Vol. 82, No. 2

wildcat the

est. 1930

Vol. 82, Issue 2 Oct. 17, 2012

Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way, Brea, CA 92821

“Even though I thought i would feel powerful and strong after firing a gun, i felt weak.”

Joy Kim, senior

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editor-in-chief joy kim shares experience of shooting a gun for the first time GUN CONTROLLED: statistics on gun ownership and crimes in america

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The Wildcat

What's inside bohswildcat.com

Oct. 17, 2012

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College Fair First out-of-state college fair comes to BOHS today By sharon cho news editor

Wildcat Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way, Brea, CA 92821 bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com www.bohswildcat.com

Our Mission

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skimpy costumes

Opinion editor speaks against provocative Halloween costumes

By Emiko Kaneoka opinion co-editor

We, the Wildcat, are the voice for the student body of Brea Olinda High School. The purpose of our publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as to highlight campus life and student achievement. Our energy is dedicated to the research of facts and opinions, and focusing on issues that concern the high school experience.

Editorial Policy

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making it count

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choir’s new director

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Lynch attends Democratic National Convention by dana lynch assistant principal

Dietsche temporarily helms vocal department by kaitlin martinez STAFF WRITER

coaches’ lives

For five BOHS coaches, everyday is a balance of coaching, teaching, and parenting

BY NOELLE GRACIA SPORTS EDITOR

RED RIBBON WEEK Oct. 22-26

Monday - Tie Down Drugs Wear crazy ties and compete in the three-legged race in the quad at lunch Tuesday - Wear Red Day Assembly with speaker Scott Backovich; get candy at lunch if you wear red Wednesday - Shade Out to Drugs Wear sunglasses and play blindfolded musical chairs in the quad at lunch Thursday - Slam Dunk, Drugs are Junk Wear sports jerseys and play in the 3-point shooting contest in the auxiliary gym at lunch Friday - Our Future is Too Bright to Do Drugs Wear neon and attend the cupcake walk at lunch in the quad

The Wildcat encourages expression of reader opinion in the form of letters to the editor. We believe our purpose in pursuing the truth requires an open forum among students. Letters must be signed with a name and title and submitted online at www.bohswildcat. com or emailed to bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com.

Any opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students.

Unsigned editorials reflect views of the majority of the staff while bylined columns and stories reflect views of the writer.

Advertising Policy The Brea Olinda Unified School District has not reviewed, nor does it endorse, the products or services advertised. Purchasing of advertisements can be requested through email. We reserve the right to refuse to place an advertisement if it contains overly controversial material or promotes illegal behavior.

Wildcat Staff

AKSHAY VERMA Managing Editor

JULIA EBERHARDT MICHELLE SUH AMORETTE VALERO Photo Editors

SELINA CHE Design Manager Webmaster Feature Editor

EUNICE CHO JOHN SERNA RISHI PATEL Photographers

SHARON CHO News Editor

Jessica yim Cartoonist Photographer

Joy Kim Editor-in-Chief

EMIKO KANEOKA AUDREY MOON Opinion Co-editors LAUREN LEE Lifestyles Editor KEVIN KIM JOSEPH YIM Arts Co-editors GRACE CHUNG Business Manager

noelle gracia DAVID KANG Stephanie lopez KAITLIN MARTINEZ rishi patel FELIPE RECINOS lauren smith KALINAH TALLASE Staff Writers ALEX KOERS Adviser

ON THE COVER Joy Kim, senior, shot a gun for the first time at the Orange County Indoor Range and describes her experience.

Cover photo by joseph kim Cover design by Joy Kim

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NEWS

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PROPoSITION 3o, 38 TO DETERMINE SCHOOL BUDGET

by Sharon Cho, News Editor

Propositions 30 and 38, that could produce new funds for schools by raising personal income taxes in California, will be voted on in the November ballot.

Proposition 30, supported by Governor Jerry Brown and the California Federation of Teachers, would protect schools and local public safety and prevent another six billion dollars from being cut in the school budget, on top of the budget cuts already in effect.

The proposition will temporarily raise the income taxes on individuals who make over $250,000 as well as on families who make over $500,000 a year, according to a letter from Joseph Bartell, president of the Brea Olinda Teacher Association (BOTA). Prop. 30 will also raise sales tax by a quarter of a cent for the next seven years.

The money compiled from these taxes will go to a new fund called the Education Protection Account (EPA), a fund that is not connected to the state budget and will financially support public education and safety services. It will then be distributed to schools on a per-student basis for educational purposes.

Whereas Prop. 30 will raise taxes on the wealthy, Prop.

38, advocated by civil rights attorney Molly Munger, intends to raise taxes on homes making over seven thousand dollars annually, which could generate approximately 10 billion dollars in revenue. This tax will be implemented for 12

years.

Bartell has also taken two months off of teaching in order to help BOTA with their campain efforts. BOTA wishes that faculty members would favor Prop. 30 because it will “affect school funding in a very positive way in the future,” said Bartell, in a letter to BOTA members.

“For high school students like me who want to become a teacher, it would be detrimental on our part if there was not enough money to properly fund schools because of the lack of jobs and internships. It might be even harder for future students,” said Ester Kutsak, senior.

Some, however, are against the passing of Prop. 30 and Prop. 38 because of the large increase in taxes, the long-term commitment, and the belief that a tax increase is not the solution to the budget crises in California.

Both propositions can also affect small businesses by forcing them to close, move, or raise prices in order to be able to pay the new tax. Additionally, people against both propositions claim that Prop. 30 and 38 have no guarantees that it will improve and benefit schools “No one in America wants to raise taxes. We are at a place in our society where our infrastructure is deteriorating, our schools are underfunded, and hence, if we don’t bite the bullet, the great country of America will begin to disappear,” said Jeff Sink, history teacher.

Proposition 30

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Prevents budget cuts in schools.

Provides local public safety funding.

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Raises taxes for the next seven years.

Small businesses will be affected financially.

Proposition 38

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Restores all budget cuts.

Funds will be held accountable.

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Raises taxes for the next 12 years.

Small businesses will be affected financially.

TURNITIN.COM SUBSCRIPTION NOT RENEWED

by Stephanie Lopez, Staff writer Due to budget cuts, the plagiarism prevention site turnitin.com has not been renewed.

Turnitin is a website designed to prevent plagiarism by allowing teachers to have students submit essays or other written assignments online, which are scanned and checked for authenticity in a grading processor. The program also allows teachers and students to utilize functions such as GradeMark, which permits online grading and feedback, and PeerMark, which allows other students in class to peer edit an assignment.

According to turnitin.com, this program claims to be the only global leader in plagiarism prevention, and also reduces grading time for educators by onethird.

Also, not enough teachers had used Turnitin over the last 3 years to account for the cost of the program.

During the 5 years of use, $15,000 was used on the Turnitin program. To continue the subscription, there is a $4,500 fee.

Certain teachers feel negatively affected by the nonrenewal to the program because of the efficacy it had in class.

“I wish that we could continue using Turnitin. I feel that it’s important for students to be held to a

high standard and shown that academic honesty is of great importance. I rely on Turnitin to keep my students honest and to make sure they are doing their own work. There are others ways to do this, but they are unfortunately not as efficient,” said Jennifer Ryan, English teacher.

Teachers who fully utilized Turnitin are attempting to find different alternatives to identify plagiarism. Jonathan Quiming, literature teacher, is planning to assign more in-class assignments to his class.

Gil Rotblum, history teacher, is also trying to adapt to this change by having students handwrite essay homework assignments.

Although a number of teachers feel the need to continue the use of Turnitin, other teachers do not feel as affected by the change.

“I do not have students use turnitin.com when I assign formal writing papers. If it is something that is deemed unnecessary then it is understandable.

I can see both sides. It obviously does not affect people who do not use it but it impacts people who are dependent on it. It is a good example of how the budget impacts different students and teachers,” said Matthew Sorensen, history teacher.

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news 4 Students construct energy efficient home Oct. 17, 2012

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by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief

“I learned what it was like having a real construction job out in the real world – waking up at 5 a.m., driving in traffic, wearing a 25pound toolbelt for eight hours, and getting hand cramps from using a hammer all the time.”

To finalize and celebrate 70 days of construction of the ABC Green Home, Spencer Smith, senior, and Sunny Kim (’12) attended the opening ceremony with state and federal officials, contractors, and sponsors on Oct. 10.

The building of the ABC Green Home, which stands for “Affordable. Buildable.

Certified.”, was funded by Socal Edison and began in mid July. The project managers, Nick Slevin, Peninsula Publishing’s publisher, and John Morton, program manager at the California Advanced Homes for Southern California Edison, wanted to create an affordable green home that will set a new standard for other contractors.

More than 70 businesses and individuals participated in constructing the home in the Orange Great Park in Irvine. 12 BITA students, including Smith and Kim, from several schools also participated in building the home.

Kim and Smith sighed up for the Photo courtesy of SPENCER SMITH project after Javier Belmares, BITA teacher, Hard hats: (left to right) Kim and Smith stand on the construction site of the ABC introduced it to them at the end of last year.

Green Home in the Orange County Great Park with local high school students. The The BITA class, along with BITA programs home was completed on Oct. 10 with a grand opening ceremony.

Spencer Smith, senior from other schools, also built and donated walls to the site.

“I wanted a challenge for myself, to see if my abilities in BITA could apply to a real life from using a hammer all the time,” said Smith. “But other than that, I honed my skills as a framer from situation, and thus an internship was the perfect opportunity to test my knowledge and skills,” what I’ve learned in BITA.” said Kim. The ABC Green Home is a “net zero home,” meaning it uses as much energy as it produces. The Smith worked 24 hours a week starting from the project’s inception. He said the students house features thicker insulation to maintain room temperature inside the house, low voltage wiring, were involved in many aspects of building the house, from repositioning doors and windows to solar panels, and recycling water from sprinklers on the grass. After the home will be on display for one plumbing, insulation, framing, and electrical. or two years, it will be donated by Habitat for Humanity to a disabled veteran.

“I learned what it was like having a real construction job out in the real world – waking up “I’m proud in becoming part of something so revolutionary in the field of construction. I’m also at 5 a.m., driving in traffic, wearing a 25-pound toolbelt for eight hours, and getting hand cramps proud of creating such a beautiful, efficient house,” said Kim.

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NEWS

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Oct. 17, 2012

OUT OF STATE COLLEGE FAIR ON CAMPUS THE WILDCAT

by Sharon Cho, News Editor

Today the Guidance Department is hosting the Out-of-State College Fair, and the Princeton Review will host the Roadmap to College Night tonight in the Performing Arts Center.

Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to meet admissions representatives from approximately 25 out-of-state colleges and universities, become familiar with the process of college applications, and learn about majors and special programs during class periods in the auxiliary gym. Freshmen and sophomores who are interested will also be able to attend the fair during lunch.

“Since it is getting so difficult to get into California schools, getting these out of state schools to come to the college fair has been a labor of love on the part of our guidance staff and I am excited about the opportunity for our kids,” said Jerry Halpin, principal.

The idea for the college fair came from Becky Marchant, counselor, who discovered that colleges would be in the area for various local college fair events and proposed to have a “mini” college fair on campus.

“It’s a good chance for students to have to be introduced to a variety of out-of-state colleges because of the increase in large capacities in California universities over the years,” said Jesus Valencia, senior.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange program (W.U.E.), which provides a tuition rate of 150 percent of the resident rate at 170 participating schools in the West for eligible students, will also inform students about the financial opportunites offered.

“One of the best kept secrets regarding tuition discounts is offered through the W.U.E. program. I hope students take the opportunity to meet the W.U.E. and out-of-state college representatives. With all the budget issues and tuition hikes, it’s the perfect time for the seniors to

A FEW PARTICIPATING COLLEGES

WORLD Compiled by DAVID KANG

SENKAKU ISLANDS DISPUTE IN EASTERN ASIA University of Idaho

Northern Arizona University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Savannah College of Art and Design wikipedia.org

consider out of state colleges,” said Marchant.

The “Roadmap to College Night” will held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. to inform parents and students about college admissions, how to pay for tuition, and about out-of-state colleges. The college fair during the day will also be open tonight. Although most participating colleges and universities will be at both the day and night events, certain participants will be on campus only during one or the other.

“I am very excited about the college fair that is happening here on campus the guidance department has put a ton of work into it. We are always trying to find the best options for our students in terms of opening their options on where they want to go to school,” said Halpin.

new senior literature curriculum in effect

by Kaitlin Martinez, Staff writer

For seniors not taking AP Literature, the standard Literature and Composition 4 class has been changed to Expository Reading and Writing.

According to calstate.edu, the course was created to “prepare students for college and English” and to improve critical reading and writing weaknesses identified by the California State University English Placement Test Development Committee.

Students taking this course will also learn to make predictions from reading passages, analyze literature content and rhetorical structures, and learn how to support argumentative assignments from literature.

This course gives students the opportunity to skip the preview course they would otherwise take at Cal State Universities. If students receive “conditional qualified” on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) essay their junior year and they pass the Expository Reading and Writing Course, they will begin with Language 101 in college instead of taking the remedial course.

“It makes sense for seniors to take the class now when it is free than to take it when they go to college and have to pay for it,” said Dana Lynch, assistant principal.

The creators of this course stated in a course summary on calstate. edu that the curriculum was specifically designed to prepare qualified students for college and to develop their critical minds in society.

The course was compiled with current subject matter and resource samples that were used to train teachers on the new material and

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Future Curriculum Changes 2013-2014 AP Chemistry: will focus on developing conceptual skills through inquiry-based and student-directed labs.

2014-2015 AP US History: will decrease the time spent on 19th century history and will increase the time on early and recent American history methodology while teaching. Modules in this course will cover topics like “The Value of Life,” “Racial Profiling,” and “The Politics of Food.”

“I think it will benefit us and future students more because the course focuses on various skills that will help in college,” said Amber Dailey, senior.

Jonathan Quiming, one of newly trained teachers for the Expository Reading and Writing course, attests to the impact he sees the class has on students.

“I can see that [the course] is a lot more relevant and pertinent to what is going on in the students’ lives,” said Quiming.

Much of Eastern Asia has been involved in a dispute involving the claim over the Senkaku Islands.

The uninhabited Senkaku Islands have been the focus of a territorial dispute between China, Japan, and Taiwan. Currently controlled by Japan but claimed by both China and Taiwan, all parties have deployed patrol vessels armed with water cannons to the area.

Severe anti-Japanese protests rose in China, as Chinese citizens boycotted against Japanese goods and held large-scale demonstrations condemning Japanese sovereignty over the islands.

Japan has claimed the islands since 1895, but Beijing, however, claims that the islands were part of Chinese territory long before 1895, and that Japanese control over the islands was relinquished after the Potsdam Declaration.

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FIGHTING FOR TERRITORY: Soldiers barricade Chinese protestors who are against Japan claiming the Senkaku Islands.

CITIES IN TURKEY AND SYRIA ATTACKED The Turkish border town of Akcakale was hit by a mortar from neighboring Syria on Oct. 3, killing five civilians and prompting a sharp complaint from Turkey.

Prior to this event on the same day, the Syrian city of Aleppo, not far from the Turkish border, experienced three large explosions that killed at least 41, as part of the ensuing civil war in the nation. Syria, however, sent an official apology to Turkey through the UN, and is investigating the source of the incident and urged restraint.

Despite this, however, the Turkish parliament gave legal authority to the nation’s military to launch raids into Syria any time during the next year.Turkey’s armed forces have already struck several targets in Syria with artillery fire. Turkey has continually turned to NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, for support against Syria, ever since a jet plane was shot down from the Turkish Air Force in June. However, the alliance still has not been fully implemented.

“Turkey will never leave unanswered such kinds of provocation by the Syrian regime against our national security,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, said, according to the guardian.co.uk. /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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NEWS

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Oct. 17, 2012

BREA PUBLIC LIBRARY SEEKING RELOCATION

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

The Brea Public Library, currently located in the Brea Civic Center, is looking to see a possible relocation to increase in size and technology and to establish a new Brea Library Technology Center.

The Friends of the Brea Library, a program dedicated to catering the needs of the library such as providing new books and technologies, is attempting to move the library to a more spacious and innovative building, and provide the public availability of iPads and laptops. A possible new location includes the building on Birch Street previously occupied by Tower Records.

“Community action is absolutely necessary in this. This could include just emailing me, contacting the City Council, spreading the word, or talking to a librarian,” said Stu Lerner, president of the Friends of the Brea Library.

The Brea Library’s current location was constructed in 1981 with 10,000 square feet of interior space; it was later remodeled to be 10,880 square feet. The new planned space will be much larger than the original building to accommodate the city’s growing population.

“Since it was built 30 years ago, Brea has increased in population by over 30 percent,” said Lemer. “The idea is that the library would be like what Border’s used to be in Brea, where people could just go in and read and hang out. ” According to the Friends of the Brea Library, the city of Brea has funds already acquired and allocated to a one-time, community benefit that can be used to relocate the current library and restore it to a technological center. Therefore, it will not have an effect on taxes and does not require additional money

to be funded for it, according to Lerner.

“As a frequent volunteer at the library, I think it would benefit everyone, especially the teens.

Since the new plan is to have the library to be more technology-based, the library would be updated to a more modern taste,” said Michelle Lu, senior.

However, the plan for the new library and technology center can only be initiated after an approval by the City Council.

Kimberly Banks, teen and adult librarian at the Brea Library, notes that the new technology center would offer teens greater opportunities.

“There would be much more of a comfortable space for teens, and they will be able to read books for school easily and with much more availability, with access to eBooks, iPads, laptops, and more,” said Banks.

LOCATIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN BREA

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The Lazy Dog Cafe, a restaurant that serves a variety of dishes such as burgers, pastas, and sandwiches, is scheduled to open by the end of the year.

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Pei Wei Asian Diner, owned by P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, serves cuisine influenced by China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. The diner will open in November.

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Photos courtesy of BREA PUBLIC LIBRARY

PLANNING TO MOVE: At left, the tentative exterior design for the new public library, at the former location of Tower Records on Birch Street. At right, the new Brea Library Technology Center will provide technology such as iPads, laptops, and eBooks to the public.

As part of the La Florista Development, the Birch Hills Golf Course will be reconstructed and reconfigured to include a public trail and will be reopened in the summer of 2013.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY CURRICULUM, Test format CHANGED

by Sharon Cho, News Editor The College Board Advanced Placement Program collaborated with the National Science Foundation and has altered the Advanced Placement (AP) Biology curriculum starting this school year .

The National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency that promotes science and engineering, to create the new framework of the curriculum. Department chairs from colleges and universities nationwide studied college textbooks to distinguish key concepts that would appear in an introductory college biology course in order to create new textbooks.

Although the same concepts will still be taught, the course has been modified to emphasize developing scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. The lab work is more inquiry-based in order to establish skills such as posing questions, collecting and analyzing data, understanding fundamental topics, and defending students’ positions.

“The revised course objectives will enable teachers and students to explore key topics in depth and will help students learn to reason with the rigor and objectivity of scientists,” said Trevor Packer, vice @bohswildcat

president of the AP Program at the College Board, in a press release.

Alongside the new curriculum, Amy Welch, biology teacher, had to take on an extra period of AP Biology in order to satisfy the growing number of students enrolled in the class.

“Whenever you add another class, there is going to be more grading and I have to prepare all these new labs. But that is with any teacher that has to teach a new subject,” said Welch.

The format of the test formerly consisted of 100 multiple choice questions in an 80-minute period and four long free response questions in an 80-minute period. However, students will now be required to answer 69 questions in 90 minutes, two long free response questions, and six short free response questions. The number of multiple choice questions was reduced to ensure that students understood how to apply concepts of biology.

“Mrs. Welch has been way ahead of her game with the new curriculum and has been doing a phenomenal job,” said Dana Lynch, assistant principal.

EUNICE CHO / the wildcat

WORKING THE LAB: Richard Yang, Jared Gimbel, and Yash Shah, juniors, conduct an Advanced Placement Biology lab during class.

CLUBS

The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

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P.A.W. PROMOTING ANIMAL WELFARE

RHO KAPPA NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY

Social Studies enthusiasts join the National Social Studies Honors Society

by Emiko Kaneoka, Opinion Co-Editor

Student interest in animal welfare leads to new club on campus

by Kalinah Tallase, Staff writer Students utilized their interest in animals to create Promoting Animal Welfare (P.A.W.), which attempts to raise awareness of animal cruelty and help abused or abandoned pets.

Ashley Chen, and vice president Emiko Kaneoka, sophomores, partnered with Joseph Kim, junior, out of a common interest to save animals. They met and compromised to establish P.A.W. together, making Chen and Kim co-presidents.

“I saw so many commercials and ads about the aftermath of pets that have been sick, hurt, abandoned, and suffering in pounds and shelters. I wanted to make a difference and give these animals the love they deserve,” said Chen.

P.A.W.’s overall goal is to raise at least $2,500 by the end of the year, which will be donated to animal shelters. To accomplish this goal, the club will host activities such as dog walks, shoes sales at parks, and car washes. The club will also accept any reusable pet supplies in order to sell and donate to shelters.

The first event scheduled is a shoe sale, but specific details are yet to be determined.

The money raised at each event will be donated to the OC Animal Care Center in Orange, and Priceless Pets in Chino Hills. Later in the year, Chen and Kim will attempt to expand to other local animal shelters.

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JOHN SERNA / the wildcat

LENDING A HAND: Club presidents, Joseph Kim, junior, and Ashley Chen, sophomore, promote P.A.W. with other club members at Club Rush.

Chen’s main goal for the club is to host a mini pet adoption or help adoptions at Priceless Pets or a local animal shelter. She believes that “hosting a pet adoption is the most effective way to help.”

“As high school students, we do not have the same opportunities as adults who can be more involved, so it is perfect to make this change in the lives of animals,” said Chen.

Recently added to the list of various clubs available on campus is the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, a club for academically successful social studies enthusiasts.

According to rhokappa.socialstudies.org, Rho Kappa, sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies, is the only nationally recognized high school organization that caters specifically to “excellence in the field of social studies.” The organization strives to promote all aspects of social studies, such as students’ interest, understanding, and appreciation of the subject.

“Rho Kappa is a National Social Studies Honor Society with the main purpose of spreading social studies to students on campus and also throughout the community. This is something that I found at the end of the last school year and I brought it forward to [Jerry] Halpin and [Dana] Lynch, who were both very excited about it,” said Leslie Leaming, history teacher and Rho Kappa advisor.

Seniors who are interested in history with four prior semesters of social studies and a 3.0 GPA are eligible to join the club, with the inclusion of juniors who have taken Psychology along with

fcss.org

world history or AP European History during their sophomore year.

During the inaugural year of Rho Kappa, some upcoming club events may include history competitions in writing and art, and tutoring sessions for students in history.

“We are going to be volunteering with the Brea Historical Museum this year. I am also thinking about choosing historical days such as D-Day, which is June 6, and having a table out at lunch with information on the day in history. Also, we might go to see historical reenactments of the Civil War or the Revolutionary War,” said Leaming.

Along with the volunteer opportunities that Rho Kappa presents, members will receive a cord at graduation, through active participation in the club.

“I am considering joining Rho Kappa because I love learning about history. I am looking forward to participating in history-related activities and proving to students that it is not boring. Also, I think it is great that BOHS is creating other National Honor Societies for different subjects. I hope that the club is able to make an impact and show people how amazing history is,” said Trianna Eichinger, senior.

Rho Kappa meetings are held every other Monday in Leaming’s classroom, room 231.

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The Wildcat

OPINION

Oct. 14, 2012

NO GUNS IN THE HOUSE GUN OWNERSHIP SHOULD BE LIMITED

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BREA

Babble

What are your views on gun control?

by Audrey Moon, Opinion Co-Editor Illustration by JESSICA YIM / the wildcat

The right to have guns, a right once wisely provided by our forefathers in the Bill of Rights.

However, while early colonists were able to possess firearms in order to defend themselves against British and Indian invaders, the ownership of guns should be limited today.

Police and military protection was not provided to early colonists, so guns were needed, and the right to own guns was provided.

The “right to bear arms” was not just a law, but a necessity that ensured colonists safety and made the difference between life and death.

However, that time of vulnerability and danger for citizens is

practically over. We are living in a different era where the government is organized and equipped sufficiently enough to provide ample protection for our citizens.

Granted, we still have crime and not all people can be protected all of the time, but we do live in relative safety. Annually, an estimated 39.28 crimes occur per 1,000 citizens in Brea, according to neighborhoodscout.com.

In that sense, does the “right to bear arms” as a way of “defending oneself” still apply to us who are living in the 21st century? Considering all the innocent lives that are lost to gun-related crimes, it is about time that gun-ownership is controlled.

First, the right to bear arms for the reason of self-defense defies logic. Studies have shown that while many may think that possession @bohswildcat

of guns at home can ensure safety, it is actually more dangerous, either for themselves or their loved ones.

According to news-medical.net, “A gun in the home is twelve times more likely to result in the death of a household member or visitor than an intruder.”

Also, guns kept at home are “more likely to be involved in fatal or nonfatal accidental shooting” rather than being “used to injure or kill in self-defense,” according to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. These deaths include that of suicide, partner homicide, and accidental deaths of children.

Colonists in the 18th century were able to rise up against the tyrannical rules of the English government using their muskets and other firearms.

However, no matter how stockpiled an average citizen might be in arms, it is highly unlikely that citizens will need these weapons to overthrow their government.

We have other means to voice our concerns and opinions through elections and legislations, and violence through bearing arms cannot be the solution.

While guns are no longer necessary as they once had been in the past when the law was first enacted, there is no need for a complete ban, at least not yet.

One should be allowed to go hunting with their rifle or relieve stress at a shooting range.

The guns just do not have to be kept in their homes.

An average citizen should not be allowed to have a gun in a shoebox in the corner of their closet or in a dresser by their bed.

Our Founding Fathers had once seen a need for an individual to bear arms for protection and perhaps to be a check against corrupt government.

But times have changed and we are living in times where to keep on insisting on our ‘rights’ to bear arms may come at a great cost to innocent lives who fail to resist gun-related violence.

These are the people who would have survived if it was not for the easily accessible guns.

So perhaps it is worth sacrificing our rights a little for the sake of saving many lives each year.

Erick Flores Freshman

“We already have the armies fighting for each other so the armies should be the only one to keep guns.”

Marissa Trujillo Sophomore

“I believe in the Second Amendment, but I also believe in some gun control for a safe society.”

Samantha Drury Junior

“Ideally gun control would be enforced, but it’s difficult to do that. So, people should not be allowed to keep guns for safety and legal reasons.”

OPINION bohswildcat.com

The Wildcat

Spooky, not

Oct. 17, 2012

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Skimpy

by Emiko Kaneoka, Opinion Co-Editor

Halloween. It is the one time of year when girls can wear the least amount of clothing possible, smack some fluffy animal ears on their heads, and claim that they are a “mouse” or a “puppy.”

Made famous by the ditzy Karen Smith in the popular teen movie Mean Girls, Halloween has now become an excuse for girls to wear extremely little clothing and get away with it.

But is it really okay for girls to dress this way on Halloween, a night that is supposed to be family friendly and fun?

Halloween should be a night of carefree, spooky fun, not a contest to see who can wear the costume that reveals the most skin.

Teenage girls may have peer-pressure and popularity to blame for their questionable costume choices. In this generation, donning the shortest skirt possible with the most revealing top as part of a Halloween costume is almost as common as pumpkins in October.

Listed as one of the hot new costumes of 2012 on halloweenexpress.com is a unicorn costume, which includes a tiny colorful skirt, tight corset top, white fishnet stockings, and plastic white heels. This is one of many racy costumes that teenagers can choose from for Halloween.

Even so, girls shouldn’t feel pressured to take advantage of the holiday by dressing inappropriately. Instead, they should consider class and modesty while choosing their costumes.

Dressing up as a provocative nurse or witch is not the only way to have fun on Halloween, contrary to popular belief. Not to say that girls should have to dress as scarecrows with long sleeve shirts and overalls–it is completely understandable for teenage girls to want to look cute and flirty on Halloween. But, there are definitely alternatives to the “sexy police officer” costume that is seen in almost every costume store.

Since Halloween falls on a school day this year, provocative Halloween costumes can serve as a huge distraction while students are trying to learn. For the same reason that short-shorts and crop tops are violations for being a distraction, inappropriate Halloween costumes should also be left at home.

More importantly, why would any teenage girl want to be labeled as “that girl” who wore the most scandalous, shocking French maid costume on Halloween? When inappropriate costumes are taken to the extremes, the result is pure trashiness, and there is nothing cute about trashiness.

Nonetheless, looking cute and having fun on Halloween does not have to entail dressing indecently. In the situation of Halloween costumes, less is definitely not more. Girls should go out and have a wonderful time trick-or-treating with their friends on Halloween with their class and self-respect still intact.

BREABabble

Costumes by DORI KANEOKA Photos by EUNICE CHO / the wildcat

What do you think about provocative Halloweeen costumes?

“I think when girls wear scandalous costumes, it’s a bad representation of who they really are.”

Mina Sherif

Junior

“I think that it’s inappropriate at school and that it’s a distraction. Girls shouldn’t dress like that– it’s not ladylike.“

Caitlyn Gutierrez

Sophomore

“Girls want attention.

People who judge those types of girls don’t know where they’re coming from because they don’t know why they want attention.”

Jenna Lambourne

Junior

“I guess I don’t really care about [the] costumes because I don’t pay attention to it.“

Samuel Hong

Freshman

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

10

The Wildcat

OPINION

Oct. 17, 2012

bohswildcat.com

STAFF EDITOrIal JESSICA YIM / the wildcat

we must vote “yes” on prop. 30

by Emiko Kaneoka, Opinion Co-Editor

As the California General Election on Nov. 6 approaches, the welfare of the state’s public school system is put into question.

This year the ballot includes Proposition 30 and Proposition 38, both aiming to correct the budget problems of California public schools through increased taxes.

Though the propositions share a common goal of generating money for our schools, there are key differences that make Proposition 30 the more advantageous of the two.

Prop. 30, created by Governor Jerry Brown, will benefit schools and public safety through temporarily increased income taxes on individuals who make more than $250,000 a year and families who make over $500,000 a year.

Considering that the majority does not fall into the affected income range, Prop. 30 would be the most sensible vote for the average citizen.

“I am more than willing to pay more taxes rather than face the possible reduction of the school year by three weeks,” said Dana Lynch, Assistant Principal. “The cost of that type of drastic cut will hurt families in terms of childcare, hurt public school employees in terms of lost earnings, and create a negative trickle-down effect for our economy.”

The proposition will also raise the sales tax of the state by a quarter of a cent, which is a realistically insignificant amount.

“The average Californian will see their sales tax go up by about $40. To me, paying an extra $40 over the course of one year is much better than taking 15 more days away from our students, and ultimately our paychecks,” said Joseph Bartell, president of the Brea Olinda Teachers Association.

In contrast, Prop. 38, promoted by lawyer Molly Munger, will raise the income taxes of all citizens making over $7,316 on a sliding scale between 2013 and 2024. Also, the money acquired by Prop. 38 will be restricted from use toward the pay @bohswildcat

of current teachers or the reduction of furlough days, all decided upon in previous contracts.

If Prop. 30 was defeated, a six billion dollar gap would exist in the budget of our state’s schools. All levels of education would be harmed, and the state would enforce $4.8 billion in automatic cuts in public schools, over one billion in cuts to higher education, and 100 million other cuts, according to the LA Times.

In addition, up to three weeks of school will be cut in the K-12 school system for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years.

This reduction in class time would drastically affect the lesson plans of teachers, forcing them to teach at a faster pace and creating more room for students to be left behind academically.

From the perspective of the California public school system, a “yes” on Prop. 30 is encouraged in order to secure the jobs of current teachers, prevent furlough days, and avoid the unnecessary taxing of citizens who live below the poverty line.

“Public schools have not been funded at required levels for many years now. As someone with a bird’s eye view of the impact these cuts have had on BOHS and as a parent of three daughters in public school, I am ashamed of how education has become a political lightening rod. Public education is responsible for making this nation great and it is the most logical and valuable investment any nation can make for a better future,” said Lynch.

As a major determining factor of the fate of America, public education needs the approval of Prop. 30 to ensure successful future generations.

Without the benefits that will be acquired by the proposition, California runs the risk of even greater problems within the public school system in the years to come.

As the presidential election approaches, proud Americans are passionately supporting their Republican or Democratic candidate of choice. These fervent voters prioritize the following of the election by watching the presidential debates on TV and reading daily news to see the ranking of each candidate, yet most high school students could care less about voicing their own political opinion.

As of Nov. 2008, fewer than half (49 percent) of the 3.7 million 18-year-old citizens were registered to vote, according to projectvote.com.

This apathy toward the presidential election and politics in general proves just how unappreciative teenagers can be of their right to hold an opinion of their own.

As citizens of the U.S., we are blessed with the freedom of speech that those ruled by absolute dictators only dream of.

Therefore, we should take full advantage of our right and hold a strong opinion throughout the presidential election, regardless of the fact that most of us cannot yet vote.

Unfortunately, of the teens that do have an opinion on the election, many have simply taken on the presidential preference of their parents. Too often children adopt their family’s political views just because it is all they have ever known.

Instead of blindly following the beliefs of parents after years of right-wing or left-wing ideas being crammed into their heads, teens should learn to keep up with the election and create an opinion of their own. Learning to form a personal opinion while following the campaign trail of the presidential and vicepresidential candidates is part of growing up and becoming independent.

As the future generation of workers and decision makers of America, it is our responsibility to stay active and passionate about politics. After all, the decisions of our country’s leaders today will directly affect our future and that of following generations.

So instead of changing the channel during the debate between Obama and Romney or Biden and Ryan, teens should listen to what the prospective leaders of America have to say.

What the candidates have to say may come into affect in the near future if they are elected president and their views on subjects such as education, taxes, healthcare and abortion may be informative and interesting.

As Americans, we are granted the right to have a personal opinion and voice it through our vote. We should take full advantage of this right by throwing ourselves into the ups and downs of the presidential election instead of remaining completely oblivious to anything concerning politics.

Feature

The Wildcat

A tale of

Mayor Schweitzer visits Anseong, South Korea, for CIOFF World Folkloriada 2012

Oct. 17, 2012

bohswildcat.com

Two Cities

11

by Lauren Lee, Lifestyles Editor

For the past two years, Brea has been sister cities with Anseong, South Korea. The South Korean city is simliar to Brea--a suburban city filled with hospitable people. This year, the Brea City Council was invited to attend the World Folklordiada 2012 festival in Anseong.

The International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, also known as CIOFF, was created in 1970 as a safeguard to promote traditional culture and folklore.

After becoming sister cities with Anseong, multiple cultural exchanges have been made.

After hosting junior high children from Anseong for three weeks this past summer, it was mayor Don Schweitzer’s turn to visit Anseong. The association in Brea, along with Schweitzer and two council members, took a 14-day trip to Anseong in early October. Schweitzer was also invited to cut the ribbon to start the 2012 CIOFF celebration.

“I was honored that they would offer me the chance cut the ribbon for the 2012 CIOFF,” said Schweitzer.

Schweitzer and other community members from Brea were given a personal tour of Anseng to learn about the culture and also were given the chance to experience authentic Korean food. Along with Schweitzer and two councilmen, the vice president and ambassador of the sister city association went along to accompany and introduce Korean culture to them.

The CIOFF is held every four years to bring together people and cultures from all over the world. It promotes understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures, strengthening friendship and solidarity between people and celebrating cultural heritage of each participating nation.

Anseong was chosen by the CIOFF of Korea for their known folk dancing and music.

The opening day was Oct. 1 and was welcomed with a parade the day before. Schweitzer and the mayor of Anseong stood together to cut the ribbon to begin the festival.

“It was a memorable experience for both the mayors to welcome the festival together. We are very proud of our sister city with Anseong and hope to continue with these types of cultural exchanges in the future,” said Nancy Lee, vice president of the sister city association.

As a token of gratitude, Anseong officials offered brass plates from the CIOFF to Schweitzer, the councilmen, and members of the sister city association.

Both Brea and Anseong plan to have more cultural exchanges and events with Anseong.

Photos courtesy of NANCY LEE

SISTER ACT: Mayor Don Schweitzer introduces himself to a Anseong restaurant owner.

During his visit to Korea, Schweitzer also visited Seoul, South Korea, where the Chungyechon Stream, pictured below, runs through.

12

The Wildcat

Feature

Oct. 17, 2012

bohswildcat.com

Political background Politics has been a constant in my life, although my affiliation has been variable. At a very early age, my grandfather, a retired coal miner, would drive me and my grandmother to the post office each day. I distinctly remember sitting next to him in the front seat when he opened a letter which was his property tax bill. He said, “Now look here. I pay these taxes so that you can get a good education and make a better living than I have.”

Although I didn’t quite understand at the time, that moment and message stuck with me. Growing up in a small town, political candidates went knocking door to door to solicit support. My grandparents were blue collar Catholics who were proud to be New Deal Democrats, had a photo of JFK hanging on their wall, and always, always went to the polls.Whether watching political conventions and debates on the television or placing yard signs for candidates, campaigning piqued my interest. Later in high school, I had a great teacher who converted me to the Republican Party of which I became active with in college through College Republicans.

As the Republican Party grew more conservative and I started my career in teaching, I found my grandparents’ values resurface and challenge my own. The cycle came full circle and now I identify with many of my grandparents’ values and chose to seek election as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Making it count Lynch attends DNC as a California delegate

by Dana Lynch, Guest contributer

CALIFORNIA DELEGATE: Lynch attends the Democratic National Convention as a California delegate. He describes the experience as ‘surreal,’ and something he will never forget.

‘Vote for Lynch’ In order to get elected as a delegate, one must get enough votes at the Democratic caucuses held every four years. Most people have no idea these caucuses exist. I didn’t until a friend of mine from church ran as a Hilary Clinton delegate four years ago. She won with 50 or so votes, including four from my family alone. I thought to myself, if it is this easy, I could surely round up enough friends to elect me as a delegate during the next Presidential election. And that is exactly what I set out to do. My experience with political campaigns and voter turnout efforts led me to purchase voter registration information from the Registrar of Voters to identify enough friends, colleagues, and neighbors. I used Facebook, U.S. mail, and phone calls to rally support; however, my secret weapon was my three adorable daughters. The end result was 103 votes which placed me at the top with the largest tally. I was touched by everyone giving their time to go and vote at the caucus one Sunday afternoon in late April. Planning for my trip to Charlotte, N.C. included a mandatory delegate meeting in Sacramento in June, saving enough money to pay for the airfare, lodging, and other expenses, and undergoing a Secret Service background check.

Photos courtesy of DANA LYNCH @bohswildcat

The Wildcat

Feature

Oct. 17, 2012

bohswildcat.com

13

Surreal experience

The First Lady

Surreal. That is the best word to describe my journey to Charlotte.

Everyone there was so friendly, for which I am told is indicative of Southern hospitality. My three days on the convention floor was a lesson in governance and citizenship. I sat next to Dolores Huerta who founded the National Farm Workers with César Chávez. Twenty feet away from me each day, sitting in the Massachusetts delegation was former Democratic Presidential Nominee, Mike Dukakis. Behind me two rows were our U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsome, former governor Gray Davis, as well as the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives and former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Yes, there were celebrities and elected officials; however, this was one time where regular people like me were equal with those we sat amongst. We all went through the same Secret Service security. We all signed the same official Presidential nomination ballot. We all had to hold our bladders and remain seated once the President or First Lady entered the arena (sorry Gloria Allred). But most of all, we looked like Americans, reflecting the beauty and strength of its diversity.

After breakfast on Thursday, I went to the convention center early in order to get good seating at the Women’s Caucus. I heard rumors that First Lady, Michelle Obama may attend. The ballroom had two or three thousand seats. I got a prime seat on the aisle of the sixth row back which would eventually result in my shaking hands with her (a truly memorable moment for me). The caucus began with a short video telling the story of Edith S. Childs from Greenwood, S.C. who got Barack Obama “Fired Up” and “Ready to Go” four years ago. And yes, the crowd internalized and expressed that same message for speaker after speaker. Nevertheless, I was there to see and listen to First Lady Michelle Obama who was introduced at the very end by Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s wife. With a long standing ovation from an adoring crowd, Mrs. Obama finally succeeded in getting the audience to sit. Like her speech at the convention on Tuesday night, she painted a vivid picture of President Obama as a father, spouse, and leader.

She reiterated his advocacy for women by the priorities and actions he has taken as President including signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, appointing Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court, and protecting women’s reproductive freedom, just to name a few. But most of all, she summarized in one sentence, why I decided to support President Obama and serve as a delegate, “He will keep fighting every single day to ensure that all of our daughters will have no limits to their dreams...that’s over, there are no second class citizens.” As a father of three beautiful girls, I will fight every day standing with the President and millions of other parents so that our daughters can reach their dreams.

DEMOCRATIC JOURNEY: (left to right) Lynch meets Dolores Huerta, co-founder of National Farm Workers.

Jill Biden, Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, introduces First Lady Michelle Obama to the stage. President Barack Obama gives a speech about why he should be re-elected.

Convention Speakers

Fired up and ready to go

The convention speakers were simply amazing and the party platform was intricately weaved throughout the speeches over the three days.

The first night was highlighted by Michelle Obama’s award-worthy speech which poured heart and soul into the arena, explaining that “Being President doesn’t change who you are—it reveals who you are. Bill Clinton riled us up on Wednesday night by underscoring the accomplishments made over the last four years as well as defining the very different visions America will choose from in this election. His ability to connect with people, taking the complex and breaking it down so it’s simple...wow, a true gift! But most speakers on stage were not wellknown celebrities. They were a cross-section of Americans for whom the President has helped including famers, workers, women, retirees, business people, parents, and children. By telling their personal stories, they solidified why working together to advance the public interest has made America great. Meanwhile, the television cameras panned-in on me each day of the convention. It was quite exciting to get text, Facebook, and Twitter messages from family, friends, and co-workers letting me know they saw me on CNN, MSNBC, CSPAN or Fox. Perhaps this was the way President Obama has helped me indirectly gain my fifteen minutes of fame!

Later that night, President Obama gave an empowering acceptance speech confirming all the reasons why he should be re-elected. I stayed late through the roll call of states to be part of that historic moment where the candidate earns enough delegates to capture the nomination. At that moment, I remembered back to the televised conventions of my childhood. Nostalgia, hope, and a sense of accomplishment filled my mind. Although the convention had ended, I knew that there was still much more work to do. Am I fired up and ready to go?

You bet!

/theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

s

14

The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

Feature bohswildcat.com

Tradition of going door-to-door established by beggars

by Audrey Moon, Opinion Co-Editor Just about every child in the United States looks forward to filling their pillowcases with candy on Halloween.

But even though this tradition of “Trick-or-Treating” has delighted children for many years, many do not know how it all started.

Originating in England during the Dark Ages, according to trueghosttales.com, trick-or-treating was birthed when the Catholic churches set aside an All Souls Day on Nov. 2 to honor the dead. As people prepared food to celebrate this day, beggars went “souling,” asking the wealthier for barley, oat cakes, and other food.

In return for food, according to pumpkinpatchesandmore.org, the beggars would pray for their alms-givers’ dead relatives and fellow Catholics who were stuck in purgatory, “the state in the afterlife between the land of the living and the otherworlds where souls are purified before proceeding to heaven.”

The story goes that children mimicked this tradition of traveling from door to door, to receive food, money or ale, offerings that would be equivalent to candy today.

The term “trick-or-treating” first appeared in print in the 1934 issue of The Oregon Journal. However, only when Walt Disney launched his 1952 cartoon Trick-or-Treat did the phrase go viral, sticking with the tradition of trick-or-treating ever since.

Moreover, while kids may say this just to receive sweets, the phrase has a deeper meaning. This expression is actually meant to say that if the demanded sweets are not given, then there would be trickery. Tricks included egg-throwing and other similar types of vandalizm.

According to an issue of The Centralia Daily Chronicle published on Nov. 1, 1939, “Pranksters were bought off when oldsters complied with their ‘trick-or-treat’ demand...” As a result, some cities like Richmond, Va passed a city ordinance prohibiting kids over the age of 12 from trickor-treating.

Although some cities may ban teens from trick-or-treating on this holiday, the tradition not only lives on, but also includes wearing costumes. This addition was influenced by the European and Celtic beliefs, in which people thought that on Halloween, as long as they were inside a building, they were safe from roaming ghosts that came outside.

So, people wore masks and costumes to deceive the ghosts into thinking that the masked people were fellow spirits, not prey. Nowadays, kids themselves don costumes of super heroes to goblins to little angles.

Just about every child who has grown up in the U.S. would have experienced Halloween in one way or another, either to give out candies, or to receive them. So, on Oct. 31, like the thousands that have done before them, children will line the streets in costumes with pillowcases shouting, “trick-or-treat!”

@bohswildcat

Photo illustration by Michelle suh / the wildcat

FEATURE bohswildcat.com

The Wildcat

Oct. 17, 2012

15

my first time shooting a gun

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief

The gun store employee asked me if I knew anything about guns. I glanced at the multitude of weapons lined up behind him, not knowing what’s different about them except their size and color. I hardly even knew what a bullet looked like. All I knew was that the gun soon to be in my hands had the power to end a life.

I never thought that I would ever shoot a gun for the rest of my life, yet there I was, a stereotypically Asian, 5’4” girl in a sweater dress and glasses, who marched into a gun store and said she wanted to shoot a gun. The employee, Chris, agreed to assist me and proceeded to instruct me on how to wield the weapon. My muscles tensed up and my stomach turned as I both dreaded and anticipated the moment when I would hold that gun, and execute all the things he said.

I developed the most irrational fears while he spoke. I feared accidentally shooting myself in the foot while I loaded the gun. I feared being “blown away” by the kickback of the gun, especially after my friends teased me for being too weak to hold a gun. I feared everything you could possibly be afraid of before shooting a gun for the first time.

The moment arrived when I was ready to fire a .22 caliber pistol. I could hardly hear anything around me after I put on my neon-green, soundproof earmuffs as I walked to the back lane. My only focus was the weapon I held. I treated it as something that was alive and angry, as if I moved too quickly or did anything wrong, it would blow up. I was overcome with irrational fears.

It was a fairly small gun with little “stopping power”, but it was heavier than I expected. Chris told me heavier guns have less of a kickback, which helped relieve my fear of falling over from the power of the gun.

After I loaded my magazine with shiny, copper bullets, unlocked the safety, and released the barrel, I held it up and aimed at the paper target. The few seconds before I pulled the trigger felt like hours. My breaths, my blinks, and every muscle in my body seemed to serve that weapon alone. The only thing I could see was a silhouette of a human torso above my gun where I aimed at my target. The only thing heard was the silence as I awaited the bang. The only thing I felt was the cold, metal trigger underneath my finger.

I pulled it.

The power of the gun shuddered through my arms, though the trigger was easier to pull than I anticipated. So much happened in that split of a second – the bang, the flying shell, and the smoking bullet hitting the target.

In a way, I saw shooting guns as more of a sport, or even an art, after I shot one for the first time. It required my utmost concentration and focus.

But even though I expected to feel powerful and strong after firing a gun, I felt weak. Though I pulled the trigger, I felt powerless holding something that holds so much power.

I developed both a new respect for and a fear of guns. Guns are definitely not as easy to shoot as action movies make them seem, and are highly intricate and crafted tools. However, they are tools that have the ability to kill. I cringe each time I realize that I fired something that could kill someone.

I still have many rounds of bullets left, but they will probably remain unused for a very long time. I do not think getting rid of guns completely is the answer to preventing the deaths that guns cause, but people need to recognize that guns need to be feared.

Maybe I still haven’t snapped out of the anxiety that came with the experience, but I walked away more afraid of guns than I was before.

I do not regret going to the range. It gave me a greater understanding of guns, their complexity, and their power to destroy.

“I never thought that I would ever shoot a gun for the rest of my life, yet there I was – a stereotypically asian, 5’4” girl in a sweater dress and glasses, who marched into a gun store and said she wants to shoot a gun.”

Photo by JOSEPH KIM

bulls eye: Senior and Wildcat Editor-in-Chief Joy Kim holds up the target at the Orange County Indoor Range after her first time shooting.

/ theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

Gun Controlled?

The Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms, has always been a controversial clause ever since its conceptions. Despite the controversy, the United States is still one of the countries with the highest number of firearms.

Guns in America

Photo illustration by AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

Top 10

states with the the most guns Oklahoma Alaska Montana West Virginia North Dakota Kentucky South Dakota Wyoming Utah Arkansas

4 out of 10

states with the

most gun deaths have the weakest gun laws Arkansas Arizona New Mexico Tennessee West Virginia

Louisiana Mississippi Alaska Alabama Nevada

6 out of 10 states with the

least gun deaths have the strongest gun laws California New Jersey Massachusetts Hawaii Connecticut

Illinois Maryland New York Rhode Island Florida

Top 5

states with the

most gun murders in 2010 Louisiana Delaware Michigan Mississippi Pennsylvania

guardian.co.uk

Five critical rules for gun safety

1. Always keep gun in a safe position, loaded or unloaded.

2. Always keep finger off the trigger unless ready to shoot.

3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to shoot.

4. Be aware of what is behind your target.

5. Never use alcohol or drugs that could impair your judgment.

In

2010 roughly 100 million guns owned by Americans were handguns.

In 1993 0.5 percent of household members said that someone would have

In

pistol-shooting.us

been killed if they had not used guns.

2000 U.S. civilians used guns to defend themselves 989,833 times per year.

In 2008 roughly 16,272 murders were committed in the U.S., and 67 percent were committed with firearms.

Number of guns in. . . in America

270 million Total population: 311 million

Why own guns?

in California

Police

2.6 million Total population: 37.7 million

879,000

firearms are owned by the police = 5 million guns

= 5 million guns

3.04 million

firearms are owned by the U.S. Army

What kinds of guns do Americans own?

68% handguns

74% rifles

17% semi-automatic

67%

of Americans use guns for protection

66%

of Americans use guns for target shooting

58%

of Americans use guns for hunting

8% other Facts from justfacts.com

18

The Wildcat

Feature

Oct. 17, 2012

bohswildcat.com

Guns a passion, ‘recreational fun’ for students

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief

M

any students’ hobbies include playing sports and hanging out with friends, but some are intrigued by guns. The clink of a bullet hitting a metal target, seeing a watermelon explode, and competing with friends and family to see who can hit the farthest target are some recreational aspects of shooting favored by some students.

Katie Petri, sophomore, said her family owns over 1000 guns collectively, with a “huge, full safe” in their garage. She shot a gun for the first time when she turned 13, a tradition on her dad’s side of the family, and she now owns a .22 rifle.

Petri and her father regularly go out to Hodge Road, a shooting range in the desert, about once a month, bringing expired cans of food, old electronics, and metal targets to shoot. She said her father prefers shooting in the desert because the environment is more open and natural. Petri’s favorite part of shooting in the desert is spending hours bonding with her father.

“I don’t get to spend much time with my dad here because he’s always working and I’m always [here at home],” Petri said. “But when we go out to the desert, we have a two-hour ride out there and get donuts before. We talk the entire drive and go shooting for a couple hours, stop and get lunch on the way back. It’s just a full day of being with my dad; it’s really, really nice.”

Most of the family’s guns are from gun conventions from Las Vegas and Arizona, mainly because of the restrictive laws in California.

“The government seems to think that guns themselves kill people. But if you’re smart about it, no one’s going to get hurt. The only time I’ve gotten hurt is when I shut the magazine on my finger. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” Petri said.

Spencer Smith, senior, also said it is more difficult to purchase guns in California, but believes that “the laws do nothing but make it a hassle.”

For example, Smith said that some manufacturers will not sell certain guns, semi-automatic tactical guns in particular, to California residents because state law mandates that these guns’ magazines cannot be taken off quickly. Owners of these guns need a specialized tool to take out the magazine, and are often bought in other states and brought back to California, according to Smith.

“The law itself does pretty much nothing, as you can tell, and it just makes California live up to its reputation as one of the most restrictive gun law states in the U.S.,” Smith said.

Smith owns a .17 HMR, which his parents gave him for his birthday last April, and shot it for the first time the weekend after. He said he is “not much of a hunter” or avid gun collector, but enjoys shooting plastic targets, fruit, and other objects.

“I put Osama Bin Laden’s face on the target once,” Smith said while describing the weekend he went shooting after Bin Laden’s death. @bohswildcat

Beyond the recreational aspect of shooting, Smith said he enjoys the feeling of responsibility that comes with owning a gun.

“I like the tactical feeling I get from it. I feel a sense of responsibility when I have to clean [my gun] and make sure it doesn’t malfunction,” Smith said.

Although Smith believes current laws are ineffective, he said the government should implement background checks and prevent ownership of automatic guns. He also thinks there should not be a limit to how many guns individuals own.

“You can do the same amount of damage with one gun as with many,” Smith said.

Daniel Truesdale, junior, who has often gone out to the desert with Petri and his sister Angela, sophomore, also said that limiting regular defense, recreational, and hunting guns will be ineffective.

“Criminals don’t obey laws, so laws limiting guns won’t be followed by criminals; they will only be followed by the innocent people who need guns to protect themselves,” Truesdale said.

O t h e r regulations Truesdale said are more necessary are requiring gun safety classes and regulating the time in between gun purchases made by individuals.

Truesdale has shot various types of guns, such as a 12 gauge, which his father owns, a 20 gauge, a .357 hunting rifle, a .357 revolver, a colt 1311, a .45 pistol, and a .22 rifle. He called shooting a skill, and said that hitting those “hard-to-hit shots are an adrenaline rush.” He also empahasized shooting’s defensive purposes.

“It’s also comforting to think that if in an extreme case I had to use a gun to defend myself or someone I loved, I would at least be able to handle the gun and fire it properly,” Truesdale said.

These students said shooting guns can be used for recreational purposes, and that certain restrictions will dimish guns’ recreational use.

Truesdale added, “In the end, it comes down to common sense, and guns are only as dangerous or cars or medical drugs. They’re tools to be used for good, and laws limiting them will affect their good uses more than bad.”

BIG SHOT: Spencer Smith, senior, practices shooting with his .17 HMR, which he received for his 17th birthday.

Amorette valero / the wildcat

The Wildcat

Feature bohswildcat.com

Oct. 17, 2012

Capturing the moment

19

Bishop influenced by Ansel Adams in photography, teaching career

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief he large black and white photograph of the Brea Olinda campus from the 1930s caught the eye of Dr. Laurry Bishop. “If you look at that picture,” he said, “I have a different look at that because I have an original photograph of it from 1926…it’s remarkably different. Since I was here all my career, I have a whole different perspective visually about that school. That’s probably coming from Ansel’s teaching, understanding that what you visually see isn’t necessarily what you perceive.”

The “Ansel” is Ansel Adams, a famous American photographer best known for his black and white photos of the American West. During the 1940s, Adams coordinated the The Pageant of Photography, the most important photography show to date which millions of viewers attended.

Bishop said that in 1969, during his sophomore year at Vista High School, he received his first camera from his father who came home from his first tour in Vietnam. It was then that he began to take pictures. His botany teacher, Dr. Eugene Milcarick, encouraged him to “take a chance” and apply for Adams’ summer workshop.

Bishop wrote a letter to Adams and received a response saying he “had potential” and was accepted to the program. Though the rates were expensive at 500 to 600 dollars a week, Bishop said Adams’ teaching was “the best in the world,” and returned to the summer workshop in 1971 and 1973.

He described Adams as a gentle man, one who was never harsh on criticism, but gave insight

‘‘

“I have pictures in my head that will never go away, and I have an understanding of what the meaning of that building is.”

Dr. Laurry Bishop, AP Test Coordinator

and feedback. Bishop said he remembers sitting in Adams’ living room, presenting his photographs on an easel while Adams critiqued them. “If I see a big picture, I think of Ansel’s landscapes and say, ‘I know that man. I was taught by that man.’ It’s a very good feeling,” Bishop said. fter high school, Bishop attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona, turning down schools such as Stanford and University of Chicago to stay in Orange County.

As an agronomy and chemistry major, Bishop said he became an “expert” in a specialized herbicide as the senior research chemist for Dr. Gerald Crossiant. Shortly after Bishop graduated college, the company that manufactures this herbicide hired him. However, after two days on the job, Bishop quit.

“I realized I could not spend the rest of my life figuring out how to kill weeds,” he said. “As much as I love that kind of organic chemistry, and to this day I still do, but I just didn’t think I could spend the rest of my life in a laboratory.”

After returning to college to get his teaching credential, Bishop student taught at Sunny Hills High School, took a position at El Centro High

School, and finally settled at Brea Olinda in 1977 where he would continue his teaching career until 2009.

Eventually, after a few years of teaching mainly agriculture, Bishop began the ROP photography program in 1981. The school built a photography lab on the second story of the bus garage of the previous campus. Bishop would teach photography there until the new campus was built in 1989.

Among the other subjects Bishop taught were chemistry, math, and income taxing. He was also the department chair of the visual arts department from 1989 until he retired.

In 1994, Dr. Edgar Seal, BOUSD superintendent at the time, asked Bishop to share his doctoral research in computer science with Pacific Bell. Bishop had done the first “brainbased research in how technology is used in teaching,” an idea that Pac Bell was trying to execute.

“I learned the things that make you learn technologically, and don’t make you learn technologically. I was the first to truly do that through hypotheses and testing and so forth.

They liked that research,” Bishop said. “I created the knowledge network gateway–how we interconnect thinking with technology and how

Amorette valero / the wildcat

A THOUSAND WORDS: Bishop shares his collection of Ansel Adams’s photography with Joy

Kim, senior. Bishop remembers Adams’s teaching as “the best in the world.” we interconnect globally with technology.”

That year, BOHS was the first high school in California to “be on the Internet,” according to Bishop. In return for Bishop’s research, PacBell installed new cables and upgraded the technology of the school.

This new technology that came out of Bishop’s research was featured on a thirty-second PacBell commercial in 1995 which was broadcast during the Super Bowl. The commercial was taped on campus and included the participation of 40 photography students.

Bishop was later asked to be the technology coordinator for the district, but declined.

“I didn’t want to leave my classroom,” he said. “I loved what I did. I was meant to go into teaching; I really believe that. Although I started out as a scientist, and while I loved it, I got happier when I walked in the classroom.” ecause of Bishop’s “love for this school,” he continues to volunteer after his retirement. He is the AP Test Coordinater, his programs run the bells, clocks, and phones, he assists counselor Kim Kessel with awards programs, and has run graduation since 1988.

According to principal Jerry Halpin, the

district’s Education Foundation is honoring Bishop this year for his “long service to this school” on Oct. 22. “For some people, Brea Olinda is just their job; it’s just like renting an apartment. For other people, it’s more than a job, and they’re owners. Dr. Bishop is the proverbial owner at Brea Olinda High School,” Halpin said. “He’s been such a wonderful resource because he’s cared so much about this place, that it continued to be an excellent place.” ow, Bishop is investing in his new printing company and continues to volunteer at BOHS. He is also planning to buy another one of Adams’ photographs, “Moonlight Over Hernandez.”

Bishop described the multiple photographs of Adams hung around his house, the Christmas cards and personal letters he has kept from Adams, and the brick from the old BOHS campus sitting on his mantle. He referred to the photograph of the campus again, remembering Adams’ advice to “never crowd perspective” and to “let the imagination go.”

“When I see that picture, I see more than a piece of stone called a building. I see the worth of a school,” Bishop said. “I have pictures in my head that will never go away, and I have an understanding of what the meaning of that building is.” /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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The Wildcat

Wildcat heroes

Oct. 17, 2012

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‘We are

Best buddies Deming devotes high school career to passion, helps with best buddies

by Selina Che, Design Manager and Feature Editor For most of us, sixth grade was a time to enjoy our last year of elementary school and make new friends. In sixth grade, Abby Deming, senior and Best Buddies president, befriended Stuard Putzeys, senior.

Putzeys, however, was unlike Deming’s other classmates—he has Down syndrome.

Though it seemed only a mere friendship at the time, Deming’s friendship with Putzeys has led her to her biggest passion today—helping children with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD). “[After meeting Putzeys] I knew that I wanted to get involved with kids with IDD when I got older,” said Deming. “He and I have been buddies for six years, and our friendship grows stronger each day.”

Deming has been working with students with IDD for six years, four of which were dedicated to Best Buddies. She credits the students for motivating her to be so involved with the program. “[Abby] really cares about the kids that are in this program—the kids with disabilities and all the kids that are just members of the club,” said Jeff Weber, Best Buddies advisor. “[Best Buddies] means a lot to her, and she always wants to help as much as she possibly can, and in any way that she can.”

This year, the Best Buddies club is bigger than it has ever been thanks to Deming’s efforts.

“We are just starting off, but I think my being president has drawn people from all different aspects of school. We maxed out our classroom last week, and at club rush, our lines to sign up were wrapped all around our table,” Deming said.

She added, “It is great to see the bonds between the students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the mainstreamed students. To see them hang out together inside and outside of school is just really cool.”

Deming plans for Best Buddies to branch out to other clubs to help better the community. She also hopes to continue the recycling program on campus which was implemented last year by Best Buddies and the Friends For Change club.

In addition to her work with Best Buddies on campus, Deming is also actively involved with Best Buddies International. During the summer, she attended a leadership conference held at Indiana University, where she met students from Best Buddies clubs around the world who also

Eunice cho / the wildcat share her passion.

“People were there from Mexico, Egypt, Canada, and so many other places. [The conference] was truly an amazing experience,” said Deming. “We learned ways to make our clubs be more productive this year. At night we had different activities that ranged from night swimming to cosmic bowling. Each activity was geared so that anyone could do it, no matter what their abilities were.”

Deming’s efforts have made an impression on the Best Buddies students. Each day she is “swarmed with hugs and hellos” and she can “never leave that classroom without a smile.” “[The Best Buddies students] love [Abby]. They know that she cares, and that’s the cool thing about our students,” said Weber. “[The students] may not be able to articulate what they’re feeling or the connection that they feel with their friends on campus or their classmates or the teaching staff, but they know, and you can tell they know, [that Abby cares]. Whether it’s giving them a high-five or a hug, or just how they talk about Abby, that shows me that they care.”

Not only has her work deeply affected the members of Best Buddies, Deming has also inspired her friends and classmates.

“I know Abby has inspired me with her loving heart. You can tell she just loves these kids, and you have to know [working with kids with IDD] is her calling in life,” said Jenna Cushing, senior. “Abby has a servant’s heart. Not everyone has the patience for this, and you can tell God has placed a special spot in her heart.”

After high school, Deming plans on continuing her work with students with IDD and aims at becoming a special needs teacher. She is even considering adopting a child with IDD in the future as children with IDD in other countries are not as appreciated as they are in the United States.

Deming advises her peers to strive for their passions as much as they can. “If you jump feet in and strive to do what you want to, then there is no one who can tell you differently,” she said. “Being passionate about anything in life shows that a person has character.”

Deming can give her work with students with IDD kudos to Putzeys, who “started it off” for her. After six years, Deming and Putzeys’s friendship is still going strong, and she plans on walking with him during graduation. She considers him her brother, saying

that she “would do anything for him.”

Read this story online!

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inFocus

by JOHN SERNA

Generations of queens

Fiorella Cuara, senior, was crowned Homecoming Queen during the halftime of the football game on Oct. 6. She stands with preceding queens Jacqueline Cortes (‘11) and Emily Davis (‘12).

The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

21

22

FOOD

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Oct. 17, 2012

BATTLE OF THE BURRITOS The Wildcat asks: Which burrito chain is best?

Which food chain do students like best?

by Joseph Yim, Arts Co-Editor

A

lthough I thought Chipotle reigned supreme as the tastiest burrito joint, I was surprised by the large amount of support my friends have given to the So. Cal chain Pepe’s. So, I decided to take on an epic “Battle of the Burritos” to see which fast-food chain truly offers the best burrito.

When I visited Chipotle, I was ready to indulge myself in a giant mass of fresh ingredients. Every piece of tender steak, cubed tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced onions was an essential part of producing the perfect, delicious bite, and I didn’t want any leftovers.

I was excited to eat, but I was quickly annoyed by the worker’s attitude. Every time I decide to eat at Chipotle, I tend to somehow get the worst service. The lady serving me expressed a mixed personality of impatience and boredom when it was my turn to order. If that weren’t enough, there always seemed to be a ridiculously long line that rushes the workers even more.

The music played through out the store was strange as well, blaring chants and foreign incantations. I could see most of the other diners were looking at the speakers with perplexed expressions. In the end, the burrito was still satisfying, and I continued on my way to Pepe’s.

My family loves Chipotle, so I had never tried to find another Mexican fast-food chain like Pepe’s until now. When I first entered the restaurant, I immediately acknowledged the family-style feel. The whole store was decorated for the upcoming Halloween season, and although there weren’t nearly as many customers as in Chipotle, the few that were there seemed to be enjoying their Mexican grub.

To my delight, the lady serving me at Pepe’s was very polite and even cracked a couple jokes. She even explained to me what was in each

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200 STUDENTS POLLED

burrito that they served, detailing their own specialties. I eventually chose their signature “Breakfast Burrito”, which consists of sausages, ham, eggs, potatoes, cheese, bacon, and beans.

Already my mood was lifted with the cheerful scenery. I loved how certain restaurants like Pepe’s gave out an old American diner setting.

The lady serving me brought out the meal with newspaper cut-outs. She expressed great pride for the local recognitions Pepe’s recieved from the Orange County Register and other local editors. She explained that although they weren’t as well-known as other fast-food chains like McDonald’s, they were proud of their family-styled atmosphere.

Yet after these confident remarks, my initial response when the burrito came out was worry. How could so many different foods mixed together be delicious? Does this actually work out? The burrito didn’t look as appealing as Chipotle’s and was stuffed to a massive size. All this worry soon evaporated though, when I carefully took my first bite. I couldn’t believe how well the taste was, and easily devoured the remains.

After testing both fast-food chains, my stomach was content, but I still had to decide which restaurant offered the best burrito. Both Chipotle and Pepe’s provide delicious burritos that would easily satisfy any customer, but Pepe’s for me was the true winner of the “Battle of the Burritos”.

Offering both great service and scrumptious burritos, Pepe’s has the most unique combinations that actually taste excellent. Although Chipotle allows customers to choose from different combinations, Pepe’s alreadymade creations satisfied me. Though the price was a little high ($5.60), it was still less than the Chipotle price ($6.80). It was worth the bang for the buck, since the burrito was massive. The underdog Pepe’s takes the win as the best burrito food chain.

53.5% 35.5% 11% OTHER

Did you know...

CHIPOTLE

Chipotle ingredients contain capsaicin, which is useful in fighting cancer cells. Capsaicin is also beneficial for prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancer.

Chipotle ingredients are remedies for cold, cough, mucus blockages, congestion, etc. Studies prove it is beneficial for diabetes and intestinal ailments.

PEPE’s

buzzle.com

Three brothers found the establishment and named it Pepe’s after their cousin who was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Pepe’s is only located in four locations: Brea, Anaheim, Fullerton, and Downey. It has been a family enterprise since 1962. pepes.com

MICHELLE SUH and LAUREN LEE / the wildcat

FOOD

The Wildcat

bohswildcat.com

Oct. 17, 2012

tranquil tea lounge serves up exotic teas, relaxing ambiance

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

Attention tea aficionados: Tranquil Tea Lounge is a welcoming, urban, and modern tea lounge that is the perfect destination to quench your thirst for a nice, relaxing cup of tea.

Located in Downtown Fullerton alongside various coffee shops such as The Night Owl, Tranquil Tea Lounge serves up some excellent teas with a large variety of options to choose from.

Whether you are a tea lover or just a casual drinker from time to time, Tranquil will not disappoint. The menu itself is expansive—there are over 100 teas to choose from, including traditional green tea blends, tea smoothies, milk teas, fruity teas, and black tea blends.

A customer favorite is Geisha’s Kiss, which is a green tea blend made of lychee, strawberry pieces, jasmine, and rose petals. When lightly sweetened and served iced, the tea is excellent, easily surpassing any passion tea drinks Starbucks serves. At the price of five dollars, the tea may seem overpriced, but a very large serving makes up for the steep price.

The menu emphasizes the health benefits of the tea that the lounge serves. Green tea, as the menu claims, “may help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar level, is good for digestion, and prevents cavities and aging.” Thus, as I

ordered my tea, I was aware of its health benefits, which I thought was quite clever and beneficial to know.

Another unique aspect of Tranquil is its urban and modern feel. The lounge itself is beautifully decorated, with couches to relax on and modernist art on the walls. The overall atmosphere is very homely, from the welcoming serving staff to the soothing music playing in the background. While it may not be the ideal place to study or concentrate, it is a perfect place to chat with a friend.

The only negative aspect of the tea lounge is the actual food served. While every aspect of the tea is perfect, the food is mediocre and overpriced. The sandwiches, soups, and salads, although nothing special, all cost over seven dollars each.

The Three Cheese Sandwich, which I purchased with my tea, was simply some cold cheese slapped on toasted bread and marked with an eight dollar price tag. The sandwich was poorly served and most definitely not worth the price.

Yet, the wide variety of teas served and the modern ambiance make a visit to the Tranquil Tea Lounge a must on everyone’s to-do list. Beware, however: try to stay from the food, and instead enjoy a relaxing cup of tea from the many that Tranquil has to offer.

Tealicious Drinks

23

These teas boost your energy and help you perform at maximum capacity. green Tea “Stress Reliever”

A stress reliever drink with its neutral, grassy flavor and helps stop jitters. Also helps to remove clogging in the arteries and helps burn fat.

Black Tea “A Pick Me up”

A good substitute for coffee for it has the highest level of caffeine inside that is good for a pick-me-up or when all nighters must be pulled. The strong flavor will reinvigorate senses and help keep you awake and alert.

White Tea “Healthy Choice”

White tea has the least amount of caffeine and the most antioxidants that will help internally cleanse the body and leaves it feeling refreshed.

Fruit-Flavored Tea “Under the Weather” Great for sore throats, colds, fevers, body aches, or just feeling under the weather. Too bad cough medicine doesn’t taste good like this.

Herbal Tea “Smart Choice”

Herbal tea is full of vitamin C and can help stimulate the brain for sharper functioning.

Chamomile Tea “A Good Night’S SLEEP” Chamomile tea is a natural sleep aid and good for athletes who have a tiring workout and need to get rid of fatigue. It helps calm the body naturally without any sugars.

Photos by LAUREN LEE / the wildcat TEA TIME: (clockwise, from top left to right) A variety of teas displayed in the lounge; Geisha’s Kiss, a commonly ordered favorite green tea blend; a margharita sandwhich and tomato basil soup.

Facts and pictures from teafacts.com Compiled by LAUREN LEE / the wildcat /theBOHSwildcatnewspaper

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The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

wildcat online bohswildcat.com

The award-winning Wildcat newspaper is now online.

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ARTS

The Wildcat

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Oct. 17, 2012

25

‘Perks’ movie adaptation proves successful

by Akshay Verma, Managing Editor

With its inception as a “hipster” classic in 1999 after publication, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Steven Chbosky, rang true to those who had ever experienced the awkwardness of adolescence.

13 years after publication, a film adaptation directed by the author himself has added another realm to the “hipster” classic.

Starring Emma Watson (Harry Potter), Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), and Ezra Miller, the film recently opened on the big screen in theaters worldwide.

The source material is known for its heavy subject matter—particularly a focus on controversial topics such as abortion, drug and alcohol use, homosexuality, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and child molestation. It may seem as a cliché and unrealistic depiction of adolescence, but it is actually handled in a very professional and even realistic manner in the film adaptation.

Although the film does lack some essential plot points which may surprise book readers, it is, in general, perhaps one of the best film adaptations I have seen. Almost everything that is essential to the plot is included in the movie adaptation. After all, Chbosky, the author, both wrote and directed the film.

An expected change to the movie adaptation was the loss of some quirky, minute details from the book. From the nicknames of some characters to small details about others, the changes were logical yet a bit upsetting.

Lerman’s portrayal of Charlie, the “wallflower,” could not have been any better. He perfected even the smallest gestures and really made an effort to portray Charlie as a confused adolescent in the midst of growing up and going through changes in his life. Watson’s role as Sam is also spot-on. I will admit, however, that her American accent is, at times, very transparent, as her British accent often came through, but besides this small detail, she gives a very emotional and moving performance. Miller plays an excellent Patrick, truly capturing the emotions behind the tumultuous experiences he goes through.

In comparison to other book-to-film adaptations, such as the immensely popular Harry Potter novels, The Perks of Being a Wallflower proves superior. The plot is translated wonderfully onto the big screen, and book readers will find themselves fairly satisfied. Yet, at the same time, the movie acts as a perfect introduction to Charlie’s world, and holds ground on its own as an emotionally captivating film experience.

Q & A with the fans What did you think about the movie?

“I really enjoyed the action and how it relates to school. I especially liked the sad scene where Charlie was about to commit suicide.”

Meghan Serna freshman “The film was perfect. Logan Lerman plays the awkward Charlie character perfectly, and Emma Watson’s performance was so special that you forget she was Hermione [in Harry Potter].”

Julia Ainely sophomore “The film was good, but wasn’t completely perfect. But I did like how witty the actors played the characters. Especially Emma Watson as one of the lead roles.”

Upcoming book-to-film adaptations The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien Release Date: Dec. 14, 2012 Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, and Richard Armitage Summary: A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.

Les Miserables, Victor Hugo Release Date: Dec. 25, 2012 Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway Summary: An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel set in 19th-century France, in which a paroled prisoner named Jean Valjean seeks redemption.

Luis Delgado junior

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Though the film was fun overall, it didn’t follow the novel plot well. I was disappointed it left out the book’s crucial points.”

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Joel Edgerton Summary: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.

John Serna senior

Release Date: May 10, 2013

imdb.com

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26

The Wildcat

SPORTS

Oct. 17, 2012

coaches juggle family, sports, careers FIVE COACHES DISCUSS THE DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN MANAGING PARENTHOOD, ATHLETICS AND TEACHING

by Noelle Gracia, Sports Editor

bohswildcat.com

Whether spending six and a half hours instructing 200 students or drilling plays into their athletes, many Wildcat coaches stand by the philosophy of “family comes first.”

Some coaches, such as Kim CramTorres, English teacher and head coach of the Ladycats, have their families right by their sides everyday. Jon Torres, the Ladycats’ head associate coach, is not only Cram-Torres’ colleague, but also the father of her two sons, Kole, seven, and Huston, two, and her “partner in life as well.”

Having first met at Troy High School while Torres was an assistant coach for the boys’ team, and Cram-Torres for the girls’, they first decided to coach together after they had their first son, Kole. The pair coached at Villa Park High School together for nine years and came to BOHS for the 2011-2012 season.

Jeremy Mattern, English teacher and boys’ cross country head coach, felt that as passionate as he was about coaching, the time commitment was too much, especially with a two-year-old daughter and another child on the way.

“A couple of weeks ago, my daughter cried and clung to my leg as I attempted to leave the house to attend one of three evening work obligations for the week.

She usually just says, ‘Bye, Daddy,’ but she clearly wanted me to be home with her,” said Mattern.

Despite being an avid marathon-runner, Mattern cut back on his training to spend more time at home with his growing family, spending Sunday mornings with them instead of running. He is looking forward to the little changes such as being able to “cook breakfast for his kids.”

“Being a good father is not just providing food and shelter, but being present to provide love and guidance,” said Mattern.

This statement also rings true for Richard Corp, math teacher and former girls’ cross country coach, who decided to take a hiatus from coaching and training this year to spend more time with his wife and daughter ,and studying for his Master’s degree in Statistics.

After discussing it with his family, and weighing his options, Corp decided to step down as head coach of girls’ cross country and instead assist track and field in the spring.

“I am of those people that will take on so much. When I started my Statistics Master’s,

I really wanted to keep coaching but my wife convinced me I was crazy. Spending time with my family this summer was really worth it, and I am glad I decided to step back. I still miss the team, the training, the coaching, but in the long run this decisions is better for my marriage, my child, and my teaching,” said Corp.

Finding time to dedicate to their students, athletes and families can be a balancing act for most coaches, as it is for Gil Rotblum, history teacher and boys’ varsity water polo head coach.

“It definitely takes a toll. When I come home from coaching or teaching, no matter how tired I feel, I am committed to spending with my family,” said Rotblum, “I balance my life by compartmentalizing. When I am at work, I focus my energy on work. While I am at home and can be thinking about work or even work while on the computer, it is better if I focus on playing with my daughters.”

to put the coach away and just be Dad,” said Baker.

Baker said he is fully aware his children’s their capabilities and limits and does not allow any of his sons to slack off if he knows they are not “working up to their potential.”

“I know when they’re slacking because I have insight to their behavior. I know what their best effort is, for that very same reason,” said Baker. “As a coach/dad, we have prior knowledge to our player/son’s personality as well as abilities. We don’t put up with excuses from our player/son.”

Zach Arnold, freshman, and son of assistant varsity football coach Jason Arnold, has been on the receiving end of this philosophy as well, just with his own father enforcing it.

“My dad pushes me harder than his other players; I know he expects a lot from me. I don’t mind though; I know that it was his coaching and the extra training he gave

“When i come home from coaching or teaching, no matter how tired i feel, i am committed to spending time with my family.”

Gil Rotblum, history teacher and water polo coach Mike Baker, assistant football coach and health teacher, uses coaching to grow closer to his two sons.

He has been coaching for 23 years for all three of his sons, Austin (’12), Logan, sophomore, and Braden, an eighth grader at Brea Junior High School, from their first days at Pop Warner (a football league for kindergarten through middle school boys and girls) all the way to the varsity level.

But Baker admits that it is hard to separate his coach persona from his father one, especially since the two roles are often intermingled.

“On the field we try to keep it coachplayer. At home we ‘try’ to keep it father-son.

It is easier said than done, however. Austin and I used to have an agreement, no talking about practice until we got onto Wildcat Way. That seemed to work well until we got home and his mom would ask how practice went.

That is when it was hard to leave football ‘on the field’. I love when my wife reminds me

me and some friends over the summer that got me to varsity level as a freshman,” said Arnold.

Along with coaching varsity and helping out with the freshman team, Arnold is also the head of Zach’s younger brother’s Pop Warner team, and he serves as an instructor at an elementary school. Leaving for work at around 7 a.m. and not returning most days until 9 p.m., he is usually exhausted by the end of the day, but still manages to spend a few minutes watching TV with his sons and “just kicking back.”

“A huge part of our lives revolves around football, but that does not make me like it any less. He does not have to force me to play, it is what I want to do. He just wants me to be happy and football does that,” said Zach.

“As busy as my dad is most of the time, he does not mind what he does at all. It is what he loves to do, almost more than anything in the world. Coaching is what he does.”

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The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

27

FAMILY COMES FIRST: (clockwise from left) Kim Cram-Torres and her family; Cram-Torres embraces Anna Kim, senior; Mike Baker with his wife and kids at Wildcat Stadium; Gil Rotblum with his wife and two daughters duing their vacation in Boston; Jeremy Mattern, who is expecting a child within the coming weeks, with his daughter and wife.

Top photos by AMORETTE VALERO and BRANDON KIM (‘12) Bottom photos courtesy of (clockwise from left) JEREMY MATTERN, MIKE BAKER, GIL ROTBLUM

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The Wildcat

SPORTS 28 CIF hopes still alive after win over elmo Oct. 17, 2012

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Wildcats bounce back FROM homecoming LOSS and defeat El Modena high school, 28-21

“[They] had the drive to go down and score after the interception and then [at] the end of the game [go] for two.”

by Kaitlin Martinez, Staff writer Varsity football started Century League play with a win against the Canyon Comanches. Since then, a loss to Esperanza and a win against El Modena has put the Wildcats in position to make a run for a CIF play-off spot.

Players like senior running and defensive back Lorenzo Marks, senior running back Josh Vizcaya, senior wing and linebacker Adam Ceja, senior quarterback Augie Bouncuore, and senior wing and junior quarterback Richie Main, played pivotal roles in each league game.

The Wildcats win over the Canyon Comanches was decisive.

Ceja said, “It was our first league game and we wanted to prove ourselves.”

For Ceja, Friday’s game was a personal season highlight as he scored three of the team’s four touchdowns, his first touchdowns of the season.

An interception and a touchdown by Ceja after a field goal by junior kicker Tomas Bouldin, gave the Wildcats a critical lead at the end of the first quarter.

The first half ended with a touchdown from Nicky Feamster, senior, after both teams attempted and failed to make headway offensively. With a successful two-point conversion by Vizcaya, the score was Brea Olinda 17, and Canyon 0, at halftime.

The Comanches got points on the board in the second half after an interception by senior defensive lineman Matt Brown set-up a touchdown for junior quarterback Corey Elsasser.

But Ceja matched each touchdown the Comanches scored, one after the other.

The Comanches’ final touchdown was scored by senior running and defensive-back Rob Mallen West at the end of the third quarter. An attempt at a two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 30-13, a win for the Brea Olinda Wildcats.

Main passed for 239 yards in the game, with another 85 gained on the ground by Vizcaya.

Marks led the way on defense with seven solo tackles For the Homecoming game against Esperanza Aztecs a week earlier, the Wildcats suffered a devastating loss.

In the first quarter, the Aztecs got the ball after BOHS could not make headway on the ground.

Esperanza’s senior runningback Troy Poole

rushed for an early touchdown.

Vizcaya, who finished with a game high of 178 yards on the ground, carried the ball to a late first quarter TD. Main gave the Wildcats an edge early in the second quarter with a rushing touchdown.

Neither team scored after that until three minutes were left in the fourth quarter. After the Aztecs tied with a touchdown, then followed with an interception and second touchdown half a minute later, the score was 21-14 with the Aztecs in the lead.

Robb Perrance, head coach, remarked on what happened next: “[They] had the drive to go down and score after the interception and then [at] the end of the game [go] for two.”

When Buoncuore scored a receiving touchdown with 12 seconds left and the Wildcats had a shot to tie or even win the game.

They chose to go for the win with a two-point conversion, attempted by Vizcaya.

It was unsuccessful, and the final score was 21-20.

Perrance attributed the close game and the Wildcats’ chance to win on the final play to the team’s “play[ing] two halves”.

Main hit six different receivers for 191 yards in the air on 17 completions.

The Wildcats only needed one half, however, to build a near-insurmountable lead against El Modena last Friday. The Wildcats bolted out to a 21 to 0 halftime lead.

Vizcaya’s running game (147 yards total on the ground) and a Jordan Brown reception from quarterback Bouncuore (153 yards in the air) led to an early touchdown for the Wildcats.

A second touchdown was scored by senior wide receiver and defensive back, Derek Anderson.

Vizcaya rushed for the Wildcats’ third touchdown with less than a minute until halftime.

And in the third quarter, Vizcaya rushed for another touchdown. With every extra onepoint conversion, BOHS maintained a 28-0 lead.

El Modena got points on the board when junior offensive lineman Benny Hernandez recovered a fumble made by the Wildcats,

robB perrance head coach JOHN SERNA / the wildcat

TRENT PRESTON / BOHS Sports Report

BITTERSWEET START: (top) Josh Vizcaya, senior runningback, watches the action on the field during the Homecoming game on Oct. 5. BOHS fell to Esperanza, 21-20. (bottom) Vizcaya evades the Esperanza defense, with Tony Martinez, senior offensive lineman, blocking for him.

which set-up El Modena’s first touchdown by junior Brandon Dagenais.

Though the extra point was not converted, El Modena’s second touchdown in the fourth quarter by junior Joseph Armenta, and an ensuing successful two-point conversion, made the score 28 to 14, with the Wildcats keeping the advantage.

El Modena’s final touchdown was scored after another Wildcat fumble. A successful conversion of an extra two points put the score at 28 to 21, with the Wildcats still in the lead.

Subsequent attempts at scoring were stopped by tackles from Marks and Ceja.

The qualifications for getting into CIF were slightly altered. This year, the selection process has changed from allowing the top four teams into the CIF to allowing the top three, with a qualified wildcard team chosen by CIF. The Wildcats’ chance of getting into CIF is currently dependent on replacing Foothill as the third team in the standings. To do that, the Wildcats need to beat Villa Park, which has a record of three wins and zero, this Friday.

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29 waterpolo plays close match against elmo SPORTS bohswildcat.com

Oct. 17, 2012

despite win, both players and coach think ‘not enough effort’ was exerted

by Kalinah Tallase, Staff writer It is down to the last ten seconds of the first quarter, El Modena in the lead with three points and the Wildcats with two. Jared Gimbel, senior, receives the ball and scores with only a few remaining seconds, evening out the score to three to three, with Wildcat fans cheering the victory.

The Wildcats won the match against El Modena High School, 9-8, on Oct. 9. The varsity team played with a coherent strategy, making an effort to communicate in the pool and play as a team. To score and counter goals, Lucas Keller, senior, yelled out strategy to his teammates on offense.

The team’s main focus is to play as a synergistic group and take both games and practices seriously to meet their goal of going to CIF. “We won but we did not play as well as we could have. This game, it seemed like the entire time nobody was trying as hard as we would normally do at a certain game that we cared about,” said Keller.

Along with Gimbel, players such as Kyle Murata, Matt Munet, and Cory Birenbaun, seniors, contributed to the victory, with Murata and Munet both scoring three points, and Birenbaun one.

“A win is a win but we could have done better in the game. They took the lead first having us to catch up to be tied at the end of first quarter. We didn’t play to our full potential out there in the pool but it is just a game that we could have done better. We need to focus if we want to beat our next opponents,” Mario Ruiz, head coach, said.

“We should have no problem of going to CIF, as long as we focus and play coherent with each other,” Ruiz added.

Murata takes pride in his team’s wins against schools with “really good programs,” such as Villa Park and El Dorado.

“So far in the season we are doing pretty well.

We played with some inconsistent games of winning and losing but if we win one more game it will seal the deal of going to CIF. The games that will bring us to it is if we can beat either Villa Park or El Dorado, so we have to stay focused. If we play to [the] best of our ability and play as a team we can definitely make it to CIF,” Murata said. (Results of the Wildcats’ contest against Villa Park yesterday were not available at press time.)

The team will next compete from Oct. 19 to 20in a tournament at Canyon High School.

JOHN SERNA / the wildcat

PUSHING AHEAD: Julio Armas, senior, maneuvers the ball with his head as he attempts to score against his opponent, the El Modena Vanguards on Oct. 9. The Wildcats won the match 9-8.

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The Wildcat

SPORTS

Oct. 17, 2012

SISTERS PAVE WAY FOR YOUNGER BROTHERS IN CROSS COUNTRY Davis, Buell, Franz, and Motiwalla siblings say involvement in cross country strengthens family relationships

by Joy Kim, Editor-in-Chief Photos by AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

S

ister knows best, especially for four freshman boys on cross country-Aziz Motiwalla, Joseph Davis, Daniel Franz, and Dustin Buell-who said their older sisters’ love for the sport, and the family-like atmosphere of the team, influenced them to join the sport.

Ever since Jennifer Buell, senior, joined cross country her freshman year, her brother Dustin faithfully attended her meets, according to their mother Michele. When Dustin became a freshman and lacked interest in other sports, Jennifer encouraged him to run with the team for a day.

The same “camaraderie of teammates” that once drew Jennifer into the team did the same for Dustin. After one day, he was “hooked” on the brotherhood.

“It’s very humbling because everyone is really nice on the team,” Dustin said. “No one makes fun of anyone because it’s not how the sport is. It changes people in that way.”

According to Jennifer, cross country is a sport where people will cheer on runners from other teams. This positive atmosphere is what attracted both Dustin and Daniel Franz to the sport.

Like Dustin, Daniel hardly considered joining cross country. His sister Isabelle, senior, said that for several years, Daniel was convinced that cross country was “the worst sport ever.”

“Everyone is miserable by the end of the race, and it is the only sport where getting better involves inflicting more pain on yourself, so it didn’t sound very appealing to him,” Isabelle said.

But Isabelle looked back to her freshman year when she said her parents pushed her into trying out. She said she was “hooked on the feeling of accomplishment” and the acceptance of her teammates by the second day of practice. She said Daniel experienced this same inclusion when he began running. He said that the atmosphere of the team especially made him realize that cross country is “the sport for him.”

Rahat Motiwalla, senior, first joined as a sophomore to earn PE credits, but said she soon loved it and continued running into her senior year. Her brother Aziz said she “completely influenced him” into joining, especially because of her praising the people on the team.

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Though Joe Davis was always a little interested in running cross country, he said that his “nice sister” Elizabeth, junior, who had also run on the team for a few years, encouraged him to join.

B

ut the brothers said their joining cross country reaped greater rewards than the pleasant team spirit and feeling of accomplishment the sport brings. It has made them closer to their sisters.

Dustin said his relationship with Jennifer improved because they know “what the sport is demanding” of them. When he ignored his injury and kept running, Jennifer forced him to stop because she did not want him to get even more injured. He said, “she is very protective in that way.”

At meets, when the boys’ and girls’ tents are set up within close proximity, Dustin said this gives him a chance to talk to Jennifer and cheer her on in her races, and vice versa.

“I respect that [Jennifer] is just so diehard about the sport. I mean, I like running, but in another sense I don’t. But she loves everything about it and I look up to that in a sense. She’s given me a lot of reasons to be like her and keep going in the sport,” Dustin said.

Michele Buell said her children’s participation in cross country has taught them life lessons.

“The biggest thing anyone can learn from cross country is that setting goals makes it happen.

Maybe not in a day, but with consistent work they can be achieved and even surpassed, and new goals can be set,” Buell said.

Randy Franz, Isabelle and Daniel’s father, said cross country gave his children a stronger relationship, greater respect for each other, and a better understanding of how hard work pays off.

“Before leaving home the morning of their most recent meet, Isabelle went into Daniel’s room and gave him advice about the course they would run and answered his questions. It was nice,” Franz said.

Daniel said, “[Isabelle’s] influence has always been strong in my life, and after she raved about the atmosphere in cross country, I knew I wanted to join. Now our bond is stronger with each other.”

Isabelle said this bond is one that not many siblings have. Her mother, Janis Franz, who is also president of the cross country booster club, said the positivity of cross country is rare among other sports, most likely because the clock is “the only judge in cross country,” not coaches’ favoritism.

She also said her involvement in cross country has brought her closer to Isabelle.

A FAMILY ENTERPRISE: Michele Buell and Janis Franz, parents of two pairs of siblings on cross country, attend the 2010 banquet as former booster club vice presidents. Franz, who still leads the booster club, said her children’s running cross country brought them closer together.

Photo courtesy of MICHELE BUELL Aziz and Joe both said the sport has given them more to talk about with their sisters, such as discussing times and progress.

Elizabeth said, “I think we understand each other better and I still feel that we are constantly getting closer as time goes on because the more he races, the more we have to talk about. The sharing of the experience just opens up so many possibilities for connection.”

Rahat also said cross country has not only brought her family closer together, but have brought the siblings closer together as well. She said she is very close with the other older sisters, and that they often bring their brothers along to hang out.

But more than just being the overpowering older sister, Elizabeth said she and the other sisters want their brothers to be successful and “develop their own sense on the team.”

Boys’ head coach Jeremy Mattern said that although some of the freshmen boys were pushed by their older sisters to join the team, they are “carving their own paths toward competitive success.”

“I think that we all home to see our brothers accomplish more than we ever could,” said Isabelle, “and push them to be the best teammates they can be, because cross country is more about building more than athleticism; it’s about building a great character.”

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The Wildcat Oct. 17, 2012

31

TWO PEAS IN A POD: (left to right, clockwise) Joseph Davis, Dustin Buell, Aziz Motiwalla, and Daniel Franz said they were persuaded to join cross country by their older sisters Elizabeth, Jennifer, Rahat, and Isabelle, who have been on the team for at least three years.

Photos by AMORETTE VALERO / the wildcat

inFocus

by AMORETTE VALERO

Sailing away to victory Homecoming began with George Kassis, sophomore, winning the mattress competition at the rally.

Jaclyn Zordani, junior, laughs with escort Derek Anderson, senior, as they walk in the Homecoming rally.

MICHELLE SUH / the wildcat

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