The Olympian June 8, 2015
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Castro Valley locals, students make history with book By Brittany Bracy Staff Writer
Although Castro Valley is a small town, it is filled with many people who have lived through exciting experiences and important historical moments. CVHS students have had the pleasure over the past few years to interview and capture the stories of many Castro Valleyans. From making it big in Hollywood to playing in the major leagues, CVHS students made the compilation of interviews come to life in Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times. Broadcaster Rachel Maddow, mountain climber Marty Schmidt, Hollywood actress Anna Khaja, All Star baseball player Jason Castro and pioneer military pilots Hannah Sargent and Joellen Oslund are a few of the contributors. Not only did interviewees have a great time sharing their stories with the students, but it turned out to be a great learning experience for everyone. “It’s really cool to know that there’s famous people from Castro Valley, and it was an honor to talk to someone so important,” said
Stephanie Huerta /Editor-in-Chief
Gary Howard, Sally Liang, Anna Nguyen, Anna Talajkowski, Robbie Brandt, and Matt Johanson pose with a copy of their new book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times.
junior Anna Nguyen, who interviewed John McPartland, former Oakland Fire Department captain. “My favorite part was learning about the evolution of technology and the values of older genera-
tions,” said junior Sally Liang, who interviewed scientist Howard Hornig. It is shocking to learn about the secrets of Castro Valley in the 1900s and important people who contrib-
San Francisco food, murals, and culture By Sally Liang Opinion Editor
The Spanish 4 class went on a field trip to San Francisco on Tuesday May 19. The trip was supervised by Spanish 4 teachers Clare Ensenat and Laurel Orduna, and its goal was to help students seeing first hand the many themes of study that they learned during this school year. Students began to understand the significance of an array of Latino cultural perspectives through aesthetic murals. On the trip, students took selftours through the alleys, which have now become popular tour spots with their innovative murals. To develop a deep understanding of the murals, students completed an activity worksheet with discussion questions to learn about the context and visual elements of Mexican wall paintings. “ I hope students will be able to see the Latino culture brought alive in this trip,” said profesora Ensenat. Along the way, many students expressed their interest in one of the most striking murals, “Blue Tears,” to learn about Mexican culture and politics through its historical context. At the same time, many of them remarked to have embraced their aesthetic perspective at understanding forms of visual art through its formal elements including line, color, movement, texture, light, shading, and subject matter. The largest and most complex
Photo Editor
The CVHS advanced choirs visited Angwin, California to compete in the Golden State Choral Festival against other schools on May 19. Golden State is a choir competition in which only the top choirs in the state are invited to compete. The CVHS chamber choir, Madrigals, won third place in
Sweet treats for an even sweeter price By Caitlin Forbes Staff Writer
Sally Liang / Opinion Editor
Murals helped educate students on their field trip.
mural the students viewed was one that muralist Diego Rivera created in San Francisco is the comprehensive marriage of the themes of Mexican artistry and US technology entitled “PanAmerican Unity.” The complex composition of “Pan-American Unity” requires explanation; Rivera used his blending of the arts of ancient Mexico, and the technology of modern United States. Portraits in the mural depicted Frida Kahlo in Tehuantepec dress, Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin in the movie The Great Dictator; Emmy Lou Packard, Rivera’s assistant, U.S. inventors Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, American artist Albert P. Ryder, and artist-inventors Samuel Morse and Robert Fulton.
“Riding on BART, observing murals in San Francisco, and eating authentic Mexican food helped me to experience what we learned in class in a whole new way,” stated senior Clarisa Kusumonegoro. “The trip wouldn’t have been the same without the food we indulged in though! Crispy churros were fantastic, the burritos dipped in salsa were amazing, and the beverages were unique and refreshing! If I were given the chance, I would definitely go again,” said Kusumonegoro. “After having taken Spanish 4, I have a greater respect for the spanish culture and language. I enjoyed the experience I gained from traveling to the Mission district of San Francisco and viewing the illustrative and creative murals,” said senior Devin Pon.
its division. The Castro Valley Acapella Choir left the competition with a fifth place trophy. This is the first time in many years that both advanced choirs placed at Golden State, and the entire choir student body is very proud. This is the last big event that the choirs will do for this school year, and for many seniors, the last time they sing with the
CVHS choir. Senior Amelia Ortiz is extremely grateful for this year’s batch of choir students. “I think everyone really cared this year,” said Ortiz. “Everyone tried hard and wanted to rehearse and do well at competition. It was a mixture of knowing the music, but also all the heart and dedication from every individual student.”
Choirs place well at Golden State By Alison Dhont
uted to historical events. One may even recognize a few hometown favorites that still live and work in town. It’s not hard to find a few words of wisdom or even advice in the unique book.
“It was an interesting experience interviewing someone famous from here, and I learned a lot,” said senior Anna Talajkowski, who interviewed former New York Yankee Kevin Maas. Other people who contributed to the book include Emily Barbieri, Jot Brown, Bruno Buti, Jake Dalton, Randy Dutra, Richard Gillam, Caryl Goodale, Paul Gudiksen, Chuck Kadlecek, Lucile Lorge, Anthony Reyes, Mathilde Schmidt and Sal Tedesco. Although it is a compilation of interviews, the students were creative and managed to make it versatile with the help of editors Gary Howard from the Castro Valley Education Foundation and Matt Johanson, CVHS history and journalism teacher. This book a must buy, not only for Castro Valley natives but also for anyone looking for an interesting read. To purchase Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times, send $25 to The Olympian at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546. Please include your mailing address. Copies are also available at the student web store.
A new bakery has opened up in Castro Valley. Karin Johnson Specialty Cakes and Pastries, which opened two months ago, has taken over the area previously occupied by Tom and Tina’s Deli in the Lucky’s supermarket area. When asked about the store’s success, Johnson replied, “Good! We’ve been at the farmer’s market for nine years, so it’s nice to have a store. We’re getting busier.” The bakery sells delicious treats like cinnamon buns, brown-sugar shortbreads, brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. In addition to the delicious pastries, what’s even sweeter is the price. For less than $5 you are able to buy four brown-sugar shortbreads and a cinnamon bun. “We have a lot of everything. If it doesn’t sell a lot, I don’t
make it. Currently we are making cobblers with peaches and berries; we change things by the season,” remarked Johnson while talking about the bakery’s products. The bakery also has vegan options, and sells coffee and water to accompany the sweets. The only downside to the bakery is that it is very small, so there isn’t a sitting area inside and there are only two chairs outside. Despite her bakery’s success, Johnson still sells her pastries at the weekly local farmer’s market. Johnson also buys ingredients locally. “We buy all of our produce: fruits, vegetables, and nuts from the farmer ’s market,” added Johnson. Johnson’s bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.