April 15, 2011

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CA locked in budget battle

Art teacher to study in Mexico

Olympian supports special election

VOLUME 54, ISSUE 9

CVHS students can help Japan disaster

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Jennifer Jervis is one of 16 chosen

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

Badminton team prevails

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CVHS v. San Leandro recap

CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546

WWW.CVHSOLYMPIAN.COM

CVHS teachers avoid dreaded pink slips

By Rebecca Fong

By Tim Pak

With the devastation that resulted from the recent tsunami in Japan, the Japanese Culture Club (JCC) and American Red Cross (ARC) Club both initiated fundraising events in the two weeks immediately following the initial earthquake, to aid the relief efforts across the Pacific.

During the first week, the JCC used the Homecoming Penny Drive collection box in the courtyard during lunch for students to drop in monetary donations.

Yuya Kono, the president of JCC, along with other members of the club, braved the week-long rains to supervise the donations box.

The lunchtime donations went to the American Red Cross.

Last November, the CVHS Japanese Language program hosted a dozen Japanese exchange students from Kitakami High School for a week. Megan Hickman, a member of the JCC, reported that “we contacted our friends from Kitakami through Facebook, and everyone [from that area] is safe.”

However, Hickman did hear

The Ides of March was the date that the great Julius Caesar would be slain. However, March 15 is also the day thousands of teachers in California receive pink slips.

This year, 19,000 teachers and educators have received pink slips but the California Teacher Association estimates that the actual number will surpass 20,000.

The incredible losses in numbers looks a little like this: the union’s early estimate includes almost 500 school employees in San Francisco, 540 in Oakland, nearly 900 in San Diego and about 5,000 in Los Angeles.

Why? Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers are negotiating the state’s nearly $27 billion budget shortfall. Brown planned to ask voters to extend temporary increases in the sales, personal income and vehicle taxes for five years. So far he’s failed to convince the state legislature to allow the vote.

However, as the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” and there certainly is one here

Staff Writer

JAPAN: Page 8

Staff Writer

Nic Barradas / Feature Editor

CVHS alumnus Arthur Renowitzky shares his experience and feelings on gun safety with a group of CVHS students during the Days of Diversity presenations.

Speaker touches the hearts of many

By Nic Barradas Feature Editor

Four years ago, CVHS alumnus Arthur Renowitzky was at a San Francisco nightclub. When the club was getting ready to close, he told his friends he would go get the car and bring it back since it was raining.

“I heard a loud voice that said, ‘give me your chain and your wallet.’ I quickly turned around and about five feet away from me was a guy in all black pointing a gun at me. I was shot immediately. The bullet went through

CVHS athletics changes course

By Anna Balassone Staff Writer

CVHS sports teams may stay in the NCS Bay Shore Conference despite an earlier decision to move to the Valley Conference, said Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman.

The two factors that are considered when placing schools into conferences and leagues are geographical proximity and competitive equity. In other words, the goal is to ensure that teams do not travel outrageous distances to play games and that the games are of fair competition.

The plan to leave the current league, the Bay Shore Conference’s Hayward Area Athletic League, arose because budget cuts have prevented many of the league’s schools from maintaining teams at varying levels

(frosh, junior varsity, varsity). In response to this request, CVHS was placed in the Valley Conference’s East Bay Athletic League (EBAL), one of the most competitive leagues in Northern California, according to Whiteman.

However, CVHS Athletic Department members have determined that a move to the EBAL would force CVHS teams to travel too far. It would also require that they play teams that are too difficult to adequately compete with.

The new proposal is for CVHS to be readmitted to the Bay Shore Conference and for a ten-team super league to be created within the conference. Thus, CVHS teams would be playing close schools with more revenue.

“We are hoping it is going to

NCS: Page 8

both my lungs and severed my spine. I didn’t have a chance,” explained Renowitzky.

Renowitzky lost all movement from the chest down. Although he was unable to use his legs, Renowitzky was determined not to let this affect his love of basketball and rapping. After years of physical therapy, he took the courts again and is now playing for the semi-professional wheelchair basketball team, the Spokes. Renowitzky has also pursued his love of rapping and now his music video “Don’t take

my shine” has over 19,000 views on YouTube.

What is most inspirational about Renowitzky though, is how he has turned his personal tragedy into the driving force behind his life. Renowitzky started the Life Goes On Foundation in 2007. The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting gun violence amongst youth and finding a cure for paralyzing spinal cord injuries.

Renowitzky and his organization travel around the Bay Area

SPEAKER: Page 8

PINK SLIPS: Page 8

Breakdancing club breaks the rules

By Holden Parks Staff Writer

Self-expression has taken a new form: breakdancing. However, this method of self-expression apparently comes with a limit.

Around the start of the second quarter, the breakdancing club at CVHS was cut for violating the “three-strike” rule given to clubs that operate on the campus. A committee composed of school administrators that monitor school activities made the decision.

“It was brought to [the committee’s] attention that breakdancing club members went into the mat room by using a credit card to open the door,” said Nicholas Whitaker, who directs student activities on campus.

Despite being given a warning, members of the club were caught in the mat room again, and the

club was given a one-year ban.

Despite the ban, some members of the club continued to dance in 700 hall. Some time after that, Whitaker received complaints from teachers and security guards that the members were disturbing classes in the hall with loud noises, leaving the both the school administration that banned the club and the 700 hall teachers peeved.

However, according to members of the club, the noises were no fault of their own. Apparently, it was not previous club members that made the noises, but obnoxious students not originally part of the now-defunct club.

“The people who made the noises were mostly people who just thought they could be cool by taunting us and disturbing us,” said Michael Nguyen, a member of the club before it was cut.

After talking with Robert Pat-

rick, the advisor of the club, Whitaker decided that the only thing that could be done was to “keep an eye on the situation.”

For the legitimate members of the club, even having to be suspected of disturbing classes reeks of unreasonableness.

“It’s just unfair for us to take the blame,” said Jackson Guo, another member of the club.

“We weren’t even breaking any rules.”

The club’s ban will expire at the end of the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year, but that won’t stop members of the club from dancing in the meantime.

“Breakdancing is our way of expressing ourselves,” stated Guo. “We dance to express, not impress,” he added with a smile.

That may be so, but members of the club will have to wait until next year in order to express themselves under the official banner of the breakdancing club.

LGBT contributions should be taught

By Dana Lin Copy Editor

Andie Smith/Staff Writer

Tax reforms or more budget cuts?

Editorial: Gov. Jerry Brown has recently been shot down the opportunity of a proposed special election in June. Apparently the people will not vote on an extension for income, sales, and vehicle tax reforms made two years ago in order to reduce the amount of budget cuts California must take.

The bill needed to pass in the state legislature with a twothirds vote, which requires some Republican votes for the bill. On the ballot, the people of California would have been able to vote to either pass extended tax reforms on things like vehicles or have more budget cuts in things like education. The Olympian opposes more budget cuts and would like to pass extended tax increases.

Brown did have trouble getting the two-thirds vote. Democrats, who have a majority in both houses, needed two Republican

votes in each house of the legislature to put the tax extensions on the ballot.

The Olympian approves of Brown’s effort in trying to put this proposition on a ballot for California voters. The people of California will now suffer the consequences of these new cuts .

“My plan to rebuild California requires a vote of the people,” Brown said in his State of the State speech. “And frankly, I believe it would be irresponsible to exclude the people from this process…whether it be voting to grind into more budget cuts or extend taxes.”

Because the tax reform didn’t pass, the $12 billion in budget cuts California already has made may increase to around $26 billion.

Now that more budget cuts are likely, schools will probably be hurt once again. The UCs, CSUs, community colleges and K-12

schools will all be affected. There may even be a two-week cut in the school year for K-12 schools and more furlough days amongst the UCs, CSUs, and community colleges. These universities and colleges will have to cut admissions for next year as well, with around 10,000 students qualified for the CSU system likely to be turned away. This will leave high school students all around California outraged.

Brown’s efforts to negotiate with the Grand Old Party, commonly known as the Republican Party, for putting the tax reform renewal on the ballot and trying to get California back on top were not successful. His vision of California’s special election on extended tax reforms will apparently not come true.

However, The Olympian fully supports all his motives and efforts in trying to reduce California’s never-ending budget

PHOTOpinions pinions By: Samantha Gamble

Would you rather have higher taxes or budget cuts?

“Raise taxes. Then we won’t have to have budget cuts.”

Jasper Gong, freshman

“Higher taxes; I pay some myself but I don’t want schools cut anymore.”

Heath Boysen, sophomore

“Higher taxes. I think the schools have been cut back enough. My mom’s a teacher and this is affecting her.

Schools shouldn’t get less than they already have.”

Grace Caploe, junior

“I don’t exactly support higher taxes, but I also don’t support budget cuts.”

Cecelia Ly-Peh, senior

With Gov. Jerry Brown in office, Democrats are now reviving a plan for California’s education system which former Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed: require schools to teach about LGBT contributions to society.

Although Brown currently has not shared his views for this proposal, many are hopeful for this bill, SB 48, to pass.

While many are in support of SB 48, others, including several Republicans and church organizations, denounce the bill as one that would impose a view upon students that don’t support same-sex marriage or “sexualize the training of our children at an early age,” as State. Sen. Bob Ruff put it.

I agree with the opponents of SB 48. We should not teach students that it is acceptable in this country to be lesbian, gay, transgender, or bisexual. We’ve already done enough damage to today’s youth by informing them about slavery and communism. If we teach about LGBT in schools, the next generation would grow up to be humantrafficking communists whose only goal in life is to rape slaves of the same gender.

What?

Sometimes I feel as if LGBT issues are too blown out of proportion.

I don’t believe there should be such widespread resistance to exposing students to the idea that LGBT people are out there.

Learning about LGBT issues does not suddenly change a person’s sexual orientation.

There are many instances of boys, at a really young age, dressing up and borrowing their moms’ makeup to be “pretty.”

Those boys surely have not had the talk with their parents about sexuality yet.

It’s ridiculous that lawmakers have to go as far as to pass a bill to have children learn about famous LGBT members of society.

As I researching online, I came across a list of famous lesbian, gay, and bisexual people on Wikipedia.

One of them happened to be Langston Hughes. I didn’t believe it at first, because this poet, whose work is so widely analyzed at school, has never even been hinted by teachers at the possibility of his sexuality.

I looked more into that possibility, and many scholars believe that Langston Hughes was gay, but that’s only a speculation.

They say that he hid his sexuality throughout his lifetime, as homosexuality was not as accepted, but has had intimations in his poems that direct scholars to believe he was homosexual.

Perhaps when, or if, seeing so many against the bill, SB 48 passes, rather than just describing Langston Hughes as an “African-American poet,” our textbooks will say “Gay AfricanAmerican poet.”

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2011 Editor-In-Chief...............................................................Alicia Harger City Editor.......................................................................Simrit Kaur Sarah Gilchriese News Editor...........................................................Lawrence Ham Opinion Editor.............................................................Kate Kim Feature Editor............................................................Nic Barradas Sports Editor.............................................................Kearny Combs Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................Anna Balassone Copy Editor.........................................................Dana Lin Photo Editor..............................................................Bianca Arias Business Managers......................................................Hillman Zheng Staff Writers: Matt Barney, Natalie Chin, SangEun Choi, Daniel Chung, Abbie Clark, Rebecca Fong, Dan Galvan, Samantha Gamble, Reyna Garcia, Yesenia Gutierrez, Jason Hazari, Yoon Jung, Max Kahane, Trevor Kwong, Noelia Ley, Emily Lin-Jones, John London, Tim Pak, Holden Parks, Jennifer Price, Andie Smith Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Days of Diversity definitely dazzles

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Leadership students display their diversity with a Bollywood dance.

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Anthony Viveiros and Lucas Heuer hold the flag of Portugal.

Jason Hazari / Staff Writer

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Mindy Hager describes her journey to Guinea with the Peace Corps.

Mujeres Club members shows their culture to the rest of their school with a dance.

Tongan dancers bring a piece of Tonga to CVHS.

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Lisa Papciak and Julianne Cunha showcase their salsa moves.

Sowers spreads the seeds of happiness AP tests

strike fear in students

By Dana Lin Copy Editor

Any students or teachers in need of a hug can go to sophomore Amy Sowers. Since the first day of school, she has been carrying a sign that says “Free Hugs” and gives a hug to anyone that wants one.

“The first week, [the number of people that came up to me was] probably over 500,” said Sowers.

“It’s gotten less since then; on average there are about 20 to 30 people each day.”

Sowers decided to do this after she heard stories about different people in cities who would carry around “Free Hugs” signs.

Random pedestrians would go up to them and after exchanging hugs, the pedestrian would smile. Several of her friends at other schools have also tried out the same idea.

“I wanted to see how many people I could make smile,” said Sowers.

“It touched my heart,” said freshman Adora Rodriquez, when asked how she felt after accepting a free hug from Sowers.

To some, Sowers’ hugs may just be another passing moment, easily forgotten. To others, how-

By Natalie Chin Staff Writer

Dana Lin / Copy Editor

Amy Sowers gives hugs to anyone who asks for them, brightening days all around campus. ever, her hugs can leave a lasting impression.

“Every single morning I get hugs from her and her four to six friends,” shared Spanish teacher Gigi MacLeod. “Those

daily hugs have made a huge difference in my life in this difficult year. My husband is now working in Texas, and took the dogs; [my daughter] Pam is now living and going to school there; I

had to sell my home and move...

The hugs are huge!”

For those who are in search of a hug, Sowers can be found in 900 hall under MacLeod’s classroom most mornings.

Jervis chosen for exclusive trip to Mexico

By Andie Smith

“The real re-

Staff Writer

This summer, art and yearbook teacher Jennifer Jervis will be taking a five-week trip to Mexico as one of the 16 selected applicants from around the country.

She will travel from June 26 to July 29, seeing the culture of Mexico and exploring Cancún, Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca.

To be selected to go on this trip, Jervis had to complete an application, three essays, and get letters of recommendation from other staff members at the school.

“I am looking forward to visiting Frida Kahlo’s house, the Casa Azul, in Mexico City. I can’t wait to see her artwork, art studio, and all of her things just as she left them when she died,” said Jervis. “I am also excited to see Mayan ruins and to visit the schools in Mexico.”

She applied in order to “get a better understanding of the students who came from Mexico, their background and heritage,” and develop curriculum about the culture of Mexico.

She will be visiting historical sites, such as the ancient ruins of the Mayan, Aztec, and Olmec cities. The participants will learn more in depth about the history of the country and be able to relate to their Mexican students better.

“I am hoping to bring a new appreciation for cultural arts from Mexico to my classroom.

It’s that time of year again when students taking collegelevel classes in high school begin to experience panic and anxiety. Advanced Placement (AP) testing is taking place from May 2 to May 13.

Although students are allowed to sign up for any of the 31 AP tests, even if they are not in the class, CVHS only offers 12 of those classes. The AP tests available to students are Chemistry, Environmental Science, Spanish, Art History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, English Literature and Composition, German, European History, United States History, French, and Statistics.

Each test costs $95 for students who register by April 8. Afterwards, students must also pay a $50 late fee. The tests are scored on a scale of one to five, with a three earning a pass and five being the best score. Those who pass earn college-level course credits.

ward is having rigorous, challenging courses, not the AP test.”

Mark Mladinich History Teacher

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Jennifer Jervis points out where she will travel during her five-week trip to Mexico this June.

They have a strong history of ceramics and pottery and I hope to bring some examples for my ceramics classes to see,” she added. “I definitely will be looking for lesson ideas, such as

mask-making and sculpture.”

The goal of the seminar, according to the U.S. Department of Education, is to “give participants a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Mexico,

to familiarize with the origins of the many issues it faces in different contexts (rural, urban and even global), and to understand the challenge of building a free and fair society.”

Students prepare for these tests in the classes and often buy AP study books such as Kaplan and Princeton Review. AP U.S. History teacher Mark Mladinich is preparing his students for the upcoming exam “by giving them more information than any 16 year-old should be responsible for. We’ll also be reviewing on weekends and after school.”

Junior Calvin Cheng is preparing for the AP tests with “schoolwork, sleepless nights, and reading AP books. It’s going to be an intense study struggle.”

“The real reward is having rigorous, challenging courses, not the AP test,” said Mladinich.

“Students should not stress about the AP test.”

The

Olympian

April 15, 2011

CVHS explorers explore the Exploratorium

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

As it turns out, science can be fun. On March 17, CVHS students who are taking physics course took their class to the Exploratorium at San Francisco.

Students were excited to learn, not just in class, but to learn through hands on science lessons.

“It was great. My favorite thing in there is the xylophone, It paints where the wave pattern hits it. I have never seen it

Staff Writer

a fun time with my friends. I Ma, Blake Song, and Jessica Yee are captivated by the hands-on wonders of wish I could Addie science at the Exploratorium. go next year.” near the Golden Gate Bridge really enjoyed was a spinning students can explore.

Yoon Jung / Staff Writer

before. I am glad that students had so much fun as much as I enjoyed there,” said student teacher Robert Grebe.

The Exploratorium, located

in San Francisco is well known as a museum and as a unique way to explore science, art and human perception where a variety of groups of people can have educational enjoyable time.

“I had a lots of fun at the Exploratorium and one thing I

table, it was interesting because it showed a rotational speed we learned in class, but in real life so it was cool. I loved their house of fine art. It was a beautiful place,” said junior Patrick Hassett.

The museum is divided into different types of physics that

The students can understand different concepts that might have been more difficult to learn by just reading a school book.

“It was such a fun time with my friends. I wish I could go next year,” said senior Luke Shin.

Football superstar crowned Mr. CV

By Sarah Gilchriese City Editor

Every year, talented young men from CVHS who are in their senior year come together to showcase their special talents and humors. This competition, called Mr. CV, occurred on March 25 and was put on by the Spirit Boosters.

Out of the 11 senior boys who competed and dazzled the audience, only one young man could be crowned Mr. CV. The night started out with the MCs Joon Joung and Kate Kim introducing the men and their dates. The senior boys competing were Tony Carrick with escort Casie Peterson, Chris Castle with escort Lindsey Broadbent, Carlyle Garrick with escort Sierra Valencia, Nate Han with escort Ashley Panko, Ray Huey with escort Mina Huynh, Zaiah Jones with escort Allie Cummings, Chris Kerner with escort Trisha Meyers, Kurtis Louie with escort Jasmine Fong, Anthony Montenegro with escort Sarah Lemp, Michael Small with escort Sara Boisse, and Bryan Weiger with escort Alyssa Isom.

After the introduction of judges Carol Nalty, Max Pallen, Connie Lekas-Lesatsas, and Andrea Eldridge, the entire group danced together, to start

Beltran competes to win the heart of America

By Reyna Garcia

“ It was such

Luke Shin Senior

5

out the night full of entertainment.

“Every contestant looked sharp, and their escorts beautiful. Of the four Mr. CVs I’ve seen, this one definitely had the most talent and entertainment.

Each contestant had great performances that had the crowd laughing,” commented Joung.

Up first in the show were Louie and Kerner, who square danced, had a “bollywood dance party,” and showed their moves to “I’m on a boat.”

Although the crowd cheered and clapped for these two men, they awed and blushed for the next contestant. Han quieted the crowd down with his guitar, and sang to go along.

After the heart-touching talent of Han, Castle showed his appreciation for film by dancing to the famous Napoleon Dynamite dance. The next talent was also dance, by Carrick.

His style of “Evolution of Dance” was comical, and got the crowd cheering again.

Garrick performed a comic dance number of many different songs. Garrick seemed to speak to the audience, and the judges, going around and dancing next to them.

After intermission, the escorts thrilled the crowd with a dance to “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Immediately

following their show was Montenegro, with a presentation of step-dancing.

Jones performed his own version of passion, through ballet.

The song he chose spoke of soldiers going to war, and the crowd could see the emotion through Jones’ expressions and dance.

His ballet performance brought one of the judges, Lekas-Lesatsas to tears.

The crowd’s surprise to see a CVHS Justin Bieber was apparent when Huey took the stage.

The crowd continued to laugh through Weiger’s dance to “Put a ring on it.”

The last talent of the day was Small, who showed his choir education, and sang for the audience. After one more group dance, the top five were announced. Garrick, Han, Jones, Montenegro, and Small all were called up on stage for the honor of top five. The People’s Choice award, chosen by the crowd, was then given to Garrick. The crowd cheered for him again.

After multiple dance offs, the moment the crowd had been waiting for arrived. Joung and Kim announced the first runner up, who was non other than the ballet master himself.

Jones gratefully accepted his second place prize, and waited to hear who would be crowned

Mr. CV. When the crowd heard Garrick’s name, everyone cheered and screamed. A crown was placed on Garrick’s head, and he thanked everyone for coming once again.

“All of the guys did a great job showing their personalities. It was a lot of fun, and the crowd seemed to really enjoy themselves,” said judge Nalty.

Every year America has a national homecoming queen, with a finalist from each of the fifty states who wins a scholarship to the college they plan to attend.

This year one of the girls competing to be California’s finalist and to move on to compete against the other states finalists is senior April Beltran, who was our homecoming queen. To become eligible to be a California’s finalist, Beltran had to submit an application and a photo, although it is invitation only.

She went through a preliminary judging round based on her application and photo.

State finalists are picked based on personal interviews and prom gown competition.

If she becomes a state finalist she will win a scholarship and move on to compete as national homecoming queen.

Beltran became interested because she’s always wanted to do beauty pageants and has always had an interest in things pertaining to beauty.

Beltran is talkative, polite, and extremely personable; the personal interviews should be no problem to her.

When asked what it would mean to win, she said, “Of course if I won, it would be great for the experience, the overall experience would be great.”

If Beltran wins she hopes to use the scholarship at UC Santa Barbara or CSU Long Beach.

Fine filmmaking in Inland Empire

By Trevor Kwong Staff Writer

The power of film comes not from plot or dialogue, but from the combination of moving images and sound. Director David Lynch understands this perfectly and made yet another great film to show it. His abstract, psychological-thriller Inland Empire is overwhelming.

The film was released in 2006, yet very few people know about it, mainly because it didn’t have a wide release by a big studio company.

Nevertheless, it is perhaps one of the most ambitious films of the 2000s. At an epic three hours long, the film is shot entirely in digital video. In addition, Inland Empire never had a full script.

Lynch wrote and shot the entire film scene by scene. Actors received new dialogue every day, and didn’t know what the film was about or how it would end.

When BBC News asked Laura Dern (lead actress of Inland Empire) about the film, she said: “The truth is I didn’t know who

I was playing—and I still don’t know… I’m looking forward to seeing the film tonight to learn more.”

It’s clear a plot summary wouldn’t give much insight.

I’ve seen the film, and though it means something to me on an intuitive level, I can’t conclusively describe what it’s about.

On a basic plot level, it involves a woman who gets a role in a movie that might be cursed, adultery, a sitcom with people dressed in rabbit suits, and several different levels of reality (Inception is a child’s toy compared to Inland Empire).

So far, this review has done little to strike the average moviegoer’s interest. An abstract, surrealist digital film with a rabbitsuit sitcom will turn off many, and understandably so. Still, I invite everyone to experience it—not to search for meaning, but to absorb the images and sounds.

Once this “letting-go” happens, the film becomes deeply powerful. No words can describe the wide spectrum of emotions Inland Empire caused in me. I found myself peacefully moved by one scene; and at another, I was so terrified I wanted to turn away from the TV screen (this comes from someone who wholeheartedly enjoys some very disturbing films).

To describe it anymore would be meaningless. Rent the DVD; turn off the lights; raise the volume until it fills the room; and enter Inland Empire. The film is pure creativity and proves David Lynch is one of the most original film-makers alive.

“Friday” baffles listeners

By Daniel Chung Staff Writer

YouTube viewers all across the world were baffled when 13-year-old Rebecca Black’s new single, “Friday,” became an instant viral video in a matter of a few days. Although the video was first uploaded on Feb. 10, Black’s new song shot up to nearly 50,000,000 views in just this past week alone.

When “Friday” first began to garner attention from viewers all over the world, many people

“The ending

will surprise you; it sure surprised me.”

By Yesenia Gutierrez Staff Writer

Limitless is just that, limitless. I thought the movie wouldn’t live up to the hype, but the truth is it did. Seriously thrilling, Bradley Cooper acted excellently as the blocked writer, Edward Morra, on the verge of losing it all. The plot twists and turns, just when you think you have the ending figured out, some twist comes along and makes you reevaluate what is going to happen. This psychological thriller is directed

a man with a failed marriage and a recently failed relationship, on the path of losing his book deal along with his apartment who finds relief in the form of a little clear pill, NZT. This pill enhances his mental capacity and allows him to access a greater percentage of his brain, rather than the normal twenty percent. This is when things begin to change to form a typhoon of uncontrollable potential that leads to writing, wealth, and recognition.

Among the grandeur that Morra experiences, the recognition quickly gets him into trouble with some shady characters, along with some white collar

Sunday comes after Saturday.

At this precise moment in the song, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to say that countless number of people were beginning to realize that this could not possibly be a song to be taken seriously. But in a recent interview, it was revealed that Black was indeed serious about becoming an artist and that she had a fun time recording the song.

With that in mind, just remember to tell yourself that she is still only a 13-year-old girl who hasn’t even entered high school yet. Don’t expect too much from listening to “Friday,” but just relax and enjoy the profound lyrics of Ms. Black. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

that it had the potential to be so much more than what it was.

The film tells the story of Mick Haller, a defense lawyer (McConaughey) who is tasked to defend an alleged woman abuser (Ryan Phillippe). Haller is divorced, yet still maintains a close relationship with his wife, Maggie (Marissa Tomei) and daughter, Haley. Defending this client essentially turns Haller’s life into a living nightmare as it ruins his relationships and even causes the demise of some important characters. There’s also an added element to the film as throughout the movie we get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a defense lawyer and how unpopular of a profession it really is.

The entire movie is full of twists and turns as it tries to fool you into not knowing who you can and can’t trust. Unfortunately, every plot twist and

shocking discovery is completely predictable and it’s pretty easy to determine how the movie is going to play out within watching the first half hour.

All criticism aside, there are several aspects of this film that are quite interesting. Lincoln Lawyer does a great job of reminding us why having a proper defense and a fair shake at justice is so important. Also worth noting, Matthew McConuaghey is Lincoln Lawyer’s saving grace.

While you wouldn’t expect him to take such a role, he plays the part perfectly, proving that McConaughey is still an actor to be respected.

All in all I feel that this film is just all right. The ending sort of drags on and there is numerous times when the movie should have ended, but it’s still an interesting watch. Rent it.

Lincoln Lawyer defenseless to criticism

By Dan Galvan Staff Writer

These days, when I go to the movies, I like to see something different; something fresh and new. So when I saw the trailers for the upcoming thriller, Lincoln Lawyer, starring Matthew McConaughey, I was intrigued as it didn’t look like your run of the mill courtroom thriller movie.

Unfortunately, upon going to theatre and spending a good $10.00 on my ticket, I was disappointed to see that Lincoln Lawyer had fallen victim to many of the same old clichés we’ve see in movies over and over again.

That’s not to say that the film wasn’t enjoyable, it just means

Limitless thrills audiences

by Niel Burger.

The movie begins with Morra,

were confused if it was actually a legitimate song or simply a satire making fun of today’s pop music. One begins to question how serious Black is about becoming an artist when her first single contains lyrics such as “Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday…

Today i-is Friday, Friday…Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes after...wards. I don’t want this weekend to end.”

One can only imagine the millions of bemused faces upon hearing such profound lyrics.

Yes, Rebecca Black...if today was Friday then tomorrow would indeed be Saturday. Showing her deep insight on the days of the week, Black takes her argument further by even suggesting that

criminals, who make his life very difficult to live. He is faced with more issues when his newly interested girlfriend decides to leave him once again. Throughout the movie, he shows great resilience in conquering all the challenges he faces emotionally and physically.

The acting by Bradley Cooper and his co-stars, which include Abby Cornish, who plays his girlfriend, Lindy, and Robert De Niro, who plays a wall street mogul, is superb. They all interact in a way that makes you believe that they are actually the characters they portray and pull you even deeper into the storyline. They make you feel like you’re in that situation, discovering and using the potential that we have inside of us.

The combination of excellent acting and a storyline that keeps you interested with its action packed scenes makes Limitless a must-see movie. If you want action, drama, love, and neverending suspense, it is the movie for you. The ending will surprise you; it sure surprised me.

Swiss Delices Bakery, a taste of Europe

By Noelia Ley Staff Writer

Swiss Delices Bakery is the next place you want to go if you’re looking for delicious desserts. These are not any kind of desserts, they are homemade desserts, completely organic that take you to another level of delicious.

This place hidden in downtown Castro Valley is a sensation to the ones who love a little bit of sweetness in their life. This bakery is owned by Christine Clement. She is originally from Switzerland and she just started her bakery three years ago.

She opened the bakery with the desired that people like her would enjoy traditional desserts from Europe without having to go to the city.

“My inspiration to open this bakery was to make people happy with desserts that are organic and give the costumer a happy sense of their past, or just the feeling of being home,” said Clement.

Clement is really happy for a wonderful place to work with, she said that sometimes it is hard for her to keep it up because of the economy. However, her desire is strong enough to give her the optimism to keep going and make people happy with sweets.

So, if you want and visit Clement or just chill with a cup of coffee or juice and with a piece of the house special, Napoleon, then you’re always welcome to go. But remember Napoleon is only made once a week, usually Sundays.

Swiss Delices is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The exact location is 20669 Santa Maria Ave.

Harger flips to state gymnastics title

By Alicia Harger Editor-in-Chief

Tumbling, spinning, and whirling through the sky like gravity doesn’t exist for freshman Ariana Harger, as she flipped to gold at her level nine state championship gymnastics meet on March 25 in Stockton.

At the meet, Harger began on her best event, floor, and she wowed the crowd with her powerful tumbling and eye-catching dance. She earned a score of 9.575 out of ten, a score that would hold up at first

“ My favorite

part is the feeling of flying.”

Ariana Harger Gymnast

throughout the night.

On her second event, vault, Harger sprinted towards a table, then at the last moment threw herself upside down over the table and landed on her feet. Harger’s vault earned her a score of 9.375, her best score of the season, which would land her solidly in second place for the vault.

Next, Harger moved onto bars.

There she executed impressively, holding lines and flying high above the ground and earned a score of 9.5. This score also stuck her landing in second place.

Finally, Harger moved on to the ever capricious beam. There she pulled off a beautiful routine, except for two falls. Each of these fall cost her .5 points and she earned a score of 8.65 and seventh place.

Even with the disaster on beam, Harger placed second overall and easily qualified for her regional

meet, which includes California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah. From there she’ll move on to Westerns, a meet with only the best girls from every state west of the Mississippi river.

“My favorite part of gymnastics is the feeling of flying, but it only lasts for a second. Then you have to catch something or land... so you don’t die,” said Harger.

Harger has been doing gymnastics for 12 years, since she was three. She practices over twenty hours a week and sacrifices everything to make time for the sport she loves. It takes amazing dedication to be able to perform at the level that Harger does.

“Harger ’s mental game is strong, she’s a competitor which really helps with the mental aspect of this sport,” said Neal Gallant, one of Harger’s coaches.

In a sport which a typical practice that includes, an hour of cardio, strength, and conditioning before continuing on to four events physical strength and mental strength are equally important.

Harger accredits her success in gymnastics to, “natural talent and a lot of hard work.” She also says that her teammates and friends, even among competitors, make all the hard work worth it.

“If Harger performs what she’s capable of she should do very well at Westerns, she definitely could be at the top of her age group,” said Gallant.

Harger hopes to continue in her gymnastics, at least long enough to get a college scholarship, like many of her teammates already have.

Badminton battles bravely Trojans having a smashing season

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

The Trojans badminton team won against San Leandro, 10-5, on March 29. Overall, singles players had good games with intensity, while mixed doubles struggled a little bit.

“I think it was a close match.

Although our team could have gotten a few more wins, I think we still did a phenomenal job, like always,” said varsity team captain Judy Tian.

From the beginning, the intense match started out with each school’s captain, Daniel Yim from CVHS and the captain from San Leandro. Students were cheering and supported their school as the heads of the team went up against each other.

“

We did a phenomenal job as always.

Judy Tian Team Captain

”

“It was all right; I lost, but it was great opportunity. My greatest strength is the smash and I am trying to get back in shape,” said varsity team cap-

Yoon Jung / Staff Writer

Daniel Yim winds up for a hit during his game against San Leandro. tain Daniel Yim. Another great match was the boys varsity number one doubles.

The tension and excitement in the air was palpable as seniors John Lee and Micheal Wang fought val-

iantly for their eventual victory over the opponents.

As a team, CVHS badminton team is planning to do more drills to practice their techniques and play more games.

“I love my team, I think they are all amazing players and people. I have faith in them and I believe that we have the potential to take league champions this year!” said Tian.

Jubilantly Jumping Juvenile Jocks

By: Jennifer Price

Michael Trevizo, Freshman

Freshman Michael Trevizo has been playing baseball for ten years and says it’s his favorite sport to both play and watch.

All of his experience has been a large asset to the freshman baseball team playing third baseman.

Trevizo also plays for the CV All-Stars League in which he has been playing since he started at age five. While on the CV League team, Trevizo has won the District Regional League of Champions.

“It has been my life dream to play professional baseball. I like playing for the CVHS team because I get to play and grow as a team with my friends,” Trevizo says.

Trevizo intends on improving his baseball skills and his batting score and furthering his chances to play baseball at a college level.

Alex Cabral, Sophomore

When you look at Alex Cabral, you wouldn’t really think of a wrestler, but he has been wrestling and improving his skills since the eighth grade.

Last year, Cabral won second at the league finals in the 105 pound weight class and has been training hard this year to become even better at his favorite sport. He has been dieting to improve his game and get to the next weight class.

Cabral enjoys how intensive and competitive wrestling is and says he plans to keep competing for the CVHS team for his next two years at the school.

On his off time, Cabral also enjoys playing basketball and football with his friends along with biking to keep fit. He also drag races for fun and loves cars and motorcycles.

Johnie Pangelina, Junior

Some people would say that sports are just in Johnie Pangelina’s blood. After playing volleyball in the fall and soccer in the winter, Pangelina is again playing softball this spring. Pangelina considers herself a well-rounded athlete and says that she plays for the fun of it, and not really for the competition side of it.

After playing for a soccer team for a few years, she took an interest in softball and quickly mastered the sport and began to compete. Pangelina began playing volleyball when she was in 7th grade and has continued to play through her junior year of high school.

Next year, Pangelina plans to continue playing for CVHS and make the best of her last year playing on the varsity volleyball, softball, and soccer teams.

Solo Diomande, Senior

Solo Diomande has always enjoyed sports, from the moment he started running track and playing flag football in elementary school. Since elementary school, Diomande has moved on to high school levels of football, cross country and basketball, but his real passion remains in track and field.

Diomande has been on the varsity track team since freshman year and mainly runs the 800 meters, were he has already run his fastest time this year at a mere 2:02:10, which placed him 18 at the NCS preliminaries.

As for the future, Diomande wants to make it to state championships this year in the 800 meters and the 4x400 team races.

Diomande also plans on continuing track at the college level.

8

The

Olympian

April 15, 2011

JAPAN: from Page 1

news of a boy from Kitakami whom she did not know, whose grandparents were apparently missing.

“The student’s baseball team held a special game for him, to help distract him and make him feel better,” said Hickman.

Throughout the second week, AP Japanese students visited CVHS classrooms with large envelopes, also for donations.

The money collected in these was intended to directly aid the students of Kitakami High School.

As for the ARC Club on campus, it reserved the stage in the courtyard the week after JCC, and had a table selling cranes its members made after school for $1 each, with a goal of selling 1,000. Origami is a significant part of Japanese culture; folding over 1,000 paper cranes is thought to bring good luck and fortune and grant one wish. If possible, the ARC club would like to have a table in front of

SPEAKER: from Page 1

speaking to students, young adults, criminal offenders and the general public about the tragic realities of gun violence amongst youth. They visit hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, high schools, private residences and medical clinics to support those suffering from spinal cord injuries.

One of the high schools he visited most recently is. Renowitzky was one of the many speakers during Days of Diversity and gave multiple presentations about his life, the tragedies that affect many, how it’s possible

PINK SLIPS: from Page at CVHS. Dr. Sherri Beetz, assistant superintendent and also the director of Human Resources, spoke about comforting news about next year’s potential staff members here at CVHS. “We are not cutting any programs for next year so we are not laying off any employees due to program or budget cuts. However, I did notice six teachers that may be at risk for release due to the uncertainty of current employees that were on leave this year. I am hopeful that all, or most, of these individuals that were noticed will be rehired due to attrition. No one from CVHS was notified.

The six teachers that I referenced above are all elementary teachers,” stated Beetz.

CVHS may not be able to provide the students and staff the luxurious food or breaks but they can and do provide the necessities. The teachers

Safeway to sell the paper cranes to the public. Whether customers would like to keep the cranes, that’s up to them.

Of course, “Texting REDCROSS to 90999 to will donate $10 to support relief efforts in Japan, with the charge showing up on next month’s phone bill,” said Brian Zhang, co-president of the ARC Club. “Officials from the Japanese Red Cross have indicated they would be grateful for donations from the American Red Cross to support their earthquake and tsunami response. In the first 24 hours, the Japanese Red Cross dispatched 62 response teams. These medical relief teams [were] made up of about 400 doctors, nurses, and support staff.”

Both clubs encourage any donations that can be spared.

“I know the economy is bad, but any amount is appreciated,” said Kono. Along these lines, Zhang agreed: “Disasters happen everywhere. Please donate.” to move past them, and that no matter what, life goes on.

Renowitzky envisions a world where he can one day walk, run and play with his loved ones without the threat of senseless gun violence. To achieve these goals, Renowitzky and his team have committed themselves to speaking-out publicly against gun violence while committing themselves to helping find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Renowitzky’s motivation, perseverance, and true heart are the reason he has been able to make such a comeback. He is a true testament to his organizations slogan, “Life Goes On, in spite of everything.”

toil through hours of work to provide for the students. Even through harsh and tense moments such as National Pink Slip Day, the CVHS staff has always been able to provide their students with education.

Jason Yu, a junior and also a member of the symphonic band here at CVHS, spoke about the commitment of the music department’s teachers.

“Teachers, especially in the music department, evidently provide the best they can for their students. The reason they’re teaching and conducting the choir, band, or orchestra is because they want to share their passion of music to the younger and future generations even when they are constantly at risk of losing their jobs,” stated Yu. At this time, students and staff are hoping that the proposals that will be introduced

by Gov. Brown and his team will soon alleviate the budget crisis in California.

On track for a great season

By Matt Barney Staff Writer

Words cannot describe the energy at this year’s Castro Valley Trojan Invitational, April 1-2. The Trojans ran proudly to victory with the girls varsity taking first place and the boys varsity finishing a close second against Northgate High school.

Overall Castro Valley girls won the meet with 192 points, followed by Northgate with 182 points, and Saint Mary’s College in third with 111 points. Castro Valley boys placed second in the 4x400 meter relay with athletes Ben Davis, Anthony Martore, Suleyman Diomande, and Alex

Foster. Samantha Fong ran a 5:48 mile to place second. Kristin Elam placed first win the 100 meter dash with a time of 13.26. The Trojans won the girls 4x800 meter relay with runners Isabel Chi, Aurora Bailey, Emma Piccillo, and Samantha Fong.

“I could hear the meet from four blocks away,” said sophmore Isaac Sheynkman. The excitement was palpable and every time a race was close the stadium roared at the runners.

On April 1, freshmen and sophomores from every school competed against each other while the varsity athletes cheered on their teammates. On April 2 the varsity competed while the frosh-soph cheered.

Other schools present were San Leandro, Bishop’O’Dowd, and Heritage high schools.

The entrance fee was $5 which went directly to the Trojans track and field teams. The meet also raised almost $2,000 from the advertisements alone.

The rest of the money gathered from the entrance fees and the concession stand will go towards helping keep the track team alive.

“It wasn’t too hot,” said junior Yuya Kono. The weather was perfect with a nice 70 degrees warming up the athletes for their events. There were a number of close races and lots of personal records broken proving the Trojans’ determination to finish strong.

Students terrified of tardy sweeps

By Nic Barradas Feature Editor

The intercom loudly interrupts students with a frightening message, “Teachers please lock your doors. All students late for class please report to the cafeteria to be assigned a detention.”

The administration created tardy sweeps in response to “teachers’ frustration over the student population’s continued tardiness,” explained Assistant Principal Jesse Woodward.

A tardy sweep is when the administration instructs teachers to lock their doors and force all late students to go to the cafeteria and set up a detention date before returning to class.

The tardy sweeps terrify the student population. Being just ten seconds late on this one day can cost them class time and lengthy detentions.

When asked if there were more to come Woodward responded “yes.” About 80-100

NCS: from Page 1

happen,” explained Whiteman about the potential acceptance of the new proposal. “It’s really good for our school if it does happen.”

Many of the pending proposals will be decided on at a meeting of the Bay Shore and Valley Conferences in the third week of April. Although the conferences will vote on which league CVHS will be placed into, the results of the vote will not take effect until the 2012-2013 school year.

students were caught in the tardy sweep and had to serve detentions.

“Attendance improved significantly when students heard that there might be a tardy sweep,” continued Woodward.

Social studies teacher Carmelina Frasca agreed stating that “anything that encourages my students to be in class on time and making the most out of instructional minutes is something that I will support.”

Frasca went on to explain that “tardiness is [a] life lesson to be learned. The importance of being in class on time is the same as the importance of being at your job on time so you don’t get fired.”

Although teachers were very supportive of the program, almost all students dislike the program, many citing the disadvantages of having to run to class with a backpack or arguing that the punishment outweighs the crime.

Some students even argued that tardy punishments should

be based on recurring tardiness and not a tardy sweep.

“By having to go to class, then getting the door locked on you, then going to the cafeteria and getting a detention notice, then walking all the way back to class, we really lose out on more class time than we need to,” argued junior Marc Stiver.

ASB President Joon Joung was the one student who not only spoke in favor of tardy sweeps, but praised them for their value.

“If we’re trying so hard to prevent cuts on our education, cutting class or going late to class doesn’t help,” he said.

“We go to school to learn and if we’re going in late, we disrupt the class atmosphere and it’s irresponsible. I understand that students enjoy talking to other students but we have time during lunch or after school to do that. We are at school to learn and, ideally speaking, tardy sweeps shouldn’t scare anybody because everyone should be on time to class.”

Lack of participation leads to volleyball cut

By Emily Lin-Jones Staff Writer

The CVHS boys volleyball program has been suspended this year due to lack of participation. Low player turnout and complications with personnel contributed to the administration’s decision to put the program on hold.

“There were only about seven or eight active participants.

We couldn’t sustain the program based on the number of kids that were out,” explained Athletic Director Andy Popper.

Both varsity and JV teams have been discontinued for the 2011 season. The boys who did show interest in participating this year were disappointed.

“From a player’s perspective, I think it was a bad idea to cut the sport,” said former varsity player Cody Kulka. “Some seniors may have been using it to get to college, and the team could have raised money if there was a budget problem.”

Popper stressed that the suspension did not happen because of budget concerns, and that he hopes the program will be revitalized next year with support from the coaches and administration.

“We need to do a better job attracting kids to the sport.

There was a time when boys volleyball was a power at CVHS, and we need to restore it to that status,” said Popper.