opportunity to see such a high profile band playing a venue like Soma is a rare chance that not many can partake in. The show is on Oct. 21. They are being accompanied by the up and coming band White Rabbits, who have played shows from Holiday Hootenanny to Coachella. This show simply cannot be missed. -Katherine Bueche

released from “Age of Adz” entitled “I Walked” is a sound not heard often from Stevens. It’s an electronic beat that contrasts his usual melancholic ballads. “Age of Adz” is supposed to take Stevens in a whole new direction, away from his usual story telling onto “the personal and the primal,” as Stereogum describes it. -Thea Brown

thesocialnetwork-movie.com

interpolnyc.com

harrypotter.warnerbros.com

one on Nov. 19 and the other July 15 of 2011. Harry, Ron. and Hermoine must travel around England to find Lord Voldemort’s seven horcruxes that house his soul. These horcruxes must be destroyed in order to defeat Lord Voldemort and allow the wizarding world to finally be at peace. Both movies will be presented in IMAX 3D, a first for the Potter series. The movies will officially mark the end of a generation. -Jocelyn Lee

sufjanstevens.bandcamp.com

“The Social Network” How did they make a movie all about a website where you can add friends, stalk their pictures and profiles, and yet still have it be interesting enough to be already talked about as one of the top movies of the year? “The Social Network” is actually about how Mark Zuckerburg launched Facebook with his friends during college. It is filled with greed and backstabbing, as Zuckerburg goes through difficulties in launching the site as old friends

accuse him of violating copyright on the social networking site, and for not cutting them in on the money. Directed by David Fincher, who also directed “Fight Club,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” this movie might become just as big of a hit. “The Social Network” unravels the story in a brilliant manner, gaining it reviews stating that i could be the movie of the decade. It comes out today, Oct. 1. -Jocelyn Lee

arts

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

Attack Attack! bassist John Holgado jams, left; Whitchapel’s Zach Householder plays guitar while vocalist Phil Bozeman shatters eardrums, center; Johnny Franck, Attack Attack! guitarist and vocalist, rocks out, right.

The Warped life

Bands Whitechapel and Attack Attack! talk about life on the road at Warped Tour 2010. Story and photos by Kaylin Greene.

arped Tour 2010 was drawing to a golden-tinted close Aug. 10 at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater. Whitechapel boarded the stage with a guttural roar. Phil Bozeman, on vocals, screamed, “San Diego, California: you’re all going to Hell!” I learned that choreography and showmanship extends beyond “Dancing With The Stars” as all six band members began head banging in sync to their chaos of “Of Legions.” Their set continued to play songs off their latest album that released June of this year, such as ‘Eternal Refuge’ and ‘Visor Exciser’ as the mosh pit continued to rage bigger and bigger. Finally, they concluded their set with an eardrum-shattering ‘This Is Exile,’ as Bozeman commanded the crowd to make a “... wall of death!” I managed to catch up with Zach Householder, one of Whitechapel’s guitarists, on the band’s experience with Warped. Q: So how does Warped differ from any of the other tours that you’ve played? A: We kind of feel out of place, you know? We’re not like a lot of the other bands on Warped. I mean there’s a lot of

variety at Warped, but it’s different crowds and stuff, it’s crazy, so if you can please them all, you’re whippin’ butt. It’s different in the fact that the diversity of the crowd is bigger than most tours. A: So do you have any funny Warped Tour stories? Q: Yeah, there’s always funny ones, I mean the one that comes to mind was when we had this pink baseball bat in our band, this little pink one and it says ‘Girl Power’ on it, and we always keep it just in case, and some dude was throwing rocks at our van and talking [smack] to us, so I chased him down with the bat. A: I mean I didn’t hurt anybody, but it was pretty funny, pink girl power bat, trying to protect our band and everything.

On the Attack The set crew started breaking down Whitechapel’s stage and began getting things ready for the next act. Attack Attack! would be on in less than twenty. Andrew Wetzel, Attack Attack!’s drummer was able to speak with me for a few minutes. Q: Alrighty, well to start off, my school has a cover band called Defend Defend! So we’re pretty excited about you guys. So how does Warped differ from a

normal tour that you play? A: Warped tour is totally different from a normal tour; the last two we’ve done, we’ve headlined, so you know, it’s just kind of like, our own show, you know. But on warped tour, you’re pretty much just a number, there’s 80 bands here, and so it’s like you got to actually really fight, you have to compete, you have to make sure you’re playing the best you can, you’re really trying to draw in a crowd. Q: What is playing at a festival like with a lot of other bands? A: Warped Tour shows are always really hectic, really crazy. On Warped Tour it’s not quite as bad here every day, so there is some method to the chaos. When you get to festivals like Bamboozle and stuff like that when it’s just one or two days, it’s just crazy all the time. No one knows anything, nothing’s set up, you don’t know where your stage is at, you don’t know what time you play, it’s so ridic, it’s just really hectic. Q: Yeah, I bet. So do you like Warped and do you like playing for Warped? A: Yeah, I mean it’s one of those tours that you love to hate. It’s a totally great opportunity, it’s super sick and you play to huge crowds, but at the same

time, it’s an all-day, everyday thing, it’s really demanding, it’s long, you’re out with a lot of bands. It’s really easy to lose sight of what you’re doing and become really bitter and angry.

Work Hard, Play Hard Q: Do you have any funny Tour stories so far? A: Us on tour is crazy, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing. Recently, we’ve been having what we call sleepovers, where everybody will be in their bunk in the bus with our heads sticking out and we’ll just talk about really dumb stuff and giggle and be really immature. My drumtech, Brandon, has these man-thongs that he wears, and he’ll run around and just like, this kid literally travels at the speed of light, it’s unbelievable. And he’d just strip down and we all just do ridiculous stuff all the time and laugh and have fun and do whatever to blow off steam. I can’t think of anything specific off the top of my head. Q: So how do you think that the Attack Attack! sound changed between your first album and this new album? A: It’s way heavier, but at the same time, we decided that we weren’t going to just be re-

strained by the scream-o genre. We just took a record and we put every song on it that we liked, there was a frickin R & B song, a drum set, there was a whole electronic track, there’s a ballad. We literally were just like, ‘You know what, this is our sophomore record, this is a big deal, so we’re just gonna go ahead, we’re not gonna hold anything back, we’re just goin’ straight to the moon,’ and that’s how it turned out. Before too long, it was showtime. Attack Attack’s set was at night, so they were able to use an impressive array of visual effects and lighting for the performance. Always a refreshing mix of screamo and techno, Attack Attack! played several songs off their new self-titled album, released earlier this summer. They did their signature crabcore several times during the show, most notably during ‘Stick Stickly.’ ‘Smokahontas’ was extremely well-done, and a guest was even invited to go on stage and sing the electronic verses. Warped Tour is a playground for bands and attendees alike, but in the end, though the strain of touring is hectic, the bands all make it out alive with crazy happenings and memorable experiences along the way.

arts

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Changes at the Roundabout

The theater program is undergoing alterations, including the addition of exrtacurricular productions. Story by Elisa Figueroa.

“A

ct like your character!” the teacher calls out while the students arrange themselves as if they were in an elevator. One student crosses her arms and glowers at the floor while another student covers half of his face with his hand to hide a “scar.” The students are practicing their newly cast roles in “The Curious Savage,” the now extracurricular fall play, by improvising scenes under the direction of the new head of the theater department, Stephanie Siers. Siers has brought fresh ideas and new opportunities to the Roundabout. This school year the theater department will put on a total of five productions instead of two, and two showcases instead of one. “My expectations for this year are to continue to build a successful theatre program. By adding shows, I hope to recruit more students to be a part of the theatre department,” said Siers. Siers reviewed SDA’s previous production schedule, and at the end of last year, approached Principal Michael Grove with her ideas. “I wanted to offer more opportunity for students to participate in theatre,” said Siers. The last week of school she also introduced herself to the Musical Theater class and asked for suggestions. “…Many of them

emily maxwell Students Madeleine Karydes, Ariel Jones, Hannah Dohrer, and Erin Rosenberg rehearse for “The Curious Savage,” opening Dec. 2.

said that it would be nice to have shows that everyone could audition for or be a part of,” said Siers. The biggest alteration for the theater program is the addition of extracurricular productions. “I wanted to give students who couldn’t fit a drama class into their schedule the opportunity to still be involved,” said Siers. The fall play, “The Curious

Savage,” has already been cast and will open in December, but “Theatre for a Cause,” a charity production, is taking place in April and anyone can audition for it. The chorus for the spring musical (tba) also has an open audition this year. Most students express that they are in favor of this theater change. “I think it’s cool because we get to see other people

outside of class act and see what they can do,” said junior Mitch Lange. Other students have mixed feelings. “It does have its drawbacks, especially for technical crews because it involves a lot more time outside of school which is hard for a lot of people, myself included, to take the time to come to school during the week,” said senior and thespian

Kristen Garrett. The acting classes will get a taste of the spotlight this year as well. The combined Acting I and Advanced Acting class will be able to show off their talent in the Acting Class Scene Night at the end of this semester. In addition, SDA’s traditional showcase Cabaret Night, “a collaboration of fine art students,” will remain at SDA. The Drama Production class’s schedule has not varied from years previous. They will be putting on two productions. “Thirteen Past Midnight,” SDA’s first production of the school year, is opening oct. 28. It is a murder mystery involving the cast and crew members of a soap opera. Then later in the year, the “One Act Festival,” which Siers is deciding whether to keep in the same as last year, will take place in January. Seniors Hannah Dohrer and Jesse Trout are most looking forward to working with Siers and improving as actors. “I’m excited that I’ll get to learn something and get a more rounded perspective,” Trout said. Siers hopes the theater changes will be permanent. “I am going to treat this year as an experiment. We will see what works and what doesn’t. I hope to offer as many opportunities for students as I can,” said Siers.

Shakespeare is Here Students intern for professional theater group at SDA. By Elisa Figueroa.

he stage lights come on reveling a dozen men in white masks. They circle two figures, separating them from each other. The men in masks return to their dance. Yes, Romeo and Juliet have just met, and yes, both Capulets and Montagues are occupying the same space. But what are three San Dieguito Academy students doing in the background? The Intrepid Shakespeare Company’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” opened Sep. 24 with the help of SDA student interns. The professional company relocated to The Roundabout

Theater at the start of this school year. The Internship program was created by founders Sean Cox and Christy Yael, and Principal Michael Grove. The internship, open only to SDA, includes acting, lightning design, sound design, costume design, and stage management. Seventeen interns are involved in the production of “Romeo and Juliet.” “The interns have the unique opportunity to work alongside and learn from professional theatre artists gaining practical work experience and getting to see how a full production comes

together,” said Cox Student interns are enjoying the opportunity. “I have learned from the professional actors more about proper diction and learning to put on a good show without extravagant sets and costumes,” said junior Dakota Speas, acting intern. “Romeo and Juliet” will be playing until Oct. 17, but the internship program will be incorporated into all of the productions at SDA. “We hope the partnership between Intrepid and SDA will be a long and exciting one,” said Cox. For the interview with Sean Cox visit: sdamustang.com.

jocelyn lee Reed Willard, Paris, talks to fellow cast member Erin Petersen, Juliet, during a break.

CAF

sdamustang.com

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

San Dieguito Sentinel So hot off the press it burns your fingertips. Ouch.

Strict indie dress code established

Student’s identity revealed on Formspring

By Angela Zhang

As of the new 20102011 school year, the SDA administration has decided to implement a new and much stricter dress code for students of all grade levels. The standards for girls are strictly thrifted, or “indie” clothing; grandmothers’ closets are a highly recommended source for floral and shoulder-padded dresses. Also enforced is the daily application of bright red lipstick and cat-eye liner. As for male students, jeans must be rolled at the ankle at all times, and flannel, leather jackets, and blazers are the only permitted outerwear. Principal Vinn Tage elaborated on the importance of dress at school. “Here at SDA, we are recognized for our excellence in indie culture and style. In fact, we have been named best-dressed school in the district, and have no intentions of losing our title.” Those who fail to comply with the dress code will be punished stringently. For each violation of the dress code, a student will receive a referral, and upon three referrals the student will face immediate expulsion. “Unfortunately, we cannot tolerate students who are unwilling to assimilate into indie culture. We’re tired of seeing girls come to school in sweat pants and UGGs and guys in football jerseys—it’s gotten way out of control,” Tage sighed. “I hate the Bruins!” The new dress code is part of the school’s beautification project. The beautification also includes radical alterations to the standard student yearbook portrait. “I lost my respect for Portrait Palace just like how I lost my respect for Vampire Weekend after they went mainstream,” Tage said. “They just weren’t individual enough.” Instead of being photographed professionally with generic backdrop and lighting, photos will instead be taken in large fields of yellow flowers with old Polaroid cameras.

50¢

By Ari Brin

emily maxwell

Ground-breaking news The conflict, probably started by the bull-dozer guy, threatened construction status

New theatre unlikely due to drama By Arinore Brindrickson

The grounds near the amphitheatre were un-broken Wednesday after a series of dramatic knock-down, drag-out tussles broke out among the construction workers. “The supervisor told the foreman who told the bull-dozer guy who told my best friend Tommy who told me that we just couldn’t do it anymore after Linda demolished my heart,” said the guy on the crane, a former Thespian. “She built up our relationship, and just tore it down. What a tool.”

Linda was found to have been screwing with the emotions of the guy on the crane since the day construction had begun. But when she began her affair with the digging guy, all hope for the theatre was wrecked. The drama was met with anger and hard feelings throughout SDA. “We needed a new theatre and it’s been wrenched away from us,” said drama teacher Kurt Ains, “I bet the bull-dozer guy started it!” Theatre and music students alike have begun petitioning

for the continuation of the construction. “I just feel so unhinged,” said thespian Lily Qui. “It’s drilling at my soul.” Despite the petitions, it does not appear as though the conflict will ever be resolved. “I can’t hear you,” said a worker when asked for comment Thursday, who then covered his ears and walked away. “La la laaa!” At press time, the construction grounds were empty, a nail in the coffin for future performances.

SDA football team tryouts a success By Eleanore Hendrickson

Tryouts this summer for the new school football team were a success, football coach Tess Tossterone said Wednesday. “We’ve got some standout players this year,” said coach Tossterone. “Of course, none of them have ever played football before, but I’m sure we’ll be in shape by our first game against La Costa Canyon.” Because most students trying out had never heard of football before, Tossterone lured students to tryouts by describing the sport as similar to another popular SDA sport. “I told them it was like rollerblading, except without

the rollerblades and with more tackling,” she said with a wince. The arcane sport, which is often used as an outlet for teenage angst, has not been played at San Dieguito since the school became an Academy. It was announced last year that, in an attempt to become a more traditional high school, SDA would be introducing a football team to the school’s fall sports lineup. Approximately 50 students from all grades met on the football field on August 15, attempting to carve out a spot for themselves on the team. “It was pretty competitive,”

said freshman Mark Nicholas. “I think everyone wanted to be a nickelback, or quarterback, whatever that is.” In addition to football tryouts, cheerleading tryouts were also held this summer. “I’m not too good at jumping, or being happy,” said newly appointed head cheerleader, sophomore Raven Nightshadow, a prominent emo. “And if they don’t let me perform with my vampire fangs, I’ll bite them. That’ll get Robert Pattinson’s attention!” The first game will be held on Oct. 8 on SDA’s football field at 5 p.m.

Tensions flared to outrageous new heights when unpopular sophomore Billy Binson forgot to click the “anonymous” button when asking a scandalous Formspring question to teen queen senior Kristi Cramer. Formspring is the popular site among teenagers in which the tagline “ask me anything” is taken literally. It has been the catalyst of many scandals, but never one as publicized as this. The “question” included several lewd references to Cramer’s infamous assets and a statement declaring that Binson would “totally [censored] and then I’d [censored].” Cramer responded within a few moments to the inappropriate remarks, textscreaming “OMG!! EW GROSS!” This was in sharp contrast to her reply to an earlier but anonymous question of the same matter, to which she responded, “wow.. thnx... y don’t u tell me who u r???” The drama has become a hot topic around school, generating over a thousand page views for Cramer’s Formspring over the course of just a few days. Cramer’s popularity has since surged from an 89 to a 96. “It was just, like, so weird. And not appropriate. I was like, really offended. And the guy was totally not cute. Amirite?” said Cramer. When approached for comment after second period Wednesday, Binson seemed ashamed and shy, hiding under an oversized Paramore hoodie. “I’m just so embarrassed. I mean, people ask these things all the time, but I’m the one who gets all the heat. It’s kinda lame, not gonna lie.” “My body is a temple,” said Cramer, pointing to the holy places as she spoke Tuesday. “It’s a flippin’ wonderland. Where my John Mayers at? Guys need to have more respect.”

steeze

Oct. 1, 2010

steeze

THE MUSTANG

fresh faces

Freshmen Mark Bahbahani and Kelly White show us their fresh styles. Story by Tatiana Skomski and Katie Berriochoa tillys $20 forever XXI $15

urban outfitters $10

nordstrom $12

foreverXXI $20 tillys $30

h&m $30 tillys $25 urban outfitters $58 vans outlet $50 katie berriochoa

katie berriochoa

encinitas Runway 101

From bikini’s to jeans, Encinitas turned chic for a night filled with fashion, art and food. Strory by Sammy Bueche.

katherine bueche

A patchwork one-piece by fashion designer Rose Ponizil was previewed during the show.

ashion shows are usually always the same - stuffy people with exquisite posture wearing expensive clothes and sky-high heels. As rail-thin models walk stiffly down the runway, each look is flawlessly constructed and related to each other. Well, for a breath of fresh air, the Encinitas Lifestyle Fashion show has shown that not everyone needs to fit the same mold and that fashion shows can be full of wearable art and unique creativity. The show took place on Sept. 25 at a quaint section of downtown Encinitas Highway 101, that typically houses cars needing to be fixed, had been cleared away of any signs of motor oil and replaced with delicate lighting and gorgeous paintings from local artists. The general vibe was pleasantly dressy-casual, with several women wearing breezy sundresses and men wearing surfer

t-shirts and shorts. The crowd scattered with families and fashion-conscious young adults took great interest in the show’s several looks presented during the night’s runway show. The runway featured various creative and well put-together looks that reflected both the culture of Encinitas and hot trends for fall. Local stores from the 101, including Divinity, Flashbacks, Detour Salon, and several local designers such as Renee Danielle and Angela St. Laurent, presented many interesting looks. These looks were full of details such as zippers, floral patterns, lace, denim, and expressed great taste and style. The Downtown Encinitas Main-street Association has once again shown that they can put on a great fashion show that highlights the culture of the great fashion and creativity that Encinitas has to offer.

katherine bueche

Local clothing store Home showcased a satin dress of theirs in the Encinitas fashion show.

sports

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

successful coach gone

After four years, the winning baseball coach was let go. Story by Pauline Disch.

aseball coach Dennis Koolhaas was let go after the spring season. Athletic Director John Labeta said he couldn’t comment on the replacement because it was a personnel matter. He did say, however, that it was decided to take the team in a different direction. Koolhaas explained how he felt about being let go: “I’m extremely disappointed. As much as it hurts, you realize coaches are hired one year at a time so one needs to be prepared for this to happen.” SDA never had a winning season before he arrived, Koolhaas said,and during his time here the boys had an overall record of 70-36, two league championships, and qualified for CIF three times. “The program back then had little respect as a competitor and now is viewed as an up and coming baseball power,” he said. The parents and players weren’t uncomfortable with the change since Koolhaas was replaced with Jack McDowell, the assistant coach from last year, Labeta said. “The parents are comfortable,” Labeta said. “They can identify with Jack and the boys are used to his temperment.” Labeta also said that every decision that is made is with a lot of thought. They take everything into consideration and want to continue to make good decisions, not only for baseball, but for the athletic department. McDowell wasn’t automatically selected to be the head coach. Three other candidates were interviewed. It was decided that McDowell was most familiar with the program, Labeta said. “I respected Dennis and he was a good friend; it was kind of awkward to see him leave and take his place,” said McDowell. McDowell also said it’s different from the past because now his name is stamped on everything and is more responsible for players grades, parents, and things running smoothly overall. Labeta said this isn’t the first time a coach has been replaced and that each coach is reviewed at the end of each season.. Full interview with Koolhaas at www.sdamustang.com.

Head baseball coach Jack McDowell sits to talk with The Mustang about his professional baseball career and new coaching job.

jocelyn lee

seeing stars

Almost every day someone is working on the baseball field, but who is it? Stories by Pauline Disch.

hen an actor wins an Academy Award it is a highlight in his career that is known by the public for years. In Major League Baseball pitchers are given something similar, the Cy Young Award. One of these winner’s names is Jack McDowell and he is SDA’s new head baseball coach.

Blast from the past McDowell played for a number of teams in the majors including the Chicago White Sox, the Anaheim Angels, the Cleveland Indians, and the New York Yankees. Speaking of the Yankees, McDowell made a name for himself in New York as the “Yankee Flipper.” In the 1930’s

Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio was nicknamed the “Yankee Clipper” for his speed and range in the outfield similar to the plane, The Clipper. When McDowell pitched for New York one day the fans let him know that they were disappointed in his performance becasue he wasn’t doing as well as he had with previous teams. So McDowell flipped off the fans in response to their boo’s. “I was high strung and ran pretty hot, I was getting knocked around pretty good by my former team the White Sox,” he said. Photographers ate it up and McDowell was in a newspaper tabloid, giving the finger to New York. McDowell is also involved in music. He plays guitar and was

in a band called Stickfigure. “Our last record came out about five years ago. We’re done, maybe we’ll get back together but I doubt it,” he said. He was also referenced in The Baseball Project with Scott McCaughey (of The Minus 5), Steve Wynn, Linda Pitmon, and Peter Buck (of R.E.M.) in the song “The Yankee Flipper.” “I first met Mike from REM at a MLB charity event where they paired players and musicians together to do a concert. We played the song ‘Superman’ and I played guitar and sang harmonies to Mills’ lead vocal on the song,” McDowell said.

Here at SDA McDowell says a lot of the student players don’t know who he

is until they see him referenced on television by sports anchors. Students may recognize McDowell because he’s constantly working on the baseball field to keep it groomed. It has become his new work of art and he thinks about it all the time. How he’s going to “tweak it, shape it, and cut it,” he said. He volunteers at the Academy because he lives so close to the school. He also helped coach his kids little league baseball teams, so why not help out the older players? “This year we’re going to be a championship team, not just a playoff team. There are a lot of young players this year and it looks like many of them may move up quickly from the freshman and junior varsity teams to varsity,” he said.

sports

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

field hockey The varsity girls team hopes to pull ahead and win Valley League title.

kai schlesinger Junior Marie Santore stays focused on the ball to keep it away from her La Jolla opponent and later winning 3-0.

run for it Freshmen are boosting team performance. Cross country was already the biggest team at SDA, but this year the team grown more. With incoming freshmen and runners from upper grades who decided to join this year, there are now 80, according to Coach Justin Conn. The team is preparing for tough races against new and bigger opponents in the Valley League like Orange Glen and Valley Center. The boys team also lost talented runners last year (Nate Burns and Brendon Junge) so they’re working around that. The girls are significantly better according to Conn with help from freshmen, like Serena Saake, who will probably compete at the varsity level. pauline disch

Girls Volleyball

The varsity team is full of high hopes, but aren’t pulling ahead in their league and winning enough games. The varsity girls volleyball team has a record of 4-6 as of Sept. 28 according to maxpreps.com and are fifth in the Valley League. “Our team has amazing potential to go all the way this year. It will be hard work, but we have the talent and work ethic,” said head coach Rebecca Bailey. Despite the current standings, the volleyball team has had some key victories including their first win over Francis Parker since the Academy started. Bailey said that both seniors Catherine Oswald and Kim Rabii had 12 kills a piece that day. “This year we are playing super well together because with eleven seniors more than half the team hangs outside of school. We have a lot of heart and raw talent and every day we seem to get better,” said senior Becca Kutlow. The weakness that is keeping the girls from winning more seems to be inconsistency according to Rabii. “Some games we are on fire and doing great, and some games we have low energy and don’t do as well,” she said. pauline disch

jocelyn lee Fans filled the bleachers at the volleyball game against Carlsbad to support their friends.

water polo The boys compete for the first time. The water polo team is competing for the first time this year. After assembling and practicing last year, the boys are ready for some competition. The team, lead by head coach Andrew Peterson, is anticipating their upcoming season, which starts in October. The team is looking forward to a rematch against LCC. While the majority of players are still beginners, there are some returners that came back and lead the team. “We have some starters who have had previous experience and are great on offense,” said junior Kolten Horner. “Our primary goal is just to do well in our division and win as many games as we can,” said Horner. anna sheridan

Field hockey is off to a 2-3 start.Prior to the start of the season, the team trained with two full weeks of three-hour practices. “Everyone gets along well and we are all pretty solid players,” said Ashley Munoz, senior. There are 12 varsity returners on this years team and four new players. The Mustangs will need their focus to fulfill their goals this year. “We are striving for another Valley League title,” said head coach Brooke Wilson. The team is looking forward to playing Academy rival Canyon Crest. The Mustangs have never lost to CCA, and hope to keep their winning streak alive this year. “They created a clash of the Academies, and we hope to win the Academy cup,” said senior Ariana Crow. The North County Times has San Dieguito Academy listed as one of the top 10 teams in San Diego. The team is predicted to win the Valley League and has a record of 2-4-1 as of Sept. 28 according to the North County Times. “Here we come CIF!” said Wilson. anna sheridan

Get to know your golfers The girls golf team is seeing huge improvement from last year with a record of 4-2 as of Sept. 29 according to the North County Times. This is because last season the team only won one match due to inexperience and a newly modified program. Our small group of girls have taken victories over teams like Torrey Pines, La Costa Canyon, and Rancho Bernardo. The Mustangs continue to shine at Encinitas Ranch with help from stand out freshmen. “I believe the golf team is doing great this year and I can’t wait to see where it goes! We have new freshmen leading the team and doing really well.” -Paige Kaufman, senior

What was the most ridiculous shot you had?

“One time I hit the ball with my driver straight up in the air and I just laughed and had to tee it up again for a new shot.” -Abby Novack, freshman

sports

THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

getting hit hard

The athletics department is facing a major budget cut. Story by Anna Sheridan.

ome of the effects of the recent budget cuts of the SDUHSD district are apparent to students: bigger classes, fewer support staff, and fewer class materials. However, the athletics department of San Dieguito Academy has also taken a big hit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our budget this year was cut in half from $18,000 to $9,000. This money doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include

coaches fees, they have their own stipend,â&#x20AC;? said Athletic Director John Labeta. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It definitely has an effect on everything,â&#x20AC;? said Labeta. These cuts will not directly affect Mustang sports teams,â&#x20AC;? he said. Most of the cuts affected medical supplies, varsity letters and certificates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Athletes will not see the effect of these cuts this year. Most of the teams are self-sup-

porting and based mostly on fundraising,â&#x20AC;? said Labeta. It is extra challenging to raise the additional money this year because of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) expressed concerns in the Mustang athletics program. In a letter to the SDUHSD superintendent, the ACLU stated that they were concerned with the $100 suggested transportation fee for

Mustang Athletics programs. They claimed it violated Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free Education law. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The district has turned over materials from athletic counsels showing proof of suggestive donations instead of fees,â&#x20AC;? said Labeta. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been contacted with follow-ups from the ACLU,â&#x20AC;? said principal Michael Grove. Although the recent cuts did not have a major impact

on Mustang sports, Labeta is convinced another budget cut is looming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The next budget cut might affect every program, even the coaching money,â&#x20AC;? said Labeta. The greatest way to help the athletics department is participation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need more support from parents, we need more involvement. Come to functions, fundraisers, and games,â&#x20AC;? said Labeta.

Girls Tennis

The lady Mustangs are spreading love on and off the court with victories and community service.

he tennis team looks better than ever. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look good. We beat LCC and won our first league match,â&#x20AC;? said junior Perri Calloway. The girls also beat Poway, making them seventh in the county, according to head coach Joe Tomassi. They also look forward to playing CCA because they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beaten them in two years Tomassi said. The team relies on both their doubles teams and singles to pull through this year, but Tomassi

believes they are looking strong. The girls also try to give back to the community. They volunteer with Susan G. Koman for the Cure and plan on throwing a fundraising tournament with other high school teams. The fundraiser will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation and will be held Nov. 6 at LCC. During the month of October, they will be using pink balls for the cause. The team strives to win their league and to at least make semi finals in CIF. Their record is 5-1. anna sheridan

kai schlesinger Freshman Gianna Heaviland goes for the ball with junior Caitlin McKinley as the two work as a doubles team to win the match.

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sports

Oct. 1, 2010

THE MUSTANG

Surfer vs. skater Junior skater Ryan Kelly battles junior Michael Meiers with his flawless knowledge in a questionably epic battle of the wits. A throwdown never to be forgotten ensues. By Ari Brin. Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Skater: Um… well you know, they’re not planning on being kamikazes until they’re in the air. Surfer: Just in case they survive the crash. Me: Skater, I’m pretty sure that the Kamikaze pilots didn’t hop onto that plane to crash into an aircraft carrier in an explosion of fire and rubble expecting to walk out of there feeling dandy. You lose 20 points for your lapse of logic. Surfer, they deliberately made the plane as unsafe as possible to lighten the load. Survival is not the point of kamikazes. Minus 10 points. Your answers are starting to look like a suicide mission. What would you do if you saw an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? Skater: I would eat the endangered animal and save the plant.

Surfer: Nothing. It’s nature. Me: So Skater. Say you stumble across a peaceful Giant Panda enjoying a lunch of critically endangered Michigan monkey flowers. You would go over and devour one of the last of the panda kind just to save that plant? Shame on you and minus 1,599: the number of pandas left after your evil lunch. Surfer, you so skillfully knew to not meddle in such delicate issues and the pandas and I appreciate it. I’ll award 1600 points for your good intentions. If you put a chameleon in a mirrored box, what color would the chameleon change to? Skater: It would be chrome… a future chameleon. Surfer: …It wouldn’t change at all. Me: Skater, I once again fail to see your logic. Future chameleon? Really? Minus a million

points for thinking mirrors are non-reflective and colored chrome. Brilliant, surfer. Simply brilliance. You got that one on the nose. Plus two big ole’ points and a gold star. Why do men have nipples? Skater: Cause if the chick runs out of milk, you have a back-up. Surfer: Because everyone starts out as one sex. Me: …A back-up. Skater, I’m not quite sure that men will suddenly have their bosoms fill with milk when a “chick runs out.” There really is no hope for you as a parent. Here’s a point, just because I feel bad. Surfer, all embryos start out female, so I’m going to assume that’s what you meant. Here’s 40 points. Total: Skater: -1,001,618 Surfer: 1632

ari brin

WE COME IN PEACE Skater Ryan Kelly and Surfer Michael Meiers throw up their gang signs in an attempt to seem more credible.

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THE MUSTANG

Oct. 1, 2010

SDA students line up outside the convenience store minutes after lunch starts. Preparing for the next surge of kids, the store manager piles up the bags students must drop off at the door to prevent theft.

A Taste of FReedom

Taking advantage of the newfound freedom that comes with off-campus privileges, the majority of freshman at SDA make a lunch-time pilgrimage to that mecca of inexpensive snack foods, the 7-Eleven on Santa Fe. Story and photos by Kai Schlesinger and Emily Maxwell.

nticipating the 11:23 lunch bell, backpack in hand, non-licensed SDAers prepare for their swift getaway to the nearby 7-Eleven. Herds of students make their way down Santa Fe to be the first of hundreds to spend their spare change on studentfriendly snacks. The relatively empty store fills up in a matter of minutes, as one of the four workers guards the door, only allowing 10 students in at a time. “Normally, we only have two people working, but around lunch time, we need four,” says Kamal, a cashier at 7-Eleven. Students force their way through the doors as the 7-Eleven “bouncer” prevents excessive chaos. Students are obligated to drop their bags off at the door as a precaution against possible stealing. While theft isn’t a predominantly serious issue among the students, Kamal says, “There have been a few times when students try and steal, but we have employees constantly monitoring the aisles.” The walk to 7 Eleven at lunch is a must-have experience for students at SDA and a right of passage for freshman.

Students rush their way through the check-out line to ensure they are on time to third period.