Oct 9, 2009

Pg. 5

Pg. 6

Summer concerts rock fans

Electric Daisy Carnival in Los Angeles

Six students arrested after yearbook heist

Tennis team New triumphs teachers again rock CVHS

10 staff members join Trojans team

CVHS girls remain undefeated

Keep your eye on the ball

By Joseph Wan Editor-in-Chief

Six students were arrested and suspended after confessing to stealing $6,720 worth of yearbooks during finals week of last school year, school officials said. The names of the three seniors and three juniors were not released to the public. Aside from suspension, the three seniors also lost their right to walk in senior graduation.

“Teenagers sometimes make bad decisions,” said yearbook teacher Jennifer Jervis. “The students owned up to what they did. That’s a commendable thing.”

Jervis had been supervising yearbook pickups on June 5 when someone realized a stack of personalized yearbooks were missing. After counting each stack and comparing the numbers with their list, the yearbook class discovered they were short 84 books, each worth $80. The disappearance was immediately reported to the administration and to the sheriff’s office.

“It was a team effort between the sheriff’s office and the administration,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy Vales.

According to Vales, the students broke into the mat room, where the yearbooks were stored, after school. Students who bought the stolen yearbooks for a discounted price led the investigation to the sellers, Vales said.

Jervis was notified on June 9 that the first student had been brought in for questioning. According to Jervis, “one thing led to another.”

The six students that confessed were detained in the main office, where they were later released to their parents, Vales said.

“I think it was disrespectful to steal what we worked so hard to put together,” said senior Jessica Hendrix, yearbook student.

“It was definitely a stupid thing to do, and it was rude. It was also unfair how not everyone got caught,” added Lindsay Poon, fellow returning yearbook student.

Poon is not the only one who believes that there were more than six students involved in the thefts.

Jervis also believes there were students who were not caught and punished.

Vales said, “They shouldn’t have been hanging out on campus in the first place.”

Pg. 7

Athletes skipping sports bills School may cut teams

By Irene Liang Editor-in-Chief

Moises Fonseca / Sports Editor

Senior Edgar Caro catches the football in the Trojans’ 50-7 loss against Grenada on Sept. 24. See story on Page 7.

District pays $4,800 in Days of Diversity conflict

By Lindsay Oda Business Manager

Castro Valley Unified School District has agreed to pay $4,800 in attorney fees to a group of parents who sued the district, claiming it violated the Freedom of Information Act. Last year during Days of Diversity at CVHS, Reverend Arlene Nehring made a presentation to a class focusing on issues facing the gay and lesbian community. In response, a concerned though anonymous person sent a mass email to members of the community complaining about “brainwashing” of students.

Weeks later, 31 parents rep-

resented by the Pacific Justice Institute filed a lawsuit against CVUSD for not releasing information concerning the presentation. They demanded emails surrounding the scheduling of Nehring’s visit, the Power Point presentation itself, and any information connecting the topic of LGBT issues to a math or science class.

CVUSD gave all the information they had. However, the parents still asked for $15,000 in attorney fees which “the district did not believe was appropriate because we complied with the request,” said Superintendent Jim Negri.

CVUSD and the parents’ attorneys finally agreed on

$4,800 in legal fees. Pacific Justice Institute declined to comment on the negotiated legal fees. “[You] hate to pay money when you know you’re right,” said Negri. “In a tight budget year, you don’t want to continue to spend money on legal fees if you’ve just put something to rest.”

The school will alter its approach in planning next year ’s Days of Diversity, Negri said.

“What will we do? We will communicate better,” said Negri. The administration hopes to establish better communication with parents and students on speakers and their topics.

As for the lawsuit, CVUSD wants to, as Negri says, “Move on.”

New boss arrives in CVUSD

By Alexandra Gomes News Editor

Jim Negri took the reins as new superintendent for the Castro Valley Unified School District after the retirement of Superintendent Jim Fitzpatrick and faces different obstacles in the near future.

Despite the issues concerning our districts, including the budget cuts and Days of Diversity lawsuit, Negri remains optimistic that the district will pull through and continue to improve.

“My goal is that we give stu-

NEGRI: Page 8

Howard Whang / Photo Editor

Superintendent Jim Negri talks about the challenges facing the school district.

In light of the recent budget crisis and the fiscal situation, CVHS has asked its athletes to contribute a donation of $150 to compensate for the $100,000 shortfall in athletic funds.

Only 30 percent of fall athletes have paid so far. If not enough funds are raised, school officials may have to cut entire frosh/soph and junior varsity teams, said Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman. According to Whiteman, athletic programs will be cut starting from the bottom tier.

Cuts will create less opportunities.

“

Jason Whiteman Assistant Principal

”

The district used to contribute $200,000 a year towards high school athletics, but is only providing $70,000 to $100,000 this school year. To make up the difference, school officials have asked athletes to donate $150 for their first sport, $100 for a second sport, and $50 for a third. Through September, 99 athletes have paid a total of, $14,563.

The athletic department has also been reaching out to the CVHS Athletic Booster Club and the CVHS PTSA for more funds.

“We’re in a place as a district where cuts are being made,” said Whiteman.

This means that the junior varsity and frosh/soph teams will face cuts to compensate for the lack of funding, he said.

“Cuts will create less opportunities for students,” added Whiteman.

CVHS is asking all those who can to donate for athletics.

Only tardy students caught in sweeps Editorial: There has been an increase in the frequency of tardy sweeps compared to last year. Students need to understand is that the school is simply trying to reduce tardies through the incentive of not getting a referral.

Now this may seem like a hassle, but it’s really just for a few students, not the majority of the student body. The only person to blame for a tardy is the student.

Teachers talk about how tardy students disrupt the class and make the teachers have to repeat what they were saying. Thus the school has grounds to punish tardy students for their disruption.

While it’s true that a tardy sweep makes students miss even more class than being regularly tardy, and it doesn’t help students catch up with what they’ve missed, it still acts as a reminder to get to class on time. There is also the problem of tardies because of accidents. But if you’re still get-

ting in trouble for multiple tardies, it’s likely not just an accident.

A little fear of being late isn’t that bad is it? If you’re late to or miss a doctor’s appointment, you’re charged an extra fee. Returning books late entails a late fee as well. If you miss your reservations at a restaurant, they’ll give your table away.

It’s not like the administration can reward everyone that shows up on time. There are just far too many people. Students just need to meet the school expectations and show up for class on time.

When it comes down to getting to class, it’s really up to the students. There are a few instances where the reason you’re late isn’t your fault and you don’t have a note to prove it, but that’s why you head to class earlier. The best way to avoid being caught up in a tardy sweep is keep a watch or look at a clock from time to time and make sure you can walk to class in six minutes.

Save your money at community colleges

By Hillman Zhang Staff Writer

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and went on to found the Microsoft software company. Ellen DeGeneres also dropped out of college and is now a successful talk show host. Unfortunately, not everyone who doesn’t finish college will go on to be rich and famous. Today, the safe route would be to at least get a college degree to be even remotely successful.

However, does it matter whether one first attends a community college or a university?

No, it does not. In fact, University of California (UC) has been in talks of raising tuition by more than 30 percent next year

to supplement the rising costs and cuts of their state funds. This year, UCs have already raised 10 percent of their tuition fees. If this increase in tuition fees were to be approved, UCs would be even more outrageously expensive than community colleges than they already are.

No need to fear, community colleges are here. In addition to being a cheaper alternative, community colleges are usually closer to home, so living on campus would not be necessary, which can either be a pro or a con. Community colleges only offer up to Associate of Arts degrees, but a lot of students transfer to universities to further pursue higher degrees after they have earned general education credits at a community college.

I’m not saying attending a university is a horrible idea. If the money or the financial aid is available, by all means, go for it! Universities are expensive for very good reasons. Almost all universities provide campus housing for all kinds of students. Also, there are lots of extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or even meeting new people from all over.

As previously mentioned, higher education is also available.

In the end, it doesn’t matter where students attend college as long as they are achieving their career goals. After all, college education is only preparation for a career. What we choose to do with our careers is what will truly determine our success.

PHOTOpinions BY: Lindsay Oda

What do you think of the tardy sweeps?

Igor Breyman / Staff Writer

Curse Kanye's stunt

By Igor Breyman

Staff Writer How many of us have gotten a chance to experience our well deserved, promised-within-ourlifetime, 15 minutes of fame?

Although Taylor Swift gets a little bit more than most people, what Kanye West took away from her during her Video Music Awards speech was simply unjust, and has completely hindered his reputation among the crowds.

On Sept. 13, the annual MTV show entertained many, but it wasn’t until Swift won Best Female Video of the Year that things took a surprising curve.

“ I ’ m s o r r y, b u t B e y o n c é [Knowles] had one of the best videos of all time,” West proclaimed, right after taking the microphone from Swift during her speech. After that, Swift was left speechless, and didn’t even have a chance to finish her speech, let alone have the aspiration to do so.

Knowles was dazed and confused at that moment, and it wasn’t until Knowles’s speech for winning Video of the Year did respect get paid back to Swift.

Through this series of events, a plethora of people developed a seething hatred for West. This list includes Miley Cyrus, Joe Jackson, several radio stations that refuse to play him, and even President Barack Obama.

“The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She’s getting her award; what’s he doing? He’s a jackass,” said Obama before an interview while the cameras were rolling.

I have begun my hatred as

well.

This whole scenario is nothing more than West’s own greedy selfish drunken attempts for attention, and the worst part is how he’s succeeding. He’s attempted to apologize on many shows, including the Jay Leno Show where he cried while confronting this issue. Sorry West, but I’m not falling for it.

You still have empty promises to apologize to Swift in person that you have to uphold, or else your reputation will be permanently scarred.

Is our society really coming to the point where we need to take away other people’s spotlights to uphold our own? If it’s true, we need to use West as an example and reverse our ways as soon as possible.

Although West’s music always made me tap into my groove thang, at the rate things are going, I’m sure I’ll grow a liking for Swift or Knowles instead.

“I hate tardy sweeps. I don’t like them, but I feel they are useful.”

Freshman Angelique Espinoza

“I haven’t been caught in any so I don’t really care.”

Junior Isabel Chi

“I think it’s a good idea, but it’s unfair that they do it at the beginning of the year when people are still getting used to the schedule.”

Sophomore Joseph Kang

“I think they are implemented poorly. Students dislike tardy sweeps, but it doesn’t seem to teach them any lessons.”

Senior Desmond Castain

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2009 Editor-In-Chiefs...............................................................Irene Liang Joseph Wan City Editor.......................................................................Erin Mundy News Editor...........................................................Alexandra Gomes Opinion Editor..............................................................Alicia Harger Feature Editor............................................................Lawrence Ham Sports Editor.............................................................Moises Fonseca 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

Let freedom ring! School food is overpriced From every kid’s cell phone

By Tiffany Choi Staff Writer

As I waited for my brother to pick me up for my orthodontist appointment during lunch in my freshman year, I take out my cell phone to call a friend.

“You know the rules, no cell phones,” says an administrator as he walks by me.

I quickly apologize, put my cell phone away, but then I take it out and call my friend as soon as he’s disappeared to tell her what just happened.

Cell phones are a must for any high school teenager. Companies come up with new ones almost every week. There are ones for texting, listening to music, or even taking pictures.

But they’re not allowed during school hours because they “interfere with the learning environment.” Well I don’t know whose education I was

interfering with, due to the fact that it was lunchtime when I made my call.

The school should loosen up on its rules for cell phones. Of course we shouldn’t use them in class, but how about outside of class, like during break or lunch? They’re a distraction in class, but who are we going to bother if we use them outside of class?

My solution is that we should be able to use our cell phones during break, lunch, or passing period. Students would be able to find their friends or maybe there’s an emergency in which students need to call their parents. Either way, we’re not “interfering with the learning environment” of another student.

Despite the fact that cell phones are distracting, the school doesn’t want cell phones on campus for safety reasons.

For example, students can gossip and spread rumors with their cell phones which can lead up to fights at school.

I guess for now we’ll just have to use our cell phones in secret and hope no one catches us. And don’t forget to text me… after school.

Gross bathrooms make the call of nature unbearable

By Kearny Combs Staff Writer

Imagine bathing in a river of cow manure. Visualize and smell the dung current as it warmly rushes up and down your body.

Good feeling, right? No, it’s not a good sensation at all. It’s disgusting. This feeling of disgust is similar to the disgust I have towards how students treat the bathrooms here.

Nearly all the bathrooms, particularly 200 and 700 hall bathrooms, carry a strong urine aroma. Even in the morning, the bathrooms stink. This is primarily because some students think it’s cool to pee around the toilet rather than inside it. It’s not.

What’s even more unpleasant is when you go into a stall and find leftovers. Come on guys. If

it’s brown, flush it down. I’ve even walked into stalls in which the feces were behind, in front of, or on the side of the toilet. I know desperate times call for desperate measures, but honestly?

Another common event in the bathrooms, especially 900 hall and behind 300 hall, is stealing the soap or towel dispensers.

Once again, not cool.

Since it’s obvious students can’t be trusted to be mature and clean up behind themselves in the bathrooms, here’s a solution: bathroom monitors should be placed either just outside or inside the restrooms. Their job would simply be to make sure the bathrooms stay as the custodians left it - clean. This would also reduce the stealing of dispensers.

The school could also make the students clean the bathrooms.

Instead of handing them a detention, just give them bathroom duty.

The main point is this: take care of the bathrooms guys.

Don’t think it’s the custodians’ job to clean up our mess. Don’t make a mess in the first place.

By Bianca Arias Staff Writer

The economy is getting pretty bad, but wouldn’t you think that school would be one of the places you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off at?

Here, Vitamin Water costs two dollars, where if I had the time to go to Safeway I could save myself a dollar, or more

if they’re on sale. I’ve tried to be positive, but being at school and dying of thirst, you cannot be anything but angry.

Another ridiculous rip-off is that supposedly the bags of chips are the right amount of calories we’re supposed to have, but the bag is huge and there’s only like five chips inside.

You’re paying a dollar for what’s not even a hand full of chips. There are huge bags of chips at Safeway for a dollar that sometimes I can’t even finish.

I don’t always eat lunch from school. I tend to bring lunch, but I have friends who spend almost $30 or more a week

for lunch. That is horrible.

There are so many ways to eat healthy and for less than $30 or more a week.

I’ve seen friends not eat lunch because they don’t have enough money to buy something to fill their stomachs.

This is sad especially when there’s a load of people who don’t even have money to let people borrow.

So I think that if the school tried buying food products from generic brands, it would be cheaper for the school and kids. It tastes the same; it just doesn’t have the label everyone is used to. Hey, if it saves people money I’d do it, wouldn’t you?

over. This does not work very well because, for the second time, I got nothing out of the student handbook.

Last year when the student handbook was given to my class, we were supposed to review it with the teacher, but we did not. He put us into groups and told us to review the book. I don’t know about other groups, but my group just sat around and talked about other things.

This year, the teacher only went over two things. One was the section about student searches, and the other about the boundaries of the school.

This did not accomplish anything.

The student handbook is

filled with all kinds of school rules. If the students don’t know all the rules, they are going to break them without even knowing it!

Now, it is the students’ job to look over the handbook, but most high school students don’t. Most of them throw the book away.

So it is the responsibility of the administration to make sure that all of the rules are reviewed and discussed if they don’t want them to be broken.

One suggestion would be to go over the student handbook at the welcome back assembly instead of using all that time to get into the bleachers.

Use the student handbook

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

CVHS has not done a very good job informing students about the student handbook.

For the second year, the handbook has been a waste of time and paper for me.

Every school year the administration makes a book of the school rules for each student that teachers are required to go

Nick Leonardo / Staff Writer

Students debate drama of President Obama Deficit spending plan flawed, expensive

Speech to students inspired without brainwashing

By Irene Liang Editor-in-Chief

A few weeks ago, I was surprised by the number of parents across the U.S who refused to let their children watch President Barack Obama’s speech on education that was specifically addressed to students.

I fully support Obama’s education reform policies, including: increasing pay for teachers, reforming No Child Left Behind, establishing intervention programs for middle and high schools, and increasing math and science scores, making them comparable to our international counterparts.

Most of these issues have been addressed in a manner towards adults, but not towards those that education matters most to: the students.

Obama’s education speech was to motivate students to do better in school and to inform them of his goals for education, not to brainwash them. At no point during the speech was Obama trying to push a partisan political agenda.

It surprises me parents don’t want their children to watch Obama tell them why education is valuable and a necessity for success.

Only benefits can come out of watching his speech, some of which are students getting better grades, an increase of students graduating from high school, and more students attending college.

In the 18-minute speech, Obama focused on reminding students that even though school is difficult at times, it is important to remain resilient. He talked about how education should not be taken for granted and how you must work to pursue any career, such as architecture or a field in medicine.

The most influential part of this speech was that Obama made it more personal and used his own life story.

For instance, while living in Indonesia, Obama’s mother could not afford to pay the tuition for him to attend an American school. Instead, Obama would wake up at 4:30 in the morning just so his mother could teach him extra lessons. Even though he wasn’t too fond of waking up early, Obama knew he had to work hard to succeed.

Motivation is what many students lack when it comes to schoolwork. Obama is the perfect example to get us students to focus on our work. He is someone who went through adversity, but managed to graduate from Harvard and went on to become the President of the United States. He is the epitome of what education and hard work can do for you.

Even though there are many who don’t agree with Obama’s policies, this speech is important for students to see. A speech that is specifically writ-

ten for all students of different grade levels to understand by the President is something that seldom happens. A student shouldn’t be allowed to miss out on an opportunity to see something like this.

Let students be motivated to value education, but more importantly, let them see their potential.

Obama said it best in his speech: “Every single one of you has something to offer.

And you have the responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.”

By Joseph Wan Editor-in-Chief

Is it still too early to call the current financial crisis a depression? Not if we rely on America's common sense.

After all, people bought houses they knew they couldn’t afford, and the banks that should have told them “No” said, “Sure. But here’s a bigger, better house you should be looking at. Interested?”

You’d think the historians would have warned us of impending disaster long before the whole subprime mortgage affair.

Of course, we can’t put all the

Dana Lin / Staff Writer

blame on the historians. As Americans, we should have seen the signs coming, since we've all studied our own country’s history. But it’s too late now to focus on what preventive measures could have been taken. It’s time to respond, and to respond responsibly.

But Obama's policy of deficit spending? Sure, government spending may well stimulate the economy, but there is one thing we should all remember. Deficit spending did not save America from the Great Depression. World War II did.

You might think that a few hundred billion dollars is a laughably small amount, especially when compared to the over $10 trillion debt, but just a few years ago, a single hundred billion would have dropped jaws.

The true problem is not in the amount of money used to bail out needy corporations; it’s in how that money is used.

The best example is the Chrysler bailout scandal. In 2008, the forecast looked grim for American car corporations (and their millions of workers), so the government decided to be merciful and dumped the aforementioned few-hundred billion into their pockets.

And what did they do with it? They went and spent it all on lavish parties for their ‘hardworking” top executives. And got away with it.

Still, if you really think deficit spending will save this country, who am I to stop you? By all means go for it. Just make sure you have countermeasures and consequences to guard against abuse. Top executives should not, under any circumstance, get bonuses larger than what the average citizen makes in a year. Taxpayer dollars should not be used in saving corporations that don’t want to be saved. And trust me, widening the wealth gap will not help you get reelected.

Maybe, instead of bailing out car companies, the government could simply focus more on the programs that make a difference in the world.

Like saving the coral reefs or dealing with global warming. The best option would be following in the footsteps of President Franklin Roosevelt and sponsoring large public works programs.

Unfortunately, the situation has already spiraled out of the control of the common man. Now it lies in the hands of the big powerhous: the government. Still, every American has a hand in the government and therefore, a role to play.

So follow politics, read the news, and when voting day comes around, let your voice be heard.

Because, unless the warmongers get their way and World War III breaks out, it's going to be a long time before we even hit bottom.

Musings on bad news and statistical improbabilities

By Howard Whang Photo Editor

Media (n): The bearer of bad news.

Perhaps the weather forecast for tomorrow is terrible. Perhaps the weather forecast is wonderful and it turns out terrible. Perhaps

the state budget was just cut by another billion zillion dollars.

Perhaps the stock market crashes again; the global economy will probably follow. Gosh, I hate it when that happens.

But despite the cost of living, have you noticed how living still remains very popular? The odds of a person committing suicide are only one in 9200.

Want some bad news? Sure, that’s the job of the “media.”

There’s a one in seven chance that you’ll get arthritis in your lifetime. You have a one in three chance of dying from a heart problem and a one in three chance of getting cancer. There’s also a one in 740,000 chance of

dying by choking on your vomit.

What about universal health care in a failing economy? Definitely needed, like when you need emergency treatment from burning pajamas—one in 97,000,000.

Don’t worry about walking in Oakland alone at night. Even though Oakland has the fourth highest crime rate in the US, the chance you’ll be murdered in your lifetime is only one in 18,000, about the same chances that you’ll die in a car accident.

That’s why flying is safer.

Chances of being in a plane crash are one in 500,000, about the same as a deadly asteroid hitting the earth.

The odds that you’ll die on a bike are about one in 4472. Nonbikers: beware of chain saws. The chance of being injured by a chain saw is one in 4464.

The California Lottery supposedly donates a lot of the money from ticket sales to education.

With the financial situation these days, people should be trying to strike it rich.

After all, one-third of the US population thinks that winning the lottery is the only way to become financially secure.

Well, I’ve got news for you people. You are 6.79 times more likely to be killed by lightning than to win the lottery (one in 2,650,000 to one in 18 million).

This year, The Olympian promises to inform you of local bad news that could affect you, the CVHS student.

Don’t bother reading about stuff happening on the other side of the planet that you have zero control over anyways. Let’s spend time worrying about things happening right here that we also have no control over.

At CVHS, if there is something you don’t like, scream loudly, because if you go to the White House and scream loudly, you’ll eventually be put in jail or a mental institution.

If only newspapers allowed you to only subscribe to the comics.

Summer rock concerts feed the fire of fans

Cruefest 2 The legendary Motley Crue brought their second Crue Fest to the Shoreline Ampitheatre in Mountain View this summer, and I must say it was an awesome show for only $50.

Crue Fest this year had a variety of bands in the program, which included Theory of A Dead Man, Drowning Pool, The Charm City Devils, and Godsmack.

When Motley Crue took the stage everyone went crazy. Suddenly the stage went black and we saw a nurse inject some chemical into this crazy guy in a straight jacket. Then the back curtain went down and Montley Crue began the twentieth anniversary of their hit album, Dr.Feelgood, by playing it from cover to cover, and I have to say it sounded great.

All in all I loved Crue Fest this year. I strongly suggest you see it if you’re a fan of Motley Crue. It’s a great show and a great value for lawn tickets at $50.

- Trevin Smith Mayhem: Rockstar Mayhem Festival was ten hours of loud, metal bands screaming, spewing fake blood, and a night of ultimate fun. This summer, the headliners were Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Killswitch Engage, and Bullet for My Valentine.

Upcoming Events MusicOct. 13: Los Lonely Boys – 1969 [EP] Oct. 27: Between the Buried and Me – The Great Misdirect Oct. 27: Sting – If on a winter’s Night Oct. 27: Tegan and Sara – Sainthood Oct. 27: Weezer – Raditude MoviesOct. 8: Going the Distance Oct. 8: Secretariat Oct. 8: The Zookeeper Oct. 22: The Prisoners

Erin Mundy / City Editor

The Electric Daisy Carnival main stage hosted 80,000 screaming festival-goers.

This festival isn’t for the light hearted. There are intense mosh pits, crazy fans, and lots of swearing. But to the metal fans, this is one of the best tours around.

This year, White Chapel and Cannibal Corpse played early in the night, setting the par for the better known bands. These were the best shows, getting the

crowd super energetic. Their songs were played almost as well as the CD’s tracks.

The ticket prices range from $40-$100, depending on what seats you buy. If you are into metal even a little bit, this festival is for you. It is a night filled with fun, and a must-see of the summer.

- Sarah Gilchriese

The Electric Daisy Carnival Fat electro bass rips and seductive house beats blared from every corner of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Expo. The Electric Daisy Carnival, the biggest dance music festival in North America, took place on June 26 and 27.

A record 135,000 music lovers and party goers gathered for two nights of an unforgettable experience that all in attendance remember as the most epic party yet.

I went not knowing what to expect, and left with my mind blown and my passion for EDM (Electronic Dance Music) intensified.

Top notch DJs from around the world gathered for two indescribable nights. As if hearing my favorite tracks spun live wasn’t enough, insane carnival rides, clowns, martians on stilts, and lion tamers with cheetah-costumed people crawled the grounds.

To put it simply, EDC was everything I’d wanted, and then some.

- Erin Mundy Warped Tour: Warped Tour 2009 wasn’t as good as the tour in 2008. The lineup was mediocre, and had fewer big bands than last summer.

Headlining was 3OH!3, but The Devil Wears Prada, All Time Low, and Forever the Sickest Kids were the best shows of the day. All Time Low opened with their single, “Weightless,” which got the entire crowd to sing along.

The most intense show was played by Chiodos, who had massive mosh pits and hardcore dancers. The crowd really got into the music, which made Chiodos play a very clean and amazing set.

The fans were the worst part of the show, since they were mostly pre-teen girls dressed to look older. They definitely put a level of annoyance on the entire day, screaming and being stereotypical groupies. If you ignored them, the shows were pretty good.

For next summer, if some of your favorite bands are playing, my advice is to go. But if the lineup doesn’t fit your taste in music, this is a tour that can be missed.

- Sarah Gilchriese

Video GamesOct. 6: Spore Hero (Wii), $50 Oct. 13: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii, DS), $50 Oct. 13: Rock Band Metal Track Pack (PS2, PS3, XBox 360, Wii), $30 Oct. 20: FIFA Soccer 10 (Wii, XBox 360), $60 Oct. 29: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City (XBox 360), $40 BooksOct. 20: Lauren Strasnick – Nothing Like You, $17 Oct. 20: Ellen Hopkins – A New Dawn, $10 Oct. 19: Catherine Murdock – Front and Center, $16 Oct. 27: Robert Jordan (Brandon Sanderson) – The Gathering Storm, $30 ConcertsOct. 9: Jason Mraz, Greek Theatre, $47.50 Oct. 10: MetalFest benefit concert, Memorial Park, suggested donation of canned goods Oct. 11: Mayday Parade & The Academy Is, Regency Ballroom, $13.50 Oct. 12: Flo Rida & Sean Kingston, the Warfield, $30-$42.50 Oct. 15: Say Anything, Slims, $20 Oct. 16: Rascal Flatts, HP pavilion at San Jose, $30-$68.50 Oct. 18: All That Remains, Regency Ballroom, $18.50

SchoolOct. 22: Light the Lights, 7:00, $5–$50 Oct. 23: Battle of the Bands, 5:00, $5–$7 Oct. 30: Invisible Children Club Movie Screening, café/CFA $1

Leadership Announcements Homecoming Week: Monday Oct. 12 to Friday Oct. 16 Homecoming Work Party: Saturday, Oct. 10; Monday, Oct. 12; Thursday, Oct. 15 Homecoming Assembly: Friday, Oct. 16 Homecoming Dance: Saturday, Oct. 17 Halloween Costume Contest: Friday, Oct. 30

CVHS welcomes new staff members Kim Alcaraz

“As an elementary and middle school teacher, this is my first experience teaching high school. I am looking forward to working with the students at CVHS.”

Celeste Greco

Lawrence Ham/ Feature Editor

Irish teacher Stuart Graham will spend a year at Castro Valley High School.

Marni Malone

“My family worked hard to provide me access to knowledge.

My phenomenal experiences abroad and local resulted from that education. As a teacher I hope to provide the same access and possibilities to my students.”

Herbert Gomez

Math classes add ‘Luck of the Irish’

By Alicia Harger Opinion Editor

With an Irish accent that conjures images of green hills and little men with pots of gold, Stuart Graham is one of the most exotic new teachers at CVHS. Coming from a small town outside Belfast, Ireland, he is in the United States participating in a teacher exchange program, and will teach at CVHS for one year.

Apparently, Castro Valley has made a good impression on Graham. Graham praised the students saying that they were well behaved and respectful. He is also impressed by how well organized and calm CVHS is for a big school.

“It’s really good. The people here are very welcoming,” Graham said.

Coming from a small, private school (Belfast Royal Academy) teaching at CVHS is a big change

for Graham. One of the biggest differences between the schools is that the school in Belfast requires students to wear a uniform.

Teaching Algebra 2 and Pre Calculus is a change for Graham, because the system used in Ireland teaches all areas of math together, instead of making distinct changes year to year. There is also a lot more grading, because the class sizes are bigger.

Another major change is the weather; in Ireland the chances of a big game getting rained out is high. Here weather is hardly ever an issue.

“It seems like a big change, but basically students everywhere are the same,” said Graham.

Graham decided to participate in the program because he had visited the United States several times before and really enjoyed

the experience. He is living here with his wife, Ali Graham. He thought that living in a new country, rather than just visiting, gives him a better chance to get to know people and to experience the culture more completely.

Graham is from Northern Ireland, which is governed as part of the United Kingdom, instead of by the Irish government.

On the subject of culture, Graham says there are differences between the United States and Ireland. In the UK, there is universal health care and more paid sick days. In the United States, there’s a strong drive to succeed, an independent, self reliant feeling that isn’t as strong in the UK, Graham said.

“Here it’s really down to you to work hard for yourself,” said Graham.

Exploring Germany and the wonders of Europe Students visit Berlin Wall, Eiffel Tower, and more in summer

By Sarah Gilchriese A&E Editor

For two weeks during the beginning of the summer, 30 German students and their family members took a trip to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and France.

The group practiced their German, as well as experienced the culture of Europe firsthand.

“It was a lot of fun seeing all the sights,” said senior Yana Downey.

Some of the main sights were the Berlin Wall, the Neuschwannstein Castle, and the Eiffel Tower.

In Germany, the group went to Berlin, Rottenburg, Munich, and

Heidelberg. The students went to a German school in Berlin and saw how the German schooling system works. The group took a three-hour walking tour, had lots of free time looking at the Holocaust Museum, and explored the streets of Germany’s capital. Both Rottenburg and Munich were amazing cities, and the group took tours to see the German lifestyle.

“Berlin is my favorite because it’s very cultural, and I like seeing the kids discover it for the first time,” said Frau Barbara Klews, German teacher and group leader.

Next, the group went to Austria for a few hours, visiting the biggest Swarovski crystal shop in the world. The crystals are formed in Austria and the shop had the most intricate and extravagant crystals.

After leaving, the group rode a bus to Italy. Over the next three

days, the group saw the canals and architecture of Venice, and Romeo and Juliet’s balcony in Verona.

“The Switzerland landscape and mountains were surreal,” said senior Eric Mason.

After Italy, the group drove straight up into the fog of the Swiss Alps. In Lucerne, the students ventured up a mountain next to the hotel, all the way up to a yak farm.

In downtown Lucerne, some kids walked around while others went up to the Swiss Alp Mt. Pilatus.

After a three-hour train ride, the group reached their final city: Paris. There they saw the Louvre and the world famous Eiffel Tower.

The German class goes on a trip every two years, so the summer of 2011 will be the next amazing trip to Germany and the countries surrounding it.

“Teachers and students alike have welcomed and supported me. I love it here!”

Alexis Knudsen

“I feel blessed to have been chosen to teach at CVHS. In these short weeks, it becomes more and more evident that CVHS’ success is a consequence of the excellent staff and student body who create a culture of success and equality. !Estoy muy, muy feliz!”

Danielle Sattler

“I am an art teacher because I love helping people discover and develop their own aesthetics and make what can be an intimidating subject more accessible. I’m already really enjoying the enthusiasm, sense of humor, creativity, and fashion of my students here.”

Andy Popper

“CVHS is very challenging but rewarding. I really enjoy working with high school students and feel at home here.”

“I went to a school where most of the students (and my peers) were hearing impaired, yet their teachers did not know how to sign or communicate directly with them. Frustrated by this, I went into education with the goal of assisting education by being more personable, direct, and accessible to all students, specifically to those who have more challenges to overcome.”

Lucy Souza

Matt Steineke

“I’m getting used to the school environment. So far, everybody has been helpful and kind. I look forward to June 17.”

“I have a strong interest in helping young adults identify and strive to reach their goals.

Working here at CVHS will allow me to do that work that is so satisfying and rewarding. I love the kids, and if I can move them forward in even a small way I feel like I am contributing to the greater good of the community.”

Football squad struggles

By Moises Fonseca Sports Editor

It was a down day for the CVHS varsity football team after they were beaten by Granada High School, 50-7. This is the third loss of the year for the Trojans.

“We’re going to stay positive.

Granada is a well coached and trained team,” said Trojan’s coach Nicholas McMaster.

Despite the loss against this team, McMaster kept his head held high and moved onto the

next game.

“Our team will be better after a game like this. This will motivate us,” said McMaster.

Even with all this bad luck that CVHS is going through, there are some fans that are still loyal to the team. During the whole game, the crowd was trying to cheer the team on, the cheerleaders trying to cheer the fans, and the CVHS band trying to play music.

Granada was dominating the game from the first quarter to the fourth quarter.

It wasn’t until the last quarter

that CVHS scored. Quarterback senior Mike Rojas made the score for CVHS, finishing the game at 50-7.

The team wasn’t feeling good after the end of the game. However, each player hopes that the next game will end with the same score, except that it will be CVHS that comes out on top.

“There is room for growth,” said co-captain senior Andrew Shaw.

“We kept on trying,” said co-captain senior Alexander Manly.

Lawrence Ham / Feature Editor

Junior Kelsey Kong shows off her form at Willow Park Golf Course.

Trojans golfers outplay Pirates

By Lawrence Ham Feature Editor

On a hot and sunny Tuesday afternoon, the Castro Valley Trojans girls golf team did remarkably well despite the weather. The Trojans overcame their opponents, playing against the San Leandro High Pirates on Sept. 22. Due to their undivided concentration during the game, it ended with Castro Valley taking the victory with a final score of 207-285.

“Playing against San Leandro was so much fun plus we ended up winning at the end, which made it even better,” said sophomore Betty Chen.

So far, Castro Valley has a record of 5-0 in HAAL. In the first group of girls, Chen received a score of 39 along with junior Kelsey Kong, who scored 40. According to coach

Brandon Lui / Copy Editor

Senior Ashley Sutedja dominates in her match against San Lorenzo.

Tennis team motto: “Win or die”

By Brandon Lui Copy Editor

Ed Blom, this game is a small recap of their season so far.

“Our toughest opponent is Mission San Jose High. We have never played them before,” said Blom.

Just like any other coach, Blom has many goals he hopes to achieve with his team this season. The Trojans’ goals are to win the league, qualify for NCS, and eventually go to the Nor Cal tournament.

The CVHS girls tennis team scored a victory over San Lorenzo winning all 12 matches.

CVHS took on San Lorenzo on Sept. 15 with a friendly attitude.

Castro Valley won all ten singles matches and both their doubles matches.

The closest San Lorenzo got to winning was junior Sarah Beeston’s match with the score 6-2 in the Trojans’ favor.

This doesn’t come as too

much of a surprise from a tennis team that made it all the way to the second round of NCS last year.

Senior Allison Greaney, one of this year’s co-captains and a threeyear veteran of the tennis team, explains how they were up against some of the more competitive schools for the start of the season.

As the season goes on, the team can relax.

“We have a lot of good freshmen this year. We’re expecting a good season and to go far,” predicts Greaney.

“We’re expecting a good match

from Moreau and Bishop O’Dowd this year,” said senior and co-captain Ashley Sutedja.

What the tennis team is really gearing up for is the Oct. 14 match against California High.

Both captains would agree that they’re expecting a fierce match from Cal High this season.

“We’re going to win league.

You can take that to the bank,” promised coach David RothRossi.

The Trojans still chant “Win or die, Go CV,” and they’re still alive with competition.

very strong shots.

Volleyball is played the best three out of five matches. The first game was long and fought out, with Moreau winning 25-18.

After that bitter defeat, Castro Valley rebounded and won 2523 in an incredibly close match.

In the third game, Moreau won again 25-17, making the overall score two games to one. In the deciding match, Castro Valley was exhausted and lost 25-13.

“Moreau played more consistently today. We have a lot of work to do, but it’s early in the season.

The girls will work to get better,” said Ernie Rodriguez, the volleyball coach.

The Trojans fell to 2-4 this season, 0-1 in the HAAL. Even though this doesn’t sound like a very promising beginning, the whole team is dedicated to working hard on improving.

“I feel like we played as a team more than in earlier games. We keep improving as the season progresses. So the next time we play them, watch out,” said senior Elizabeth Hines, one of the starters.

Mariners beat volleyball girls

By Alicia Harger Opinion Editor

Moreau Catholic girls’ volleyball team came to CVHS on Sept. 22 and was too much for the Trojans to handle. Even though they put up a great fight, the Castro Valley team lost.

Both teams played very well.

Castro Valley demonstrated some great teamwork and amazing skills, even though it wasn’t enough. The game was long, and in the end, Moreau beat Castro Valley with some

Teacher’s classroom trashed by students

By Howard Whang Photo Editor

A disappointing shock met English teacher Clare LePell when she walked into her classroom the morning after Labor Day weekend.

She found her windows broken and covered in cardboard with eggs dripping off the panes.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested two students who allegedly threw rocks and eggs at her classroom windows after officers responded to a silent alarm at 3 a.m., Sept.

8, said Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman. According to Whiteman, the students, one boy and one girl, were found at the scene with a total of seven windows shattered.

Both sophomores were students in LePell’s class, the teacher said.

LePell said she could not fathom any clear motive for the attack.

She had made no referrals or phone calls about the students, but had only asked those students to work.

“I was both shocked and very upset,” said LePell. “When you’re lashed out at, it does hurt. I want my students to feel safe in class.”

After the officers apprehended the students, the sheriff’s office notified the administration.

Custodians were called in the middle of the night to help clean the classroom. LePell applauded

NEGRI: from Page 1

dents every single opportunity to be successful, whatever he or she chooses to do,” said Negri.

In this past year, there has been $4.1 million in cuts and there will be an anticipated $3.1 million in the next. In addition, the district gave an approximate $4,800 to pay the people’s partial attorney fees from the Days of Diversity dispute. Negri, however, remains hopeful that the district will pull through these issues over the next few years.

There is also concern about the population of CVHS, which has reached around 2900 students this new year. The 2010-2011 school year is expected to exceed the current population.

There is a possibility that CVHS

their swift and dedicated work in sweeping up the broken glass and in covering the broken windows before the next school day started. New windows were quickly installed within a few days and most of the remaining egg splats were also cleaned off.

The two students will face disciplinary action, as well as monetary fines for the broken windows and the custodians’ time, officials said. School officials have removed both students from LePell’s class.

“The people were caught.

They were dealt with swiftly and consistently in accordance with the rules in the student handbook,” said Whiteman.

“Sometimes people make bad decisions. The people involved were apologetic.”

One of the parents of the students sent a card to LePell at Back to School Night, explaining the student’s circumstances and background and apologizing for the attack, LePell said.

This was not the first time that LePell’s classroom has suffered an attack. Five years ago, some students broke into and ransacked her classroom, apparently looking for the Interact Club cash box. Those students were also caught. may need an extra portable for another classroom next year despite the budget issues.

“I think in the next couple of years there will be lot of challenges with the budget so we need to make sure that we have everybody understanding what we’re doing and taking input so that we can work together.”

This will be Negri’s eighth year as a superintendent. He previously worked as superintendent of the Acalanes Union High School District and the M o u n t a i n Vi e w - W h i s m a n School District. “[The] single most important thing we can do is to give people the skills to be life-long learners,” said Negri.

More cuts on the way for CVUSD

By Moises Fonseca Sports Editor

While the economic downturn seems to be improving, schools and students are still feeling the pain. Castro Valley High and the rest of the schools in Castro Valley are still going to be hurt by the economy for a couple of years, said Superintendent Jim Negri.

California’s budget last year projected a $42 billion shortfall.

Another $21 billion is projected this year.

The state has cut its annual education spending by at least $10 billion, causing school districts including Castro Valley to make drastic cutbacks.

“The district has always been consistent and good, but Sacramento is making it hard for us,” said Superintendent Jim Negri.

Even though the state budget has been unstable, all the school districts in the state are obligated to show how much money they expect to spend and how

they are planning to get the money for the next three years. Therefore, districts including Castro Valley have to make tough decisions and spending cuts.

CVHS was impacted the most in the district by last year’s cuts.

Some major impacts include the loss of seventh-period day, freshman class size increases, fewer class choices, the loss of many staff positions, and athletics fees.

Next year, even if the district doesn’t find a way to get enough money, officials will try to cut less than they did last year. CVUSD cut more than $4 million last year.

For the following year, another $2.5 million or more in cuts to the district budget is expected.

District officials are thinking about long-term actions to help in future economic downturns.

These actions include getting direct community support from local foundations, negotiating salary reductions in order to offset part of the budget reductions, and pursuing a parcel tax to support or reinstate specific areas, such as athletics or music.

Save our schools, Castro Valley

By Moises Fonseca Sports Editor

Save Our Schools Castro Valley, SOSCV, is a non-profit organization established in March. SOSCV hosted many events throughout the month of September in which many stores were giving some portion of the profits. Also, they had tables in all the Castro Valley schools to get some donations from parents.

SOSCV has raised more than $35,000 since March, and the group’s latest big check for $20,000 came from local donations.

SOSCV is asking for parents to contribute $365 per student.

There are two ways parents can pay: through a monthly installment or a one-time donation. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible. If you wish to contribute to SOSCV, visit the group’s website www. soscv.org.

SOSCV hopes to get donations before March 1, 2010 to reduce the effects of further budget cuts.

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