April 24, 2015 by The Castro Valley High School Olympian

Page 5: Days of Diversity comes to CVHS

Volume 58, Issue 10

Running, jumping, throwing

It’s “vital” that you try these bowls!

Celebrating our differences

Page 6: Vitality Bowls offers sweet treats

April 24, 2015

Page 7: Track team dominates invitational

We are born to seek the truth! www.cvhsolympian.com

Trojans’ turf raises health concerns for athletes By Laniah Lewis Sports Editor

Some have questioned the safety of artificial turf used at CVHS and many schools across America, raising concerns about the health of Trojans who practice and compete on our field. Many people are beginning to think that the fields’ “crumb rubber,” made up of diced up tires that form the base of the artificial turf, contains dangerous toxins and causes cancer. Students seem worried about the possible health hazards the field at Trojan Stadium may contain. “There are P.E. classes that are on the turf for every single period of the day and they are probably on the turf for the majority of the period and that would be concerning if the turf was harmful because it would be harming almost all of the kids in the school,” stated CVHS student Kyle Rocha. This potential danger also has school officials concerned. “I’m certainly worried, I think that it’s an issue we should be open to looking at. We should reach out to Kaiser to see what kind of tests they’re doing on this topic,” com-

Jes Smith/ Photo Editor

Numerous student athletes use the artificial turf for practices and games every day. mented Principal Blaine Torpey. School nurse Sandee Velasquez had an opinion on the safety of the crumb rubber as well. “I think that there should be more testing because our kids do spend a lot of time on that field,” she said. University of Washington assistant soccer coach Amy Griffin has

noted a disturbing trend among athletes who played on crumb rubber turf. She has compiled a list of 126 soccer, field hockey, and football players from across the nation who have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer. Eightytwo of those 126 athletes were soccer goalies, who are known

Patriotism rings through CVHS By Anna Talajkowski Editor-In-Chief

Many students and teachers were surprised by the recent announcement that CVHS will be expanding its focus on patriotic exercises within school. Along with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, CVHS has launched several new initiatives, such as featured profiles on American heroes during the morning announcements. The additions were put in place after CVHS failed to meet a California state education code. The regulation states schools should conduct “daily appropriate patriotic exercises,” and that the Pledge of Allegiance fills this requirement. It described the pledge as important for its “expression of patriotism, love of country, and pride in the United States of America.” The Pledge of Allegiance will now be said Monday and Thursday, and biographies of American heroes will be featured on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, meaning block days will have announcements at the

beginning of class. On Fridays, the announcements discuss the importance of that day in American history. So far the broadcasts have featured important figures such as Cesar Chavez and Anne Sullivan. Leadership and history teacher Nicholas Whitaker says he and his students are trying to find variety to make the statemandated requirements more interesting. “I’ve tried to find a balance between not just doing old white males,” said Whitaker. “We’re trying to make it more well rounded.” Conflicts over the Pledge of Allegiance and its connotations have long existed in the public school system, many resulting in legal battles and Supreme Court rulings. In Newdow v. Rio Linda, courts ruled that the phrase “one nation, under God,” in the pledge is not considered religious speech and has a secular purpose, and therefore is not a violation of a student’s First Amendment rights. Students, however, are not

required to recite the pledge if they do not wish, a verdict settled in West Virginia Board of Ed. v. Barnette. In fact, according to the case of Frazier v. Winn, students do not even have to stand or face the flag respectfully when the pledge is being said. History teacher Kevin Batchelor commented on the juxtaposition of the patriotic exercises with the original values of the United States. “It’s ironic to live a nation built on the principles of freedom of thought and yet to also be compelled to participate in state-sponsored expressions of patriotism that are, to most students, meaningless,” said Batchelor. Nevertheless, CVHS is doing the best it can to make sure students can learn from the mandatory announcements, and even contribute to them themselves. “If any individual students have recommendations (for American heroes), I’m more than happy to do that,” said Whitaker.

to dive onto the turf repeatedly during practices and games. In other words, over 65 percent of the athletes that have been recorded to have gotten cancer were goalies, and the numbers are continuing to grow. These dangerous accusations have many people skeptical. Some

players who are dedicated to their sport nonchalantly face this possible danger. “I’m not actually worried about it. It doesn’t frighten me because I’m playing something that I love and it keeps me healthy,” stated varsity soccer player Jessica Ko. But according to the Sierra Club, there was a 2007 report by California’s Integrated Waste Management Board that stated: “Toxins in tire crumb exceed hazard levels for children by 220 percent. These toxins include arsenic, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc — not substances anyone would want their children playing in.” There was also a study conducted in 2009 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that showed that the crumb rubber contained carcinogens as well as other hazardous material such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. It claimed, however, that the study it had performed was limited and that the results should be considered inconclusive. The EPA originally supported

See TURF: page eight

Transitioning to online course selection By Martin Baez Staff Writer

As our everyday world moves on with more and more technology, CVHS has followed the trend. This year, students from CVHS were asked to choose their classes for next year online and in paper but it was mandatory to submit them online. This year is the first year our school has done course selection sheets online. A lot of students didn’t like this change because when they informed us about this change during the assembly, a wave of moans came down when they were told they had to use their Aeries account in order to complete the task. Some of the students don’t know how to operate it because it's mostly just parents that use it. “It saves paper and students are forced to create an Aeries portal,” stated counselor Susan Elliott about the advantages of the new online class programming. This should be a more

accurate way for students to get the classes they want because opposed to the regular papers, you can really highlight what your back-up choices will be instead of mixing up your counselors who are programming hundreds of students each. One controversial thing with the new method is that there are no parent signatures required, in contrast to the paper forms used earlier. Students might choose classes that their parents don’t approve of thus making a conflict at home. “That’s still to be determined because right now we are just at the beginning stages where the kids are actually entering their courses,” said Elliot after being asked about potential problems that could happen with this new way. Counselors can’t tell yet if there will be a problem because students have barely entered their classes and counselors haven’t put them in yet. Hopefully the online method will be better in the long run.

We pledge to perfect our proud patriotic practices

Editorial: Daily announcements have been altered to have more of an emphasis on patriotism. Students at CVHS are now required to listen to the Pledge of Allegiance and other patriotic messages four days a week. This change is enforced by a state law that CVHS has been neglecting to follow for the majority of the year. California Education Code 5270 states “In every public secondary school there shall be conducted daily appropriate patriotic exercises.” The Pledge of Allegiance satisfies the requirements of the code, and short biographies of significant Americans are also acceptable. We at The Olympian believe the addition of pledges and historical figures does have a desired and positive effect on the students. Besides promoting patriotism and increasing national spirit, students are given the chance to learn more about significant people who played an important role in the history of our country besides the common ones found in his-

tory books. The delivery of the information in PA announcements, however, may not work as well as intended. As typical high schoolers, students at CVHS tend to do everything they can to ignore the announcements and talk over them. The extra minutes dedicated to the announcements are taking away precious time from teachers to give their lessons. When stu-

Has technology taken over?

By Robbie Brandt Business Manager

You see it everywhere in schools, at your house, and even at Starbucks. Wherever you go, technology is there. Now I’m not saying that’s a bad thing but it seems like today people have become too reliant on technology. People use it to watch movies, read, play games, and even take classes with your technology. But where does it stop? Pretty soon technology will have taken over everything. I mean, if you can take your classes online, what will be the point of coming to a classroom?

This type of technology can cause people to lose their jobs. In factories the owners are replacing their employees with robotic technology. Apple has even announced that it may make a car that can drive itself. I think this is a insanely bad idea. Why do we need classes on the computer, and if we do, what happens if your computer crashes? A real teacher would never crash or have a blue screen of death. Or what if one of the robots in a factory malfunctions and messes up a large order for your factory? Or what if the apple car malfunctions and you crash? This would not happen with a human being. Factory workers will do their best not to screw up because a screw up could mean their jobs; while a robot has nothing to lose. That’s why I believe humanity needs to lay off of the technology for a while and maybe go outside and live a little. Otherwise I fear what may happen for our future.

dents do not actually listen to the presentation of a historical person, then the process is just a waste of time for everyone: the teachers, the announcers, and the students. Leadership students’ recent execution and enforcement of the legal code has actually been quite admirable if it was given the proper focus it deserves. Instead of including commonly known people like George

/ city editor

Art without an audience

By Halley Lin-Jones Staff Writer

In history classes, we learn about sweeping tragedies, revolutionary changes, and brave heroes. But what has always interested me more than the bloody details of wars of the past is the art that has come out of different eras in history. Art is a reflection of the culture, and so with any big changes, we often find huge advancements in arts as well. I’m not just referring to paintings and sketches- art encompasses music, dance, literature, theatre, opera, etc. When I look at modern art today, I can’t help feeling like

PHOTOpinions “I think that it is fantastic, we are showing pride for our culture.” Monet Khanyahl, freshman

rachel du

Washington or Andrew Jackson, they talked about diverse people that made cultural impacts on the United States such as Cesar Chavez. It would be best for the announcements to be reduced in number. Daily announcements on the loudspeakers of this sort may become excessive. A solution to the struggle of fulfilling the requirements of the legal code and not wast-

ing the time of all the students and teachers could be to create more podcasts to deliver the messages. In general, students are enamored by the projected screen of the short podcasts. Students pay much more attention to the podcasts, so more people would be able to learn things about historical figures if the information was given off through the videos. Another way to fulfill the legal requirement could be having an interactive day with the students. For example, each Friday could be a trivia contest based on the student’s knowledge of the country or on what has been mentioned in previous announcements of the week. An increase in the number of patriotic activities at CVHS could be a welcome change. Students could benefit by learning more about those that made a difference and helped shape the country. The Olympian sees no harm with the additional announcements, but there are definitely changes that could be made to improve them.

By Isaiah Siordia

“I’m not against patriotism nor am I for it. It is good however to have respect for your country.” Jacob Obeso, sophomore

something is dying. It may not be so much that quality of art is declining, because I do not believe it is. Where there’s talent and creativity, there will always be innovative art. However, something has been lost, and I believe it has a lot to do with the changing audience of the world. Will we ever again have a period of huge advancement in the arts like the Italian Renaissance, or the Neoclassical period? I can’t help but feel doubtful that any new glorious eras of artistic development are going to occur anytime soon. Why? I just don’t think as many people appreciate art at the same level as they once did, particularly the youth. As a training dancer, I have seen firsthand the effects of the loss of support and enthusiasm in many forms of art. Lots of people pursue dance and music as a hobby, but many also want to make their practice into their career. How can they do this when there are fewer spots in dance companies? How can they possibly secure a job when orchestras, ballet companies,

and other arts organizations can barely scrape together the finances to pay them? There are still exciting changes happening in the realm of art, but many people don’t even realize it. In other parts of the world, like in Europe, there is larger support for traditional art forms. Some artists even ascend to celebrity status, like Italian ballet star Roberto Bolle. In America in particular, young people are not usually exposed to these traditional art forms. The spotlight has been moved exclusively to new pop music, or film and TV stars. I believe that if people kept an open mind about art, they would appreciate it more. Instead of immediately assuming that ballet is boring, or that all concertos are the same, expose yourself as much as you can to a variety of art. Creations of art might not stop wars or fix the hundreds of debilitating world problems, but what they can do is build a generation of empathetic, innovative individuals.

What do you think about patriotism at CVHS? “I don’t care much for it, but I think if you want to, go ahead.” Cameron Schnabl, junior

“ Yo u d o n ’ t have to like it but respect those who fought for your freedom.” Lorenzo Sanchez, senior

3 Police conduct questioned Olympian Man meets mystery The Olympian April 24, 2015

By Sally Liang Opinion Editor

Two police officers went on trial in Rennes, France in connection with the deaths of a pair of teenagers in 2005 near a Paris suburb. The event has once again sparked widespread rioting that sheds light to the issue of police discrimination and racial divisions that many claim have not been healed. The police officers, Sebastien Gaillemin and Stephanie Klein, face charges of failing to prevent the deaths of the two teenagers fleeing the police nearly a decade ago. Bouna Traore, 17, and Zyed Benna, 15, died of electrocution in a transformer station where they sought to run away from the police who chased them as they were returning home from a soccer game. An opinion survey, called Graines de France and Human Rights Watch, indicated that more than 80 percent of the North African popula-

tion of France and believed the police force was engaged in ethnic profiling. The incident sparked the public’s suspicion regarding police brutality as well as the treatment of the country's many ethnic immigrants who live in gritty suburbs like Clichy, where the two youths resided. The families' lawyer, JeanPierre Mignard, told the media the case had dragged on because authorities did not want to bring it to trial. “The youths died in atrocious conditions,” he said. “It could have been avoided.” The case reflects larger racial injustices in France, which belied the country's motto of “liberty, equality and fraternity.” The parents of both youths immigrated there from North and sub-Saharan Africa. The path to justice has been long and difficult. The teenagers’ families mourned for days after the deaths of their sons, and after a series of dismissals and appeals, the trial was finally being held in Brittany. This narrative carries assumptions and values demonstrating France’s trouble with racism. Set the victims aside and puzzling facts remain: two youths lie dead, killed by electrocution. Everything that appears in front citizens of France

(eyewitness reports, video footage, autopsy reports) should support the police officers’ guilt or innocence of the boys who died. In reality, the justice system does not measure up to the ideal. Individuals believe that the system starting with police interaction to verdict is corrupted with racial bias. Similar to this incident in France, the police killing of Michael Brown killing in Ferguson, Missouri is yet another reminder that racism was and always will be America’s open gateway with minority groups suffering and inhumanity on constant display. In another perspective, police officers hold a position of authority, and they are obligated to send a message that when they are serving local communities, they treat all residents of the community equally, regardless of racial identities. But bias is nuanced into the system and ultimately results in unequal justice. We must understand the harsh reality that the way we engage with police may affect whether we are free, whether we are handcuffed in orange jumpsuits, or whether we are taken away in an ambulance. It is true for people of every race, though unfortunately it may apply to some of us more than others.

Story By Robbie Brandt/Illustrations By Neo Diesta

GET OUT OF THE WAY IN CROWDED HALLWAYS

By Caitlin Forbes Staff Writer

We all know that mixture of aggression, frustration, and desperation that comes with walking down the halls. Why do people feel the need to talk to their friends right in the middle? I mean really, the hallways have a purpose and people have to get to their lockers. If you want somewhere quieter and less busy to talk to your friends, go somewhere else. It would significantly reduce the clutter if that happened. But it’s not just the surplus of people, it’s the attitude. Sorry I need to get to my locker that you are standing right in front of, the dirty looks really aren’t necessary. People give all these dirty looks to students that are just trying to get to their lockers, or out of the hall. No one is entitled to the

jes smith/ photo editor

Students struggle to get through a crowded hallway. whole hallway, and when there are people flooding the halls, maybe instead of giving dirty looks, just move. Between dodging people, balloons that always seem to be there, and trying to get to my locker, I start to feel more like I’m dancing or doing park-core with all of the weaving, dodging, and rushing. Seriously people we are a school of 3,000 students, we can’t all be talking and standing in the halls. Another thing that is super efficient is the mega line: When a group of friends decides it’s a great idea to walk in a horizontal line down a busy hallway, not allowing anyone to get by.

Yes, that’s a great idea. During a time when the hall isn’t that busy, that is fine, but really during the ten minute break, do you really think that it’s a good idea? A factor that always makes the hallways out of control is the inability to know what side of the hall to walk on. It’s just like driving. Stick to one side of the hall going your direction and you’re golden. Don’t be that person that walks down the wrong side. It just adds to the confusion and constant chaos. Let’s all try to follow the hallway rules and make life a little easier for everyone.

Editors-in-Chief...........................................................Stephanie Huerta Anna Talajkowski City Editor......................................................................Rachel Du News Editor..............................................................Anna Nguyen Opinion Editor............................................................Sally Liang Feature Editor.....................................................Callie Ross-Smith Sports Editor................................................................Laniah Lewis Arts and Entertainment Editor......................................Lauren Jelks Photo Editors........................................................Alison Dhont Jes Smith Business Manager......................................................Robbie Brandt Staff Writers: Martin Baez, Desiree Broome, Brittany Bracy, Neo Diesta, Caitlin Forbes, Halley Lin-Jones, Laura Macchiavello, Alexander McIntosh, Jessica Mi, America Morales, Danika Newlin, Maia Samboy, Isaiah Siordia, Meiling Zhang Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

local lgbt activist promotes equality By Anna Talajkowski Editor-In-Chief

The letters to the editor section of the Castro Valley Forum often features comments from the public on issues like bike lanes, water conservation, and local elections. Yet more recently, the category has been filled with opinions regarding Castro Valley churches and their LGBT policies, a conversation started by activist and Castro Valley resident Billy Bradford. Bradford, who’s been contacting churches since 2008, wrote publicly about the policies of 3 Crosses Church. On its web site, under the section labeled “Where We Stand,” the church affirmed its position concerning marriage and gender identity. The statement associated homosexuality with “adultery, premarital sex…. and pedophilia,” and “transgender behavior” with “lascivious conduct...and the creation and/ or distribution and/or viewing of pornography.” The church also holds a H.O.P.E. (Holding On Praying Expectantly) Group. The group invites parents and family of LGBTQ people to attend, offering “amazing testimonies of those who have been redeemed by our Savior from homosexual struggles,” and, “a safe place to ask questions.” Bradford confronted the church over its outward opinions and the group. “They say they pray for us and for our struggles,” said Bradford. “Our struggle is not with being gay. It’s with having churches constantly tell us there’s something wrong with that.” B r a d f o rd c h a l l e n g e d t h e church’s controversial policies, referencing how stigma and conversion therapy had led to the suicide of transgender teen Leelah

Jes Smith/ Photo editor

Billy Bradford educates CVHS students on marriage equality during Days of Diversity. Alcorn in December of last year. His statement sparked local conversation, but Bradford’s voice has been prominent in the Castro Valley community since much before now. Bradford started to speak out about LGBT issues in Castro Valley when he was working against Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that ended same-sex marriage in California for five years. While standing on the corner of Redwood Road, holding a “No on 8” sign, he was yelled at by a woman on the street who was

holding a different sign promoting Christian values, and was told he would “burn in hell” and would never be able to get married. The moment shocked Bradford but also pushed him to address LGBT rights in his community. In 2011, Bradford joined a group of CVHS seniors to hold a rally in support of the LGBT community in Castro Valley. The event, which was expected to only draw a handful of people, ended up with a crowd of 300 supporters. The number of attendees was so big, the planned march had to

be cancelled because the county required a permit. The event was the first Castro Valley Pride, an annual event that is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The celebration now features a main stage with talented performers and speakers; former state senator Ellen Corbett and Congressman Eric Swalwell have both spoken at past events. Booths featuring local businesses and LGBT organizations, along with food trucks and sitting areas, are also present. Bradford and the other organizers of Castro

CVHS senior shines on silver screen By Caitlin Forbes Staff Writer

Callie Ross-Smith/ Feature editor

French Club members devour delicious crepes at their first meeting.

J’adore the new CVHS French Club By Callie Ross-Smith Feature Editor

Walk in to room 911 for the French Club, and there will be Nutella, jam, fresh strawberries, and honey. This by itself could be a great snack, but then sophomore club president Keith Vega pulls out some crepes, and the situation is now ten times more delicious. "The goal is to draw people in with French culture, like the food. We hope that these interactive meetings will show that the French are more than just people who go around saying 'bonjour,'"

said Vega. The club's first meeting was on Tuesday, March 31, and the members plan to hold a meeting every other week. The club is open as well to those who aren't a part of the French program. This is the first time in over four years that a French club has been at CVHS. One of the goals of the club is to get more representation of the French language program through t-shirts, meetings, and fundraisers. The French program is the only language class that does not have a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or crew neck. "This club was formed all be-

cause of T-shirts," Vega joked. Besides food, the club hopes to find newspaper and magazine articles from France and share them at meetings, to keep current in what's going on in France. "It's good that the program is being given a little 'oomph,’” said French teacher Teresa Marshment. She says that the club was all of Vega's idea, and is very happy that this is happening. Stop on by to the newest and greatest addition of the French Club! A savory or sweet crepe will be waiting!

Valley Pride also attend many large community events, such as the Fall Festival and the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade, where they were the first LGBT organization to participate. Bradford describes the most rewarding aspect of the pride event as “seeing the faces of the LGBT people and families walking around, realizing they are welcome at Castro Valley Pride.” Bradford is a prominent member in the community regardless of his LGBT activism. He volunteers for the Castro Valley Center of the Arts, devoting so much time that he was made an unpaid CVUSD employee. Bradford also helps students at CVHS with sound equipment for fundraising events, and is an announcer for the Chabot Baseball program. In other aspects of the LGBT community, he is currently working with the Hayward Senior Center to create an LGBTQ Senior Prom, and is helping coordinate events for Marriage Equality USA and getEQUAL. “You name it and I will help them if they need it,” said Bradford. Bradford’s activism in the Castro Valley community has paid off. Just in the past month, 3Crosses Church removed its language about gay and transgender people in the “What We Believe” section of its web site, and removed the derogatory wording from the H.O.P.E. group description. Bradford invites those attending the groups and their families, along with all residents of Castro Valley, to come meet and get to know the openly LGBT members of the Castro Valley community. “We’re your neighbors, we shop in the same aisles at Safeway,” said Bradford. “Meet us face to face, put our faces and our lives to your perceptions and see if they don’t change.”

CVHS senior Zach Cutler-Orrey was recently part of filming for an upcoming movie about Steve Jobs. Cutler-Orrey was an extra on the set, and was able to experience first hand what the movie production process was like. “Although it was tedious and boring between takes, it was extremely rewarding because as an upcoming actor, I got my very first taste of being on the set of a feature film and that was huge for me,” said CulterOrrey. “All day from morning until evening we shot scenes that ranged from us simply walking into the building to us applauding for Michael Fassbender (who plays Jobs).” Cutler-Orrey is an aspiring star at CVHS, and wants to follow his acting passion after he graduates. “I will continue training with the private film acting program

that I currently study at, and after high school it will be me, my craft, my one-in-a-trillion girlfriend Danni Blaise, and more time to balance work and building up an acting career. To start, I will be shooting an indie film which I have a speaking role in,” said Cutler-Orrey. Cutler-Orrey has starred in several CVHS productions. Last year he played the role of Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, and has been cast as the White Rabbit in the CVHS upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland, which opens May 1. Cutler-Orrey described the filming experience as difficult, but worth the work. “Dressed in my thick 1980s jacket and packed into the San Francisco Opera House with over a thousand others, it was very hot. But this is my passion and it was definitely well worth it!” he said. Cutler-Orrey is following his dreams and is a rising star that belongs on the big screen.

The Olympian

Vietnam veteran shares his story By Halley Lin-Jones Staff Writer

Gruesome pictures flash onto the screen, one of a family being torn apart, anguish and grief in their faces. Another picture causes the whole class to recoil in shock-a young girl born without hands. “This is the heart-breaking legacy of the war,” said Paul Cox, a Vietnam War veteran. Cox was one of the many engaging speakers that came to visit CVHS during the annual Days of Diversity events. Cox served as a Marine in Vietnam for 18 months. He explained how before he was drafted, he knew very little about the war in Vietnam. After weeks of boot camp and training, Cox was sent to southern Vietnam to cut off enemy supply lines. Later, he was assigned to duties in the countryside of Vietnam, where the soldiers were instructed to fight the guerrilla groups in the area, driving families out of their homes and destroying their land. “It was a completely different kind of fighting here. These men were not normal, trained soldiers. They were farmers by day, and soldiers by night. We couldn’t always tell who the enemy was,” explained Cox openly. Pictures in Cox’s slideshow revealed the massive amounts of not only ammunition, but also dangerous herbicides that the United States troops used in Vietnam. The herbicides were intended to kill the thick

Veteran Paul Cox rainforest vegetation in order to make fighting easier. However, herbicides, such as the famous Agent Orange, produced many health problems among the Vietnamese civilians, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease. “When we flew over the land, we could see huge bomb craters everywhere. It was an expensive way to kill rice patties,” said Cox sadly. Since the end of the war, Cox has gone back to visit Vietnam. He is now a big advocate for repairing the damage that was left in the country after the war. Although some steps have been made towards change, Cox believes that there is still much more that can be done. “I’ve been working on this since 2005. The U.S. has stepped up to clean up the mess, but it’s not admitting that it made a mistake. It’s forward motion, though,” said Cox. “We’re stepping up, little by little.”

April 24, 2015

From farming to pharmaceuticals By Anna Talajkowski Editor-In-Chief

During Days of Diversity, pharmaceutical representative and local resident Laura Inzunza told her honest and inspirational story of how she went from growing up a migratory farm worker to going to college, starting a family, and creating a successful career. Inzunza was born in Mexico, and her family moved to the United States when she was eight years old. Her mother never attended school, and her father had only received a third grade education, and the family could only find work picking crops. Inzunza said she began working as a small child. “We were picking as soon as we could walk,” Inzunza said. When she was young, Inzunza and the other children were given coffee cans with handles to gather the crops with until they became old enough to harvest large buckets like the adults. Inzunza, who worked until she was 15, described the difficulty and tough schedule of migrant farm work, such as having to wake up in the dark every morning. “We had to be in the field at the crack of dawn,” said Inzunza. Inzunza credits much of her ability to succeed to her mother, who found ways to help her children as much as she could with the resources available. Her mother taught her and her siblings how to read in Spanish

Alison Dhont/ Photo Editor

Student representatives of countries bear their flags in the Days of Diversity flag parade. using letters cut out from cereal boxes, and she encouraged Inzunza to participate in high school activities and focus on her schoolwork. Inzunza said her mother’s inventive ideas helped her later to prosper in her career. “Being creative and thinking outside the box, that’s what makes you stand out,” she said. After she graduated from high school, Inzunza attended college and received a degree in biology and religion, then attended Loma Linda University to receive a master’s degree in public health. During this time, she married and started a family. She worked in San Bernardino writing grants for the city, and then became a program administrator for the Public Health Department in Oakland, while putting her husband through college. Her family then moved to

Missouri, where she wrote grants for a medical school. It was at this point in Inzunza’s story that she encountered her largest struggle. After a difficult separation, Inzunza found herself moving back home to California with her three sons, with no source of income and no home. After several rough months, she forced herself to find things she was grateful about in her life, and was able to pick up the pieces and find a job as a pharmaceutical representative. Now she also teaches parenting classes, and formed a web site, Conversations with Random Professionals, where she puts up information to teach teenagers about different job opportunities. It can be found at http:// laurainzunza.com/about-me/ curriculum-vitae/.

Hair raising performance

Jes Smith / Photo Editor

Cameron Porter wows the crowd with her dancing at the Days of Diversity assembly.

Anniversary 1939-2014

Vitality Bowls will vitalize you!

in a bowl with fresh fruit and granola on top seems out of the ordinary, but just wait until you take a bite! I have always loved Vitality bowl, it’s the perfect mix of honey, seeds, banana, strawberry, and frozen treat. This is the healthier option for people who love ice cream but don't want the added sugars and calories. It tastes just as good, but also has a lot of added benefits for your health! Each bowl contains no ice, no frozen yogurt,

no added sugar, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial preservatives, no trans fats, or any other fillers. There are many types of vitality bowls; Vitality bowl, Tropical bowl, Power bowl, Energy bowl, Nutty bowl, Warrior bowl, and much more. Each with their own combination of fruit, to give it the unique taste you love. Vitality Bowls also sells a variety of other foods, like smoothies, paninis, salads, and soups. Everything on their menu is promised to have no added chemicals or additives, so you feel completely comfortable ordering with no guilt at all! There are two Vitality Bowls locations. One in San Ramon, and the other in the Stoneridge Mall. Both places are relatively far, that is why I am more than excited to have a Vitality Bowls right in our very own Castro Village! Each store has a unique atmosphere, and smells powerfully of cleanliness and fruit. If you love ice cream, or getting frozen yogurt, then I suggest you try out Vitality Bowls. With so many frozen yogurt places closing in our community, it is the perfect replacement. Many people are afraid to try it, but once they do they fall in love. It takes a lot to get over your comfort zone, and try this thing that looks and sounds way different than what you're used to, but I promise you you will not regret it!

to get me interested in it, the storyline itself is truly out there. Kimmy is a bright, funny, childish, and upbeat character that can make you smile with her outdated style, her positive outlook on life, her nervous laugh, and her unbreakable personality. The series has characters of many races, and many people have criticized the series for making jokes about stereotypes of Vietnamese immigrants, Native Americans, and African Americans. While the show glosses over many serious topics, the jokes are extremely witty and sheds light to topics that should be talked about. Tina Fey and Robert Carlock set a platform for these serious topics to be talked about and laughed about on the series. Despite the criticism that the show has received I admire the

cleverness behind the jokes and truly enjoy laughing at Kimmy’s misunderstanding of the modern world through her eighth grade education perspective. Kimmy finds funny ways to deal with things and makes interesting connections between problems and solutions that inspire the people around her. Kimmy has an interesting outlook on the life around her. When in the bunker, she explains to her new friends, she lived her life in ten-second parts because, “You can get through anything for ten seconds.” With the funny characters, clever jokes, and interesting storyline, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt leaves you wanting more. It’s easy to not only get through ten seconds of the show, but it’s easy to get through ten episodes, and eventually the first whole season!

Alison Dhont / Photo Editor

By Alison Dhont Photo Editor

For all you healthy smoothie and ice cream lovers, Vitality Bowls is your one stop destination for it all. A restaurant that serves healthy frozen smoothie

Tina Fey makes us laugh again By Stephanie Huerta Editor-in-Chief

In early March, Netflix came out with its own original series, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, written by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. This original series is about Kimmy escaping an apocalypse cult in Indiana and moving to New York City. She was kept in a bunker for 15 years with three other women thinking that the world had ended, and they were the only survivors. Once they’re rescued, they all must learn to adapt to the modern world. As Kimmy goes into New York, she has no idea what she is doing, where she is going, or who she wants to be. She accepts to room with Titus, an aspiring Broadway actor who makes money by being a character in Times Square and can barely make ends meet. The series follows Kimmy’s life as she adjusts to modern day New York, rooms with Titus, and gets a job. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is one of the funniest series I’ve seen in a while. As if being written by Tina Fey wasn’t enough

Chappie the Robot is more than a machine

By Rachel Du City Editor

If Hugh Jackman in a mullet and unsightly khaki shorts isn’t enough to convince you to see Chappie, you might need to reconsider your life. Maybe the wannabe gangster robot or the outlandish Ninja and Yolandi Visser will convince you, though. Either way, Chappie is a film with more than just an impressive cast. In the near dystopian future of South Africa, robotic police officers have taken the place of human officers. Human error becomes obsolete in fatal situations as the robots have appropriate maneuvers programmed in them without emotion or judgment impeding their actions. One robot, Chappie, is blown up and thus rendered useless. Before it’s thrown out, its creator Deon rescues it from the scrap bin and installs an artificial consciousness within it. Gangsters Ninja, Yolandi, and America, planning a get-rich-quick scheme, carjack Deon with Chappie in the backseat. The trio decides to keep Chappie, whom they hope

will be a useful asset in heists. And he is useful, once he learns how to become a hardcore “gangster.” Chappie is influenced by all the parental figures around him and their different lifestyles. On one hand, Yolandi and Deon are encouraging his growth, treating him like a child. On the other hand, Ninja opts for more of a “tough love” approach, forcing Chappie to choose between being weak and dead or strong and alive. The South African setting provides a gritty backdrop to this lively story. In the safety of the gang’s home, an abandoned warehouse, Chappie develops a moral conscience, loves the maternal Yolandi deeply, and enjoys rubber chicken toys. He paints. He plays with ninja stars. But outside the comfort of these walls, he witnesses the dark side of humans. There are unjust killings and merciless men in mullets and unsightly khaki shorts. There are inventors like Deon who give life to robots just so they can die, according to Chappie, anyway. Chappie, who is adamant about keeping promises and not killing, appears to be more human than the rest of the characters. So if you don’t watch Chappie for Jackman, or Ninja and Yolandi, watch it for the robot who loves life.

Trojans spike Dons on volleyball court By Neo Diesta Staff Writer

Randall LeBlanc competes in pole vaulting during the meet.

Jes Smith/ Photo Editor

Trojans top competition at invitational By Brittany Bracy Staff Writer

CVHS hosted its annual Castro Valley Invitational track meet on Friday and Saturday March 27 and 28. The meet featured over ten events with rivals from eight other high schools, including competition from schools such as Northgate, Newark Memorial, and Benicia. The meet started off with a bang at 4 o’clock when the sound of the gun went off for the distance medley resulting in an easy win for both the girls and boys froshsoph teams. After the start of the meet, it was apparent that CVHS had a strong group of athletes doing field events. Among standouts on Friday, sophomore high jumpers Maya Moore and John Anthony placed first in the high jump. They both went on to place in the varsity meet the following day. Other standouts included freshman Aaqil Ansar with a first place

long jump of 19’4 and sophomore Emily Davidson with a winning triple jump of 39’3 followed by second place Bailey Jones with a close 29’5 triple jump. The frosh-soph girl sprinters turned up the heat on the track early on when the girls 4x100 meter relay team took first place. Many of the same fast girls were back on the track for the 4x800 meter, 4x400 meter, and sprint medley relays. This includes Brittany Bracy, Giana Wright, and Qi Qi Liang who were on the winning 4x100, 4x400, and sprint medley relay teams. Sophomore Maiya Hutchinson was a part of all three winning relay teams, beating her previous varsity times and obtaining six first place medals from both days. “We’ve been training all season so I knew that I had to come out strong since the competition is never easy and you never how people are going to perform,” said Hutchinson. Several underclassmen got

back on the track the next day for the varsity meet, including freshman 300 meter hurdler and sprinter Allanah Lee who placed first in the 300 meter hurdles on both days. Senior Dane Clemensen dominated the field events, placing first in the triple, long and high jump. Senior Taylor Fields also took first place in high jump, jumping 4’8”. Junior varsity girls sprinter Tenia Landrum sped through the line taking first in the 100 meters as well as the long jump Senior varsity jumper Kennedy Jones jumped over the competition, winning the triple jump with a 39-foot mark, which brought her up in the ranks to one of the top three in the state. She also placed second to Landrum in the long jump. CVHS faced some competition, but ultimately it was clear that the athletes had been working hard in order to sweep the visiting competition.

It was a dominating game for the CVHS boys volleyball team on April 2. The Trojans won the first three sets to take the win against Arroyo. In all three sets, many of the players had their share in racking up points. During the first set, CVHS took a commanding lead of 13-9 when Arroyo called a timeout. Arroyo managed to get back in the game and cut down the Trojan lead to just 2017. But in the end, CVHS ended up winning the set 25-19. From then on out, the next two sets were in obvious favor of CVHS, which took the

win of the second set, 2514, and the third set, 25-12.

“ I know I play

my best when I have 14 brothers behind me. Jason Markette Volleyball player

”

“I know I play my best when I have 14 brothers behind me,” sophomore Jason Markette said. Coach Tiffaney Riggs called the performance “the best they played” so far this year.

Jes Smith/ Photo Editor

Nicholas Klunis and Joshua Deitschman hit the volleyball over the net in an intense game.

A m a z i n g At h l e t e s

Jes Smith/Photo Editor

Freshman Bailey Jones

When Bailey Jones isn’t on the basketball court she’s out running on the track field. Because her dad is the track coach, Jones has been running for as long as she can remember. Her favorite events are long and triple jump, and hopes to jump 35 feet in triple jump by the end of the season. She also participates in the sprint medley, running first leg for 100 meters. Transitioning between sports is no problem for her as she enjoys being able to. “I’m just getting back from last year and it’s actually really fun to change sports,” said Jones.

Sophomore Maya Tomkowiak

Third baseman and outfielder Maya Tomkowiak is both a stunning player on the field and in the classroom. Tomkowiak chose softball as her sport because whenever she’s out on the field, she loves the intensity of the game and loves connecting with a group of girls that she calls teammates. Tomkowiak’s friend got her into playing when she was younger and she chooses to keep playing in honor of her brother. “My brother, he doesn’t have the ability to play, so that’s why I keep playing, for him,” she said. For both family and friends, Tomkowiak still is becoming a softball star!

Junior Nick Klunis

“I’m number 44 on the field, number 16 on the courts, and number one in your heart,” says Nick Klunis, football and volleyball star. Klunis has been playing volleyball for the Trojans since his freshman year. He plays to keep in shape for the football season, being that football is his main sport. He plays a middle hitter while out on the court. Klunis shares that his inspiration. Klunis’ favorite thing about playing volleyball for CVHS is how close the team is and how much fun the players have together. By training for both volleyball and football, it really helps him keep healthy and in shape for both sports and for himself.

Senior Randall LeBlanc

Randall LeBlanc is a star football player but also shines in the pole vault for our track and field team. LeBlanc’s best record was last year when he pole vaulted a 13 feet, four inches and he keeps pushing himself more and more to achieve his goal of vaulting a school record. LeBlanc started doing track his sophomore year to get away from football and discipline himself to stay fit. He keeps running and vaulting because he loves the connections he makes with people on the team. “It’s not like the intensity of football, but it brings me so much joy and keeps me healthy for myself,” said LeBlanc.

The Olympian April 24, 2015

CVHS athletic funding still low, are cuts in the future? Anna Nguyen / News Editor

By Laura Macchiavello Staff Writer

Support for fall, winter, and spring sports has slightly increased since last November, but as the end of the school year inches closer, it’s worrisome that no sport has fully been funded by athletic donations and cuts remain a possibility. The final outcome of this year’s total funds will determine what measure will be taken the following year. No team cuts were made this year or will be made next year as long as all teams cooperate in meeting the amount of funds requested of their sport. “We are hurting money wise, but we’re hopeful that we can make a push to the end of the year to increase the numbers and not have to cut anything,” stated athletic director Andy Popper. The CVHS athletic program

costs about $320,000 per year. Because the district no longer funds the program, the school has asked athletes’ families to contribute between $225 and $350, depending on the expense

of the athletes’ sports. Currently only 53 percent, $127,036, of the requested athletic donations have been received. There have been many discussions about funding for the

possible outcome of such extreme usage of the crumb rubber when it began mass production, critics say. “EPA believes that more testing could be done, but we have no plans to conduct additional studies and the decision to use tire crumb remains a state and local decision,” stated the U.S. EPA. It should also be noted that the EPA ended its connection with the Scrap Tire Workgroup in 2014. The concern hits home for CVHS since the artificial turf field has been a main location for sports and P.E. since its construction in 20062007. The community passed an $11 million bond for the stadium’s construction. “I am unaware of any dangers involving our turf field. If the turf needs to be replaced, we will replace it. It would cost (about)

$300,000,” stated CVHS athletic director Andy Popper. If these fields do cause health problems, the effects might take years to show. In the meantime, the Trojans are running on the field, diving into the turf and taking their chances. “Statistically, one in three adults is going to get cancer regardless. It all depends on many things, such as jobs they had, their genetics, and their lifestyle. However it is a possibility that there could be links, but there’s too many questions to form a conclusion,” commented Velasquez. “I would imagine that if our field shows to contain carcinogens and other hazardous materials, then we will make appropriate decisions to ensure student safety,” stated Torpey.

ing rather than memorization. The new APUSH test draws heavy emphasis on analysis and interpretation of primary source documents. “The new version calls you to be more of a historian, rather than just a student studying history...they want students to be able to exhibit more critical thinking, Common Core-type skills,” said social studies department chair Kathleen Cassidy. There has been much speculation as to whether the new AP changes have any direct correlation to the Common Core changes happening throughout the country. “While the College Board says these changes have nothing to do with Common Core, the tests they are designing are much more in the style of what Common Core is. Whether it has anything to do with Common Core, in large education circles, assessments of people are determining that this is a better way to assess students than recalling facts exclusively,” said social studies teacher Jeff Goldstein.

Many APUSH students are worried for the upcoming test, and fear they have not been well prepared for the new style questions. “I don’t like how we are being thrown into a brand new thing, that even the AP teachers have not had a chance to grapple with, so we are being taught with mostly the old method and maybe it will be totally useless once we get into the testing environment,” said APUSH student Laurel Wilson. “I think I would prefer just regular multiple choice. I’m good at memorizing facts, and that’s what I’ve been taught to do in school, so I think I would like the old version better,” said Makda Woldesenbet, APUSH student. Goldstein, however, is not worried about CVHS APUSH students in regards to the AP test. “We’ve been teaching analysis of documents, interpretation of different opinions, and historical thinking skills all along. I think our students will be prepared for the test,” he said.

athletic program in the following 2015-2016 school year due to many variables such as increased costs and declining donations. The district has now gotten in-

volved. The athletic department hopes to receive money from the district in order to partially fund next year’s athletics. The money the district may or may not decide to grant will probably not be enough to fully fund the athletic program, but it will be beneficial considering the insufficient amount of money received through athletic donations this school year. The athletic department won’t know the district’s decision until this coming May. Following the outcome of the district’s decision, the athletic department will have a month to figure out if they have sufficient funds to run next year’s athletic program how it normally would. If cuts are needed, the first will affect transportation, Popper said. School officials hope to avoid cutting entire teams but that’s a possibility if the families do not donate to support the athletic program.

Should we be worried about the turf? Students’ passwords

TURF: From page one

the idea to recycle tires for artificial turf to solve the issue of America’s used tire stockpile, which was at a whopping one billion tires when recycling of the rubber began. The tire stockpile was seen as a hazard because it increased the chances of toxic fires as well as disease, since tires attract mosquitoes to breed.

The EPA worked alongside the Scrap Tire Workgroup as it mass produced crumb rubber for fields throughout America, as well as encouraged states to give grants to schools and park districts for installing the turf. Though the recycling of tires and creation of crumb rubber was successful and dropped the tire stockpile down to 75 million, the EPA did not thoroughly investigate the

Changes being made to AP tests

By Maia Samboy Staff Writer

Changes made by the College Board to the Advanced Placement U.S. History test will be first experienced by students during this year’s test on Friday, May 8. These changes have been in the works since 2007, when a new framework for the APUSH exam and the entire APUSH course was written. It was under revision until 2011, according to the College Board. This year will also see changes in the AP Physics I and II and the AP Seminar courses and tests. During the 2015-2016 school year, the AP Art History and AP European History courses and tests will be changed. The 2016-2017 school year will see changes in the AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP World History, and AP Computer Science Principles courses and tests. These changes are designed to better prepare students for what college professors of this day and age are expecting from students, and are more geared towards writing and understand-

changed over break By Maia Samboy Staff Writer

All CVHS students with their student I.D. number still as their school email account password had their passwords changed by the administration over spring break. This change was spurred when a chain of students began using other students’ accounts to send mean messages. When all CVHS attendees were registered for Gmail accounts at the beginning of this year, both the email addresses and passwords given matched each person’s student I.D. number. All students were supposed to be made aware of the fact they could go into the Aeries system and change these passwords, or have a teacher change them, but this message never got out to the general school population. “Most kids did not change their passwords...they went through and did a tally and about 70 percent of students did not change their password,” said social studies teacher Jeff Goldstein. Because both the email addresses and passwords matched the students I.D. number, it was relatively easy for students to log into accounts that were not their own. There were instances of students bullying other students from an account that did not belong to them because the owner of said account did not change the password from the student I.D. number. These nasty messages caused tension among students, and fights among friends. “Anyone could use almost anyone’s account...we wanted to give students privacy,” said Goldstein. Students were warned by teachers that their passwords would be changed during the break, and some teachers even had their students change their passwords in class. If a student had already changed the password from the I.D. number, it remained the same. Students can find their new

passwords by signing into their Aeries accounts, clicking on “Student Info” at the top of the page, then clicking on “Supplemental.” The new passwords are random, very long numbers. Without these new passwords, students will be unable to log into their school email accounts, or the oncampus wifi. To change a password, a student can click “change” on the “Supplemental” page, erase the number in the “Password” slot, and type in a new password. Students can also ask a teacher to change the passwords for them. After making a password change, a student must then log out of the account. The password will take anywhere between five and 15 minutes to go into effect. “It is really easy for teachers to change the password because teachers have access to their students’ ‘Supplemental’ page,” said Goldstein. “So when changing your password remember that all your teachers can see it, and your parents can see it, as well as you, so you don’t want to make it the same as your password for your Tumblr or your Facebook, or anything like that.”