Close win for senior girls
Stinson receives prison term By Brendan Perry Staff Writer A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently sentenced former SPHS student Elijah Stinson to 12 years in state prison for assaulting classmate Jeffery Cortinez with a baseball bat in February 2008. Stinson, now 20 years old, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder without premeditation, and assault with a deadly weapon on February 23. Cortinez was nearly killed and is still suffering from severe brain damage caused by the assault. Now 21 years old, he is under around-the-clock nursing care and has severely restricted motor skills. “This entire experience has taken both an emotional and financial toll on my family,” said Cortinez’s brother, freshman Daniel Cortinez. Stinson was tried as an adult, despite being 17 years old at the time of the attack. Judge Candace Beason sentenced him to seven years in prison for attempted murder and an additional five for assault with a deadly weapon. The victim’s brother commented on the sentencing saying, “It was not enough, but we are happy that a decision has finally been made.” The 2008 baseball bat attack took place in Garfield Park. Cortinez was in the park with friends when Stinson, wielding an aluminum baseball bat, entered the park, accompanied by his then girlfriend Jeniell GalvanFranco. Stinson struck Cortinez in the head and fled the park with the assistance of Galvan-Franco, according to South Pasadena Police Detective Sgt. Jim Valencia. SP Police arrested Stinson and his girlfriend six days later. GalvanFranco accepted a plea agreement and served three years for acting as a getaway driver.
By Sofi Goode Staff Writer
Sam Gurley
Senior quarterback Stacy Lee breaks through four junior tackles to make an impressive TD run at last Friday’s Powder Puff. Lee, voted MVP by the crowd, helped lead the senior team to a 54-50 victory.
SPHS students react to Japan quake and tsunami By Christian Miyamae Assoc. Sports Editor Northeastern Japan was hit with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake 80 miles off the coast at approximately 2:46 PM Tokyo time on Friday March 11. It is the largest and most destructive earthquake in Japan’s recorded history. The 30-foot tsunami waves, which occurred shortly after the quake, caused most of the damage. Boats, cars, houses, and even entire villages were no match for its force. With the number of fatalities easily clearing the 2,400 mark, many say that it may reach the tens of thousands. Due to dis-
turbing images of the damages in the news, busy phone lines, and an increasing death toll, many Japanese residents in South Pasadena became anxious and concerned about the status of their loved ones in Japan. “I was worried. I missed school and watched the news to make sure my dad and his area were safe,” said sophomore Nicholas Sullivan, whose father lives in the city of Aomori. The city is about a three-hour drive from Sendai where hundreds have been found dead. Collectively, all students were “worried.” However few were as concerned as senior Jade Roman, whose uncle and See “Japan” on pg. 4
New football coach to head the SPHS team By Devin Mitchell Opinion Editor The athletic department announced on March 2 that they had hired Martin Konrad to be the new head football coach. Currently the defensive coordinator at the College of the Canyons, he replaces Ed Smith who resigned in December after 16 years as head football coach.
“I grew up in the Pasadena area. I’m familiar with the tradition at South Pasadena High School,” said Konrad. “It was an opportunity for me to be a head coach again.” “We were impressed with his experience with successful programs, he’s very enthusiastic, and we feel he can get the school excited and take the football program to next level,” said athletic
Bill Glazier
Martin Konrad speaks at Meet-and-Greet on Tuesday in the cafeteria.
director Ralph Punaro. Konrad did exactly that as head coach of the Flintridge Preparatory School, when he led the team to two appearances in the Quarter Finals of the CIF Playoffs and a CIF Championship in 2003. Junior tight end Justin Cornford said that while he didn’t know much about the new coach, that achievement was proof of at least some quality. After leaving Flintridge, Konrad was the defensive coordinator at West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch from 20052007 before going to the College of the Canyons for the past few years. Before getting into coaching, he played football in college at the University of the Pacific from 1992 to 1996. Konrad met with the players See “New Coach” on pg. 2
Birthday memorial for Salazar By Michael Abelev Staff Writer A birthday memorial was held for former South Pasadena High School student Sophia Ilona Salazar on March 3 at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Family, friends and anyone wanting to pay their respect to Sophia and her family were welcome to attend the event. The memorial included food and a large birthday card that was passed around for guests to write messages. Several attendees spoke to the group and following the speeches, a plane flew over the gravesite, carrying a message to Sophia. The service lasted from 2pm to around 4pm. “It was a very nice experience to have Sophia’s family and friends come together to commemorate what would have been her 18th birthday. A lot of people brought flowers and we signed this nicely decorated board for her. After a speech a plane flew by with a banner and we released 18 balloons for her birthday. It was really nice to be with her family and friends and see them again. It reminds me of how great of a person Sophia was,” said See “Sophia Salazar” on pg. 2
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Continuing a record that stretches back to beginning of the Powder Puff tradition, the senior girls won the annual football game against the juniors 54-50 last Friday night at Roosevelt Field. The score was unusually high and rumors spread that the game was rigged, as it supposedly has been in past years. In the 2008 Powder Puff game, the scores were allegedly switched at halftime. It was suggested that they might have to switch the scores again this year, as the game started off with the juniors scoring a touchdown in the first ten seconds. The next down, the seniors ran all the way to the opposite end zone, but the juniors scored two more touchdowns before the end of the first quarter. The touchdowns came at a high price. One of the junior quarterbacks, Lillie Moffet, injured her arm during the game. During halftime, the senior manleaders performed a routine. Normally, they participate in a dance-off against the junior manleaders, but this year the junior manleaders were banned from performing on the field. “Both groups had to show their routines to [Pep coach] Dani Babb,” said SPHS senior class advisor Mrs. Margaret Fullinwider. “The juniors’ routine [was] approved on Wednesday. On Friday during noontime activities, they performed an unapproved version and were banned from performing on the field.” “We knew [there were going to be consequences],” said junior manleaders Sean Ehrlich and Martin Lis. “We were prepared to get suspended.” After the manleader dance, the GQs—the male version of the homecoming court—was presented to the crowd. Senior Samuel Pons was announced as the GQ King. “As if winning state wasn’t enough,” the announcers said over the loudspeakers when Pons was named first place GQ. Pons had placed first in the CIF California State Cross Country Championships last November. The game ended with high morale. The seniors pulled ahead with two minutes to go and Stacy Lee scored a touchdown with fifty seconds left, ending the game with a final score of 54-50.
in this issue Opinion:
Financial woes and the wierdness of second semester seniordom.
12 Feature: 20 Sports:
Hot new eateries and a preview of the Invisible Children concer t.
Player profiles, winter CIF recap, and Swimming goes 2-0.
News 2
Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
News
Around Campus
The Invisible Children Club will host a “Send It On” benefit concert on Saturday, March 19 in the SPHS auditorium. The event’s proceeds will all be donated to Invisible Children United. Performers include Ben and Sara Charney, Deziree Alvarez, and Nick Primuth. There will be a $50 raffle at the event as well as various musical performances. Tickets are $5 SAC, $7 non-SAC, and $9 general admission. /Libby Rainey
Pennies for Patients exceeds last year’s total
Drama prepares for Fullerton By Max White Staff Writer
By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer The South Pasadena High School community raised an estimated $3,500 more than last year’s total in the annual ‘Pennies for Patients’ fundraiser this year. The donations, estimated to be $7,600 in total, will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. ASB hosted the fundraiser as a competition between fourth period classes. The class pooling the most money will receive a free pasta meal provided by The Olive Garden. Boxes circulated in fourth period classrooms to collect donations. The event was held from February 17 to March 17. English teacher Mr. Mark Afram’s tenth grade honors English class won first place, raising $1,520.37. The classes of Mr. Paul Groves, Mr. Dean Papadakis, and Mr. Daniel Enright were in a close race for second at press time. Commissioner of School and Community Jasper Wang headed the fundraiser. “I am really impressed with our school. Last year we raised a little over $4,100,” he said, “I love the competition and how the classes are getting really involved and competitive with this for a greater cause.” From “Sophia Salazar” on Page 1 South Pasadena senior Anavictoria Pumphrey, who was a close friend of Sophia’s. Sophia attended South Pasadena High School for her sophomore year from 2008 to 2009. She participated in Track and was a part of “Helping Paws Club” while at SPHS. She was attending Pasadena City College at the time her death. She was struck by a car on the 60 Freeway on May 28, 2010. “It’s been tough for all of us, but we’re coping. We get a lot of support from Sophia’s friends and its amazing how her website (R.I.P Sofia Ilona Salavar on Facebook) is still so active and everyone still goes there,” stated Sophia’s father, who spoke on the support the family has received from the public. “[We want] her to be remembered as the ray of sunshine that she was. She was like sunrays warming up a cloudy day, much like earlier today,” said Sophia’s mother, Annette Salazar.
Laura Parada
Virtual Business team member junior Helen Lee advocates for Coast in San Francisco.
Virtual Business sweeps competition in San Francisco By Meghan Roche Staff Writer South Pasadena High School’s Varsity Virtual Business team left their Oakland competition earlier this month with more awards than any other school that came to compete. About 50 SPHS students and four chaperones left on a charter bus for the Bay Area at 4:45 am on Sunday, March 4th. The classes worked diligently for months to prepare for the competition, making videos, booths, and websites as well as planning and finalizing business models. Immediately after the teams arrived, the event began with judged presentations by members of the various companies. Categories of competi-
tion included venture capital, marketing, and human resources. The event was held at the Oakland Mariott. The hotel chain is a Virtual Business sponsor and hosts the event annually. Following the presentations, the students spent the night enjoying popular San Francisco tourist destinations, including Pier 39. Some aspects of the companies, such as catalogs and websites, were pre-judged. The students who worked with those areas had a chance during the presentations to see San Francisco’s Chinatown. A trade fair occurred on the second day of the competition, where salespeople from the virtual companies spent several hours attempting to sell their products to other students from booths.
Immediately following was the awards ceremony, where plaques were given out to winning teams. Coast, the SPHS Varsity company that sells high-end bicycles, received the largest number of awards in the competition, eight in total including first-place in the Website and Catalog categories. “The SPHS Virtual Business trophy cabinet is out of space!” said excited junior Miranda Gontz. Gontz, along with senior Laura Parada, was largely responsible for the company’s prizewinning video. The JV teams, Scenic and Canopy, also did well, with three awards each. “The kids did a great job… we hope to keep the momentum going for New York!” said Virtual Business ROP teacher Cathy Mason.
Julie Jennings to take job in El Monte By Clair Fuller Staff Writer Julie Jennings will leave her position as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services for the South Pasadena Unified School District early this April. Jennings will be leaving the district to become
Sam Gurley
Sophia Salazar’s friends and family released balloons in her memory.
the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the El Monte Union High School District. She served SPUSD as principal of Arroyo Vista Elementary before becoming the Assistant Superintendent. Interviews for her position will begin April 21. The El Monte Union High School District has an enrollment of about 11,000 students. The district also includes a large adult school. Ms. Jennings has worked in SPUSD for 13 years. “[Ms. Jennings] really straightened out policies and procedures in the Personnel Office after several years of chaos,” said Principal Ms. Janet Anderson Jennings says that she initially applied for the position simply because the application process was simpler than usual, though she was
not actively seeking another position. After further research, she learned that she “had several connections to El Monte.” “Because things happened with the process so quickly and it felt right, I knew that transitioning to El Monte would be the right thing for me now,” said Jennings. Although she looks forward to her time in El Monte, she says that she is “truly grateful for my experience and time in South Pas. I have worked with some amazing staff, students, parents and community. Together we have achieved extraordinary things.” Jennings’s job has already been advertised, and a reception will be held before her departure to celebrate her achievements and contributions to the school district.
Students in South Pasadena’s drama department will head to Fullerton College today for the annual High School Theatre Festival. Drama will compete against theater programs from 60 other schools over the next two days. South Pasadena is signed up to perform nine scenes this year. “We have a group doing a musical selection from Little Shop of Horrors, a scene from The Office which is a comedy and one of our best scenes, and a few monologues as well as a theater games group,” said senior Olivia Hulett. Each actor or group will perform for two different panels of three judges – once today and once tomorrow morning – before the finalists are announced. One final trio of judges will evaluate those finalists and decide upon the winners of each category. Drama Instructor Mr. Daniel Enright has taken charge of Fullerton for the first time after replacing Ms Donna Tucker as the South Pasadena High School drama teacher this year. “Mr. Enright is very strong when it comes to plays and musicals, whereas Ms. Tucker focused more on in-class work and our competitions, such as Fullerton and the Shakespeare festival,” said Hulett. Two South Pas scenes made it to the final round in 2010, and the drama company is hoping to improve on these results this weekend. Although some students have dropped out of the competition and left this year’s Fullerton group with fewer scenes, the drama department is still confident about its chances.
From “New Coach” on Page 1 and visited the campus last week, and was officially introduced to the public at a Meet-and-Greet on Tuesday. He said that he is already in the process of putting together a staff, which will start with meetings with returning coaches to discuss their futures with the team. One person who will not be returning is defensive coordinator Jeff Chi, who, according to coach John Fonseca, is definitely leaving the staff. While Chi wouldn’t confirm what his future held, he did say that he, “wanted to let [the new coach] make a name for himself without being a distraction.” Chi himself applied for the head coaching position, one of seventy-five people to put their name up for consideration. Despite his departure from the coaching staff, Chi said that he would definitely remain a member of the faculty, continuing to teach Advanced Algebra and Math Analysis. “Look, I’m not going anywhere. I graduated from South Pas High School. This is my home,” said Chi.
News
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
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Ellin Lieberman creates scholarship for SPHS girls
Spaghetti dinner night festivities
By Jackson Atwater Assoc. News Editor
By Meghan Roche Staff Writer
A scholarship fund was recently established in honor of Ellin Lieberman, a community, state, and national activist for a plethora of honorable causes.
The fund was created at a luncheon, of which the joint purpose was to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and to establish a scholarship fund. In honor of Lieberman’s activism efforts, friends and neighbors donned shirts with a caricature of her that says, “Mayor of
Edmund Mandin-Lee
David Adelstein, neighbor of Lieberman, holds a “Mayor of Milan Ave.” shirt.
Milan Avenue.” The fund will allow for a $1000 scholarship to be awarded each year to a graduating senior girl who attends South Pasadena High School and has shown a history of interest in community activism. The scholarship will be administered in cooperation with SPHS scholarship committee chair Ms Denise Gill. Three to five applicants will be selected from a pool, and their applications will be sent to Ellin and her husband, Harry Lieberman, who will decide which student will receive the scholarship. An effort is being made to begin awarding the scholarship this year, to a graduating girl of the Class of 2011. David Adelstein, a neighbor of Dr. Lieberman said, “The scholarship will honor Ellin for all the work she’s done, both locally and globally. I think it’s a great way to keep her example alive in the South Pasadena community.”
Marengo celebrates 100th anniversary By Luka Douridas Assoc. Opinion Editor Marengo Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary last month. The 2010-2011 school year is the 100th year since the school’s founding, and the faculty decided to celebrate the occasion on the 100th day of school, which happened to be on February 14 — Valentine’s Day.
In honor of the occasion, the students conducted research on how the school has changed since 1911. Each grade level was assigned a different category to make comparisons on, such as discipline, rules, and the look of the school. The students presented their findings at the Valentine’s Day celebration, as well as at the March 8th board meeting as part of a special
presentation. SPUSD Superintendent Joel Shapiro attended the celebration and spoke of it at the February 22nd Board meeting; making special comment to some of the early rules he hadn’t known existed. One of the rules he mentioned was that in 1911, the female teachers “had to agree not to leave town unless they got permission from the principal.”
To commemorate the event, the students and teachers of Marengo wrote down their favorite things about the school and placed them in a time capsule scheduled for opening in 2061. The capsule was presented to the Board at the March 8th meeting. Superintendent Shapiro said of the festivities, “The kids really felt a part of the celebration.”
Over 200 people attended this year’s Spaghetti Dinner Night in the SPHS main gym earlier this March. For months, dozens of parents worked to organize everything from the silent auction and setup to coordinating the food. The SPHS band served as the evening’s entertainment, with over 15 different pieces performed
by well-practiced students. Local businesses donated gift certificates and products, and several parents also contributed goods to be sold off in the silent auction, which brought in over $1500. Freshman Andrea Wang said, “The spaghetti dinner is so cool because you can eat really good food and listen to great music-to help out the band!” More coverage on Tiger Online
P.E. policies: Four semesters of P.E. credit are an SPHS graduation requirement. Although most students fulfill this requirement through participation in sports or P.E. classes, there are other options. ·Independent Study: “It’s called Independent Study,” Director of Athletics Ralph Punaro said. “[There is] no Private P.E.” Students can apply for Independent Study through Mr. Punaro or any P.E. teacher. There is a minimum physical activity requirement of four hours a week. Any activity that is not a part of high school sports—such as gymnastics, competitive horseback riding, or competitive ice-skating—counts as Independent Study. However, club sports do not count. In addition, freshman cannot participate in the program. Students enrolled have to fill out an application, submit weekly activity logs, and make a video of their progress at the end of each semester. ·Why doesn’t Dance get P.E. credit? Dance members keep a schedule of rigorous activity yearround. In terms of workouts, they certainly move enough to qualify for P.E. credits. Turns out, the problem isn’t the exercise. Instructor Maria Delbagno isn’t licensed to teach P.E., so dancers don’t earn credits. Even participants in Independent Study are under the direction of an SPHS P.E. teacher in order to receive credit. Compiled by Alex Tranquada, Amber Laird, and Sofi Goode
Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
News
WASC visits campus
Sam Gurley
Dr. Kyle Ruggles presented the visiting committee self-study report to the SPHS community in the auditorium on March 2.
Tiger Polls: Students on WASC
Agree or Disagree:
“Most of the time teachers explain the standards (ESLRs) when class begins” Information compiled by Ande Withers and Kelsey Hess
Tiger asked SPHS students in a walk-around-campus poll if they agreed or disagreed with a series of quotes used in the final WASC report.
d lle po
Agree or Disagree:
“I feel challenged in all of my classes with homework, projects, and presentations”
d lle po
244 stude
d lle po
218 stude
nt s
lled
nt s
o sp
260 stude
nt s
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) sent a seven-member committee to visit South Pasadena High School from February 28 through March 2. A visiting committee (VC) is sent to SPHS every six years. The primary responsibility of the VC is to observe the school in operation and review student performance data. These factors contribute to WASC’s overall goal: to verify the statements in SPHS’s report and leave the school with a sense of direction. The committee, which consisted of six educators and one WASC chairperson, visited every classroom at SPHS to observe the students and teachers. The VC also hosted two meetings, one with a student focus group and another to demonstrate their findings to the administrators, as well as anyone interested. The purpose of the focus group was not only to confirm what was written in the report, but also to gain perspective on student opinion. The VC presented several questions to students, including those regarding a “social achievement gap,” qualifications for academic coaches, abundance of opportunities and the open enrollment policy. Dr. Kyle Ruggles, principal of La Costa Canyon High School, began the presentation in the SPHS auditorium by thanking the school
and administration. The VC praised the rigorous curriculum, use of technology, benefits of ROP classes, fair grading policy, commitment to benchmark testing, variety of clubs, activities, and athletics, and strong sense of tradition and school spirit. Additionally, the VC mentioned areas in which SPHS could improve. The members noted weak communication with non-English speaking parents, neglect of the “watch list,” unproductiveness in study hall, and lack of variety in math courses. Principal Janet Anderson said that she was satisfied with the results and that the self-study visit was a successful experience. The term of accreditation will be announced in June.
230 stude
By Ande Withers and Kelsey Hess Tiger Staff
From “Japan” on Page 1 grandmother are located in Sendai. “There have been many food shortages especially with rice. My grandmother said it’s the worst thing she’s seen since [World War II] There’s no water access, she has to stay inside because of the radiation, and it’s hard to get supplies because the stores are ether closed or have very long lines,” said Roman on her family’s status and the situation in Japan. The crisis of Japan may just be beginning. Fear of nuclear plant meltdowns, supply shortages, and fires, have all been reported across the country. Despite the extreme tragedy, Roman says, “It will help people appreciate the things they have...It’s a reality shock,” Roman of the long-term affects on the earthquake.
nt s
4
Agree or Disagree:
“Teachers take note-taking seriously and ask questions about the material to make sure we understand it”
Agree or Disagree:
“Grades are an efficient method of assessing amount of information a student has learned in a class”
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
SPHS On: Government
5
T
he world is moving in an online direction. And who better to emulate than Los Angeles based YouTube sensation Kassem G? Senior Staff Writer Jake Folsom went around with Photo Editor Sam Gurley, and interviewed the student body. And we proved exactly why California is ranked in the bottom 20% of states when it comes to education. Keep in mind that just like Kassem G, we chose what we believed to be the most entertaining responses. So don’t judge your fellow students, but rather admire their openness, and feel free to laugh.
Alex Larrimore
Who is the governor of California? I have no clue. How mad are you that Meg Whitman won? I don’t really care. When do you think we are going to pull out of Korea? We have troops in Korea? Exactly. Who was the second president of the United States? Ahhhh, Jesssssus. No, Jesus was not the second president of the United States. Are any of our current students destined for Parliament? No Why? Just no. How many congressmen are there? Enough.
Rachel Newhall & Remeny White
Isabel and Madeline Chin
Do you know who the current Governor of California is? Lady… oh Meg Whitman!!! Wait.. no, no, Governor Brown. When do you think the U.S. is going to pull out of Korea? In a year! How many people do we have in Congress currently? 64… no wait 32! Do you think any of our current student politicians are destined for Parliament? No. Why? Because ASB is different than government.
Who is the governor of California? Jerry Brown (in unison) Can you summarize the U.S. government in two words? Democracy, three branches, separation of powers. Could you do a freestyle rap about America? Do you know how to rap? You just gotta put words that rhyme together. Can you give an example? America, it’s really awesome and stuff. Maybe I should go get some... bluff.
Cole Teague
Who is the governor of California? Well... I do not know very much about government... and to answer that question no. I know people were trying to recall Arnold. What are two words you would use to summarize U.S. government? Rather secretive to the public, I guess. Could you do a freestyle rap about America? I can drop a beat if you want. America, it’s a pretty cool place. What to do? There’s so many race..... s. We could go to the movies, and not worry about... getting stabbed... or taken....... around.
Mr. Mill’s Underclassmen
“No… what? Who was the second president of the United States? That’s like British George Washington! or whatever.” When do you think the U.S. is going to pull out of Korea? Never. Could you do a freestyle rap about America? (In a foreign language, and spelled phonetically) “Sha-ha-teemo-fayala-teef-taneen” Do you think any of our current student politicians are destined for Parliament? No! Not at all. I don’t think so.” Okay, well do you know how many congressm-
“Wait, we don’t have a Parliament!”
Find the video footage at
www.tigernewspaper.com
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Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
Opinion
Opinion B
Nouns, verbs and Nazis
to ASB and Ms Anderson for spending $700 on a T-shirt cannon. It’s great that we finally came up with a way to get rid of James Jontz’ old T-shirts. ravo
B
oo to Evelyn Ashleigh for biting another player during Powder Puff on Friday. Save it for the GQ King after the game.
B
By Coleman Westfall Rainey Editor in Chief
to ASB for advertising “Pennies for Patience.” You make us feel great about our misspelled article titles that have included gems like “convention wisdom” and “politcal cynicism.” ravo
B B
oo to Charlie Sheen for giving “Tiger blood”
a bad name.
oo to Mrs. Fullinwider and Mr. Dunn for banning the junior manleaders from the field last Friday. Were their “gyrations” really that much more inappropriate than what Pep did during the GQ assembly?
B
to Rebecca Black for reminding us all of the order of the days of the week. Just one question: When the heck are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? ravo
B
oo to Mother Nature for inventing earth-
quakes. You’re always at fault.
The Tiger Established 1913
CSPA Gold Medalist 2005 CSPA Gold Medalist 2006 CSPA Gold Medalist 2009 CSPA Gold Medalist 2010 Editor-in-Chief Coleman Westfall Rainey Managing Editor Marcus Kahn News Libby Rainey, Editor Jackson Atwater, Associate Opinion Devin Mitchell, Editor Luka Douridas, Associate Feature Lana Ho, Editor Jessica Moog, Associate Sports Carlton Lew, Editor Christian Miyamae, Associate Copy Editors Christine Chen, Kristin Gunther, and Ande Withers Photography Sam Gurley, Editor Edmund Mandin-Lee, Associate Photographers Tai Carter, Jennifer Kim, Kathryn Whitworth Staff Writers Michael Abelev, Wyatt Bukowski, Jake Folsom, Clair Fuller, Sofi Goode, Kristin Gunther, Kelsey Hess, Amber Laird, Chloe Lloyd, Brendan Perry, Meghan Roche, Joshua Roquemore, Alex Tranquada, Max White, Harry Yadav Staff Illustrators Samuel Shin, Daniel Willardson Managers Kennedy Diaz, Ads Angela Jang, Business Webmaster Makenna Sidle Faculty Advisor Mike Hogan
Tiger is produced by the advanced journalism newspaper class at South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030. Layout and photo imaging are completed on-site. Printed by American/Foothill Publishing Co., Inc., Tujunga, CA. Signed articles appearing in Tiger represent the writer’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, student body, faculty or administration of SPHS. Contact the publications office at (626) 441-5820 ext. 2615 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for advertising rates and subscriptions. Tiger welcomes articles, letters or rebuttals. All letters must be signed and verifiable, but names will be witheld upon request.
Monetary maladies
Daniel Willardson
Staff Editorial There is currently a $25 million project underway at South Pasadena Middle School with the goal of modernizing and adding new buildings to the campus. This is part of a greater school improvement bond measure called Measure M that was passed in 2002. The total $29 million in district bonds put into Measure M qualified the district for matching state funds. Even while these renovations are underway, teachers in multiple South Pasadena schools have been laid off. We still struggle to find the funds to pay teachers and buy sufficient school supplies. This isn’t the district’s fault. It’s the result of flawed federal and state funding systems. SPUSD, just like every other public school district in the U.S., receives multiple types of funding. General funding, usually used for staffing, supplies, and the like, has no specifications on usage. State and federal categorical funding, however, is to be used only for the purposes outlined. Problems arise when categorical funding doesn’t align with the school’s needs, which is often the case. Categorical funds tend to be directed toward innovative methods. This is why we end up doing things like sending staff to conferences with state money while unable to provide our school with basic needs. Ms. Anderson says that it doesn’t look like any teachers are going to be laid off this year, but when they have been in years past, critics of the district have scorned
other spending, like the Middle School renovation projects. “People say, ‘You have this money, why can’t you just use that?’ But the reality is we can’t. It’s not legal.” Ms. Anderson says. Categorical funding is necessary in some cases to guide schools’ financial decisions based on what the state wants to see. This type of funding assumes that schools can provide for their own needs while simultaneously cutting general funding. These projects attempt to exceed expectations while sometimes what we need is to simply meet them. This phenomenon can be observed outside of education as well, such as the renovations are in progress along Fair Oaks Avenue. According to the City of South Pasadena website, the project aims to “improve pedestrian safety and movement along Fair Oaks Avenue.” The renovations include “pedestrian bulb-outs, stamped concrete crosswalks at key intersections, and landscaped medians along Fair Oaks.” While these improvements may accomplish their goal, upkeep of city streets should take priority. However, the city received a $760,000 grant for these improvements and got no such funding for a basic task like fixing the potholes on Monterey. That is the problem with categorical funding. It neglects necessities and not only allows for, but requires, unnecessary spending.
There is something you do every day which alters society. It affects the future of technology and limits innovation. It is a product of expediency and simplicity, and of our Web-driven world. You turn nouns into verbs. This is not a kitschy phrase or idealized slogan. It describes the way we see modern amenities and everyday conveniences, and how that perception shapes our thinking. “When do I ever do that?” you ask. Everyday. Google, once a multi-billion advertising giant, is now a verb. To “google” has become synonymous with searching and research. Facebook, once a place for college students, is now a word for social interaction, for connection, for friendship. We “Mapquest” addresses and “iChat” with our best friends. You may not see this as a problem. These services may seem inconsequential. Sure, they’re useful, but not life altering and certainly not able to change the way we think. For those who are part of the Internet generation, it seems only natural to alter our vocabulary. Throughout history, men have changed their speech to accommodate changing technologies. Mapquest and Google have changed the way we live – they might as well change our language as well. But language is powerful. When we begin to substitute the word “search for “google”, Google seems to be the only option when it comes to research. Society limits itself by limiting the number of options it ever considers. When we say the phrase, “I’ll Facebook her,” we begin to believe that “facebooking” is a legitimate form of social interaction. If words can replace themselves so easily, can’t ideas? This practice is seen in the totalitarian world of George Orwell’s 1984. In it, Orwell developed the language of “Newspeak,” which perverted the English language in order to alter the mentality of their subjects and control the development of the country. In 1930’s Germany, Adolf Hitler introduced the concept of gleichschaltung, a word meaning “coordination.” It gave a name to his policy of efficiency and elimination of individualism for the sake of the regime. The noun lebensraum, literally meaning “living room,” became the slogan for eliminating non-Aryans. To make the logical jump from Twitter to Nazism is extreme, but as we change nouns to verbs, technologies get locked in. How, in the future, will we think of research without Google? How will we find our way without Mapquest? They will become the only part of our mental vocabulary, and limit innovation and the development of the Information Age.
Excessive planning for an unclear future By Devin Mitchell Opinion Editor An education that will last you “deep into the 21st century.” Assistant Principal Jack Smith claimed South Pasadena High School was going to provide this for its students on 8th grade night the year before I was to begin attending the school. Whether it be the four-year plans everyone receives at scheduling every March, or the sophomore counseling presentation that requires students to research colleges and careers, or the surveys we take in Naviance, the message is clear: start preparing for the rest of your life as soon as possible. While this is not a terrible notion, theoretically, it goes against the concept of students being able to experiment with different fields in college and doesn’t acknowledge a changing economy that requires
individuals to have multiple occupations in their professional lives. The idea of being undeclared, of not deciding in what subject you want to major in immediately is an important part of the experience. After all, many students will not know if they are really interested in a subject until they have rigorously studied it in an intense, college level class. They might not know if political science, or business, or engineering is for them unless they have been in that environment. High school classes are not on that level. They are largely cursory glances at subjects and designed to give students a general understanding of a topic. It is unfair to students to force them to make important life decisions on the basis of this limited understanding. Yet as early as their sophomore year, counselors are asking students explicitly what jobs they plan on pursuing after college.
The problem of universal training is similar when considering the fact that many adults have to work several different types of jobs in their careers as industries decline and change. It is impossible to adequately prepare high school students for all careers and even more difficult to prepare them for future changes in business and industry. Something that is taught in a high school R.O.P. class might prove to be totally irrelevant in twenty years. Changing technology affects these courses much more drastically than it does history or English ones, which is why the emphasis should remain on those in high school. The irony is that forcing career ideas upon students inhibits rather than prepares. The specialization that this philosophy encourages can be demonstrated in extra-curricular activities and focused on in college and in graduate school. There is no need to force it upon students now and raise their stress levels even more.
Opinion
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
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Solving a scheduling dilemma By Max White Staff Writer
Sam Shin
Old tradition, new myth By Chloe Lloyd Staff Writer Second Semester Senior. These words need no introduction, as the feelings of overwhelming relief and excitement for the opportunities of welldeserved relaxation are innate. Seniors in the second semester enter with the freedom of stress from college applications and the burden of seven semesters of blood, sweat, and tears in their back pocket. The thought of eventually becoming a second semester senior has motivated me to do well, in the hopes that I would be able to do the things I wasn’t able to during my years as an underclassman. However, very little has actually changed. The workload is the same, expectations have not dropped, and standards have not diminished. The only real difference is the students’ motivation to complete these obligations. For the first three and a half years of high school, students are motivated to work hard in order to build lasting habits and get into college. While there are a select group of seniors with five study halls and one academic class and seem to have nothing but time on their hands, this is the excep-
tion—and not the rule. S e n i o r s a r e s t i l l ove r whelmed with activities, sports, and extracurriculars, while still being expected to deliver at the same level as previous years. While I understand that we are still enrolled in school, the atmosphere is undoubtedly different, with past obligations, future plans on the horizon, and three months left until adulthood. While students are still asked to try in second semester, the underclassmen’s education has taken top priority. It is difficult to tell seniors to try their very best, especially when underclassmen are already being trained to take their place. This is where the term “senioritis” comes from. Seniors feel as if the work that they are putting in now has no real weight or purpose, because all the real work has been done. My message to underclassmen is this: while senior year is a great time, it is what you make it. It is your last year to make a difference and try new things. Just be careful of how much you put on your plate. While trying new things is great, so is being able to fully enjoy your senior year. Manage your time and try new things—but be prepared for the realities.
S o u t h Pa s a d e n a H i g h School counselors recently visited every freshman, sophomore, and junior English class to remind students of the school’s graduation requirements and to ask them to decide what courses they will take next year. This annual process forces students to accept an unfortunate reality: a single conflict between courses can destroy the schedule that they so carefully craft for the next school year. Those who wish to take a full schedule of AP classes and electives—courses that are offered for only a few periods—face an especially high chance of a schedule conflict. This enormous problem could be averted, how-
ever, if the school offered more zero period academic classes. If a student with a tight schedule were to take, for example, a science class during zero period, it would open up a free space during the day and make his or her schedule much more flexible. This would greatly lower the chances of a year-wrecking schedule conflict, and help prevent the student from having to drop or change a course just because it doesn’t fit. Since the school already offers academic classes seventh period, there is no good reason not to allow students to take a zero period class. It actually makes more sense to offer zero periods than seventh periods, since more people would be able to take them. Nobody who plays on a school team can take a sev-
enth period class without having to awkwardly change his or her schedule when the season rolls around, while only those in jazz band or choir are unable to take an academic zero period. It may even be beneficial to have a certain class for fifty minutes every day rather than the usual block scheduling. Many think that math and science courses are naturally suited to being taught in smaller increments. If the school were to offer zero period academics, even if just for the AP science and math classes, students would face much less stress when they receive their schedules in August. More options means a greater chance of being able to take the classes they want – assuming, that is, that they are willing to get up an hour early.
Obama’s enlightenment? By Alex Tranquada Staff Writer The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was signed into law by Bill Clinton in September of 1996, in response to mounting concern that Hawaii would soon pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriages and that other states would be constitutionally mandated to recognize those marriages. The law, passed by a large majority of both houses of Congress, absolved states from the responsibility of recognizing same-sex marriages from other states; it also defined “marriage” as the legal union between a man and a woman, and “spouse” as a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or wife. However, this past February, President Obama directed Attorney General Eric Holder to stop defending the law in federal court after reaching the conclusion that the law was unconstitutional. Some would say that it’s about time, wondering why Obama didn’t focus his attention on this piece of legislation sooner. Not to diminish the importance of the
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal, but DOMA presents a much larger barrier to national LGBT equality than Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. However, rather than questioning the timeliness of Obama’s decision, we should take it as a good sign that the decision was made at all. The 2012 presidential election is fast
It makes those who disagree seem to be desperately clinging to an outmodeled and bigoted ideology.
approaching, and stopping at the repeal of DADT would have allowed him to boost his political standing keeping a previous campaign promise; dropping the issue that would have also preserved some of his appeal to moderate voters. This abandonment of DOMA shows that Obama is willing to sacrifice some support to gain equality for LGBT Americans. What’s more, it makes his
conservative opposition look incompetent, hypocritical, and behind the times. Momentum against anti-gay legislation has been building for some time: DOMA was ruled unconstitutional by a federal district court last July, and California’s Proposition 8 was also overturned by a federal judge in August (both decisions have since been appealed and are therefore postponed). Now that the President of the United States has thrown his support behind LGBT equality, it makes those who disagree seem to be desperately clinging to an outmodeled and bigoted ideology. In addition, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich called for Republican members of the House of Representatives to “pass a resolution instructing the president to enforce the law and to obey his own constitutional oath.” What Gingrich fails to realize is that while the Obama administration has said that while they will not defend DOMA’s constitutionality, they will continue to enforce it until it is found unconstitutional by a federal court or repealed by Congress. Whoops.
Diversity of ability lacking By Josh Roquemore Staff Writer
Sam Shin
How often have you seen a student with special needs walking around the campus of SPHS? The truth is, mentally and physically handicapped students are rarely seen around our school. The extent of disablement in classrooms may range from mild to moderate, but there is not a severe invalidity to be found. Beginning early in the South Pasadena elementary schools, there is a level of separation between severely handicapped students and “average” children. Disabled students are often referred to other public school campuses that cater to their needs. This means a severely handicapped student, whose parent attended South Pasadena and wishes their child to follow in their footsteps, might have to attend a different campus. The high school in Texas I attended had a much larger contingency of stu-
dents with autism, down syndrome, and other disabilities. Interacting and getting to know these students both diversified my social experience and helped me truly appreciate their uniqueness. Depriving SPHS students of exposure to this sort of experience would be foolish. In most social and work environments after high school, chances are good that there will be someone with some form of handicap. Whether extreme or subtle, disabilities are a reality. This is something that students should be exposed to and grow comfortable with at a younger age. SPHS prides itself on being a step ahead of the average high school—but we are still at a disadvantage in life if we do not learn to work alongside and accept people who have more specific needs than our own. While there are definite aspects of a mentally handicapped student’s education that benefit from personal care, this also limits their opportunities to improve
social skills. While the district’s policy supports as much integration into normal classes as possible, there are no severely disabled students attending to which the policy applies. Certain public high schools such as San Marino, Arcadia, and Temple City are suited to care for severely handicapped students. Their services include providing certain equipment to aid with student mobility on campus and providing specially trained teachers to work with such students. SPHS could just as easily be equipped with such resources; this would serve to familiarize them with the realities of mental disability. SPHS has no reason not to acquire the facilities to care for more severely handicapped students. Whether it is because of finances, or simply the inconvenience of changing our educational infrastructure, the fact that we lack the ability to integrate differing student types must not be ignored.
8 Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
Opinion
Should our athletes take pride in a rigged game? By Michael Abelev Staff Writer I’d just like to start out by saying congratulations to the senior team for legitimately winning this year’s Powderpuff game. I say this because we all know that in past years there have been times when the juniors have actually won the game, but by way of flipping the score, subtracting points, or some other technique, the seniors always win the game. All I have to ask of that is this: Why? The game is rigged. Everyone knows that. It’s not a well-kept secret that no matter what, the seniors will win the game by default. In the weeks leading up to the Powderpuff game, seniors as well as juniors can be heard saying things like “You know seniors win; we win every year” or “Why even go to the game? The seniors will win.”
Some seniors have taken it to a level where the music if they lose the game fair and they even brag that the game is rigged, as if square? Who wouldn’t like to see a good it is an advantage for their team, even when fair game with the possibility of an upset? some of those same seniors were complain- In March Madness, everyone wants to see the underdog win, so ing their junior year why cant the underdog about the same thing. juniors have a chance But how can you take Does everything have at a fair victory? The pride in a certain win? to be so absolutely perfect decision to rig the game There is no point in a senior’s final year in year after year with conin rigging the game. high school that the school troversial calls causes Why must the seniors decides to rig a girls’ footthe hard word of many win every year and the ball game in order to guarplayers to go unnoticed juniors have to face a antee a senior win? and unjustified. Why loss that they may have would anyone sign up, not deserved? Does evgo to practices, and give erything have to be so absolutely perfect in a senior’s final year in any ounce of effort if they know the game high school that the school decides to rig a is rigged? Imagine that it’s late in the fourth girls’ football game in order to guarantee a senior win? Does the school think that quarter and the juniors are winning by a the seniors are not mature enough to face blowout. Nothing can save the seniors, not
Reality TV: the true evil By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer “If a girl’s a slut, she should be abused,” said Angelina Pivarnick, ex-star of the popular reality show, Jersey Shore. With her East Coast confidence and her electric orange faux tan, she is not as accomplished as she thinks—despite her dignity. “I feel like this job is beneath me. I’m a bartender, I do, like, great things,” she says. This is one of the many faces of reality TV influencing our naïve adolescents. Reassuring, right? These reality superstars, whose preposterous lives are witnessed by millions, are the ones who serve as a form of our entertainment. Reality TV focuses on the creation and the reaction to issues, while scripted shows face similar problems but focus on the aftermath, teaching “morals” to the characters and viewers. With every episode of Jersey Shore, Snooki, Angelina, Sammi, and “The Situation” prove themselves to be irresponsible, immature, and containing flawed judgment. A recent episode where Snooki was arrested was one of the most highly rated episodes ever. The more drama caused by bad judgment, the more viewers the show gets. Recently, the Parents Television Council, or PTC, criticized an MTV remake of the popular scripted British show, Skins. The PTC objected in a recent post on their website to the “risky behaviors such as: unmitigated drug
and alcohol abuse, casual sex, drug dealing, emotional sabotage, lesbian love scenes, nudity, masturbation scenes, pedophilic behavior, offense language, and threats of violence including castration by a drug dealer.” They gave it a red light, meaning it is not suitable for children under 18. They also gave Glee, Arrested Development, and Ugly Betty the red light. Take from that what you will, but the PTC can be overdramatic at times. In 2008, an ad campaign for Gossip Girl was threatened when the PTC responded negatively to their ads because “OMFG” was written. These, in addition to mildly suggestive promotional posters of the cast, were considered “mind-blowingly inappropriate” and “every parent’s nightmare”. First, advertising distributors would not have allowed “mindblowingly inapDaniel Willardson propriate” posters to be scattered around cities. And, if a kid knows what “OMFG” stands for, then they’re certainly old and mature enough to not be exceedingly offended and disgusted by this acronym. My point is not that reality TV is a waste of time, or that the Parents Television Council is unreasonable. I believe that if adults are going to try and stop television that is a negative influence, they shouldn’t be objecting to scripted TV as much. Scripted TV incorporates solving the problem within the plot, while reality TV just moves on to new drama once someone throws a fit and breaks a lamp.
even if they had Joe Montana dressed in drag playing quarterback with Jerry Rice in the slot. NOTHING. But, low and behold, with thirty seconds left in the game, officials start throwing flags, calling penalties, and removing points for whatever infraction. And when the ticker has finally come to zero, the game ends in a senior win. Now, this is not a recap of last Friday night. I am only speaking as though such a situation has happened, for I do not know even if such an event to such proportions has happened. Maybe it has, maybe it hasn’t. But my question is, if you’re wearing that senior jersey, can you really celebrate with pride? You can either walk off that field and say with honor, “I honorably won that game,” or instead walk away saying, “I won that game unfairly because the officials made several unnecessary calls in our favor.”
Silence is a war crime, Third World or First World by the more local protests in Wisconsin and a natural disaster in Japan. While American news sources conRevolutions in Tunisia began on cern themselves with celebrity gossip, GadDecember 18. On January 14, the Tunisian dafi’s security forces are using tear gas, heavy president fled the country. Protests raged in artillery, and aerial assaults on protestors and Egypt from January 25 to February 11, when civilians. Although we as Americans luckily President Mubarak resigned. Demonstra- remain unaffected by these raging conflicts, tions in Libya began on January 13 and are we have a human obligation to, at the very ongoing, and become increasingly violent as least, remain informed. We cannot allow more of the country slips from the control ourselves to lose interest while people in of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. To date, Al- other nations die in a struggle to right what geria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, is wrong in their country. Support of any Oman, and Yemen have kind is invaluable in a also experienced major protime of crisis. tests and demonstrations. Mubarak reRead the news. Talk These are revolusigned partly due to about what is happentions that demonstrate the pressure from the US ing, however far and incredible power of ideas government and the distant Libya or Iran and the indelible will of United Nations, after humanity. The uprisings in all. Even on a smaller may seem. the Middle East have come scale, it is impossible directly from the people. to affect a situation one They must be the ones to overthrow their cor- knows nothing about. rupt governments and to bear the incredible Read the news. Talk about what is burden of revolution. We cannot fight their happening, however far and distant Libya battles for them. What we can do, however, or Iran may seem. Do not allow others to is stand with them. forget that while they are worried about the Without continuing attention from smallest of upsets, those living in the Middle other nations of the world, the plight of those East are enduring more than anyone should in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, and other coun- ever have to endure in pursuit of freedom. tries will go ignored. The triumphant success Apathy may not seem comparable to in Egypt was avidly followed in international raising arms against a revolution, but they news. It captured the focus of the world, and are both harmful, especially when there is rightfully so— it was a democratic revolution little more we can do than raise awareness. of historic proportions. Meanwhile, coverage We are not all Libyans. We are, however, all of Libya has waned as it begins to outlast humans, and it’s time we began to behave the attention span of our media, distracted that way. By Clair Fuller Staff Writer
High school schedules too affected by collegiate requirements By Sofi Goode Staff Writer Getting into college these days is harder than ever. There are more students competing to get into top schools based on more requirements. Any top college will tell a student that it wants to see some kind of interest in their chosen major based on the classes they took in high school. However, the credits needed to even get into the college are so demanding that there is almost no room in a high school schedule to indicate that kind of interest. Say a student wants to be a business major. Ideally, that student would take Virtual Business, Small Business, and be a part of the Future Business Leaders for America club. However, that same student wants to go to the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania – probably the best business school in the country. To get
into U Penn, that student needs to have four years of math, four years of science, four years of English, three years of history, and at least three years of a foreign language. They have enough time in their schedule for one elective each year. In order to show that the class they are taking is actually intended toward their major and not chosen at random, they would need two years of it. This means that the student would need to know what their major was going to be by the end of sophomore year! Seventy-five percent of
students apply to college undecided, and they expect us to know what we want two years prior. The requirements set by the packet that the counselors hand out are perfectly reasonable; they give a student enough of a general education while still allowing time for classes that they are personally interested Sam Shin in. The “requirements” that are necessary to be competitive for top colleges are overbearing and conflict with many of the other things those same
colleges want to see. So, when the counselors come around for scheduling this year, instead of signing up for photography—which I think is fascinating—I’ll be signing up for Calculus A/B and Biology, neither of which I have any interest in majoring in. The colleges that I’m applying to would rather see that I took Calculus than a class I would actually enjoy. In a perfect world, we could all take everything we want and everything we need. But the world isn’t perfect, so we need decide what’s more important: classes that we have no interest in but will get us into the schools that we’re interested in, or classes that we find enthralling that will help us decide what we want to do with our lives. If colleges would let us a have a little freedom with our schedules, more students might be able to figure out what they want to do in college.
Opinion
WASC, lab coats and the art of B.S.-ing By Marcus Kahn Managing Editor On the softball field fence there is a sign put up by the administration that shows a couple of erudite students, clad in white lab coats, and pouring chemicals in test tubes. I have never used a lab coat at South Pasadena High School. At first this farce angered me. How dare the administration try to B.S. their way through this evaluation! How dare they toy with the truth and try to doll up an otherwise bland fence to trick their grader! But then I realized how hypocritical that was. Every time I, or my fellow students change the margins on a word document, change the date on a paper to make ourselves appear studious, or write randomly on busywork that will never be graded for content, we are putting up a metaphorical lab coat banner. I am not dinging the school. Though I have B.S.’ed in the past, I consider myself a good student. And though SPHS B.S.’ed somewhat through the WASC process, I also venerate our school and administration. The parallel between our work ethics is not a reflection of our incompetence, but rather an indication of the disregard for the standards by which we are judged. And in that sense we are comrades-inarms. The irony being that the students are allowed to B.S. under the curriculum of the school and administration, and that
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
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Monthly Doodle
same administration is allowed to B.S. under the sub-par standards of the state, effectively impairing the education of the students. So to call us comrades is paradoxical when examining the relationship between student, school, and state, but accurate when viewed as a commentary on corresponding attitudes. In a perfect world I am given work that is so full of content, so cerebral, and graded so comprehensively that I have no choice but to learn and analyze, and reject my lethargic instinct to B.S. And in the same vein, this school will only improve by adhering to a standard that doesn’t merely allow them to remain accredited, but also forces them to correct specific flaws in the school. The only question is, who is going to expend effort on such intense oversight? It is unrealistic to expect my teachers to grade all of my work to the letter, and it is even more naïve to think the state has the resources to nitpick at every single school district. But there are solutions, at least to the latter. Student feedback seems superfluous, but it can be effective in terms of evaluation. In my experience, students can nearly reach a consensus on which teachers are great, which need to go, and which services are lacking. Though there is obvious inherent bias in our feedback, it would be folly to ignore nearly unanimous public opinion. The bottom line is that stricter standards, or at least a more profound effort to get accurate results from them, are necessary for successful education.
Daniel Willardson
Tiger Newspaper Asks: WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, has been on campus recently to evaluate the school to determine whether SPHS will be accredited and for how long. How do you think WASC’s presence in classrooms has affected the way teacher’s have taught, if at all? Do you feel you have been able to convey problems or concerns about the school to WASC? Remeny White, Grade 9 I don’t believe WASC’s presence in the classrooms really made any difference in how teachers taught. When the representatives came to observe my classes, my teachers looked a bit nervous, but continued teaching as they normally would. We have a great school with, for the most part, great teachers, so we didn’t have to put on an act to try to impress WASC. As has been mentioned before, all the fuss over the accreditation really just made the teachers organize their rooms. However, though I didn’t personally have any concerns about the school to relay to WASC, I don’t feel that I was ever really given the opportunity. All the WASC representatives did was come into the classrooms and observe. If I had had a complaint, it wasn’t like I was going to interrupt class and say it in front of my teacher. So, I don’t feel their presence really had much of an effect on the school.
evaluator and left. The teachers did nothing different except clean their rooms. South Pasadena High School knew it was going to be accredited and did not need to improve, so the teachers and staff stayed the same. That being said, we still do a great staff and teachers, which is exactly why nothing needed to be changed. The WASC accreditation simply made teachers clean their rooms, but that is not a problem to say the least. Kaveh Javaheri, Grade 12 I personally felt that teachers rose to the occasion, but by no means changed behavior to look impressive. Mr. Baughman, in Learning Lab, was our Executive Member, and as much as Ms Wahl, Atticus Blatt, and the rest of Period 4 liked to joke about him being our representative, he was honest and got the job done. SPHS earned the highest amount possible without putting on a façade.
Ryan Stone, Grade 10
“Publius,” Grade 12
The WASC presence on schools did not make the teachers act better, as I know for a fact. Mr. Martin walked into Mr. Reagan’s class to insult Mr. Reagan when he noticed the WASC
Hate to break it to you folks, but as much as we whine and complain, the bottom line is, South Pasadena High School is a great place to get an education. Compared to schools
in the area, (including LAUSD) South Pasadena is a beacon of light, a model of what high school education should be doing. With this being said, it seems pretty straightforward that South Pasadena High School would gain accreditation. So why on Earth would the school go to incredible heights to secure an already secure accreditation? Why would they spend up to $200 per WASC representative per night at a fancy B&B, when the boy’s bathroom hasn’t had soap for the last four months? Why would they purchase an expansive, goldtrimmed oil canvas for the teacher’s lounge when those same teachers are being pink slipped? Don’t get me wrong, South Pasadena is a great school, but it is too concerned with keeping the status quo. The administrators think that South Pas is a great school, and glaze over the areas we fall short. As individuals, as students, and as administrators, we should take a vested interest in improving our school, even if that means being exposed when WASC comes rolling on by; accreditation is a lot easier than we are told! So next time, roll down the posters, stop hanging the painting, take down the façade, and show WASC what South Pasadena High School is really about.
This letter, written by freshmen Liza Echeverria and Samantha Zavala, is in response to Kristin Gunther’s article in the December 17, 2010 issue that opined that freshmen should not be allowed on varsity teams. We think that the reason that freshmen are put on varsity means that they worked hard and took the time to be as good as they are. Also, it means that they got the honor of being chosen to be on varsity. As freshmen that plan on making varsity swimming this year, we all found it upsetting to read that seniority and maturity should be a factor in choosing the varsity team. What if the freshman was mature, too? And why should seniority be a factor? We understand that seniors, juniors and sophomores have been at the school longer, but we think it’s unfair to the freshmen if we work hard in the sport our heart is in, hoping to get on the varsity team, just to be told that freshmen are no longer allowed. This would be disheartening to the athletes. Kristin wrote, “Most upperclassmen have worked hard within the team to attain a slot on the varsity roster, and for a freshmen to ‘earn’ a slot, without putting forth effort, seems wrong, no matter his or her ability.” This statement upset us the most. Yes, the upperclassmen work hard to get slots in varsity, but so do we. We play the sport we love and are serious about working hard. It’s not like we walk in and automatically get on the team. We have to put effort to make the varsity team just as much as the others. We freshman all believe that if you make the cut, no matter what grade you’re in, you should be allowed on varsity. We both share the same desire to be on varsity. Yes, freshmen can sometimes be immature, but with the help of upperclassmen we can learn to be young adults.
10 Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011 Page by Coleman Rainey and Jennifer Kim Photos by Sam Gurley, Madeline Godwin, Edmund Mandin-Lee and Jennifer Kim.
Powder Puff
Powder Puff
Powder puff JUNIORS SeNIORS
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right: Junior Bryce Cheng raises his hands victoriously. He was on fire at lunch.
Above:
Above: Senior Clark McRae turns her back on GQ prince Carson Childs. We think she was cast perfectly for that role......get it?
Carson Childs
Ashim Shrestha
Mckay hatch
sam pons
Kevin Yin
The GQ nominees field questions from the Homecoming Queen, Chloe Llyod. Kevin Yin declared he was “Swagtastic!�
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
Below: Senior Kyle Ehlig rides classmate Kaveh Javaheri in a suggestive dance move during lunch.
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Feature
Feature
Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
Culture Music Art Books Movies Fashion People
Fresco: a fresh take on groceries By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer A majority of South Pasadena’s businesses set a high standard, but not all get the recognition they deserve. One underrated and fantastic grocery is the Fresco Community Market. Located just past the Monterey Hills, Fresco’s grand opening was February 27, and they are well on their way to becoming a town favorite. When you walk in, you see no threatening cameras, nor disturbingly repetitive displays. You see no endless aisles of every food brand imaginable. The store has a zen, East Coast, WholeFoods-meets-Trader-Joes vibe, and even has artwork hanging around the store by local elementary students. You enter the store, and are feet away from Fresco’s brick walled coffee shop, and are offered samples of perhaps the best caramel macchiato of your life. In the coffee shop, there are long wood tables, free WiFi, and the space to buy what you want from the store and eat it on the spot. Past the coffee shop are different prepared foods, with countless choices for your typical and atypical groceries. Fresco offers great food in a fantastic environment, for a surprisingly reasonable price. Three and a half years ago, Jon Murca, the modest mastermind behind Fresco, had a realization that would change his life forever. “I wanted to make something that
mtv.com
Bullying 2.0 By Angela Jang Business Manager
Sam Gurley
Fresco, a newly-opened market located on 5914 Monterey Rd. on the border of Los Angeles and South Pasadena, showcases beautiful displays of canned food, wine, produce, and meats. would give back to the community,” he says, regarding the inspiration behind Fresco. “It took a lot of planning and execution, but I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who put time in effort into the creation.” As aesthetically pleasing as Fresco may be, it hardly scratches the surface of the store’s depth and charisma. Fresco is the first local business to be both nonprofit and for-profit. 15-20% of the funds go the community. Periodically, Fresco meets with the city to discuss which areas are lacking funding. As if Fresco hasn’t played enough
of a role in our community, Fresco helps get homeless people back on their feet by providing them with jobs, and has already put fourteen LA Mission clients back to work. Fresco’s floor has been repurposed and the skylights scattered around the store help save 50% of their energy costs. Jon Murca and the rest of the Fresco team are satisfied and proud of their store, and hope it will expand to help as many communities as possible. “When I’m retired, on an island, I can look back and think, this journey was worth it,” he said, with a content sigh.
The Adjustment Bureau needs adjustment 2/5
By Harry Yadav Staff Writer There are certain movies that fail to live up to their potential. In the case of Director George Nolfi’s The Adustment Bureau, that potential was simply never there in the first place. The Adjustment Bureau tells the tale of selfmade New York politician David Norris, played by the versatile Matt Damon, and his love interest Elise Sellas,
played by Emily Blunt. Their attraction and connection is instantaneous, but their future together is quickly obstructed by the Adjustment Bureau, a force of men with the special ability to alter the paths of normal people. Though various other storylines are introduced, David’s pursuit of Elise hogs the bulk of the plot. This makes the movie, for the most part, one-dimensional. The decision not to develop the political future of the up-and-coming Norris restricts the film,
and it seems that Nolfi could not find a way to bridge the two ideas. This is unfortunate for both Nolfi and the audience, for the love story was neither refreshing nor inspiring, and instead quite sedative to watch unfold. However, if the film’s plot was insubstantial, its acting was superb. The combination of Matt Damon’s trademark bravado with Emily Blunt’s sexy wit was somewhat novel, and did not fail to entertain. The supporting cast was no less stellar.
The three most involved members of The Adjustment Bureau, Harry Mitchell, Richardson, and Thompson, played by Anthony McKie, John Steller, and Terrence Stamp, respectively, were lenient bad guys. Each succeeded at maintaining the serious aspect of the story, but came across as almost silly due to the incredulous nature of their characters. Although the acting was above average, the movie was not. The film simply lacked substance.
The creation of cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and other social networking sites allow individuals to connect and communicate throughout the world. In addition, these new forms of media have also allowed pictures, videos, and comments to be broadcasted nearly everywhere. However, this vast network has created a new issue: cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying can come in many forms, including sexting, constant messaging, spying, and digital disrespect. CBS News reported that at least 40% of polled students have been bullied online at least once. Reports also show that 17% of all teenagers have been threatened or manipulated online or through text messaging. Due to these increasing statistics, certain organizations have started to take action. In December 2009, MTV initiated an anti-cyber-bullying campaign called A Thin Line. The name “A Thin Line” refers to the thin line between jokes and serious cyber-bullying. According to athinline.org, the campaign was developed to “empower you to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse in your life and amongst your peers.” On March 10th, 2011, the President and First Lady addressed the issue during the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention. 150 students, teachers and parents joined the conference and discussed the issue of making the school a safe environment for students. “As parents and students; teachers and communities, we can take steps that will help prevent bullying and create a climate in our schools in which all of our children can feel safe,” said President Obama. Luckily, South Pasadena High School has a low percentage of cyber-bullying incidents reported to the administrators. “There [have been] two incidents, for this year, that were brought to our attention and that we know of,” stated Terrence Dunn, Assistant Principal. Some of the steps students can take to prevent bullying are to talk to a trusted adult, according to South Pasadena High School librarian Ms Shelee Wilkerson. Do not delete any comments or photos that were targeted to bully someone; it can be later used as an evidence to prosecute the offenders. “We can’t be shy about [cyber-bullying]. We can’t hide it,” said Wilkerson.
Rango goes wrong-o: film suffers from genre-identity crisis 1/5
By Alex Tranquada Staff Writer
Paramount Pictures
Rango, the title character of this month’s newest animated flick, is voiced by Johnny Depp.
Early on in Rango, the audience listens in on the title chameleon as he muses about his identity. “Who am I?” he asks himself, mere minutes before his terrarium is thrown from the back of a car as the people who are presumably his owners swerve to avoid a crash. Although the rest of the movie is devoted to figuring out just who Rango is, it would appear that at no time during its production did anyone try to
figure out just what the movie itself is. Is it a family-friendly comedy? Is it a vehicle for a moral message? Is it a surprisingly boring film with unengaging characters and a weak plot? In the end, Rango tries to be all of these things, and unfortunately only succeeds at the last. What we’re left with is a strange and unappealing blend of existentialism, environmentalism, and snakes with machine guns for tails. Although supposedly meant for younger audiences, Rango includes a gratuitous amount of violence (even bats are equipped with heavy firearms) and unnecessarily sophisticated dialogue.
(How are small children supposed to know what “aquatic conundrum” means?) When Rango and his companions are not advancing the plot by tracking down the water that the desert town of Dirt so desperately needs, they’re being hilariously witty. At least, that’s what the scriptwriters had in mind. In reality, Rango’s humor is all over the place, ranging from standard cracks about bodily functions to sexual puns about thespianism being illegal in seven states, and none of it is actually funny. Oh, and remember that one
scene in the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie where Jack Sparrow wakes up in the middle of a white desert next to a ship he can’t sail? Well, it would appear that director Gore Verbinski simply cannot make another movie with Johnny Depp without including it, as Rango contains a nearly identical and similarly pointless interlude. All in all, Rango is a movie to avoid. Young children won’t be able to understand half of it, older children will not appreciate the less mature portions of it, and adults will just wish that they had stayed home and found something good on TV.
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Personality Profile
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
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Top five 2011 Oscar moments
Skyler Anselmo
By Clair Fuller Staff Writer Critics have panned the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco, but it did have a few memorable moments.
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Co-host James Franco’s appearance in a bright pink gown and wig, accompanied by a crack about Charlie Sheen, elicited laughter from the audience.
Photos by Edmund Mandin-Lee
Left: Sophomore Skyler Anselmo shreds on a half-pipe in his friend’s backyard in La Cañada. After 14 years of skating, Anselmo has mastered grinding. Right: Anselmo poses with his board. By Jake Folsom Senior Staff Writer Skyler Anselmo is your typical 16 year-old Native American-Peruvian-SlovenianItalian-German who loves to skateboard and play the harmonica. The sophomore divides up his free time between these two trades, as well as hanging out with his friends or spending time alone. Anselmo started off skateboarding at the young age
of two when he picked up one of his dad’s boards and just “knee-boarded it.” Since then, skating has become his greatest passion, and Anselmo says that “it has been amazing to grow [up] with it.” “I don’t really have any skating idols, [and] my dad never pushed me to skate. But he helped me out a lot when he saw that I had interest,” said Anselmo. After 14 years of skating, he claims he doesn’t have
a best move, but has a couple of favorites that he performs depending on what he is doing. His favorite “street move” is a big flip, but in general he is more into “bowl riding,” “original stuff,” and “riding the ‘gnar gnar’.” He compares skating to art, saying “there’s a lot of style involved, [and] it also keeps me thinking, which always keeps me interested.” Aside from skating, Anselmo is also a member of the JV baseball team, playing
catcher and pitcher. He is a man of many interests, including a wide variety of music. “I’m an all-around guy. I listen to The Pixies, Beck, Sly and The Family Stone, A Tribe Called Quest, and Johnny Cash; everything is good.” “Everything is good” seems to be the anthem of Anselmo’s life. He is a laid back guy who does what he loves every day. In the words of Anselmo, “why spend your time doing what you don’t like?”
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Colin Firth’s humble acceptance of a welldeserved Best Actor win for his role in The King’s Speech. “I have a feeling my career has just peaked,” said Firth.
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Aging legend Kirk Douglas was charming as he presented the award for Best Supporting Actress. Despite some difficulty speaking as a result of his stroke, he still managed to work the crowd at the age of 94.
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Scenes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Toy Story 3, The Social Network, and Eclipse were auto-tuned and remixed into hilarious song-snippets reminiscent of the “Double Rainbow Song.”
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Melissa Leo dropped the first f-bomb in Oscar history while accepting her Best Supporting Actress award for her role in The Fighter. Her candid exclamation that Kate Winslet made accepting the award “so f***-ing easy” earned laughs from the audience and censorship for home viewers.
Battle: Los Angeles tries too hard By Michael Abelev Staff Writer
3/5
If one were to ask me “What would have made Saving Private Ryan better?” I probably would answers, “aliens.” The trailer for Battle: Los Angeles seems to make this collective adolescent male dream come true, as the movie seems like a modern-day tribute to that classic war movie. Essentially, Battle: Los Angeles is Saving Private Ryan plus aliens, only directed by Jonathan Liebesman (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning), a new director who has clearly been influenced by
action-great Michael Bay (Transformers). Watching the trailer, one would be misled into thinking that the movie could be compared to a District 9-sort-of-film with a good plot, backstory, character connection, and moral message. This is not the case with Battle: Los Angeles – at least, not really. The movie’s plot centers around Los Angeles being attacked by unknown UFO creatures while a platoon of United States Marines and their leader fight desperately to keep them back. Unfortunately, what could have been a great movie fails through a lack of back-story and
character development. Don’t expect to remember the names of any of the characters after the movie. The character development is that bad. Despite its obvious flaws, the movie is very well-filmed. The CGI is amazing and the battle scenes are thrilling and action-packed. Still, upon leaving the movie theater, one doesn’t have much more to say than, “Bro, the explosions in that movie were sick.” Still, if you want to see a movie with more substance than a testosteronepumped combo of guns, bombs, Los Angeles, and a bad attempt of hitting the audience’s emotional side, don’t bother with Battle: Los Angeles.
allmoviephoto.com
Celebrity eateries in South Pasadena My Sweet Cupcake wins Cupcake Wars By Kelsey Hess Staff Writer The cupcakes sold at South Pasadena’s ‘My Sweet Cupcake’ are a reflection of the store itself: lots of energy, timelessly endearing, and a terrific experience overall. It came as no surprise when Food Network’s Cupcake Wars contacted South Pasadena’s blooming business two years in a row. Stephen Davalos, the head baker at the time, and Vicki Oh, a former employee, represented My Sweet Cupcake in late 2010 in Cupcake Wars. The first televised round focused on taste, and Stephen and Vicki didn’t thrive as much as they hoped they would. “The Cupcake Wars’ board found the frosting too sweet,” said owner Linda Perez, who is also mother of SPHS senior Nick Perez. In the second round,
Firefly Bistro owners on NBC show concept to life,” said Rosenbluh, who, unlike his wife, was taking his first steps into reality TV. Last year, King applied to and nearly Looking for a new Sunday night reality TV show? Look no further than America’s got to be a contestant on the mega-hit cookNext Great Restaurant, a new restauranteur- ing show Top Chef. When the producers ing-focused NBC show, which features two came up with the idea for a new show, they needed people to act South Pasadena locals as guides for fledgling as mentors to hopeful chefs. Apparently, her restaurant owners. name was at the top of Monique King their list. and Paul Rosenbluh “They started callare the married couple ing shortly after Top Chef who own and cook finished up. My wife at Firefly Bistro on El said, ‘Why not?’ and Centro St.. They’ve sent in my info, too,” recently received much Rosenbluh said. Accordpublicity over their ining to him, the show, volvement in the show, which completed most which aired its first of its filming last June, episode last weekend. “was hard work, but “The idea beSam Gurley hind the show is that The owners of Firefly appear as fun…really a wacky, surthe ‘American average mentors on the NBC show Amer- realistic experience.” While of course Joe’ wants to open a ica’s Next Great Restaurant. neither King and Rosenrestaurant, with basically no experience. We’re mentoring these bluh can give away much about the show, people, trying to get them to win and work- they do give us one hint. “The contestants ing with them, fleshing out their menus, who are the best chefs will be going the farand…basically, helping them bring their thest,” said Rosenbluh. By Meghan Roche Staff Writer
Tai Carter
My Sweet Cupcake, located on 954 Mission St., displays a banner announcing their recent TV victory. the decoration round, the wrong frosting was put on the wrong cupcakes. However, these setbacks didn’t slow down Stephen and Vicki, and they proved that three times is the charm. In the final round, Stephen and Vicki baked 1,000 cupcakes and placed them on a wooden display in the shape of a tree, where the branches served as shelves for the cupcakes. Their cupcakes were flawless and the displays divine, featuring My Sweet Cupcake’s ‘black forest,’ ba-
nana with avocado frosting, and almond maple with fig filling cupcakes. Against four fantastic bakeries nationwide, My Sweet Cupcake took home the prize. As any reality competition show is, “The experience was very stressful, but in the end it was very well worth it. It was a fantastic experience,” said Davalos. My Sweet Cupcake is South Pasadena’s hole-in-the-wall perfection. It fulfills every sweet craving, and has a good story to tell.
14 Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
OVERheard
Feature
Overheard anything interesting or funny recently? Send us the quote(s) at feature@tigernewspaper.com!
illustrations by Amber Laird
Send It On Concert Preview By Ande Withers Copy Editor
Personality Profile: Deziree Alvarez By Jessica Moog Assoc. Feature Editor Senior Deziree Alvarez has got all the moves, whether it’s during her passionate performances with South Pasadena High School’s Advanced Dance group or in her detailed and bold plans for the future. Alvarez is the current SPHS Dance captain and has been a large part of the program since transferring from John Marshall High School before her junior year. Deziree choreographs all of the team’s hip-hop routines, naming this as her own personal favorite style of dance. Surprisingly, Deziree’s musical taste outside of the dance studio tends to lean more towards the contemporary, with her favorite artists being Lykke Li and Snow Patrol. As for how she started dancing, it seems the
ever-cheerful Deziree was born with grace. Her mom is a dancer on the side and Deziree can recall dancing along with her ever since she was young. With past involvement in activities including basketball, swimming, fashion design, and even a stint in her church choir, Alvarez seems ever-ready to challenge herself, both athletically and creatively. In terms of the future, Deziree is thinking big. She plans to major in dance at either American Musical & Dramatic Academy of Los Angeles (her audition was on March 12), or Glendale Community College. She hopes to spend her college years strengthening her choreography skills, because afterwards she dreams of opening her own dance studio. “I want to open up a low cost, nonprofit studio somewhere in
Jennifer Kim
Deziree Alvarez performed at the Back to Basics II concert earlier this month. The senior has been dancing for her entire life and plans to make it her career. LA for youth,” says Deziree. She hopes to teach a wide range of dance styles, and as for the feel of the studio, Alvarez says, “My studio would be a trendier place, so the kids or young adults can feel comfortable being there and feel welcome to just hang out and
Dark and enchanting Jane Eyre 4.5/5
By Luka Douridas Assoc. Opinion Editor Out of the flurry of book-to-film adaptations released in recent years comes Jane Eyre, a Victorian Era coming-of-age drama set in 19th century England, adapted from Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 classic of the same name. The film follows the titular character, played by up-and-coming actress Mia Wasikowska, as an orphaned yet highly confident young woman on a quest for her identity. I’ll admit it. I expected Jane Eyre to be a bit more like Pride and Prejudice, a film that I dismissed as just a wellmade but painfully sappy and stale 19th century chick flick.
After all, both were written in the same time period and featured young, independent female leads with handsome love interests. Why would Jane Eyre have a reason to be any different? Thankfully, it has many. Much to my pleasant surprise, Jane’s troubled journey into adulthood is told with unquestionable skill and expertise. I was amazed by how dark it was—not only does the story captivate you, but the craftsmanship shown in the film does, too. Director Cary Fukunaga uses an approach that is based on a high attention to emotion and detail, and crafts his film as if it were a darkly engrossing work of art. No sap. No unbearable clichés. No Mr. Darcy.
Perhaps the strongest element the film has to offer is its perfect casting. Wasikowska delivers as if she were born to play Jane, while Michael Fassbender, who plays her love interest, Rochester, fits his role just as well. While the two’s relationship is given little time to develop, their chemistry is undeniable, and not to mention ridiculously enjoyable to watch. All films deserve to be made this way; Jane Eyre grabbed my attention from the very start and refused to let it go. By the time the credits began rolling, I had gone through an intensely captivating film experience that shocked me as much as it consumed me. See Jane Eyre if you’re a fan of filmmaking as it is meant to be done.
create.” Alvarez is eager to talk about her plans for the studio. It seems that Deziree’s outgoing nature and rigorous dedication to the SPHS team will no doubt come in handy as she delves deeper into the professional world of dance.
South Pasadena High School’s Invisible Children Club is taking action once again. On Saturday, March 19, our local chapter is hosting “Send It On,” a concert to benefit Invisible Children Inc., and contribute to their vision. “Send It On” is one of many activities that SPHS’s Invisible Children Club has hosted. However, the difference between this concert and many of the other events that have taken place on campus is that Send It On is an SPHS original. “After the Schools for Schools assembly,” said club President Virangika Perera, “we started to brainstorm ideas for fundraising and we came up with the idea of having a concert, and several students were very enthusiastic about the idea.” After months of planning—Perera says that it began as early as November—the ICU Club finally got their event approved. “It was hard at first to get it together because it is such a big event,” said Perera. “Small clubs do small things, so when [we] wanted to hold an assembly and a concert, it can get stressful.” “Send It On” will feature more than twenty performances, all by SPHS students. These dancers and singers are all volunteers that are helping the ICU Club achieve their goal. The proceeds raised from the concert will go to Invisible Children Inc., which will use the donations to support children in war-torn countries in Africa, like Uganda, Sudan, and the Congo. The club will also be selling art portfolios during the event’s intermission to benefit Africa’s Child Mission, a fund to provide for the costs associated with field projects, development, outreach, and operations. The Club is very optimistic and enthusiastic about the concert. They hope that it will be successful in reaching the audience on a different level. “The songs piece together the purpose of the organization,” said Perera. “We want to inspire people to give back. That’s the Send It On theme, and the message of Invisible Children.”
Behind the scenes: Joan Aguado By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor Most South Pasadena residents are familiar with the sight of movie trailers and film crews parked along various pubSam Gurley lic and residential A new TV series, Torchwood, a US adaption of a UK televistreets. However, sion drama, was shot in South Pasadena, on the corner of most residents Hawthorne Street and Palm Court. don’t actually After experiencing life “on location,” know how these movie trailers and film crews get there. The answer lies with one Aguado now spends her days in South Pasadena, matching houses and sights to locawoman: Ms. Joan Aguado. Aguado is South Pasadena’s Film Li- tion managers’ demands. “They send me aison – she is the coordinator for all movies specific requests,” says Aguado, and it’s her and shows filmed in the city. As South Pas- job as liaison to work through the “location adena’s only film liaison (before Joan, the library” – a list of over 800 residences and town didn’t even have the position), Aguado locations suitable for filming. Then, she reis in charge of coordinating all filming sights sponds back with what South Pasadena has and checking that companies are abiding by to offer each film or show. Although she is an employee of the the city’s filming policies. Aguado, who studied English Litera- city, Aguado also works to “protect the resiture at Cornell University, spent only a year dents.” She drives by every film set every day in New York working in publishing before of production, making sure that crews are her uncle offered her a job in film produc- following filming policies. Aguado says that tion. It was through assistant and associate filming in residential areas brings neighbors producer postions that Aguado began to together, pours money into neighborhoods, understand the location manager and film and lets her interact with a wonderful comliaison process that eventually led her to her munity. Film liaisoning is a “total people current profession. Now a mother of two SPHS students, Danny and Joseph Shapiro, job”— one that was made for Aguado’s outJoan has worked with some of the indus- going, friendly personality, and strong deditry’s biggest names, including Steve Martin, cation. “I love that the job is challenging but so rewarding at the same time.” Peter O’Toole, and Carl Reiner.
Feature
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
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Look Alike Sam & Luka’s Awesome Adventures in the Greater L.A. Area
Photos by Sam Gurley and Luka Douridas
By Luka Douridas Associate Opinion Editor Master Adventurers Sam and Luka discovered true beauty this month. And no, it wasn’t at the GQ assembly. Instead, we found ourselves sharing smiles in San Pedro—a modest-sized beachside community on the southern tip of Los Angeles’ distinctive Palos Verdes Peninsula. Sam and I pulled into San Pedro one Wednesday afternoon with hopeful dispositions. While it is true that we can’t go anywhere without having a blast, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. All we knew was that we had three destinations in mind and an
open afternoon in which to do it all. Our first stop was the Korean Friendship Bell. Dedicated in 1976, this landmark was a gift that South Korea presented to the U.S. as a symbol of their gratitude for our involvement in the Korean War. Regardless of whether or not you think we deserved it, this massive bell—which is housed inside a decorated pavilion on top of a beautifully picturesque beachside hill—is a sight to savor, and savor it we did. You see, Sam and Luka aren’t just the best of adventurers. We’re the best of friends, too. With contented minds and genuine smiles, we headed down to the shore, where we knew lay a destination as notorious as it
is risky: Sunken City. The former location of an urban housing neighborhood, this district of San Pedro was abandoned and deemed unsafe after sections of it collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. Today it is closed off to the public and only available to those who can fit underneath the fence that encircles it—and who can calmly ignore the many “NO TRESPASSING” signs that adorn the area. Sam and I were not too keen on paying a $500 fine, so our time there was limited. But what we did see was indeed spectacular: a unique glimpse into a beautiful, forgotten world of intrigue and obscurity. Enjoy at your own risk. After flirting with the law, Sam and I made a stop by the Cabrillo Marine Aquari-
um: a small, donation-run aquarium with less prestige than it deserves. We poked some mollusks and watched a shark dissection before we had to head back home. In a sense, San Pedro is a bite-sized embodiment of what Los Angeles has to offer—a “pocket L.A.,” if you will—because it has most of everything this great city stands for: Humble yet inviting beaches. Pleasantly temperate weather. A large Latino population. And, of course, killer opportunities for some sweet adventures. Our advice? Come here expecting to be surprised. Even if you don’t know where to go, you are sure to have a blast. ‘Til next time. Sam and Luka out.
16 Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
r e t s a s i D n a p a J in Japanese Tsunami
Earthquake over magnitude 6.0 Location of damaged nuclear plants
The earthquake was the 7th largest ever recorded. It shortened Earth’s day by 1.8 microseconds and threw an extra 6.7 inches into the planet’s wobble. Epicenter of the magnitude 8.9 earthquake, which occured 81 miles east of the city of Sendai.
By the numbers... 11,000 people reported dead
Sendai
Radioactivity concerns deepen...
500,000 people displaced or evacuated 55,380 homes and buildings destroyed
Tokyo
50 operators who initially remained at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station 4,000,000 homes without power in Tokyo
Tuesday’s magnitude 6.2 aftershock
10,000,000,000 dollars in damages
Cesium-137: Mimics potassium in the body and can cause cancer, blood diseases and birth defects. Has a 30 year half-life. Iodine-131: Can be inhaled or ingested. Conentrates in thyroid, causes thyroid cancer. Has a half-life of 8 years. Taking iodine pills prevents absorption Cesium-137: Builds in bones and teeth, causing bone cancer and leukemia.
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant
13 feet the landmass of Japan moved during the quake
4 consequences this has for you... 1. Gas prices will increase as Japan is forced to purchase more fossil fuels to offset its lost nuclear energy capabilities. 2. Electronics (Sony) and cars (Toyota) made in Japan will become more expensive. 3. Tourism in Hawaii will decrease. Good time for a vacation! 4. California is due for an Earthquake. All three other corners of the Pacific Fault have experienced major quakes in the past year.
before
after
North of Sendai
At SPHS... The Red Cross Club at the high school is planning on hosting a fundraiser to aid Japan next week. They are going to sell paper cranes for $1.00 and keychains for $4.00. The Key Club and Generosity Club are also planning to raise money, and Commissioner of Clubs Himal Suthar is hoping to plan a joint
Although disasters in Japan and other foreign nations may seem a world apart, we must remember that some of those around us are greatly affected.
“I have a friend, Masu Michi...a lot of other people know him. He told us about how they shut down the schools. But Japan was prepared. It’s not a Third World country. People don’t care as much.” - Trent Kajikawa (Junior)
fundraiser among all the school’s clubs.
“[My grandparents] felt smaller earthquakes, but not the 8.8 one. My dad’s side lives in the South, but my mom’s side lives more to the North... we were worried at first.” - Raymond Yonami (Junior)
I was scared and shocked. Speechless. - Jade Roman
(Senior)
“It was worried. I missed school and watched the news to make sure my dad and his area were safe.” - Nicholas Sullivan (Sophomore)
“There have been many food shortages especially with rice. My grandmother, who lives in Sendai, said it’s the worst thing since [World War II]. There’s no water access, she has to stay inside because of the radiation, and it’s hard to get supplies because the stores are either closed or have very long lines.”
- Jade Roman
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
Sports
Swimming ready for league
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By Harry Yadav Staff Writer
Boys are hopeful for season The South Pasadena boys swim team has begun the season in strong fashion, crushing the likes of Burroughs, Flintridge Prep, and La Salle respectively in the first three meets of the season. Junior captain Carlton Lew, senior Jack Sinclair, and freshman Tyler Halley lead this years’ squad. The Tigers’ highlight moment this season has come in their most recent match against La Salle on March 14. Coming from behind on the last stretch of the 4x100 freestyle relay, Lew miraculously overtook La Salle’s finisher and won the race by an astounding three seconds. “He just took over on the last stretch. It was cool to watch,” said Halley. Although they have won by extremely large margins in all three meets, the boys know they have faced only mediocre competition. “It’s been a solid start to the season, but with more workouts we can definitely improve and get faster,” acknowledged Lew. “I am optimistic that this season will be a success.” The Tigers will face their biggest challenge when they battle perennial league champion La Cañada, and Coach Tyrone Brown is fully aware they will need to swim exceptionally well to beat the Spartans. So, with a slew of early season victories, and tougher challenges yet to come, the Tigers have realistic goals. “We just want to send as many swimmers to CIF as we can, that’s the objective,” said Brown. Next up for the Tigers is Alhambra at home on Monday. The first league meet will be against Temple City next Thursday.
By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor
Jennifer Kim
Katie Whitworth
From left to right: Senior captain Ethan Bourland and freshman Liza Echeverria compete in their respective events.
Girls swim undefeated in competition The South Pasadena girls swimming program is off to its strongest start in years, defeating Burroughs, Flintridge Prep, and most recently La Salle. Senior captains Anna-Lena Hathaway and Tyler Brown, lead the Tigers and both expect the team to contend for a league title. “The thing that is unique about this year is that we don’t have any superstars, but we are extremely deep all around,” said Coach Robert Echevarria, “We haven’t even put our strongest line-up out in the pool yet.”
Strong contributions from underclassmen so far this season has also caught the attention of Coach Echevarria. Freshman Liza Echevarria and sophomore Hannah Eden have turned in impressive performances, and are a large part of the reason that the team has been unstoppable. As for the captains, neither seem to be phased by the success the team has enjoyed so far. “It’s early in the season, but we believe we have a really good shot of win-
ning league,” said Hathaway. The Tigers’ next challenge is Alhambra at home on Monday, March 21, a matchup in which they are heavily favored. According to Echevarria, the Tigers’ toughest matches will come in league competition when they face La Cañada and San Marino. Until then, the Tigers will just have to accept the high expectations that come with being undefeated. “We are excited for this season,” Echivarria said. “We look forward to competing for a league title.”
Track & Field jumps the gun
Strong start to boys track season; victories to come
Edmund Mandin-Lee
Senior Sean Nang hands off the relay baton.
The boys varsity track and field team went up against Glendale High School on Wednesday in a pre-season meet. The Tigers easily beat the Nitros with a score of 102-25. South Pas runners dominated in almost every distance event. Senior Blake Parson won the 110 hurdles in a record time of 15.7 seconds, which qualified him for the Arcadia Invitational on April 8. Fellow senior Daniel Buchen ripped past his opponents in the 400 to secure another win for the boys. “We have a really deep team,” said senior Jon Weiner, who came in second in the mile, behind South Pasadena junior
Alex Tranquada. Track’s senior boys are in their fourth year of a loss-free dual-meet season and hope to continue the streak for a perfect four seasons. “We’re pushing every week… we’ll be all right if we can just get past Monrovia,” said Weiner. Senior Mayan Schexnayder performed well at the long jump, with a consistent length of 45 feet. At an earlier meet, Schexnayder was recognized for a season best of 42.5 feet. Senior Sean Nang set a personal record, clearing the high jump at 6’4”. Sophomore prodigy Austin Kahn, tormented by his young age and JV posi-
tion, looked on in awe as junior Sean Ehrlich easily defeated the opposing Nitros with a pole vault height of 9’6’’. Senior Lawrence Moreno, after much strenuous effort, achieved a personal goal with second place in discus. The Tigers stayed fierce as they overwhelmed Glendale, event after event. “This [win] gets us prepared for Monrovia…it boosts our spirit,” said Head Coach PJ Hernandez. On March 3, the Tigers competed well against Alhambra’s Moors, securing a pre-season win. Next Thursday, the boys will face tough competition in the Monrovia Wildcats.
Girls track competing well in pre-season South Pasadena’s girls varsity track and field team killed the Glendale Nitros on Wednesday. With an end score of 96-31, the team “led in practically every event,” said senior runner Nora DeVita. Freshman Kamia Willis ran the 400 in a staggering 59:2 seconds, just breaking the difficult barrier of 60 seconds. Another young varsity member, freshman Helena Van Loan, beat her Glendale opponents in the two-mile race. Senior Pamela Gutierrez, bandaged in a multitude of areas from a prior injury, fell during the 100 hurdles but finished strong. “She smiled the whole way through,”
said JV freshman Darcy Douglas, of Gutierrez’s spirit after the spill. Girls track sports a lot of young talent this year, padding the team for the next three seasons. Following in sister Makena Hudson’s footsteps, freshman Kea Hudson pole vaulted an astonishing seven feet, leaving her Nitros counterparts far beneath. Hudson also landed far in the triple long-jump at 33’6”. Glendale high jumpers never showed at the pit, making South Pasadena the automatic winner of the high jump event. Junior Amanda Paggao took first place with a height of 4’8”. Freshman Claire Kieffer Wright and senior Emma Mitchell fell in
with second and third places. “I’m really proud of my girls, Amanda and Claire…we’ve progressed really far. This is going to be a good season,” said high jumper Mitchell. Head coach PJ Hernandez described the meet as “a good way for the team to build spirit.” This win for the Tigers demonstrates their tenacity to repeat last year’s record of a near perfect season. The competitors beat Alhambra in another meet on March 3. Girls varsity track faces its biggest challenge next Thursday, as it goes up against its rival, the Monrovia Moors.
Edmund Mandin-Lee
Freshman Helena Van Loan soars in the long jump against Glendale on Wednesday.
18 Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
Sports
Young tennis team stumbles
v. Schurr
10-8 W
Wrestling
Girls water polo
was not able to progress past the second day at the event. Although only three wrestlers went far in CIF, almost the entire varsity line-up was qualified for CIF. South Pasadena finished the season with five Rio Hondo League champions. “For next year, we will have several seniors and not too many juniors. We will have plenty of freshmen and sophomores so we’re going to have to work hard in the off season to be prepared for next year,” said junior wrestler Zach Gershman. /Michael Abelev
The South Pasadena girls water polo team dominated competition all season, earning yet another Rio Hondo League Championship. Much of their success can be attributed to their three-pronged offensive attack, consisting of senior co-captains Tyler Brown and Anna-Lena Hathaway and freshman star Devin Grab. The Tigers, 22-2 overall and 8-0 in league, earned the No. 4 seed in the CIFSouthern Section Division 3 championships. After defeating San Luis Obispo 25-3 in the first round and Rio Mesa
Girls soccer
Girls basketball
CIF Finals
The boys basketball season has reached an end with a loss to the Gabrielino Eagles in overtime in their only CIF match. “It’s been a tough year and we had the jitters early on in the game,” said head coach Skip Parry. The final score was 81-86 and places the Tigers with an overall season record of 13-15 and a league record of 4-6. Junior captain Jevon “JJ” Shields led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points. Although the Tigers were not as successful in CIF as hoped for, next season looks promising. All of the captains and lead scorers are juniors this year and will return to for 2011-2012 season. “Next year looks good,” said junior captain James Kawakami. /Josh Roquemore
11-10 in the quarterfinals, South Pasadena received a disappointing loss 8-16, ending their season. The team will be losing their two best players, Brown and Hathaway, to graduation this year, along with veteran goalie, Kristin Gunther. This puts South Pasadena in somewhat of a rebuilding stage. The team, however, still has a great chance of repeating as league champions if other young players step up and help Grab on the offensive end. Returning players Rachel Clauss, Cody Bartlett, Naomi Krieger, and Liza Echeverria will help keep the team among the best in Rio Hondo. / Brendan Perry
Girls basketball pulled in a fantastic season this year. The Tigers ended second in league with a record of 8-2; giving them a strong seeding in CIF for the first time in years. The girls made it to the second round before being eliminated. Their first CIF game was against Banning High School in which the Tigers dominated, ending in an astounding 78-36 win. The next playoff game took place against St. Anthony High School. The Saints beat the Tigers 45-66, eliminating the Tigers from CIF. “I knew our journey would end sometime. But I am not disappointed we didn’t go further. We did our job and reached our potential; that’s something to be proud of,” said senior captain Kelsey Lee. /Sofi Goode
In a season of inconsistency and ups and downs, the Tigers ultimately reached their goal this year of making CIF for a second straight year. Under Coach Juan Zurita, boys soccer earned a 10-9-2 record to finish the season. Despite an exciting finish to league, the Tigers were let down as they lost in the first round of CIF to Arroyo Valley 0-1. However, even though the Tigers reached CIF, they did not reach their goal of first or second place. Although the boys did stay in the running for second most of the season, Monrovia ended up getting the better of them going 11-7-2. “For next year, we need more commitment, and the defense needs to shatter up,” said junior captain Mathewos Ghebrekristos. /Christian Miyamae
Boys soccer
1st Round
The South Pasadena girls soccer team well exceeded expectations this season going farther in CIF than any other team in four years. Led by a squad of outstanding seniors, the Tigers finished with an impressive record of 12-7-4 and a second place finish in league. The girls also made a valiant run in CIF, knocking off two teams before falling to the number one-seed St. Margaret’s in the quarterfinals. “This was the best season ever; I’m so proud of our team,” said senior Mallory Downing. The Tigers are set to take a big hit next year, losing 11 seniors to graduation. Even though the core of the team is departing, the girls have high hopes for the future. /Wyatt Bukowski
3/15 SPHS
Second Round
South Pasadena’s Varsity Wrestling team went to CIF Finals in mid-February in Corona. Although hopes were high going into their final competition, they did not perform as well as they intended. Senior Alex Larimore, who competes in the 215 pound weight class, made it to Masters. Senior captain Chris Nuñez, who competes in 125 pound weight class, made it into finals for CIF, but was not able to progress. Larimore and Nuñez were the furthest wrestlers to progress in the event. Junior Ned Estrada, who competes at 171-pound class, also made it to CIF but
3/10 SPHS v. Alhambra 7-11 L
Semi Finals
The varsity boys tennis team brought its preseason to a close with Tuesday’s 10-8 win over the Schurr High School Spartans. This Tiger victory increased South Pasadena’s record to an impressive 4-2 and has put the team into the right mindset to start conference play. The Tigers fell short of expectations last year, despite an exceptionally talented lineup. This season, South Pas has no intention of repeating 2010’s 4th place league finish.
for other players to step up,” Chevrier said. Many were surprised to see the Tigers drop three games after an impressive The South Pasadena boys baseball season opening win over Arcadia,ranked team squared off versus Glendale High 6th in their division. With the score knotted at six apiece, School in a non-league this Tuesday. The Tigers got six strong innings from senior junior Dylan Trimarchi hit a double down the line to Derek Eisen, alscore senior Brian lowing only one run Swanson to give and no walks. They the Tigers a walkalso had strong day off win. at the plate from “It was a big Anthony D’Oro, win for us. I’m regoing 3-4 with ally proud of our two doubles and a team,” said Trimarsingle, leading the chi after the game. boys to a 6-1 vicIn the junior tory. varsity game bePrior to this tween South Pasgame, the Tigers adena and Glendefeated Bosco dale on Tuesday, Tech High 7-1 with sophomore Bryan a solid performance Bednarski threw a from freshman seven inning perpitcher Joey HarSam Gurley m o n , w h o t h r ew Senior Brian Swanson leads off the fect game striking five shutout innings game with a hit against Glendale High. out 12 batters and giving his team an to go along with a 2-4 night. But it hasn’t been all roses for the 11-0 victory. “It’s really fun to be a part of such a Tigers, who were coming off a three game losing skid, falling to Sierra Vista 8-9, Pasa- great performance,” said sophomore Nick O’Brien. dena High 0-2 and Pasadena Poly 7-11. The Tigers will open league play “We weren’t playing our game, we were making errors all over the place,” said today versus the San Marino Titans. coach Anthony Chevrier. The losing streak could be due to the 3/12 3/15 fact that star player senior Tony Veiller is SPHS SPHS out with a hand injury. v. Bosco Tech v. Glendale “He could be out for a while. It’s a 7-1 W 6-1 W big loss for our team but it gives a chance By Wyatt Bukowski Staff Writer
Boys basketball
By Max White Staff Writer
Quarter-finals
Jennifer Kim
Senior Sam Yang prepares to launch a powerful serve against Pasadena Poly.
Graduation may have robbed the team of some of last year’s superstars – like Max Smith and captain Oliver Sutro – but a core of returning players, led by senior Benjamin Charney, have kept the Tigers competitive. Still, the team has room to improve. “We need to continue to develop and play more aggressively,” said coach Jim Asher. “We can’t just sit back and wait for our opponents to make a mistake. We need to win at the net.” Last Thursday’s match against the Alhambra Moors ended in bitter defeat for the Tigers. Charney was unable to play because of an arm injury, and his absence contributed to their 7-11 loss. This was a reverse of the Tigers’ 11-7 win over the Crescenta Valley Falcons the day before. South Pas fell 3-15 to the Arcadia Apaches on March 7. Both teams had played Pasadena Polytechnic the week before - Arcadia dominated the Panthers 18-0 while the Tigers secured a solid 11-7 win. Unfortunately, a powerhouse Arcadia squad proved too much for South Pas and claimed a landslide victory. The Tigers fared better in their March 1 match versus La Salle. South Pas outplayed the Lancers to cruise to an easy 16-2 victory. South Pas opened its Rio Hondo season yesterday with an away game against defending league champion San Marino. The match’s results can be found on Tiger Online.
Baseball ready for success
Sports
Friday, March 18, 2011 - Tiger
19
Anthony D’Oro position to play, stating that the “control and manipulation” of the position is what he loves most. “Where in a position player or Anthony Joseph D’Oro’s soft spokenness lives both on the baseball field batting, you’re relying on other people, and off. His dedication and performance in pitching you start everything,” said in the sport prompts some to compare him D’Oro. Aside from baseball, Anthony is to a lefty version of former MLB All-Star Greg Maddux, even though D’Oro com- very dedicated to his schoolwork, maintaining an overall pares himself more to Phillies G PA o f 3 . 9 8 . I n pitcher Cole Hamels. December, he was Watching the Los Anaccepted by Northgeles Angels at two years western University old with his Dad inspired an as an Early Decision interest in baseball, which led applicant and will be him to join his local tee ball attending the school team. He went on to play in next fall. He plans little league and flourish in to major in Biology the All-Star league. After, with a concentration he entered South Pasadena in Neuro-Biolog y High School with ten years with the hopes of of experience. becoming a brain “Baseball is a very menneurosurgeon one tal sport. I like the fact that day. you have to be so focused. I n s i d e, t h e When I’m pitching, I enjoy athlete is still unsure dealing with the pressure Jennifer Kim if he will play basesituations and the fact that my Senior Anthony Joseph D’Oro ball at the collegiate team is relying on me and I’m throwing and working hard. level due to the time relying on them. I just like the commitment that comes with it. Baseball atmosphere of it all,” said D’Oro. Having been involved with baseball or not, Anthony D’Oro will succeed in since his freshman year at SPHS, he has every aspect of his life. grown very close with many of his fellow players. A. D’oro 2010 Stats “I think that every senior on the team has a really strong connection with ERA: 1.49 each other,” said D’Oro of the moral and Strikeouts: 30 team spirit this year. Pitcher has always been his favorite By Michael Abelev Staff Writer
Tyler Brown for ten years and at one point was one of the top eight swimmers in California. Tyrone Brown, Tyler’s dad and SPHS’s varsity swim coach, is still coaching her today. “It’s pretty awesome to have my number one cheerleader there all the time,” she said. Despite swimming for so long, Tyler calls water polo her Tai Carter true passion and has been scouted Tyler Brown poses with her numerous awards. to play in college. When asked what schools she was considerBy Jake Folsom ing, the senior hesitated before answering, Senior Staff Writer “Harvard, Brown and Pomona.” She wants Tyler Brown lives and breathes for to attend a school with good academics that aquatic sports. Whether it’s playing water offers her major, neuroscience. Tyler also polo for the girls varsity team, or swimming wants to play at a Division I school that has the 200 and 500 freestyle events, she is the an environment which would allow her to grow as a player. best there is. Even though her passion is water Tyler started swimming when she was six with encouragement from her father, who polo, Tyler doesn’t want to continue after was also her coach. She swam competitively college. She wants to go into either research or the actual medical practice of neuroscience. “I have a lot of other things Tyler Brown 2010 Best Times I want to experience,” she said. 200 Freestyle: 2:02 She is passionate and driven and 500 Freestyle: 5:27 will stop at nothing to achieve 100 Backstroke: 1:06 her goals.
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20
Sports
Tiger - Friday, March 18, 2011
Sports
[inside]
Today’s games
CIF Winter Sports
B. Baseball vs. San Marino @ 3:30
See how far winter sports advanced in the playoffs.
G. Softball vs. San Marino @ 3:30 For more sports coverage, visit tigernewspaper.com
Page 18
Softball team struggles early in season
Katie Whitworth
From left to right: Junior pitcher Marissa Baca and sophomore Erika Rodriguez compete against Marshall. 42 runs. “Our energy has to stay up. We need to focus on individual plays and leave it all out on the field. Along with this we need to fix our hitting and our at- bats,” said sophomore Laura Elbaum. In the Arroyo Tournament, the Tigers faced off against Rowland at home in which they lost 3-4. De-
By Christian Miyamae Assoc. Sports Editor Softball competed in the Duarte and Arroyo tournaments to start the season, in which they struggled with a 1-4 record. It was a tough stretch of games as their pitching and defense proved to be unworthy of the opponent’s offense, allowing
spite a 3-0 lead early on, the Tigers were put to rest as Rowland cashed in four runs in the sixth inning, which turned out to be the difference maker. After three harsh defeats, the girls were able to pull out a win in the Duarte Tournament on the March 12, defeating Marshall 122. As the visiting team, the Tigers
controlled the tempo of the game scoring a run in every inning. As run production flourished, so did pitching, junior Marissa Baca pitched the whole game allowing only three hits. The Tigers lost in a shut out 0-11 to Crescenta Valley on March 5, only registering three hits. The bright spot in the Tigers lineup was Elbaum who managed two of the three hits in the game. With little hitting, the pitchers were unable to keep them in the game as they gave up 11 runs. Of the eight hits given up, three of them were homeruns. Looking forward, South Pas softball looks to turn things around in league as they open up at home against rival San Marino today at 3:30. “We’re excited for league to start,” Elbaum said.
3/12 SPHS v. Marshall 12-2 W
3/14 SPHS v. Rowland 3-4 L
Boys volleyball playing well in new division By Brendan Perry Staff Writer South Pasadena’s boys volleyball team faced some of the toughest competition in Southern California this preseason, resulting in a 3-10 record. Despite the onesided losses, the Tigers feel very confident about their chances for winning league this year. The team is loaded with young talent, and many players have shown great improvement after training in the off-season with club teams. Junior Thomas Adamson, who played with San Gabriel Volleyball in the fall, leads the team in kills. Now that the toughest of their schedule is behind them, the Tigers are ready
to move on and focus on league. The Tigers traveled to Arcadia last Tuesday, hoping to avenge a tournament loss against the powerful Apaches the previous week. South Pasadena came out energized and ready to give Arcadia a good match. The Tigers led most of the first game but loss focus towards the end. Arcadia defeated South Pasadena in straight games, 23-25, 8-25, 19-25. “Arcadia finishes off an extremely difficult preseason lineup for us. We were tired and got discouraged in the second game. Arcadia got pumped and started smashing balls and we couldn’t keep up. But from how hard we played the top teams in CIF, we have a really good shot at league.”
said senior captain Gabriel Kahn. South Pasadena has shown flashes of excellence throughout this tough pre-season stretch. The Tigers defeated highly ranked La Salle in a five game thriller earlier this month, and managed to win a game against Burroughs High School, who is currently ranked second in CIF. Boys volleyball opens league play March 29 at Temple City.
3/10 SPHS v. Burroughs 1-3 L
3/15 SPHS v. Arcadia 0-3 L
Jennifer Kim
Senior Sebastian Latting jumps and prepares to spike the ball against Cresenta Valley on March 2.
Boys golf ready to tee off season
Katie Whitworth
Sophomore Cole Teague drives the ball straight down the fairway.
By Jake Folsom Senior Staff Writer The boys varsity golf team has had a mediocre start to their season this year, going 2-4 in pre-season. They had a disappointing loss to Poly, a team they beat by 83 strokes last year. Despite this unfortunate loss, the team’s victory over Cresenta Valley helped to boost their confidence and get the team mentally prepared for the tough season to come. The team was lead by star player and junior, captian Harry Yadav, who golfed an impressive plus three in the last game. This was Yadav’s first game this year; his pres-
ence helped to raise the team’s hopes for the regular season and was a contributing factor to their latest victory. “Our team is not deep this year but we have a couple of players that can contend for a league championship,” said Yadav. Freshman Henry Sue, another up-and-coming player, shot a strong plus five, pushing the team to an even larger lead. They took this match by an impressive 27 strokes. “This is my first year in golf, but I love the atmosphere and the laid back nature of the sport,” said junior Kai Matsukuma “I’ve been practicing all year
for this season, were gonna try really hard this year and hopefully it will pay off,” said sophomore Cole Teague. Although the team is off to a less than promising start, they are hopeful for the future. They have a lot of young talent and are working toward making a CIF appearance this year.
3/9 3/14 SPHS SPHS 3/17 v. v. Crescenta SPHS Burbank Valley v. Bur246-238 L 212-228 W bank
Edmund Mandin-Lee
Track & Field Track & Field shows potential at start of season. Page 17
Speaking of
Sports Brendan Perry
The perfection of March Madness March Madness is the greatest spectacle in collegiate sports: 68 teams, 67 games, 16 days, 1 winner. The raw excitement of the Men’s NCAA tournament is simply unparalleled. Every year, fans witness buzzerbeating finishes, jaw dropping individual performances, and most inspiring of all, Cinderella runs. Basketball should serve as model for other college sports. Fans love to root for the underdogs, the scrappy teams that somehow find their way into the tournament and prepare to take on the Goliaths of men’s basketball. And unlike any other sport, these underdog teams can actually go on a magical run and make it to the Final Four. This is how the post-season should be played. According to CBS Sports, viewers watched more than 8.6 million hours of the tournament last year. Sports fanatics simply cannot get enough of March Madness. Singleelimination playoffs create an electric atmosphere that cannot be beat. It’s time for other sports learn to follow suit, particularly, college football. College football currently uses the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system, in which two teams are statistically decided to play in the national championship. This system is flawed. In the past two years alone, two talented teams, TCU and Boise State, went undefeated and did not get a chance for the national title. Football should learn from basketball’s post-season and adopt a playoff system. Obviously, football is a much more physical sport and the field would have to be closer to 16 teams than 65, but it would still give those underdog teams that fans love to cheer for a shot at the title.