April 21, 2010

Pg. 10

Foodies review Bay Area spots

Pg. 11

A whole page dedicated to food

Local family adopts Haitian boy

Choose your new student officers

Pg. 12

Candidates vie for votes

From the earthquake to CVHS

Health care bill passed

By Moises Fonseca

Alvarez leaves district after nine years

Sports Editor

President Barack Obama and Congress made history in March by passing a health care bill that was supported by many Democrats, but opposed by all Republicans. The House of Representatives passed the health care bill by a 219 to 212 vote.

“I think it’s a positive step towards the right direction. However it’s not perfect and I hope this is not the end of this reform,” said leadership teacher Nick Whitaker.

Although the health care bill was a big issue for the past year and a half, it is the most complex and biggest bill that Congress has agreed to since the 1960s.

The health care bill will begin to benefit people over a period of ten years. However, some of the bill is already in effect. For instance, insurance companies will no longer turn away patients who have preexisting conditions like cancer and diabetes, parents can have their children on their insurance plans until they turn 26, insurance companies can’t cancel their patients’ policies if the patients get sick, and companies will not have lifetime or annual caps on benefits policies anymore. There also will be a $250 drug rebate for some seniors.

Some other facets of the reform will start taking shape throughout the next ten years, such as an expansion to cover 32 million Americans who lack insurance now. California will get the biggest portion; over 7.3 million people will get insurance coverage. Insurance companies must spend 80-85 percent on medical services, or else give rebates and an expansion that makes 95 percent of people under the age of 65 eligible. Most of those coverage programs will begin in 2014.

“It’s unconstitutional. Where in the constitution does it say that people must have health insurance?” said senior Jeremy Jang.

Twelve state attorney generals, most of whom are Republicans, are planning to challenge the law in court. They argue that the law is unconstitutional, because it will require Americans to buy health insurance, and if they don’t buy it, they will be fined $695 per year.

There is a third group that agrees with the new law, but thinks that there should be more. “I think there

BILL: Page 11

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

Kate Kim / Staff Writer

Juniors Chiko Shimizu and Alice Liu perform their song in the DECA show.

Castro Valley’s got talent

By Kate Kim Staff Writer

America’s got talent? Maybe.

Castro Valley’s got talent? Definitely. Talented students shined under the spotlight at the DECA Variety Show on March 19.

Ranging from dancers to singers and martial arts to skits, pure talent spilled into the cafeteria and impressed the audience.

Teachers Adrian Lopez, Jason Marlis, and Jennifer Jervis judged the performances and commented on what they thought about each one. The anchors, seniors Angie Shin and Ricky Rivera and sophomore Nicole Yee, kept the audience entertained between performances with their clever remarks and sense of humor.

Starting off with talented musicians, senior Jyra Velenzuela sang a medley as her boyfriend

Jaraed Bello accompanied her on the keyboard. Once the audience was in awe of their amazing music, the martial arts moves of sophomore Trinity Bustria surprised everyone as he used his defense moves on his guest Caleb Soon. Next was a scene from the famous musical Wicked; junior Kate Kim sang “Popular” with sophomore Georgina Sousa as her assistant.

Taking the stage after them, a group of CVHS teachers who call themselves The Geezers rocked out on stage, leaving the whole crowd energized.

Following the rowdy teachers, the talented break-dancers, The Next Step, showed off their moves and left both the judges and the audience in awe. After the fast upbeat music, things were slowed down with junior Alice Liu on the electric guitar accompanying junior Chiko

Shimizu, who harmonized with the guitar singing “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Aside from cheering fans, the performances remained calm when the Revelation Club performing an emotional skit. Afterwards, a group of girls from Tamie’s Dance Studio, including CVHS students junior Elenita Nicholas, senior Mandy Langon, sophomore Lundon Langon, and sophomore Brooke Ernst brought it on in their purple outfits as they danced not only hip hop but also tap dance. The show ended with a rapping performance by Malcolm Coronel and Ricky Rivera, called The Sway Team, which the audience enjoyed and cheered for.

While waiting for the results of the winner, performers like CVHS alumni James Tran went on stage and beat boxed while his friends rapped and danced. Finally, all the

DECA: Page 11

New round of pink slips begins

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

In an attempt to help balance the budget for the 2010-2011 school year, the school district has given pink slips to about 20 CVHS teachers and all five assistant principals.

The district gives out pink slips to teachers and other staff members to notify them that they may be dismissed from their positions for the school in the coming year. But luckily this notification does not mean a definite layoff.

Teachers with less seniority, usually those who have worked at CVHS for only a year or two, tend to be the first on the cutting block. English teacher Ian Rodriquez and social studies teacher David Roth-Rossi were among several who got the notifications.

“I think it’s a disservice to the students, there are fewer options. It’s just not fair to the students,” said Rodriquez.

A cutback to the teaching staff would also affect the student body in years to come.With fewer teachers, remaining teachers

could have more class periods a day and more students per class.

But most teachers like RothRossi and Rodriquez remain optimistic, and are hopeful that they could have more opportunities in the future.

“I’m sad because, let’s be honest, if I lose my job who’s missing out? The students, the kids. The kids are missing out because they won’t have the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of quite possibly the finest historical mind of the twenty-first century,” said Roth-Rossi. “So I would go ahead and put that out there.”

After nine years of working in the Castro Valley School District and three years as principal of CVHS, Pete Alvarez has announced that he will not return next school year. Before the end of summer of 2010, Alvarez will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado, eager to start his new job as principal of Rampart High school.

“I want to make sure that this community knows how special I think they are and how much I absolutely love the students, staff, and parents and guardians of this school and that’s something that’s really important to me,” said Alvarez.

Over the past nine years, Alvarez has been an assistant principal at CVHS, a principal at Redwood High, and finally CVHS principal for the last three years, but he feels that it is time to move on.

“I’ve lived in the Bay Area my entire life. I was born in San Francisco, went to high school in Napa, and then my whole entire working career in and around the Bay Area,” said Alvarez. In light of this, Alvarez has decided to relocate to Colorado to start a new chapter in his life.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of something new,” Alvarez added. “I’m looking forward to definitely the adventure of being in a new place, the challenges that a new school is going to bring. I’m going to definitely miss a lot of the people I’ve built relationships with here.”

In addition to his move, Alvarez looks forward to the new atmosphere in Colorado and to seeing the great outdoors that Colorado has to offer.

“I am pretty passionate about fly-fishing,” Alvarez said. “I also love the outdoors and

ALVAREZ: Page 11

PHOTOpinions BY: Nick Leonardo

What do you think about the heath care reform bill?

“I think it’s a good idea. I like Obama’s plan.”

Irshad Zakaria, freshman

“I think it’s a good plan for the country.”

Malik Scruggs, junior

“I don’t like that people without health care will get fined.”

Jacob Wessman, sophomore

“It’s a bad idea. Too many people take advantage of social programs. It will cause taxes to rise.”

Emma Kidwell, senior

Letters to the Editor

The Olympian encourages letters from our readers.

Please note that letters must be signed and no longer than 200 words. They can be e-mailed to cvhsolympian@gmail.com, delivered to Mr. Johanson’s box in the office, or dropped off at our Olympian office in room 113.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2010 Editors-In-Chief...............................................................Irene Liang Joseph Wan City Editors.......................................................................Erin Mundy Alicia Harger News Editor...........................................................Alexandra Gomes Opinion Editor............................................... Kearny Combs Feature Editor............................................................Lawrence Ham Sports Editor.............................................................Moises Fonseca Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................Sarah Gilchriese Copy Editor.........................................................Brandon Lui Photo Editor..............................................................Howard Whang Business Managers......................................................Lindsay Oda Hillman Zheng Staff Writers: Bianca Arias, Wessam Aziz, Nic Barradas, Aditi Bhatia, Igor Breyman, Tiffany Choi, Amanda Chouinard, Kearny Combs, Yoon Jung, Max Kahane, Simrit Kaur, Kate Kim, Melissa Lau, Nick Leonardo, Dana Lin, Jose Luna, Trevin Smith, Georgina Sousa Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Health care law will benefit country Editorial: Although all congressional Republicans oppose it, we at The Olympian support the new bill that allows for everyone to have health insurance.

We think the new bill will benefit many people, including the ten percent of the United States that is not insured. Those who are content with their current policies will not be affected, but 32 million more people will have the benefits of health insurance by 2019.

We are pleased with the portion of the bill that directly affects us teenagers. Young adults can stay on their parents’ policies until they are 26, giving them more time to get through college.

Abortion is a very controversial topic and we praise President Obama for not forcing insurance companies to cover it. On the other hand, we feel that some exceptions should be made to this rule.

Consider a young rape victim who is on welfare and becomes impregnated by the assailant; in a situation like that, insurance companies should be made to pay for the abortion.

The $695 per year fine for those that do not buy health insurance is somewhat faulty.

Some people pay above and beyond that amount for insurance every month. In order to effectively enforce health insurance, the bill should raise the fine by a substantial amount.

People with pre-existing medical conditions can no longer be denied insurance, and insurance companies can no longer drop patients after developing a condition. The idea of lifetime and annual caps are eliminated so patients will actually be able to get the treatment they need. Basic, affordable insurance plans are offered.

Besides those who want insurance but can’t get it, those who already have insurance

Igor Breyman

can benefit too. Many people go to the emergency room for both big and small circumstances, whether or not it is an emergency. By law, the emergency rooms cannot turn them away, even if the patient cannot afford to pay.

Since this new bill requires everyone to have insurance, insurance companies of an emergency room patient will cover the bill so others won’t need to pick up the tab and pay an unreasonably high amount of money for someone else’s health care.

Many Democrats have had bad experiences since the passing of the bill, ranging from death threats and obscene phone calls to bricks through windows and faxed pictures of nooses attached to gallows.

All of this drama is over health care reform is unfortunate and unnecessary.

Congratulations to President Obama and the Congress for making history, as this health care reform has been in the making for decades.

A man’s gotta go when a man’s gotta go

By Kearny Combs Staff Writer

Ever have those moments in class when you realize you can’t hold in your pee? That’s every day for me. No matter how hard I try to go around it, one o’clock is codename for tinkle time. Problem is, tinkle time occurs during history class, which requires a pass to go to the bathroom.

Bathroom passes for me aren’t helpful. I always end up losing them, and sometimes

the bathroom is right next to the classroom, and it just doesn’t make sense to use a pass to go to it.

Now I’m not saying the bathroom passes are completely pointless. Some kids “go to the bathroom” just to get out of class or hang out with friends during class.

Teachers want to prevent students from behaving in such a manner so they can maximize their learning experience.

But there’s a difference between keeping kids in class and limiting rights to pee.

The hall pass is supposed to make sure kids are where they’re supposed to be when outside of class. The bathroom passes force students to control or hold in their pee, because we only get five or six of them per semester.

Health teacher Sue Anderson once told us in class she didn’t

believe in bathroom passes because when a person’s got to go, a person’s got to go.

She also said it’s bad when a person really does have to go to the bathroom and holds it in too long, because holding it in could damage the kidneys.

Some teachers give out bathroom passes as rewards when students participate or win a game in the classroom. What they don’t realize is that they’re actually reminding us we’re not free to pee.

Bathroom passes—should we or should we not have them? This, friends, is the question of life. The sad part about it is it’ll forever remain the question of life because I don’t think teachers will stop using them, regardless of how students feel about them.

Just legalize it, already

By Erin Mundy City Editor

Nick Leonardo / Staff Writer

When seagulls attack, and what to do

By Melissa Lau Staff Writer

How do you describe a criminal?

A lot of people would say criminals steal or kill. They are a nuisance to community, and deserve some sort of punishment to straighten them out. On the peaceful campus of CVHS, some of the most notorious criminals out there are none other than the masters of bombing kids with their droppings: seagulls.

These criminals stow away on the roofs of our gyms and buildings without anyone’s consent. They enjoy swooping down during lunch and stealing food.

The seagulls also cannot control their bladders, and when they’re awake, they can’t help but let their

nutrient-rich waste out on the students or the ground at least once every 20 minutes. Their nutrient-rich waste is a perfect place for bacteria to grow, possibly spreading unwanted diseases and infections on our campus.

Despite their bothersome existence on campus, seagulls are protected by wildlife conservation laws, meaning harming them, killing them, or destroying their nests could cause a lot of trouble.

A few ways to protect our school from these nuisances could be to put up seagull nets on our roofs. The nets are made of a very durable, synthetic material that can last for ten years or more. They do not harm the seagulls in any way; they just make seagulls uncomfortable when they land on them and start bouncing up and down.

When they feel the movement of the nets, they would instinctively leave due to insecurity.

Another way to prevent seagulls would be putting up seagull spikes. The name is a lot more intimidating than they really are. They will not harm the seagulls in any way. The spikes are usually made of metal or plastic, and ensure that seagulls do not feel any comfort from landing on them for a long time.

I’m aware of the budget issue going on at school, but the seagull prevention tools do not cost that much and they are worth it for the absence of seagulls. It’s $50 for 100 feet of nets, and $2 for one set of seagull spikes. One way of raising money would be if students passed around an envelope for money dedicated to seagull prevention. I’m sure the school could raise enough money to get rid of these pests. It’s all a matter of whether people enjoy their company or not.

Together, we can uphold justice on our school and rid it of all the winged nuisances.

There is little that I am more excited for than being able to vote for the first time this November. I am excited not only for having the actual ability to vote, but for what I will be voting for.

I have been dumbfounded for nearly four years as I watched the battle against the legalization of marijuana remain relentless.

Actually, I wrote my very first opinion for The Olympian about legalizing marijuana at the start of my sophomore year, and it brings me sheer satisfaction to see how far this battle has come.

It is 2010, and not only do I get to vote for Gavin Newsom, my favorite scandalous politician, for lieutenant governor, but I get to vote a very emphatic ‘YES’ on the ballot measure Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act. “The Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act” – saying it aloud gives me a feeling as if I’d finally won a long, drawn-out argument. And indeed, for many of us we have. The so-called ‘war on drugs’ has put non-violent offenders behind bars for far too long, taken too many of our tax dollars, and wasted much of our public safety resources.

This November voters will have the opportunity to change this, and make history in doing so. With the Cannabis Act, marijuana will, to an extent, be legalized in the state of California. The possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older would be legal under the

measure, but also only under California law, as the possession and sale of marijuana are both crimes according to federal law. Those of the legal age would not only be able to possess cannabis for personal use, but would also be allowed to grow up to 25 square feet of pot plants per residence or parcel.

Aside from allowing for private use, the measure dictates that cities and counties could adopt ordinances that allow for the cultivation and sale of marijuana. Legalizing the sale of marijuana alone would make significant changes, most importantly providing an entirely new source of tax revenue.

Despite public fears of ‘dope heads’ and other backless animosities towards marijuana smokers, the potential for economic benefit is undeniable.

Not only could the government profit from legalization, but the imprisonment of most marijuana-related offenders would become unnecessary, and tax payers’ dollars could be spent on otherwise purposeful things. The ‘war on drugs’ could finally truly have no purpose in battling the prohibition of marijuana, with the legalization eliminating the need of black market sources like the Mexican drug cartel.

Revenue would be generated, non-violent offenders would be due their deserved freedom, tax dollars would be spent with a purpose, and the violent drug war plaguing our borders and infiltrating our streets would be brought to a nearer end. I always try to keep an open mind, always realizing that there are two sides to every argument, but in this case only one makes complete and total sense - legalize it!

“There’s no place like home”

By Alicia Harger City Editor

All my life I have loved the idea of travel. I love meeting new people, seeing new places, and experiencing new things. I haven’t had the chance to go many places yet, but I dream of the adventures I will have someday. I dream of all the sites I will see and all the culture I will soak up. Recently I went to Seattle. It’s not far away, nor is

it an intensely different culture, but I appreciated every moment of my trip. I enjoyed the stereotypical rain, and drank lots of coffee. It was an ideal vacation.

I think traveling always seemed so exciting to me because it was a chance to grow, to learn and to experience the world. Traveling brings a certain sophistication that I don’t have, but I covet. Vacation is just plain fun. You can ignore all your responsibilities and splurge on shopping. You can pamper yourself and sleep in. You get to be a freer person on vacation.

As much as I enjoyed my vacation, I loved coming home.

No one ever sleeps as well at someone else’s house; when I am gone I miss sleeping in my

own bed. I miss familiar places and faces. As much as I love discovering a great new restaurant, I miss knowing where the best burrito shop is. Vacations drag on. Without the measure of ordinary, it’s hard to appreciate the extraordinary. Whenever I’m away, home seems like the most alluring place in the world.

I suppose the lesson to learn from this is the same one Dorothy learned in The Wizard of Oz. There’s no place like home.

Dreaming of getting away, of escaping from the every day routine, is normal. Everyone wants adventure.

But it’s only when you’re away that you appreciate what you already have.

Dana Lin / Staff Writer

Bianca Arias / Staff Writer

Dodgeball teams huddle and take their starting positions during the weeklong dodgeball tournament.

Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

As loud music blared in a packed house, students and staff tried to smash each other with

dodge balls in a weeklong tournament in March.

“It was really fun, and we will be slamming next year,” said David Valladeres, sophomore.

The top three teams were

Black Panthers, Cute Odd Men, and Allen’s Wolfe Pack.

One of the teams consisted of all the teachers. So there was extreme competition to nail either a student or a teacher with

Every 15 Minutes touches hearts

a dodge ball.

“I had fun, the competition was the funniest part, and it felt good to be able to hit someone with a ball,” said sophomore Lucas Heuer.

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Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Emergency response teams rescue junior Nate Han from a “fatal car crash” as part of the Every 15 Minutes program.

See in-depth coverage next issue.

In the finals the Black Panthers came out on top and they faced the Sheriff’s Department team. In a battle for first place the Black Panthers defeated the Sherriffs and claimed gold.

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Another CVHS junior wins prestigious award

By Simrit Kaur Staff Writer

CVHS junior Aily Zhang is one of 25 students in the world to win the prestigious 2010 Bentley Tomorrow25 award. The Tomorrow25 program is an international contest run by Bentley University that honors 25 outstanding high school juniors who have the potential to be future leaders in the world.

The winners of the competition will receive national recognition and will have the opportunity to meet some “high-profile leaders” at the annual Bentley Leadership Forum, as well as appear in TIME magazine, as part of Bentley’s national leadership campaign.

The recognition ceremony will take place at Bentley University in Boston on April 21, where Zhang, along with the other 24 high school juniors, will be recognized for their leadership skills.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital, will be presenting the keynote speech at the ceremony.

“I am really excited to meet Dr. Oz because I watch his TV show called the Dr. Oz Show, which is a show that focuses on health issues that affect people across the United States, such as heart disease. I like watching it because it shows that he really cares about the health of people in the United States; he really brings awareness to health issues on a grand scale,” said Zhang.

Zhang initially learned about this international program through previous students of CVHS.

“The reason I applied for this program was because of Erika Solanki and Julia Joung, who were and are such great role models. They both won this award in their respective junior years at CVHS—we seem to have a Bentley Tomorrow25 tradition at our high school!” said Zhang.

CVHS teacher John Green and Theresa Branaugh nominated Zhang for this prestigious award.

“I want to say thanks to my nominators Mr. Green and Mrs. Branaugh,” said Zhang.

Zhang is currently involved in many clubs on campus and is the co-president of United Cause and president/founder of Model United Nations (UN).

Outside of school, she volunteers at the Laurel Grove Acute Rehabilitation Hospital located in Castro Valley where she helps patients recover from illnesses and injuries.

After high school, Zhang plans to enroll in a four-year college and is interested in acquiring a double major in Biology and International Relations.

Substitute teacher fills big shoes

By Nic Leonardo Staff Writer

If you have ever seen a teacher at CVHS moving in and out of a different classroom from year to year, it may be Josh Wheeler. He is now in his third stint as a fill-in sub for a teacher on maternity leave.

Wheeler teaches in room 209, filling in for Elisa Frozena. Each year has not been remotely the same for Wheeler.

He got a call from CVHS last year to take over for Gabrielle Hedlund. At that time, he had had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and had just finished radiation about 25 days before. Even after fighting such a disease, he was up for the challenge of taking over a teacher’s multiple classes out of the blue.

He likens that first day on the job to a first day of school when everything is totally new. However, he does not get nervous or worry like

most seemingly would.

As far as students being hard on the sub, Wheeler said he has experienced none of it.

“They’ve been nice,” he said of his students. “Working here has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career.”

As a substitute teacher, one would expect full plans from the absent teacher. Surprisingly that is not the case for Wheeler.

He got no plans. Teaching the curriculum to a class used to old ways is entirely up to him.

“My department is very supportive of me,” he said. It seems as though nothing can phase this super sub, or basically full time teacher.

When asked if he would like his own classroom and to become a permanent teacher at CVHS someday, he replied with a smile, “It would be nice.”

Moises Fonseca/ Sports Editor

Junior Triana Jones shows off her outfit on the runway at the 2010 Art and Fashion show.

Student models take the runway

By Aditi Bhatia Staff Writer

The 2010 Art and Fashion show, hosted by the Castro Valley Education Foundation and CVHS Arts department, was held on Friday, March 26. Showcasing different fashion designers and student artists, the Center for the Arts was filled with creative photography, illustrations, and graphic designs.

Many appetizers and cakes were being sold in the lobby, along with raffle tickets for various gift packages. Numerous families of all ages attended, wearing formal cocktail attire.

With the theater half-full, the actual fashion show began at 7:30. Many students from Canyon Middle School, Creekside Middle School, and CVHS strutted onstage, modeling various fashion statements.

Starting off with feature designer Swati, many intricate dresses with a fusion of Indian

origin were modeled. A few other fashion designers were showcased, such as Cam-Marie Fashions, with stylish dresses meant for any type of woman.

“The designer was really nice and she helped me gain confidence in myself. I love my dress and the experience was worth-

“The designer was really nice and she helped me gain confidence in myself.

Noelia Ley Junior

”

while,” said junior Noelia Ley. Next up was designer Indra Millinery, displaying a unique, old fashioned look, with an addition of creative hand-made hats.

Following this, The Next Step performed an interestingly upbeat, energetic and lively dance performance, which earned a loud

round of applause from the audience.

The fashion show continued with many beautiful dresses from Kisha Studious. Soon after, various boys modeled tuxedos from Sterling Bridal and Tuxedos.

The show ended with models from Catherine Polgieter, showcasing various accessories and artistic designs.

“I got to meet some nice people that I wouldn’t have gotten to know better if I just saw them at school. The fashion show wasn’t much of an experience. The people were,” said sophomore Justin Gong, a model at the show.

As the audience began to leave, raffle and art show winners were announced. Soon thereafter, people were given the chance to meet the designers, along with the models.

“I got to be a little more outgoing, a little more courageous to do my own thing,” said Gong.

Moises Fonseca/ Sports Editor

The Next Step dancers wow the crowd with their unique skills during the 2010 Art and Fashion show.

Entertainment Calendar MusicApril 27: Bullet For My Valentine: Fever May 4: Flying Lotus: Cosmogramma May 4: Godsmack: The Oracle May 4: Papa Roach: To Be Loved MoviesApril 30: A Nightmare on Elm Street May 7: Babies May 7: Letters to Juliet May 14: Robin Hood

Sarah Gilchriese / A&E Editor

From left to right: Scott Robertson, Craig Koozer, Daren Wilkerson, Manny Bernal, and John Howard pose after playing in front of hundreds of runners in the Oakland running festival on March 28.

Video GamesMay 4: Iron Man 2 (PSP, Wii, X360, DS), $29.95-$59.95 May 11: Skate 3 (X360), $59.99 May 11: Lost Planet 2 (PS3), $59.99

BooksApril 27: Party – Tom Leveen, $16.99 May 1: Stolen – Lucy Christopher, $17.99 May 3: Fire Will Fall– Carol Plum-Ucci, $18.00 ConcertsApril 29: A Day To Remember, Grand Ballroom, $18 April 30-May 1: The Eagles, HP Pavilion, $52$180 May 5: Cannibal Corpse, Slims, $30 May 6: Daughtry, HP Pavilion, $31.5-$39.50 May 12: Drake, Warfield, $37-$60

English teacher rocks music world

By Sarah Gilchriese A&E Editor

If you ever thought your teacher didn’t have a life outside of school, you’re wrong. Daren Wilkerson, who teaches English at CVHS, plays drums in one of the prolific local Bay Area bands. Fleeting Trance has released two full-length albums, and performs around the Bay Area. For having a teacher as the drummer, Fleeting Trance is pretty awesome.

Wilkerson has been playing the drums for 19 years. He also has been playing the guitar, piano, and harmonica for about 15 years.

Wilkerson’s main instrument is the drums, which he teaches and has also studied. One of Wilkerson’s proudest moments was when he played with Blair Hansen in Golden Gate Park, and opened for big record-selling acts such as Susan Tedeschi and Chuck Prophet.

“My biggest musical accomplishment was hearing my music from a previous band called ‘The Wildlife’ on Live 105. That was pretty cool,” said Wilkerson.

Fleeting Trance explores many genres of music including, alternative, folk, jazz, rock, and country. Their songs can appeal to many generations, and are very catchy. The first time that I listened to their albums, I knew that their music would be on my iPod playlists for quite awhile.

Fleeting Trance has been a band for over 10 years, and was first started by lead singer Manasseh Bernal. The band’s first show was at the Bistro in Hayward, back in 2000. Bernal says their band enjoys putting out their CDs. The members have become good friends because of the bond they share over their love for music.

“I would say to any high school student that who in a band, or starting a band, or even thinking about music, enjoy what you do. Don’t let frustration or obstacles drag down your spirit,” said Bernal.

You can check Fleeting Trance out at fleetingtrance.com. I highly recommend listening to a few of their songs, I think you might just find yourself wanting to listen to even more.

corn was the best part of the movie,” or, “The joke on my friend’s candy wrapper made me laugh harder than anything in this crummy movie,” and it was a fairly crummy joke, too.

What did Delaware? A brand New Jersey! Yeah, it was that bad. But despite my earlier feelings towards the movie, it pleasantly surprised me from beginning to end.

The story revolves around a dyslexic teenage boy, Percy Jackson, who loves to hang-out underwater to think.

Early into the movie, he learns that he is a demigod, a child between a god and a mortal, and the son of Poseidon, Greek God of the sea.

Zeus, king of the Greek Gods and accurately portrayed as Poseidon’s brother, has ac-

cused Percy of stealing his famed lightning bolt.

Percy’s dyslexia is actually one of his powers. He is able to read ancient Greek, or as another character puts it, his “brain is hot-wired to read ancient Greek, not English.”

Zeus gives Percy fourteen days to return the bolt or war will erupt between the gods, but Percy did not steal it. Percy ventures to save his mother from Hades’ wrath, find whoever framed him, and return the bolt to Zeus before the madness breaks loose.

Percy gets help from his two friends Annabeth, a fellow demigod and daughter of Athena, the Goddess of wisdom and strategy, and Grover a lifelong friend and satyr.

Having read books and

Percy Jackson pleasantly surprises and entertains

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

I did not expect much going into the theater with my friend to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

Considering she and I were the only two people in there and having read the book by Rick Riordan some years ago, I just assumed that all the reviews I’d heard were true and that the movie really was a terrible interpretation of the book.

The whole time before the movie started, my friend and I thought of bad things to say that would completely bash this movie such as, “My pop-

seeing their parallel movies, I understand how frustrating it can be when things just don’t

“

It is an amusing adventure movie that kept me in my seat and made me laugh through the whole thing. ”

match. This is why I’ve heard so many bad reviews about the

movie.

From past experiences, I’ve learned that the movies are never just like the books and I’ve come to accept it.

I believe that one can still enjoy both the movie and the book simply by dissociating themself from the book and actually give the movie a chance. If not, you are just going to be disappointed even if the movie is moderately good.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is an amusing adventure movie that kept me in my seat and made me laugh through the whole thing. I recommend it to anyone who has interests in Greek mythology, enjoys sword fights, and loves happy endings.

Book outshines movie once again

By Melissa Lau Staff Writer

Everyone expects the movie version of a book to be a disgrace compared to the book. When one watches The Lovely Bones, a film based off Alice Sebold’s book, not only will you be disappointed, but you will be disgusted and will have nightmares for the rest of your life.

Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) had a happy childhood surrounded by love from her parents and her feelings toward her crush. She had a bright future ahead of her, with a dream of becoming a photographer. Despite this, she becomes the next victim for George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), her suspicious neighbor who had coaxed her into an underground “clubhouse” that he built specifically for raping and killing her.

Susie finds herself in a place in between earth and heaven, and that if she lets go of earth, she’ll be able to go to heaven. However, Susie is not satisfied with how she left earth, so she stays in a gazebo watching what happens to her family because of her death.

The Lovely Bones was supposed to be a story that touched the hearts of people, but instead, either left people confused or totally disgusted with the story.

The storyline was not well portrayed on the screen. The events in the past merged with those of the present, just like how the setting alternated unexpectedly from heaven to earth. It was hard to follow, and, though it’s not originally meant to be so, it keeps you at the edge of your seat for the majority of the time.

The few people who followed the story was disgusted with it; Harvey, who is a rapist, pedophile and murderer all put together, kept Susie’s dismantled body in a safe, and stared at it all day. I don’t know anything that gets creepier than that.

I personally would rate this movie 2 out of 5 stars, because I walked into the theater thinking I’d be watching a tear-jerker, but instead, I walked out with the urge to go to the bathroom. How was I supposed to know that it’d be more of a horror film than a touching one?

If I died from a heart attack thanks to that movie, the last words I’d say would be: “Don’t waste your time and money watching The Lovely Bones.”

Dragons become cuter by the movie

By Alicia Harger Opinion Editor

How to Train your Dragon is a cute animated film for the entire family. The main character, Hiccup, is a teenage Viking who dreams of slaying his first dragon and earning the respect of his entire village.

Through a series of chance events Hiccup manages to befriend a dragon, which causes him to question everything he has been taught.

He longs to teach his society that dragons are not evil, but social change is never easy to obtain.

This movie is fun and light enough to entertain the youngest audience, but clever and original enough to have parents and older siblings laughing out loud. At no point was I bored with How to Train your Dragon and I didn’t really want it to end. While geared toward children, I found Hiccup’s desire to be accepted and the need to follow his own heart a sophisticated conflict.

All the characters in this movie were endearing. From the felinelike Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon, to the bearded Stoic, Hiccup’s father, all the characters had a lot of personality. They were relatable

and easy to get attached to. Even the minor roles were played with personality and great for comic relief.

The animation was adorable, featuring fantastical dragons, stunning scenery, and clichéd Vikings (complete with horned hats). My only complaint is that the 3D effects were lackluster and didn’t add anything to the

“The animation

was adorable, featuring fantastical dragons, stunning scenery, and clichéd Vikings.”

movie experience for me. The only effect for me was a mild headache from the glasses.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun night out. It was cute and clever, with a surprise twist at the end. Who knows, maybe you could make it a family bonding experience.

The Bounty Hunter should be hunted

By Hillman Zheng Business Manager

Are you looking for a hilarious romantic comedy to watch that is also packed with thrilling action? Well, you won’t find it in The Bounty Hunter, directed

by Andy Tennant and starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.

The Bounty Hunter, misleadingly categorized as a romantic action comedy, follows the story of Nicole Hurley (Aniston), an investigative reporter who skipped her bail for assaulting a police officer, and Milo Boyd (Butler), who is Nicole’s exhusband and an ex-cop turned bounty hunter who is in debt.

When Milo is assigned the job of bringing Nicole to jail, I expected many laughs to ensue during the rest of the movie as Milo tries to track down Nicole. Instead, a confusing and uninteresting secondary plot is thrown into the mix.

Nicole is investigating the suicide of a police officer who

jumped off a building. However, when her informant is kidnapped by random people from a tattoo parlor, she begins to believe the police officer was murdered and tries to find her informant as well as discover what really happened with the suicide.

While this is going on, her exhusband Milo tags along with Nicole, trying to bring her to jail and helping her solve the mystery with his detective skills at the same time. And of course, Milo and Nicole slowly begin to rekindle their marriage.

There are many things wrong with this movie. I understand the insertion of the mystery adventure to add excitement to the typical romantic comedy. However, I don’t understand why it has to be a boring mystery that the couple is trying to solve. I really didn’t care about the police officer whose suicide was framed. If that was the best story the writers of this movie could come up with, then there’s a problem.

Another problem the movie has is the number of characters that are in it. There were a lot of extra characters whose names I don’t even remember that were essentially useless in helping to improve the movie. Why was it necessary to have two guys that

were basically bounty hunters going after Milo to collect his debt? Why was it necessary for Nicole to have a pathetic stalker that you almost felt sorry for? If these extra characters were supposed to add humor into the movie, they failed miserably.

The comedy in this selfproclaimed comedy film is nonexistent, unless you find two people in their late 30s running around or Aniston locked in a car trunk funny.

The action the movie promises is also absent. I don’t expect a film worthy of an Oscar when I’m going to see a romantic comedy, but I don’t expect trash either.

The only redeeming qualities of the film that prevented me from rating it one out of five stars were Aniston and Butler. They worked with the dry dialogue as best as they could and they made their characters believable. If the movie had focused more on them and less on a confusing police story, it would have been drastically better. It’s a shame that Tennant had great comedic actors to work with, but failed to use them to create a hit romantic comedy.

Death before defeat? The way of the tennis players

By Lindsay Oda Business Manager

“We will win—7-0,” foresaw Coach David Roth-Rossi, while the CVHS boys tennis team warmedup for a match against San Leandro High School.

The team had an easy win against San Leandro with freshmen Miguel Diaz taking his match at 6-0, 6-2 and doubles players juniors David Carter and Derek Wong taking theirs, 6-2 and 6-3.

The Trojans boys tennis players have had a memorable season so far with a record of 11 and 1, their best wins coming against Bishop O’dowd, 5-2, and Alameda, 5-2.

Their goal this year is to win league, a title determined by their game against Bishop O’dowd at the end of the season, and after league play-offs, to play competitively at NCS. Coach Roth-Rossi was too eager to tell the secrets of their success.

“We base our team structure on the Japanese social and political hierarchy, pre-WWII. So, I the coach—I of course, am emperor, descendant of the gods. The assistant coaches are the shoguns and the players are the samurai warriors who live by the ancient code of honor,” said Roth-Rossi.

Incorporated in Roth-Rossi’s team structure is an intensive training program the players must follow.

“The young samurais [tennis players] must climb the highest peak of Mt. Chabot. They must tangle with and tame the wild gerbil. They must chug a GoGirl—

Riding and jumping on a horse, of course

Fox taking horseback as a serious hobby

By Bianca Arias Staff Writer

Lindsay Oda / Business Manager

Junior David Carter prepares to execute samurai junior Princeton Poe for disobeying Emperor/Coach David Roth-Rossi. strawberry flavor—at uncanny speeds. They must sell three subscriptions to the San Francisco Chronicle… because we have no money,” said Roth-Rossi.

Although Roth-Rossi employs a strict regime, the tennis players still find time for team bonding and camaraderie. Their traditions are Bon Fare runs, playing team football, and receiving

snacks from their team mom.

Off and on the court they constantly crack jokes with each other; boasting a specialty in second serve aces and sharing why they play the game.

“I do it for the ladies,” said junior Princeton Poe, and collectively, the players around him agreed.

Rachel Fox has been horseback riding for the past seven years and “eventing” for three. Her horse’s name is West of the Wind or Weston for short. Fox first became interested in horseback riding when she went on a trail ride, but she started “eventing” because she loved the excitement that came along with it.

“Eventing consists of three phases, which are dressage, stadium, and cross country,” said Fox, a sophomore.

“Dressage is flat work. Stadium is when riders jump over jumps that are made of poles and panels in an enclosed area.

“Cross country is where riders jump over natural looking obstacles in an open field. I enjoy cross country the most, but we practice dressage the most,” said Fox.

Although “eventing” is fun, Fox takes care of her horse as a 24/7 job. She feels that the hard work is not cumbersome for those who truly love horses.

Fox practices every day and suggests this sport to people who are willing to work and

“I love ‘event-

ing,’ because you are always with your friends...

Rachel Fox

”

Horseback Rider enjoy being around horses.

“I love ‘eventing,’ because you are always with your friends and it is a lot of fun,” said Fox. Fox is a very friendly person who works hard at everything she tries to do like with karate.

She’s also very willing to help a friend in need with anything she can.

S up e r S a v v y Sp o r ts St a rs

Nic Barradas / Staff Writer

Josh Hicken, freshman Josh Hicken is a freshman who is running with the big boys on the track team. Hicken runs the 800 meters, the 1,600 meters, and if you’re lucky you might get to see him run the 3,200 meters. Right now he boasts a 5:10 mile.

“I set a goal for myself at the beginning of the season to break a five minute mile. So I do whatever it takes to achieve that,” he said.

When asked how he mentally prepares and stays focused, Hicken explained that he clears his mind.

“I do best when I don’t focus on how tired I really am,” he said.

Paul Zaballos, sophomore Paul Zaballos is a sophomore who throws shot-put and discus for the CVHS track team. He runs track to stay in shape for football, but that doesn’t mean he slacks off in track.

No, his key to success is to “keep trying hard, always go to practice, and set your standards high because nothing is impossible.”

Because Zaballos is throwing with upperclassman there is definitely some healthy competition in the team. “Sometimes the older guys promise me a free meal if I hit a certain mark. I’m still waiting for a milkshake,” he said.

David Carter, junior David Carter is a junior with a wicked serve on the undefeated varsity tennis team here at CVHS. The game is all mental strategy, explained Carter; you have to plan out all your moves ahead of time.

The game is deceptively easy from the viewpoint of a bystander. When you throw in the lethal art of serves, forehands and backhands, vollies, and game-winning overheads you realize that tennis is a sport for the truly skilled.

“If I had to give advice to those who want to play tennis, I would say that you just have to try your hardest and practice, practice, practice,” said Carter.

Justine Ma, senior Justine Ma is a hard working swimmer on the varsity girls team. According to Ma, swimming takes a lot of hard work.

Ma’s main event, along with 200 freestyle and 200-medley rally, is the breaststroke. Recently, Ma exceeded her expectations and dropped a whole two seconds on her breaststroke.

When asked why she swims, Ma explained why she loves the sport.

“Swimming keeps me motivated and focused,” she said.

“Then I hit the water I forget about everything else…it’s a stress reliever.”

Records fall at prestigious track meet

By Tiffani Choi Staff Writer

Track and field teams from all across the country came to California to show off their stuff at the Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High School on April 10.

For the boys, junior Anthony Martore placed sixth overall and first in the league in the 800 meters race with a time of 1:56.50.

In the distance medley, Martore, junior Alex Foster, senior Will Weekes, and junior Ben Ever-

sole placed fifth with a time of 10:22.77 that broke the school record.

“It was really fun, with a lot of good people,” said Foster.

Senior Eric Mason finished in tenth place for the discus with a throw of 159 feet, 5 inches.

In the 4 x 800 relay, the team was able to place third with the help of junior Solo Diomande, Weekes, Martore, and Eversole with a time of 7:58.13 which broke another school record.

“I was happy to be running with good runners. We have a lot of committed athletes,” said Martore.

For the girls, senior Chelsea Schneider was tenth place in the 800 meters.

Junior Kelsey Santisteban was seventh place in the 3,200 meters with a time of 10:44.52.

Nicole Yang races down the track.

Amanda Chouinard / Staff Writer

Senior Monique Aldridge placed fourth in the varsity 100 meter hurdles in 15.4 seconds.

“It’s one of the

most competitive meets in the nation...”

Ben Eversole Varsity Distance Runner

In the 4 x 100 varsity relay, sophomore Celeste Martore, junior Brianna Miller, Maya Chissell, and senior Taofeqat Alli were sixth place with a time of 50.79 seconds.

In the distance medley, the team was able to take twentysecond place with the help of Schneider, Martore, Santisteban, and senior Elise Wummer with a time of 12:50.26.

The team did fairly well overall and with many great athletes to help get there.

“It’s one of the most competitive meets in the nation, so it was really great for us to go,” said Eversole.

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Safe! A Trojan slides into the plate in the game against Moreau on April 15, which Castro Valley won 11-2.

Eat a Burrito Famoso for “complete happiness”

By Kearny Combs Opinion Editor

My heart and soul have been in mourning ever since the Taco Truck that used to drive around outside the campus after school, left. Why? It’s because the burritos served from that vehicle became a close friend and comforter of mine.

Just one bite was all I needed to experience extreme relaxation and complete happiness.

But now it’s gone, and I have to rely on Taco Bell and Chipotle to do the job.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re good restaurants, but not great.

I’m a bit picky when it comes to burritos. I look at the price, size, and authenticity.

There’s been some talk about the Burrito Famoso at La Pinata, a store located on Mission Blvd. in Hayward. Apparently, it has quite possibly the greatest burrito, in terms of price, size, and authenticity, in the entire world.

“Imagine stuffing your face with two pounds of the best Mexican food you can think of…

That’s a Burrito Famoso. It’s a massive burrito with unmerciful amounts of juicy meat, blended perfectly with Spanish rice, beans, and salsa. And it’s wrapped in fresh tortilla. Then the lady puts it on your plate, and just when you think she’s done, she smothers the burrito with delicious red sauce,” said junior Daniel Galvan.

I went to La Pinata and my eyes have confirmed the beauty.

The burrito was about 14 inches long and eight inches wide.

I couldn’t really tell, though, because there was a plethora of sides, like salad and sauce, on top and around the burrito.

The burrito tasted how it looked: fantastic. The enchilada sauce added an extra kick most burritos don’t do. And the meat was cooked to perfection, leaving me high up in the clouds as I was eating.

I’ve found joy again. The burrito famoso has changed my life and will always have a place in my heart. This is definitely the greatest burrito in the bay area.

Eating right also means eating well

By Lawrence Ham Feature Editor

When you visit your doctor or when you see an advertisement on a billboard telling the public to eat right and stay active, you may start to re-think what foods you put in your mouth.

Nowadays, obesity is a rising health issue in the United States.

Americans are consuming more and more unhealthy foods due to our hectic schedules. The limited amount of time for lunch leaves us with no choices but fast food. Even though it may taste good and save time, we need to realize the damage done to our health.

Although the government has been raising more awareness on obesity, our country’s obesity rate is still increasing each year. There has been an increase in obesity-related medical problems, including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and disability.

But there have been some efforts to combat these problems, including laws banning the sale of machine-dispensed snacks and drinks in elementary schools in 2003. Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her determination to end obesity in a generation.

HealthCorps, a non-profit organization that focuses on educating the public and advocating healthy lifestyle choices, has been established in an effort to combat obesity.

Also, in 2006, the American Beverage Association along with companies like PepsiCo and Coca Cola agreed to ban high calorie beverages in all grades kindergarten through twelth grade.

Now you are probably wondering about what I can do to stay healthy? Well, there are many things you can do to help combat obesity. Students at CVHS are fortunate to have an Eat Right Club on campus.

The Eat Right Club meets every Friday at lunch in room 901.

Another solution is to enroll in a health class during the summer. Last summer, I enrolled in a Nutrition and Toxicology class at UC Berkeley. There, I learned the basics of nutrition and obesity in the United States compared to other countries.

Also, balancing our meals can help our diet. Eating three meals a day at relatively set times can satisfy our hunger througout the day, as opposed to eating too early or too late. After consuming a giant meal, it is necessary to allow a couple hours before sleeping. In this case, sleeping can lead to our bodies storing the calories to fat instead of carbohydrates or proteins.

Exercising is important, but learning the proper techinque is important too. Activities like walking will allow our bodies to burn fat by using the fat or glucose storage whereas running works our muscles more so than burning calories.

Although fast foods are common, we can still remain healthy by exercising or becoming educated about our bodies. There are many classes, clubs, and organizations out there who focuses on eating healthy.

It is up to you to take the initiative and participate in these activities.

Kearny Combs / Opinion Editor

The Burrito Famoso shown smothered with delicious red sauce served at La Pinata in Hayward.

My Favorite Indian Restaurant

By Igor Breyman Staff Writer

Favorite Indian Restaurant really is my favorite Indian restaurant!

Whenever the topic of “places to eat” comes up, I get giddier than a girl scout selling her final box of cookies, smile wider than the Cheshire Cat, and get more excited than Bill Clinton during his private meetings with dear Monica Lewinsky. What I mean is that I love eating, and though I’m not a picky eater, I love tantalizing my taste buds with a variety of cultural indulgences featuring ethnic herbs, spices, and flavors. That’s why my experienced palate and I can comfortably express our love and constant gratitude for the Indian and Pakistani food prepared by Favorite Indian Restaurant.

After a long day of school, work, and complaining about school and work, my friends Jill Beytin, Paris Watson, and

I ventured forth to find a place worthy enough to dine in. Not particularly familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine, the sight of Favorite Indian Restaurant on A Street in Hayward (now located on Mission Street in Hayward) intrigued us.

After being immediately seated and catered to by a nicely accented, polite, Middle Eastern woman, we ordered a variety of dishes including: paneer tikka masala, butter chicken, aloo gobi, and lamb korma, all featuring indigenous ingredients and spices. The chef treated us to a complimentary dish of fragrant biryani rice, and an Indian flatbread naan bread basket, featuring onion and garlic naans. Moments later, we began to sample the variety of foods placed in front of us.

Eating that food was like having Cirque Du Soleil perform on my tongue. The sweetness of a heaven above combated the spiciness of a hell below, the battlefield being the surface of my tongue. In fact, I tasted every taste possible; a soothing sweetness combined

with a glorious saltiness, mixed with a stealthy sourness and a pleasant bitterness, all topped off with the fifth uplifting sense of umami, or savoriness. I walked away from dinner that night with a new perspective on the concept of taste, as if my life was revolutionized.

For an approximate price of $30 covering the three of us, I deem Favorite Indian Restaurant as my favorite Indian restaurant. Medium sized portions, a variety of complimentary items, a warm family restaurant environment, and ethnic music are all you need to make an enjoyable night perfect, and in this case, all of these essential factors of good dining can be found here. I give Favorite Indian Restaurant two thumbs up, five out of five stars, and a highly prized recommendation. If you’re looking for an experience, and not just dinner, Favorite Indian located on Mission Street in Hayward is the place for you.

vard, next to Marinello’s School of Beauty and near Chabot Cinema.

This Korean restaurant is small but comes with great service and is very clean. I am no expert in Korean food, but this restaurant is a decent place to go if you don’t want to go far, because it is located right in Castro Valley.

The restaurant serves a variety of tofu soup, barbecued meats, and other specialties.

One of my favorite Korean dishes is Bibimbap. Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that consists of assorted meats and vegetables served on top of rice. I like to order the Dolpan Bibimbap ($12.99), which is served in a sizzling stone pot. The rice that touches the pot becomes slightly burnt which makes it nice and crispy to eat.

Of course you can’t go to a tofu

house without ordering some tofu soup! I usually order the Assorted Soft Tofu ($8.99), which consists of beef and seafood. The delicious soup mixed with rice, soft tofu, and meat warms up my once cold body and instantly makes my stomach happy.

A unique thing about this restaurant is that the rice is served in a tiny pot. After the server scoops the rice into your bowl, hot tea is poured into the pot that has some leftover rice stuck to the sides. It turns into a delicious congee-like, rice tea soup that is usually consumed at the end of the meal.

This restaurant always helps me to be able to stay warm during this cold weather, without hurting my wallet.

Tasty food away from home

Great service, hot food and cheap

By Tiffany Choi Staff Writer

The weather has been cold lately, and I for one do not like wearing layers and layers of clothing, which make it nearly impossible for me to move, just to keep myself warm.

One way to keep warm is to consume a nice hot meal, like soft tofu soup from Tofu House right on Castro Valley Boule-

Local family gives Haitian a new home after earthquake au-Prince after the destruction is heartbreaking.

Jacques was awake in his bedroom when he felt the whole house shaking, and only when he finally emerged from the house could he comprehend the damage that had been done.

He remembers the look of sheer terror on peoples’ faces, but he also remembers feeling thankful that everyone in the boys’ and the girls’ houses survived.

Jacques was able to obtain a visa and unite with his new family. Jacques is now a senior at CVHS, and although he is excited to finally be here with Angela, Jim, and their five other children, he wishes it were under different circumstances.

“I saw people cry, yelling ‘Jesus,’” Jacques said of what he saw immediately after the 7.0 quake hit. Fortunately, nobody in Jacques’ orphanage was critically or fatally injured, but Jacques’ account of Port-

“They were afraid… but all of the children were safe,” said Jacques.

Because no one could be sure that the houses would not collapse in the aftershock of the quake, the children were forced to sleep and live for weeks outside on a basketball court, along with hundreds and eventually thousands of other Haitians.

“People were hurt, people died,” said Jacques.

While Jacques was safe, though surrounded by complete chaos

and devastation, the Laughlins were not even sure that Jacques had survived.

“When the quake hit… we thought we had lost our chance,” said Angela.

The Laughlins waited a long eight restless, terrifying hours before they received word from the orphanage via email that Jacques was alive. Although the email claimed Jacques was in fact alive, Angela said she received alarmingly conflicting news from others.

“We were hearing things that made us unsure… not sure that they were safe, had food and had water,” she said.

Even after they were able to confirm that Jacques was okay, the Laughlins were unable to determine when he would finally be able to come home.

“It was a long three weeks wondering when,” said Angela.

After obtaining his humanitarian parole, Jacques was able to come home on Feb. 3, to a teary and emotional welcoming, Angela said.

Jacques was welcomed by Angela and Jim’s three biological children, aged 6, 7, and 11, and their three other adopted children from Haiti, aged 5, 12, and 14. Jacques actually knew the Laughlins’ three Haitianadopted children as friends from Port-au-Prince.

When asked why they wanted to adopt Jacques, Angela said “There was this ‘knowing’… we knew the instant I saw his face.”

By Trevin Smith

tation is a key part of that,” said CVHS athletic director Andy Popper when asked what his thoughts were on how funding for sports will affect transportation.

In the face of the financial crisis, CVHS stopped paying for buses for athletic teams in December.

School officials had to ask athletes’ families to carpool to competitions.

With carpools, parents will have to fill out a packet of information so that the district can legally allow them to drive other students.

Because of liability, the district does not permit coaches to drive students or students to drive each other.

The school and district’s main worry with this issue is students driving other students and getting into accidents.

Students could not only get hurt, but the district could potentially face a lawsuit from angry parents if this were to happen.

Carpooling has been a problem this year, with athletes caught driving other students to and from games, some of whom have been suspended from games in their seasons.

The plan for the future of CVHS sports will have to include lots of fundraisers and carpools from moms and dads.

“

When the quake hit…we thought we had lost our chance.

Jacques Laughlin (center) is happy to finally be with his new family.

By Erin Mundy City Editor

After the Jan. 12 earthquake hit Haiti, Castro Valley residents Angela and Jim Laughlin spent eight sleepless hours awaiting news from their new adopted son, Jacques.

The Laughlins waited nearly three years for the adoption process to complete, but with the devastation brought on by the earthquake, they expected to wait much longer.

Because of the absolute destruction of government buildings in downtown Port-auPrince, Jacques’ hometown, documents necessary to complete the adoption of thousands of Haitian children were lost in the rubble.

Soon after, the U.S. State Department allowed for hundreds of adopted Haitian children to enter the country by issuing a humanitarian parole (an emergency visa). Three weeks after tragedy struck Haiti,

English teacher Anne Parris wins teacher of the year

By Melissa Lau Staff Writer

Every teacher knows what it means to be teacher of the year. It is an honor to be labeled with the title of being one of the best teachers on campus. That’s why, when English teacher Anne Parris heard she was the teacher of the year, she was really surprised and honored.

It was during a staff meeting when Parris came in late and snuck in the back, hoping no one noticed her tardy, she said. A few moments later, she heard Principal Pete Alvarez announce that she was Teacher of the Year.

“I was really surprised because there are a lot of brilliant teachers here,” said Parris.

Parris has been teaching at CVHS for about 26 years. She has taught English classes and also is the head of the GRAEL academy. During her years here, she has experienced a lot of wonderful moments with her students.

ALVAREZ: From page 1 being outside and I love the mountains.”

Despite the new changes to come in his life, Alvarez will always reflect upon CVHS with fond memories of the people he met, the

Parris has a long list of joys and experiences from her students. One of them includes being able to see her students grab hold of a concept they hadn’t before, or the students teaching her something she hadn’t known before.

“I love those kind of ‘AHA’ moments,” said Parris.

Another one of her favorite experiences was when she was teaching an AP class, and they went to her house to talk about Night, a memoir of the Holocaust by Elie Wiesel.

“It was nice to take students out of their usual zone. People opened up more,” Parris said.

It’s no wonder why Parris got the honorable title of teacher of the year. She loves interacting with her students and is one of those teachers who doesn’t just do the bare minimum with her job. Parris goes above and beyond to ensure her students’ understanding. students he saw, and the school he came to love.

“I’m definitely going to miss the students here,” said Alvarez.

“I think we have an incredible student body and feel really close with the students at this school.”

Erin Mundy / City Editor

Angela Laughlin

”

Castro Valley mom

Budget axe chops sports transportation Staff Writer

CVHS sports transportation is in big trouble not only for this year, but for the foreseeable future as well.

With all district financial support eliminated for athletics next year, many athletes are worried about whether or not their teams will be able keep competing.

There is also concern about how they are going to get to their away games without district funding for buses.

“I think if you’re going to fully fund a program, transpor-

DECA: From page 1

performers were called on stage for the results.

The winners, who won a check for $100, were The Next Step break-dancers who became two-time champions. Following the results was a playful tension between the teachers who performed and the break-dancers, as teacher Nick Whitaker said “Yo, this be whack!”

“The show was very successful this year and we hope that it will continue on in the coming years,” said senior Gretta Noe, a member of DECA.

BILL: From page 1

should be a government option with a control on the prices of the policies that won’t exceed certain percentage,” said social studies teacher Elza Andres.

The health reform will cost more than $940 billion for the next decade. To pay the reform, there will be over $400 billion in higher taxes over the next decade for people making more than $200,000 a year.

According to the law’s supporters, the reform will help to reduce the deficit.

The law will not have any change for people who have

insurance already. Insurance companies don’t have to cover abortions, and services are not provided for illegal immigrants.

“It will help students and families, who are on the border line and can’t get health insurance,” said counselor Susan Elliott.

In fact, the new law will help low-income families get a health insurance. A family making $88,000 will be able to qualify for Medicaid, the federally-run government health insurance.

Vote for your future CVHS leaders on April 22-23 during lunch in the courtyard! Bring your ID card.

ASB candidates: President

Joon Joung

“My goals for the following year are to increase student participation in school events like homecoming and dodgeball and to make the 2010-2011 school year one of the most memorable years CVHS has ever had!”

Vice President

Michael Small

Elenita Nicholas

Shira Laux

Kate Kim

“I can honestly say that I love this school and all of the students in it. I want to represent you.”

Secretary

“I’m a great choice because I am honest, trustworthy, and responsible. I feel I’d make a great ASB secretary because I never dwell on the problems, whether big or small, I always search for solutions.”

Treasurer

“I know that I would do a good job because I am dedicated to leadership and doing what is best for the school.”

“I truly want to serve as your ASB secretary. I am not running merely for the name or for a popularity contest, but I have an earnest desire to participate in and help plan school activities.”

Kyle Linayao

“My goals for the following school year are to get more students involved with school events. Another goal is to spend and use the class fund wisely.”

School Board Representative

Samuel Ison

“My goals are to do my best representing the student body as a whole and to make full use of my voice as a member of the leadership class, as well as to contribute to the school any way I can.”

Class of 2011 candidates: President Vice President Secretary Alex Colbert

Jasmine Fong

“I feel my past two years in leadership have given me the experience needed to fulfill my duties if elected to this position.

I understand how important it is to stick to your commitments because others are counting on you.”

“I have passion in giving the students what they want. I know that I would put the most effort in brining joy to the student body. If you want a senior VP that would work to give you what you want, then I’m the one for you.”

Isabel Chi

“From middle school to now I’ve been involved in student activities. I know what has worked in the past and what has not. I know how to and what to improve upon our class activities.”

Yesenia Gutierrez

“I have the experience, the drive, and the determination to run. I believe, if elected, I will be an awesome secretary and will make my fellow senior classmates final year here awesome.”

Kevin Chea

“I am a student representative for my class and I’m not afraid to talk in front of my class. I am very organized and I am a great note taker. I have a better understanding of the student population since I know most of them.”

Class of 2012 candidates: President Vice President Secretary Ariana Love

“I am a natural leader, and I have many experiences in organizing events including a full year as the freshmen vice president. We need someone who is a ‘fresh face,’ someone who is both organized and committed. “

Dong (Joseph) Kong

“I am a guy with big goals, lots of experience, and good leadership skills. I am a man of my word.”

Hailey Jorgensen

“From being the president for the class of 2012 for the past 2 years, I’m very familiar with what the job entails. For the class, I hope to have another successful Homecoming and a memorable junior prom.”

“I have a unique personality and love being creative, so I can contribute new ideas during planning and decision making. Never actually holding an officer position before allows me to come in with new insight and fresh ideas. I genuinely care about my class and want to have a good year.”

Jamie Fong

Paige Panighetti

Jessica Woo

Jane Hong

“Not only do I have prior leadership class experience, I’ve had the opportunity to be this year’s sophomore class secretary. I believe that my experience as being this year’s secretary has enhanced my abilities as a class secretary.”

Class of 2013 candidates: President Vice President Secretary “I want to do a lot of fundraisers including 2013 clothing, movie nights, dinners, etc. to raise enough money for our junior and senior proms. As of now, I know that I have more experience than everyone who I’m running against.”

Grace Cho

“I believe I can be more open and reach out to many other students.”

“I am willing to tackle any task and always open to new ideas. What puts me above the rest is I have a drive that I don’t see in anyone else.”

Victor Hernandez-Vega

“As an officer I will not think highly of myself over others. I’m here to serve my fellow classmates. I plan on managing my time by getting a planner and playing less, while worrying more about school. This does mean less parties.”

Treasurer Andrew Wong

“I will try to make our senior year better than ever and improve the organization of our finances. I hope to create a fun and relaxed senior year for all my classmates of 2011.”

Treasurer Sheba Sharifi

“I am very committed in anything I do, and will do my best to be the best officer I can be for the class of 2012.”

Treasurer

Lisa Bonsignor-Opp

Chad Andrews

Allison Tureaud

Kenji Pinzón

“For next year I have some great ideas and plans for making CVHS more fun and prosperous. I plan to be involved in as many campus activities as possible.”

“I’m an excellent note-taker. Also I have strong writing skills which would be good for the position of secretary. My competition doesn’t phase me.”

“Students should vote for me because I am more open-minded and organized when it involves money. My competition is only focused on keeping sports at CVHS, where I want more.” “ I plan to put my school first and follow though on everything associated with this position.”