A Homecoming befitting Hogwarts By Kristin Gunther Copy Editor
Jennifer Kim
Homecoming Court 2010: Princesses pose with Queen Chloe Lloyd: sophomore Phoebe Ou-Yang, senior Sara Charney, junior Sue Helen Ang, senior Jade Roman, and freshman Luciana Ponce de Leon.
High school Bomb scare at Mission Station rivalry flares again By Ande Withers Staff Writer
By Clair Fuller and Sofi Goode Staff Writers The South Pasadena/ San Marino football game on October 29 was highly anticipated and steeped in the traditional rivalry between the previously combined schools. South Pasadena emerged victorious from the game with a 42-20 win, but not before much mud slinging from both sides. In the week before the game, an event was made on Facebook advertising the game itself. However, hateful comments degrading both sides appeared on the wall, and the conversation quickly degenerated into a showcase of strong feelings from both schools. On the morning of the game, graffiti appeared at SPHS. Found on the sidewalk by the soccer field on campus, it read “SPK” in sloppy white paint. This acronym, which stands for “South Pasadena Killers,” (and its equivalent “SMK”, meaning San Marino Killers) has been used at both schools on many occasions to add fuel to the deeply rooted rivalry. The graffiti, however, was promptly removed, and the administration took no further action. There is a common misconception at SPHS that saying or using the slogan “SMK” violates some kind of preexisting and official policy. See “SP-SM” on Page 2
Last Friday, Metro Gold Line trains stopped service to Mission Station for over four hours, while a bomb squad attempted to investigate what appeared to be unattended suitcases. According to Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo, the scare began when someone called from the station at approximately 12:45 pm to report an unattended item. Police and Fire Department officers were called to examine the suitcase, and trains were ordered to bypass Mission Station. After the
officers determined the bags to be suspicious, the Sheriff’s Department bomb squad unit was called to examine the object. “The bomb squad rendered the bags safe by blowing them up,” Sgt. Tony Abdalla said. However, Sgt. Ed Luevano of the LA County Sheriff’s Department reported that no explosives were found. The bomb squad determined that there was nothing in the bags apart from clothing and miscellaneous items. Mission Station was able to reopen before 3:00 pm. Though the satchels were determined harm-
less, local police departments have made it clear that leaving a bag unattended is a serious issue. “There is no way to tell if an item like this is real or fake without physically inspecting the bag and its contents,” said Janet Pope-Givens of the Pasadena Police Department. The South Pasadena Police Department will continue its investigation in hopes of determining who abandoned the bags and why. “In this day and age you absolutely cannot leave your baggage unattended in a public transportation center,” said Sgt. Abdalla. “We take this very seriously.”
Sam Gurley
Jewelry heist ends in South Pasadena By Marcus Kahn Managing Editor Following a jewelry store robbery at Pasadena Jewelry Mart next to the Paseo Colorado Wednesday afternoon, four African-American males allegedly at-
tempted to evade Pasadena Police by entering South Pasadena. The police apprehended the suspects in a search near Orange Grove Avenue around the western border of South Pasadena two hours after the 1:53 PM robbery.
Five surrounding police departments were involved in the search, as well as up to seven canines. Officers continued to search yard to yard and even inside some homes for suspects after the four men were See “Robbery” on Page 2
Last week’s Homecoming celebration was literally magical. The three-day Harry Potterthemed festival culminated on Wednesday, November 9, with the Tiger football team’s 27-17 win over Temple City and a dance that was sadly under-attended. Attendees of the game witnessed a magic show at half-time, as well as a firework display symbolizing Chloe Lloyd’s elected reign as the 2010 Homecoming Queen. Due to today’s penultimate film release of the Harry Potter series, last week’s Homecoming display was heavily influenced by the wizarding franchise. A Quidditch match, won by the seniors, was held at lunch on Tuesday of the shortened week. The upperclassmen got their comeuppance, however, when the freshmen and sophomores took the tied first place spot for the most spirit points. The aforementioned award was announced during the Home-
coming assembly, where Kyle Ehlig and Clarke McRae danced and Pep performed multiple acts. “The flag thing was really cool,” said freshman Danielle Krieger, of Flags’ glow-in-the-dark performance. The assembly segued into the Homecoming Picnic held on Diamond Street. The Picnic allowed students to mingle, taste delectable treats, and partake in revelry; for many, the event was also a people-watching experience—as Mr. Ring said, “…seeing students in an environment where they can be themselves and have fun [is very enjoyable].” The much-appreciated festivities ended Wednesday evening with the Homecoming Dance, which was held in the gym. Although “some aspects [of the three-day, Harry Potter themed palooza] weren’t quite as good as last year…overall it was very fun,” said sophomore Evan Davis. The success of the hullabaloo is probably best summarized, though, by junior Lillie Moffett’s eloquent statement: “Boba was the best.”
Sam Gurley
Rehearsal for “Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will?,” which will open Dec. 3rd in the Little Theatre. See Tiger Online for comments from the cast and director Mr. Daniel Enright.
Local increase in bike theft By Jackson Atwater Assoc. News Editor Is it safe to lock your bicycle on the street near the high school? Recent South Pasadena Police Department crime reports suggest it’s not. Since the first day of school, at least four bicycles have been stolen from the area around the High School. However, the most active theft hotspot is the Gold Line Metro station on Mission and Meridian. Bicycles have also been stolen from SPMS and Marengo Elementary. Not only South Pasadena is being affected by this increase in crime. Officer Richard Lee of the South Pasadena Police Department notes that sheriffs in Temple City say they, too, have noticed a significant increase in thefts within their city. On a larger scale, the city of Los Angeles experienced a 29% jump in bicycle theft in 2009, with a 57 % jump in theft in and
around the downtown area. Officer John Salcido, also of the SPPD, confirms these statistics, adding that in South Pasadena, “quite a few, at least two or three [bicycles] are stolen a week.” Bike thieves may carry a pair of bolt cutters with them, which can cut through even the strongest locks if the thief has enough time to work. Once the bicycle is safely in criminal hands, it will likely be sold to a pawn shop or advertised on Craigslist. The SPPD has a free bicycle licensing program, and it recommends that cyclists keep track of the serial number on the bottom bracket of a bicycle to help recover the bicycle if it is stolen. Salcido adds that, “bike theft is definitely an easy way to make a quick buck. Not just students are being affected by this; everybody who rides a bike needs to be aware of this problem.”