Jan 22, 2010

Obama’s report card is in

Pg. 2

Olympian staff grades the president

Pg. 6

President’s Avatar hits first year in movie office theaters

Responses to the economy and more

Make a jump for it!

Pg. 7

This thrilling tale makes a huge bang

CVHS lends Haiti a helping hand

By Irene Liang Editor-in-Chief

Following Haiti’s 7.0 earthquake that caused unknown thousands of deaths and destroyed infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings, CVHS has taken part in the relief efforts by starting a drive to raise funds.

“When I heard about the earthquake, I thought ‘Wow, that’s a lot of people affected by something that happens in minutes but could affect people for generation,’” said sophomore Austin Bruckner.

Haiti, a small country the size of Maryland, is among one of the most impoverished nations in the world and the poorest in the Western Hemisphere with about one million of its estimated nine million people living in the capital, Port-au-Prince, 10 miles from the epicenter.

The Jan. 12 earthquake has left

the nation with massive need for repairs and supplies and assistance for its people.

Leadership students such as Bruckner and junior Miranda Rodriguez, who are part of the community service committee in leadership, came up with the idea of a fundraising drive during third period classes during the week of Jan. 18.

Students and staff members contributed to the humanitarian efforts by donating money for the cause.

The leadership class has been working with the Amnesty International club on campus to come up with more long-term efforts to help the nation.

“Haiti is a country that needs basic things right now. Everything we take for granted is what is most needed, most importantly clean water,” said Anne Parris, advisor for the Amnesty International Club.

Academy communities here to stay, staff says

By Tiffany Choi Staff Writer

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Junior Roderick Bobbitt flies past a San Lorenzo Rebel in the varsity boys win on Jan. 8. See page 11.

Afghanistan surge impacts CVHS

By Nicolas Barradas Staff Writer

On Dec. 2, President Barack Obama made an announcement to troops at the prestigious academy West Point that he would be sending 30,000 additional troops to aid in the eight-year war effort in Afghanistan.

“As commander-in-chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan,” said Obama. “After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home,” he promised.

Many students here at Castro Valley High are already enrolled in a military program.

“I don’t know about the decision to go, but we support wherever the troops go. I say just get over there, get it done, and finished,” said Brandon Yeung, a junior who is enrolled in a pilot training program. Yeung has dreams of joining the Air Force and hopes to one day become a pilot.

Senior Jessica Feeney is another student at CVHS ready for battle. She is already enlisted in the Marines.

“I know a potential deployment comes with the military…

I’m not sure if I have a chance to get deployed, but if I do, I’ll take it,” said Feeney.

Opposing the president’s

decision is Amir Salehzadeh, president of the CVHS Peace in the Middle East Club.

“The Peace in the Middle East Club believes that the Afghanistan objective is weak, and destined for failure given that Al-Qaeda has scattered throughout the Middle East region,” said Salehzadeh.

“According to the president’s National Security Advisor, fewer than 100 active Al-Qaeda operatives remain in Afghanistan. Therefore the mission of dismantling a group that is already scattered to other countries in the region that we have no jurisdiction in makes this objective impossible.”

The academies at our school received almost $1 million from a grant, but this year is the final year of the five-year grant for CVHS. The academies are meant to create smaller groups inside the school to help kids learn within a smaller school experience, and ac-

“We built the pro-

gram. It’s a very strong program, [and] it’s not going away.

Jo Sutton Art Teacher

”

tually help some students achieve more academically.

“We’re trying to make school make more sense, show the connections between things, and also give the students an opportunity to say, ‘This is what I would like to have my learning be about,’” said Anne Parris, GRAEL academy head.

According to a SLC Student Satisfaction Survey taken by students this year, students in an academy feel more connected to teachers than students not in an academy.

Though this is the final year of the grant for CVHS, there is a surplus available for next year.

“We are in the process of looking for more funding,” said SLC project director Jo Sutton.

The money from the first grant was mainly startup money to help create the program.

So even if the money does run out, no major damage will occur, and the academies will still stay.

The only damage may be fewer field trips and an increase in their fees.

The funding for the academies is mainly used for field trips and academy events. It also helps pay for staff development, because most teachers work after hours outside of class for the academy.

“We built the program. It’s a very strong program, [and] it’s not going away,” said Sutton.

According to Sutton, CVHS will be competing in the California Partnership Academy Grant to receive more money for the program.

“I’m confident academies will stick around in one form or another, provided that there’s student and teacher interest,” said DADA academy head Jason Marlis.

Everyone entitled to express opinions

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

Nick Leonardo

Nic Leonardo / Staff Writer

Obama's grades good, not great

Editorial: As President Barack Obama completes his first year in the White House, The Olympian has decided to assess his performance to date in various subject areas.

Here is the president's report card:

C+

Foreign Policy: A part of Obama’s platform was the closing of Guantanamo Bay, as well as pulling troops out of Iraq and focusing more on Afghanistan. Obama spoke a lot about taking troops back, but has recently committed another 30,000 troops in Afghanistan. While this does leave some of his supporters angry and others confused, it doesn’t mean he’s going back on his word. Obama’s plans require a commitment that needs to be met to insure that when U.S. forces do leave, they leave with local forces prepared.

The Guantanamo Detention Facility has yet to be closed as scheduled, but Obama began the long shutdown process very early in his presidency.

Having troops in any situation makes the issue very sensitive and problematic. As the troop deadline gets closer and closer, the job will only get harder for the Commander-in-Chief.

B

Environment: The environment is an ex-

tremely important resource to not just America but the global community as a whole. Obama realizes this and is taking initiative with a long-term project to protect the environment.

Obama has followed up his platform promises on curbing gas emissions from cars by pushing for an increase in fuel efficiency. Even better is the fact that Obama has devised a long-term plan for reducing CO2 emissions by 80 percent by 2050. While Obama does face criticism for an increase in utility prices and the expensive green technology, it’s still something that has to be started sooner rather than later. Obama has not just helped Americans in the first step toward a more environmental friendly nation, but he’s also setting an example for other countries.

B

Economy: One of the biggest issues facing America is the economy and the $800 billion stimulus package. While America faces a huge debt of nearly $12 trillion, people have to recognize the fact that the proposed spending is necessary to set the economy on the right track. While the recession and debt isn’t something that President Barack Obama can make disappear in a year, it’s something that can be managed. In 2008 the stock market was driven into

the ground, but since last year we have seen steady improvements. Unemployment of 10 percent is a major issue, but the rate of new job losses has decreased since the passing of the stimulus package. Obama has even extended unemployment benefits. Consumer confidence and investors may have declined dramatically in a short time, but people can expect that the Obama administration is helping the long process of restoring that confidence.

INC

Health Care: Obama’s health care bill is a much-needed reform to a system in dire need for change.

While the new health plan is ambitious and will provide many more Americans health care coverage, it’s not without opposition. Many Americans are divided over how to handle health care reform. While bipartisan work in Washington would be welcomed with open arms, Democrats completely back the bill while nearly all Republicans oppose it. Since major arguments still rage on about offering public options, fears of price changes, and the huge financial ramifications the bill will have on the economy, there is still much to be done before anyone can point to where this plan will end up.

So the president gets an incomplete, for now.

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. I believe everyone who reads this would agree with that. However, I was appalled to discover that many people on this very campus do not respect these most basic principles.

I witnessed this at the Junior Statesman of America (JSA) Club debate concerning a very controversial topic.

The resolution was as follows: Gay marriage should be banned. First, a student against gay marriage took the podium to give his argument. I was astounded by the amount of negativity in the audience as he spoke.

After giving his speech, another speaker gave her rebuttal.

No one commented, interrupted, or otherwise disrespected her while she spoke. Some questions were asked. Next to take the podium was a young man against gay marriage and, much to my surprise, the audience acted even more rudely to him than to the earlier anti-gay marriage debater.

In his argument, he spoke of STDs and religion, eliciting outrageous questions from the audience such as, “Have you ever lied?” and “Do you have an STD?” It was hard for me to be in the same room as those people and listen to them harass the speakers in such a vulgar

and inappropriate manner.

To tell the truth, I was quite happy to be out of the room once the bell rang.

Sitting in my seat in my next class before the final bell rang, a fellow classmate approached my teacher and began a conversation with her about the debate.

“People are so hateful,” she said, and continued saying how homosexuals should be able to marry and how cruel it is that some people are denying their rights. The only cruelty I saw during the debate was in the actions of some members of the audience toward the two students expressing their opinions.

I don’t mean to give an opinion on the issue myself. I am intending to say that there are people who don’t care about others’ points of view and I became terribly aware of this from this JSA meeting.

I am ashamed to admit, even people in my own family have acted disrespectfully, such as my conservative aunt who was harassing my uncle at our last Thanksgiving get together for voting for President Barack Obama.

This disrespect is not concentrated in one particular political party, but is spread throughout all nations, unfortunate as it is.

America is the “land of the free,” not the “land of the free as long as you believe in what we believe in.” No one should ridicule someone just because they hold a different opinion.

Whether it’s gay marriage, abortion, or even Harry Potter vs. Twilight, people’s opinions matter and no one should be denied the opportunity to express them.

LETTERS

To the Editor Editor, I must admit whenever I see that four-folded edition in our office mailbox, I get excited to see what you fantastic reporters and wordsmiths at CVHS have in your pages. You guys do a great job in reporting and laying out your paper in an even and interesting way.

I especially appreciate hearing what’s happening at CVHS and all the Castro Valley school sites, not just from a profes-

sional standpoint, but being a person who likes to keep up with things happening in town.

Thorough and thoughtful reporting is the real purpose of the news—to keep people informed in a fair and accurate fashion—and The Olympian never fails to do just that. Keep up the great work!

Robert Souza Castro Valley Forum

I am a perfectly orthodox Democrat

By Joseph Wan Editor-in-Chief

I would proudly call myself a Democrat if those same Democrats would stop labeling me a Republican. I’m not registered as a Republican, and though I can see their side of things, that hardly means I have been lost to the conservatives. In fact, I’ll show those biased Democrats that I understand their views and prove here and now that

I’m a Democrat through and through.

1) Gun Control: The argument that having a gun around the house increases the number of unfortunate accidents is pure rubbish. They won’t be accidents. More premeditated hunting expeditions, maybe.

If that’s not reassuring, then think of how eliminating gun laws will help out the economy.

People aren’t buying enough guns because they need to apply for a license. If we took away that pesky little rule, everyone would be lining up to buy a good ol’ rifle like they did to buy the iPhone. We’re already making millions off selling weapons to foreigners. Think of all the money we could make selling to our

own people. It would be such a boost of morale to be able to own a gun. After all, what better way to express patriotism than to take out that neighbor that snubbed you yesterday because he might be a terrorist?

2) Capital Punishment: Why kill them when you can reform them? It’s inhumane to kill another human being. After all, that would mean stooping to the same level as murderers.

If we killed people for killing, we’d have to kill ourselves too, and that just doesn’t make sense. Instead, we should take the route of preservation and reform. Give inmates the experience of a lifetime. Give them steak dinners, digital cable, a huge backyard, two packs of cigarettes a day, maybe a Play-

boy magazine, and one day in the future, they will forget all about performing dastardly deeds and come to see the light.

They’ll be too busy playing in their new home to want to go outside to commit crimes.

3) Illegal Immigration: Illegal immigration is fine with me.

Who cares that seven million to 20 million illegal immigrants live in our country right here, right now? In our time of need, we should be welcoming the flood of manpower, because two words will free us from our predicament: cheap labor.

The more cheap workers there are, the quicker our economy will recover. Corporations can afford to invest more if they hire cheaper workers. Shoddy repairs, unstable foundations,

dangerous products? It’s a necessary price to pay for the revival of the ex-most-powerful country in the world. Let there be nothing dividing America from her sister country Mexico. No fence. No border patrol.

Nothing. Maybe some attack dogs, but that’s only if the terrorists try to come through the back door. But by all means, let them in too. After all, America is all about anti-discriminatory policies and rewarding hard work with success.

So as you can see, I am a perfectly orthodox Democrat, thank you very much. If my views didn’t convince you, maybe this will: I heart Obama.

Isn’t that, in and of itself, proof enough of my loyalty to my party?

Sticky sticks of gum sticking everywhere

By Kearny Combs

Staff Writer It was a day of happiness and inspiration. I entered my English class with joy, and thought about

the series of events that took place earlier. I received two A’s on my math and science tests, spotted $12 dollars on the ground in the cafeteria, and at around nine-thirty in the morning, the bathroom outside the 200 hall smelled as “decent” as usual. Anyways, the day was running along smoothly.

That is, until after I sat in my seat in English class.

Apparently some genius, who was previously in the classroom, made a brilliant decision to perfectly place two pieces of pink

gum on the floor underneath the desk so that when the next person sat down, they’d step on both of them. Great guy. Thanks.

I had the pleasure of scraping the pink substance off both my shoes for a couple of minutes during lunch, and though I didn’t realize until later, the scrap of metal I used to scrape the gum had also ripped one of my left shoe grips at the bottom. Fantastic.

There are two things about gum I’d like to address.

First of all, it belongs in the

An intern-esting experience

By Irene Liang Editor-in-Chief

Writing articles about politics and budget cuts gives you a different perception of how the government works. To a journalist, politics seems like a bunch of statistics and facts.

But numbers and words don’t reflect the work that goes into running a state or the country.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern for California State Assemblymember Joan Buchanan. I learned a lot about state politics, got to intern for someone whose ideologies I agree with, and met amazing people along the way.

Reading emails and answering constituent calls every day in the district office gave me a

new perception of politics and took me back to the grass roots of politics.

I will never forget this one phone call I received. The caller was commenting on Governor Arnold Schwarzanegger’s proposal to cut In Home Supportive Services, which provides individuals 65 and older aid for health and other types of services to remain safe in their homes. This particular caller was 79 years old, a widower, and received aid for himself and his disabled daughter. But what I particularly remember about this call was that he said, “I’m 79 years old. I can’t go on any longer.”

I wanted to cry after hearing that statement. I cannot imagine the fear and frustration he felt knowing that there was a chance he would not receive the aid he needs for himself and his daughter. Writing down his comments and forwarding them to the assemblymember made me feel like I helped to make a difference in his life. I helped to get his voice heard

and his story touched someone who was grateful she had the opportunity to do so.

At that moment, I learned that politics is not all about lobbying. It is a field dedicated to serving the constituents and your community, representing the voice of your constituents the best you can. It is about helping constituents like the one who called about In Home Supportive Services and giving them the best opportunities.

It requires a lot to work in the field of politics. But most importantly, it requires dedication and that is what I learned from every person who works for the assemblymember and the assemblymember herself.

If anything, my internship experience has made me more proud to be a liberal and a supporter of reforms that help constituents get the aid they need. It is why I stand up for individual liberty, personal choice, equal opportunities, and social justice to give people like the caller and his daughter the best quality of life they can live.

trash, wrapped up in the wrapper the company provided you. Desks, seats, text-book pages, the ceiling, the floor, behind ears, doorknobs, and computers, are all, but not limited to, places gum should not be found. And really, it shouldn’t be spit on the ground. It’s not cool when people step on them. Not cool.

The second thing I’d like to clarify is that when a person swallows gum, in no shape or form does it stay inside their stomach for seven years. Our bodies are meant to digest most material, and though traces of gum stick around for about a year or two, research

proves that gum is entirely removed from the digestive system in three years. Further research has concluded that gum enhances memory, increases focus and alertness, is healthy for your teeth (depending on the type of gum), and can help manage a person’s weight (gum is a low calorie snack and chewing it can burn about 11 calories per hour).

Gum is truly a remarkable substance. And I agree, it should be admired. But I don’t think placing it under the desk, to be admired later, is the way to do it. Gum’s destiny was to be chewed and spat in the trash. Admire it from there.

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 Editor.......................................................................Erin Mundy News Editor...........................................................Alexandra Gomes Opinion Editor..............................................................Alicia Harger 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, Joe DiRosa, Yoon Jung, Max Kahane, Simrit Kaur, Kate Kim, Melissa Lau, Nick Leonardo, Dana Lin, Jose Luna, Trevin Smith, Georgina Sousa Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Welcome to the Dungeon

By Kate Kim Staff Writer

Good bye old locker room and hello new science lab. The locker room located next to the old gym is in the process of blossoming into a brand new science lab.

With the help of science teachers Dr. Bertram Pinsky, Dr. Deborah Yager, Dr. Silvia Perri, and the participation of many people outside and inside of CVHS, this new science lab is bound to attract many students.

Building this new lab, which is called the Dungeon, started two

“I think the new lab

is a great idea because we don’t get to do too many labs thanks to the budget crisis, and hopefully the new lab will be able to provide for that.

Jason Liu Junior

”

years ago with a goal to help students interested in science have the ability to work on research projects outside of class.

Now, with the Dungeon project finished, Pinsky is eager to help students get their lab papers accepted and published before they graduate.

“UCs and CSUs get so competitive and students have very little hands on lab experience,” said Pinsky, who hopes to help students get ready for science courses in college.

Many of Pinsky’s students helped with the construction of

the Dungeon.

Also, numerous parent volunteers, teachers, the Castro Valley Educational Foundation, and the Castro Valley Rotary Club participated in the project.

Gladstone Institute, which is associated with the University of California San Francisco, is going to be involved with the students in the Dungeon.

Researchers from Gladstone Institute are planning to work with CVHS students in biology.

There were many helping hands that generously donated to the Dungeon. The CV Educational Foundation around $2,500 and the CV Rotary Club donated $1,000. Pinsky and Yager also lent a helping hand by giving cash donations to the Dungeon.

Biolink, an organization that donates science equipment to students to volunteer for them, donated equipment like a fluorescent microscope, that is worth $50,000, as well as new cabinets and other useful equipment.

“I think the new lab is a great idea, because we don’t get to do too many labs thanks to the budget crisis, and, hopefully the new lab will be able to provide for that,” said junior Jason Liu. The Dungeon is available for all grade levels, but seniors are recommended to join as soon as possible. The decision has not yet been made on how students can join or apply for use of the Dungeon.

“I think the new lab is a great addition to our school, because it allows students to further explore their areas of interest in the scientific field,” said junior Cynthia Liu.

New athletic director arrives at CVHS Popper devoted to sports, teaching, helping students

By Bianca Arias Staff Writer

Not only is Andy Popper the new athletic director and P.E. teacher at CVHS, he’s an expert at Ultimate Frisbee.

Popper was a P.E. teacher at Creekside Middle School for 12 years and coached CVHS football for four years.

He has loved sports since he

was a child, always participating in every sport he enjoyed.

His love for sports was so strong that he knew he had to become a P.E. teacher when he grew up.

As the athletic director, Popper hires coaches and officials, schedules contests and transportation for the athletes, and attends meetings.

Although Popper has all these things to do for CVHS, he also has advantages as athletic director. He’s able to work closely with all the athletes and he helps them stay on track and prepare for college.

Hands-on science

Bianca Arias / Staff Writer

Sulina Kho and Nancy Nguyen work on the magnesium lab in their chemistry class.

Secrets are out and about

By Bianca Arias Staff Writer

HIV/AIDS is not a secret. It’s something that everyone needs to know about. Kaiser Permanente helps to inform the public by performing a play, Secrets, across the U.S. to educate students about this virus and other things related to it.

Secrets started in 1989 in response to the HIV outbreaks and was written by Patricia Loughrey, with the help of a committee.

“I believe youth need to hear the message Secrets conveys because HIV/AIDS and STDs affects all communities,” said Tony Gauthier, who played Eddie in the recent production at CVHS. The performance told the story of a story of a football player star who gets HIV. He suddenly sees his life crumble in front of him, and realizes that this could have been prevented if he only protected himself.

“The message we deliver is so important to this age group; we make information accessible and not scary,” commented Jaime Koottarappallil, who also acted in the show.

These actors not only perform a story to show the students

about what happens when people get HIV/AIDS, and at the end of the performance they have a Q&A segment.

Students are open to ask any questions or concerns they might have about things brought up in the performance. Students benefit from this. Many myths and beliefs about disease transmissions or protection methods are brought up and are corrected with the right answer.

“Being in Secrets gives us the opportunity to answer questions students might not feel comfortable asking parents and teachers,” said actor Tracy Power.

Although the topics in this performance are hard to talk about with adults, Secrets helps lighten things up for students while talking about things they need to know about like healthy relationships, the risks of being sexually active, the transmission of HIV and STDs, and abstinence.

HIV and STDs are topics that are hard to talk about, so it’s important when people take time to give the information about protection from a disease that can affect the rest of someone’s life.

Star gymnast wins bars competition

By Lawrence Ham Feature Editor

In November, sophomore Lydia Henderson entered into the Level 5 State Championships for gymnastics and came back home with a first place medal for her outstanding performance on bars. The State Championships took place in Livermore on Nov. 22, right before Thanksgiving break started. The competition consists of four events: bars, beams, floor, and vault. Each athlete is given half an hour to stretch and warm up before the competition begins. Two judges judge the performances, and awards are presented at the end of the competition.

Have you ever wondered, what do classmates do in their spare time when they aren’t at school, studying or hanging out

with friends? Well, when Henderson’s school day is over, the hard work doesn’t stop there.

After school, she trains for four hours, practicing and mastering her moves. It looks like all of her hard work paid off.

Henderson’s parents enrolled her into a gymnastics class at the age of two and she has been doing it ever since.

“I like it because it’s really fun and I’m really tall compared to other gymnasts, and it keeps me in shape,” said Henderson. She also enjoys gymnastics because she enjoys working with her teammates during training and in competitions.

Henderson said that it is hard to balance school, gymnastics, and friends with gymnastics meets on weekends and workouts on weekdays. There isn’t enough time for everything.

It’s even more challenging due to the amount of practice time and the increase of hours.

Currently, Henderson practices three times a week for four hours, but will soon increase practices to four times a week for four hours in order to prepare for the next competition.

Bianca Arias / Staff Writter

Secrets cast members pose for a quick picture after their educational performance.

A remarkable Christmas Carol

By Kate Kim Staff Writer

Nothing fulfilled this holiday season more than the well-known musical based on the story by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Directed

by Danny Buell, this musical played five performances in the Center for the Arts on Dec. 18, 19, and 20. Many CVHS students collaborated with other community performers to present this play.

A Christmas Carol is a popular story about an irritable banker and landlord named Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge, who had a lonely childhood, despises Christmas and its transcending cheerful spirit that seems to be in his town.

It isn’t until Jacob Marley, his former business partner who passed away, visits Scrooge in his bedroom on Christmas Eve that Scrooge realizes what Christmas means to other people.

Scrooge visits his past, his present, and his future accompanied by three ghosts: Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. These three exciting trips in the “time machine,” make Scrooge determined to change his cantankerous behavior and he is morphed into a jovial man filled with love in his heart.

The musical kicked off with a great start, beginning Scene 1 with the performances of “Hear the Bells” and “Jolly Good Time” The actors did a great job of portraying their characters and gave the musical a realistic atmosphere. Scrooge’s icy behavior towards the townspeople was very dramatic.

One flaw of the musical was the lack of an orchestra. The musical used instrumental music instead, which made some singers to go off beat at times. Also, some actors didn’t have microphones so when they spoke, there was a difference between

them and other actors with microphones. It was difficult to hear at certain parts. Every actor, however, did a great job delivering the dialogue or songs.

Talented dancers from CVHS like seniors Samantha Aper, Erika Schweizer, Olivia Shelvy, and Tina Tope took the stage with remarkable choreography. CVHS seniors also acted in the musical, such as Jason Bolich as Smythe, Ashley Ison as Ms. Dilber, and Gabby Wood as Adam.

This heart-touching story had the audience engaged in the musical as the actors performed on stage. By the end of the story, the audience was silent and eager to see Scrooge’s next actions – even if they already knew what was going to happen.

The ending was a heartening one that had both the characters of the musical and the audience members in good moods.

has gone through many experiences during his 21 years in law enforcement with cases that ranged from auto burglaries to intense murders.

“Catching those murder suspects” was one of the highlights of Chavez’s career, he said.

“There have been a couple of incidents in the past two weeks where something happened off campus and students waited a day or two to report it,” Chavez said.

“It’s very important when something happens on or off campus to report it immediately; there’s a greater chance of us catching the suspects who are committing the crime,” he said.

“Those students who drive, be aware of auto-burglaries in the area,” Chavez also advised.

“Be aware not to leave anything

in plain sight. Keep your car secure.”

Chavez requested that all students to “always be aware of your surroundings.”

“If you see a car that is following you or you think is following you, don’t be afraid to call 911,” said Chavez.

“You’re not going to look like a fool. We can always go and catch up with you and determine if in fact you were followed.”

Chavez previously worked at Royal Sunset High School in Hayward for a few months before transferring to CVHS. Chavez works at CVHS Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 5:00. In case you need to contact Chavez, schedule an appointment with him through the front office.

New deputy patrolling the halls

By Simrit Kaur

Staff Writer Have you been wondering who the new officer is that roams around campus during break and lunch or felt the need to go up to him and ask where he is from?

Deputy Gil Chavez, the new and friendly campus officer, is currently dedicating his time to make CVHS a better and safer learning environment for students.

“I wanted to help the community by being a law enforcement officer. I want the community to have order and somebody to watch out for the little guy,” said Chavez.

Before becoming a sheriff’s officer, Chavez served in the military for four years. He

A look back on Obama’s policies from his first year in office Health care reform bill almost complete

By Erin Mundy City Editor

Members of the Senate spent Christmas Eve this year making history, passing an $871 billion health care reform bill. This bill must now be merged with the House of Representatives’s $1 trillion Affordable Health Care for America Act within the coming months.

Both bills outline the creation of an Internet-based health insurance exchange, where individuals and small businesses can shop for and compare insurance plans.

Proponents of the plan believe the exchange will create transparency in the industry, and allow for an increase in availability of insurance for all Americans.

Within the exchange, private plans will be offered, as well as federally-subsidized plans and the creation of a government-run public insurance program. The public option would be available only for those not covered through their employers or by subsidies like Medicare and Medicaid.

Although this option would not be federally operated, it would be funded completely by premiums.

The Senate bill offers the option for states to opt out of a federal insurance plan, and instead proposes nonprofit private plans overseen by the government.

Opponents of the public option fear that it could potentially drive out private companies because

without a need to make profit, the program could offer the same level of care at more affordable prices, while others argue it would finally make insurance attainable for everyone.

In addition to offering insurance, the government will also mandate insurance for every citizen, similar to how auto insurance is required by law for every driver. Both bills vary in penalties for non-compliance, with a tax on income according to the House plan, and a tax on income or annual fine according to the Senate bill.

There has been much dispute over raising taxes, but both bills include surtaxes for those in certain income brackets. The Senate bill also includes a tax on high-cost insurance plans.

The tax raises and penalty fines will likely fund both plans’ aim to expand Medicaid (the national health insurance program for individuals and families with low incomes), so that more Americans will be eligible.

Every aspect of both plans is designed to make health insurance available for everyone and more affordable than ever before, with an estimated 30 million additional Americans receiving coverage through the final bill.

The finished bill is hoped to be ready for Obama’s approval before the State of the Union Address.

Economy kept afloat, but not all fixed yet

By Lindsay Oda Business Manager

President Obama’s biggest step to boost the American economy passed February of last year. The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 consists of allotted money for social programs, tax cuts, transportation programs, and state funds. The main intended effect of the act is to reduce unemployment by creating jobs.

Before the stimulus package, about 10.2 percent of Americans were unemployed. This percentage is still increasing, but Obama reported it has been increasing at a slower rate since the stimulus package.

Opponents of the stimulus package argue it puts the U.S. further into its already $12.2 trillion debt.

Obama still defends his policies, declaring that job creation, a longterm benefit, comes at a relatively

small cost to the government.

“Most people who are opposed the stimulus package want a quick fix. The stimulus package funds a ton of public works projects in order to create jobs. If more people have jobs, more people have money to spend, and that is what the economy needs to improve— consumer spending,” said senior Daniel Blacher.

Unlike Blacher, many students today don’t feel there’s a reason to comment on the package.

Senior Joseph Ro, however, has confidence in the package because he is a high school student.

“I know that schools in California, including my own, are on the frontlines when it comes to budget cuts,” said Ro. “It’s comforting to know that President Obama and his administration are moving to reduce the state debt with his stimulus package.”

Big Chief tries to make peace

By Amanda Chouinard Staff Writer

It is coming close to the end of President Barack Obama’s first year in office. The president has been very busy with his foreign policy since his first day in office when he ordered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. He ordered a review of the detention and interrogation policy and he prohibited the use of torture. But Guantanamo Bay, the oldest overseas U.S. base located on the southeast corner of Cuba, is not yet closed.

Obama has recently begun reaching out to the Cuban

people and is loosening the reins on Cuban-Americans living in the U.S. with family members living in Cuba. The administration wants to lift all restrictions on family visits to Cuba, remove restrictions on remittances (the sending of money to pay for merchandise or services), authorize better telecommunications links with Cuba, and allow Cubans to receive gift parcels from the U.S. (with a limit of $800 on non-food items).

The Obama administration has focused on Afghanistan as well, focusing on defeating and dismantling al-Qaeda. The president wants to train and increase the size of the Afghans’ army to send U.S.

troops back home.

Furthermore, the administration has stated that the START Treaty, which expired in December, is “completely fulfilled” and that the maximum number of strategic offensives done away with met the appropriate levels long ago. But the U.S. and Russia want to continue to move forward under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Russia and the U.S. want to enhance the security of the parties and to continue the success of the treaty. The new agreement should be reached

by July 2010.

Obama reinvests in the environment

By Nick Leonardo Staff Writer

In his presidential campaign, candidate Barack Obama made many promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions and fight global warming. He emphasized the need to create reusable and clean energy as well as green jobs and industries for the economy.

President Obama has shown he’s very ambitious when it comes to the environment, including planting an organic vegetable garden in the White House. But what exactly has the president done as he passes his one-year anniversary in office?

In his campaign, Obama pledged to cut global warming gases by 80 percent by 2050.

Behind his pushing, carbon di-

oxide and other greenhouse gases have been deemed pollutes and dangers to public health.

Obama is now calling for a controversial cap and trade on emissions. This means that companies which emit these harmful gases must buy a permit and pay to do so.

From this revenue, $15 billion a year would be put towards developing new sources of clean energy.

The plan is not welcomed with open arms. A tax on these heavy industries would cause energy prices to increase.

Obama is also pushing for weatherization, another somewhat controversial idea because of money. It’s simply the proper sealing of places like homes and office buildings, which account for close to 40 percent of the nation’s energy use.

To protect wildlife, Obama signed a law that will now protect 2 million acres of wilderness and is creating a national system to save 26 million more across the U.S. The Obama administration also revoked the last-minute law passed during the Bush Administration, which made it unnecessary to consult with professional scientists before taking action on land impacting endangered species.

The list of Obama’s accomplishments includes the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a stimulus package that includes nearly $100 billion in green spending. Supporters say that Obama has put the U.S. back in the center of the world climate debate as well.

Take a trip to Pandora with Avatar

By Brandon Lui Copy Editor

The long awaited film Avatar has finally made it to the silver screen with incredible detail.

Avatar takes place in 2154 on the moon of Pandora, and follows the mining company RDA, which is trying to colonize the moon and extract resources. The planet Pandora, however, is already inhabited by a race of tall, blue humanoids called Na’vis. The planet proves hostile with its dangerous

biology and atmosphere that humans can’t breathe, making the company treat marines as guns for hire. One of these marines is Jake Sully, a protagonist, played by Sam Worthington.

Sully had come to Pandora to serve in a scientific experiment where humans mentally control cloned Na’vis called Avatars, in attempts to negotiate with the hostile natives.

At first the story seems like science fiction and complicated, but it’s really a culture clash movie. The scientific aspect of the movie is more shown than told as the movie boasts incredible graphic renderings of everything from human gun ships to the giant animals of Pandora. There is a good balance of explanation and display.

The audience can understand what goes on in the dialogue in relation to the beautiful fictional world of Pandora.

There is a lot of talk about how the movie has the same premise of Dances with Wolves,

Gaga releases her Fame Monster

By Moises Fonseca Sports Editor

Have you ever been bored at your house and just want to do something without getting your parents mad or anything like that?

Well Lady Gaga’s new album, The Fame Monster, will make you want to “just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-doo-mm.”

The Fame Monster is Lady Gaga’s second album. It was released on Nov. 18 2009. This album is available in any music store and at BestBuy. If you don’t feel like going to the store, you can always go to iTunes and download it for $13.99.

It is clear that in this album, Lady Gaga’s biggest new hit

is “Telephone.” Other songs on the album that are just as amazing are “Teeth,” “Bad Romance,” and “Monster.” Lady Gaga’s new album contains only eight songs. Nevertheless, it’s worth listening to her CD. Lady Gaga was one of the biggest artists of 2009. Most of her songs are not only catchy, but also enjoyable for young people any time. Gaga was played on a big radio station at least once every hour and Lady Gaga wrapped up the year with “Monster.”

The Fame Monster is a follow up from the previous album Fame. Its beat is very good, but it’s similar to some of her previous songs, such as “Just Dance.” Still, if this new album had to be described by just one word, the closest word would be phenomenal.

and in many senses this is true, but that doesn’t make the film something to be passed up. The movie stays right on with its story, never letting the atmosphere, tone, acting, or visuals drop because of its predictability. It should be more judged by how the story is told, which gives it a unique feeling.

The film itself has already attracted lots of interest due to the filming, which used the latest motion-capture technology and digital cameras, enabling actors to become the templates for the humans and Na’vis in the film.

According to filmmakers, these computers and cameras are able to render 95 percent of facial structure of the actor into the digital character. This explains the almost uncanny likeness to actual actors seen in the film.

The film is also one of the first to be presented in the new digital 3-D format. This film has to be seen in Imax, 3-D, or preferably both.

So those who want to see new computer graphics and a good science fiction, or are simply fans of James Cameron, this is the best culture clash movie in some time. With good story telling, action sequences, and anything in between, it’s a must-see.

Entertainment Calendar

MusicJan. 26: Three 6 Mafia: Laws of Power Feb. 2: Jaime Foxx: Body Feb. 23: Lifehouse: Smoke & Mirrors MoviesJan. 22: Tooth Fairy Jan. 29: Edge of Darkness Jan. 29: When in Rome Feb. 5: Dear John Feb. 12: Valentine’s Day

Metallica concert blows away fans

By Jose Luna Staff Writer

The arena was halfway full when the opening bands were about to start the Metallica concert on Dec. 8. First came the members of Volbeat with their different musical style that can be described as a combination of metallic rock n’ roll with a touch of the sixties’ melodic tunes.

Volbeat played for a good 45 minutes, and got a fourth of the crowd pumped up for Metallica.

After Volbeat, another opening band came on, Machine Head.

Machine Head took the stage with a sound so heavy it could be heard around the sides of the arena.

With their musical style of the new wave of heavy metal, their set list was about one hour, and it got half of the crowd pumped up.

At this time the arena was full of people, who were expecting to see Metallica. The crowd had to wait around 20 minutes before they could all see what they waited for, Metallica. The lights dimmed, and the crowd went wild as soon

(500) Days of Summer keeps shining

By Aditi Bhatia Staff Writer

Video GamesJan. 26: Mass Effect 2 (PC), $59.99 Feb. 2: R.U.S.E. (X360), $59.99 Feb. 9: Scene It? Twilight (DVD), $29.99 BooksJan. 26: The Wish StealersTracy Trivas, $16.99 Feb. 1: Hot Shot- Matt Christopher, $4.99 Feb. 2: Lockdown- Walter Dean Myers, $16.99 ConcertsJan. 23: Cold War Kids, Fillmore, $22.50 Feb. 3: Bowling for Soup & Fight Fair, Slims, $16 Feb. 11: Alice in Chains, Fox Theater, $39.50 Feb. 22: Bon Jovi, HP Pavillion in San Jose, $29.50-$135 SchoolJan. 29-Feb. 7: Rent, Castro Valley Center for the Arts, $15$29

as Metallica’s walk out song “The Ecstasy of Gold” began playing.

As soon as Metallica got on stage, a burst of lights and a laser show started, which impressed the fans. The band ripped through their opening track, “That Was Just Your Life,” from their new album Death Magnetic. Metallica’s vocalist James Hetfield made sure to get the fans pumped up.

Since the Arco Arena in Sacramento was full of energy, he made everyone sing along with one of Metallica’s most famous songs, “Master of Puppets.”

During the show Metallica played most of the songs from the album Death Magnetic, and they also played oldies from albums like Kill ‘em All, and Ride the Lightning. Metallica ended the great show that most didn’t want to end with the fan favorite, “Seek and Destroy.”

At this point all the fans were screaming and jumping as soon as Metallica was done with the song. Each fan was incredibly amused by their great performance, and ready to go home.

Metallica live is by far one of the best experiences you could ever have. It’s a “must-see” at least once in a lifetime.

Boy meets girl, boy loses girl.

But unlike most romantic comedies, (500) Days of Summer is a break from most typical love stories.

The movie begins with a blunt warning from the narrator informing the viewers that the movie is “not a love story.” The film’s hectic plot, skipping through the 500 days of the relationship between Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel), is hard to comprehend.

It leaves the viewer confused at times. It is obvious to the viewer that the film chronicles a doomed relationship; the title refers to a period of only 500 days, instead

of a lifetime.

Both Tom and Summer are employees for a greeting card company that met each other at work. After a few flirtatious encounters, they start dating.

However, Summer refuses to commit to a serious relationship. On the other hand, Tom, a strong believer in true love and soul mates, thinks that he cannot live without her.

Summer is a melancholy, passive girl, who charms Tom with her heart-stopping beauty.

She seems to have no interests, hobbies, or friends, other than Tom himself.

However, Tom is a trained architect, with an active social life, including many friends and family who support him.

Although he believes that he loves Summer, he doesn’t put in much effort to win her heart.

The movie speeds fairly quickly, mixing up the good moments along with the depressing and sad scenes. The movie ironically depicts socalled “love,” and shows scenes in which Tom is head-overheels for Summer, only to forget about her by the end of the movie.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this movie to people who are looking for a classic love story.

The Cleveland Show disappoints regular fans

By Hillman Zheng Staff Writer

“What the hell? He’s getting his own show?” exclaimed Stewie Griffin in the series premiere of The Cleveland Show, a spin-off of Seth MacFarlane’s popular cartoon comedy, Family Guy. Griffin took the words right out of my mouth, and I don’t mean that in a good way.

The Cleveland Show follows one of the characters of Family Guy, Cleveland Brown, to his hometown in Stoolbend, Virginia, where he starts a new life with his recently divorced high school sweetheart, Donna. Joining them are Cleveland Jr., Brown’s son, and Rallo and Roberta, Donna’s children.

This sounds familiar; all we need now is a talking animal and this will be another carbon copy of Family Guy. Oh, wait! There is a talking

animal. In fact, it’s a family of talking bears, who live right next door to the Browns. MacFarlane’s other cartoon comedy, American Dad, also features a family of five and a talking animal. The Cleveland Show even has the same random allusion/ flashback cut scenes that were funny the first few hundred times they were used on Family Guy. Well, that’s smart. Family Guy was really successful, so anything else that follows the exact same formula of that show will be hilarious too, right?

No, it’s not hilarious, MacFarlane. It’s boring. There is nothing original about The Cleveland Show. There were a few laughs throughout the episode, but nothing noteworthy. I wish I could point out more redeeming qualities of the show, but I don’t even find any of the characters likable.

It may be funny to have two shows with the same style of comedy, but not three. Looks like the third time is not the charm.

Up is high on the movie charts

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

Have you ever dreamt of flying with a bunch of balloons?

In the movie Up, a 78- year-old senior named Carl Fredricksen goes on an adventure that warmed many people’s hearts.

Before this movie came out, there were lots of advertisements and trailers. People thought it would be another animated Disney movie. How-

ever, the brave adventure of Fredricksen made Up one of the best 3-D movies for not only kids but adults as well.

The scene where Fredricksen’s house flies with a lot of balloons on the roof and he controls it like a car seemed unrealistic, but it brought up the uniqueness of animations.

Throughout the entire movie, I was reminded of my feelings as a child and that no matter how old you are, you can accomplish any dream and that “adventure is out there.”

One of the most interesting scenes involved talking dogs and how their minds translated into human language. It was funny

and made dog owners wonder if their own dogs could think in those ways.

The adventure had lots of obstacles and struggles within.

However, the way that the characters solve their situations contains the warmest love.

I recommend the movie Up. It does not matter that it’s in 3-D; for those who are almost giving up their dreams and afraid to go on another adventure in their life, they should see this movie. It will be a great encouragement and motivation.

But be warned: thousands and thousands of balloons cannot lift your house into the air.

End Game isn’t the end for Megadeth

By Jose Luna Staff Writer

The album End Game is by far one of the best albums from the band Megadeth. All of the songs are pretty enjoyable, and even though all of the songs are metal, one of them is calmer than the others, and pretty relaxing to listen to.

I consider the song “Head Crusher” the best song in the album. This is mostly because it’s so catchy and the lead guitar really gets you into the song.

Being one of the best songs in this album, it makes you want to

move around and head-bang as fast as you can.

All of the songs in this album have a catchy guitar lead, which you can easily spot while you’re listening to the song. Another song I enjoy in this album is “The Hardest Part of Letting Go. . . Sealed With a Kiss” simply because it is the calm song in the album.

After listening to about 40 minutes of metal, you want to

By Tiffany Choi listen to a relaxing song.

Staff Writer End Game is the album I enjoy the most out of all the Megadeth albums. Another album that’s pretty good, but doesn’t even come close to End Game, is Peace sells… but She sends you an email with who’s buying? In my opinion, a picture of a large smiley face.

End Game is one of the best It is smiling at you. It keeps metal albums released this smiling at you. It is still smiling at you. It winks. She sneaks year. Go check it out.

“Up makes me feel like a child again.”

Engross yourself in Obsessed

iPhone is all that and even more

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

Today, cell phones are really advanced and have a lot of features.

Some people get frustrated and complain about it. They want a simple phone.

What they don’t realize is that they don’t really look at the cell

Igor Breyman / Staff Writer

phone; they judge it without knowing about it.

The new iPhone came out not too long ago. It is made by Apple and the service is by AT&T. This phone is probably one of the best cell phones on the planet. This phone has so many features; it’s like having a mini pocket computer.

Some of these features are the iPod, games, applications, email, camera, and a video camera. If you are connected to a wireless wi-fi network, you have a computer in your pocket.

You can go on the internet and

look at stuff, you can even print things if you have it connected to a printer. This thing can do anything. You can even watch movies on it.

The actual iPod headphones can also be used as Bluetooth.

The really cool part is that everything is touch screen.

The only down side of the product is that it is expensive.

The actual phone is around $300. You also have to pay for a monthly service coverage. But it is all worth it, especially if you want a phone for business and entertainment.

into your house while you are away. She puts on your clothes and inhales your scent. She holds your son.

I don’t usually watch scary movies, but the movie Obsessed is a suspense filled film that is also a thrill to watch.

“ This movie

keeps you on the edge of your seat, not knowing what can possibly happen. ”

In the movie, Lisa Sheridan (Ali Larter) is a new temporary worker.

Derek Charles ( Idris Elba ) is happily married to his wife Sharon Charles ( Beyonce Knowles ) and has one son. Everything seems

perfect, except for the fact that Lisa is a crazy psychotic stalker who is obsessed with Derek to the point of insanity. She does anything she can to seduce him.

She sneaks into his house, takes his son, and reveals her body to him. This woman is definitely insane. She even sends flowers to herself saying it’s from Derek. She believes he loves her, when it is really all in her mind. Nothing can stop her.

This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, not knowing what can possibly happen. The suspense is agonizing. It makes you wonder if there is a stalker that is lurking around you this very moment.

In my opinion, it was a fairly good movie, but I wouldn’t categorize it as one of my favorites. This movie deserves watching if you want to get your heart racing. It is definitely creepy to have someone lurking around your home and touching your things, which is why the movie is so intense.

The movie is currently out on DVD and it’d be a great movie to watch.

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Report for duty, soldier, in Modern Warfare 2

By Joe DiRosa and Max Kahane Staff Writer

The new game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game is a must want for any Call of Duty fan. It is the sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Both games are created

by Infinity Ward and Activision for the X-Box 360 and are rated Mature, with blood and violence.

This game is absolutely amazing. Basically, the game is about American Rangers and Task Force 141 against the Russian Spetsnaz, Militia, and OpFor. The Spetsnaz leader, Machorov, sends his armies to take over the US. His army totally destroys the White House and he turns Washington D.C. into a battlefield.

It looks as though a big, strong tornado ran through the capital; monuments are destroyed; and the landscape is in ruins. The purpose of the game is to try to find Machorov and kill him. All this is in the single player missions.

This games blows Halo 3 and Left 4 Dead out of the water with a ton of action in its warfare campaigns. It has phenomenal graphics throughout the game, packed with spectacular special effects and combat scenarios. The story of this campaign takes place where its predecessor left off. But there is a new twist: a psychotic, ultranationalist terrorist trying to take over the world.

This game is most popular for its online play. It is really addictive and fun. Activision made $310 million in the game’s first 24 hours on sale. This game is popular among people who like shooting games.

“The new Call of Duty is great, the new levels are great, the new guns are great, and the amount of

customization is great. I like the game,” said Ian Rodriquez, an English teacher at CVHS. This game is fully packed with the most modern offensive, defensive and special weapons available to soldiers today. Some of the primary handheld weapons are the M4A1, M16A4 and the AK-47. Also some secondary weapons like the M9, USP .45 and for close combat a tactical knife. This game is powerful and has a gut-wrenching effect on most players.

In multiplayer mode, there are lots of new guns to unlock and customize. When you play online, every time you kill someone you get points. The points help you gain more experience points, the experience points help you get promoted to a higher level. There are 70 levels.

Each time you get promoted you unlock a new weapon, weapon attachments, and perks, which help you with the game. For example, you can get a perk to make the bullet of your gun penetrate deeper.

Another new feature is when you get a certain amount of kills without dying you can call in a stealth bomber, an ac130 gunship, and even a tactical nuke. In the new Call of Duty, when you achieve this you shoot manually, where in the old one it was done automatically. In addition to the standard single-player/ multi-player modes, this game has a new mode called Spec Ops. In Spec Ops mode you can play many different missions and scenarios.

There is plenty more in this game, you just have to get it and find out the rest for yourself or else it won’t be as fun.

When Ninja whispers in the dark

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

The movie Ninja Assassin, with a ninja’s smooth-silent movement and the impressive dagger throwing skills, captured many people’s attention just with the name of producers, the Wachowski brothers, who also made the legendary Matrix series.

The careful attention to detail made the movie more alive and magnificent. Although it is one of the bloodiest movies since Kill Bill made many movie-goers cover their eyes, the technique used in the action scenes was well done.

When other kids play around with their toys, groups of children who raised by Ozunu in Japan were whipped and hurt whenever they failed the Spartan training.

Raizo became one of the deadliest assassins in the world and expected to be next successor of the clan.

After the execution of his best friend and the command to kill fel-

low members who were trying to escape from the group, Raizo could not stand the humiliating rules and rebelled against Ozunu. This starts his break-free adventure.

His lonely way of planning and acting on his revenge was brilliant, especially when he finally recognizes the freedom of his life for the first time by looking at the surrounding countryside.

Honestly, parents would not want any of their children watching this bloody film. It can be extremely violent and teenagers can have emotional shakes.

However, most of the peculiar setting and breath-taking, nonstop action could be listed as the best with lots of blood guts and gore.

In addition, like Jacob from Twilight and New Moon who became a heartthrob among teenage girls, one of the main characters in this movie, Rain, can make the same impression.

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Girls hoop squad trounces the Rebels

By Bianca Arias Staff Writer

The Trojans finished the week on Friday, Jan. 9 with a big win against San Lorenzo High School.

The varsity girls basketball team beat San Lorenzo High 67-27.

“We all worked as a team, which lead to all the important rebounds we got, and that put us ahead of the game,” said sophomore Elena Ala. Ala scored 10 points, but she was not the only player who scored plenty of points for the team.

Sophomore Michelle Miyamoto also scored 10 points.The game went well. The girls were up by

so many points that by halftime, there wasn’t a chance for the Rebels to beat them.

“We never assume that we are going to win a game,” said Miyamoto. “We always go into the game knowing that we need to play our hardest no matter what team we are playing.”

The girls played their hardest and it showed in the game with all the steals and quick dashes down the court after passing rebounds.

The girls’ fierce showing made the game fun to watch. Although they won, the girls learned from playing against San Lorenzo.

“I think that what we learned most from this game is that when we learn to control our speed and use our athletic abilities as a team, the game will go in our favor. We set the tempo of the game, and we didn’t play down to their level. We had faith that we would get the win on Friday night that we wanted,” said junior Brianna Miller.

By Wessam Aziz Staff Writer

Cross country rookie wins league award

By Sarah Gilchriese

time was 18:23 for a 3.1 mile A&E Editor course (5:55 per mile),” said Wummer. This was her first Senior Elise Wummer showed year on the cross country team, the Trojans’ cross country team an during which she immediately amazing season. took a spot as one of the top She ran her way to place nine- varsity runners. teenth at state, placed tenth at In her free time, Wummer NCS, and won the HAAL in- likes to bake and study for her dividual advanced title, earnclasses. ing her the Her fa“Runner of v o r i t e the Year” class is AP award.

European WumHistory mer has because been runshe likes to ning for learn about only three the social years, two changes with the that hapCastro Valpened durley Track ing the deClub and velopment one with of Europe.

C V H S .

WumWu m m e r mer enplans to joys runcontinue ning the running Mt. SAC her way course in A C /S W to awards Southern next year Senior Elise Wummer’s biggest accomplishment in her California in college. cross country carreer was getting nineteenth in the state meet. because of “My fathe intenvorite thing about running is sity and excitement of the running on trails in nature. In the crowd and spectators. Teams winter, when everything turns from all over the nation come to green, the landscape is beautiful,” this race, which gave Wummer said Wummer. a lot of competition.

Wummer competed in the Ju“I am honored about receivnior Olympics this past summer, ing this award and I am so glad where she made it to nationals.

I joined cross country, because “I’m most proud of placing I met a lot of really cool people ninetenth at the State Meet and who are on the team,” said breaking the school record. My Wummer. manda

houinard

taff

riter

Soccer boys succesful in win over San Lorenzo

Bianca Arias / Staff Writer

Sophomore Elena Ala takes the ball to the hoop.

On Friday Jan. 8, the CVHS varsity boys soccer team played a home game against San Lorenzo High. CVHS came out victorious with a score of 1-0.

“The first half was the best half of soccer the boys played this season,” said coach John Edwards. The game was challenging, but CVHS managed to score one goal in the first half.

No goals were scored during the second half, however CVHS managed to keep the ball. Although the team suffered a minor setback when senior Connor Thornton hurt his knee ten minutes into the second half, they managed to hold on to the game.

“The game was tough, but we stuck through it. It was a good battle, ” said Thornton after the game.

“The boys are starting to unite together and play well as a team,” said coach Jake Peacock. It was a tough game that challenged the players’ soccer skills and their ability to play well under pressure.

Runner of the year award goes to Eversole

By Igor Breyman Staff Writer

ing-distance medley team.

“My secret to success is wearing spandex bottoms in races, and warming up in tear away sweats,” says Eversole. “I’d also

to suc“Mycesssecret is wearing

Junior Ben Eversole is no ordinary teenager at CVHS. What sets him apart from his peers is that he is the number one varsity boys cross country runner, and winner of the HAAL “Runner of the Year” award. Eversole runs Ben Eversole cross country and track, plays soccer, Junior and is an avid explorer.

This season in has backpacked in New cross country EverMexico, slept in a snow sole won both NCS cave, and even completand HAAL titles as ed a few triathlons. an individual, while Eversole also is a leading the team to skilled rock climber and school records both enjoys climbing in his times. free time.

“We were legit,” Along with his achievesaid Eversole about ments in running, Everhis teams’s ability to sole also likes to play dominate. table tennis, which he In the 2009 season has played competitively of track and field, since elementary school.

Eversole was .09 sec“I believe that the lesJoe DiRosa / Staff Writer onds away from gosons of hard work, leadJunior Ben Eversole takes the victory at both HAAL and ing to the state meet NCS in cross country. ership, and perseverance in the 1,600 meters. developed through sports like to include that I couldn’t do His impressive time like running can be applied any of it without the team.” was 4:20.45. to other aspects of one’s life In his free time, Eversole likes and will benefit me in many Eversole also anc h o re d a re c o rd b re a k - to explore the outdoors. Eversole ways,” said Eversole.

spandex bottoms in races, and warming up in tear away sweats.

”

Trojans rally for comeback win against San Lorenzo Basketball boys surpass Rebels in fourth quarter

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

The Trojans out hustled the San Lorenzo Rebels on a Friday night home game Jan. 8. The final score was 54-47. The game was full of running back and forth action.

First, the Trojans had the lead over the Rebels, but the Rebels rebelled to take and keep the lead from the Trojans until about the third quarter.

“San Lorenzo came out and played us tough. They had a seven point lead into half time,” said coach Nick Jones.

The fourth quarter was the turning point of the game and this was when the Trojans killed the Rebels.

“Roderick Bobbitt took the game in the second half and Greg Ah-Tye had three 3-pointers to help give us the lead,” said Jones.

Even with the Rebel lead, the Trojans showed no signs of giving up. They hustled back, fighting for the ball.

At the end of the third quarter with 1:01 left, the score was

San Lorenzo 35 and Castro Valley 32.

The crowd was going ballistic cheering for Bobbitt chanting, “Roderick, Roderick.”

But in the last ten seconds, the Rebels made a three pointer making the score 38-32.

This didn’t affect Bobbitt and his teammates much, because in the final second

“ It was a tough

game, but my team and I played hard to get our second win in the league ” Roderick Bobbitt Junior

feated the Rebels, 54-47.

In the end both teams played hard, but the Trojans rose above and gave a good show to the home crowd. of the quarter Bobbitt scored a three pointer, making the score Rebels 38, Trojans 35.

In the final quarter, the Trojans played as hard and aggressively as they could.

They started to make the Rebels choke up.

“It was a tough game, but my team and I played hard to get our second win in the league,” said Bobbitt.

The game was tough indeed, but the Trojans fought hard for every rebound and ran like racehorses, back and forth from one hoop to another.

Their hard work paid off in the end because they de-

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Junior Roderick Bobbitt springs off the court for a shot.

Teacher learns science of rugby

By Tiffany Choi Staff Writer

Rugby is played by people of all ages in over 120 countries all over the world. It is a dynamic sport similar to football that allows people to use their different athletic abilities.

Elaine Gardner, who teaches Biology and Anatomy and Physiology, has been playing rugby for about nine years, ever since she was in college.

She is on a team with postcollege women called the Berke-

ley All Blues, located in Berkeley.

The Berkeley All Blues have won 11 out of the 12 years they

have been playing. According to Gardner, they are the number one team in the country. The team trains all year and their games are

on Treasure Island.

“Competitive high level games are really fun,” said Gardner.

Gardner first got involved with rugby in college. She was searching for extracurricular activities and spotted a rugby booth that was all female at a sports club fair. She has been playing ever since then.

“It’s a really interesting and fun sport to be a part of,” said Gardner. Aside from rugby, Gardner also enjoys playing softball and flag football.

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

Georgina Sousa / Staff Writer

Victoria Lapacek, freshman To freshman Victoria Lapacek, cheer is everything. Lapacek is part of the JV cheer squad.

Lapacek has been cheering for three years and has enjoyed it year after year. Her most memorable moment was when she first made the Canyon cheer squad as a seventh grader.

“Cheer is a big part of my life,” she said. Lapacek has practice up to three days a week and sometimes for more than two hours at a time.

At each practice she learns dances, practices stunts, and works together with the team, which are Lapacek’s favorite parts of cheer.

Lizzie Merk, sophomore Lizzie Merk is a part of the varsity girls wrestling team. This is her third year wrestling and she started the sport when she was in middle school.

“My favorite part would have to be tournaments because they make all the hard work worth it,” Merk said.

Wrestling is no easy sport. It requires daily intense practices to be in top shape for meets and tournaments.

“A highlight would have to be when I won my first medal. I was so happy,” she said.

Merk has won many medals throughout her years and it’s easy to say no one would want to mess with her.

Hunter LeBlanc, junior When it comes to soccer, goals are the only thing Hunter LeBlanc makes. LeBlanc is on the varsity boys soccer team and plays center middle field.

LeBlanc has been playing soccer for a total of 12 years now and his favorite part of the sport is winning.

“Second place is just the first loser,” he said.

Winning takes a lot of stamina, which is exactly what the boys varsity soccer team has. They practice everyday after school for two hours.

LeBlanc’s most memorable highlight was winning a really big international tournament in Las Vegas.

This goes to show that practice makes perfect.

Will Weekes, senior Cross country and track take a lot of stamina and adrenaline and it’s a good thing Will Weekes has both when it comes time to run.

Weekes has run track and cross country since the fourth grade.

Weekes’ favorite part is getting together with the team and having dinners before big races.

A big race that he remembers the most is when the cross country team “swept HAAL.” The boys also reached the state meet.

“I was very happy. It was my last opportunity to run at the cross country state meet,” said Weekes.

A big goal of Weekes is to run the 1600 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds.

Music gets students moving to class

By Dana Lin Staff Writer

Women’s pro soccer team to play at Trojan Stadium

By Nicolas Barradas Staff Writer

Early this December, Castro Valley and CVHS received the opportunity of a lifetime.

FC Gold Pride, a professional women’s soccer team announced that they would play at CVHS stadium for at least their first four league games.

FC Pride is the only professional women’s soccer team in the Bay Area and they are part of Women’s Professional Soccer (or WPS). FC Pride is moving to their new home in Cal State East Bay this coming season but their new stadium will not be ready for the beginning of their soccer season. FC Pride will play their first four games and possibly some preseason games at CVHS. The Castro Valley Soccer Club (CVSC), the largest youth sports organization in Castro Valley, organized for FC Pride to play at CVHS. In an interview with Llisa Kes-

sler, the general manager for FC Pride, Kessler praised CVSC for their help.

“We have always had a great relationship with CVSC,” said Kessler. “When we realized that our new stadium wouldn’t be ready in time, CVSC was right there to walk us through the deal with CVHS.” The implications of this announcement are huge. From a financial point of view, CVHS can expect to gain a significant amount of revenue. FC Pride plans to leave the concession sales up to the Athletic Boosters and to also split parking revenue with the school.

FC Pride’s first home game will be on April 17 and they will be playing against last year’s WPS champions, Sky Blue FC. FC Pride’s last home opener drew in a crowd exceeding 6,000 people. Mark your calendars; CVHS Stadium will be the place to be, come April 17.

The school has been playing music during break to get students to go to class on time since it is difficult to know when the second bell rings.

“The idea was sent to us by the Superintendent [Jim Negri],” said Sue Goldman, associate principal for curriculum and instruction.

Almost everyday, Goldman goes into her office during break and manually plays the music on the speakers. The song is timed so that the second bell rings right after the song ends.

“I have to listen to the whole song to make sure it’s appropriate,” said Goldman.

By Melissa Lau Staff Writer

Many think that teachers are too old to try anything new, but English teacher Steve Sheriff is a teacher who goes out in the world and took on one of life’s many challenges by spending about 14 months in Japan.

Last year, Sheriff took a sabbatical, an approved leave, leaving the diverse, busy lifestyle of the Bay Area to spend time living an “easy, peaceful and slow” lifestyle in Japan with his wife’s Japanese family.

While doing so, he temporarily left the same classroom he’s been working in for the last 17 years to go out of his coamfort zone and to do what he tells his students: to just live life.

While he was in Japan, he taught university students Eng-

Terrifically Talented Trojans Calley Moita, sophomore

they went to CVHS,” said Moita when asked why she loves cheer. Many of you have probably seen her doing ice cream and cake at our many football games. However, the most important part about cheer is that it is a sport. “People don’t think cheer is a sport but we work out a lot.”

Alex Foster, junior Alex Foster is a forward on the CVHS varsity Basketball team and he is no joke. When asked how he felt about the team this year his only comment was “We’re goin’ to state…point blank.” To help him make those clutch three-point shots and finish the dunks, he has his mo-

“I

would much rather play music than have tardy sweeps.

Sue Goldman Associate Principal

”

in the courtyard,” said Goldman.

The music plays through the speakers in the buildings, enclosing the sound within four walls.

Big crowds of chattering students overpower the already quiet sound of the music.

“I think it’s pointless. The speakers aren’t built to play music,” said Kyle Kole, a sophomore.

“It works for some people,” said Karina Ng, another sophomore. “I like it if the song is good.”

In the past, the school has had straightforward tardy sweeps as a tactic to get students to class on time. The music is supposed to do the same thing in a much more subliminal way.

“I would much rather play music than have tardy sweeps,” said Goldman. “I think it’s working really well.”

Teacher embraces different cultures

The Olympian regrets an error in our fourth issue from Dec. 17, 2009. On page 6, the pictures of sophomore Calley Moita and junior Alex Foster were inaccurate. The correct pictures and sports profiles are below.

Sophomore Calley Moita is a lively cheerleader for the CVHS varsity cheer squad. She is following in both of her older sisters’ footsteps and keeping the tradition alive. “I love to dance and perform at halftime, but I chose cheer because I love to stunt since its fun and both of my older sisters did it when

To get ideas for what kind of music she is going to play, Goldman goes on iTunes or walks around campus asking students and staff members for ideas.

“The problem is you can’t hear it

tivational trainer help him focus before every game. When asked why he loves three-pointers he simply states, “You gotta go for the most.” Being such a groundbreaking player you would think Foster would have a secret trick, but no, Foster is all game.

lish. He found the students there were eager to learn and followed directions easily. Because of their culture, the students were ex-

“Taking a chance

can pay off. Don’t be afraid to experience different cultures.

Steve Sheriff English Teacher

”

tremely polite and orderly.

“In Japan, as a teacher, I had to make energy. In the United States, I have to harness the energy,” said Sheriff.

One of the few difficulties Sheriff struggled with was simply because he was not fluent in Japanese. Therefore, he did not enjoy the trip as much as he could have.

“A simple e-mail to the administration would take up three or four hours,” said Sheriff.

Sheriff is glad to be back at CVHS this year, refreshed from his different, yet pleasant, experience.

He was so happy about the trip that if he could go back, he’d take another sabbatical to visit the kind, gracious, and polite people of Japan once again, said Sheriff.

“Taking a chance can pay off. Don’t be afraid to experience different cultures,” advised Sheriff. “Embrace the unknown.”