12.15.10

The VOLUME XXXIII, ISSUE 4

Westlake High School

Arrow

100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362

December 15, 2010

PHOTOS BY STEVEN PARO

Sooooo Close

live warrior pride: Warriors fought valiantly until the very end of one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the Conejo Valley. (Left) Nick Isham stares in disbelief, while (right) Coach Benkert praises the team’s hard fight throughout the game.

Jacob Cavanah Sports Editor

In seemingly slow motion, end over end, with five seconds left in the game and the season, the ball sailed toward the goalposts with Westlake’s hopes for the 2010 CIFSouthern Section Northern Division championship riding on the wind.

But it was not to be.

In one of the most nerve-wracking, and dramatic football games ever played locally, the Oaks Christian High School Lions held off what appeared to be another Westlake miracle in the making, winning 29-28 on their home field last Friday night.

OCHS’s senior wide receiver, Brett Medders, had a stellar catch in the back of the end zone to bring the Lions within one of the Warriors. OCHS elected to go for two,

and their number one receiver, Blair Holliday, took the snap out of the wildcat formation and rushed it into the end zone to make the conversion, which put his team on top.

With less than a minute left on the clock, Nick Isham ‘11 and the Warrior offense put together one of their impressive drives that took the Warriors within Alex Ball’s ‘12 field goal range. In one last effort to take the lead, the ball sailed toward the goal until it bounced harmlessly on the post and fell outside.

Losing a game like this by one point is disappointing, but already the spirit is back and the returning players are looking forward to next year. Linebacker José Muguerza '11 said “We are definitely motivated about next season and facing Oaks again. This loss makes us realize just how much harder we have to work to come out on top. Many of next year’s starters got a lot of playing experience this year, and I am confident

that those who are replacing this year’s starters will be physically and mentally ready to get it done.”

Although the Warriors did not come out of this game victorious, they played nothing short of excellent. Quarterback Nick Isham '11 completed 23 passes on 33 attempts with two touchdowns thrown to Justin Moore '13 and Tre'shon Wilson '11, and also had one rushing score. Wilson had five catches that went for 85 yards. On the defensive side of the football, Isham intercepted Richie Harrington, the Oaks quarterback, once.

In the semi finals against the St. Bonaventure Seraphs, the Warriors got revenge from their regular season 32-31 loss, with a 37-27 victory. Isham had 26 completions on 35 attempts for a total of 386 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. Nelson Spruce ’11 had seven receptions for 132 yards with one score.

Wilson also had a break-out game with four catches that went for 110 yards, with his longest being 55 yards that boosted the Warriors momentum.

Against Palos Verdes in the quarterfinals at WHS, Tavior Mowry ’11 shined with 11 carries for a total of 114 yards, and he managed to get into the end zone three times. He also caught the ball three times for 29 yards. WHS took care of PVHS easy, 49-28.

In the first round of the playoffs, Mowry also took over, having a staggering 177 yards on only 21 carries, and four of those carries went for touchdowns. He averaged eight yards per carry against KHS. Even though the season did not end as the team and fans wanted it to, it was a success.

The offensive line from last year’s team all graduated, so the line consisted of juniors who were first-year varsity players, but they did a CONTINUED On Page 16

WHS Begins Self Study for WASC Report

Katelyn Masket Feature Editor

To validate the diplomas of its graduates, WHS is beginning a self-study that will be presented to The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which is responsible for the accreditation of public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the western portion of the United States.

Every six years officials from WASC visit WHS to confirm that students and staff meet the standards necessary to be classified as an accredited school.

"The self evaluation process allows students, teachers, and parents to examine WHS and determine the our strengths and areas we may need to improve," said Dr. Laurie Looker. She continued, "It assures that WHS is providing a quality education to all of our

students."

For each WASC report, WHS must assess its weaknesses and include specific means by which to improve upon them.

One primary focus for this year's goals for improvement, according to Looker, will be ensuring that every student feels connected.

“Since our last accreditation we have been focusing on providing support to students who may be struggling academically and to also make sure that every student at WHS is connected to the school and has a sense of belonging."

This includes peer tutoring for struggling students and additional clubs that encompass all of the student body's interests.

Without the designation from WASC an education from WHS would be worth very little to colleges or universities, for as Looker said, "Accreditation is an indication to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning."

WASC officials investigate both "the integrity of our programs and the instruction we are providing," Looker added.

According to www.acswasc.org, "WASC values accreditation as a process designed to strengthen schools in the delivery of quality educational programs. Accreditation is important to schools as it impacts students’ access to colleges and universities and career opportunities in a variety of ways."

WHS teachers, students, administrators, and parents are involved in writing the extensive report which includes chapters on curriculum and instruction as well as vision and culture.

This year Looker and Deborah Kolodney are co-chairs of the WASC report.

Each chapter is written by a group which includes two student members from ASG. Matt Sullivan ‘11, part of Quality Student

Support for Student Personal and Academic growth, is involved in evaluating school safety and parent and community involvement.

The first WASC meeting was held on Dec. 8 during common planning, and each group will continue to meet over the course of this year in order to complete the extensive report.

The variety of participants from the WHS community brings “different answers and perspectives to the questions included in our portion of the WASC report,” Sullivan said.

“Instead of employing just teachers or administrators, we get involvement from all aspects of the school.”

The WASC evaluation process provides for a positive opportunity for self-evaluation for our school. Looker said "It fosters an ongoing commitment to improving our school and that we support academic success for all students."

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IN BRIEF

Financial Aid Night

Alumna Competes in “The Sing Off” Alumna Catherine Ricafort ‘05 is appearing on NBC’s a cappella competition series, “The Sing Off,” which premiered on Dec. 6. The one-of-a-kind battle of voices will culminate in a live finale on Dec. 20, 8-10 pm.

Amnesty International Urges Protection The Westlake Chapter of Amnesty International, led by club president Stephanie Yang ‘11, joined forces with chapters around the globe to take action against sexual violence in the Congo.

Each member personally signed a petition. Petitions will be sent to Hillary Clinton in order to ensure that the UN Security Council will increase protection of the villages in danger of attack and address the effects experienced by the rape victims.

Thirteen to Compete in Shakespeare Festival

AP Registration Students will register for their AP exams in the Student Store during Common Planning Time only. 12th Graders register Jan. 12, 11th Graders register Jan. 26, and 10th Graders register Feb. 9.

Final Exam Schedule Tuesday, Jan. 18 7:00 - 9:00 Period 1 Exam 9:07 - 9:51 Period 2 9:58 - 10:42 Period 3 10:49 - 11:33 Period 4 11:40 - 12:24 Period 5 12:24 - 1:04 Lunch 1:10 - 1:54 Period 6 2:01 - 2:45 Period 7 Wednesday, Jan. 19 8:00 - 10:00 Period 2 Exam 10:00 - 10:14 Break/Passing Time 10:20 - 12:20 Period 3 Exam 12:20 Dismissal Thursday, Jan. 20 8:00-10:00 Period 4 Exam 10:00-10:14 Break/Passing Time 10:20-12:20 Period 5 Exam 12:20 Dismissal Friday, Jan. 21 8:00-10:00 Period 6 Exam 10:00-10:14 Break/Passing Time 10:20-12:20 Period 7 Exam 12:20 Dismissal

Chinese Classes Participate in New Year Performance Brian Chang

Feature Editor Select students taking Chinese classes will participate in the annual Chinese New Year’s Culture Festival held at the Civic Arts Plaza.

Julie Chuang, Chinese teacher, has high hopes for the performance.

"Our Chinese class students will get to participate in a local community event," she said. "Although we had previously attended performances to watch, this will be the first time we actually dance with the students."

Besides the WHS students, some students from Oak Park High School will perform, but the majority of the performers will be students attending the local

Chinese school sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Chinese School.

Another special feature of the program is that the WHS students will have a complete performance to themselves, as well as a final closing number of the show.

"Our performance was entirely directed and taught by ourselves, with Allison Zhong '12 leading the group."

The students have been practicing every Sunday for one and a half hours, and the final performance will consist of many different members, ranging from the local Chinese schools to other high school students.

Chinese New Year, a widely celebrated event, takes place during the month February, celebrates the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, which is a circular calendar

that represents one animal per year. The New Year’s day for 2011 will be on Feb. 3, and will represent the year of the rabbit.

The WHS dance will feature many different couples dancing to Chinese music, but they will dance in a Contemporary style, to a contemporary Chinese song.

Such integration of modern and classic Chinese music will celebrate both the traditions of Chinese culture and the changes that it underwent.

Tickets to the show can be bought through the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association, but for cheaper tickets, contact Mrs. Chuang.

There are also further volunteer and community service that can be found out through Mrs. Chuang.

Students Display Art in Winter Showcase

Michelle Noyes Feature Editor

The annual WHS Winter Art Showcase began Dec. 9, incorporating art from students who are in the AP classes.

“There is no theme. It is open to the entire school. I want everyone to participate,” said art teacher John Farmer.

“I am submitting a color pencil drawing, close-up of an elephant’s head,” said AP Art student Sherry Huang ‘13.

The winter gallery includes Photography, Ceramics, Life Drawings, and many other types of art being shown in the Library.

The Showcase is organized

by Art Club president Ashley Chang ‘12. “It is a showing and its purpose is to promote art in the school and community,” said Chang.

“We have many enthusiastic

and talented artists at WHS, and we received anywhere from 30-60 entries ranging from photography, life drawing, and even to ceramics. Students are interested in selling their artwork to guests and fellow students. Art Club is going through a renovation.

We are currently in our application process in becoming a chapter in the National Art Honor Society organization,” said Chang.

Students who love art are encouraged to join and become involved new members.

The library will be open Dec. 13 to 17 for students and staff to view the showcase.

Parents, friends, and students are also welcome to join.

photo by ashley chang

Auditions for the 36th annual Henry Kemp-Blair Shakespeare Festival were held last week after school. Thirteen students were chosen by the WHS Theater Department to compete against 20 other schools, at Chapman University on Feb. 18 and 19. They will perform one eight-minute scene and showcase two monologues, one male and one female, all from Shakespeare’s First Folio.

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

the elephant in the room: Sherry Huang’s color-pencil drawing of a close-up elephant’s head.

photo by steven paro

Financial Aid Night will take place on Jan. 20 in the WHS Library from 6-8 pm. Parents and students are welcome to come and receive information about filling out the FAFSA, Cal Grant, CSS Profile, and to learn about other scholarships.

NEWS

CAUTION: Eric Hatlee spoke to students about cyberbullying dangers.

Sergeant Speaks Out Against Cyberbullying Brian Chang

Feature Editor Sergeant Eric Hatlee from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department delivered a presentation on cyberbullying during Common Planning Time on Dec. 8.

During the presentation, Hatlee explained the many different indicators of an unsafe environment, including how to spot a hacker or virus, as well as how to recognize a safe website. He also talked about the danger of social networking sites and about how the abuse of networking sites could lead to dangerous situations.

He advised students to avoid anonymous chatrooms as well.

“You don’t jump in a car of a stranger, and in the same way, you don’t jump into the internet with random strangers,” he said.

“The internet may be a great way of communicating, [but] the problem occurs when [people] start abusing it.” He also warned students against posting provocative images on their social networking accounts or any other electronic sites.

While explaining, he said, “When you post something on the internet, people can do whatever they want with it.”

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Guess What?

College Board Eliminates AP Guessing Penalty

Alexa Lucas

Feature Editor Changes in the AP scoring system will go into effect this year. College Board has altered the multiple choice system so that students will no longer be penalized for incorrect answers.

According to College Board’s policy prior to this year, “one-fourth of a point for questions with five possible answers and one-third of a point for questions with four popular answers,” had been deducted for incorrect answers.

The purpose of this system is to avoid “random guessing” so students can be rewarded for their true knowledge of the subject.

This policy often made students apprehensive to answer many of the multiplechoice questions, leading the scores to not represent the true knowledge of the given student.

According to USA Today, the College Board is in the process of redesigning many of the AP testing courses for the 2011-12 school year.

The courses will focus more on conceptual understanding of specific skills. There will be fewer multiple-choice questions, but the difficulty level of each question will increase.

By creating a more concrete exam, all students will be ensured the same testing instructions, therefore the guessing penalty becomes unnecessary.

“When I do guess, I get more right, so it really does work in my favor. I’m not as worried about giving a wrong answer,” said Annie Chen ‘12.

This will take away some of the students’ apprehension to answer certain questions during time constraints.

This policy will greatly benefit those students who do not have “the direct knowledge of correct answers, or in the face of time constraints, may comfortably bubble in responses to every question,” said Nancy Griesemer of The Examiner.

According to Trevor Packer, director of AP programs, grading will be “simpler [and] cleaner” without the “deductions for wrong answers.”

The change in grading APs will become effective for the upcoming May 2010 APs. The College Board spokeswoman announced the SATs are not planning to make a mirroring change. The SATs still plan to penalize for incorrect answers.

In accordance with the AP change, Lora Novak, AP English teacher, said “I love it!

In the past, students would psych themselves out. Now the students won’t be resistant to try, which is what teachers want their students to do.”

FEATURE

Tuition Takes Over

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Financing Your Life Away for Knowledge

Meini Cheng

year, reported the SFGate.

A recent addition to the UC board, regent Charlene Zettel At this point in time, voted against the proposition California’s public universities because she did not feel it was are experiencing significant properly prevented. financial deficits. Because “With the economy in of declining state funding, decline, their hands are tied. students and their families They have no choice, but they are required to pay a more never think outside the box. substantial share of education They have to find other ways costs. to create revenue, instead The University of of just taking more from the California is facing flagging students,” said Assistant state funding and a $1 billion Principal of Instruction Nicole budget hole.

Therefore, Cash Grab: Students struggle to finance a college education in hard economic times. Judd. officials proposed pension The UC President, among years that the UC Regents have would be put toward financial reforms and an 8% tuition other regents, is not proud of increase. By a 15-5 vote, the plan approved a tuition hike, and the aid. The proposal also aims to the action taken to raise revenue-was approved in November at a tuition has nearly tripled in the expand UC’s existing financial looking for funding in the pockets last decade. aid program, so that qualified of the students. “Shame on us,” convention in San Francisco.

In this new plan, California students with annual said Regent Eddie Island, who UC President Mark G. Yudof believes that student fee undergraduate student fees in the family incomes less than $80,000 was disappointed that the board increases are again needed to years 2011-2012 would increase would not be required to pay the presented only one option to vote stave off further layoffs and by $822 to $11,124 annually. With basic education fees. Currently, on. Island said, “I came to [this program cuts. Yudof has been campus-based fees included, the only families earning less than convention] with full intention praised for attempting to raise sum would be approximately $70,000 annually are covered by of voting against this, but the revenue in sources other than $12,150. According to the SFGate, the program. case was made very, very, very For the first year of the compelling.” tuition increases, but he claims the new tuition raises the total his attempt only “nibbled at the cost of an undergraduate year at new plan, qualified California Nevertheless, student margins” of the amount necessary. UC to about $30,000, including students with annual family representatives avidly criticize WHS Counselor John mandatory fees, books, and incomes of less than $120,000 the proposed plan. Thirteen will be exempted from paying people were arrested at the UC Lisowski said, “The UC Board is housing.

When the tuition increases are the 8% increase. Officials predict San Francisco campus for their doing what they can do. Either they raise the tuition, or they take implemented, about $180 million that approximately 55% of UC’s protests. As tuition rates have a bunch of out-of-state students will be generated in annual 181,000 undergraduates would sky-rocketed in recent years, who pay the extra out-of-state revenue. In the last three years, not be required to pay the tuition many fear that the rapidly rising tuition. But we want more places UC’s enrollment of California augmentation. tuitions will induce students to students increased by 16,000 The state gave the UC system drop out of college. for our own students.”

This 8% increase translates and the university estimates $370 million that had previously Fortunately, UC researchers to an $822 addition to student mandatory costs of more than been cut, but “our classes are still found dropout rates to be decently fees. Since the tuition was already $365 million next year, in addition being cut and our employees are stable through the last decade for increased by 32% last year, this to a $21 billion unfunded liability still being fired,” said UC Berkeley students of all income levels. is the second consecutive year for retiree pension and health student Lesley Haddock. To In response to the students make matters worse, California protesting the fee increase, Yudof with a tuition raise. According programs.

Yudof stated that nearly faces another budget shortfall of said, “It’s worth what you pay to to UCLA’s Daily Bruin, this is the fourth time in the past three $64 million from the fee increase approximately $20 billion this attend here.”

News Editor

Christina’s College Corner

Tell Me About Yourself:

Christina Vasiliou Staff Writer

As prospective college students attempt to condense the content of their intellectual experiences into a well-written and unique 500-word or less essay, some private schools offer both admissions and alumni interviews to aid the schools in making the right admission decisions.

The interview gives the school a chance to understand what type of person the school is admitting and what that student will bring to the campus.

Many questions are fair game, and the trick to acing a college interview is to portray yourself as a competent and likable student that the college would love to have at their institution.

According to collegeboard.com the interview also gives students a chance to discuss any variations in their academic record due to special circumstances or personal issues.

Here are some examples of commonly used interview questions and how to formulate a quality answer as well as what to avoid: Tell me about yourself.

This question is probably the

A Student’s Guide to the College Interview hardest to answer in a unique and unforgettable way. Consolidating an entire 17 years of existence into a few meaningful and essential sentences is difficult for even the most interesting people.

This question gives the applicant a chance to convey his or her primary interests, as well as a chance to give any fun or interesting.

Interviewees should avoid generic answers such as, “I’m responsible, outgoing, hardworking, loyal, and friendly”; these answers can be applied to any applicant in any state across the nation, and a college will not be impressed with them.

Why are you interested in our college?

Specifics are very important when answering this question.

While “to get a good education” or “because the college is prestigious and well known” may very well be accurate answers; they are also generic and do not portray anything interesting about you.

Consider mentioning a specific professor you admire or a possible research opportunity that the school offers. This attention to detail shows that you have invested time in researching

the college.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

College life is not all work all the time. Colleges want to know what you do outside of school.

Use this question to convey your interests. Do you love baking or hiking with your dogs?

Interviewers are there to get to know you and hobbies are important to the process.

If you could pick any three people, dead or alive, fictional or real, to have dinner with who would you pick?

Specifically heard from USC interviewers this year, this unique question can often tell a lot about a person.

Favorite authors, scientists, actors, historians, fictional characters, singers, architects or designers are common answers and can portray someone’s interests very well.

One hint is to answer three people who have different professions and are from different time periods to portray yourself as well-rounded with a multitude of interests.

What can I tell you about our college?

The interviewee can fully expect the interviewer to provide

an opportunity for him or her to ask any questions. Make sure any questions you ask are thoughtful and specific to the college.

Be sure they aren’t questions whose answers can easily be found on the school’s website or brochures about mean GPA, SAT scores, or deadlines.

Probing questions are ideal such as “What would graduates of your college say was the most valuable aspect of their four years here?” This shows an interest not only in what the school offers but how it will positively affect your future.

Questions involving specific majors or programs or the internships available at the school are also good ones to ask.

Tell me about a challenge that you overcame.

Colleges want able-bodied students who can apply their education to real life situations.

This question assesses your problem solving skills and your ability to confront conflicts and get past them.

From small seemingly insignificant situations to life changing ones, any challenge can give the interviewer a chance to get to know more about you and what kind of person they are admitting into their school.

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OPINION

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Name-Brand College ≠ Success Yangzong Guo Staff Writer

A Dash of Sanity: Shining Star

Dashiell Young-Saver Feature Editor

I am not a star. I do not shine.

I do not sparkle. When compared to my fellow students, I am just a surface dweller that can only look up in awe. I am not capable of rising above an atmosphere of mediocrity.

When my 5th period teacher handed out the “star cards” about two months ago, I waited to receive a 2 X 3 inch card that I could quietly (but proudly) display in the transparent plastic fold in my wallet.

Star cards are meant to be a reward for scoring advanced or proficient in the language arts section of the STAR test or improving a score by 3% or more. As the stack of cards started to dwindle, I began to worry. I thought I was a deserving star student. I was wrong. There was no star card in the stack for me.

I felt like a driver without a license, Justin Bieber after a voice change, Angelina Jolie without her 17th adopted child, a WHS student without a new BMW convertible. I was lost, undefined in a universe filled with stars.

Soon my dreams about the absent card began to haunt me.

Most entailed some of my friends, who appeared as glowing stars, laughing at me because I was just a burned out white-dwarf after a supernova of academic failure. Other dreams had college admissions officers saying, “you seem to be a fine candidate for our school; however, I did not see your star card, you do have one don’t you?” When I shamefully say no, the Harvard, Stanford, USC, Miami, Riverside, and Moorpark officers all laugh and say, “leave before I catch your failure disease.”

After weeks of panicking, I raced down to the office to inquire about all the opportunities I would miss without the star card. I found out that even though there are plans to reward people for earning Star cards, there are no benefits as of yet for students who do not eat school lunches. I was relieved to find out that I could still apply to colleges successfully without a star card. In fact, the reason I did not get one was only that I did not show up to registration. My life was back on track.

I also discovered that beyond using their Star cards as a straightedge for math or a bookmark, my peers found theirs to be about as valuable as a butterknife at a lumber-jack competition.

After all of this distress, I now realize that a star heart is more important than a star card.

So, like my fellow Junior, Martin Luther King Jr., I too have a dream: that one day students will not be judged by the content of their card but by the content of their character. From the highrising staircases of Building 4 to the low ramps of the bungalows, let the stars shine in everyone.

One question wracks the mind of every college-age student: “Does it matter what college I attend?”

Many people would claim that graduates from prestigious institutions will stand on firmer grounds when trying to obtain job positions than those who graduate from lesser-known schools.

However, many others argue that the quality of the college experience, and not the name of the college, is the true indicator of the benefits of a school.

Harvard, Stanford, and MIT are all among the best known colleges in the country. Many go to these schools so that they can have an advantage in the aftercollege job search.

But will it actually help?

Contrary to popular belief, just

attending a name-brand school will not guarantee a career after college. In fact, according to the USA Today, unemployment among those with a bachelor’s degree rose to 5.1%, the highest since 1970, which is when the USA Today began keeping records.

And companies are not showing a preference for Ivy League graduates, either.

Many recent graduates from both public and private institutions are finding, that due to the economy, employment is a race to the bottom. Graduates from name-brand schools see that the higher salaries that they had come to expect no longer exist.

There is no evidence that going to a better school leads to a better life. Many of today’s wealthiest and most successful individuals come from institutions that are not incredibly well-known. In fact, according to Forbes Magazine, Carlos Slim Helu, currently the richest man on earth,

graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a public school, and made money speculating in oil futures based on his personal background.

Others like Oprah Winfrey, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates are all incredibly prosperous and powerful people who did not necessarily go to the top-notch schools, or even go to college at all.

According to The Guardian, Steve Jobs dropped out of Reed College, a small northwestern school, after only one semester.

Going to a prestigious college is not the final decision on whether one can succeed in life.

Hard work and success in college can help people achieve monumental tasks later in life. Ambition, motivation, and desire to learn will lead people to success no matter what college they go to.

Students Risk Exposure on Facebook Woody Chung Staff Writer

Privacy has become the new gold standard in our society. Privacy—or our lack thereof— has slowly but surely begun to dictate an ever-increasing number of aspects of our lives. Our generation seems to have a problem with recklessly oversharing information on Facebook. There are several reasons to be wary when using Facebook, but the biggest wary is also the scariest: students can risk their futures when using Facebook.

A study conducted by America’s Conference on Information Systems found that 70% of students share detailed personal information on Facebook. Many of these same students are unaware of just how much information they’ve put online.

“Even when I protect my information by setting all of my settings to private, I am

sure that there is always a risk, however small, [that colleges will see my personal information],” said Jeremy Tran ‘13 The constant stream of personal information released on Facebook can be devastating to a student’s future. The website Udiligence.com is one of many sites that monitor the Facebook pages of student-athletes for their respective colleges. It searches for embarrassing information on the site.

This increasingly popular service has already been implemented in dozens of top-tier athletic schools. Admission officers monitor pages of hopeful candidates as well.

According to the website College Confidential, a student was contacted by his admissions officer after being called an explitive on Facebook. A scholarship or an admission to a dream college can be snatched out of a student’s grasp after the

Wikileaks Leaks: Freedom of Information Zak Kukoff

Opinion Editor Recently, a renegade hacker facilitated the biggest release of classified documents in history.

However, contrary to how it sounds, it is helping to improve government security and transparency.

Wikileaks is a website where anyone can leak classified data that governments withhold.

Wikileaks has released documents ranging from bank leaks to government attacks.

Yet, the reason that Wikileaks is in the news now is for a much bigger reason: the release of thousands of classified State Department Cables.

These releases, which have been dubbed CableGate, have single-handedly upended the way that America interacts with its diplomats around the world, fundamentally altering the perceptions of the role of ambassadors.

According to The New York Times, the documents in CableGate were procured by Private Manning, an army member who copied the documents to his USB drive.

Despite the short-term complications, Wikileaks serves a valuable purpose.

By continuing the tradition that the leaked Pentagon Papers (circa 1970) began, Wikileaks helps to ensure the accountability of the government to its citizens.

Wikileaks has proven what many suspected already: that a truly free press

is a terrifying problem for many elected officials.

The greatest threat that people face from Wikileaks is not its release of classified documents, but rather the over-reaction by politicians. Using secrecy as an excuse, the government has denied citizens their rights, such as knowing as much about our government as possible.

If left unchecked, the use of this excuse could threaten citizens’ free-speech rights.

According to Wired.com’s Danger Room, a bill has been introduced that would limit the sites that Americans can access.

The blog Talking Points Memo cites an anonymous Electronic Frontier Foundation laywer who points out that the bill would allow the government to take down any site that endangered national security.

Instead of writing new laws that check free speech and prosecuting more people under those laws, citizens (and the government) should embrace Wikileaks.

While it might not be the friendliest to those in power, Wikileaks certainly is a friend to the people. It helps us to better understand our government, and forces the government to work with more transparency.

Sites like Wikileaks are important not because they release national secrets, but it is the ultimate test of the First Amendment rights. Wikileaks pushes the American government—and others—to the brink, and is an important test of our freedom in doing so.

college discovers defamatory information on the student’s Facebook page.

Supporters of oversharing claim that as long as a student’s profile is highly monitored, colleges will not find anything too unflattering.

Since any friend on Facebook has the ability to link information to a user’s Facebook page, it is ridiculous to ask students to monitor each post.

There is no way to trust each friend on Facebook to look out for a student’s better interest.

For the hard work of students to be so swiftly taken away can be devastating.

As a result, we should think about what we post before releasing it for hundreds of people to see. The root of the problem is not the lack of privacy on Facebook, or the intrusivness of schools, but rather our willingness to release information that should be kept to ourselves. .

THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

ARROW

100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Max Avruch MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Battaglia NEWS EDITOR Meini Cheng OPINION EDITORS Zak Kukoff, Steven Paro FEATURE EDITORS Katrina Brewer, Brian Chang, Alexa Lucas, Jamie Mark, Katelyn Masket, Julia Model, Michelle Noyes, Dashiell Young-Saver ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Celine Flores, Shannon Reiffen SPORTS EDITORS Jacob Cavanah, Tucker Higgins, ADVERTISING MANAGER Alexandra Biston CARTOONISTS Harry Bachrach, Kabir Nagarkatti ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS: Gaby Breiter, Lauren Chin, Woody Chung, Orly Greenberg, Yangzong Guo, Hanna Hong, Vivian Hu, Stephanie Kim, Clair Lofthouse, Alana Model, Ethan Reul, Skye Kriger, Julia Shi, Monica Shi, Christina Vasiliou

The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit whswarriors.com and click on Activities menu.

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

To Grope Dashiell Young-Saver Feature Editor

A Touchy Subject Not To Grope

Furthermore, according to the Washington Post, the US court of appeals for the 9th Circuit specified the Amendment in 2007 to include airport searches, stating that airport inspections are reasonable as long as they are “no more extensive nor intensive than necessary, in the light of current technology, to detect the presence of weapons or explosives.” However, with new developments in the concealment of explosives, pat-downs have become the least intrusive security measure required to detect harmful objects.

Some argue that another security measure, full body scans, are not minimally invasive because they are capable of saving images of travelers’ naked bodies. Critics say that storing images is not necessary and reasonable in the protection of travelers.

They are correct. However, according to the Washington Post, even though the TSA full body scanners in airports are capable of

Zak Kukoff

Opinion Editor Americans are routinely being subjected to violating, degrading, and downright unsafe behavior -- all in the name of security theater. The TSA’s behavior is not only ridiculous, but it’s unsafe.

Americans should no longer be deprived of their right to privacy; therefore, the TSA should immediately end its invasive (and downright creepy) practice of subjecting American citizens to pat-downs and fullbody scans.

First, a brief history of the TSA. Created in 2001, the TSA is an independentlyoperated section of the US Department of Homeland Security. The TSA was initially created to replace the private contractors used in many United States airports. The TSA was initially modeled on Israel’s security, and Israeli administrators trained

Butting In your business: Pat downs are now necessary security mea-

COURTESY PHOTO

I am willing to sacrifice the safety of my privates for the safety of the American people.

The Transportation Security Administration has a complex security network that is organized by layers of surveillance and is designed to protect passengers commuting through American airports. Now, however, the TSA has expanded their layers of surveillance beneath the layers of our pants.

Although some feel that pat-downs are unnecessarily invasive, the searches are justified. Terrorists continue to develop new ways to invade the security of our airports.

Therefore, for the safety of all American travelers and citizens, it is necessary for airports to, as non-invasively as possible, invade the privacy of travelers. After the close-call with the infamous Christmas Day Bomber, the TSA is especially justified in installing these preventive measures because pat-downs are the only way to detect xplosives sewn into clothes.

Pat-downs may feel uncomfortable, but the feeling of insecurity from a lack of safety is much more discomforting. TSA security developments such as taking off shoes and reducing liquid transport have kept Americans safe from an ever-growing and advancing network of radical, militant jihadists. As their dangerous plots evolve, safety inspection must stay one step ahead.

Pat-downs are just another development in their security measures designed to prevent more attacks. In addition, the use of pat-downs is exaggerated by its critics.

According to the TSA website, the vast majority of travelers will not receive patdowns. The agency approximates that 97 percent of travelers will not be subjected to the enhanced security measures. Pat-downs are only administered to commuters who trigger alarms and require a more thorough search.

Many appeals have been made as to the constitutionality of the pat-downs, citing the Fourth Amendment. This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, patdowns are necessary to protect travelers from terrorist methods similar to that of the Christmas Day Bomber. When considering the safety of the American people, one can see why the pat-downs are anything but “unreasonable.”

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OPINION

sures at airports.

storing images, they do not and have never stored any naked scans. Before, one had to pay to receive the same type of treatment from a stranger; now it is absolutely free. In all seriousness, TSA agents are instructed to inspect travelers quickly and professionally, reducing any unnecessary awkwardness. However, there is nothing awkward about saving lives.

Pat-downs are necessary, constitutionally protected, and assuring to the peace of mind of the American people. The fact is, pat-downs must be administered because they prevent new attacks and save lives.

many of its first agents. However, when compared to pre-9/11 security, the TSA is widely known for not raising the national security level. According to Bruce Schneier, bestselling author and security expert, exactly two things have improved the national state of security since 9/11 (and the creation of the TSA): “reinforcing the cockpit door, and convincing passengers they need to fight back [against terrorists].”

The TSA is not just ineffective -- it’s downright harmful. Scientists throughout the country have voiced their concerns about the technology (called Ionizing Radiation) used in the full-body scanning

machines. Scientists are worried that the radiation—which permeates through 1/10 of the skin—can cause cancer and even major malignant mutations. According to a panel of PhDs and Biochemists from UCSF and the National Academy of Sciences, there is no major testing on the new TSA scanners. However, many of those same scientists did their own testing, and found that depending on the circumstances, the scanners could release a potentially cancer-causing amount of radiation. This amount of radiation can be large enough to cause permanent damage. Unfortunately, the TSA doesn’t want to respond to these scientists. In fact, the TSA responded to the panel with a court letter, letting the panel know that with the help of the device manufacturers, the TSA had created an arbitrary radiation limit (with no hardscience to back it up).

Even if one ignores the clear bilogical evidence, the TSA’s practices are still harmful. Expert child-psychologists from the Child Lures Prevention organization have had outspoken opposition to the way that the TSA conducts pat-downs on children. According to CLP, teaching little children that the pat-down is a game (the current TSA practice) is the same method used by child-rapists when they “interact” with children. Ken Wooden, the founder of CLP, fears that TSA methods could “desensitize children to inappropriate touch and ultimately make it easier for sexual offenders to prey on our children.”

One WHS student went through the new security during Thanksgiving: “I was pulled aside to go through the scanner.

This angry, frustrated lady came up to me and told me to take off my belt. I complied, but began to feel uneasy. That was when she slid her hands down my jeans.”

Finally, the TSA is incompetent, and violates our constitutional rights. Adam Savage, better known as co-host of the popular television program Mythbusters, recently participated in a test of the TSA security methods. Savage was asked to smuggle 12” razor blades through the fully body scanner and enhanced patdown. Remarkably, Savage was able to smuggle his weapons through the entire security process, and bring them onto the plane. This experience has led Savage, and many others, to decry the TSA program as nothing more than security theater—that is, security for show, not for any actual purpose.

Cyberbullying: A New e-Threat Brian Chang

Feature Editor It seems that nowadays, a person needs four things to live: food, water, shelter, and the internet. More than ever, students across the United States are using the internet for various different reasons.

A September 2009 Pew Survey reported that 93 percent of teens aged 12 to 17 use the internet, and 73 percent of those users were on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

This statistic clearly shows the imminent danger of cyberbullying. As convenient as the internet is, the misuse of it creates many detrimental harms. A bullied student often has severe mental issues, including depression amd anxiety, which leads to suicide. A new study in the July issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry concluded through their research that victims of cyberbullying reported “emotional, concentration, and behavioral issues, as well as problems getting along with their peers.”

Such bullying has led to the suicides of people like 14 year old Phoebe Prince and college student Tyler Clementi, whose video of him having sexual interactions with another man was posted on the internet.

Surprisingly, bullies themselves are often the ones who develop problems.

Bullies during their youth are much more likely to be criminal felons in the future.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, one in four children who bully will have a criminal record by the time he or she reaches 30. This is because the bully himself will not think of bullying as a severe offense because he or she would not be criminally charged in the status quo, when in fact detrimental harms occur for the victim.

It’s important to take into account that bullies that are young bully in order to escape their own problems, and this type of thought cannot be changed unless there is some action.

In our current education system, bullying clearly is not handled with properly. It is true that there have been numerous organizations and efforts directed towards prevention of cyberbullying; however, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, representative of Florida reported in a September 2009 proposal for the “Adolescent Web Awareness Requires Education Act” that 43 percent of teens were victims of cyberbullying in 2008.

If cyberbullying prevention acts and anti-cyberbullying campaigns were successful, then cases like Phoebe Prince,

Tyler Clementi, and countless other victims of cyberbullying would not be in fear of using the internet.

Cyberbullying is not like regular bullying in many aspects. Cyberbullying can be completely anonymous, which means that a victim cannot fully avoid the bully without completely being isolated from the internet. Also, since cyberbullying takes place not in physical form, but through words on the virtual net, an adult is less likely to know about the bullying taking place. In more ways than one, cyberbullying is an issue that normal preventive measures for bullying will not solve.

So the question is, what is the solution?

The seemingly obvious answer would be for the school to take preventive measures, such as regulating bully behavior or punishing bullies by detentions or suspensions. The only problem with this method is that cyberbullying doesn’t necessarily take place in school. In fact, most cyberbullying occurs outside of school, for students to access Facebook or Twitter accounts in their private homes or on phones. The school does not have to right to regulate student behavior that takes place outside of school grounds.

A civil method is also unpractical.

Not only do civil courts provide a highly

subjective atmosphere, but it is also extremely difficult to prove someone guilty of a civil claim regarding cyberbullying.

The only practical solution to deal with cyberbullying is the criminal justice system. A criminal justice system is the only way to fulfill the goal of justice, retribution. It has already been established above that the harms of cyberbullying to the victim are enormous. Thus, in order to compensate for the harms that the victims face, a cyberbully must receive some sort of punishment. Furthermore, a bully is far better off receiving a criminal sentence when he or she is young. A minor’s charges can, with a plea, be wiped off when he or she turns 18. If the justice system actually prevents the cyberbully from harming another person, the bully also has a better chance to live a brighter future. On the other hand, a cyberbully who is likely to recommit a crime, cannot ask for his or her “slate” to be cleaned once he or she becomes an adult. A felony means inability to vote, and a decreased likelihood of acquiring a sustainable job.

Cyberbullying is a problem that harms the victim, the bully, and the rest of society. In order to prevent these problems, we need a criminal justice system, not the conventional methods that have been failing.

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FEATURE

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

“Cool Yule” Brings Holiday Cheer

Ethan Reul Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY ROGER WEEKS

The Choral Music Department banded together to perform “Cool Yule” for this year’s holiday celebration.

Under the direction of Alan Rose, the WHS Choir is known for their exciting performances.

This year, Rose found the perfect balance between calm and calamity, with the animated second half swiftly following the tranquil first half in the crazed flurry of song and dance known as “Cool Yule,” from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4.

The performance took off with the Freshman Chorus, followed by the Mixed Chorale, Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Chorale, and Vocal Ensemble.

Each performed a variety of holiday-themed songs, including ”Gifts from the Heart,” a piece composed and conducted by Dave Watkins, a friend of the program.

The show started up again with A Class Act and the Treble Makers.

Each ensemble sang a few songs along with a pre-choreographed dance; the Treble Makers actually choreographed all of their songs themselves.

Then, old Saint Nick himself took the stage to announce the beginning of “Cool Yule,” a collaboration of several popular Christmas classics with appearances by Vocal Ensemble and various members of the Freshman, Mixed, and Women’s ensembles.

Finally, the show came to a close when the entire group took the stage to sing one last song, “The Hallelujah Chorus,” a

holiday staple by George Fredric Handel.

From the first note to the last “Hallelujah,” the concert was a success.

Lighthearted, fun, and enjoyable throughout, it was clear that Rose and his various ensembles had put plenty of effort into this performance.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS: Winter Wonderland (clockwise from top left) featured the Surfer Dudes, Simha Sankar, Nick Saremi, Zack Skovold, and Michael Mancuso; Women’s Chorale, including Chandler Bramet, Jess Au, Valerie Lee, and Michelle List; the reindeer sister Jess Evaristo sang Mr. Santa.

A&A Productions Gets Down to Business Katrina Brewer Feature Editor

PHOTOS BY KATRINA BREWER AND HANNA HONG

BUSINESS DEALS: Aaron Jassenoff and Anthony Angelini brainstorm ideas for their production company.

Aaron Jassenoff’s ‘12 and Anthony Angelini’s ‘12 fates first intertwined when they became best friends in eighth grade.

For years they embodied the sarcastic, humorous class clowns interjecting witty comments from the back of the classroom; however, last year in P.E. class the boys decided it was time to channel their creative energy toward something productive and promptly converted the antics into business.

It began when Jassenoff turned to Angelini and simply stated, “We have to come up with a way to make money.”

They spent their days brainstorming and eventually took action; however, the road to success was not a smooth one.

The first few ideas—such as starting a radio station and being hosts or going on jeopardy— crashed and burned.

“We realized that we lacked both the knowledge and the means. At that point we decided to stick to what we knew best: music,” said Angelini.

He explained that Jassenoff had been a musician for seven years, participating in bands since eighth grade. Jassenoff added, “I used to go to concerts and think, what are they doing that I can’t?”

By combining Jasenoff’s music experience to boost networking, and Angelini’s business experience to pull the company together, A&A Productions was henceforth established.

The company produces all types of shows: music, movies, poetry, or even karaoke night.

“If you can think of it, we can produce it,” said Jassenoff.

The boys split the work load in half and only focus on their own designated jobs in order to reduce petty fighting and conflict over business styles.

Angelini believes that this brutally efficient method of accomplishing tasks makes A&A productions “a force to be reckoned with.”

A&A Productions started small; the first show was an acoustic concert at the house of Christina Hackett, a friend of Angelini and Jassenoff.

They raised $200 for future A&A projects. Local bands Topanga, and Jassenoff’s old band, Little Antarctica, were showcased.

A&A’s second show took a springboard leap off the first one: “Rock Unleashed” opened last summer and raised $2,500.

This benefit concert entertained over 250 people and included bands such as How to Become Popular, Growing Feathers, and Champagne Sunday.

Most of the profits were

donated to Christina Hackett’s cause to rescue and take care of abandoned animals.

Jassenoff explained that the rest of A&A’s proceeds, “fed back into the company for future concerts.”

He and Angelini plan to go bigger each time a show is produced.

“This is our job,” he added.

“At our age some people are hosts, waiters, musicians; we produce music and the money is strictly business.”

For A&A Production’s next show, they are working with Westlake Underground—a music appreciation club at WHS. The concert will show at the park behind the Thousand Oaks Teen Center.

A&A is just starting to put out their feelers and has not booked any bands yet.

Out of the proceeds from ticket sales and donations, 60% will be donated to Circle of Friends, an organization for the mentally challenged.

As for plans in the distant future, A&A Productions takes it one show at a time. Jassenoff and Angelini don’t know if producing will be a part of their adult lives or not, but they agree, “We both know wherever we go, or whatever we do, we’ll find a way to make money and put it to a good cause. Business is what we do.”

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FEATURE

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Sophomore Finds Rewards in Pursuit of Acting Career

Courtesy Photo

a camera is where she belongs.

“I grew up really influenced by theater and the arts and knew it was something I was drawn to,” said Goglia.

She expressed how thankful she was for being given the opportunity to pursue her dreams so early in life.

Appearing in countless TV shows and films, Goglia’s success quickly took off, booking role after role over the course of her career. However, not everything came easily; the film industry is difficult to break into, and roles are never permanent. Goglia expressed that an actor or actress is lucky to book one in every hundred auditions they go on; the work is unstable and unpredictable, but nothing will stand in the way of Goglia’s passion.

She explained that rejection especially stung at the beginning. “I used to feel like I had tried my hardest and it was so unfair that I didn’t get the part just because I was too young, too short, wrong color hair, didn’t look like the parents...But I’ve learned to let it roll off my shoulder. I’ll try my hardest in the audition, but from then on it’s out of my hands.”

Goglia shared the nerve-wracking experience of going on an audition: “You’re given the lines and have prepared for so long in advance; then the audition is over within five minutes. It’s

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET: Juliette Goglia poses for the premiere of Easy A.

Katrina Brewer Staff Writer

Juliette Goglia ‘13 has been acting since age seven. One of the things she has always been sure of is that being in front of

terrifying to put yourself out there in front of complete strangers (with) the camera glaring into your face.”

To add even more nerves to the already strenuous process, Goglia revealed that the girls at auditions can get, “pretty nasty.” She compared it to cliques in middle school: “I always see girls and their moms whispering and pointing at me in the waiting room, but in the end it’s just the competition getting to everyone’s head.”

One of the star’s favorite roles was in Fired Up! as Poppy. “Poppy was wisecracking and so much fun to portray. It was also cool because all of my friends saw the movie,” said Goglia.

Another favorite role was Hannah on the crime TV show CSI. Hannah was a tenyear-old genius, a senior in high school, and a murderer. This role allowed Goglia to slip into a completely different persona, one of the greatest joys of acting. Her resume also includes appearances on Ugly Betty, Past Life, Hannah Montana, and Two and a Half Men. She has had the privilege of traveling to film shows, shooting in Georgia, Chicago, New York, Boston, and New Orleans.

Throughout her career, the auditions, shooting, and traveling have not been easy by any means. “I’m very fortunate to have an extremely supportive family,” said Goglia, “They keep me grounded and help me maintain a good head on my

shoulders.” Even though sometimes she will not see her family for long periods of time because she is filming, they remain understanding and encouraging.

In addition to strains on family life, acting has always affected Goglia’s social life. Although being recognized or complimented for her work is an upside, there has always been a darker side to her success.

She is often judged, being pegged as spoiled and conceited. “People don’t understand that acting is just like any other person’s passion, mine just happens to be viewed by others. They assume my life is easy,” explained Goglia.

Whether it prompts a beneficial or detrimental affect on her social life, her success has allowed Goglia to identify who her true friends are.

She shot down the average actor’s reputation of being self-absorbed and arrogant, she claimed to have never once worked with someone disagreeable or rude. “It’s surprising how down to earth most actors are. We’re all just normal people following our passion,” expressed the actress.

For Goglia, acting is much more than a hobby. She is not in the career for fame or money; she is just following her dream.

“If I’m fortunate enough, I would love to continue acting until I’m in the retirement home,” stated the starlet.

Figure Skater Competes to Earn Her Blades of Glory Stephanie Kim Staff Writer

Breaking the ice: Josephine Strauss skates in the 2008 ISI skating competition.

Courtesy Photo

Figure skating since the seventh grade, WHS’s Josephine Strauss ‘13 continues to dedicate her time and effort to pursue a sport that has developed into a passion.

When she was 12-years-old, Strauss’ father signed her up at a local rink for figure skating while her brother began hockey.

Though beginning figure skating was not her direct choice, it instantly became one of her primary interests.

“I enjoyed it from the beginning,” said Strauss, struggling to articulate the indescribable emotion figure skating gives her.

“It makes me feel happy inside when I feel the blade on the ice. It’s fun,” said

Strauss.

Strauss doesn’t just figure skate for fun, though. In the 2008 ISI Competition held in Colorado, Strauss won a gold medal in her division as a beginner. She had started figure skating just before the competition.

Figure skating keeps her busy.

Strauss practices for two hour sessions as often as she can get to the rink, and balancing all of the aspects of her life has become a challenge.

Strauss believes that figure skating “definitely is a passion,” and although she enjoys it, she does not expect to go professional after she graduates.

“I want to continue for as long as possible for fun,” Strauss said, while smiling. “It’s time consuming but completely worth it.”

Breakdancer Shows He Has All the Right Moves Woody Chung Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

Breaking Barriers: Aaron Lim performs a “freeze” in a local gym.

Aww Yeah! B-boy Jinsoul in da house. Baby Freeze! Headspin! Halo!

Sounds exciting right?

This is just an ordinary day in the life of breakdancer Aaron Lim ‘13.

Lim initially became captivated with breakdancing two years ago.

“The first time I saw a match, I was blown away,” Lim said. “The rhythm, the emotion, and even the soul is so evident in this beautiful art of dance.” Soon after being introduced to break-dancing, Lim immediately started reading and practicing through the online resource bboy.org.

After persevering for two years, he is now able to perform advanced moves such as halos and

air chairs.

“The key to my style is balance. Almost every move I perform would be impossible to do without it.”

In addition to balance, Lim focuses on other aspects of break-dancing.

Breakdancers have four main weapons (moves) in their arsenal of dance; these include top-rock, downrock, power moves, and freezes.

Top-rock, the most diverse form, is used to show off the b-boy’s style and emotion through the choreography.

Downrock is the footwork of the dance.

Typical moves include the traditional six-step where the dancer shifts his feet in a 6-step circle around his body. Power moves are “flashier” moves that require momentum to initiate. These moves include the classic windmill (spinning on the back and shoulders in a “windmill” motion) and the flare (balancing on two hands and weaving the legs around each hand). The last element is the freeze. Freezing occurs when the b-boy suspends his body midair to “freeze” the moment. These elements are frequently evident in b-boy battles.

Lim‘s daily workout is key to his success. He spends at least half an hour working solely on his balance. The next hour or two is used to practice his rhythm

and the four elements of break-dancing.

Lim uses the final hour to integrate his moves with the rest of his teammates’ choreography.

In addition to his practicing, Lim’s heritage is also a major influence on his passion for break-dancing. His home country, South Korea, is considered a major player in the break-dancing scene. It hosts the largest annual b-boy competition, R-16, and is home to several professional breakdancing groups. “B-boy flows through my blood. Coming from a country so involved in break-dancing has only strengthened that foundation,” said Lim. Whenever he visits South Korea, Lim tries to meet up with his friends in other break-dancing crews. He claims that practicing with them is an experience that is unattainable in the United States.

As a devout b-boy, Lim practices at least three hours a day with his b-boy team, Forever Ill. Lim firmly believes that “as long as we have hope and we strive to become stronger, we will definitely make it to the top.” He hopes to eventually enter and compete in the Red Bull Breakdancing competition Championship One. For future breakdancers Lim advised, “Just go with the flow, as long as you have the heart and the soul, you can make it.”

FEAT

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Making a List an Environmentally Friendly

From left to right: Nebaj Cotton Large Tote with Zipper at www.earthlovershopping.com for $36; Striped Orange Eco Cup at www.amazon.com for $19.99; “The News is Beige” Recycled Paper Bracelet at www.novica.com for $31.46; Silk Christmas Ornaments from Sewn Natural from www.etsy.com for $15.

You Better Watch Out! Orly Greenberg Staff Writer

‘Tis the season to be jolly, to ride in a one horse open sleigh, and to deck the halls. So what could go wrong?

Apparently, a lot. Like most everything in America, Christmas has continually upgraded to become bigger and better: increasingly complex light displays, larger presents, and of course more alcohol. These changes, while increasing the celebratory aspect of the festivities, have pushed Christmas to be anything but a silent and calm night.

The holiday season has become one of the most hazardous times of the year to drive, according to www. timesheralndonline.com, which raises suspicions that it was not in fact a reindeer that ran over Grandma. With alcohol flowing plentifully at various parties, combined with the jubilation of Christmas spirit, this is hardly surprising.

Additionally, with overly eager shoppers rushing to get the best deals, malls during holiday season are potentially dangerous. A disturbing 21,000 children under the age of five are treated for injuries involving shopping carts, according to medicinenet.com.

An additional 6,000 people somehow manage to injure themselves on escalators every year, most likely due to dangling scarves, shoelaces, and drawstrings. To avoid

causing a half-hour disturbance and putting other shoppers in some very unholy moods, simply ensure no clothing can get caught, and firmly keep hold of any children who might feel the sudden urge to run up the escalator backwards.

Want to celebrate after surviving maniac shoppers and the ever-challenging escalators by stringing some festive holiday lights? Think again. Statistics show that Christmas lights can make an arsonist out of anyone, with a whopping 1,300 people treated for holiday light injuries. 6,200 are hardly in a pleasant mood after being treated for holiday decorations and Christmas tree related injuries, according to medicinenet.com.

Holiday lights cause around 510 fires each year, and Christmas trees follow closely with a total of 400 fires. Steer clear from fires by moving the Christmas tree away from fireplaces, or placing the menorah anywhere but directly underneath decorations or drapes.

Besides shopping and electricity injuries, there are some more unique ways of getting injured during the holidays. Take, for instance, “zip[pers] caught on eyelids as people struggled to try on a new jumper,” or “…glitter fragments in the eye from cards or craft activities,” according to www.telegraph.co.uk.com. And avoid allowing someone intoxicated to carve the turkey, for a hand can all too easily be mistaken for part of the bird.

So if all you want for Christmas is your two front teeth, be careful, and most of all enjoy the holidays.

White Elepha

From left to right: Here’s the Situation: A Guide Getting in Your GTL on the Jersey Shore at www amazon.com for $19.99; Yoda Plush Doll at Urb www.thinkgeek.com for $5.99.

All I want for Ch

“...my seniors to do their reading (Pride -Lora Novak, Eng “...to get to sleep in” -Lauren Palotay, “...new furniture for my house” -Diane Blackburn “...just to be able to lose my holiday fat” -Brandy LaRue, D “...WHS tribe gear” -Connor Gantt ‘11 “...my family to be happy” -James Marshall, “...to go home and see my family” -Ashley Tomkins,

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TURE

nd Checking it Twice

ant Gag Gifts

to Creeping on Chicks, Avoiding Grenades, and w.amazon.com for $15; Obama Chia Pet at www. ban Outfitters for $14; Paper Voodoo Notepad at

hristmas is...

Clothing and Accessories

From left to right: Echo Gloves, Solid Touchscreen Compatible from Macy’s for $30; Winter Scarf at Urban Outfitters for $24; Footie Pajamas at Target for $19.99; American Eagle Hat at American Eagle or www.ae.com for $35; Staring at Stars Yarn Loop Beanie at Urban Outfitters for $30.

Holiday Madness Lures Shoppers Max Avruch

Editor-in-Chief

and Prejudice) over winter break” glish teacher History teacher

n, ASG advisor

Dean of Activities

1 Dean of Attendance History teacher

Holidays bring both joy and frustration. In a society where technology and trends dictate how people live, holiday time becomes an enticement for consumerism to take hold over the American public. Stores like Apple, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Best Buy advertise novel products and seemingly great deals to coerce buyers into needing the perfect gift.

According to CNN.com, “For some, oversized store decorations and tinkling holiday decorations are not enough to save Christmas from the most unrelenting Grinch of all: the wave of holiday advertising that begins in October and seems to gain momentum every year.”

Even before Halloween makes its finish Oct. 31, brand name stores post enticing holiday deals and advertise holiday decorations or gifts. By Thanksgiving, people cannot even walk past a CVS or Vons without Christmas carolers singing “Jingle Bells” at store doors and sidewalks.

The National Retail Federation is estimating that Thanksgiving weekend sales were up 8.7% over last year.

After two straight years of disappointing holiday sales, the financing analysis company Standard & Poor forecasts a 2.5% increase over last year’s November-December period,

according to the Wall Street Journal.

“While national chains often use discounts to draw crowds, many independent specialty stores compete by broadening their whimsical appeal. David Vail, who owns a trendy boutique called Hazel in Chicago, typically carries modernist jewelry, accessories and home goods. For the holidays, he puts in extra shelving to carry items like Alessi nativity sets,” said Christina Binkley, writer for the Wall Street Journal.

Although people may associate the holiday advertising madness with the recent economy and sellers’ surplus, people are still forced to make their Christmastime season stretch from the late fall through winter.

Bath and Body Works posts advertisements online and on television. “Buy six for $20” and “Buy three, get two free,” highlight how the deals are too much for the average consumer. The surplus created thus forces companies like Bath and Body Works to create these enticing holiday deals but consumers become oversaturated with an excess of products.

Christmas does bring holiday cheer and other related glee but as big name stores continue to advertise and sell products that are excessive and annoying in its bargains, people may reconsider how joyful the holiday time actually is.

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FEATURE

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

E-Reader Technology Tranforms Reading Julia Model

Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

According to bn.com, Exclusive LendMe technology lets you lend books in your library for up to 14 days. And with NOOKcolor, you can borrow books from friends too.

Book sales, along with newspaper and magazine sales, continue to plummet, Print is out and electronics

are in. Newspaper and magazine articles can all be found online, and books are sold at bargain prices on amazon.com.

For some, the closing of Borders is a disappointment.

Many rely on the comforting experience of reading a novel manually rather than electronically.

Others feel that the Nook and Kindle are just as efficient, as well as quite similar because they can still read a book without having to take trips to the bookstore or library, or use up storage space for each title.

Will bookstores be replaced by digital books just as CDs have been replaced by digital music and other online music stores?

According to the Wall Street J o u r n a l , the growth of online bookstores may be affecting Barnes and N o b l e ’ s existence.

“Nobody knows what the future holds, but the business model is evolving,” McClintock said. “One possibility is that it might diminish the

iScream for iTouch Alana Model Staff Writer

The Apple iPod is undoubtedly the most popular portable music player in the world since its first debut in 2001. iPods over the past nine years have quickly evolved to various forms including the iPod Classic, the iPod Touch 4, the video enabled iPod Nano, and the mini iPod Shuffle.

The new iPod Touch 4 was recently released in September, promising new and improved technologies that might just make one forget it is only an iPod. What makes this iTouch better than the last? The iPod Touch is now thinner and lighter than previous models.

It has a new design, and is only a mere 7.2 millimeters thin.

It also has many reconstructed technologies and applications that will instantly find one craving more.

According to apple.com, with two cameras, one in the back to focus on what is in front view and one that focuses on the user, the FaceTime application allows people to talk and catch up in an entirely new way through a Wi-Fi network.

Additionally, the Retina display on the new iPod has four times the pixel count of previous iPod models, making graphics and images sharper and text on the screen appear as if one is looking at a printed page.

One can record a video in low-light settings, credited to the advanced backside illumination

sensor.

With an improved Game Center app, one can also add more players to their gaming network and even invite friends to join in on the fun.

Will this new iTouch be a hit in the music world? Most likely.

“I’m going to ask my mom for the new iTouch for the holidays. There’s nothing I want more. I’m so excited!” said Falon Shapiro ‘11.

Surprisingly, there is even a new feature on the iTouch for those who like to record videos on the go.

HD video recording and editing has also been improved.

According to Apple, the iPod Touch lets you record, edit, and share stunning HD videos.

If there’s one thing teens love, it’s music.

However, the new and improved iTouch provides much more than that, not just for teens, but for young children and adults, too.

It is available at the Apple Store in 8 GB for $229, 32 GB for $299, and 64 GB for $399.

The holiday seasons are fast approaching— now couldn’t be a better time to purchase.

Even the apple iPad is advancing in its capabilities.

A Wall Street Journal article recently said that it is offering ways to

number of books printed per year, but increase the quality of books that are being printed.”

With new products soaring in the technology industry every day, the future for books, CDs, magazines, and newspapers are placed in jeopardy. Turn the page and before you know it, e-books will have replaced handheld books as quickly as iTunes replaced the purchase of CDs. McClintock believes that there has been a technological evolution, so it’s possible the book industry will go through a similar cycle.

According to Amazon, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper. There is no strain or glare like that of a computer

screen, so it can be used in direct sunlight.

Amazon confirms that Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time. Even still, book stores hold a special place for many individuals.

The quiet environment in a bookstore is a great learning environment for people of all ages to imagine and place themselves in the storytelling world.

E-books may live up to the same kind of enjoyment, but still, individuals have their own preferences, whether it is through e-readers or through traditional books.

COURTESY PHOTO

The feeling of holding a piece of reading material in your hands and smelling the freshly printed pages is an irreplaceable past-time.

But, as of January 2011, conventional reading from an actual book may become a thing of the past.

T h e local Borders bookstore in Thousand Oaks is c l o s i n g , l e a v i n g Barnes and Noble the only bookstore left in Ventura County.

According to the Ventura County Star, the lease for the 40,000 sq. foot building became expensive, and the company was struggling financially due to 13.9% decrease in sales since last year. The closing serves as proof that there is something on the market that is competing with local booksellers.

The culprit behind the plummeting book sales? The new and evolving e-readers, the Nook

by Barnes and Noble and the

Kindle by Amazon.

Both offer touch screen capabilities, enhanced books, magazines,newspapers, interactive kids books, as well as fun social features and internet access.

“Prices for the Nook vary, but e-book prices are generally cheaper than the in-store list prices,” Barnes and Noble Nook Specialist Kelly McClintock said.

“The Nook allows for secondary ways of saving time, space, and gas.”

benefit children with speech and communication disabilities.

Clearly, technology is reaching out to the public in providing ways to live more efficiently.

It is imperative that people keep up with new technology because it is evolving every day.

Both business corporations and leisure users benefit from growing technological advances like the iTouch 4.

Users are amazed by Apple’s novelty in producing such broad technological capabilities.

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December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

11

FEATURE

Hidden Health Hazards Happy Meal Loses Its Smile

Too Few Losers Becomes Nation’s Growing Problem Lauren Chin Staff Writer

Former Resources for Human Development employee Lisa Harrison was fired in 2007 because of her obesity, which was hampering her ability to participate in a number of crucial life activities, including walking and other means of transport.

Harrison then began filing a lawsuit; however, before the suit was filed, Harrison died, leaving her intentions in the lawsuit to be represented by her estate.

“Obesity is a critical public health problem in our country that causes millions of Americans to suffer unnecessary health problems and die prematurely,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to The Washington Post.

Obesity is starting to become an epidemic in America and affecting Americans’ lives in severe ways, including deaths like Harrison’s. Not only does it cause death, but it can also decrease brain power over time due to the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure associated with obesity.

According to men.webmd.com, a study published in the February issue of International Journal of Obesity found that obesity caused a decline in thinking ability, namely memory and learning.

This is especially important regarding the growing number of obese children, since they are the future of America.

With this burgeoning health problem America needs the government’s help, but so far the steps the government has taken to prevent obesity are not influential enough and have provided little improvement.

The government should start taking more aggressive actions to stop obesity.

One of the feeble attempts by the government to stop obesity was to create the food pyramid. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture created the food pyramid to guide Americans to a healthier daily diet in

1992. However, the original pyramid was based on faulty scientific evidence, and obesity became more and more of a health crisis over the years.

The government has also tried to fight obesity by requiring food companies to apply nutrition labels and health precautions to their product. Instead of just requiring companies to make their servings smaller, the FDA only requires the companies to print warnings and certain information on their product. This allows them to trick Americans with ruses like printing there are only 150 calories per serving, but 15 servings per box.

The government needs to start taking the initiative to try different tactics to prevent obesity, since current methods are not working.

One possible tactic the government should try is requiring vending machines to charge less for water bottles compared to other, more sugary and unhealthy drinks.

People will buy the healthier fluid since it is more economically friendly rather than spending more money on a high sugar soda or lemonade.

The government should also start requiring fast food companies to downsize their portions instead of allowing them to offer economical, yet extremely fatty food deals.

For example, McDonalds offers a Big Mac $5.49 value meal, which consists of one Big Mac, a soda, and fries. All together that entire meal amounts to about 1,170 calories. Instead of allowing McDonalds to offer meals like this, the government should require the chain to use healthier products in its burger and fries to lower the amount of fat and cholesterol in the value meal.

Obesity is constantly causing problems in everyday life, and the government should improve its approach to fight it. If it does not, America will battle more than the problems of the recession and international wars.

Vivian Hu

Staff Writer Many children will have depressing Happy Meals in San Francisco come Dec. 1, 2011, because state legislators have passed a law stating that children cannot receive toys in their Happy Meals unless the meals meet a certain criteria.

This law was implemented for two reasons.The first reason is that McDonalds is pressured from parents and organizations to make healthier meals.

The second reason is that McDonalds has become a role model for many other companies, so it’s actions affect many other fast food restaurants across the world.

When McDonalds takes a step towards healthier eating, many other companies may follow after. The Center for Science in the Public Interest threatened to sue if McDonalds did not stop distributing Happy Meal toys as a way to sell their unhealthy foods.

San Francisco is the first step in this healthy revolution. In fact, many people from McDonalds, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and state legislators expect the law to be implemented across the state, and possibly even the nation.

However, this law is unnecessary, and there is nothing that suggests it will help children in America become less obese.

Having a ‘healthier’ meal at McDonalds is no guarantee children will

be thinner. Children can still pick fatty fries over sliced apples, highly saturated burgers over fresh turkey, and pursue those choices despite the lack of toys. It is up to the parents to encourage their kids to eat healthier. Parents are buying their children Happy Meals, choosing how frequently they go to McDonalds, and what their children eat at home.

“It’s all right for the government to make rules in schools, where children don’t have choices, but outside of school, parents are responsible,” said French teacher Marianne Preston who is also a mother.

Toys are just another form of bribery to try to encourage kids to eat healthy.

It is exactly like current Happy Meals, trying to bribe a child to buy it, except now it’s bribing the child to buy a healthier meal.

“We are extremely disappointed with today’s decision. It is not what our customers want, nor is it something they asked for,” said spokeswoman Danya Proud McDonalds.

No matter what parents, adolescents, or McDonalds w o r k e r s wish for, McDonalds will implement the law come December 2011.

The chance remains that the change could spread to other cities across the nation, disappointing little children everywhere.

So stock up on Happy Meal toys, greasy fries, and saturated burgers before the San Francisco health law takes the ‘Happy’ out of the meal.

Is Whole Foods Guilty of Organic Fraud?

Monica Shi Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

Consumers are not surprised to learn that their English muffins do not come from England, nor do they believe that their Italian dressing comes from Italy. Most people certainly do not expect ‘California Blend’ vegetables to actually come from California.

After much poking, prodding, squinting, and studying of the back label on a package of veggies, however, one is surprised to discover ‘Product of China’ hidden in a small font.

Whole Foods is coming under fire for its importation of dozens of “organic” items from China, ranging from asparagus spears to peanut butters and specifically its line of 365 Organic frozen vegetables.

To earn the United States Department of Agriculture’s organic certification, land must be free of banned substances such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage sludge, toxins, and genetically modified organisms for at least three years.

In order for food to be considered USDA Certified Organic, the farmer or producer must undergo a regular inspection of its farm, facilities, ingredients, and practices by a third party certifier.

For example, a certifying agent, approved and supervised by the USDA, must visit a carrot grower in China. If

the carrots produced are processed in a organic foods grown in China being done packaging plant, then that plant must also be by the Chinese, but it is been done by visited and certified by the certifying agent, employees of China’s own government.

Aside from concerns regarding the who then verifies that both the handling and ingredients of the product fulfill the organic honesty of Chinese products, there are also worries USDA organic about the actual standard. safety of these T h i s importations. China structure is has been associated the slowly with countless food crumbling safety scandals. The backbone country is home to of organic heavily polluted integrity. soils that are Private contaminated with inspectors metals, fertilizers, are in charge and pesticides. of checking “ T h e r e ’ s locations food growing concern is coming from about the quality outside of the of food from United States, China. This year but the United the Food and Drug States does not Not So Whole Foods: Whole Foods is unAdministration, inspect foreign der scrutiny for misrepresenting their products’ which checks for food farms. origins. safety, stopped 260 In fact, shipments of foods China does like strawberries not allow foreigners to inspect their farms. The U.S. contaminated with bad pesticides, bacteria, Department of Agriculture reported that or filth,” explained senior scientist at the the Chinese were being used to inspect Natural Resources Defense Council, Linda state-controlled farms and food processing Geer.

However, China is not the only facilities. Not only is inspection for USDA

country in the controversy. Whole Foods takes pride in choosing farmers and producers who believe in good health and quality foods. If Whole Foods is proud of importing food from China, it would have boastfully printed “Product of China” on the front, not microscopically on the back of its organic packages.

“Maybe 30% of farms that put the organic label on their food produce the real thing,” said a Chinese grocery chain owner, in an interview with Global Post.

In addition, experts have discovered that most of Whole Foods’ salad bar and hot food bar are not organic and that many of its canned or boxed items contain MSG, which is on Whole Foods’ own list of unacceptable food ingredients.

Organic Products are already a $26 billion industry in the United States.

An increasing amount of the industries’ organic food is coming from China.

China added an enormous 12% to the world’s organically farmed land in 2006 alone.

China, Whole Foods, and even the USDA system are quick to point the finger, but none of them are willing to take the blame for the flawed system for organic products. Although Whole Foods promises to offer the biggest and best selection of choices, consumers may want to think twice before taking the company up on their offer.

FEATURE

12

Pawsitively Outrageous

Inhumane Factor: Humane Society Activists Take Too Big a Bite Clair Lofthouse Staff Writer

Donating to The Humane Society of the United States is accepted as a very charitable act towards the poor, homeless dogs, cats, and other animals.

Since 71% of the public believes that The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) raises money to fund pet shelters, HSUS earns itself the proper humanitarian recognition.

If one takes HSUS up on its commercial request of “only” $19 a month, the benefactor pays $228 a year.

Out of that, only $1.03 will actually go towards the care, feeding and medical expenses of a shelter animal.

According to HumaneWatch.org, less than 1% of the money that HSUS pays out per year goes to animal shelters.

The actual number is 0.45%. That is exactly $452,371, which to a casual observer does not seem that bad… for one shelter—not for thousands of shelters scattered across America.

All is well for the activists of HSUS though, because they are funding only four shelters. To be exact, Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, two wildlife centers and a Rabbit Sanctuary in South Carolina, the four listed on HSUS’s official site, humanesociety.org. Not one of these shelters admits dogs or cats.

A common misconception is that anything with the name “Humane Society” is a branch of, and funded by, The Humane Society of United States.

Not so.

The Humane Society of Ventura County states outright on its home page, humanesocietyvc.org, “We receive no direct financial assistance from city, county, state agencies or National Animal Welfare Organizations such as The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA.” The Humane Society of Ventura County is struggling to support the animals they protect with absolutely no assistance from HSUS. The meager amounts of money spent would be forgivable had HSUS been a low income rescue organization trying its best to help animals. However, though it claims to be a non-profit organization, HSUS has an annual income of $99,664,400. A number only just below one hundred million dollars and all that it can spare is a measly $452,371 for its four shelters. One would think they could handle a few more.

What could HSUS possibly be spending all of that money on? For starters, it takes 23 cents from every dollar flowing in and pushed it right back out into the wonderful world of fundraising.

Another outlet for the burden of millions of dollars that must be gotten rid of in a “non-profit organization” is to simply pay bribes and list them under innocuous names like “animal welfare.”

On the tax-return form for 2008, one of the expenditures from HSUS was a lofty $10K to the National ItalianAmerican Foundation citing “animal welfare.” What the National ItalianAmerican Foundation had to do with HSUS was anyone’s guess; however, it became a tad bit clearer when HSUS received a Special Achievement Award in Humanitarian service from the National Italian-American Foundation that year.

So if you, a family member or a friend are feeling charitable and want to help out an animal in need this season, do not donate to The Humane Society of United States. Donate to local charities like the Humane Society of Ventura Country or to animal shelters like L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura.

Check out HumaneWatch.org for more information. Just as it is better for the environment to buy food and other necessities from local producers, it pays to donate locally as well.

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Local Hotel Provides First Class Service to Pets Orly Greenberg Staff Writer

Hungry? Order in room service, where you can be served the finest filet mignon or the freshest tuna, served on the best English china. Pining for some serious relaxation? Indulge in a mud mask, pedicure, or a luxurious massage. Feel like socializing? Head on down to a pool party, ice cream social, or take a limo ride around the town with other guests. From the fivestar dining to extravagant spa services, The Barkley Hotel has it all. But if you are even thinking about staying at The Barkley to catch up on some well-deserved rest and relaxation, you are barking up the wrong tree. The Barkley Hotel, located in Westlake Village, caters only to animals.

That’s right; as America faces an economy going to the dogs and an alarmingly increasing unemployment rate, families all over Southern California have turned to the excessively lavish Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa to address their canine caretaking needs.

But Barkley has done more than just address these needs. They have created an environment where animals are humanized to a disturbing level. The dogs are offered a choice of Rodeo Drive “Storefront Suites,” “Hollywoof,” “Boulevard Suites,” Barkley Park Suites, and, if you don’t love your dogs quite as much, the less expensive Leisure Suites and Serenity Screening Suites. Pets are provided with the best of the best, only the crème da la crème for your feline friends and top dogs. And what’s $64 per night when your pooch will be treated to a flat screen television, a goodnight tummy rub, a bedtime story, and leather furniture, not to mention personalized climate and lighting controls?

The buzz around the Barkley has led many to ask: who pays $64 dollars a night for their dog? In fact, it is not just the financial aspect of the pet lodge, but rather the extensive effort one must put in to enroll his or her pup in the most elite hotel around. According to westlake. thebarkleyhotel.com, new guests must fill out a substantial Profile Form, which includes thought-inducing questions such

as, “My pet (likes/dislikes) being touched on the ears,” or instructions to check off which personality traits or attributes your dog possesses, for example, “Verbally sensitive, afraid of men, pushy, trembles, freezes, or mouthy.”

Who is actually willing to shell out nearly seventy dollars a night for their beloved canine? Celebrities, of course.

TMZ reported that A-listers such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, Nicole Richie, and Paris Hilton were invited to share in the opening of The Barkley, in which the pampered pooches left their paw prints in cement, a reference to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

The Barkley is admittedly an ingenious concept. Celebrities generate excitement, visitors to California can put their dogs up while staying at the nearby Four Seasons

Hotel, and locals can boast to their friends about their dog’s shimmering coat, all thanks to an oatmeal shampoo/ conditioning treatment for the bargain price of $10. By brilliantly arguing on their website that “every dog owner and trainer…should consider massotherapy as an integral part of their dogs’ total and continuous health care program,” owners can be pressured into purchasing the relaxation massage for their pets, for which the price is suspiciously obscure.

Not absent from the Barkley Hotel website, however, is an excess of puns, most of which are at the very least shudder inducing. So if your dog is worthy of a “pawdicure,” pack up its “Pawda, Sniffanys, and Chewnel,” order some “transpawtation,” and send it to the Barkley Hotel. It is a dog’s life after all.

Animal Abandonment Should Prey on Individual Conscience Skye Kriger Staff Writer

Here in Westlake Village, we are blessed to have clean streets lined with green trees, with only the rare stray dog or cat wandering the roads.

However, in other areas, that is not the case. Every day, everywhere, pets are abandoned by families who move away and cannot take their pets with them. These domesticated animals lack basic survival skills, and are left to die from starvation, hypothermia, and various diseases. Some even become prey to other animals, or are shot by humans for entertainment.

People abandon their pets for a variety of reasons. Some can no longer afford to keep a pet; others cannot take pets to their new home because their landlord prohibits pets. Many people leave their animals for more selfish reasons, such as barking

excessively, not getting along with their other pets, or simply requiring too much attention. But no matter the excuse, animal abandonment is unacceptable.

Most people take their pets to the shelter if they can’t keep the pets anymore though, right? Sure, many people do at least drop off their unwanted pets at the shelter. But an unacceptable number of people don’t even bother to do that task.

Many pet owners do not realize that forms of animal cruelty are illegal in all U.S states and are considered felonies in 47. In Texas, abandoning your pet can mean a $4,000 fine and up to a year in prison.

A horse trader’s farm in West Virginia was reported to have over 40 horses and mules that were underfed and uncared for. When veterinarians from the Humane Society of the United States were sent in to check on the animals, they found that “underfed” was a huge understatement.

The horses had absolutely no water and no grass, and were completely surrounded by barbed wire fences that prevented them from reaching the green grass just on the other side.

One horse was in particularly bad shape. “He [was] about 459 pounds and his estimated weight should be at least 750 to 800 pounds,” said Clara Mason, D.V.M., a veterinarian who has been on over 25 negligent cases for horses. “I don’t know how you can look at this and not realize your horse is starved.”

After years of reporting to various organizations including the USDA, the farm’s neighbors finally were able to see the horses return to full health and be moved to a better home. “I’ve watched them for three years,” said Linda Cast, an elderly neighbor, as she wiped her tears of happiness with her hand. “I’m so happy for them. Their life begins today.”

13

ENTERTAINMENT

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Out with the Old and In with the New Miley: the Not So Ideal Role Model Stephanie Kim Staff Writer

The transitions of young pop stars moving into an adult stage splashes across entertainment history, often leaving a trail of criticism by the media and former fans alike.

Destiny Hope Cyrus, more commonly known as Miley Cyrus, a revolutionary country-pop singer with a unique, one of a kind image, and completely original songs, has subtly broken through her too innocent Disney image and developed into a classy, well-mannered lady.

Tired of singing her bouncy anthems created for her original tween fans, Cyrus so classily broke out of her shell with appropriate nude photos and pole dancing activities during her performance at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, proving that she “can’t be tamed.”

Cyrus represents the perfect role model for younger teens as she continues to be misunderstood by the media.

When Cyrus posted pictures of herself, amongst friends, slanting her eyes and making a peace sign with her fingers. The Organization of Chinese Americans was very offensive and wrong to even imagine that Cyrus was making fun of and disrespecting Asians! Purely, according to Cyrus, a misunderstanding.

When Cyrus performed “Party in the USA” in a highly respectable outfit consisting of black booty shorts, leather boots and a barely-there tank top, she was obviously teeming with good intentions and epitomized the role model of a young girl. And as she trotted around wearing her modest costume, every little girl learned a valuable lesson in respect while Cyrus frolicked with a pole onstage, giving a newfound understanding of why her parents actually named her Destiny Hope.

The media and fans alike again, clearly misunderstood Cyrus’ pure intentions.

Father Billy Ray Cyrus also teaches children lessons as he rushes to Cyrus’ defense. While wrapping up The Last Song, a 16-year-old Cyrus

presented the movie’s producer, Adam Shankman, with the generous gift of a lap dance. The terrible and cruel media criticized this until Cyrus’ father stated that Miley was just “having fun,” further explaining that her action was something “people her age do.” Listen, 16-year-olds: you are allowed to give 40-year-old men lap dances because it is something “people your age do.”

With her cleverly titled autobiography Miley Cyrus: Miles to Go, Cyrus’ wise lifespan of sixteen years touches and teaches young children of the harsh life of a pretty, wealthy, and famous girl.

Though people repeatedly criticize her judgment, they fail to realize that Cyrus is simply an innocent and graceful young woman.

Behind the becoming behavior and skimpy fishnets, an eloquent young lady expresses herself with moving lyrics and yet another song describing life’s struggles as “another mountain.”

Sick of the Bieber Fever?

Alexa Lucas

Feature Editor The earth was endowed on March 1, 1994, with a new, brilliant musical prodigy, who was destined to touch the lives of many with his compelling lyrics such as, “Baby, baby, baby...Oh.” The name of this supernatural being is Justin Drew Bieber.

To some, Justin Bieber is a heartwrenching idol; to others, he is the worst teen pop sensation due to his extreme commercialization and fake persona.

Bieber’s mother first exposed her son’s raw talent over YouTube, as the young child sang his renditions of other famous songs.

“Tubers” were astonished at the amazing musical genius this young kid portrayed.

According to Island Def Jam, after seven months of the huge YouTube hits, Usher discovered the new talent at a So So Def marketing interview. From there Bieber’s success flourished.

He was quickly commercialized and was put into the proper pop star image. No one would be aware of Bieber’s true selftaught music talents. As a child, Bieber taught himself to play the drums, guitar, piano, and trumpet.

The overpowering pop beats disguise the artist’s beautiful feminine range, as he focuses more on catchy tunes than exemplifying his true talents.

Rather than allowing the audience to have an intimate connection with the intriguing music, Bieber embodies the average pop star, heart-throb image.

Bieber’s true musical talents are hidden behind a pop facade. As Bieber’s image deteriorates, he will lose his The status quo lyrics leave no impression on his young fans. Artists that go down in history have universally profound lyrics, while Bieber’s songs ring of inexperience and lack of originality.

The Justin Bieber enterprise has created a thriving economic image. Instead of focusing on profound musical originality, this new industry has left focus on producing a concert video, numerous Bieber books, clothing merchandise, and many more insignificant knicknacks.

First Step to Forever: My Story hit the shelves at book stores across the country in October. This is the 16-year-old’s wise account of his seasoned life.

“Only 12-year-old girls would want to read the pamphlet that is the autobiography of a 16-year-old,” said blogger Amy Grindhouse.

This insanely commercialized pop-star has released the new My World, Justin Bieber scent.

February 11, 2011, theaters will overflow with the din of screaming little children. Oh, the joy. Bieber’s exciting life has been put into a movie to present this “prodigy’s” day-to-day struggles. Motivating children across the world, the wise Bieber brilliantly titled this Never Say Never.

Bieber continues to fascinate the world with his heroic life story and moving musical productions.

Beyonce or Destiny’s Child?

Lady Gaga or Britney?

Jonas Brothers or *NSYNC?

Alexa Lucas: Destiny’s Child was a time of drama as the band always broke up and got back together. The constant conflicts always distracted from their catchy tunes.

In 2002, Beyonce Knowles went solo. From this point on, Beyonce was able to rise to her fullest potential, displaying her unpredictable vocals, amazing acting skills, and killer center-stage dancing; skills that were masked.

The diva Beyonce overshadows the Destiny’s Child member, Beyonce. Going solo allowed the growing star to express her legendary talents.

Now considered a classic diva, Beyonce’s solo song “Dangerously in Love,” Beyonce topped the charts. A few years later, Destiny’s Child was completely disbanded.

The Beyonce industry took in more money than ever, as she followed with two more top-chart CDs; B’Day and I Am...Sasha Fierce and she took the starring role as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls.

Stephanie Kim: With singles like “Say My Name” and “Jumpin’ Jumpin’,” Destiny’s Child proved to be more than just an opening act for popular pop of the 90s.

Quickly rising to fame, the trio, including Beyonce Knowles, created a base for soulful pop in the teen popdominated era of the 90s.

Becoming one of the best-selling female groups of all time, the trio banded together in the late 90s, invading mainstream popularity with their unique harmony of vocals and female empowerment their image provided.

Initial success led to “Survivor” and “Bills, Bills, Bills,” which launched the short-lived but renowned girl band into R&B history.

Though criticized as just the beginning stages and preparation for Knowles’ multi-platinum solo career, Destiny’s Child revolutionized girl bands without teen pop diffused into it during the 90s.

A.L.: Out with the old and in with the new. The new decade brought new talents, surpassing that of the prior.

Britney Spears began to fade from the center stage as Lady Gaga took her position in the limelight. This time the new blonde pop-star did everything Spears did bigger and better.

Lady Gaga continues to enrapture audiences with her unpredictable costumes and wild performances. A ticket to a Gaga concert is a guarantee to be entertained.

Gaga goes against accepted standards of performances to provide creative, innovative entertainment.

She often models outrageous hair, such as when it was formed into the shape of a telephone, as well as her odd, studded and sequenced costumes.

The new and improved blonde pop sensation definitely transcends Spears. Since she has arrived on the pop scene she has stood out, and shows no signs of stopping.

S.K.: The legendary beginning of Britney Spears surfaced onto mainstream music with an explosion of pop music during the mid to late 90s, with the international number- one hits “...Baby One More Time” and “Oops!...I Did It Again.”

Spears represents the leading female pop star during the 90s, heading and reviving the pop movement that dominated the first half of every teen’s life.

Breaking out of her innocent image put forth in the star’s early appearances, Spears garnered headlines and gained criticism, as well as notoriety and fame, for her racy costumes and dancing during music videos and concerts.

She became the center of household topics and held a spot of endearment in the lives of many children and teens enraptured by her public appearances and pop music rather than the odd stars today, like Lady Gaga, who seem to make statements with no backing.

A.L.: The 90s were a time of boy pop bands and screaming female fans. At the end of this decade, these groups began to fade out. Suddenly, in 2005, a new male group sprouted from the dust: the Jonas Brothers.

This new and improved phenomenon changed many aspects of the original schema and added many intriguing qualities. Abandoning the dancing sensation, these brothers picked up instruments to showcase their broader musical talents.

Not only are these singer-songwriter boys surpassing the prior boy band generalizations, they also have their own Disney Channel show, “JONAS.” The Jonas Brothers have taken advantage of their heartthrob appearances, catchy lyrics, acting skills, and musical talents to capture the hearts of many teenage girls.

These innovative qualities truly make the Jonas Brothers better than any other teen boy band sensation of the past.

S.K.: Among the boy bands created in the 90s teen pop movement, *NSYNC rose to infamy for their instant popularity as teen idols, earning Grammy nominations and claiming the number-one spot on music charts with their catchy pop music.

Singles like “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time On You” in the late 90s and the band’s signature “Bye Bye Bye,” released in the beginning of the 2000s, led to the boy band’s commercial and musical popularity and credibility.

The initially strong start ignited the band to produce hit singles like “Dirty Pop” and “This I Promise You” in the early 2000s.

Vocal talent was a key factor in their success, surpassing the commercialized and callow music of recent boy bands like today’s Jonas Brothers. Also, unlike the”JoBros,” *NSYNC offered dancing along with their vocals, rendering them the more original and entertaining of the two.

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Boys Basketball Sets High Goals for Season

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Senior Magorien Becomes Matador

Brian Chang

Feature Editor

Christina Vasiliou Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO

As the WHS basketball team approaches the 2010-2011 season, Coach Tom Donahue has high hopes for this year.

The new team will have many changes from the previous year’s team.

“We’re experimenting with a [new] style of play. What we’ve come up with is we’re trying to be an outstanding half court man-to-man defensive team,” said Donahue. “There’s going to be lots of pressing; we’re going to up tempo the game, get as many steals, and get some easy buckets.”

Along with the different style of playing, the WHS basketball team features a much larger program compared to last year.

Shooting guard Dan Schneider ’11 predicts this year’s team is going to pose a threat to their opponents. “[We’re] hard to beat when we play as a team.

[We] just need to play consistent,” said Schneider.

Other returning seniors include Angelo Jacobs, Adrian Powditch, Brennan Walker, and Nick Zavala.

Practice for the basketball team started on Nov. 7, and since then, they have attended the Morro Bay Tournament on Dec. 2, where they went three wins and one loss, as well as winning the Consolation Trophy. This year will be much more competitive than last year, according to Donahue.

“Simi Valley is going to be good as always; same goes for Thousand Oaks, and Calabasas. Royal improved a lot since last year too.”

After their first game against SVHS, WHS will be participating in the Crespi Varsity Tournament, which is immediately followed by the Ventura Varsity Tournament. After the two tournaments, WHS will resume its regular season games starting with TOHS and NPHS. Schneider noted some differences between this and last year’s teams: “We’re a deeper team since we have 15 players, and the coaching since Rob Bloom, the head JV coach last year, is now the head co-coach, along with Donahue.

“My main philosophy as a basketball coach is to use basketball as a means to help students get through high school, be a good person and a good student, keep students in shape, and keep them in focus,” he said. “Now, of course, we do have a scoreboard on the courts so we try to win, and ultimately we’re trying to win a championship.

And at the very least, we want to be very competitive and get into the top three, and go on to playoffs and see what happens from then on.”

GO WEST: Delaney West dribbles the ball up the court to start the Warriors offense.

Team Captain Stays West Hanna Hong Staff Writer

Basketball is not just an activity, sport, or career for Delaney West ’11; it is a love. West embodies the ideal image of a committed girls basketball player, a skilled captain, and a team leader. She practices everyday to improve as an athlete and to ensure her future.

West plans to commit to UC Santa Cruz to focus on her education as well as her basketball career. As the only Division III School in the UC system, West was drawn to the university because of its academic achievements and basketball program.

West is shocked by the realization that this is her last year playing for a high school team. “It is crazy to think that I am in my final season, and I am a senior.”

To cherish the memories, West “wants to take advantage of every moment because it goes by so fast.” Next fall West will be

trading in her bright orange basketball uniform for a UCSC Banana Slugs jersey.

However, for now, West is still a Warrior.

With the new season approaching, West will be guarding for the team as number 10. Her personal goals are to “be a leader for the team and to continue to be the best [she] can be.” West is also strongly motivated to” make sure [her] game becomes completely consistent and to just continue becoming the player [she] needs to become to further [her] basketball career.” West is driven to lead her team to a Marmonte League win at the conclusion of the season, and she is confident the team can accomplish this goal by “believing that [the team] can really do it.”

Because her team is like her family, West “enjoys the time spent together” and wants to “make the season rewarding, winning, and fun.” To kick off the new season, the girls’ first home game is Dec. 15 against Royal.

As most seniors are waiting in anticipation for acceptance letters from the colleges they applied to, varsity volleyball player Travis Magorien ‘11 has already made the decision.

After various recruitment and scholarship offers from schools such as UCSB, Rutgers University, and Ohio State University, as well as a previous commitment to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Magorien finally chose California State University Northridge on a volleyball scholarship.

CSUN’s proximity proved to be the deciding factor.

“The closeness to [his] family and the fact that the volleyball team made it to the Final Four last year” influenced his decision, according to Magorien.

Additionally, the size of the scholarship offered, along with the possibility of playing on the team his freshman year, was a strong factor.

Magorien looks forward “to finding the court and hopefully being a true freshman starter on a NCAA title-contending team.”

Along with a bright future on the volleyball team Magorien also hopes to gain a great education at the university.

“I think it will be pretty tough to balance schoolwork and volleyball, but I have faith in myself that I will be able to balance both pretty equally,” said the senior.

The road to committing to CSUN was not a straight one for Magorien. He previously committed to playing for the University of Hawaii at Manoa, but when the CSUN coach contacted him and said that they had to remove a player from the team and there was an open spot for a setter, Magorien jumped at the chance to play for the prestigious team.

After a lot of hard choices, Magorien stated, “In the end, I am a Matador!”

Boys Soccer Looks To Bounce Back Shannon Reiffen Feature Editor

WHS soccer scrimmaged against Hart High School on Nov. 23, and lost 1-0.

According to Jeremy Delahanty '12, last season was one to forget. “We placed last in the league, tied three times and lost every other game by a few goals to zero generally.” He says it was their lack of strikers who could finish the ball, and as a result, they found it difficult to score.

Their second scrimmage, versus Alemany High School, ended in a tie, encouraging the team that they could play defensively. Delahanty says, “Overall, this season is looking up for us and we are determined to win and get to playoffs this year.”

Jan. 31st, 2011.

Jan. 31st, 2011.

SPORTS

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

A Tale of Two Corners

15

PHOTOS BY STEVEN PARO

Take Aways: Cornerbacks Dashon Hunt (left) and Casey Bliss (right) have both intercepted the ball at crucial points in a game.

Hunting Down the Ball

Jacob Cavanah Sports Editor

Dashon Hunt ’13 started as the Warriors’ cornerback this past season. He revealed his talent and contributed greatly to this year’s tremendous success.

“Dashon brought more speed to the defense, as well as the ability to lock down an opposing team’s best receiver. He is a great tackler and breaks really well on the ball,” said Second Team All Marmonte cornerback Casey Bliss ’11. “He has already shown his leadership this season and keeps the morale of the team up, and will definitely be [a leader] for the next two seasons.”

In the Warriors 37-27 semifinal victory over the St. Bonaventure Seraphs, Hunt had four solo tackles, two assisted tackles, and he managed to intercept their quarterback once.

Hunt was also given the opportunity to play running back in the game against SBHS, the position he expects to start at next year. He even scored a touchdown of his own.

As far as which side of the ball he

prefers to play on, Hunt said, “I love playing defense and I love playing offense.

Basically as long as I’m on the field I’m happy. I don’t ever like being off the field.”

Over the course of the season Hunt had 60 individual tackles, 22 assisted tackles, one sack, seven interceptions for 166 yards, and 11 offensive and defensive touchdowns combined.

Hunt also had an impact on special teams this season, gaining a total of 90 yards on only seven total returns.

“I had an idea I was going to be [the starting cornerback] because of the hard work over the off season. [Getting the starting cornerback position] was the only thing that was going through my mind,” said Hunt.

Earning any starting position on the Warriors is tough as is, but to do it as a sophomore and be a stand out player is a feat.

Aside from helping WHS maintain a strong team, Hunt also learned about himself this season, as a player. “I learned that if I set my mind to one goal, and I work my hardest on it, I could most likely accomplish it,” said Hunt.

Blissard Ices Opponents Tucker Higgins Sports Editor

After proving his talent last year on varsity, Casey Bliss ’11 returned this season with the experience needed to excel as a cornerback in a league filled with skilled receivers.

“My returning experience has definitely helped me feel more comfortable on the field. Also, I became accustomed to my returning starters’ styles on defense, like linebackers Jack Shepherd ’11 and Max Winsberg ’11,” said Bliss.

At the start of the season, Bliss was focused on improving upon his performance on the field for his senior year of competition. This is shown through the pursuit of one of his personal goals; he said “ I wanted to get as many or more interceptions as last season.”

At the close of this season, Bliss met this goal with four picks on the year after the one point loss in the CIF title game against Oaks Christian High School. Two of these interceptions were snagged against WHS’s new rivals Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure, one of which was returned

30 yards for a touchdown in playoff rematch against St. Bonnie. In addition to causing turnovers, Bliss also contributed to the Warriors success this season with his tackling. Number 24 averaged five tackles per game and finished with 70 tackles on the season.

Bliss’s abilities as an athlete have no doubt come from playing years of organized football; however, Bliss also attributes his success to his father.

“Over the years, I have become a smarter and more committed athlete,” said Bliss. As well, my dad’s drive and encouragement have definitely made me more motivated to get better every practice,” said Bliss.

When asked about what his biggest strength is as a cornerback, Bliss said, “One of my best attributes as a corner is that I fight for the ball when it is in the air and I do not quit on a play until the whistle is blown.”

Although Bliss is currently undecided as to whether he will continue playing football in college, Claremont McKenna, Union College in New York, and USMMA have given Bliss offers to play.

Wheeler Fields Offers to Play Soccer, Chooses Vassar Hanna Hong Staff Writer

the other schools [she] was looking at.”

Excited for her future at Vassar, Wheeler still shares a common goal with her other teammates. As Aryana Azmoudeh ’11 states they “want to beat Thousand Oaks.” Even though it is still early in the season, the team looks forward to the traditional pasta parties before games, and Wheeler is excited for home games, such as the one this Wednesday against Royal, because of their “own warm up CD, which gets [them] pumped THE CAPTAIN: Wheeler dribbles the ball in offensive attack. for the game.”

Courtesy Photo

Sporting jersey number 21, Chloe Wheeler ’11 represents the WHS girls soccer team as not only a versatile player, but also a team captain.

Because of her years of club soccer experience and skill as a four-year varsity starter, Wheeler is able to contribute to the team in various ways. Even though, the WHS soccer team has won back-to-back Marmonte League titles, Wheeler is not fazed by the expectations of another title, but instead she is challenged to do better than previous years.

Wheeler is focused and driven to motivate the team to “get past the first round of CIF because in the past two years

[they] have won Marmonte but have not won the first game of CIF.” Besides athletic goals, Wheeler hopes to “keep the team close on and off the field” and “be a leader for the team,” so they can achieve their goals later in the season. Wheeler also hopes to ease her frustration during games so she can “help [her] teammates stay in the game and stay positive.”

As a college-bound athlete, Wheeler has already committed to Vassar College in New York. With offers to play at Division I universities, Wheeler ultimately decided to choose Vassar because she wanted “a wellrounded college experience.” She specifies that on her official visit she “fell in love with the campus as well as the fact that it is something different from California and

16

SPORTS

December 15, 2010 • THE ARROW

Isham Makes It One for the Record Books CONTINUED from Front Page great job throughout the year.

Aside from the team’s overall success, there were a couple of notable individual achievements. Before the playoff game against SBHS, Isham completed 157 passes of 209 pass attempts, which made his passing percentage 75.1%. This tied a single-season record set by Tim Couch in 1995. Couch went on to play for Kentucky, and then in the National Football League. When it was all said and done, Isham finished with a 73 passing percentage, on 197 passes completed on 270 attempts. He had 34 total touchdown passes, only seven interceptions, and five rushing touchdowns. Isham finished the 2010 season with an eye-opening 138 passer rating.

In a previous interview with The Star, Head Coach Jim Benkert said, “We’ve had a lot of outstanding quarterbacks in the program, but he’s unique because he can do everything. He can also play cornerback, and how many quarterbacks have we had who can do that? Rudy Carpenter was obviously a great quarterback who made it to the NFL. But we only had him for one season. Nick has been here for three seasons and his impact is obvious.”

On the defensive side of the football, outside linebacker, Max Winsberg ’11, led the Warriors with 135 total tackles, 67 being solo, and the other 68 being assisted tackles. His impressive 4.16 GPA has both Brown and Penn taking notice.

Winsberg is a well-liked teammate to his team members and player to his coaches.

A lot of the skill players are graduating this year, which means that the players who are filling their spots have big shoes to fill. “Because of the seniors’ efforts this year, many of the upcoming varsity starters managed to get a lot of experience that will allow us to be ready for next year, so even though many of our starting skill players are leaving, I am confident that those who are filling their spots will be physically and mentally ready to get it done,” said Muguerza.

Players who will return next year are Muguerza, Justin Solis ’12, David Ortiz ’12, Cody Tuttle ’12, Kenneth Ahching ’12, Moore, Dashon Hunt ’13, and the entire offensive line.

Moore and Hunt were starting defensive backs this year, and next year they will be in the backfield together, Moore filling in Isham’s spot at the quarterback position and Hunt taking over the running back responsibility.

"Next year I see the same thing happening as the past two years. We have a lot of talent returning, and the team will know what it takes to make it to another CIF Championship," said Spruce, even though he will not be a member of the team next year.

This team never let up or gave up all season long. As heartbreaking as this loss was, players, coaches, and fans will always remember that the 2010 Warrior football team left all their heart and effort on the field in every game this season.

“I can’t say enough about the character of these kids,” said Benkert in the post-game interview.

Notable Mentions

The Ventura County Star released these awards on Monday, Dec. 13.

All Ventura County QB Nick Isham DB Nelson Spruce DT Justin Solis

PHOTOS BY STEVEN PARO

A season to Remember: Moments from the Warriors’ record-breaking season.

All County Kicker K Alex Ball All-County Large Schools’ Offensive Backfield

RB Tavior Mowry

Best Offensive Linemen LT Keith Ramljak First-Team Linebacker OLB Max Winsberg All-County Defensive Back CB Dashon Hunt First-Team Defensive Lineman

DE Johnny Stuart