April 22, 2011

B7: The Anchor reviews different aquariums and their exhibits, including jelly fish at the Cabrillo Aquarium

P6: Nationally ranked track relay team talks about running with each other.

P3: Senior Kem Richards raps at the Talent Show held in the auditorium.

High Tide

Redondo Beach, CA Redondo Union High School

April, 22 2011 vol.

LMXXIV

edition 12

]www.hightideonline.org ]

Little receives Principal Award

Aroundthe worldin 35 minutes

by Emma Uriarte

Principal Mary Little won the Principal of the Year Award on April 13, adding to RUHS’s prestige among California schools.

According to Little, being a principal is no walk in the park. Little has various duties ranging from managing construction and academics to taking care of disciplinary issues, and she is happy to be recognized for her work. Despite the difficulties, Little stresses that the rewards of being a principal are worth the time and effort.

“There are so many demands on your time and there are multiple issues you have to deal with. It’s really a time consuming job, [but] seeing kids become successful is its own reward,” she said.

According to superintendant Steven Keller, Little was recognized as Principal of the Year because of her solid leadership skills.

“Her strong ethic of care for students, staff, and parents is evident on a daily basis,” Keller said. “RUHS is a better school because of Ms. Little’s leadership.”

Little was recognized for her outstanding work at last week’s Region 14 Association of California School Administrator banquet in Long Beach and also at last week’s school board meeting, but according to her, the award reflects RUHS as a whole.

“The attention is really on the school because of the great things that happened at the school since I’ve been here,” Little said.

“Really, it’s an award all of us share.”

1.

Students gathered outside of the cafeteria yesterday to enjoy a variety of food at the International Food Fair.

by Jeremy Porr

2.

3.

4.

PHOTOS BY Erinn middo

Eatin' all over the world. 1. A student receives egg rolls from the club selling them at the International Food Fair. 2. Senior Nick Herold helps to prepare kettle corn that was sold yesterday. 3-4. Students that are a part of a club that sold food at the International Food Fair yesterday prepare plates for other students who came to the fair.

As the lunch bell rang, students eagerly left their classes looking forward to the assortment of foods that the International Food fair provided yesterday at lunch. Clubs sold a variety of food, ranging from Jamba Juice to kettle corn to egg rolls.

The International Food Fair returned April 21 despite the struggle over nutrition facts that ASB was faced with earlier this year. Inter Club Commissioners Kristi Chu and Kourtney Noah organized the event and were pleased with the results.

“The weather was great, the students arrived in large numbers, and most clubs ended up selling out before the end of the lunch period,” Chu said.

ASB advisor Sherie Gross agreed with Chu and thought the event went well. She appreciates the work her students put into school events.

“Kristi did a lot of research for the clubs to present them with alternative food options to sell, although it was difficult it was a good challenge and we will definitely be prepared for years to come” Gross said.

District budget plans for next year yet to be decided

Chu felt that although gathering the nutrition facts for all of the food to be sold at the fair was tedious the end result paid off.

“The only real setback the nutrition facts provided us with was that it discouraged some of our clubs from participating” Chu said.

Vice President of ASB Pearl Tobay kept an eye on all of the action with Gross and agrees that it was a successful event.

Students were presented with a wide array of foods, all of which came at a very low price.

Amnesty International sold a plate full of salad, rice, kebabs and pita bread, while other clubs like Senior Class Council sold treats like ice cream.

“I really enjoyed myself. When it came down to choosing what I wanted to eat it, was very difficult but I ended up having a little bit of everything in the end. As for the nutrition facts, it’s unfortunate that not as many clubs participated but it didn’t make the event any less popular,” Tobay said.

by Danny Garzon

Students become environmentally aware through Green Week

by Kyle Bittman

With its halls and walls covered by facts about preserving the environment and students dressed in green, Green Week has encouraged students to be more environmentally friendly. In support of Earth Day (April 22), Green Week is a string of days that helps the school become more environmentally aware, with themes such as Wednesday’s “avoid using disposable containers” and Friday’s “carpool to school.”

“Looking at [statistics], there’s a large amount of pollution going everywhere and Green Week is a small step toward fixing that,” ASB Spirit Commissioner Ashley Sumida said.

Sumida worked with ASB to coordinate Green Week. Sumida was responsible for collecting newspapers, researching environmental facts, putting newspapers

up around campus, and creating the Facebook event page. Sumida also helped coordinate the activities happening this week such as Tuesday’s “lights off during SSR.” Sumida believes Green Week is beneficial for Redondo.

1.

“[Going green] is important to me because we need to save the environmenso future generations can see an Earth that hasn’t been completely destroyed,” Sumida said.

The trash pick-up event on Thursday during SSR had a majority of classes outside and picking up trash. Teachers and students alike traded in their silent reading time to make a difference around our campus by picking up trash. Senior Andy Danryd participated in the trash pick-up and understands its importance. “[The trash pick-up] was a really good idea because there’s always so much trash after snack and lunch. It definitely makes [our] school look cleaner,” Danryd said.

Senior Ethan Peak participated in all of the week’s events in support of helping the environment. Peak also learned a thing or two from the experience.

“Before Green Week, I never really noticed how much energy I waste or how often I forget to recycle. I’m thankful for Green Week because it feels good to be a part of something bigger by just making a few small changes,” Peak said.

2.

PHOTOS BY Erinn middo

A part of every day life. 1. Posters were hung around campus to encourage students to make environmentally friendly choices. 2. Senior Dreymon Jones participates in Green Week by.

Due to the unresolved tax extensions at the state level, the District’s budget for next year is still up in the air, according to Chief Business Officer Janet Redella.

Governor Jerry Brown’s budget for the next fiscal year relies on extending the 2009 tax increases for another five years in order to prevent $15.4 billion in cuts to schools and other welfare programs. Brown’s plan would require a statewide vote on the tax extensions, which was originally meant for the June elections, but they have yet to be put on the ballot.

Two possible scenarios are being explored, depending on the outcome of the tax extension battle in Sacramento. The best-case scenario would involve a $160,000 cut to the budget and fewer staff reductions than the worst-case scenario, which would cut $2.7 million and result in the loss of teachers, classified employees, and administrators.

“We’re not in an enviable position,” said Redella. “However, if we all work together the solutions are manageable.”

According to Redella, specific cuts and other money saving actions, such as furlough days and class size increases, are up to the School Board.

Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that the state budget does not usually pass until after the school district has to adopt its budget.

This, combined with the back and forth discussions on the tax extensions, makes it difficult for the district to get a clear reading on what cuts will take place. However, Redella is optimistic for the future, according to Redella “There are signs of economic recovery. I’m very hopeful that the state economy will turn around so that the state can start paying K-12 education their full revenue earned,” she said.

News

2

p.

] April 22, 2011 ]

Chinese exchange program provides new knowledge and experiences for RUHS students

by Bethany Kawa

Over spring break, a group of six students participated in a Chinese exchange program for eight days. This trip was not affiliated with our high school, but instead with the Redondo Beach China Sister City Committee.

According to Chinese teacher Chichen Lu, Redondo Beach is the sister city of ZhangJiaGang, a city in Jiangsu province, southern China. Last summer the committee and students hosted students from China, but this time they invited our students to be guests there.

Sophomores Jenny Oetzell and Cooper Lovano participated in the exchange program and enjoyed the experience.

They lived with a host family for the first four days of their visit in ZhangJiaGang.

“The host families were so kind and gracious. The girl in my host family spoke almost perfect English, but her parents didn’t speak any. It was so different being with families that could speak my

language and had such a different culture than we do,” Oetzell said.

She noticed many differences in the Chinese culture, such as their work ethic and government control.

“The schools are much more strict and there is a lot more pressure on the students to excel and live up to their parent’s expectations,” she said. “They go to school six days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The government also banned Facebook, YouTube and even some movies and music in China.”

Lovano believes that the most different aspect of China is the food. He was served swan and duck eggs on a daily basis along with duck neck.

“I was able to fully immerse myself [in the Chinese culture] and it was an eyeopening experience,” he said. “Everyone was nice and accepting, even though some people from the small village have never seen Americans.”

The purpose of the trip was for Redondo Beach to establish close ties with China. It was primarily a “business trip,” according to Lu, but students were in-

vited to come along to experience a new culture.

“Students had the first-hand experiences of Chinese culture and the language environment. They reunited with students they hosted before and made new friends who can be their pen-pals in the future,” Lu said.

When Lu first arrived on campus, Principal Mary Little told her about the Sister City Committee and Little started to join in on their meetings to help release information to her. The trip was open to all sophomores and juniors with priority going to students in the Chinese classes. Although this was the first time that the city has done an exchange to China, it will happen again in two years.

Although Lu did not go on the trip, she believes that it was helpful for their Chinese learning.

“The great memories of this trip are motivations for students to learn Chinese and Chinese culture more. It also increases their passion toward the language,” she said.

6.

5.

5.

4.

2.

A Whole New World. 1. Lovano at the school’s art class in Zhangjiagang showing of his skills to the students there. According to Oetzell, they were amazed at how good he was at drawing.

2. Oetzell and her mother with their host family’s daughter, Elaine, visiting a Buddhist temple in Suzhou, the next town over from Zhangjiagang, where they stayed. 3-5. The temple and a shrine in Suzhou. 6. Oetzell along with other exchange students, Madi Yagle and Somtoya Arinze join in a traditional Chinese dance that Chinese students performed at a welcoming ceremony at the school.

1.

Awaken Youth club puts on 2-day rally

Mexican exchange program teachers develop lifelong friendships

by Tricia Light

by Nicolas Cruz

The Christian club, Awaken Youth, held two lunch rallies in the Bingo Room last Thursday and Friday called “Why We Need a Savior.”

During the brief 30-minute lunch period, club members tried to help newcomers understand why they need God in their lives through speakers and singers.

Members from Biola College and other volunteers came to help support the event.

Students that attended the rally were offered free pizza, pamphlets and books, music about worship, and an opportunity to learn about other people’s faith and beliefs.

The club members were impressed with the rally. According junior Mary Lopez and senior Isa Cruz, it was a huge success.

“The rallies were a real eye-opener,” Lopez said. “It is important to get closer to God.” The speakers shared their faith and their beliefs with the students. They opened up and told them their stories and how they developed their relationship with God. “It is important to get closer to God because we can learn about our origins not only through science, but also through the teachings of Christianity,” she said.

Club member Stephanie Kim knows personally how much help her faith can be in her everyday life. According to Kim, knowing God’s eternal support comforts her deeply.

PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL Keepin' The Faith. A student from Biola University preformed many songs at the rally including an original piece.

“There’s a lot of negative things in the world and people just need to know God is there for you no matter what,” she said. “You know He is always there for you.”

Vice President Cara Ulizio and Kim were also impressed with the result of the rallies.

“I was surprised with the outcome. I was really happy with how much we were able to get done,” Kim said.

However, Ulizio was more concerned about the getting the message across to the audience and if the audience would understand and connect with the speakers.

“I was really happy [with the amount of people], but we weren’t too concerned with the numbers,” Ulizio said.

Ulizio’s main concern was with spreading the message of why people need a savior, to share the gospel, and to share beliefs.

“We believe God provides comfort in all times of need,” Ulizio said. “It is our purpose in life to pursue a relationship with God help others, and show His love to other people.”

3.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNY OETZELL

As more than 50 eager students from Mexico experience the Vecinos y Amigos exchange program for the first time, Spanish teacher Connie Smith connects with old friends and falls into a pattern that she is very familiar with.

After 25 years of involvement, Smith feels that the program has allowed her to make lasting friendships and a valuable contribution to the school.

“A lot of students have told me that the thing they will remember the most out of four years of high school is hosting a student,” Smith said.

She feels that the program can have far reaching benefits.

“I like the fact that students can practice Spanish and learn about the [Mexican] culture,” she said. “They can make life-long friendships. The program is really exciting.”

She has also established strong friendships with the teachers and chaperones of the various sister schools, such as former teacher Clorinda Mohedano.

“She is like a sister to me. When I first

met her it was like I had known her my whole life,” she said.

While Mohedano was unable to attend this trip, she stayed with Smith for the previous 24 years of the program.

“We laugh and joke around a lot,” she said. “She is very hospitable to me and my family [when I visit]. We never have awkward moments, and have had a lot of great experiences together.”

Another chaperone, Monica Cardenas, has also befriended Smith during her time with the program. “[Smith] attended my wedding and knows my kids. After 16 years we have gotten very close,” she said. “She’s very helpful to us. Without her there wouldn’t be the program.”

Since both of the original Mexican organizers have retired from their teaching positions the program’s future is uncertain according to Smith.

“I never thought that it would last this long,” she said. “I don’t know what will happen. This could be the end.”

PHOTOS BY ALEX SHEA Dancing Cultures. The Mexican exchange students preformed their dance yesterday for the school.

Opinion

3

p.

]April 22, 2011]

Infinite Campus fosters addiction

Around

Redondo

“Has Infinite Campus encouraged an obsession with grades?”

“Yes, because everyone is always worrying about it now.”

12th

— Jonathon

Devase

“For parents, it does. For students, not really.”

11th — Megan Plan

Editorial: Furloughs are a necessity

“Yeah, because everyone and their parents check it.”

11th

­— Skyler Ulrich

“It kind of does.

My mom checks IC every night.”

10th ­ Courtney —

Bowen

“No, not at all.

Students don’t seem all that concerned.”

9th

­— Sahab Ilkchooyia

“No, I think it’s really helpful if anything.”

9th ­ Christopher —

Millett

High Tide ]staff] Editor-in-Chief: Austin Pritzkat Managing Editors: Sophia Lykke, Julia Uriarte Editor of Design: Molly Simon News Editor: Kaitee Scheyer Opinion Editor: Josh Hillsburg Features Editors: Dylan Futrell, Kelsey Chung, Meglyn Huber, Christina Mehranbod, Ashley Pournamdari, Alison Peet-Lukes, Madeline Perrault Sports Editors: Adam Ammentorp, Jessica Cascio Photo Editor: Jonathan Martin Copy Editors: Shannon Bowman, Nicolas Cruz Cartoonist: Josh Hillsburg Online Editor: Brianna Egan Staff Writers: Vanessa Alarcon, Taylor Ballard, Kyle Bittman, Matthew Brancoli, Loren Brown, Laney Burke, Tati Celentano, Kimberly Chapman, Zachary Commins, Alexis Curtis-Olson, Camille Duong, Zack Elliott, Gianna Esposito, Dan Furmansky, Daniel Garzon, Allie Goldberg, Anacristina Gonzalez, Michelle Hough, Cedric Hyon, Bethany Kawa, David Kawa, Casey Lovano, Anthony Leong, Tricia Light, Cameron Paulson, Jeremy Porr, Melissa Rosero, Allison Salazar, Alyssa Sanchez, Joanie Schneider, Alex Shea, Jessi Shipley, Laura Shodall, Annica Stitch, Emma Uriarte, Zachary Zent Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body.

This newspaper is a wholly student managed, designed and written newspaper that focuses on school and community events.

The High Tide is published by the journalism class at Redondo Union High School, One Sea Hawk Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Advertising is $7.50 per column inch, $6.00 if paid in advance. For information call (310)798-8665 ext. 2210.

Signed commentaries and editorial cartoons represent the opinions of the writer or cartoonist and in no way reflect the opinions of the High Tide staff.

As California’s budget woes continue, further cuts to state spending are an unfortunate reality.

The Governor and the Legislature passed massive spending cuts amounting to $11.2 billion in late March, but a $15.4 billion deficit remains and opportunities to raise additional revenue to close the gap are few and far between.

Gov. Brown wants Californians to vote on a proposal that would both extend current tax levels for the next five years and close the budget gap, saving the state from having to make additional cuts to state services, such as public schools and state health services.

However, Republicans oppose allowing Brown’s tax extension plan from being put on the June special election ballot. In the absence of revenue creation via tax extensions, legislators have no other choice but to cut.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) said that closing a $15.4 billion shortfall would require nearly $5 billion in cuts to K-12 schools, another $585 million in cuts to community colleges, $1.1 billion from universities, including a 10 percent student fee increase at California State University campuses, and $1.2 billion in cuts to health and social services.

If the tax extensions are not approved or if the same revenue is not created through some alternative source, RBUSD will have a budget shortfall of $2.7 million.

Obviously, RBUSD has extremely difficult decisions to make.

According to a PowerPoint presentation made by Super-

intendent Keller at a School Board meeting in February, increasing class sizes for all classes from kindergarten through third grade would save $300,000.

Proposed cuts to the South Bay Adult School could shave another $500,000, Special Education spending cuts would reduce the District’s budget by an additional $300,000, and still other cuts to district services could decrease the budget shortfall.

But even with these painful cuts to the District’s budget, the $2.7 million budget shortfall still cannot be closed without furlough days.

A furlough day means that the District would close for the day and all employees would not be paid for that day.

Every furlough day the District takes reduces the budget shortfall by $205,000.

Although furlough days result in less pay for District employees and fewer school days, the District may have no other choice.

Currently the school year is 180 days long, but legally the school year only has to be 175 days. By shortening the school year by 5 days, the District would save approximately $1 million.

With furloughs and other creative financing options, the District might be able to avoid teacher layoffs, which should be, and is, its primary objective.

Sacrifices have to be made. But hopefully if everyone sticks together through these trying times, RBUSD can still continue its mission of moving from good to great.

Never has the concept of infinity been so dangerous.

We teenagers probably first encountered the idea in our childhoods when we heard Buzz Lightyear’s campy catch phrase (“To infinity and beyond!”)

by Gianna Esposito and committed it to memory because, after all, we wanted to be astronauts when we “growed” up.

Our worlds were turned upside down when we learned that not everything in math has one finite answer — no, sometimes the answer is every number, going on forever, limitless, unfathomable — infinity. But daunting as this was for us, it cannot even begin to compare to the immeasurable stress of Infinite Campus.

About ten years ago, Infinite Campus, or IC, was created to allow “educators, parents and students [to] have access to information from anywhere at any time” (www.infinitecampus.com).

But due to a handful of obsessed students, IC has gone from convenient to just plain addictive.

Before IC, kids only had to worry about stealing report cards out of the mail four times a year.

Before IC, we weren’t plagued by the constant reminder of our status in school, denoted by a single letter for each class and plastered on the internet with just the click of a mouse.

Don’t get me wrong, IC is helpful if used in moderation. But some students seem to be suffering from a full-fledged addiction. They are no longer secretly using their phones in class to text the whole period. And no, teachers, before you give in to that fantasy—they’re not being attentive, eager little learners either. Instead, they’re using their smart phones to “learn” more about their grade so they can plead with their teacher later to improve it.

But it’s not just the students who have IC book marked: there are plenty grade-grubbing, helicopter parents who are hooked too. For them, IC assumes a new, ruthless identity: the “Parent Portal”, which essentially serves as a kind of twisted round-the-clock academic surveillance system.

We must confront our obsession. Now is the time for an intervention. So next time you see your parent refreshing IC for your grades, your friend pulling out his phone to remember that hundredth place digit of their last test grade, or you feel the itch to check your grade for the umpteenth time, stop and intervene. School already occupies so much of our lives, why let that occupation be infinite?

Prom preparation fervor unnecessary and expensive Move over James Bond, there are new people at your Casino Royale, decked out in sequined dresses and designer tuxedos that cost more than a car. Well,

by Shannon Bowman that is if we all recover from our anxiety attacks leading up to the big day.

Recently, Good Morning America followed a New York sophomore as she prepared for her Prom. Dress? $1,700.

Teeth whitening? $500. Hair extensions? $95. Grand total? $3,300. Yes, over three thousand dollars for one night.

Yes, some people can easily afford this – good for them. That doesn’t make it any less ridiculous. Other high school

girls interviewed in the segment felt they “had to look perfect” on their Prom night, like the Kardashians or characters on Gossip Girl (abcnews.go.com).

Disney is jumping on the bandwagon as well: in the trailer for Prom, we hear a sappy voice-over about how Prom isn’t just about dancing or dresses. It’s about who we are. It’s our night to shine like the special little snowflakes we are (disney.com).

Gag me, please.

Prom has evolved from a fun, kind of dorky rite-of-passage to a three-headed demon dressed in couture dresses and riding in stretch limos in an effort to look “perfect”. Sorry girls – and boys – but there isn’t a lot that is perfect about us at this post-puberty-but-pre-adult stage.

You can spend thousands on a dress but you’ll still slump in photos; expen-

sive makeup won’t keep you from awkwardly closing your eyes at the flash of a camera. Prom isn’t and shouldn’t be expected to be perfect.

Prom should be fun. (Legal fun.)

Those same girls from the Good Morning America segment also spoke about how the girls they see who don’t wear flashy dresses and get their hair done are teased and taunted. Yeah, because everyone should be expected to throw down two months’ rent on a dress they’ll wear for all of five hours. So the best way to combat some random girls’ ridiculous expectations is to… follow them?

Prom is stressful enough as it is without throwing in a desire to be perfect.

Apparently there was some super-secret meet-up I didn’t get an invite to because everyone I know has a date already. And has a dress picked out. And has a limo

rented. And has an appointment for hair and makeup. Prom is in June. It’s not even May yet.

Everyone just needs to relax. We make a big deal out of Prom because it seems like everyone else makes a big deal about Prom. Almost every single teen movie or TV show has a climactic moment at Prom. Sorry everyone; that probably won’t happen to you.

And as for people trying to look like characters on Gossip Girl? They’re all in their 20s anyway, except Taylor Momsen (and she looks like something Courtney Love threw up).

We should focus on having fun with our friends, not stressing out about the “best night of our lives”. Because if this is it, that’s just sad.

To summarize: deep breaths, keep a budget, and don’t try to be perfect. Oh, and have a fun – and safe! – night.

NASA cutbacks detrimental to science job market Science enthusiasts all over Southern California jumped for joy last Tuesday when NASA announced that the California Science Center would receive the

by Zac Commins Space Shuttle Endeavor once it is decommissioned. This news marks the end of an important era of space exploration and science programs across the country, which may have major ramifications for students.

This local celebration comes at the bitter conclusion of the “Space Shuttle” era, due to directives from former President George W. Bush. The Space Shuttle program, along with other governmentsponsored science programs, have certainly brought now seemingly ordinary

technological innovations home. And as this significant period of space exploration concludes and policymakers look to make cuts in science funding, it may come at the cost of science career opportunities for prospective students.

The United States still holds its position as the guiding light of the world’s scientific community but the future of our science endeavors does not shine as bright. This country has certainly fallen from its place as the leader of science education. The youth of America ranked only 23rd among other nations in science education in 2009, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Since the peak of the space race, Congress has drastically cut funding for science programs and research. According to the Office of Management and Budget, funding for general science, space, and technology, adjusted for infla-

tion, has decreased more than 337 percent from 1967 to 2004.

In light of the immense budget crisis, lawmakers in Washington have been forced to make cuts to federally funded science undertakings. The continuing resolution on federal budget that passed on April 8 cut $197 million from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy.

The House Appropriations Committee has also proposed a $139 million cut to NASA’s budget. Once our Space Shuttle programs end, the United States will be forced to pay foreign states, such as Russia, to fly astronauts into space since no replacement vehicle will be available until at least 2016, according to the Human Space Flight Plans Committee (www. nasa.gov).

It is important that our leaders en-

sure the nation’s financial security moving forward, they need to be mindful of how their decisions impact the future of science in the United States. The South Bay’s economy is largely dependent on government contracts for aerospace and national defense with many residents employed by aerospace companies like Northrup Grumman and Raytheon. The community will be adversely affected by these momentous cost-cutting measures.

The last few weeks have undoubtedly been a mixed bag for the local scientific community. Although the arrival of Endeavor will be an incredible educational opportunity, students looking forward to a career in these fields may find these jobs exceedingly difficult to attain in coming years. Before enacting such brash policies, legislators should consider how their decisions might damage the scientific community for generations to come.

Features

4

p.

] April 22, 2011 ]

Swim hard. Senior Jonathan Diaz has been training twice a day every day to shed extra seconds to meet his goal at CIF. Diaz has alot of time to cut down but is very optimistic that he will be able to reach his goals.

EVERY

SECOND COUNTS

by Michelle Hough

He’s pounding through the water at practice, all he can hear is his own gasping breaths as his arms slice through water. He finally hits the wall at looks at the clock … He is still one second short.

Every single second counts for the boys on the swim team trying to break into the top 20 RUHS Swim records. The boys train continuously to place at CIF and to be a title-holder as the fastest in one of the 20 events in Redondo Swim history.

Last year, senior Andy Danryd broke in as number 19 in 20 for breaststroke at finals.

“It was exciting because I looked up at the board and I had my best time ever by 3 seconds. I was pretty surprised because I didn’t think I was going to drop

that much time,” Danryd said.

Danryd wants to beat the time he made last year, because that was the only meet he had ever achieved such a short time. However, this year is the fastest he has ever swam in season. He needs a 1:07:3 in the 100 yard breaststroke.

“I sacrifice a lot of sleeping hours during the week, so I have to get bed earlier even if I have homework.

I don’t get all my homework done sometimes, but sometimes I have to stay up even if I have to wake up early to swim. I’m always tired in my classes, but I have to make the sacrifice to get my times better,” Danryd said.

Danryd wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to go to practice,

and then swims again during 6th period on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and swims after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

“This is important to me because I want to be in [the] top 20 and in the school’s record books for swim,” he said.

Danryd explains that even shedding a single second is very difficult.

“It’s really easy when you first start, but once your times are good, improving by a second is really hard.

You can tell when you even increase by that much; you can feel that you went faster,” Danryd said.

Senior Jonathan Diaz commits to double practices every day and strength training to help him shed

those extra seconds for CIF. “We are also going to shave down and taper, [which is] a gradual decrease in intensity and yardage in the days leading up to CIF,” he said.

Diaz hopes to get 1:42:50 for the 200 freedtyle and 4:35:50 for the 500 freestyle.

“In the 500 I am at 4:49 and in the 200 I am at 1:44 so I have to cut down a good amount of time,” he said.

Diaz is optimistic that he will achieve his goal time in CIF. “It is going to be the most amazing feeling in the world when all the hard work finally pays off. It will feel like you’re on top of the world,” he said.

Step back and take a second look Freshman Shannon Simon is a very intimidating athlete despite her small 5’1 frame. She does not let her size get to her and is an inspiration for underclassmen who aspire to be varsity athletes.

by Joanie Schneider

Standing 5’1” from the ground, freshman Shannon Simon doesn’t look like a typical varsity athlete.

However, she continues to show people who doubted her ability because of her size what an athletic, smart player she is. On the soccer field, Simon displays her skills that make her so successful.

“I love being able to go to a game and the older and bigger players always look at me and judge me before they see me play.

This gives me the a d va n t a g e ,” Simon said.

Because

1.

PHOTOS BY NOUR KABBANI AND ERINN MIDDO

Short and sweet. 1. Freshman Shannon Simon dribbles past a player in a game against Bishop. Despite being smaller then the other girls, Simon has proven to be a very athletic, smart player. 2. According to teammate Patricia Gonzalez, Simon has had an immense impact on the scoring of the varsity team. Because Simon is smaller then most of her opponents, it is easier for her to maneuver through the players.

Simon is smaller than most of her opponents, she can easily maneuver the ball and run past opposing players.

“Being smaller and younger than my opponents could be thought as a disadvantage, but I just compensate by being better at skills and working my hardest,” Simon said.

Size has not been her only obstacle in being more successful in soccer. Simon has faced health problems that hinder her from playing to her full potential.

“When I was a baby, I developed a tumor near my stomach and when the doctors tried to remove it, they discovered that it was attached to one of my kidneys,” Simon said.

Her doctor recommended that she stay away from sports, but her competitive drive would not let her.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four, so almost eleven years now,” Simon said.

Last Fall, Simon tried out for the varsity soccer team against many seniors who were highly motivated going into their final year.

“Finding out about [making] varsity, I was very glad and surprised. I’m sure there were people that doubted me and believed that I shouldn’t be playing but I just kept working hard to prove to them that I do deserve a spot,” Simon said.

On the varsity team, Simon excelled by ending her freshman year with 12 goals and 9 assists.

Senior Patricia Gonzalez feels that Simon had an immense impact on the scoring ability of the varsity team.

“Shannon brings a lot of enthusiasm and skills to the team. She can dribble through small spaces and is has great precision with her shots,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez is usually skeptical about younger players that make varsity.

Despite Simon’s size and age, she has become an inspiration to other underclassmen who are looking into soccer.

“I analyze the skills of younger players on varsity and I see if their skills are adequate with the skills of the older girls.

In this case, Shannon was definitely up to par. She is an amazing, great young athlete,” Gonzalez said.

Working a second job Teachers Kim Akhavan and Catherine Horzen work extra jobs, and struggle balancing work, a social life, and family.

by Cedric Hyon

As soon as school is out, they speed down the 405 Freeway to make it to work. While avoiding traffic and stressing about the distance to their jobs, they suddenly remember the hundreds of papers they have to grade after they get home.

Kim Akhavan, a sophomore and freshman Honors English teacher, and Catherine Horzen, a sophomore and senior CP English teacher both have extra jobs besides teaching.

Akhavan teaches PSAT prep classes and college admissions essay classes at The Elite Educational Institute. Horzen coaches cheerleading and teaches a SAT prep course at Elite Academy.

Along with this, Akhavan has a one year old baby named Cameron to take care of, which can really “get in the way” of her work.

“The hard thing about having a baby is that I’m home, but not with him. Sometimes I’ll go in the back room and grade about 20 essays, so they don’t pile up later and [Cameron] will start saying ‘Mama, mama, mama!’ and my husband will ask [me] to show myself, so he knows I’m still there. But I’m only there physically and that makes me very sad,” Akhavan said.

Horzen also has a very busy schedule. She plays on a flag football team on Sundays, travels with her cheerleading team to competitions on Tuesday and Wednesdays, and travels with them Fridays and Saturdays.

Monday through Wednesday, she wakes up

at 4:30 AM and does not get home until 9:00 PM. Akhavan feels that because of her stressful schedule she can not spend enough time with her son.

“I feel like I let my son down when he’s at day care for an absurdly long number of hours. I feel like I let my husband down since he’s last on my list behind my students and son, you know, since he’s a grown up.

And sometimes I feel like I let myself down if I don’t put as much into a lesson as I hoped I would,” Akhavan said.

Akhavan feels stressed out when she has things piled on top of each other all at once.

While keeping an active social life, spending time with family, and traveling, she has hundreds of essays to grade from her first and second job on top of taking care of her baby.

“I do feel spread very thin sometimes. For example when I have 100 essays to grade and then grading for my second job and taking care of my baby,” Akhavan said.

Teaching English also eats up most of Horzen’s time. Sometimes her lunch and snack period are filled with meetings and grading. To make sure she doesn’t forget anything, she always keeps an agenda with her.

Despite their busy schedules, the teachers always try to do everything they can to make sure they do not upset anyone.

“I take a lot of pride in where I’m going to be. If I say that I’m going to be there, I will be there at least nine-tenth’s of the time,” Akhavan said.

Second time

Around PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

Let's run. Coach Bob Leetch was a successful athlete when he attended RUHS, and as a coach has built up the track team to be nationally ranked.

Former Sea Hawks decide to come back to RUHS to pursue careers as coaches and teachers at their Alma mater.

by Loren Brown

Many former Sea Hawks return to the old nest they left many years ago. Those Hawks come and go. But some Sea Hawks never hang up their wings. Instead, they return to help guide the younger flock.

Bob Leetch, Duncan Avery and Sarah Slemmons are only a few Sea Hawks that have returned to high school for a second time.

Bob Leetch graduated in the class of 1980 as an achieved student involved in track, cross country, and football. When Leetch returned to the school to show support for the track and cross country team in 2005, he was shocked by the team’s scores. “[The scores] were beneath the kind of re-

cord this school can have. I couldn’t let that [continue] to happen,” Leetch said.

Thus Leetch began his process of enrolling in RUHS for the second time. But now, he would be known as Coach Bob. “I came [back] to be an assistant to the team and here we are [now] hanging up the banners and we’re going to continue to raise those banners,” Leetch said.

Two decades later, another prideful Sea Hawk returned to his alma mater. Duncan Avery graduated in 2000 and began working as the assistant frosh-soph volleyball coach in 2001.

“I grew up in Redondo and I’m never leaving Redondo. I wanted to coach. I wanted to teach and I wanted to stay here,” Avery said.

Currently, the boy’s volleyball team is 185, 6th in CIF, and 25th in the nation, according to Avery.

“I’ve definitely had a large part to do with [the success] the team has had since I’ve been here,” Avery said.

Sarah Slemmons, Dance Guard coach, has helped Dance Guard reach the SCJA State Championships and also the SCSBOA Championships.

According to the coaches, a second time around in high school has been a great experience. Being nurtured by former Sea Hawks has been such an advantage for cross country, boys’ volleyball and Dance Guard.

“I love the area and I love this school with every bone in my body,” Avery said.

Features

5

p.

] April 21, 2011 ]

Step on stage and under the spotlight

by Melissa Rosero

Singing the last line of Christina Perry’s song Jar of Hearts, junior Chelsey Sanchez takes a deep breath, puts her guitar aside, looks up to a standing ovation and realizes, “ I pulled it off.”

“Even though you can see everyone applauding, you can’t hear anything and the world goes on mute,” Sanchez says.

Although Sanchez performs live five to ten times a month, she admits that her performances very rarely play out as smoothly as rehearsed, and the Talent Show was no exception.

Anxiously awaiting her turn, Sanchez’s self-reserved and shy personality quickly transformed into what she describes as a “giddy child.” Unable to contain her eagerness to get on stage, she could not

help but feel as if she were seven years old again, performing for her first time.

As soon as she stepped on stage, “off course” Sanchez says, something went wrong. Immediately, the microphone stand flipped down. For some, this may have been a source of embarrassment, but not for Sanchez.

She bent down, picked up the stand and leveled it. Although struggling to level the microphone took a while, she did not allow the minor complication to set her back.

“I was like wow, this would happen,” she said. “[The audience was] not going anywhere, so I was calm and taking my time.”

Just as she had recomposed herself and was about to begin singing, she strummed her guitar, only to find that her guitar was

Stepping Whether it’s stepping to the beat or onto the stage, students take a step out of their comfort zone to make the most of their time at RUHS.

not plugged into the amplifier. Again, Sanchez screamed “of course” in her head and comforted herself by remembering that complications are what make live performances so unique.

Finally after what seemed as decades of waiting and asking the audience if they could hear the guitar, Sanchez began singing.

“It almost felt like time was going by slower and I felt like I was singing for hours,” Sanchez said.

As Sanchez was halfway done with her performance the microphone slowly but progressively began slipping downwards.

This complication took Sanchez off guard. Her hands busy strumming the guitar, she had the choice of either completely stopping her performance or to somehow adjust herself to the slipping microphone.

“Now I was really embarrassed. I had to bend down lower and lower with the microphone and I thought that it was super noticeable and I felt that it looked super awkward,” she said.

in a

1.

2.

3.

4.

PHOTOS BY JASMINE FREEMAN

Raw talent. Various performers at the Talent Show. 1. Seniors (from left to right) Desire Jackson, Domonique Clayton, Loren Brown, and Ruby Davis did a stepping routine. 2. Senior Devon Williams and junior Ryu Watanabe rapped and so did senior Kem Richards (3.) 4. Senior Cesar Ballardo (left) played guitar as sophomore Maya McEwen sang.

However, looking back at a video of the Talent Show, she realized her bending was hardly noticeable.

“To a performer the slightest mistake seems like the biggest deal because you practice a certain way and you imagine the performance going a certain way, and if you make the slightest mistake you think

new

that people will think you’re horrible. You don’t want the audience to dwell on one aspect,”Sanchez said.

Finishing the song without having the microphone fall, Sanchez felt a wave of relief. She described the show as a success.

“I wanted to stand there forever and soak it in. I was shocked to see the sea of people clapping for me. And for a second, it was like my life was on pause,” she said.

Direction

Hip Hop Club steps to the beat

by Cameron Paulson

PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL AND ASHLEY MAULDIN

Just Dance. Hip Hop Club performs at the Boys vs. Girls Rally. Sophomores Alex Almaraz and Daniel Gonzalez believe the club is a great place to meet friends and have fun dancing. Both members plan to continue dancing in the future.

Stepping Stones

last president] went to college,” Almaraz said. “[My friend and I have] been running it ever since and we will continue to until we graduate.

According to Almaraz, even after graduation he will continue to dance.

“I want to major in dance and be a PE teacher,” Almaraz said. “I love to teach styles that people really don’t know and I train them in it, I would like to see it be a profession some day.”

Almaraz believes that dance will always be part of him and hip hop is not only just a group of friends but a family.

“When we dance everything comes together as one,” Almaraz said. “From the day we started we were always going to be a family.”

Stepping into the art scene behind a lense

by Dan Furmansky

by Jessi Shipley

The College and Career Center is a major stepping stone in helping students achieve their goals after high school.

Many students, like junior Johnny Albi, are grateful for the program because it allows them to meet their requirements with the guidance of the College and Career Center councilors.

“I really appreciate the center because it helps me get everything I need done before its too late, and I don’t have to do it all on my own,” Albi said.

The College and Career Center helps Albi get his scholarship work done one step at a time.

“It’s a four year process, but by going to the center I get everything done step by step with out any complications,” Albi said.

With the help of the councilors and information provided in the center, students don’t get overwhelmed with the stress of applying for colleges and meeting other goals.

“There [is] so much that I have to do before I graduate, but I don’t freak out because the college and career center is easy to use,” Albi said.

Many students who have graduated used the center to help them get to where they are now.

“Lots of students come back to me after high school and say how helpful the center was to them and how much easier it was for them to get their scholar ships,” College and Career Center Director Karen Morris said.

The Career Center provides students with

Through injuries, hardships, and long hours of rehearsal, dance teams stick together. But for sophomores Alex Almaraz and Daniel Gonzalez Hip Hop Club is not about the hardships, but about the friendship as well.

“I started this year on the team, but I had always danced [before],” Gonzalez said. “ My friend Alex was really the one who got me started.”

Over the course of the year, Hip Hop Club has really grown, according to Gonzalez.

“Before we used to be a really small club,” Gonzalez said. “After the rallies [the club] got pretty big. It went from about six

to sixteen people.”

Hip Hop Club was not just a good place to dance, but a good place to make life-long friends.

“I met a lot of new people that joined,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of new friends came out of [joining Hip Hop Club.]”

Gonzalez’s biggest influence was Almaraz, who is the president of Hip Hop Club.

“What got me influenced was what hip hop does. It brings you life long friends that turn in to a family and has a long history many people don’t know about,” Almaraz said.

According to Almaraz, he started Hip Hop Club two years ago and just this year became president.

“I became president this year after [the

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO

Getting prepared. Karen Morris, College and Career Center Director, assists parent Laura O’Hagan. She is available to assist students with scholarships, and other things to prepare them for their future.

everything they need to achieve their goals for after they graduate high school.

“We have guest speakers and programs and everything needed to help students prepare to move on from high school,” Morris said.

“I really appreciate the center because it helps me get everything i need done before its too late, and I don’t have to do it all on my own,” —Johnny Albi Overall the college and career center is here to help students take those steps to reaching their goals with out having to do it by them selves.

“Without it, I wouldn’t be as close to meeting my requirements as I am. Its a really helpful place and I’m glad I am one of the many students that uses it to their advantage,” Albi said.

It all started by defying her parents. In 2007 while on a class trip to Europe, junior Savanna Metzger decided to bring a camera in order to document her experience. This choice would change everything.

“I remember my dad specifically telling me not to take pictures of the buildings and to take pictures with my friends so I would treasure the memories more. I did exactly the opposite.”

While in France she took pictures of everything that interested her from the architecture of the city to the inside of the tour buses.

“I took some great pictures of the churches while I was there and continue to do so to this day. Recently I visited San Juan Capistrano and took pictures inside the mission,” she said.

When she returned from the trip it had become an addiction. Her mother owned an art gallery in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was in contact with up-and-coming artists in the area.

“I ended up spending a lot of time with those artists, especially Mee Kyung Shim, a very talented painter who now lives in San Diego and Terry Ratliff who lives in Fort Wayne,” she said.

As far as the biggest influence on her photography, Metzger credits Tim Brumbeloe, a family friend from Indiana and a professional photographer.

“Tim Brumbeloe is the person who most inspires my style. I love that gritty, dirty, high contrast look,” she said.

Being surrounded by so many artistic influences prompted Metzger to her artistic

abilities, creating the occasional painting with her grandfather and even writing music.

“Photography isn’t my first passion, meaning that the emotions I feel when I’m taking pictures aren’t as strong as the rush I get when I’m playing electric guitar with the bass on eight and the volume turned up,” she said.

Besides performing at a couple of “open mic nights” she’s performed at two weddings so far and is soon performing at her third.

“When I’m holding my camera, I get one of those feelings that almost feels greedy - I want to get everything. It’s hard to say what specifically draws my eye to whatever I’m shooting, but it’s usually something people wouldn’t normally choose to take a photo of, which I take pride in,” she said.

Metzger explains that when she takes photographs she likes to catch people off guard and make them ask questions about it.

“I like making people say, ‘wait, what is that?!’ when they look at my pieces. I want them to stand there and consider it for a while, not just walk past it,” she said.

Metzger currently has a photography show going on at Neighborhood Grinds in North Redondo. It’s her first show.

“It’s still sinking in, to be honest. To be able to call myself a professional photographer now feels amazing, to say the least! Most artists do not reach success this quickly in their career, seeing as how I sold my first piece just one week after hanging up my work. I feel pretty accomplished,” she said.

Metzger’s love for photography has accelerated her want to continue it as a career in the future.

“My grandpa always said, ‘If you are afraid to make mistakes, then you will always be a student, not an artist.’ I live by this concept,” she said.

Sports

6

p.

Core FOUR

] April 22, 2010 ]

THE

By Taylor Ballard

After hours of practice, their bodies on the brink of failing them, a brotherhood keeps these four track runners going. Seniors Dezhan Bland and Nick Herold and sophomores Evan Malone and Garrett Klatte rely on the strength of one another in order to succeed on a weekly basis.

“We are brothers. I would die for any of those guys. We do almost everything together outside of track,” Malone said.

The brotherhood the four relay runners share allows them to keep striving for their absolute best and dig deep during races even when their bodies want to stop.

During the recent Arcadia Invitational, in which Bland, Herold, Malone, and Klatte placed first in the state, the four were anxious.

“If I wasn’t as close to my teammates as I am, I probably wouldn’t have performed the way I did. When I got the baton we were in fourth place. The entire time all I could think about was winning it for my team and that’s what I did,” Bland said.

The four had the slowest time going into the race and were almost guaranteed to come in last place, according to Klatte. Knowing this made their win at the Arcadia Invitational even more satisfying.

“When we won, Nick and I were jumping around celebrating. It was amazing.

It is an indescribable feeling to win such a prestigious meet,” Malone said.

“We have never come close to winning Arcadia in the previous years, and when I was done racing it didn’t feel real. My dream of becoming an Arcadia champion actually came true,” Bland said.

While some wins may seem more important than others the relay runners were in agreement on the goal of every race.

“Winning is why we compete. Without winning competition is pointless.

Winning races is the best feeling because on that day at that one moment you were the best,” Malone said.

While their rank just recently changed, the relay team was first in the state and fourth in the nation, a feat some of them only dreamed of.

“When I look back to my freshman year, I couldn’t even imagine running as fast as I am right now, or even being on a team this good. All I hope for is winning a Bay League championship and ending it off with racing at nationals,” Bland said.

With winning in mind, Bland, Malone, Klatte, and Herold stay focused and continue working as hard as they can in order to continue to be ranked as the best relay team in California.

“We bleed together in workouts everyday. We put in an average of 2.5 to 4 hours of work everyday including warm ups, the actual run, cool downs, and additional workouts after practice such as pool workouts or core building classes,” Herold said.

According to Herold, his 800m time did not qualify him to participate in the individual race because Arcadia is one of the most competitive meets in the country. With this in mind Herold’s teammates began training him so he could improve his time.

“My team has helped me by pushing me in workouts that I would normally give up in as well as combining their times with mine in the relay race,” Herold said.

Herold was able to do it all along according to Malone.

“Our practice runs were more of a confidence builder than anything. Nick just needed to know that he could do it. I just tried to keep him positive and told him that it was all in his head and that our training had been preparing him to break two minutes,” Malone said.

1.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB LEETCH

2.

3.

5.

PHOTOS BY NOUR KABBANI

Brotherhood. 1. Sophomore Evan Malone, senior Dezhan Bland, sophomore Garrett Klatte, and senior Nick Herold stand proudly with their medals after ranking fourth in the nation with their 4 x 800m race at the Arcadia Invitational. 2, 3, 4, 5. The four runners on the team trained and competed in order to prepare for their event.

Lacrosse looks to avoid excuses and pick up momentum

By Camille Duong

On Tuesday the boy’s lacrosse team lost to El Dorado 10-7.

Despite a loss the team had a good first half, according to coach Phil Comito.

“We did well second and third quar-

ter,” Comito said.

Junior Eddie Clites agrees.

“We started off strong and we played really well,” Clites said. “We were able to score some easy goals.”

The team was leading 6-2 going into the third quarter, but the momentum of

Golf loses to Peninsula after experiencing unexpected injury

the game shifted and El Dorado was able to dominate.

“We had an opportunity to win,” Comito said. “We made bad mistakes and that allowed them to beat us.”

“We are more skilled, but if we continue to make mistakes like in the last three games, we can easily lose.”

– Phil Comito

By Matt Brancolini

formance did not ruin the team’s performance.

Being called up from the JV “It was good that I came out team in the middle of a match, there and shot pretty well,” Rico sophomore Matt Rico took sophsaid. “They were all really supomore Ray Malazo’s spot after an portive of me coming out there unexpected injury in yesterday’s and trying. It made me feel more 209-215 loss against Peninsula in relaxed.” a “hotly contested” match.

Sophomore Ray Malazo’s season “We played them really close. ended abruptly when he injured One of our top players hurt his his finger on the fourth hole. thumb and had to withdraw from “I hit a bad drive into the trees the match so we had to bring up and when I tried to hit it around a kid from the junior varsity team. the trees, my hand slipped and I [Rico] was in a tough spot and he badly sprained by thumb,” Malazo held his own,” coach John Burke said. “I think I hyper-extended it. said.

It’s pretty bad.”

Rico feels relieved that his perBurke is not optimistic about the possibility of Malazo returning this season.

“We only have two more matches left and a singles tournament.

That kind of injury takes a while to heal up,” Burke said.

Malazo feels let down by his season’s early ending.

“I feel really disappointed about missing the singles tournament in a few weeks,” Malazo said.

Burke hopes for a win against Chadwick in order to that a win against Chadwick would end the season on a high note.

“We want to beat Chadwick,” Burke said. “It’s our last two matches and they were our only win last year. We know we can beat them.”

Burke expects next season to be a break out season for the team.

“All the matches we lost were really close. South was the only team that soundly beat us,” Burke said.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL “We should win our league next year. This season was rough but the Putting for Pride. Junior Kenny Cole team got closer and worked hard putts the ball in yesterday’s match all year. Next year’s success will just against Peninsula. be icing on the cake.”

4.

PHOTO BY ERINN MIDDO No excuse. Junior Jeff Clark looks for the pass in Tuesday’s game against El Dorado.

A lack of energy was a factor in the loss. According to senior Dillon Guth the team shut down the second half.

“In the second half we broke down because our players got tired and in the end, El Dorado was able to out-hustle us,” Guth said.

Clites feels the same.

“Toward the end we all got tired and they were able to catch up,” he said.

Comito acknowledges the exhaustion of the team, but believes that it does not constitute excuses.

“The difference between a good team and a bad team is that a good team puts up a fight,” Comito said. “Younger and weaker teams make up excuses. We have a younger team but we can’t do that.”

Today, the boys play Downey at home at 6:00 p.m. Guth believes that the team has a good chance of winning.

“We are definitely the better team,” Guth said. “We just need to play like it.”

Comito agrees with Guth.

“I’m confident,” he said. “We are more skilled, but if we continue to make mistakes like in the last three games we can easily lose.”

According to Comito the team can’t dwell on the past losses.

“It’s a game that we need to step up in,” Comito said. “We can’t make mistakes.”

Dance Guard and band develop team spirit

By Alex Curtis

The group of teenagers talks excitedly, their excitement fueled by recent success.Some of them may have never become friends or even met if it wasn’t for band or Dance Guard, but they’re certain they’ve created a bond that can never break.

Concert band received first place in their division and wind ensemble placed third at a competition in San Francisco.

High Brass Section Leader Rick Kodani relates their success to the increase in band spirit and camaraderie. Dance Guard co-captain Savannah Irving agrees, as the girls just won a Judge’s Award.

“A lot of it has to do with the quality of the experience we have. I definitely feel that people have connected with the band rather than just showing up to play music,” Kodani said.

Drum captain Zac Commins believes there is room for improvement, but that band preformed well regardless.

“People were playing parts they’d never played before. People were playing instruments they hadn’t played before. We played better that I thought we would,” Commins said.

Irving has also noticed an increase

in spirit, which she links in part to Dance Guard’s new coach.

“Our new coach was really excited about the team, and I think that rubbed off on us. The freshmen and new girls were really spirited as well to begin with, which lead the team to be more spirited,” Irving said.

According to Irving, band and Dance Guard will come together every other month for some sort of bonding event, such as bowling.

“This year the bond is definitely the strongest it’s been in a long time,” Irving said.

Beyond their increased team spirit and unification, band has also been experimenting and growing.

“We’re definitely expanding. We’re trying new styles of music. Being a musician, it’s really interesting to try all the different styles,” Kodani said.

The drum line won fifth overall in its last performance.

“We’ve been adding a lot of movements, stick tricks, and martial arts. It makes the show connect much more with the audience. It gives us a whole package, really,” Commins said.

Commins is pleased with the progress that is being made with such a new project.

“When I walked into that gym a couple weeks ago, I didn’t know what

to expect. I knew I had to play, but I had never done this before. No one had done it before,” Commins said.

Dance Guard has also been growing.

They got new costumes and their coach has been planning routines that are tailored to the girls in the team, according to Irving.

“That led the team to be more spirited because we feel comfortable

and confident in what we are wearing,” Irving said.

Irving believes that, in comparison to her previous years on guard, this year has brought the dance guard and band together like never before.

“In the past two years the team has completely changed. We’re more together as a team instead of separate cliques. We’ve bonded really well,” Irving said.

1.

PHOTO BY JAKE COLLINS

2.

COURTESY OF KIANA SAKAMOTO

Unified as one. 1. Concert band performs at the All-District Concert. They received first place in their San Francisco competition, but still look to improve. 2.

Dance Guard performs at recent indoor competition.

Like band, Dance Guard believes they have become more spirited.

Sports

7

p.

]April 22, 2011]

Closing in

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

The track team heads into their final dual meet of the season looking to beat Mira Costa and win Bay League.

PHOTO BY NOUR KABBANI

Preparing for war. From left, senior Nadia Basich throws the discuss, a high jumper takes his leap, and senior Olivia Loveland leads the girls distance pack in the Peninsula meet. The team races Costa tomorrow night for the dual meet league title.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

by Julie Tran

In addition to the track team’s undefeated record so far, the girls’ won the South Bay Championship, 116, last Saturday.

Highlights included sophomore Kayla Ferron winning strong in the 800 and 3200 meter, despite having ran the 4x800 Mt. Sac relay the night before, and senior Chris Bassman’s win in the 100 meter.

Bassman set the meet record at 10.82 seconds, automatic timing.

“I attribute my success to hard work as well as my family’s undeniable love and

encouragement throughout the years,” Bassman said.

Many others placed in second or third.

Key scorers for the girls were seniors Aundrea Yancy, Ruby Davis, and Kayla Patterson, and juniors Haley Miller and Jasmine Freeman. The girls were well-rounded and scored in most events, according to girl’s head coach Julie Ferron.

“The fact that we came out victorious even though most of our distance kids didn’t run for the South Bay Championships shows the strength and depth in the girls’ team,” Ferron said.

Meanwhile, key scorers for the boys were sophomore Max Neibergall in pole vault and senior Derrick Duran in the 400 meter.

Although the boys placed fifth overall in the championships, they are expected to win in today’s meet against rival Mira Costa.

This will be the first dual meet against Costa to be held at home in 15 years, due to Redondo’s previously sub-par track and field facilities.

“The Bay League championships all come down to this meet,” Ferron said.

“This is what we’ve been working for all season.”

Despite Costa’s tie with Palos Verdes in an earlier meet with the girls and Redondo’s easy win against the same team, Costa is still considered the toughest competition for the seahawks.

“Scoring between the girls will go down to the wire even though we have some of the best runners in the nation,” Ferron said.

The boys’ runners on the other hand have proven faster than Costa’s in past meets and in times, according to Bassman.

According to Ferron, the team’s goal is to

be Bay League champions for both boys and girls.

Sophomore Evan Malone-White stressed that the main objective for today is to “score, score, score.”

“I don’t expect to beat my P.R. My only goal for tomorrow is to win points,” Malone-White said. “Times don’t count.”

Beating rival Costa will be infinitely more rewarding than defeating any other team, according to Malone-White.

“We are ready to take them down and take the lead title for Bay League home,” sophomore Cara Ulizio said.

Softball’s out for blood

Tennis keeps their focus on Mira Costa

“We’re all so committed to this team and loyal to each other, that’s Varsity softball won their game, why we always push to be better and 19-0, Wednesday against Leuzinger. work harder, we never want to let According to the girls the game each other down,” Park said. was easy but they played it like it According to senior Brett Aspel was a regular game, and went hard. the girls always fight hard even when “We didn’t just take it light, we it’s not a “tough battle”. always want to give it our all. No “If we don’t give it our all at all matter who we play,” Senior Linda times, we’re only cheating our selves.

Park said.

Why take it light when we can get With three home runs and a something out of it of we go hard?” shut out game the girls feel like it Senior Cindy Zamudio said. was their commitment to their team The girls take every opportunity and each other that kept them go- they can to improve a ready theming even when it wasn’t completely selves for their next game. necessary.

“We’re always striving to do better. With every game we try and fix what was wrong with the last. That’s why we play every game like it’s a challenge,” Zamudio said.

According to captains Zamudio and Park, the girls are focused and constantly preparing for their next game.

“We always got to push it if we want to win,” Zamudio said.

Because of all of their hard work the girls feel like they are ready to beat Mira Costa today at three.

“We are definitely ready to take them on and shut them out. Rival team or no rival team, were going to play it like we always do. Hard,” Zamudio said.

by David Kawa

by Jessi Shipley

PHOTOS BY JAKE COLLINS

Celebration. Senior Brett Aspel celebrates with her team after winning the game against Leuzinger Wednesday. She threw a shut-out and allowed only 3 hits.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY MAULDIN

Served. Junior Chris Farmer serves in a match against Palos Verdes.

Boys Tennis lost, 14 –4, to Palos Verdes yesterday. The team stays focused on a rematch game against Mira Costa next Wednesday.

“I think we played okay, Chris Lew and I won one of our of two matches. A lot of our shots were going in, but we got beat in the clutch.

We didn’t really have a great chance,” he said.

Sophomore Derek Levchenko, despite winning two out of his three matches, was disappointed in the game’s result.

“I am glad I won, but I’m not proud of my performance,” Levchenko said.

According to junior Chris Farmer, Palos Verdes’ “trash talking” distracted from the game. “[Palos Verdes is] a good team and they know it. It’s just a disappointment that they are so condescending and disrespectful,” he said.

Coach Jessica Seibert did not have high expectations of the match.

“I wish I could say we are com-

petition for them, but their players are just better and have more experience,” she said.

However, she appreciates the team’s improvement.

“I feel good about today. Last time we only scored one point against them, but today we came away with four. We’ve definitely improved,” she said.

Contrasting this loss, is the team’s victor against Costa last week.

This was the first win against Mira Costa in the past six years.

Seibert revels in the victory.

“It is probably the highlight of my coaching career so far. For as long as I was a student, we never beat Costa.

It’s a great hurdle to overcome,” she said.

According to Junior Chris Lew, the win validated the team’s effort.

“It felt really good to beat a team that we were never expected to beat.

From the beginning we focused all our training and practice to beating Costa, so it was fulfilling to get that win,” he said.

Lew hopes the team can repeat

this success next week.

“We pushed ourselves and our teammates to our best games. We plan to do the same next week,” he said.

According to Paul Levchenko, the team is leaving the Palos Verdes game behind to focus on Mira Costa.

“We are just going to look past [Palos verdes] and focus on Wednesday. We are hoping to get that, it’s a big one. We did it once, so we hope we can do it again,” he said.

Senior Sebastian Mendoza is equally confident in the team’s chances.

“Our team had improved a lot since the beginning of the year. [At first] we didn’t know if we could beat Costa, but now we are confident we can do it again,” he said.

The team awaits the rematch.

“Having a win over them, we are in high spirits. This is for third place in league, a spot in CIF, and bragging rights over our rival. This is definitely our main focus,” Seibert said.

Girl’s Lacrosse earns top seed

by Olivia Loveland

Girls’ Lacrosse made a statement.

Girls lacrosse beat 12th-ranked La Canada Tuesday 21-7 which gives the girls the number one seed in playoffs with a home field advantage.

“La Canada was a big game for us.

We are ranked sixth and they were ranked twelfth and had only lost to two highly rated Orange County teams,” coach Tom Borgia said.

The girls scored three goals after two minutes and when La Canada came back with two quick goals, the girls responded with six straight goals to go up 9-2.

“The girls played their best game of the year,” Borgia said. “We came out firing away and we were up 3-0 after two minutes.”

With the score up 13-3 at the half, coach Borgia was still wary of La Canada and decided to not start subbing.

“I did not sub as early as I nor-

mally do because I knew La Canada had the fire power to come back quickly and I wanted to send a message to them and the other teams that we are the number one team in LA County,” Borgia said.

Practicing long passes the day before “paid off” according to Borgia, which helped move the ball up the field faster.

“We moved the ball around much better and our transition game was fantastic. Although we have a really fast team, it’s a lot easier to pass the ball up field with two to three long passes, and that is exactly what we did,” Borgia said.

Senior Julia Denney led the offense with a school record eight goals according to Borgia, followed by Brittany Ross (five goals, 2 assists), senior Allison Field (four goals, one assist), and junior Micayla Kotzback (three goals, two assists).

“Several girls had big games on offense although the entire team worked together and was very pa-

tient by not forcing passes or taking poor shots. This was by far our best offensive game of the year,” Borgia said.

According to Borgia, defensively the team was “solid as a rock” with

“For the next two games and CIF I am expecting our team to come together and play as a team.

We play our best when we do,” – Bailey Czech senior Ava Elsner, and junior Ally Barry playing solid defense in front of sophomore Heather Czech, goalie.

“It’s demoralizing for a team to come down the field and have to work so hard on their offense to get a shot on goal, only to have [Czech] make a great save, then throw a

clearing pass to Ava and then five seconds later the ball is down on the other end of the field and we are scoring a goal,” Borgia said.

The girls will play their last two league games against Downey tomorrow and Palos Verdes next Wednesday.

“For the next two games and also CIF I am expecting our team to come together and play as a team.

We play our best games when we do and I feel we have a shot at going far if we do. We have a bunch of talented players on the team and we work well together when we do,” senior Bailey Czech said.

The girls hope to clinch their third Bay League title and a threeyear record of 33-1.

“We went into the La Canada game really pumped up, knowing our Bay League title was just a couple games away,” sophomore Emily Field said. “We are going into our last games with just as much fire to get our third Bay League Championship.”

Sports

8

p.

] April 22, 2011 ]

Baseball undefeated in league

by Zachary Zent

The baseball team is currently 3-0 in Bay League, following an impressive 4-2 win against Palos Verdes late Wednesday afternoon. The team is content with its victory over a “good” PV team, but is looking for the sweep of the two game series against the Sea Kings tonight at home. Palos Verdes is currently winless in league competition, despite a win-heavy preseason.

Splitting the series with PV does not appear to be on shortstop Matt Esparza’s agenda.

“We’re just going to keep the momentum from our four game winning streak and continue playing hard and staying excited,” Esparza said. “I know we all just want to win.”

Clean, solid baseball will be stressed for tonight’s upcoming game against the opportunistic PV team, according to manager Jeff Baumback.

“We’ll have to throw strikes and play clean defense. PV is a good team that will take advantage of walks and errors by getting hit in keys situations. We need to eliminate allowing base runners by walks and errors,” Baumback said.

Disciplined at bats are a must in utilizing the team’s offensive talent, according to Baumback. The team has continuously seen improvement in their hitting throughout the year and features big hitters junior Dylan Hatch and senior Travis Fischvogt as threats to hit home runs.

“Offensively we only swing at strikes have competitive at bats,” Baumback said.

“We have some weapons offensively and not giving away at bats is critical.”

Catcher Jake Jimenez, who is currently batting .350, is proud of the unselfish nature of the team along with the team’s winning streak.

“We are playing as a team and are not being ‘I-guys,’ “ Jimenez said. “Sacrifice bunts were also huge for us in Wednesday’s win.”

Esparza credits Wednesday night’s win in large part to pitching and execution at the plate and on the base paths where the team has been able to show their speed.

“We had a really solid start from our pitcher Grant Wessel and good relief from Nyc Bongiovani, overall holding them to only two runs. We also executed our bunts to get runners in scoring position and got a few clutch hits,” Esparza said.

Wessel has emerged as one of the team’s aces and consistently throws solid games on the mound, according to junior Hunter Bradshaw.

Baumback is confident that the team will step up its play and believes that we haven’t seen the Sea Hawks at their full potential, despite a “disappointing” spring break tournament.

“After having a real poor spring break tournament the boys have really practiced hard and showed a renewed competitiveness. This has led to some quality wins, but we have not peaked and still have better baseball within us. We still need to focus on the process of getting better each day.”

Making a mark

1.

Splash. 1. Sophomore Nick Johnson swimming the butterfly in yesterday’s meet against Mira Costa. 2. Senior Hogan Inscore swimming the breast stroke yesterday. Redondo beat Mira Costa 94-75.

2.

PHOTOS BY JULIE D’EATH

Boys’ swim beat Mira Costa for the first time in twenty years, yesterday.

by Tati Celentano

Yesterday the boys dominated Costa 9475 for the first time in twenty years. Girls were defeated 135-31 but continue to lower times.

According to senior Jonathan Diaz, the meet was well matched.

“We expected it to be a tough race but at the same time we felt a small chance of beating them, in the guys team. We knew that Costa would have a large team with a lot of depth but we have dominating swimmers, which they lack,” junior John Portis said.

Seniors Hogan Inscore and Diaz and juniors Declan Andrew and Portis broke the long-standing school record in the 200 relay by 1.4 seconds. “[As the anchor] there was a lot of pressure on me because everyone was watching,

knowing that I was coming in to determine if we beat the record or not,” Andrew said.

According to Andrew, everyone was cheering and yelling.

“The whole team knew the record was 30.95 seconds, so when we ended with 29 seconds everyone went nuts,” Andrew said.

According to Portis the boys have been trying to beat the record and ended up dominating it.

“It was a wave of emotion. We were all just stoked that we finally accomplished what we have been working so hard and long for,” Portis said.

Rubke is very proud of the boys and believes it was some of the best swims he has ever seen them do.

“I am very happy for the guys because they made the meet such an outstanding

one. I give all the credit to them. They decided to make it an important one and motivated each other to swim better,” Rubke said.

Diaz sees improvement in the team every week.

“It was way more obvious after seeing people swim today like Adam Rudow who don’t usually perform as well as the other team. He stepped it up and beat them,” Diaz said.

According to junior Adam Rudow, who broke his best time in the 100 backstroke believes his performance was influenced much on wanting to contribute to his team points, knowing as a team they were defeating Costa.

“We needed this win. We came together against our rivals and did excellent. The

team moral is really high right now,” senior Ethan Peak said.

According to Diaz this win pumps everyone up for CIF knowing that they can perform this well in a dual meet means they can do even better in CIF. “As good of a meet as that was, it needs to be a reminder to swimmers that season is not over. This sets the bar higher because they still need to come up with big swims at the end of the season, when it really matters,” Rubke said.

Next week the team will go up against Torrance in a nonleague meet to prepare for Bay League and championship meets.

“It was a great day in Redondo swim history and I can’t wait to see us step it up and excel for the remainder of the season,” Diaz said.

Looking ahead with eyes on the prize Boys’ volleyball prepares for PV after beating West and Peninsula.

by Kaelee Epstein

The volleyball team began the second round of league play beating West, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, yesterday, continuing its “successful” season.

After sweeping Peninsula on Tuesday, the team was confident going into yesterday’s game.

According to Avery, West is not a very good team and they have the worst record in Bay League.

Despite the lack of fear concerning the West game, the team couldn’t relax.

“We always have to be a little worried, even if things are expected to go fine,” Avery said.

Junior Clay Attig agrees that the team’s focus is important.

“We knew last night’s game wouldn’t be too much of a challenge, but we needed to be fully prepared, confident and focused,” he said.

Before last night’s game, the team knew

they needed to practice hard.

“Our serving requires the most attention as of right now, but in practice we focused a lot on putting pressure on the other team from the service line so we felt well prepared,” Attig said.

The weeks worth of serving practice payed off. Both senior Riley Theunissen and junior Trevor Butler served well.

Theunissen had a seven point serving run during the third game.

Despite the win, Attig feels the team could have done better.

“In today’s game we won in three but I personally don’t think it was out best perform as a team,” he said.

He also thinks the team was too confident. “[Over confidence] cost us a little bit. We ended up winning by less than we would have liked,” he said.

After beating West, the team is now con-

cerned with its game against Palos Verdes next week.

“Palos Verdes is one of the strongest teams in league, we need to beat them to have a chance at winning Bay League,” Avery said.

The team already beat PV earlier in the season. He thinks that the most important thing is to stay consistent. “[PV] is ranked number three so far so I wouldn’t put it pass them to take us if we have a bad day, but we need to work on staying consistent and not letting teams go on runs,” Attig said.

Senior Andy Price agrees that the team will need to play strongly.

“They are a solid team but if we play our game we can take anybody. We just need to play well to beat them,” he said.

Avery is happy with the season so far.

“We have a lot of good things going, we need to keep the ball rolling and take it one match at a time,” Avery said.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Spike. Senior Trevor Butler spikes the ball in yesterday’s game against West.

by Allie Goldberg

Athlete of the

Issue Drew Kozain

Senior Drew Kozain has “lived and breathed” baseball for as long as he can remember, and hopes to continue his baseball career in college, and hopefully beyond.

“Well my mom told me that I could throw a baseball before I could even walk,” he said. “I just love baseball.”

Kozain participated in three sports his freshman and sophomore year, but decided that he needed to focus solely on baseball in order to be the best.

“I practice everyday, even after practice, and it has definitely paid off. My pitching has grown stronger over the off-season and I’ve developed my game a lot,” he said.

He feels that baseball is his release from his day to day stresses.

“Baseball is the one place where I don’t have to deal with outside problems,” he said. “I get to disconnect from the world for five hours each day. I look forward to it every day when I wake up.”

Kozain explained that he has also developed close relationships with his teammates.

“I would do anything for them. I couldn’t have asked for a better team nor better teammates,” he said.

His mother, Erika Robinson, also believes that Kozain’s involvement in the sport has been enlightening.

“It instilled a confidence in him, but he knows the flip-side. If you get too confident someone will knock you down because no matter how good you are, there is always someone better,” Robinson said.

“No one person wins or loses a game.”

From painting her face to recording hundreds of hours of video footage, she has supported Kozain throughout his baseball career.

“We are very proud of him and all he has accomplished so far. There are tons of kids who don’t make it this far so we’ve tried to teach him never to take anything for granted. Baseball reinforces that concept every time someone is humbled by another team or player, and that is life.”

Coach Jeff Baumback explained that Kozain was voted team captain by his teammates.

“He has a great attitude and works really hard everyday,” he said. “He’s always early to practice, and stays late. He sets a really good example.”

Baumback described drew as a very “vo-

cal leader on the field.”

“He’s been able to stay really positive and people have jumped on board with him,” he said.

Kozain is one of the two best pitchers on the team, and is also the starting third baseman, according to Baumback. “[Kozain] is also one of our better hitters. He’s an all around very solid player for us and really brings a lot to the table,” he said.

According to Kozain, his high school career has been a little bit difficult as he has had four different varsity coaches in four years.

“Its always hard to adjust to new coaching styles and to never get any real consistency,” he said. “But I look at the positives and I’ve learned so much from all of my coaches and the different perspectives will definitely help me down the line in my baseball career.”

Kozain explained that is grateful to have had such a rewarding four years.

“I loved every second of my high school career and I’m really thankful for all of the opportunities baseball has given me. I try not to ever take a single second for granted,” he said.

L

ocal egends

Hard-working, vocal, strange, or maybe a little bit quirky.

Whatever their traits, these people have made a name for themselves in our community, and ingrained themselves in our local identity.

[See B4-5]

The High Tide Redondo Union High School Redondo Beach, Calif.

April 22, 2011

A

the

nchor

PHOTOS BY JON MARTIN AND ERINN MIDDO

b.

2

April 22, 2011

a

day life in the

Ballardo adjusts to American life while maintaining his Peruvian culture

by Anacristina Gonzalez

The alarm goes off at 4:00 am.

He gets out of bed and prepares himself for the long day that lies ahead. With seven classes, several extracurricular activities, and multiple online courses, junior Cesar Ballardo has his plate full.

“My days are pretty packed most of the time, but I make sure to make time for everything. That’s the only way I can get through all of the things I have to do,” Ballardo said.

Every day after school, Ballardo either has an AP Spanish Literature review session, salsa practice, or band practice. A few times a week, he also has choir practice at his church in the evenings. On these nights, he doesn’t get home until around 10:00 p.m.

“I take on so much stuff because I have a passion for everything I do,” Ballardo said.

On top of his heavy homework load in the evenings, Ballardo is also taking online courses to advance his studies in order to be able to graduate this year. He is currently working on trying to complete two semesters of United States History and a life skills class before the end of the year.

“Classes at school aren’t that easy.

As of right now, I need three more semesters and I’m struggling with it because there’s not enough time to finish those classes,” Ballardo said.

Ballardo’s life took a sharp turn at the age of eight when he and his family immigrated from Peru to the United States.

“It was pretty tough. Getting accustomed to how society runs is very hard here as opposed to how I was living before,” Ballardo said.

After growing up in a Spanishspeaking environment, Ballardo recently graduated from the English Second Language (ESL) program.

“Learning a new language was very hard. It got easier day by day because things made more sense,” Ballardo said.

Even though he has gotten used to life in the United States, Ballardo occasionally looks back at his life in Peru and misses how things used to be for him.

“Life [in Peru] was way easier.

People over there were so warm and everyone loved each other. I also had already made a life there,” Ballardo said.

He continues to push forward in his life and find new things that interest him in school. He discovered his love for guitar in the eighth grade and can constantly be found playing around school. “[Playing guitar] is a great feeling to me. It’s a beautiful instrument,” Ballardo said.

Ballardo is the pit section leader for concert band. He enjoys having this responsibility, for he has a love of music. “[Being section leader] takes a lot of work. You have to be able to work with the new freshman at the beginning of the year because they can be shy, but it’s fun,” Ballardo said.

Ballardo also dedicates much of his time to the salsa team. He has been on the team since his sophomore year, but he’s been dancing ever since he was four years old.

“You have to put in a lot of hours to work on the steps. It also takes a lot of energy because you have to be pumped up about it to make it look good,” Ballardo said.

Ballardo appreciates all the people who have helped him through his adjustments and difficulties in the past few years.

“Being surrounded by friends who have supported me through my struggles, especially with English, has helped me a lot,” Ballardo said.

1.

PHOTO BY MAX PITTMAN

passion.

1.Cesar Ballardo plays his guitar while he waits for the bell to ring for class. 2. Ballardo prepares to perform a routine with his Sabor de Salsa partner, Ariel Palmer, at the Battle of the Sexes Rally. Background.

Ballardo sings a cover of the song “Two is better than One” at the talent show.

2.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY MAULDIN

PHOTO BY JASMINE FREEMAN

b.

April 22, 2011

spice it UP

Sabor de Salsa forms close bonds through long practices

by Annica Stitch

The Salsa team, also known as Sabor de Salsa, holds friendship and fun in high regard. As the team grows, so does the bond between its members.

According to Mike Soohoo, the club sponsor and the team’s instructor, the group has grown into a tri-school performance team encompassing members from El Camino College and Nathaniel Narbonne High School.

“I think it’s very extraordinary that a high school has a salsa performance group that travels to different places to perform and compete such as UCLA, Salsa festival, USC, [and other places],” Soohoo said.

This year, the team is split into two groups: the advanced dancers or “elite team” and the regular team. Within the Salsa club, everyone has the opportunity to learn the basics of Salsa dancing and some routines. To be on the Salsa team, dancers have to try out and show their passion for dancing.

The team looks for certain qualities in prospective members. “[We try to find] which students shine and which students have a lot of passion both in their expression of dance and just in their willingness to be part of the

Together. 1. Sabor de Salsa preforms at the spring Boys vs.

Girls rally. 2. Salsa partners grow extremely close due to the large amounts of time spent together, according to junior Lelani Davis. 3.

Sabor de Salsa spends many hours practicing and preparing elaborate dances and stunts. 4.

Thanks to their dedication, the Salsa team has been able to participate in many competitions.

team. I’ve noticed that every year the salsa dancers that make the team are the ones that have a passion to be able to dance and especially shine in front of others,” Soohoo said.

Even though their practices are strict, the dancers also empha-

3

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY MAULDIN

size the importance of having fun while performing.

“We try to have everyone keep in mind to always have fun. One of the things we said, like performing before the rally, it wasn’t ‘don’t mess up’ or ‘hit all your lines.’ It was go out there and

have the best time of your life.

We feel that as long as we keep that motto this club/team is a place for people to come enjoy dancing,” Soohoo said.

The team encourages relying on one another for rides to practices, which are arranged by the

club’s Co-Presidents senior Cheyenne Soufl and junior Lelani Davis. Soohoo and Davis agree that the team members rely on each other like family members.

“Every year we kind of look at ourselves as one big family and we treat each other like family. So [whether] it comes to people being able to help each other train and become [better] dancers or whether it helps people get rides to certain practices,” Soohoo said.

According to Soohoo, this family atmosphere lead to greater teamwork.

“We try to take care of each other like a family and try to help people understand that they’re not just taking care of themselves but it’s [also] a very team [oriented] atmosphere,” he said.

Davis believes that the friendship between the dance partners strengthens the team’s bond. “[My dance partner and I] have a really close friendship and I feel it’s brought us closer because he is my partner and because everyone with their partner has a special connection because they are with them a lot. So I feel like each [pair] including myself and my partner get to know each other on different levels and that brings your friendship closer so you can rely on each other and you can rely on that person,” Davis said.

b.

4

April 22, 2011

Always in town

“Turkey John” has made many friends from being at the beach everyday.

1.

by Kimberly Chapman

“Hey chicken, take me swimming.” These words have been said countless times by local legend and alumni John Burke, better know as “Turkey John.”

The name “Turkey John” came from an old lifeguard friend of Turkey’s and the name has stuck ever since.

“He called me Turkey because I was afraid to swim in the ocean,” Turkey said.

Volleyball coach Tommy Chaffins believes Turkey John is a big part of the South Bay’s culture.

“Meeting Turkey John is almost a right of passage in the South Bay,” Chaffins said.

Turkey enjoys being a local legend because of all the friendships he has gained.

“It’s fun having everyone know who you are. I like to socialize with new people and old friends on the weekends,” Turkey said.

Chaffins has developed a friendship with Turkey throughout the years.

“He’s always been riding his bike and talking to people even when I was in high school. I had struck up a friendship with him because I knew he was a fellow sea hawk,” Chaffins said.

Chaffins values their friendship and believes Turkey has a “good heart.”

“I was having a volleyball class at the Hermosa Pier and I asked him to come help me out a little bit. He was giving insightful comments such as the kids are trying hard and having good effort. I think he has a lot to offer,” he said.

According to Turkey, he was popular in high school but he has not always been the social person he is today.

“I became more outgoing after I graduated because I felt like I was missing out on the fun,” Turkey said.

Turkey has lived in the South Bay area his whole life and has always enjoyed going to the Hermosa pier and 2nd Street.

“I like the South Bay a lot because it has a really nice atmosphere. It’s way better than living in tornado country,” Turkey said.

After spending nearly everyday of his life bicycling up and down the strand, Turkey has witnessed the South Bay transform from small beach towns to main tourist destinations.

“I think it has changed for the good. The towns are attracting more people and businesses because of the more attractions we have now,” Turkey said.

According to Turkey, he rides his bike on the strand about five hours every day.

Spending time at the beach has given Turkey the opportunity to meet many great people.

“I have made close friends and good relationships at the beach and I’m never going to leave,” Turkey said.

b.

L

egends

6.

3.

5.

9.

Out and about. 1. John Fortier’s peace flag on the corner of PCH and Knob Hill. 2. Local surf legend Don Swift repairs a broken surfboard. He surfs at least once everyday. 3. One of Swift’s many surfboards. 4. Fortier and his friend Dick Kazan who also participates in peaceful demonstrations. 5. Fortier out on a Friday afternoon with his “War is not the answer” poster. 6.

Swift’s workshop in his garage. 7. Pamela Ament helps organize supplies for an event. 8. Fortier served on the Air Force during the Korean War. Now, he promotes peace against the current wars. 9. Ament helps out a visitor at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

Fortier for peace 3.

4.

Swift lives up to status as local legend

by Cameron Paulson

Don Swift may simply consider himself a local surfer but many others would consider him a local legend.

“Starting at a young age surfing has always been a part of me,” Swift said. “Through the ups and downs it’s always been there for me.”

According to 58 year-old Swift he is widely known around the South Bay. “It’s great to talk to people that know my name around the South Bay. It really makes me feel like I made a small mark in the surfing world,” he said.

Although many people know Swift as a great surfer, he was almost fatally injured a few years ago.

“Back in 2002 I was surfing low tide in Hermosa and before I knew it a wave had just pounded on me,” Swift said. “I was face down in three of water and couldn’t move.”

When the wave hit him, he was paralyzed.

“The wave slammed my head into the sand just the right way and broke my neck,” he said.

“I couldn’t move. I was helpless.”

Swift’s friend, who was a lifeguard, immediately

rushed out to help him, but it was almost too late.

“By the time my buddy and the lifeguard came out I couldn’t hold my breath any longer,” Swift said. “I inhaled water and it poured into my lungs and I had actually drowned.”

When Swift’s friends pulled him out of the water, he was not in good shape.

“I was all blue and limp. They cut off my wetsuit and put defibrillators on me and brought me back to life,” he said.

As Swift was being rushed back to the hospital, he started gaining “Next thing I knew I could my move my fingers and toes,” Swift said, “The doctors were amazed that I was moving then.”

After a few weeks in the hospital Swift walked out with no need for surgery, no need for therapy, a neck brace, and the ability to walk.

“I consider myself a miracle,” Swift said, “There is absolutely no way I was suppose to survive that wipeout much less be able to walk.”

Swift got back on the board despite his injury.

“There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I was going to continue surfing,” Swift said, “To be

quite honest although living through my accident was a blessing, I wouldn’t have minded to die like that. It sounds horrible but I can’t think of a better way to go than in the water, doing what I love.”

Swift returned to the board after recovery.

“I didn’t surf for eight to nine months, not because I didn’t want to but because I couldn’t,” Swift said, “If I could’ve gone out surfing the day after my accident, I would’ve been the first one in the water.”

As a local legend, Swift influences the people in the community, both young and old.

“He paves the way for younger surfers like myself and gave us all better chances to progress my surfing,” junior Conor Beatty said.

His story motivates young people to never give up and aspire to be the best they can.

“He’s the only person I know that has suffered a horrific surfing accident and still has positive outlook on surfing,” Beatty said, “He has plenty of wisdom to share and I can only one day hope to have such a passion for surfing that he does.”

9.

Being a member 7.

2.

5

Local veteran dedicates his time to promote peace in public spaces.

by Gianna Esposito

Once a week John Fortier sits on a street corner and waves at the people who pass by.

Most people avoid eye contact and beeline their way to Premiere Video or Penguins.

But Fortier only cares about the other people, the “regulars,” who honk their horn or flash their lights. Fortier greets them with a peace sign and a friendly “Hey! Hey!” Every Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Fortier, a retired teacher, sits on the corner of Knob Hill and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) with his peace sign flag and his “War is Not the Answer” sign, to promote peace.

He used to be part of a group of 40 people who peacefully demonstrated on the corner of Artesia and Hawthorne.

According to Fortier, the police “rousted” them there, but at his new post on Knob Hill and PCH hardly anyone reacts to his presence.

“It’s like I’m air. They don’t smile. They don’t wave. Which is, I think, sort of strange.”

However, some do show their support for Fortier and even defend him when others get “snarly” and negatively react to Fortier’s

demonstration, specifically his sign that reads “War is Not the Answer.”

“Nowhere on the sign is there a suggestion that I know the answer,” Fortier said.

“I just know what isn’t the answer. I mean for [the cost of ] blowing a couple holes [in a war zone] in the sand you could build a school.”

Fortier served on the Air Force during the Korean War, but has since changed his opinion on war.

“I’m out here out of guilt and I’m trying to give some people a heads up,” Fortier said. “I wish I hadn’t gone. I was 18 and it was just a big adventure.”

According to Fortier, he doesn’t believe that he killed anyone during the war and he is very grateful for that. And at the time, the food was more important to him than the fight.

“It was too good to be true,” Fortier said.

“We’d have a 24-hour “chow pass,” which [meant] we could eat anywhere, anytime.

And as long as we didn’t get shot down it was a piece of cake.”

And to make up for his participation in the war, Fortier protests war every Friday.

In fact, since he started peacefully demon-

strating in March 2003, he has only missed one Friday due to heavy rain.

His friend, Dick Kazan, who also peacefully demonstrates, admires Fortier’s dedication.

“He works vacations around Fridays.

Everything works around [his demonstrations]. Even on holidays he’s out here,” Kazan said.

According to Fortier, it hasn’t always been easy to remain so dedicated.

“Sometimes being out here isn’t the most convenient thing in the world,” Fortier said.

“But we’re not talking convenience here.

We’re talking war.”

Fortier intends to demonstrate as long as the wars continue because he feels it’s important to make people pay attention to the war instead of just going about their daily lives.

“I’d just like people to think about [war],” Fortier said. “And they’ve got to quit asking ‘What is the answer?’ I mean the only thing that matters is that war is not it.”

For additional photos and an extended interview with Fortier, see hightideonline.org to watch an audio-visual soundslide presentation.

Produced by Brianna Egan and Cedric Hyon.

Pamela Ament enjoys working for multiple community organizations, such as teaching local children drama and theatre.

by Nic Cruz

In Pamela Ament’s life, she does not confine herself to just one career. Her jobs change with the times. Although it may seem stressful, Ament would not change it at all.

Ament is a part of many different organizations like Women’s club, RedondoBeach Performing Arts Center, Outdoor Family Classic Films, and Drama Camp programs.

“I love doing all that. I love that my job changes day by day,” Ament said. “I don’t know what it’s like not to be active.”

Ament feels like she is a part of the community and does all she can to make it better than it was yesterday.

Her responsibilities include making sure everything goes as planned in certain events and teaching at summer drama camps. Although she is involved in many activities, Ament’s passion lies in theater.

According to Ament, it is wonderful to see all the hard work people put into the play come together in a final product.

“It all comes together in one live moment,” she said. “[It involves] cooperation, learning to make a decision, and follow through with that decision.”

Motivated by her love for theatre, Ament founded the Redondo Beach Summer Drama Camp in 1988. It is a sevenweek program that focuses teaching kids the mechanics of theater.

“I love…being able to motivate them,” she said. “I get the opportunity to teach them that they can do anything [like dancing and singing.]”

Ament enjoys sharing her passion and love for theatre with children.

“Theater is my love,” she said. “It is fun, exuberant, and joyful. It is my passion and I get my happiness from that.”

b.

6

April 22, 2011

RISING ABOVE

DIABETES Sophomore Casey Mandelbaum stays strong despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age three.

by Kimberly Chapman

At age three sophomore Kasey Mandelbaum was giving herself finger pricks to check her blood sugar levels because of Type 1 diabetes and missing out on eating candy on Halloween.

Kasey’s mom, Cheryl Mandelbaum, was frustrated that this would happen to her daughter.

“I would look at the other kids on the playground and think, ‘Why my kid?’” Mrs. Mandelbaum said.

However, Kasey believes this disease has not completely taken over her life.

“I am so used to dealing with high and low blood sugars that I have never had to go to the hospital since being diagnosed at age three,” Kasey said.

Diabetes is manageable as long as the individual takes the precautions and is careful, according to Kasey.

“I have an insulin pump that pumps insulin into my body, and I also have to check my blood sugar eight times a day,” Kasey said.

Diabetes requires that Kasey keeps up good health habits.

“I have to take really good care of myself to feel healthy. It’s hard doing that being a teenager,” Kasey said.

Even though Kasey takes good care of herself, her mom believes diabetes can have a mind of it’s own.

“Some days she will wake up with a blood sugar of 500 and I can’t take her to school like that. It could cause her to go into a diabetic coma,” Mrs. Mandelbaum said.

Some long term effects of diabetes include organ problems, amputations, and blindness.

“You have no idea how much [dia-

betes] scares me. I’m always afraid for the future and what might happen,” Kasey said.

Kasey feels that she is treated differently because of her disease.

“I have had a teacher tell me how brave I was being, but I don’t think it’s me being brave. It’s just me doing what I have to do,” Kasey says.

Kasey has not only found support in family and friends, but she has also found it through diabetes camp.

“I go to a diabetes camp almost every summer and it reassures me that I am not alone and that it will never hinder me,” Kasey said.

The camp is a great experience for kids with diabetes because it has many supportive people and many counselors who also have diabetes, according to Kasey.

“We have meetings where we talk about the difficulties we have been having that year and the different things that are going on inside our bodies,” Kasey said.

Kasey believes diabetes has not gotten in the way of her achieving goals though.

“Diabetes doesn’t restrain me from achieving goals or keep me from being who I want to be. I’ve learned to be determined to work through it and I decided early on that I wasn’t going to let it get in the way,” she said.

Both Kasey and her mom are thankful that she has learned to control her disease and is able to live with it.

“Sometimes when we walk through the Children’s Hospital we will see such sick kids, and I thank god that she only has diabetes,” Mrs. Mandelbaum said.

Diabetes: the facts Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that

occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels characterize Type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes can be prevented through healthy diet and excercise.

8.3% of the U.S. population has diabetes.

The total cost of diabetes in the U.S. is $218 billion, a year.

American Diabetes Association PHOTO BY MOLLY SIMON

April 22, 2011

Cabrillo

by Julia Uriarte

Different aquariums in the area showcase various exhibits and tours, offering something for practically everyone.

Living in Southern California, there is no limit to the number of aquariums at our disposal. However, what makes Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro stand out above the rest isn’t what’s inside, it’s what happens outside, after hours.

One of the aquarium’s most unique features is its “grunion runs.” From March to July each year the aquarium hosts a series of events called “Meet the Grunions” which allow visitors to watch the grunions, small and silver fish as they come up along the beach and spawn.

The program begins at 9 p.m. but be prepared to wait; sometimes, the fish don’t make their appearance until as late as 11:30 p.m. Be sure to bring towels or beach chairs to sit on, a flashlight to see the grunions when they surface, and several blankets and a sweatshirt as even the warmest summer days can turn drastically cold as soon as the sun goes down and the wind picks up. But don’t get too worried, the aquarium sells hot chocolate, coffee, and other concession to warm you up and there are exhibits on the grunions set up inside the aquarium as a way to escape the cold.

However, the hours spent waiting and the bone-chilling cold all seem more bearable when the first, silver body makes its way to shore, resulting in a magical, truly unique experience.

Looking for a whole day of adventure? head to the

Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is home to more than 11,000 ocean animals. The aquarium focuses on Southern California, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific. It also offers behind-the-scene tours, a Gray Whale watch, and a Harbor tour.

The behind-the-scene tours give visitors a chance to see the inner workings of the aquarium such as feeding, animal care, and water filtration. Between November and April, the aquarium showcases a Gray Whale Watch which is a two hour boat ride in the ocean in search of whales. They also offer the Harbor Tour, a 45-minute narrated boat ride through the

Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbor.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Shark Lagoon. Here, visitors can look through viewing windows to see various sharks. The displays give interesting information about the sharks’ size, senses, and place in the oceans’ food chain. There is also an interactive display where people can touch some of the sharks.

Another popular exhibit is the Lorikeet Forest. At this exhibit visitors can interact with lorikeets by buying a cup of nectar and feeding the birds. The aquarium is home of five sub-species of Rainbow Lorikeets. The Lorikeet Forrest is also home to the Violet-Necked Lory.

A trip to the aquarium is worth going to.

On a tight budget? visit

Roundhouse for free.

Alex Shea

PHOTOS BY ALEX SHEA

7

Tired of the typical aquarium experience? visit .

Under the sea

by Cammille Duong

b.

Below the Manhattan Beach pier, a saltwater ecosystem thrives with native California sea life. However, on the pier itself, visitors to the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium can see native South Bay fish up close and personal.

The Roundhouse Aquarium is a nonprofit building established in 1979 that is committed to promoting the public knowledge of California’s native sea life. The aquarium houses multiple species of fish, lobsters, invertebrates and other creatures visitors can

learn about.

By educating the local population, the aquarium’s staff hopes visitors will realize their impact on the environment when they interact with the ocean. Visitors can learn about their impact by attending one of the aquarium’s events or by talking with knowledgeable staff.

The aquarium serves over 100,000 visitors a year and is free to the public. However, to combat the $250,000 dollar operating costs, five dollar donations are encouraged.

The aquarium is open seven days a week from 3 p.m. to sunset on weekdays and 10 a.m. to sunset on weekends. For more information visit the Roundhouse’s website at http://roundhouseaquarium.org or their Facebook.

b.

8

April 22nd, 2011

Would you like fries with that?

by Dylan Futrell

French fries are a staple of American cuisine –– they can be found in almost any restaurant. But, aside from the occasional chili-cheese variant, restaurants rarely try to turn the tried-and-true formula on its head. Here are four restaurants that try to change that.

THE Standing Room: truffle parm Perhaps the best phrase to describe the truffle parmesean fries at Catalina Liquor’s The Standing Room is “hidden gem.” These are the most unique and seriously delicious fries in the area.

The fries are consistently cooked to perfection, and are great even by themselves The idea of truffle oil (truffles are a rare, valuable fungus that is highly prized for its smokey flavor) and parThe Standing Room mesean together is a little American cuisine with an strange at first. The result is Asian twist. one that will send you back Hours looking for more.

12-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-8 Sun. The well-crafted fries are Location priced at $3.50, and the 144 N Catalina Ave, servings are large enough to Redondo Beach be a meal in of themselves.

With a unique taste and How are the fries?

A great choice for enough to share, The Stand- anyone ing Room’s truffle parmesan

Fancy Fries.

The truffle parmesan fries are sprinkled with bits of seaweed.

The Standing Room also serves sweet potato fries.

PHOTOS BY MOLLY SIMON

Big mike’s: Cheese fries Big Mike’s is known throughout the community for their Jersey-style sandwiches. However, their cheese fries are one of the most notable items on the menu.

Slathered in zesty cheese sauce, the fries are creamy and filling.

While the fries themselves leave much to be desired, but the cheese sauce is so overpowering it hardly matters.

The sauce is applied liberally, so there is plenty to dip.

Beware, however: it can get messy. Don’t be afraid to use a paper towel.

Priced at $3.50, the Big Mike's Philly Steaks and Sub amount of fries is Filling East Coast staples. reasonable, and Hours 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Mon.- Thu. the fries serve as 11 a.m.- 2:30 a.m. Weekends a perfect com- Location pliment to the 1314 Hermosa Ave, greasy, heavy Hermosa Beach sandwiches that How are the fries? the restaurant is Cheesy and delicious known for.

bamboo thai bistro: curry fries Curry and french fries are an unexpected combination of Eastern and Western cuisine that, in theory, sounds delicious.

However, in practice, it is easy to see the two are not a popular combination for a reason.

The fries are served with either yellow or green curry, but the difference between the two are negligible at best. Both are sweet, slightly savory, and definitely edible.

Bamboo Thai Bistro The fries, however, are sub-par.

Modern curry house The restaurant uses what seems Hours to be store-bought, frozen fries, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Mon.-Sun. which, while an understandable Location decision for a place specializing in 2208 Artesia Blvd Asian food, are not very enjoyable.

Redondo Beach Priced at $5.50, the dish is not How are the fries? worth the money, but is a decent Alright, but not worth investment for anyone curious the price enough to give them a try.

Redondo beach cafe: Montreal poutine Poutine: a Canadian dish –– fries and cheese curds smothered in gravy–– that is surprisingly difficult to find in Redondo.

The Redondo Beach Cafe, an American diner with Canadian and Greek influences, provides an adequate solution for anyone pining for poutine.

The fries themselves are stan- Redondo Beach Cafe dard diner fare, but the curds and American dining with gravy provide a welcome twist to a Greek/Canadian influences simple order of fries.

The curds, which have a strange Hours texture compared to normal 12-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-8 Sun. cheese, work well with the gravy to Location 1511 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. form a cohesive, tasty whole.

Redondo Beach While the various components of the dish are mediocre, the end How are the fries? result is more than edible; it’s actu- Good for anyone craving poutine for cheap ally pretty good.

Canadian Treats.

In addition to the Montreal Poutine, the cafe serves Italian and Smoked Meat variants of the dish.

PHOTOS BY JON MARTIN