May 15, 2009

Pg. 4

VOLUME 52, ISSUE 10 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Space Cookies are all the rage

Robotics crew is awesome

Pg. 6

Riding out the budget storm

Departments face drastic changes

Pg. 12

CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546

Next year's class leaders elected

Find out who won the elections

Student athletes face fees next year

By Isabel Chi

Business Manager

Sarah Gilchriese / Staff Writer

Waggling his fingers, senior Tyler Waespi gets down with his dance moves during a performance for the Mr. CV contest. See story on Page 5.

Students with BB guns arrested

Two students and one teacher hurt at Creekside

By Lisa Carmack Staff Writer

Three CVHS sophomores were arrested on Wednesday, March 25 at about 1 p.m. for allegedly shooting BB gun pellets into the courtyard at Creekside Middle School. The metal pellets hit two students and one teacher, causing minor injuries.

“We got a call that someone was shooting over the fence at a house close to the school,” said Darren Velasco, a sheriff’s deputy who responded to the call.

the third student’s house. They were “sniping” into the school grounds, the officers said, and

all three of them had cut school that day and were allegedly under the influence of marijuana.

Two of the students were reportedly sent to juvenile hall and charged with assault with a deadly weapon; the other student was released to his parents.

“They didn’t think it was a big deal,” Velasco said. “They seemed genuinely surprised to see us coming in to stop them.”

The students were unavailable for comment.

Two of the three students are up for expulsion, said Student Resource Officer Timothy Vales, and a hearing will be held in the near future to decide their punishments.

ined programs such as Power Reading, math lab, and various academies.

“It’s great that the faculty and students work together. They were so proud to be a part of something that got us to be a distinguished school,” said Assistant Principal Lorrie Barrera.

The much-impressed representatives recommended CVHS for the distinguished school award. Principal Pete Alvarez then received a phone call from California Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell, congratulating him on earning the award.

CVHS was also given distinguished school status years ago.

The award always expires after four years.

Only three high schools in Alameda County received the prize. Besides CVHS, Washington High School in Fremont and the Oakland School of the Arts were awarded distinguished school status.

“The community of Castro Valley still remains itself in that the students are nice young people that work together,” said English teacher Michelle Trueblood.

CVHS does not receive any special benefits from being distinguished. It is, however, similar to taking an AP or Honors course, in terms of getting that prestigious “extra point” added to your GPA. The administration now gets to put “A Distinguished School” on letterheads and transcripts.

“We went to the school and had another unit go to the house.”

Officers found two CVHS students on the roof of a tool shed at

“ They seemed

genuinely surprised to see us coming in to stop them. ” Darren Velasco Sheriff's deputy

CVHS wins Distinguished School status Honored for high test scores and closing achievement gap

By James Rose Staff Writer

Castro Valley High School was recently awarded distinguished school status. This honor was given by the California State Board of Education due to high test scores and an ever-closing achievement gap.

During the winter, three representatives visited the campus from Sacramento. They reviewed the school and exam-

For the first time in school history, CVHS athletes are facing up to $300 in annual fees to play the sports they love.

Athletes will be required to pay $150 for a single sport, $100 for a second sport and $50 for a third sport within the same school year.

The fees are needed, school officials say, to cover the athletic budget cuts. Castro Valley Unified School District previously paid $200,000 per year for the program, but reduced the allocated money to $100,000 because of the state and district financial crisis.

“That is way too much money,” said junior Kaitlin Endo, a varsity basketball player. “Not everyone’s going to want to pay.”

However, Endo sees the reason in this plan. “It’s a logical solution to the budget problem… I’d rather have to pay money than not play my sport.”

Other athletes are worried about the burden that this puts on fellow athletes.

“The school shouldn’t burden the athletes with money issues.

The teams should individually fundraise,” said Justine Ma, varsity swimmer.

“I don’t think it’s fair. High school sports should be free for everyone who wants to play,” said junior Kristal Lam, co-captain of the varsity badminton team. “Although [the district] has scholarships, it can’t give them to everyone.”

There is a plan for athletes who cannot afford the fees, according to a statement released by the

district. Who would qualify and how it would work was not specified.

The middle schools will also be affected by the district budget cuts. Students participating in a single sport will pay $50 and the second and third sports will each cost $25.

Regarding the coaches, incoming athletics director Andy Popper said, “The number of coaches will not change. District money to pay coaches will be cut in half, but there are plans in place to raise money for full pay.”

As of now, no other district plans are in place, but the athletes and the department are keeping their hopes high for the future of student athletics.

Individual teams are also making fundraising plans.

“Fundraising would be a good alternative. Car washes and bake sales would make a difference,” said varsity track runner Angie Shin.

“You shouldn’t make people gifted with natural athletic ability pay,” said sophomore Luke Lederman.

CVHS Athletics Fees, 2009-10

CVHS needs to raise at least $100,000 to cover district budget cuts for the 2009-2010 school year. This table shows the plan to raise that money through fees.

One-sport athletes: 580 pay $150 each, raising $87,000 Two-sport athletes: 150 pay $100 each, raising $15,000 Three-sport athletes: 20 pay $50 each, raising $1,000 Total fees income: $103,000

Rest in peace, Alex Romanov

Alex Romanov was born on May 23, 1991 and passed away on March 30, 2009 from cancer.

He was 17 years old and a senior at Castro Valley High School.

At five months old, Alex and his family moved from Ukraine to Columbus, Ohio. In 2001, they moved to California. Alex thrived in his community and became president of the DECA club, established a leadership role within the Revelation Club, and became a youth cell leader at the Russian Gospel Temple.

Alex also graduated from the International School of Ministry with honors.

Alex leaves behind his parents Andrey and Tatyana, his brother Svyatoslov, and his sister Carina.

Stripping students' rights Editorial: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” - Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Savana Redding was an eighth grader at Safford Middle School in Tuscon, Arizona. When a fellow student accused her of having prescription-strength ibuprofen pills, school officials found it appropriate to strip search her to look for the drugs.

Say what? We at The Olympian know what you’re thinking, and we agree. School officials strip searching an honor student based on the suspicion that she has ibuprofen is crazy (police don’t even have these rights!).

But we also realize that school officials must protect students from harmful substances and have to draw the line somewhere.

We say the line is at serious, harmful drugs like cocaine, LSD, and heroin. It’s not okay for a student to put drugs like these down their pants and not get caught. If school administrators don’t have a handle on instances like these, drug possession can become a serious issue at schools.

Cruel and unusual

By Alicia Harger

On the other hand, we hear you; strip searching students is distasteful on any level. But this is what we think: it’s okay for administrators to strip search for the hard stuff based on probable cause, and probable cause only.

But for ibuprofen based on suspicion? No. If a strip search is deemed neces-

sary, we assert that the student’s parent or legal guardian should be present. This will ensure that the search remains appropriate. Parents do have the right to monitor what happens when their children are in such a situation.

We hope the U.S. Supreme Court agrees with our “fine line” idea, as this case is important for

all of us. If the Supreme Court lets school officials strip search students for ibuprofen, we shudder at what measures will be allowed for cocaine or heroin.

The Olympian feels strongly about the outcome of the Redding v. Safford United School District, as our Fourth Amendment rights are important to us all.

PHOTOpinions BY: Elizabeth Tran

The Olympian is a publication of the Journalism Class, Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2009 Editor-In-Chief...............................................................Malena Bell City Editor.......................................................................Irene Liang News Editor.........................................................................Eva Poon Opinion Editor..............................................................Alicia Harger Feature Editor.................................................................Frank Chao Sports Editor.........................................................Alexandra Gomes Copy Editors...................................................................Erin Mundy Joseph Wan Photo Editor..............................................................Howard Whang Business Managers............................................................Isabel Chi Lindsay Oda

What do you think about the issue of school strip searches?

“People should not have to go strip people. It is offensive and can hurt people.”

Freshman Alvin Chan

Staff Writers: David Ahn, Lisa Carmack, Sophiana Carrell, Moises Fonseca, Sarah Gilchriese, Lawrence Ham, Brandon Lui, James Rose, Trevin Smith, Elizabeth Tran, Tim Wong Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

“Strip searches are fine the way they are now. People complain too much about them.”

Junior Sebastian Kaser

“It’s not really necessary when you can just pat them down.”

Sophomore Queenie Quan

“I think that they’re stupid mostly because it’s unnecessary to invade someone’s rights in this way.”

Senior Drisana RodriguezMartin

Opinion Editor

We, as American citizens, are guaranteed certain rights. Our constitution forbids the use of cruel and unusual punishment.

This is a privilege guaranteed to Americans. However, recently the American government has not shied away from using cruel punishment on prisoners. The CIA used torture techniques, such as waterboarding, on al Qaeda captives.

This is wrong. Inhumane treatment of fellow human beings is grossly against everything the United States should stand for.

These actions, viciously debasing prisoners, cannot be condoned by anyone with a sense of justice. America is supposed to stand for freedom and justice.

Torture throws these morals into the wind.

Even though those tortured are not US citizens, they are still human beings and have human rights. Does the Declaration of Independence not say that all men are created equal? It doesn’t say that only Americans are equal, or only citizens, but all. By treating these non-citizens differently, are we saying that they are not equal to Americans? And if they are not equal, what makes Americans so special? Why do we have more rights than they do?

The truth is that we are not any different. Being American doesn’t make anyone superior.

It also doesn’t justify torture.

By throwing away our values, we become as appalling as the people we fight. We sink to the enemies’ level in order to beat them, but in doing so we bring ourselves lower than terrorists could ever dream of bringing us.

Torture strikes terror into the heart of its victims. Therefore, we have become terrorists ourselves.

There is an argument that the only way to extract information from these terrorist prisoners is torture. They say that stopping attacks on the United States and taking down terrorist regimes is the first priority. There is no real proof that the information pulled from the torture victims is accurate. Their confessions could be nothing more than desperate attempts to placate the torturers.

Some can turn their heads, claiming that the end justifies the means. They believe that torture is the only method to obtain precious information protecting American lives. However, if the price of these lives is the conscience of a country, then these lives are lives ill saved.

Media should do its job, lay off Obama’s dog

By David Ahn Staff Writer

I want to shove Bo (Obama’s dog) down a blender. It is not that I have anything particular against that little mutt or Obama, but I despise the fact that one dog can garner so much media attention.

Which brings me to my next tirade: doesn’t the media have anything better to do than report on one dog? I mean, good heavens, there are just two wars, a world-wide financial crisis, a state budget crisis, a divided Congress, and countless other problems going on throughout the world. Some would argue that we need some more “happy” news to uplift the spirit of the nation, but I call that bull. What this nation needs is a dose of uncompromising reality to drag us away from our sheltered rose scented bubbles of naiveté. In fact, I want to smash that bubble to a million pieces and launch its remains into the sun.

It is the job of the press to tell the truth no matter how ugly and repulsive it is, rather than white-washing the issue. The American people deserve the truth, and not reporting the news because it is too depressing is just another form of censorship. If the press had done

its job, we might not be in Iraq right now. If the press had done its job, we may have been able to stop the sub-prime mortgage calamity before it led to the world’s financial crisis. The media has enormous power in this country, and it is its responsibility to report the news, no matter how unpopular and appalling the news may be.

But what is the point of the press when Americans refuse to be informed about current events? According to a Time magazine article, only two out of five Americans can name the three branches of government; one out of five Americans are aware there are 100 federal senators; and around 50 per-

cent of Americans believe that the president can suspend the Constitution. Furthermore, only six percent of voters knew the name of the Speaker of the House compared to 66 percent of the public that was able to name the host of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Even though as Americans we are allowed a great amount of political freedom, we have increasingly become complacent, especially when dealing with our democratic rights. Nowadays it is considered a chore to keep up with the issues. This has led us to become a nation of uninformed hicks, who are increasingly relying on sound bites in making our decisions.

Tolerance should be practiced

By Lisa Carmack Staff Writer

When I first read the mass email that was sent after Days of Diversity berating the school for allowing a presentation given by a lesbian pastor, I was more bewildered than anything.

The writer of the anonymous letter was obviously aiming to get a reaction.

Reacting is easy. It’s part of basic human survival. What I tried to do was a little different. I thought of it as more of an alarm to what we consider as tolerance.

We like to think we’re tolerant. We’re quick to point fingers at the amorphous evildoers of the past and think that we’re so different from them. What is most important to understand is that history is not a fairy tale and that every human being has the same potential to become evil.

American society is still recovering from racism that produced slavery 200 years ago. Anti-Semitism has been a continual trend for thousands of years. The Spanish Inquisition was a widespread persecution against anyone who

didn’t practice strict orthodox Catholicism.

We are all products of our values and our values are different. It’s not a bad thing to think differently or feel differently about issues. What matters is how we express ourselves. In the interest of articulating our views in a healthy way, there should be a few basic policies of interaction to keep in mind.

First, words matter. The ways in which we dictate our opinions are essential to a peaceful coexistence. Words are powerful and it is important to understand the connotations of them. We should take the time to address one another using proper terminology.

Second, open the conversation. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. If you want to argue one side of an issue it is common debate protocol to know the other side. This is not in the interest of agreeing with the other side, but it shows a level of integrity.

Third, sign your name. You disrespect your own argument by omitting your name.

Anonymity is cowardly, and a passionate argument should always have a name to stand

by it. Also, it is a standard for most mediums of publication not to publish anonymous letters. Good papers strive to present balanced positions on all topics, and it is not possible to do so when the other position has no name.

Conclusively, the person who wrote the email was clearly not at the presentation he decried as an attempt to brainwash impressionable students.

Three years ago, Arlene Nehring gave her first presentation in my choir class.

She addressed many important issues including basic vocabulary, her experience as a lesbian pastor, and the difficulties of the coming out process as it applies to high school students.

Saying things as insensitive as that person did means ignoring or disregarding the struggles and hardships people have had in the past with religious persecution, prejudice against immigrants, racial intolerance, and just being different.

I would never say that we should all believe in one set of values, but in the words of Arlene Nehring, we should learn to agree to disagree but not be disagreeable.

As the next generation of Americans, we must reclaim the nation from self-serving politicians who are not constrained by their constituents.

We must educate ourselves to hold our government leaders responsible to the people they serve. Only then can we bring “change” to Washington D.C., which has increasingly become an environment ideological in nature and subject to the wishes of various special interest

groups.

The United States of America is still the greatest nation on Earth. As citizens of this land, we have the responsibility to have a say in our country’s future. Therefore I call on you to take action and wrest our nation from the iron grip of the privileged few. Viva la Revolucion and we can begin by taking down Bo, the symbol of the old regime. Off with its head!

I’m proud of being a liberal

By Malena Bell Editor-in-Chief

Liberal ideology is often misunderstood or muddled with other ideologies, such as socialism and communism.

(Disclaimer: I am not, nor have ever been, a communist.) Because of this confusion, it is often perceived as radical and illogical, when it is truly neither. Liberalism is actually quite moderate and logical, expressing the true American ideals of “liberty and justice for all.”

Liberalism is based on individual freedom and collective responsibility.

Individual freedom is clear and simple. You have the right to do what you will, so long as it does not interfere with another citizen’s rights. These are basic, secular morals that are virtually unanimously agreed upon, and these are the morals that should provide the basis of our rights.

Other restrictions on personal freedom, meaning victimless crimes like marijuana use, are detrimental to American’s ideal of freedom. Such restrictions are based on individual and religious beliefs, and laws enforcing them infringe upon a dissenting individual’s right to act in accordance to his own beliefs.

Simply put, freedom is

perhaps the truest American ideal and must be protected, not impaired, by our laws, Collective responsibility is also fairly straightforward.

Capitalism is clearly the best economic form. It benefits society as a whole in innumerable ways. There is, however, a portion of society that does not benefit from capitalism and that would actually survive better under a system such as communism.

This does not at all mean that we should change our economic system from capitalism to communism. What it does mean is that we who benefit from capitalism have a responsibility to provide a safety net for that ever-present portion of society that is not succeeding in our system.

We owe that to them. Examined even at a basic humanitarian level, it is not okay to let citizens starve in our streets as the affluent pass in ignorance or apathy. It’s common humanity.

The basic ideology of liberalism is rationality and humanity. It is not that we want giant changes in our system of government or to create extreme social conditions. It is simply the idea that we are all humans and can respect each other’s needs and beliefs. That is liberalism, and why I am proud to call myself liberal.

Space Cookies robot is out of this world

Girls pursuing championship in robotics contest

By David Ahn Staff Writer

Space Cookies, an innocent student group exploring the field of robotics, or a terrorist group bent on world domination?

Recently, this group of female fatales has been cruising in champion lane as they obliterated their Bay Area competitors in a series of robotic tournaments.

The Space Cookies, whose main sponsors are Girl Scouts and NASA, placed second in a regional competition at San Jose State while winning a prestigious Engineering Inspirational Award. This year their task was to construct and program a robot that could complete complicated tasks such as navigating around a surface consisting of one sixth the force of gravity, retrieving orbit balls from humans and from the ground, while being able to launch those same “balls” into trailers.

These are complex machines that have a rudimentary vision system that is able to track targets. Although these tasks individually may sound innocent, one can easily see the military application of such soulless killing machines.

The team made substantial

progress in recent years to reach this level of success. Last year they placed forty-seventh out of 50 teams in a similar competition, making their second place victory all the more impressive.

“Giving girls

the tools to engineer their future Space Cookies’ motto

”

Their work also changed their robot’s role from primarily being a defensive contender to the current role of being a major offensive powerhouse targeting other robots with their orbit ball launcher of doom.

Senior Christine Matheney, a two-year veteran, explained that their purpose was completely innocent.

In fact, the group’s motto was, “Giving girls the tools to engineer their future.” Still, what can this secretive group hide

David Ahn / Staff Writer

Flashing their robot are (clockwise from top left) senior Christine Matheney, freshman Lindsey Matheney, senior Katherine Fukui, and senior Charlene Braski. from the public scrutiny?

Apparently Space Cookies also participates in other “malicious” activities, mainly aimed at helping young girls further explore various fields of science. The group sponsored an engineering day for fourth and fifth graders last December, which included activities such as building marshmallow catapults to making lip gloss.

In fact the team is involved in numerous outreach programs demonstrating their passion for science and technology beyond

the lab space. The girls hope that through these events they can motivate and inspire girls into considering science as a future field to study. Matheney is also the founder and leader of Girl Scout troop 33919 and has been awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for her hard work.

“Despite most of us being rookies, we learned so much on the construction of robots.

I learned how to use power saws, drills, and other dangerous equipment,” remarked Senior Charlene Braski.

Teacher writes Successful book

By Alexandra Gomes Sports Editor

The ABC’s of Raising a Successful Student written by Dr. Christine Nandi, a CVHS special education teacher, encourages students to “reach for the stars” in their career choices, but suggests having a back-up plan and getting a good education. “[My book] unlocks the secrets of doing well in school,” said Nandi.

Nandi, a teacher for 15 years, wrote this book based on her own teaching experiences and research she has done. The book has different techniques students can use to help them do better in school and to get good grades.

During her years as a teacher, Nandi has come to realize that the students teach her new things just as much as she teaches them, and that she has learned to be a better teacher because of them over the years.

This experience as well as some of her research helped put this book together.

Having worked on this book for about five years, Nandi feels accomplished now that it is pub-

“(My book) unlocks

the secrets of doing well in school.

Christine Nandi Teacher and author

”

lished and that “holding the book was the ultimate [feeling].”

Nandi is also proud to announce her next book in the works about kids who are kidnapped and sent to Kenya. She

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Dr. Christine Nandi wrote a book about succeeding in school. hopes to have this book published this summer, and she currently has a draft of the bookto-be.

For this new book, all the profits will go to her foundation, the Martin Nandi Foundation, to help orphans in Kenya.

In her classroom, Nandi also has a box for donations to her foundation for anyone who wishes to help her cause.

The group spent countless hours working on their creations, spending thousands of dollars.

In fact, Space Cookies receives an annual budget of $60,000, which comes from NASA, Girl Scouts, and fundraisers, to compete in various competitions nationwide. Yet, like the wise Ben Parker (a.k.a. Uncle Ben) said, with great power comes great responsibility. Space Cookies meets frequently after school and during the weekends at NASA Ames at Moffett Field, often working into the wee hours.

Matheney said, “Space Cookies has given me the opportunity to get hands-on engineering experience outside of the school and really taught me what I wanted to do after high school.

Whether its intentions are for good or ill, Space Cookies is an organization to be reckoned with. As warm-blooded humans, always fearing the eventual robot revolution, everyone should fear if this group ever ventures into dangerous territory.

If one finds robots interesting, Matheney had this to say: “If interested email me at matheneyc@ gmail.com.”

On the question of whether Space Cookies is a terrorist organization bent on world domination, the world may never know.

Auto mechanics bring home the gold

GRAEL has big plans for future

By Sarah Gilchriese Staff Writer

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Seniors Christian Garcia and Taylor Cuddy show off their first place plaque and trophy from the Ford/AAA Student Autoskills Competition, where they competed with other top high school auto mechanics in repairing a new Ford Focus rigged with defects.

Students win big in Autoskills competition

By Howard Whang Photo Editor

During the week of Easter break, seniors Taylor Cuddy and Christian Garcia, along with auto teacher Larry Weiss, brought home first place from the Ford/AAA Student Autoskills Competition in Danville.

Eight teams of talented young auto mechanics from high schools across Northern California gathered at the Blackhawk Auto Museum where the teams competed to repair a brand new Ford Focus rigged with a number of different defects.

The competition begins each year with an extremely difficult 50question qualifying exam aimed not at high schoolers, but journeymen auto mechanics seeking certification from the Automotive Service Excellence Organization, a certification needed for professional auto mechanics.

For high schoolers, a score of 50 percent is considered very good.

Garcia and Cuddy scored 58 percent and 56 percent, respectively, which brought them into the top ten in Northern California and earned them an invitation to the hands-on portion of the competition.

At the competition, teams must find various defects, which includes things such as bad lights, defective sensors, misfires, bad wiring harnesses, relays, and ignition coils. Teams have a total of 90 minutes to fix as many defects as they can.

The hardest part of the competition is actually not in repairing the defects, but in finding the defects.

“Once you know the problem, it’s easy,” said Cuddy.

Only the student teams were allowed around the cars during the competition. All the parents, teachers, and other spectators had to watch from 30 feet away. “It was a really tense hour and a half,” said

“ Once you know the problem, it’s easy. ” Taylor Cuddy Senior

Weiss, who was watching as the students worked.

Of the ten schools invited, only eight came, lightening the competition a little bit. Cuddy and Garcia were the last ones to close their hood, finishing at 89 minutes. Two teams had not closed their hoods by the 90-minute mark, and were disqualified.

Of the remaining six teams, Cuddy and Garcia were the only

ones to find and fix all the defects planted in the car.

Because the competition has more emphasis on repairing the car right the first time rather than repairing the car the fastest, Cuddy and Garcia were able to win first place.

In addition to finding all the defects, Cuddy and Garcia received the least workmanship demerits.

They received three: one for accidentally leaving a tool in the hood, one for answering one question wrong on a worksheet, and one for accidentally leaving panels loose in the trunk.

In winning first place, Cuddy and Garcia each won a total of $42,000 in scholarships to various technical institutes, including $24,000 to Universal Technical Institute, as well as a $500 digital meter, a tool kit, and a AAA backpack which Cuddy now proudly wears to school.

The experience was definitely an awesome experience for both of them. “It was wonderful,” they both said.

“It’s very fun, and absolutely worth it,” said Garcia.

For Cuddy, this competition is definitely a landmark occasion in his life. Upon returning from the competition, he was offered an apprenticeship over the summer at PR Motor Sports in Hayward, and the $24,000 scholarship to UTI persuaded him to change his plan from attending Chabot College to attending UTI for the next school year.

Weiss has been having students participate in this competition every year, but this is the first time a CVHS team has won the first place trophy. CVHS has won second place twice before.

At only a year old, the Global Rights, Activism, Education, and Law academy is the youngest academy at CVHS. It is based around human rights issues. The core classes discuss and try to brainstorm ways into solving the main human rights violations.

GRAEL is based on three levels of exploring human rights.

In tenth grade, students begin discovering and understanding human rights violations. In eleventh grade, students gain more knowledge about the violations. In twelfth grade, a plan of action is put together about how to respond to a human rights violation.

The goal of GRAEL is for students to look into, research, and come up with a solution to a problem in today’s society.

“We have a clear vision for the academy. We just haven’t put anything into place,” said English teacher Anne Parris, the academy chair.

So far this year, the sophomores have gone to the Museum of African Diaspora and created genocide projects centered around human rights violations.

The juniors have connected their literature work to slavery and other human rights issues. One

of the books that they have discussed is by Frederick Douglass, an American abolitionist in the 1800s. There is currently no senior class of GRAEL students.

“I think that it’s a fantastic idea to get all the students who want to make a difference together, and hopefully when the school gets some money we can do more things,” said sophomore Sierra Gibson.

Next year, Parris wants to have some of the GRAEL students enter into a world affairs challenge. The students will be given a human rights topic, and will have to come up with a solution. There are certain rules and a certain structure that the solution must follow. For the past few years, the topics have been about hunger and migration. The winning team gets its solution to the problem published.

“I think it’s a good academy because the kids are into it, and we have discussions of human rights issues,” said history teacher Nick Jones. Jones incorporates GRAEL into his curriculum by talking and teaching about human rights.

Next year, GRAEL is trying to set up a newsletter or a blog, so that all students know about what is happening in the GRAEL community and also the outside world.

Will the real Mr. CV please stand up?

By Malena Bell Editor-in-Chief

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Mr. CV! On Friday, April 24, 17 seniors fought to save the city, win over their escorts, and earn the title of “Mr. Castro Valley 2009.”

The superpowers they showed off included singing, dancing, and wearing women’s clothing.

Although all the competitors were impressive, Nick Sears was, according to himself, “destined to be Mr. CV.” He won the title of Mr. CV with his comedic performance of “Make ‘em Laugh,” from Singin’ in the Rain. Beset with comedic hazards, he managed to get by unharmed until a final pie to the face.

Johnny Barbieri won the “People’s Choice Award” for his performance of “Single Ladies,”

by Beyoncé. Dressed in a black leotard and white tights, Barbieri and his backup dancers wowed the crowd with their imitation of the “Single Ladies” music video.

“I’m never doing that again,” said Barbieri after his performance.

Also in the top five were Ryan Gomez, Matthew McAusland, and Albert Pak. Jr. Gomez performed a “so fresh” rap that he

wrote, while McAusland and Pak showed off their stunning dance abilities.

Not only did these superheroes all have fantastic talents and performed wonderfully, but they were also softies inside.

At the question and answer session, for example, Pak gave a touching reply, saying, “I love you, Dad. You’re my superhero.”

And when asked what Mr. CV means to him, Sears said sincerely, “I think it just means camaraderie.”

Weathering the

Photos by: Malena Bell, Stephanie Lombardo, Lindsay Oda, Howard Whang

How departments will be affected ne

Larger class sizes coming to English

Three teacher layoffs, spending freeze on new books next year

By Elizabeth Tran Staff Writer

The state budget will affect many different departments throughout CVHS, including the English department. With the small freshman English class sizes likely eliminated from next year’s program, CVHS faces losing three full-time teachers, which would essentially lead to more work for the remaining English teachers.

“We’re all saddened that we’re losing colleagues. Those that are still here, we’ll still do the best that we can,” said Elisa Frozena, co-chair of the English department.

Students limited to one science class

By Brandon Lui Staff Writer

Budget issues will hit the science department next year. Many science classes like chemistry and biology will be taking cuts across the board.

The district allocates $1.50 per student per class, which means that in a class of 30 students, nearly $45 is used for labs and classroom expenses and not just lab supplies.

With little money for labs, students will have to continue to provide a donation for labs.

“The real frustration I have as a science teacher is that we can’t do as many labs as we should be doing,” said science co-chairRichard Scheck.

The scheduling will drastically change students’ options for what and how many classes can be taken. Students can no longer take two science classes besides pre-nursing and biotech. Currently, 87 students are taking more than one science class. Transfers will also be few to none for the next school year. Students who take a class that is too easy or hard who want to transfer may find that no slots are available.

Also, non-lab classes that occasionally do labs will be placed into non-lab rooms, which will not allow students to further their skills in the lab and experimental learning.

“The change from seven to six periods is going to create a facilities crisis unless we figure out a way to reduce the number of sections in science classes, because the vast majority of science classes cannot be taught without a lab,” said co-chair Melissa Kindlespire.

The reason for these changes to the science department is coupled with the schedule change and budget. If the school day does shorten, students can expect to see a drop in classroom slots meaning less flexible scheduling.

Schneck went on to say, “Our concern right now is that we won’t have as many slots for advanced classes.”

Although the budget and schedule aren’t set in stone, these changes are likely to be implemented.

“Having to wait for books we can deal with, but losing teachers, it’s going to be a different experience,” added co-chair Eric Unti.

Increasing the 20-student classes to possibly 33 students is a big change that the freshman English teachers will have to handle. According to Unti, the small class sizes have been around for more than ten years and this new change would be difficult to reverse.

“It’ll be hard to get it back,” Unti said.

In addition to the layoffs and loss of the small freshman English class sizes, the district implemented spending freeze has put a hold on adopting more books for the English department.

“This year was supposed to be an adoption year for us,”

By Sarah Gilchriese said Unti.

Staff Writer Although the number of layoffs isn’t guaranteed, one The biggest expected change to the math departthing for sure is that it’s not going to be the same next ment for next year is the loss of the 20-to-one stuyear. dent-teacher ratio in algebra classes. Also, because of the budget crisis, there will probably not be a regular calculus class available, only A.P. Calculus. There’s also a possibility of losing math lab and beginning algebra classes, and the math coach, Nancy Cavalieri, whose job is to help new math teachers and to coordinate the math curriculum, won’t be available as often as this year.

“I think this is a real disappointment,” said Andrea Eldridge, the math department co-chair. “Getting less individual attention is going to be hard on the students who need the most help.”

The biggest material-spending cut will be on textbooks. The students will have to use old text books, even if they are damaged.

“I don’t

By Erin Mundy think it’s a Copy Editor good idea.

Despite former plans to cut the Japanese program by I t h i n k t h e phasing out the offered courses (one through AP), a recent smaller class decision has been made to continue to offer the classes here size is better for at CVHS next year. Although all budget decisions thus far the students,” are still pending, this decision will most likely remain said co-chair unchanged.

Mindy Hager, Initially, budget plans included the discontinuation of a w h e n a s k e d Japanese 1 class, which has now been restored. Japanese about the loss teacher Emi Crow, parents, and students campaigned to of the 20-tokeep the program. one algebra As well as the possibility of phasing out Japanese, the classes, which language department has had to make personnel decisions is due to addregarding the laying off of the already small staff. With two ing more students into fewer classes. The classes will teachers voluntary leaving after this year, the department go from 20 students to up to 33. hopes to avoid laying off more of the staff.

Cavalieri helps the math teachers throughout the “The picture looks better, not perfect, and we will feel the day. Next year, she will only be available to help two difference next year,” said Principal Pete Alvarez. periods and teach classes for the rest of the day.

Math classes to lose 20-to-1 ratio

No layoffs for language department

Japanese 1 class restored after efforts by students and teacher

Band classes

By Trevin Smith Staff Writer

For many years CVHS has had a successful music department, but now the countless students whose arts flood 600 hall are being hit with a budget crisis.

Choir teacher Sue Susoeff has been head of the CVHS choir program for 27 years now, and is very grateful that CVHS is able to continue its music program next year.

“I’m ecstatic that they chose to keep our program,” replied Susoeff when asked about her thoughts on the choirs’ futures.

Of the five choir classes currently offered, the Madrigals escaped original plans to cut the class with the extra money funded by the state to keep the class singing.

Fewer social studies classes next year

By Frank Chao Feature Editor

The budget for the social studies department will be revised in May, but a few things are probable: one section of psychology has been cut and two may have to go, depending on the number of students who signed up, and two teachers may be laid off.

Law and Society, a new course that was approved, will not be offered. There is also a possibility that AP European History may not be offered, but the decision to cut the class depends on the number of applicants for the class.

Kathleen Cassidy One section of AP US HisSocial studies teacher tory will be cut from the program next year, leaving only three sections.

Luckily for the social studies department, many of its courses are requirements for graduation.

As a result, the department will not be as deeply impacted as other departments. However, those who wish to take Psychology and AP European History may be disappointed by the unavailability of the classes.

“While we are a department that offers primarily courses required for graduation, any cuts, both teacher and counselor, will negatively impact our department and school community,” said social studies department chair Kathleen Cassidy.

“Any cuts...will

negatively impact our department and school community

”

budget storm

ext year by district-wide budget cuts

Video programming class in danger

Visual Arts hopes to avoid cutbacks and layoffs

By David Ahn

By James Rose

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

There are lots of hype and rumors flying around about what exactly will happen with the visual arts department next year. Well, the fact is that no one is completely certain about the future of the visual arts department.

“My stance is to be optimistic and to make the best of what we have,” said Jennifer Jervis, art teacher.

The number of programs that will be available next year is not set in stone. CVHS must wait and record student signups from their course selection sheets.

However, with the revision of the budget, art teachers on campus are hopeful, because they are seeing some of the proposed programs that were originally going to be cut come back onto the budget.

“I hope nothing gets cut, because art is just another way to express yourself,” said Rachel Trujillo, a senior As for the rest of the who is currently taking choirs, both the men’s advanced ceramics and and women’s A Cappella graphic design. were also saved by the The visual arts departfunds provided by the ment classes teach students state and are now set to make art created by up to stay in separate hand and on the computer. classes.

The new Mac lab in room The Orchestra is mak202 has been a great success ing sacrifices to keep this year. its spot in the CVHS “It will be up and runprogram. All of the 114 ning next year,” said Jo students in Advanced Sutton, art department Symphonic Marching chair.

Band and the Concert None of the visual arts Band will be combined teachers are expected to be into one class. laid off next year.

“It would be like putting freshmen Algebra and senior Calculus together and saying here, make this work,” said Orchestra teacher Cynde Meyer.

Despite taking some hits, the artists in the CVHS music department feel lucky to have been able to end up with fewer cuts, even though for some the cuts are deeper than others.

“It’s really going to detract from the culture of the school,” replied Meyer about the future of her classes.

s to combine

and

Lindsay Oda

Business Manager

The vocational/technology department is in need of some serious loving. Not so long ago, the Industrial Arts classes took up all of the 400 Hall. Now, all that is left is but a shadow of its former glory, and even that is at risk.

The district-wide implemented spending freeze has recently frozen ROP accounts causing immediate repercussions in classes like wood shop and a u t o . F u r t h e r m o re , depending on various circumstances (federal money from the bailout and a May election authorizing a raise of California’s sales tax), the department may see further cuts. According to Larry Weiss, the department chair of the vocational/technology department, the video programming section may be cut depending on the school’s ability to acquire additional funds.

The vocational/technology department also tries to keep CVHS up to date with the demands of recent technology, replacing older computers every year.

“Because of the anticipated cut backs, we expect that, like so many other areas, there will be fewer funds available for technology purchases,” regrets Chris Burns, program supervisor of the vocational/technology department.

When asked about what he thought of the proposed cuts, Weiss replied, “I hope our department survives because it serves a purpose for a certain group of kids… it shows the school does serve the needs of all Larry Weiss students, [as vocational] serves a viable alternative Auto teacher for many students.”

“

I hope our department survives because it serves a purpose...

”

Larger classes for P.E. and fewer options for upperclassmen

Library can’t afford new books

By Alexandra Gomes

Sports Editor It’s a useful place where students can go to read, study, work on homework, conduct research, or even just find a quiet place to relax. It’s the library and it’s facing a possible 15 percent decrease in its budget for the 2009-2010 school year.

During the 2008-2009 school year, the library had a total budget of $12,000, of which it spent about $3,400 to maintain the library’s online database. For the 2009-2010 school year, the library will probably get only a little over $10,000. This means that the library will not be able to afford as many new books.

There is the possibility of the school library collaborating with the new Alameda County Library in Castro Valley, which is expected to open in October. The school library would be able to maintain its Internet catalogue for free and students would have access to the catalogue as long as they owned a library card for the new library.

Librarian Terri Bucklin is remaining hopeful that the library will be able to get by next year without significantly limiting the number of new books it is able to provide to students. Just recently, the Twilight Club and Bucklin, who is the club’s advisor, hosted a read-a-thon for three weeks and raised more than $200 to be put towards new books.

Students are also encouraged to donate their old books, for which they no longer have any use, to the school library for other students to enjoy.

By Eva Poon News Editor

The physical education department is yet another victim of the district budget deficit.

Next year, P.E. class sizes for freshmen and sophomores are likely to increase, according to the chair of the P.E. department, Shari Rodriguez.

“Our normal budget has been cut. We can’t spend anything and everything’s on hold,” Rodriguez said. She noted that the department would be unable to buy replacements for wornout equipment.

There are currently 37 P.E. classes and up to four classes could be cut next year. Rodriguez said that P.E. is the only department that does not have a maximum class size under the teachers’ union contract.

Next year’s schedule, which eliminates an eighth period, especially affects upperclassmen who want to take P.E. as an elective.

During class, students will still be able to choose from a variety of sports to play, like this year’s system where they were able to pick from the ones their teachers offered.

“Physical action impacts every aspect of anyone’s life,” said Rodriguez about the importance of P.E. “The positives from it affects students’ other classes.”

Fellow P.E. teacher Carrie Roscelli agreed. “[With P.E.] you get skills to be active in your life,” she said.

See how the budget impacts the administration and staff on Page 8.

Weathering the budget storm

More cuts coming in the future; local parents organize

By Eva Poon News Editor

More uncertainty is in store for the Castro Valley school district.

With state legislative analysts predicting an additional $8 billion shortfall, the financial situation of the school district for upcoming years is in limbo.

“There is a high degree in the probability of additional cuts,” said superintendent Jerry Macy.

He emphasized that those cuts would come after next year.

The district must submit a finalized budget for next year

by June. Macy says most of the 45 proposed line reductions announced in February are going to be implemented, including the elimination of some jobs and

programs.

“Keep your eyes open and be mindful. Please understand that we won’t know for sure until June,” he said. “We’re trying to figure how to do the least damage. We know every cut hurts and means fewer opportunities for students.”

Principal Pete Alvarez has been working with the assistant and associate principals on the CVHS budget to try and lessen the overall impact on the school.

“We wanted to make sure [the cuts were] at least reasonably balanced out,” said Macy.

Macy said that while the recently passed federal stimulus bill would provide California with $6 billion, state analysts say that based on April tax rev-

enues there are more shortfalls than expected when legislations passed the state budget. It is not

your “eyesKeep open and be mindful... We’re trying to figure how to do the least damage.

Jerry Macy Superintendent

”

known how much money from the stimulus bill that the CVUSD will get for special education

programs, Title 1 programs for low-income students, and stabilizing funds.

“Half of state cuts come from education. The state deficits will gobble up the federal stimulus money,” said Macy.

The status of the state budget depends if voters pass the propositions on the May 19 ballot. As of now, there is concern that the propositions are unlikely to pass.

In February, the school district decided to make up for this year’s deficits with money from reserves. The district informed classified and certificated employees about layoffs in March and April.

Once the state provides official numbers for the financial

School hopes to maintain security

By Lisa Carmack Staff Writer

Just as all departments are working out the numbers and figuring what the damage will be for next year, campus security has been crunching the numbers as well.

According to Sherrif’s Deputy Timothy Vales, the district does not plan on cutting existing staff

or hiring any new staff.

The campus patrol staff have already been affected by the district-wide budget freeze which prevented the school from hiring substitutes when they take days off.

“The Alameda Sheriff’s department pays for three full positions here at the high school,” said Vales.

“The school is responsible for paying for half of a position.”

Due to budget cuts, the school district is attempting to have the Sheriff’s Department pay for the half of the position that the district is still responsible for.

“Nothing is set in stone, so we’re not sure what exactly to expect yet.” Vales commented.

Vales revealed that a meeting will be held to make all crucial decisions later in the month, or after school is out.

Fund deficit leaves Administration may lose more to mop up staff, reduce services

By Joseph Wan Copy Editor

The current budget crisis may be old news to most people, but the ways in which it is impacting CVHS are ever-changing.

In addition to the immediately obvious cuts to academic spending, the custodial staff, which is in charge of cleaning the campus and making sure everything runs efficiently, will also be dealing with the effects of the crisis.

According to Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman, the plans are not yet concrete, but the school is faced with the possibility of losing one, two workers or none, according to Whiteman. “ We d o n ’ t f e e l the crunch yet,” said custodian Jesse Dickinson, “but if they take any more men, then the custodians’ already busy schedules will get even busier.”

The school’s course of action is not yet set in stone, and is awaiting a further revision of the budget, but as to how this will affect students directly, Whiteman said that with fewer workers, the cleaning and caretaking of the school may take more time and be less efficient.

“You have the right to be in a safe environment to learn,” said Whiteman. According to Whiteman, everything that moves or exists on campus is part of the environment.

One thing that has already been affected by the fiscal crisis is the federally funded equipment—mops, brooms, cleaning carts, etc.—that custodians use in their work.

Deliveries of items have also been showing a gradual decline. As Dickinson put it, “Not as frequently as before and not as much as we’d like.”

By Irene Liang City Editor

With the budget cuts affecting everything at CVHS, the administration and counselors are not exempt. Until the school board solidifies its personnel issues on May 14, one assistant principal and three counselors will likely be laid off under next year’s budget.

In order to conserve the district’s funds for the upcoming school year, the likely 20 percent cut to the administration and loss of three full time counselors will save CVUSD approximately $323,000.

Assistant principals are in charge of various departments and projects such as athletics and the California High School Exit Exam. The loss of one assistant principal will affect the workload for the remaining assistant principals.

With the possible cuts to the administration and counseling department, it is unknown how the class houses will be structured next year. One change will be an increase in the ratio of students to assistant principals and counselors. With 550 students currently assigned to each assistant principal, the number of students per assistant principal will increase by around 70 to accommodate for the probable losses.

All personnel decisions will be solidified by May 14 by the school board.

“Taking people directly impacts the students since everything directly goes to the students,” said Principal Pete Alvarez.

Many student services available to each student, such as individual counseling, will be reduced as the counselors and assistant principals will have to make up for the work of the lost staff members. However, Alvarez is resilient in trying to reduce the number of cuts to the CVHS program.

“My hope is that we will bring back as much of our program as we can,” said Alvarez.

shortfall, the district will plan accordingly for 2010-2011 and beyond.

Macy says while it “doesn’t look good” for upcoming years, there is a “silver lining in a tough situation” in the form of a new non-profit organization led by local parents, called Save Our Schools: Castro Valley. The group hopes to get information in order to head off cuts and raise from half a million to a million dollars locally to save education programs.

“It’s exciting to see local parents come forward to take charge,” commented Macy.

“We want what is best for students and to push to keep our district’s core values [on education] intact.”

Leading with less

By Tim Wong Staff Writer

Like many programs, the leadership class will unfortunately experience significant cuts due to the budget crisis. The most significant loss may be the Renaissance Leadership class for freshmen, which will likely no longer be available next year.

“I think this class is a really good opportunity for freshmen to learn about themselves and to be good leaders,” said Carmelina Frasca, leadership and social studies teacher. The class also organizes various events such as staff appreciation day.

Making ends meet will be difficult because of the lack of money.

Frasca was concerned because fewer people have been going to school events and school sports games, most likely due to the recession. These events, however, are a large source of income for the ASB budget. This year, athletics were able to collect $50,000 but spent $70,000, and the ASB had to deal with the shortfall.

Next year will be tighter because the district is cutting the athletic budget, even though there is already such a large shortage. The leadership class will also be forced to cut activities, like dances, to save money on utilities used during the events.

“It sucks because our school has normally been able to afford the activities we provide… but we are a lot more fortunate than most,” said ASB president Julia Joung. With confidence in her replacement, junior Justen Meadows, Joung added, “This is definitely an obstacle that the ASB will tackle with ease.”

Golfers remain unstoppable Neither cold nor rain can beat Trojans at HAAL championship

By Elizabeth Tran Staff Writer

Junior Lauren Ermitano pitches to a Dragons hitter.

Moises Fonseca / Staff Writer

Varsity Softball hits a speed bump on the road to NCS

By Trevin Smith Staff Writer

The varsity girls softball team played the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons on May 7 for a fourth straight league title and an impressive perfect season. Although the game was anything but perfect, the Trojans put up a great fight before ultimately taking their first HAAL loss, 2-0.

“They were a better team than we were today,” said coach Melanie Alkire when asked about her thoughts on the heartbreaking game.

The Trojans brought in the big guns with their stud pitcher,

Lauren Ermitano. Ermitano had pitched a perfect game the previous Friday against O’Dowd, bringing the Trojans another win.

Entering the game against the Dragons, Castro Valley carried a 13-0 record and a 30-game winning streak in the HAAL. The Trojans and Dragons butted heads for the scoreless first six innings. Each kept the other in check with short pop ups, strikeouts, and infield plays.

Unfortunately, a seventh inning brought a screaming home run and a relentless base hit to center right by Bishop O’Dowd that gave the Dragons the lead and the win against the Trojans.

“We came out today looking

Leadership Announcements

Senior stuff The Senior Ball is May 30 and behavior contract/guest passes are available online.

The last day to buy tickets is May 26. Check the website for prices. ** If you bought your tickets the first week of sales, come by the student store to pick up your gift if you have not yet done so. ** We’re still selling senior shirts for $10, senior sweatshirts for $20, and panoramic pictures for $5 at the student store. Note that SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED Junior Stuff Juniors still need to pick up sweats from the student store.

Hurry in before yours is sold to people on the waiting list!

Sophomore Stuff Sophomore Fundraiser—May 25 at Jamba Juice in Hacienda.

Come support the class of 2011.

Bring a flyer and money will be donated to sophomore class.

Powder Puff Football G a m e - - M a y 1 4 a t 7 P. M .

Presale tickets are on sale now.

Tickets will cost more at the door, so buy tickets for yourself and your family at the student store today!

Farewell Dance— May 15 from 7:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. The theme is Peace out CV! This is the last courtyard dance of the year. Seniors--this is your last CVHS courtyard dance ever!

Don’t miss out on the fun. ** Pre-sale tickets ONLY and cost $5 with ASB and $8 without.

Buy your tickets at the student store at lunch and clearance passes are REQUIRED to purchase tickets. If you bought a fast pass, you’ve already paid to get into the dance. But you still need a clearance pass to get the new punch on your ID card. ** Blood drive—May 26 We can take 100 signups ONLY. You must be at least 16 with parent consent or 17 or older without.

for a win. We held them inning by inning,” said Ermitano, who also contributed two hits.

The team is now headed for NCS with an impressive lineup and an amazing season. The players could not be more excited to get the chance to continue to play the sport they love.

The boys golf team doesn’t settle for just mediocre; it competes to be undefeated. The team placed first at the HAAL championships on Monday, April 27, solidifying their two-year winning streak. CVHS math teacher Ed Blom coaches the team, with the assistance of Bill Caplinger also known as “Capy”.

The six golfers who competed at HAAL were seniors Mias Rutishauser, Nathan Acebo, and Michael Conley, juniors Walter

Kaneshiro and Joseph Jung, and sophomore Cameron Tanjoco.

The final team score was 408.

“It was an okay game. Half of the match I was doing well and the other half I was doing bad,” said Kaneshiro.

“As far as the match on Monday, I was very worried at first, with Bishop O’ Dowd and Moreau there, but we did well.

The condition was very horrible, very windy, but Joe Jung shot an 82 which was impressive,” said Blom.

By winning the HAAL championship, the team has been qualified to participate in the North Coast Section, which will be held at the Meadow Country Club on May 11. Even with the bad weather that day, the golf team still played their best and in the end their efforts were rewarded.

“It’s been a good year so far, all we have is the North Coast Section to see how we are going to respond that challenge. They’ve been playing well,” said Blom.

Track relay team Trojans win epic battle against Pirates attacks record book

By Lawrence Ham

By Sarah Gilchriese Staff Writer

The boys varsity 4x100 relay team came very close to breaking the school record this year in track.

The lightning-fast team consists of senior Dash Oliver, sophomore Damion Rosby, sophomore Bobby Batis, sophomore Carlyle Garrick, and sophomore CJ Hamilton as an alternate.

The school record was set in 1998. Last year, that record was tied at 42.53 seconds by Oliver, Frederick Rice, Elliot Rice, and Rosby.

“We have the heart of a lion, because we go into every race as an underdog since we have three sophomores. We continue to prove ourselves meet after meet,” said Garrick.

Garrick recently injured his hamstring at Arcadia, so the team has Hamilton stepping in to run. “He is an important part to our team,” said coach Matt Rainwater. Garrick is currently working on rehab for his hamstring.

“We are really fast,” explained Batis. Batis loves to run the 4x400, and is best at the open 400-meter run. Running a time of 51.3 seconds, Batis hopes to break the

frosh-soph 400 record, which was set in 1969. The record is 51.1 seconds.

The boys almost broke the record at Stanford on March 28 with a time of 42.54.

“The record book is getting hammered again this year,” said former coach Peter Brewer.

The varsity boys 4x200 broke a school record this year, with Oliver, Rosby, Batis, and Garrick running a time of 1.19.02.

“I think our team can most definitely make it to the state meet and run the best time ever ran at this school,” said Oliver.

Oliver recently had knee surgery, and is getting faster and faster. Last year Oliver broke the record in the varsity open 100-meter, with a time of 10.93 seconds. This year Oliver shattered the school record again, with an astonishing time of 10.63 seconds, set at the Stanford meet on March 28.

“We are better than last year,” said Rosby. Rosby alone broke four school records at the Top 8 Meet on April 25.

He broke the frosh-soph 100meter time, the frosh-soph 200meter time, the frosh-soph 4x100 time, and the frosh-soph 4x400 time.

The boys have a great shot at placing in the state meet with this time.

“At this point, it’d be great for them to stay healthy and to improve their time,” said Rainwater. The boys can break the record at the last few meets of the year.

Staff Writer

On a rainy and cold Friday, the Trojans varsity baseball team did remarkably well in such weather. Castro Valley overcame a tough opponent on May 1, playing against the San Leandro Pirates. It was an epic battle. The game ended with the Castro Valley Trojans taking the victory, 8-5.

Castro Valley improved to a record of 8-4 in HAAL. Overall, the Trojans are 12-8.

“It was cold

and we fought hard in the rain and mud and in the end we prevailed.

Matt Narahara Pitcher

”

Matt McAusland smashed a double and a home run for Castro Valley. In addition, McAusland hit in four runs.

The Trojans’ winning pitcher was Matt Narahara and Harry Stanwyck got the save.

“We are having a really good season so far and we’re all having fun,” said coach John

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Pitcher Matt Narahara earned the win against the San Leandro Pirates at the game on Friday, May 1. The Trojans won the game, 8-5.

Lavine.

Throughout the game, Castro Valley had a total of nine hits.

“It was cold and we fought hard in the rain and mud and in the end we prevailed,” said Narahara.

There were many parents who were sitting in the rain supporting the team. The Trojans feel very lucky to have so much support from the parents.

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

Brandon Lui / Staff Writer

Dayton Erickson, freshman

Sierra Gibson, sophomore

Daniel Murphy, junior

Anthony Mach, senior

Dayton Erickson is a freshman on the CVHS swim team.

Although only a freshman, she’s been swimming for five years.

Swimming isn’t the first sport she ever tried, but it is the one she has stuck to. Erickson is a very intense competitor when it comes to swim meets. Besides swimming, Erickson enjoys hanging out with her friends and reading. She likes Stephen King novels and prefers horror books to horror movies.

Sierra Gibson is a fierce swimmer here at CVHS. She’s now been swimming for ten years. Before finding swimming Sierra attempted many sports, but admits to having been uncoordinated when it came to ball-based sports. Gibson enjoys the thrill of competition at swim meets. When she has the time she likes to hang out with her friends. Gibson enjoys junk food although it’s not in her best interest as an athlete.

Her favorite ice cream flavors are cookie dough and cookies and cream.

Daniel Murphy is a first-year track athlete specializing in the discus and shot put. Although this is only Murphy’s first year in track, he feels like he’s consistently getting better at it. What Murphy enjoys about the competitions is that he has the chance to meet new people and make some new friends.

Murphy hopes to further his athletic career; he’s thinking about joining the football team next year. He enjoys hanging out with his friends on campus when time permits.

Anthony Mach is a three-year badminton veteran. He took to the sport during his sophomore year specifically for college but found the sport interesting and has stuck with it. Although winning is nice, Mach feels that you learn more from losing and you can come back stronger because of it. He feels especially proud that his learning helped him win a challenging varsity match.

Mach feels wise enough to advise his friends, even though they may not always listen to him. He plans on continuing his sports career in college.

Leadership elections results are in!

By Tim Wong Staff Writer

Irene Liang / City Editor

Junior Gloria Lee cuts her hair to be donated at the Cuts for Cancer event, organized by the American Cancer Society Club at Stacy Monroe’s Hair Salon.

Air conditioning woes far from over Battle for cooler classrooms continues as summer nears

By Eva Poon News Editor

The battle to get air conditioning in several hallways at CVHS has been simmering for years between the Castro Valley Teachers Association and the school district. After their complaint filed in September 2008 failed to go through, the union remains determined to press the district for air conditioning while keeping alert to the current education budget crisis.

“While the largest priority is keeping programs and teachers, the conditions are a menacing concern that we can’t sit back and leave alone,” said Barbara Siegel, head of the teachers’ union.

The complaint was filed under the provisions of the California Superior Court case Williams v.

California, which said schools must provide equal access to materials and safe facilities.

The teachers’ union believed that because temperatures have reportedly exceeded 90 degrees in rooms without air conditioning, the district would qualify for funds to install air conditioning units.

The union was unable to continue with its complaint because Williams stipulates that only schools with very low API (Aca-

demic Performance Index) scores that are designated as Decile 1 to 3 qualify for funding to update facilities. The state uses API scores to determine a school’s performance based on standardized testing scores. Schools are categorized into deciles with those in Decile 10 recognized as the best performing schools.

“The chances of getting AC eventually are good and we could eventually sue in court over the labor conditions,” said Siegel.

She noted that if the union sues, the district stands to lose money to spend on teachers and students, so the union hopes to “lay a little low until the district is in better [financial] shape,” while continuing to think about the best approaches to address the issue.

About 40 percent of Castro Valley classrooms currently have air conditioning, according to Siegel.

Installing air conditioning in rooms without it, at CVHS and throughout the district, would cost from $6 to 7 million, according to a school district estimate.

In the meantime, Siegel said teachers should keep track of students with complaints about the heat and the number of dehydrated individuals that have to go to the nurse’s office or the water fountain. She said the heat makes students “unproductive in class” and can cause sickness in students and teachers.

Several teachers agreed with the union’s view.

“It’s like hell. Whatever it is outside, it’s hotter inside,” said social studies teacher Jeff Goldstein.

The district has tried many alternative cooling methods, including planting bushes, installing vents, and tinting the windows. Goldstein dismissed these

as “useless,” adding that the sunlight reflecting off parked cars into the 100 hall adds to the heat. Many teachers have brought in fans to cool off their rooms.

Superintendent Jerry Macy said the district realizes that certain wings at CVHS can get uncomfortably hot and that while the vents have made some improvements, temperatures are still not down to comfortable levels.

“Siegel and I are both frustrated that we can’t do anything

“While the largest

priotity is keeping programs and teachers, the condidtions are a menacing concern.

Barbara Siegel Teacher

”

about it,” noted Macy. “There’s no money for that kind of investment.”

Macy and Siegel have discussed the possibility of a bond that if approved by voters would provide money to install and run air conditioning, but for now, the focus is keeping education programs intact in the district.

“We’re trying to marshal our resources,” said social studies teacher Kathleen Cassidy.

“Someway down the road, it’ll be nice to make equitable conditions and we will have AC.”

After the intense debates concluded and the promotional posters cleared, the results of the student body elections came and next year ’s leaders were revealed.

Though the elected face numerous problems, mostly arising from the budget crisis, the officers believe that there are ways they can positively influence the school next year.

“I know everything can’t be fixed right away, but at least we get to think about the issues,” said junior Eric Galvan, ASB school board representative winner.

“My hope and plans for next year are to represent the school well and to have everyone represented evenly.”

The officers also vow to make changes and benefit the school to the best of their ability.

“My hope for the next school year is that I can uphold the responsibilities entrusted to me the moment I was elected. I plan to work collaboratively with the ASB President-Elect Justen Meadows, as well as the rest of the ASB officers and leadership team,” said Joseph Ro, ASB vice president-elect.

Associated Student Body President

Justen Meadows Vice President

Joseph Ro Secretary

Jimmy Quintanilla Treasurer

Lucas Heuer School Board Representative

Eric Galvan Class of 2010 President

Melissa Luong Vice President

Desmond Castain Secretary

Ashley Sutedja Treasurer

Brian Hayes Class of 2011 President

Joon Joung Vice President

Elenita Nicholas Secretary

Isabel Chi Treasurer

Jasmine Fong Class of 2012 President

Jessica Woo Vice President

Joseph Kang Secretary

Jane Hong Treasurer

Kyle Linayao

Obama mural survives graffiti

By Moises Fonseca Staff Writer

After many years of suffering from vandalism, CVHS has found a way to reduce the amount of graffiti around campus: security cameras.

“I feel since the cameras have been installed, we’ve had fewer problems with graffiti,” said art teacher Jo Sutton. Sutton and her students decided to add a portrait of President Barack Obama to a mural on 100 Hall. It has been tagged three times since its creation.

Juniors Dante Broome and Demetri Murphy, both enrolled in studio art, were the first two students to work on the portrait.

“At first I was excited about doing it. However, after I found that the picture had been tagged… now I feel disappointed,” said Murphy.

It took the juniors the entire third quarter to finish their piece of art.

After the portrait of Obama was tagged, Sutton and her art armies were able to fix the picture with the help of juniors Kelty McGonagle and Susie Kim, both enrolled in AP Studio Art. “It’s unnecessary and messed

up to destroy other people’s work and to draw over Obama,” said McGonagle.

“The first time was really horrible,” said Kim. It took about one hour to fix the portrait of Obama the first time and then about 45 minutes the other two

“It’s ... messed

up to destroy other people’s work and to draw over Obama.

Kelty McGonagle Junior

”

times, she said.

When the administration noticed how many times the portrait of Obama had been tagged, it decided to rotate a camera to face the portrait in the hopes of discouraging or catching future taggers.

So far it’s working, but Broome says, “It’s a little too late already.”