High Tide: December 16, 2011 Edition

High

TIDE Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School Dec 16, 2011 // Vol. LMXXIV // Section 11 Hightideonline.org

HOW DO YOU SEE

IT? p9-10

//

Easy to make recipes from all the finalist bake-off competitors.

p14-15 //

Sometimes what you see is not all that is really there. Different outlooks on life help students realize their surroundings.

Students try to stretch a dollar Christmas shopping with only $5.

p20-21

//

Early this morning surf competed against Costa.

2

NEWS // DEC. 16, 2011

The High Tide wins NSPA Pacemaker award

Holidays &

Harmonies Choir and Jazz band

showcase their talents in their annual holiday concert.

by Haley Meyers

The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) awarded last year’s staff of the High Tide its first Pacemaker award in nearly five decades.

“As the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize in scholastic journalism, it recognizes our paper as being one of the best newspapers in the country, which truly is an incredible honor,” said former Editor in Chief Austin Pritzkat.

Out of 325 entries, the High Tide was one of 26 national winners in the 9-26 page category to win the 2011 Pacemaker (according to http://studentpressblogs. org).

“The NSPA is an important national organization that possess well-qualified judges who demand high standards be met,” the High Tide’s Adviser Mitch Ziegler said.“You need to do everything well, and you need a little bit of luck.”

Pritzkat believes the NSPA recognized the High Tide’s “in-depth reporting” and storytelling, which, according to Pritzkat, proved the newspaper’s devotion to excellence in both planning and reporting.

“I think that our commitment to good storytelling set us apart. We consistently tried to tell compelling stories about our campus community that we thought our readers would be interested in, and I think we achieved our goal,” Pritzkat said.

Ziegler and current Editor in Chief Alison Peet-Lukes also acknowledge that impressive editorial leadership played a major role in the paper’s win.

“Molly Simon, former Editor of Design, is very knowledgeable designwise, and was always eager to help fellow editors. Austin put a lot of his time into his newspaper, and gave 150 percent every deadline,” Peet-Lukes said.

Ziegler also added that Pritzkat had great organization, along with complete commitment to working with the staff.

He instilled a sense of always seeking improvement.

“We learned there is always room for improvement and that acknowledging the mistakes we’ve made is the only way to improve,” Peet-Lukes said.

Pritzkat adds that winning this prestigious award should make not only the staff but the students and community members as well, proud of this accomplishment.

“This award puts pressure on [the staff] to continue to be strong,” Ziegler said.

1.

3.

PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZELL

2.

Merry Music. 1. Senior Tiffany Truong and junior Taylor Ballard sing “Santa Baby” at the holiday concert this Tuesday. 2. Saxophone player Matt O’Connel plays a holdiay medley along with jazz band. 3. Guitar player Alejandro Quvedo strums the chords of “Oh, Tannenbaum”.

Vitality City promotes health in Beach Cities A three year plan strives to make the Beach Cities a healthier “blue zone.”

by Andrew Czuzak

Students can sometimes get so caught up in their school work and extracurricular activities that they forget to do something very important: be healthy.

According to Vitality City representative Jill Gray, Vitality City and Beach Cities Health District are working together to make Redondo Beach a “blue zone”. These “blue zones” are areas where people live longer, happier, and healthier lives than the rest of the world.

“I think Redondo Beach could be a lot healthier than it is,” said Vitality City volunteer senior Angeline Lee, “I’m excited that

Vitality City wants to help us achieve that.”

The City Council and Beach Cities Health District has met with Vitality City and has engineered a three year plan that includes five steps to turn Redondo Beach into a “blue zone”. This three year plan involves making small changes in people’s live.

One such change brought into Redondo Beach is the Center for Health and Fitness located only a few blocks from school. The Center, available to students and adults, offers a gym at affordable rates. In addition, it also offers personal training and other exercise equipment.

“The Center for Health and Fitness is a great option for students who want to work out after school when they have some free time,” Gray said.

Right next to the Center for Health and Fitness is the Center for Health Connec-

tion, which offers medical aid to those who are not insured or under-insured, including annual doctor visits for children and teens under 18 years old.

“Part of being a Blue Zone is making sure everyone is healthy, not only those that can afford it,” Gray said.

Gray also suggests that another program that will help everyone in the South Bay be healthier is the certification of “Blue Zone Restaurants.” These restaurants offer healthier choices by labeling menus, serving smaller portions and offering fruit as a side or dessert.

Gray believes that Beach Cities District and Vitality City have already made a big difference in the city.

“I think there are plenty of options for people to go out and be healthy. People just have to be willing to try them,” Gray said.

NEWS // DEC. 16, 2011

3

Lack of funds prompts end of tradition Keye forms a

by Ilana LaGraff

As a police escort pulls Santa’s sleigh through the streets of Redondo Beach, children gleefully run outside to sit on his lap and tell him of their Christmas wishes. This annual event marked a tradition in the city of Redondo Beach.

That is, until this year.

According to Redondo Beach Police Officers Association president Dave Taneman, RBPOA no longer has the manpower needed to pull the sleigh each night between Thanksgiving and Christmas, due to budget cuts, layoffs, and concessions in contract negotiations.

“We are aware that the citizens in Redondo look forward to us taking the sleigh out each year, but it takes five off-duty volunteer officers to staff the sleigh. In 1990, we had 106 officers; 21 years later, we have 87,” Taneman said, “We’ll truly miss seeing the children as we do year in and year out.”

Although Santa Claus will no longer be sledding through the streets, he’s still coming to town.

“Even in the most difficult of times, we are still committed to serving the community and will continue the longstanding practice of bringing cheer to the families and children of our city,” Taneman said.

Santa and his sleigh, along with the Salvation Army who will be collecting unwrapped toys or clothing items for less fortunate children, will be at Anderson Park on December 17th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Many citizens are upset, claiming it “won’t be the same” and it is “very sad” to see the tradition of Santa visiting every block in the city come to an end.

Many fond memories of “children jumping for joy” and having “the whole street coming out and offering Santa cookies” were created by this event and Redondo Beach resident Grace Peng believes it was good that the children’s first interaction with the police was under good circumstances.

“A child’s first exposure to their local police department should be in a non-stressful event—not when they are a victim of crime or a crime suspect,” Peng said, “It’s also a

good community policing activity where police officers can meet the residents in a non-threatening venue.”

According to City Councilman Matthew Kilroy, RBPOA could have continued the event even though the numbers of available police officers are declining.

“They claim it’s harder for a smaller number of them to devote all those hours; however, they did do it last year and the number of police officers are [essentially] the same,” Kilroy said. “They could have asked for help and any number of groups would have volunteered.”

Though many have expressed their disappointmet towards the situation, Kilroy still believes RBPOA deserves some credit.

“People don’t realize who has actually been controlling the effort. The tradition of Santa coming by every street has been made possible by the RBPOA; not the City. It’s great that they’ve been doing it for all these years, and they should be applauded for all the long hours they have previously donated to it.”

Talent show raises money for various charities

by Meglyn Huber

On Dec. 2, the Reaching for Humanity (AAA) club and the Richstone Charity club hosted a charity talent show to benefit two charities. The Reaching for Humanity club supported Women for Women International and the Richstone Club benefitted the Richstone charity. Together, the clubs raised about $1,375 per charity.

Senior Nancy Silva, co-president of the Richstone club, helped in the decision to donate the profits to two charities.

“In the end, we did a median between both [charities] because people wanted to do stuff here, in this country, and abroad,” Silva said.

As President of the Reaching for Humanity club, senior Jazzolyn Kelly, decided to give her club’s share to Women for Women International, a charity that is currently helping rape victims in the Congo.

“When these women are raped they’re left with nothing. They most likely get HIV/AIDS, and their husbands usually leave them,” she said. “We wanted to do this to [help them] get their lives back on track.”

Silva’s club donated their share to their club’s charity, the Richstone Family Center, in order to help a cause a little closer to our school. “[We also chose the Richstone charity] because it affects people living in our country and people that might even go to our school,” she said.

Reaching well over their goal of $1,000, the show raised over $3,000 and was able to donate $1,375 to each charity after ex-

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Show your talent. Sophomore Imani Pirie and snenior Corina Garnier perform the song “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver at the Charity Talent Show on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The Charity Talent Show received overall positive reviews and successfully raised $3,500 for the Richstone charity and the Women for Women international.

penses.

“I definitely think it was really successful. We really pulled it off,” Kelly said.

Both Kelly and Silva decided on a talent show as a way to raise money as a different approach to helping others.

“We chose to do a talent show because it would get people more involved,” Silva said. “We could’ve gone to classes and col-

lected money but this was a good way to both provide entertainment and provide support for these two charities.”

Kelly believes in the sole purpose of giving to others who are less fortunate than herself, especially during the holiday season.

“If you have the ability to help people this much, why not take the opportunity to do so?” Kelly said

new Science Bowl team

by Benni McLaughlin

They sit, hands raised, ready to buzz in when they hear the correct answer. This question is about chemistry, something they are all very familiar with. Suddenly, they all smack their desks almost simultaneously as Mr. Keye reads the words “or choice Z, salt bridge.” The call is a close one, but it goes to A1, Eric Emdee. He calmly says “Z?” The reply is quick and enthusiastic, “Correct!”

And just like that, Emdee pulls into the lead in this nail biter of a Science Bowl practice.

Science Bowl may not seem like a very exciting thing to most, but to the five committed members and their instructor Physics teacher Matthew Keye, it sure is.

“Personally, I just like being there doing science for science sake,” said team member Aamil Shaik. “No studying, no grades, no homework. I really feel like we’re all there for a fun time, and science happens to be something we have fun doing.”

Accordingly, the team has a love for both having fun and learning new things.

“We like to have fun, but we have to be preparing ourselves at the same time,” said Keye.

In order to get ready for the intensely competitive competition in January, the team simulates the competition at practices that they hold on their own time.

“Unlike other competition clubs, we really don’t have a curriculum, or even set boundaries,” Shaik said. “We’re pretty chaotic and unfocused.”

Despite the lack of organization, Keye says he likes the chances the team has in the regional competition.

“We have a pretty impressive team this year,” Keye said. “Our goal is to make it to the second round in the afternoon.”

Although these modest goals do not sound very impressive, many teams from other schools have entire classes dedicated to the event, so Redondo’s team have much less time to prepare.

“The competition is fierce,” said Keye.

“We really are the underdog.”

Topics range from Biology to Geology, and team members need to be able to answer incredibly specific questions very quickly.

“Strictly speaking, the questions aren’t much harder than a normal science test, but there’s intense pressure to get the answer before everyone else and not having the question in front of you makes things surprisingly difficult.” Shaik said.

In the end though, the team will have fun no matter how well they do because of their deep-seated love for knowledge.

“It’s a competition based on something I know and love,” Shaik said. ”I’m pretty sure no one finds that concept boring.”

4

OPINION // DEC. 16, 2011

Around

Redondo “Is it better to end the semester before winter break even if the school year starts earlier?”

“Yes because all information is still fresh in my mind.”

12th

—Adam Rudow

“I prefer after because we have more time in the summer.”

11th

High school terms have always varied between districts, states, and countries. Colleges and universities, however, almost always end their semester when winter

by Cedric Hyon break starts. High schools should end their semesters at the start of winter break for the well-being of their students.

Students at universities are currently cramming their stressed-out brains full of info and losing their sanity over finals week. When their Hell Week is over, they can relax: teachers rarely assign work over the break as grades are already turned in. Semester long classes are over for the year and no new curriculum has been taught. Projects are done, tests are over with, and students and faculty can take a sigh of relief.

On the other hand, students at Redondo are still breaking their backs to get their grades up and learn new material.

That means homework over vacation, thus contradicting the idea of said “break.”

While students at universities are finished, Redondo students have tests, quizzes, and

—Yasmin

It’s important to keep everything in perspective.

—Sierra Things that Brown provide a solution to an immediate prob“No because by Dan Furmansky lem often pose more complex teachers and irritating would try to issues down the road. If first semester were cram everythig to end before our school’s winter break our in.” summer would be cut short and we would be forced to start school in early August. That’s —Shane one of the blaringly obvious reasons as to why Staudle the schedule should be kept the way it has been for our entire K through 12 lives.

Calling for change now would create problems for parents, teachers, and students alike.

“After break Our community has become accustomed to our current academic calendar. According to would give me Dr. Wesley, “Students would have to change a longer time their mindsets since this has been the schedule to study.” their entire lives.”

Winter break provides a much needed mid—Lisa semester rest from stressful times at school and Hurley allows students who are behind to play a little catch up. It is also a time for teachers to work Compiled by Sophia Ritchie on lesson plans, grade projects, and go over Photos by Andrew Hazeltine other student work, and for administrators to

all and local employers offering internships would be caught off guard by the change in a school schedule they have known for years.

Most students would probably say that they would prefer first semester to end before winter break so they don’t forget everything they have learned at school. It is only until they realize that summer would end earlier that they immediately retract their desire for an early end to the semester. If there is one thing that all students have in common, it is their love for summer and the anticipation they have for it. They have come to love summer the way it is scheduled right now and the only possible change would be to make it longer.

Summer break is supposed to start in the summer and end in the fall. Ending the semester before winter break would mean starting school in the summer season. Making this change would tangle our already delicate schedule further and cause more problems for faculty and students.

We have been getting along fine with things the way they are now. First semester ending in January is more beneficial to the district and everyone in it as a whole. As far as the schedule goes, it isn’t broken so nobody should be trying to fix it.

Con

9th

10th

10th

Pro

Having a break during the term often causes disruption in students’ learning process even with homework over the break; having two breaks during one term is not the best idea, since then after winter break students will be right back to learning new material.

One of the most common complaints that students give is the levels of homework they receive over break. The amount is overwhelming for some students and prior engagements can prevent students from doing work.

If a student has four projects due after the break and he or she has a two week trip to New York to visit family, sight-see, or just have a good time, when would the student have time to do the work? As soon as the student gets home, they would have to do those projects and the result will most likely be either a poor grade, sleep deprivation, or even both.

While vacation may have to be shortened or the school year may have to begin in early August to adjust to this new scheduling, wouldn’t it be worth it to actually say you’re on break? It would be easier to finish all curriculum before the break to let students take a break from school stress.

Should the end of the semester coincide with the beginning of our winter vacation?

Wilber

“Before break because all of the information is still in your head.”

homework to look forward to after they come back from break.

Other high schools like Lutheran High School of Orange and Baldwin Park High School end their term before winter break.

Palo Alto has addressed the issue that ending the term before break would be better so that students could have a stress-free break.

The Columbia school district of Missouri have also asked teachers if the semester should continue to end before break. Most teachers have replied that they prefer semesters to end before break so that students can truly enjoy their break and get testing over with. Others teachers have also said that it benefits them as well because they don’t have to spend time reviewing once the students come back from break. However, the most widely agreed statement is that the students can enjoy an actual break.

get their affairs in order. It’s comforting to know that when the break is over there is still time for students to make up that test, present that project, and turn in your homework in an attempt to raise your grade before the semester ends. A normal school week may be too hectic to allow time for extra work.

Teachers already try to pack a lot in before winter break because they feel that students will not be able to remember much after those two weeks are over. While this may be true, ending the semester before winter break would still cause more problems than it would solve.

Starting school in early August makes it difficult for parents who are used to planning trips in the late summer. Trips to visit colleges may be cut short or not happen at

OPINION // DEC. 16, 2011

5

Shannon’s

Shenanigans Back to

Plan A

by Shannon Bowman

High Tide Staff Editor-in-Chief: Alison Peet-Lukes Managing Editors: Meglyn Huber; Madeline Perrault News Editors: Daniel Garzon; Jeremy Porr Opinion Editor: Shannon Bowman Features Editors: Taylor Ballard; Kimberly Chapman; Anacristina Gonzalez; Bethany Kawa; Tricia Light; Emma Uriarte Sports Editors: Tatiana Celentano; Julie Tran; Zach Zent Photo Editors: Erinn Middo; Jenny Oetzell Copy Editor: Camille Duong Cartoonist: Cooper Lovano Online Editor: Brianna Egan Staff Writers: Matthew Brancolini; Dylan Biggs; Taylor Brightwell; Torrey Bruger; Logan Collingwood; Andrew Czuzak; Navea Dasz; Camille Duong; Brandon Folkman; Dan Furmansky; Shivaani Gandhi; Hana Ghanim; Andrew Hazeltine; Cedric Hyon; Craig Ives; Ilana LaGraff; Cole Greenbaum; Vivian Lam; Anthony Leong; Cooper Lovano; Diana Luna; Kayla Maanum; LeAnn Maanum; Isaiah Madison; Kylie Martin; Benjamin McLaughlin; Hayley Meyers; Madison Mitchell; Rachael Orford; Cameron Paulson; Alegra Peelor; Alejandro Quevedo; Jason Rochlin; Nancy Silva; Jessica Shipley; Taylor Sorensen; Savannah Stern; Hannah Son; Claire Tsius; Colin Welch; Cody Williams Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a highquality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body. This newspaper is 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. Call (310)798-8665 ext. 2210.

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

Pier renovations bring renewed interest T h e Redondo Beach Pier as it is now is unattractive, dirty, and full of fishermen who make it smell of rank fish. New renovations to the pier will inspire pride in our amazing location and add life to our city by encouraging tourism which will in turn help our community’s economy.

While many cities can not afford luxurious updates, our renovations are possible all thanks to Measure G which has granted our city part of the money for the project. Measure G is the product of 10 long years of planning and community outreach to get Redondo Beach citizens on board with the project. It requires the city to create a more updated version of the pier and create more open space for the public to utilize.

According to The Daily Breeze, the city has already committed around $2 million to the renovations project (http://redondobeach. patch.com/articles/waterfront-revitalizationplans-revealed).

The renovations will include the brand new Shade Hotel which is going to be constructed near the Cheesecake Factory in the empty restaurant lot. The city’s main goal for the hotel is to bring in more money, hoping to generate $600,000 in city tax revenues (http://www.saveourseaside.com/yesong. html). The Shade hotel is planned to be an

Editorial

“ New

environmentally friendly space and each room will have a gorgeous water front view for all its future guests. The beauty of the ocean and the pier itself is sure to attract an interested crowd that will be more than willing to spend money to stay in our beautiful city. Tourists love having the ability to hear the seals bark and watching the waves crash on the rocks.

Future tourists would love to spend the money to stay by the water and get the chance to take in all the natural beauty that the Redondo Beach Pier has to offer them. The city should replace all the old molded and cracked wood with state-of-the-art architecture. The cracking wood is filled with tar and loads of gum, making it unappealing and dirty to those who wish to visit a fun-filled area. Along with the constant gutting and skinning of fish, the pier appears even more disgusting. Updated architecture and regular cleaning maintenance will make the pier enticing to prospective visitors, not to mention it would make it even more structurally sound and clean.

Improving the aesthetic look of the pier will also instill a sense of pride in Redondo Beach citizens. Seeing tourists spend money to visit the place we live in will make them want to show off their beautiful pier to friends and family. Overall, Redondo Beach is a beautiful city full of life and the pier should reflect just that. Our city deserves modern beauty and these new renovations will help give us just that.

renovations to the pier will inspire pride in our amazing location and add life to our city.

”

You’ve probably seen it at the drugstore: a small box with “emergency contraception” printed on it. For the most part, teens give it little attention.

That is, until they’re hysterically trying to find the little pill that will ensure a brighter future for themselves.

Plan B, or emergency contraception in general, is a godsend. Even pro-lifers (rational ones, anyway) don’t have much of a problem with it. The “morning after pill” (which is not an abortion pill) is designed to prevent pregnancy, either by stopping a sperm cell from reaching an egg or preventing the fertilized egg from attatching to the uterus and growing into a zygote. The side effects, which do not happen to every girl, can be unpleasant, as it effectively begins the menstrual cycle, but not harmful unless there is an allergic reaction (http://www.carolinianonline.com).

For years, this pill has only been available without a prescription to people aged 17 and older. If you are 16 years and 11 months old, you still have to have a prescription. For some girls, it’s an inconvenience. For others, it’s not even an option. Even admitting to their parents they have had sex is terrifying enough; admitting there was a mistake during sex (condom breaking, missing a day of birth control, waking up with no memory of the night before) and the clock is ticking is impossible.

Crisis centers like Planned Parenthood can give out prescriptions like candy, but not everyone has access to one.

Obama was given the chance to take away restrictions on this life-changing medication. The FDA has even concluded that it is safe for nonprescription use and that prescriptions for adolescents is not needed. (http://www. guardian.co.uk/) Of course, the theocratic regimine that calls itself the Tea Party through a fit. Letting teenagers have control over their own bodies, sex lives, and future? Never!

Unfortunately, Obama decided to overturn the legislation because he couldn’t do it in good conscience, as he himself has daughters.

For everyone else’s daughters, good luck. Our nation’s new theocracy has made its way from the small-minded to Washington D.C. and now makes its home in your uterus.

6

FEATURES // WORLD EVENTS // DEC. 16, 2011

OCCUPY WALL STREET

By Allegra Peelor

Thousands of ordinary people holding signs made of cardboard boxes and two-by-fours march down the streets of Manhattan’s Financial District. Shouts of “We are the 99 percent!” and “Down with the one percent!” pierce through the roar of of protesters’ feet slapping the sidewalk.

Although OWS originated in New York City, the movement has now spread to more than 100 cities in the United States and more than 1500 international cities (occupywallst.org), each with a similar set of grievances to that of the original OWS movement.

Universities have also become meccas for peaceful OWS protesting. Four University of California campuses are taking part in the protests.

However, not all of the UCs are protesting in the same way.

According to RUHS alumni and current UCLA student Ashley

Pournamdari, UCLA has not experienced any clashes between police and protesters, unlike at schools like UC Davis, where the OWS movement exploded after a YouTube video that showed police pepper-spraying calm protesters went viral. “[Occupy Wall Street is] more active at other schools like Berkeley and Davis,” Pournamdari said.

“It feels like it’s more peaceful and calm here.”

According to RUHS alum and UC Davis student Ramya Bhaskar, not only are students and professors protesting tuition hikes and police violence, but they are protesting against chancellor Linda Katehi’s reaction to the incident and her decision to bring in police and security in the first place, even though “[the protesters] weren’t doing much; they were just sitting in a line and chanting.”

Many students and professors at UC Davis were angry when the Katehi called in police and, as a result, more people started to camp out in the students’ quad.

“Both proffessors and students are camped out; it’s like they have their own little city,” she said.

“Our quad is really big, but it’s still filled with people. You can hear them all the way on the other side of campus; they have loudspeakers and everything.”

According to Bhaskar, one reason the UC OWS movement is so popular is because the students and professors have an actual goal that isn’t vague, like the original OWS on New York’s Wall Street.

“I don’t fully agree with [the original Occupy Wall Street] because they don’t have a solid motivation,” she said.

However, she does agrees with the students’ right to protest.

Raising tuition at CSULB and other universities With rising prices in tuition at universities, students struggle to pay the cost

By Craig Ives

The CSU Long Beach Board of Trustees voted on November 16 to raise tuition 9% for the 20122013 school year. This brings annual undergraduate tuition, without fees, to just under $6,000, and is the ninth time in nine years that tuition has been raised.

“Our school is in a position where they either have to increase tuition for students or cut the number of students accepted in to the university,” said Katie Scheyer, Redondo Union alumni and CSULB student.

The amount of funding a university receives from the state often directly corresponds to student tuition and availability of classes, and CSULB is receiving less and less money from the state each year.

According to Scheyer, the state has reduced its contribution from 50% to 20% , which is causing problems with class availability.

“The main problem right now is classes that are not available; a lot of kids, especially freshmen and sophomores, are not able to get into the classes they want right now because there are not enough class sections available and there are too many students that need to take that class,” said Scheyer.

Class size has remained untouched, however, in the face of the worsening class availability.

“The lack of money isn’t causing a problem with class size at the moment, but I’m sure that if the problem continues it will,” Schey-

er said.

The limited availability of classes has in turn led to fifteen impacted majors, including biology and nursing. These impacted majors are allowed to use tougher standards than other majors in deciding which students to accept.

Scheyer also said that tuition increases are “unfair for students because they are under the impression that they are going to have to pay a certain amount for school, and then they are informed that their tuition has increased.”

Despite reduced state funding, California State Universities such as CSULB are still far cheaper than out-of-state schools in terms of tuition alone.

“If students go out-of-state, they will pay approximately ten thousand dollars more than they would at a school in California,” said Karen Morris, college counselor.

College Comparison Funding for public Universities has decreased by around 30% in just one year. This lack of funding is increasing the cost of tuition.

Year 2010-2010

2011-2012

UC

CSU

CSULB

$13,200

$6,490

$6,240

$11,285

$4,335

$4,606

FEATURES // WORLD EVENTS // DEC. 16, 2011

] T E N R E NT

[I

7

CENSORSHIP

House of Representatives to introduce “Stop Online Piracy Act”

By Logan Collingwood

A few weeks ago you might have noticed a distracting black banner across the top of some websites for what was being called “American Censorship Day.” The logo incorporated the saying “Stop Censorship,” with the hopes of raising public awareness of a newly proposed bill to the United States House of Representatives,

the Stop Online Piracy Act or “SOPA”.

Major web companies are up in arms over this proposed act, which would strangle websites that are participating in the distribution of copy written materials by forcing advertising companies to stop payments to these websites. Without revenue coming to these companies through advertisements, most websites would be unable to continue providing their services.

According to these rules, websites like Google, Youtube, Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter, eBay, and Tumblr could face possible lawsuits. This bill does not only apply to domestic websites, since the bill works by stopping advertising revenue. If an infringing company is located in Sweden, but it’s advertising company is located in the US, the government would force the US advertising company to stop paying the Swedish

company.

While the US government can currently stop domestic websites that are infringing on copyright laws, they are unable to take legal action against foreign websites.

The public’s opposition to this bill has been made clear. As more and more citizens voice their opinions, representatives will have no choice but to listen to their constituents.

My

an

ma

r

ACCESSCENSORSHIP DENIED The military junta clearly filters opposition websites.

It keeps a very close eye on Internet cafes in which the computers automatically execute screen captures every five minutes in order to monitor user activity. The aim is to stop cyber-dissidents from using a means of communication that is hard to monitor.

i d u a S

With less than 1 % of the population online, Turkmenistan is one of the world’s least connected countries.

President Separmurad Nyazov is a central Asian Kim Jong-Il, wielding total control over the media. Not only is the Turkmen Internet censored, it is also forbidden territory for the vast majority of the population.

Tu

rk

me

ni

st

an

a i b a Ar

Saudi Arabia does not hide its online censorship. Unlike China, where website blocking is disguised as technical problems, Saudi Arabia’s filters clearly tell Internet users that certain websites are banned. Censorship concentrates on pornographic content, but it also targets opposition websites, Israeli publications, or sites dealing with homosexuality.

8

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

COMPARING THE LOCAL MOUNTAINS Students share their thoughts on the area’s mountains.

Tearing it up. Sophomore Scott Barr takes advantage of Big Bear’s race track.

Photo courtesy of Scott Barr

Mount High lays low

by Alejandro Quevedo Clear, crisp air fills the skier’s lungs as he looks at the cloudless sky. The snow-covered slopes gracefully curve down the mountain, and icy evergreens blanket the earth in every direction. He inhales once more, leans forward on his skis, and then carves down Mountain High.

With its 290 acres of skiable terrain, multiple trick areas, and trails for every skill level, Mountain High has quickly become one of the most popular ski resorts in Southern California. Many students, such as junior Kyle McDermott and freshman James Lee, return to it each year to ski and snowboard.

“It’s better than all of the other mountains,” McDermott said. “It’s cheaper, more convenient, and closer. They have the playground, where there are ramps, rails and boxes, more lifts, and two whole sides of the mountain open to skiing and snowboarding: the East Resort and the West Resort.”

Due to its growing popularity, Mountain High can get crowded and trips must be planned accordingly to avoid getting swamped by other skiers and snow boarders.

“Even though the course itself is big, if you need to rent equipment or buy a ticket it can take more than an hour,” Lee said. “There can be a lot of people in the lines.”

Though he agrees that it can be busy at times, McDermott feels that it is not as crowded as other mountains and therefore more enjoyable.

“I like how there’s not as many people there as at Big Bear or Mammoth because it’s still not as mainstream. It’s easier to ride the slopes,” McDermott said.

Aside from “stellar” slopes and terrain features, Mountain High provides many other services such as ski and snowboard schools and lodges to buy food.

“It has great food, [but] I would not recommend eating there because it’s really over priced and the lines can get long,” McDermott said. “They have good schools for learning and the prices are lower than other resorts, so it’s a great place to take your family and friends, or anyone that is learning for the first time.”

Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that students return to Mountain High year after year.

“It’s better than all of the other mountains combined,” McDermott said.

Big Bear becomes a local favorite

by Hannah Son For many students, winter means Big Bear Lake. As Southern California’s largest recreational lake, Big Bear is coming out of hibernation as a top destination for winter skiing and snowboarding.

Big Bear Lake is a year round playground for both summer and winter sports enthusiasts.

For junior Trent Dantzig, Big Bear is the ideal spot for annual snowboarding trips.

“I love Big Bear because of the long runs. They have a lot of runs with a lot of jumps and jibs,” Dantzig said.

Sophomore Tyler Bird and his family have gone on many annual ski trips to Big Bear.

“Everyone in my family skis, so we ski every day that we are there,” Bird said.

For some students, Big Bear is not only a vacation spot, but a tradition.

Senior Nia Vidal has been going to Big Bear since she was eight years old.

“Every year since I was eight, my family has rented a cabin in Big Bear. My cousins and I love the snow, and each year we go we dedicate every day to snowboarding and snow fights,” said Vidal.

For Dantzig, the lake has an even greater meaning.

“I have always had a house up at the lake because my mom moved up there when I was about ten years old, so I have always seen Big Bear as home,” said Dantzig.

While traditions and recreational sports bring students and their family’s to Big Bear, many go just because of its convenience.

Bird chooses to go to Big Bear rather than other destinations because of its accessibility and convenience.

“Big Bear is closer than Mammoth but it is still big enough that you can spend a whole day or weekend there and not get bored,” said Bird.

Big Bear represents big snow, lasting traditions and ease.

“It is one of the main reasons why I love the winter season,” Vidal said.

Mammoth draws crowds

Illustration by Navikka Dasz

by Jason Rochlin Mammoth Mountain, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a six-hour drive from Los Angeles, but many consider the drive well worthwhile.

As the largest mountain in the area, Mammoth attracts students year round with its many summer and winter activities.

“The many times I’ve been to Mammoth I have never been disappointed,” said Mammoth frequenter Freshman Chris Martsolf.

The mountain has three lodges and a village with many restaurants and shops.

“The village and restaurants [are] super chic” said freshman Kellie Walsh.

Nonetheless, the mountain is famous for its 3,500 skiable acres. The terrain is 15% expert, 20% advanced, 40% intermediate, and 25% beginner.

“My favorite trail is chair 12, because its one of the longest and its a straightaway. I’ve probably been on all the black diamonds and hardest trails, which are the most fun,” said Martsolf. “Most people think snowboarding is cool, but they have no idea what they are missing when they don’t ski. Mammoth was designed for skiers,” said Martsolf.

The mountain is also well-known for its panoramic gondola and its long runs, the longest of which is over three miles long. “[The] one thing I’ll remember most is the great skiing and variety of slopes,” Walsh said.

142 Inches of Snowfall Per Year 8,200 Foot Elevation 5 Month Season 14 Lifts

100 Inches of Snowfall Per Year 8,805 Foot elevation 5 Month Season 12 Lifts

400 Inches of Snowfall Per Year 11,053 Foot Elevation 8 Month Season 28 Lifts

Information from mthigh.com

Information from bearmountain.com

Information from mammothmountain.com

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

HOLIDAY BAKE OFF Visit hightideonline.org to hear about the contestants.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

9

Vegan Oreo Cupcakes 2nd Place

Submitted by Liz Gallipeau Cupcakes: 4 1/2 cups flour 3 cups sugar 1 cup cocoa 1/2 Tbsp. Salt 1 Tbsp. baking soda 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1/8 cup vanilla extract 3 cups strongly brewed coffee 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. vinegar Preheat the oven to 300ºF. Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla and mix until just combined. Slowly add the coffee. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Mix again until very smooth. Add the vinegar and mix for 1 minute. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full. Bake for about 25 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.

Oreo Crumble Icing: 3 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup vegan margarine 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 cup soy milk 10-15 crumbled Oreos 18 Oreos for garnish Using a hand mixer, combine the sugar, margarine, and vanilla. Mix in the soy milk. Stir in the crumbled Oreos.

Top each cooled cupcake with 1 tablespoon of icing and garnish with half an Oreo.

Mint Brownies 3rd Place 1st Place

Submitted by Sasha Brantley 2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 baking soda 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup of white chocolate chips 6 oz package sweetened dried cranberries Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer.

Add sugar. Scoop out heaping tablespoons of cookie dough on to a slightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 175ºF for 10-15 minutes.

Submitted by Nathan Diaz Brownies 1 cup 2 sticks butter 4 squares unsweetened chocolate 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon mint extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup all purpose flour Melt butter and chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water. Remove from heat. Beat in granulated sugar, eggs, salt, mint and vanilla extract until well blended. Stir in flour. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake 35 minutes or until top is firm and edges begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely.

Photos by Alexis Bracken

Frosting 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon mint extract 2 or 3 drops green food coloring 2 cups powdered sugar 2 or 3 tablespoons milk 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter Beat butter, mint extract, and food coloring until fluffy.

Add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.

Beat in milk until spreading consistency is reached.

Spread over cooled brownies.

Taylor inspired to pursue career in art

by Taylor Brightwell

Art is simply a way of expression and release for many, but for junior Karissa Taylor it is also a passion and hope for the future.

“Art is very important to me because it expresses everything about who I am, especially when I can’t describe my thoughts or feelings with words,” Taylor said, “Art is my way to keep stress down and make it through the day.”

Currently in AP studio art, Taylor enjoys the challenges and growth that each project brings and the opportunity to collaborate with other students.

“The best part of AP is that I’m exposed to the most talented kids in the school who are able to give feedback and help prepare me for art in college,” Taylor said. “They really keep me focused and push me to up my game with ideas I usually wouldn’t do.”

According to art teacher Debrah Smith, Karissa is very talented technically and she puts meaning into every piece.

“I don’t need to hold her hand. I give her a task and she expands on it in a creative and evocative way,” Smith said. “She puts her own little spin on things. She takes an assignment and makes it her own.”

Taylor’s favorite piece so far is her portrait called, “Rich Man, Poor Man”, which shows that money can not buy

happiness.

“I usually struggle with portraits, [but Rich Man, Poor Man] really showed my growth and my potential for later pieces,” Taylor said.

According to Taylor, her detailed nature and choice of medium sets her apart from other artists. “[In my opinion], seeing details that most people fail to see shows that I see things for what or who they really are.

This connection really helps me in my work,” she said. “I [also] like to draw and shade with my mechanical pencil, which a lot of people make fun of because most people use the fancy drawing pencils,” she said.

Karissa hopes to continue on in the art field through college and pursue it professionally.

“I want to attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and major in motion pictures and television.

One day I hope to be an art director and work with Tim Burton,” she said.

Taylor feels that while her artwork does not have an underlying meaning, it does make a statement about who she is.

“I draw to show people who I am, how I see things, or what goes on in my head whether its pretty or not, which really has its own meaning. My art is just an extension of me,” Taylor said.

Photo by Max Pittman

Drawing conclusions. Taylor works during Ap Studio Art.

10

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

Healthy, Stealthy or Wise

Healthy

vs.

Stealthy

These foods taste good and are healthy alternatives

These foods are packed with hidden calories and sugars

Baked Lays Original

Frozen Yogurt

120 calories 2 g sugar 135 mg sodium 2 g fat (3%)

Unless it’s fat-free, it contains the same amount of fat and calories as reduced fat ice cream and might not contain a lot of beneficial bacteria.

Pretzels

Orville Redenbacher’s Light 120 calories 4 g sugar 240 mg sodium 2 g fat (3%)

Mountain High Fat-free Yogurt

Contains one-fourth of the daily serving size of sodium in one serving.

Prepared Salads Contains high levels of fats and calories because of the mayonnaise.

Reduced Fat Peanut Butter

160 calories 28 g sugar 160 mg sodium 40 % calcium

Contains the same amount of calories as regular peanut butter but has more sugar. Natural peanut butter has healthy monosaturated fats.

Kashi 7 Whole Grains Puffs 70 calories 0 g sugar 0 mg sodium 0.5 g fat (1%)

Energy Bars Contains high fructose corn syrup, more sugar and saturated fats. Most contain 350 calories per bar.

Smoothies

33% 59%

Of students think the school serves healthy food options.

Of students would eat healthy food if the school offered it.

Added sugar and sherbert makes it high in calories.

Bran Muffins Most muffins, due to their large size, contain about 500 calories, 20 grams of fat and 600 mg of sodium (one-third of the daily amount)

Packaged Turkey Contains one-third of the daily serving of sodium.

-Compiled by Navikka Dasz

11 Chicken Maison serves healthy Mediterranean FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

What do you eat for lunch?

by Dan Furmansky

Students around Redondo share the different foods that they either buy or bring for lunch. “I eat honey pretzels every day because I like the combination of sweet and salty.

Today I was in a rush and didn’t bring anything else to eat.� ~Melissa Mares, 10

“I go to La Salsa sometimes because it’s close to school and I love Mexican food.

It’s my favorite place to eat Mexican food.� ~Jarred Bobo, 11

Like most people, I don’t necessarily associate eating healthy with eating well. It has kind of become an unofficial fact of life for me that when I’m eating healthy I’m almost always sacrificing the flavor for the “feel good� when I’m done. I was more than just pleasantly surprised with what I had at Chicken Maison. Located at 3901 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance, Chicken Maison is a Mediterranean restaurant that emphasizes its healthy choices.

As I was ordering I could see entire glazed rotisserie chickens rotating behind a glass case. For a fast food restaurant it was easily apparent they took their work seriously.

Although I’m usually the adventurous type, I decided to go with one of their rotisserie chicken combinations which seems to be the establishment’s bread and butter. I ordered the Ÿ chicken in a spicy lemon garlic sauce which came with pita bread, an excellent garlic sauce and two sides of my choice.

I went with the hummus and the Maison rice.

The second I received my food I knew I had made the right choice. Just the smell of the chicken, the lemon and the garlic was enough to know that I wasn’t just going to eat; I was going to indulge myself. The hummus was truly top notch and was able to go perfectly with the rice and the chicken. The pita went along perfectly with the hummus and the rice but what really made the difference for me was the combination of everything together.

It wasn’t my first time eating Mediterranean food which made Chicken Maison that much more impressive to me. I ate a good amount of delicious and healthy food for eight dollars. I would say that’s quality, quantity, and affordability all under the same roof.

Chicken Maison offers a variety of authentic Mediterranean dishes including falafel, gyros, and kabobs. Eating healthy has never tasted so good.

Veggie Grill serves alternatives for vegans “I eat nature valley bars everyday because they are filling and nutritious. It’s a simple snack and it’s quick to grab in the morning.� ~Tonya Gonzalez, 11

“I love eating ethnic foods. This tamale is microwaveable from Trader Joe’s. It’s delicious and so easy to pack for lunch.� ~Destinee Ponce, 10

4 x 4�

2 x 4�

PHOTOS BY ERINN MIDDO

1MBOOFE 1BSFOUIPPE 8F¾SF IFSF GPS ZPV $POEPNT … #JSUI $POUSPM … &EVDBUJPO &NFSHFODZ $POUSBDFQUJPO ° ²UIF NPSOJOH BGUFS QJMM³ 1SFHOBODZ 5FTUT BOE $PVOTFMJOH … "CPSUJPO … )FBMUI &YBNT 45% 5FTUJOH BOE 5SFBUNFOU … )17 BOE $BODFS 4DSFFOJOH

by Justin Lee

Veggie Grill is modern, laid back and has the feel of a fast food chain but with a clean ambiance of a cafĂŠ.

It was nice to see all the previous food reviews from newspapers in Orange County rave about the famous “sweetheart fries� with chipotle ranch. I ordered two burgers and one side which were all reasonably priced for the portions of food.

My first order was the Papa’s Portobello burger topped with tomato, caramelized onions, red onion, chipotle ranch, lettuce, basil and garlic pomodoro pesto. At first bite, I did not know what to think. Is there something to taste? All the ingredients used to make this scrumptious sounding burger did not live up

1MBOOFE 1BSFOUIPPE 8FÂľSF IFSF GPS ZPV

… $POEPNT … #JSUI $POUSPM … &EVDBUJPO … &NFSHFODZ $POUSBDFQUJPO ° ²UIF NPSOJOH BGUFS QJMM³ … 1SFHOBODZ 5FTUT $PVOTFMJOH … "CPSUJPO … )FBMUI &YBNT … 45% 5FTUJOH 5SFBUNFOU … )17 BOE $BODFS 4DSFFOJOH

8PNFO .FO BOE 5FFOT 8FMDPNF $POžEFOUJBM … -PX PS /P $PTU 4FSWJDFT

8PNFO .FO BOE 5FFOT 8FMDPNF $POžEFOUJBM … -PX PS /P $PTU 4FSWJDFT

£‡nnnÂ‡ĂˆĂŽĂŽÂ‡Ă¤{ĂŽĂŽĂŠĂŠNĂŠĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°*Â?>˜˜i` *>Ă€iÂ˜ĂŒÂ…ÂœÂœ`Â°ÂœĂ€}

£‡nnnÂ‡ĂˆĂŽĂŽÂ‡Ă¤{ĂŽĂŽ ĂœĂœĂœÂ°*Â?>˜˜i` *>Ă€iÂ˜ĂŒÂ…ÂœÂœ`Â°ÂœĂ€}

to their expectations. Everything was so flat that the red onions overpowered all the other ingredients and I had to take them out. This plate was forgettable.

Now comes the good part of the Veggie Grill: the most popular plate, the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ with a side of “sweetheart fries�. Both the main dish and the side lived up to its name. A vegetarian burger that made me second guess whether or not it was actually vegetarian, is a winner in my book. The patty is soy and pea protein based so I felt healthy after finishing my burger. The side order of fries made the dish complete although the chipotle ranch had a very strong garlic taste.

The Veggie Grill was a better than expected experience. I would recommend it to anyone any day.

12

Cover Story

DEC. 16, 2011

DEC. 16, 2011

Perspectives Perspectives Grimm inspires others with views on life Voltaire. Locke. Rousseau. Great minds have shaped our world through their unique philosophies. Senior Max Grimm hopes to join their ranks through sharing his own view on life.

Grimm is working on writing a book he hopes to publish about his personal life perspectives. He shares his ideas with his friends, who believe that Grimm helps them achieve true happiness.

“I am trying to show how to live a fulfilling life through one’s own ideals and not someone else’s,” Grimm said.

Grimm aims to do something meaningful in life, and not just tostrive to be rich.

“People should find happiness not through TV, not through computers, but through nature,” Grimm said.

The idea for writing the book came spontaneously to Grimm.

“I was bored and didn’t really have much to do, so I started writing the book,” Grimm said.

He is currently 71 pages into the book and plans to finish at well over 300 pages.

“Whenever I have an idea, I jot it down into the

book,” Grimm said.

The book deals with certain topics regarding life, death, guidance, and genuine happiness. Senior Tyler Mills believes Grimm’s ideas are inspiring and helpful.

“We should be living life day by day, and I believe Max’s ideas help me do that,” Mills said.

Grimm hopes to find an alternative way of life that is not centered around the importance of wealth or other superficial aspects of life.

“I don’t want to grow up and just go to work, go home, watch TV, and die,” Grimm said.

Grimm plans to pursue a future in the military, which he hopes will not get in the way of his writing.

“I’d like to finish the book before I leave for the army,” Grimm said.

Grimm strives to concentrate on the smaller things in life while living under no standard set of rules.

“Everyone seems to be following a set pathway that’s laid out for them and that is not the way to live life,” Mills said.

Friends, such as Mills, support Grimm’s cause, and encourage him to finish the book.

“If Oprah can do it, why can’t Max?” Mills said.

Catching a cold is a simple obstacle to overcome, but being diagnosed with Lupus can change your whole perspective on life. This is what happened to Junior Carlene Cui. Cui found out this past August that she had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly destroys body tissue and cells, causing the inflammation of body parts and other symptoms.

Cui spent lots of time in the hospital when her blood pressure was high and her medication did not work. Her condition seemed fatal.

“It was hard to breathe at points in the hospital and it was hard to see my mom cry every night being in there. It was difficult to know if I didn’t try and fight, I’d die right in front of my mom. It was really depressing and all, every night I used to cry myself thinking I wouldn’t survive,” Cui said.

Cui’s family took the recent developments badly. She says her mom “went into denial for a while until she realized I was

Students from other countries express their unique perspectives on Bronwyn Kim life Korea

“I tend to understand and agree with pretty much everyone I talk to because I know people can be really different. I’ve seen many other immigrants not only adjust themselves to the American Culture but also abandon or hide their ethnic traits or culture just to fit in. Unlike those people, I seem to try very hard not to forget my culture.”

Gaby Patriota Brazil “[In Brazil] it is more relaxed and more friendly so that is how I act here.

Usually the new kid is excluded, but in Brazil, everyone fights each other to get the new kid in their group. Everyone is friends with each other. There is still bullying, but not as severe.”

Dominik Eberle Germany “Politics are way too complicated and should be more simpler. [In Germany] the whole country listens to you and pays attention.”

Compiled by Vivian Lam

Karame’s tall stature influences his perspective

Picture perfect perspectives. People can have many different perspectives for looking at things. Pictures around Redondo Beach illustrate that things can be looked at in many different angles and views.

by Madison Mitchell

Lupus causes Cui to appreciate her life more

by Cole Greenbaun

Singapore “Concusses surgo, it’s a Latin proverb that means “when struck, I rise”. I live my life around this saying. I know that people are always going to try and judge or lessen the person that you are. I benefit from that though. Living in so many different cultures, I’ve learned not to care about how people look or are perceived. I think that’s what’s so different about here. People don’t actually try and get to know someone and form their own opinion.”

PHOTOS BY JULIIE D’EATH

by Taylor Sorenson

Fumie Reyes

13

really sick” and her sister was “really depressed about it.” Cui tries her best to stay healthy for her parents and friends.

“The disease has made me realize that what happens to me affects everyone I love and know. It made me realize that every moment is precious, and that I have to live right in order to reach every blessing behind them,” Cui said Cui’s sister, Razelle Ignacio, said that at Cedar Sinai Hospital, her sister’s case of lupus was the worst one they had seen in 20 years.

“My mom cried every day and I thought that my sister was going to die the first time I found out about the disease. If her blood pressure was too hight, her heart could have burst,” Razelle said.

Cui’s view on life changed dramatically through her experience and now has a new perspective on life.

“It’s made me think about life more. Why did I survive when I could have died, or why did I get this miracle when others did not? It was really hard to realize that there is more to life that just certain hardships,” Cui said.

PHOTOS BY JULIE D’EATH

Standing at almost seven feet, junior Omar Karame has an obviously different view of school than most students. Coming from Lebanon, Karame also views his life in the United States from a different perspective.

“In the United Sates, there are more laws and regulations,” Karame said. “[In Lebanon], people are more free and able to do as they want.”

Since Karame went to a different high school for the freshman and sophomore year, he is able to compare our school to the schools in Lebanon.

“The schools in Lebanon are more lenient, as long as you are getting academics done and not fighting,” Karame said.

Karame is also able to compare the people and environment of both the schools and countries. His perspective differs from most students since he lived in Lebanon. “[In Lebanon], there is more warmth in people’s hearts.

They offer out of humbleness and respect,” Karame said.

Aside from being new to the school, many people notice Karame because he is so tall. He is six feet eight inches, taller than most teenagers, and even taller than Kobe Bryant. He is able to see and encounter things in different perspective than most others.

“I am able to experience more since I am so tall,” Karame said.

Being tall has advantages of doing “adult stuff”, but there are also disadvantages.

“People might see me as a big person, but I am not someone who is a bully or takes kids lunch money,” Karame said.

Being able to experience life in two distinctly different countries has allowed Karame to see the attitudes of the kids in both countries.

“Kids here at Redondo take things for granted; new facilities, turf field, weight room. In Lebanon, kids are happy just to go to school,” Karame said.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Birds eye view. Karame stands out as the new kid since he is so tall, he is even taller than the basketball player Kobe Bryant. Karame has a different view on certain things due to his height from living in Lebanon.

14

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

Cameron Rosenberg 11th

3.

Rosenberg makes his way to the chip selection, picking out spicy pork skins.

4. Finally making up his mind, he discards the Jell-O and picks up Dr. Scholl’s and Just for Men’s.

2. Next, he picks out Jell-O molds.

1. Rosenberg’s first stop is the toy isle. His selection: Super Ballon Ball.

Five dollar dash

by Isaiah Madison

Julia Tang 11th

ALL PHOTOS BY JENNY OETZEL

Five minutes.

Five dollars.

What Christmas present can they come up with?

5. The final product: A Manly gift for Dad.

2. Second, , Tang finds an assortment of scented, colored candles.

3. Tang sorts through bags of potpourri to find the perfect scent.

4. Flowers are the next gift on Tang’s list.

1. Tang begins with a classy faux-glass goblet.

5. The final product: A Sophisticated gift for Mom.

The best places to buy...

Warm & Cozy

Electronics

Compiled by Leann Manuum Photos by Jenny Oetzell

Books

Gift Cards

Bath & Shower

Macy’s

Best Buy

Barnes and Noble

Starbucks

Bath and Body Works

Macy’s is a great place to find affordable clothing for everyone on your list. Plush blankets and slippers are also presents that are great for relaxing by the fireplace.

Best Buy may not have the cheapest prices, but everything from cameras to video games can be found there, along with the most knowledgeable staff.

For the bookworms in your family, Barnes and Noble offers popular novels at great prices. You can find the Hunger games trilogy and a Christmas card in one stop.

Amazon, iTunes, and Starbucks gift cards are inexpensive little stocking stuffers that go a long way. Starbucks also offers coffee mugs for on-the-go mornings.

At Bath & Body Works you can find good deals on lotions, candles, soaps, and body sprays. These are perfect presents for moms, aunts, and grandmas.

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

15

Gomez family celebrates Argentinian heratige

by Navea Dasz

Under the Christmas tree decorated with miniature ornaments and lights, there are statues of Joseph and Mary symbolizing the greater meaning of Christmas apart from Santa and presents.

Freshman Nina Gomez and her family celebrate Christmas, not in the American way, but in the traditional Argentinean way.

“Having a different Christmas makes me feel like I’m actually connected to my origins,” Gomez said. “I like having a foreign fam-

ily, and it makes me feel unique knowing I have family that I can connect with that live thousands of miles away.”

Her mother, Vanesa Andrade, shares her own views of what Christmas and traditions mean to her.

“Traditions that we celebrate pass information about culture.

[It] is important to learn [where] you belong, and what each of these moments represents,” Andrade said.

Gomez loves celebrating a different Christmas not only to re-

connect with her family and her origins, but also to connect with people of both the same and different culture. She enjoys “comparing all the completely different traditions that [all her friends] have.”

“I always enjoy talking to another Argentinean, and we start going on and on about traditional Argentinean foods, books, movies, or holidays, like Christmas,” she said.

According to Gomez, following her Argentinean culture has influenced her many ways.

1.

2.

Although there are many similarities between an American Christmas and an Argentinean Christmas, like a Christmas tree and presents, there are also some differences between the two. In Argentinean Christmas, they open presents at midnight instead of morning for traditional and religious reasons.

“We give each other the gifts on the twenty-fourth at twelve midnight, when Christ was born.

On the 25th we also celebrate but both days are equally important,” Andrade said.

Another difference is the Gomez family has a Nativity scene under the tree with a statue

3.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NINA GOMEZ

Feliz Navidad. 1. Nina Gomez (center) spends the holidays with her family. 2 & 3. Her grandfather unwraps presents and cooks traditional Argentine asada.

Korean-style New Year

by Justin Lee

Many families like to spend their Christmas and New Year opening presents and making New Year resolutions. It is a time for giving and receiving. And in an age where children have become more interested in the monetary value of toys instead of the spirit of the holidays, receiving has become dominant. But for Sophomore Sean Lee and many other Koreans, the holiday is much more than that. It is a time to make anew with family and to formally wish each other a good next year.

Lee bows on both knees and hands to his family members, and in return, he gets money back.

“I get about $200 from both sides of my family in total, and sometimes a little more,” Lee said.

The amount of money the recipient receives depends on how old he is. Because Sean is 16 years

old, he would receive about $20 from each family member. Add up the number of family members he has, and he should receive about $100 dollars from each side of his family.

Lee says that although the money is a great gift, the main point of “Seh Beh” is to give respect to your family for the end of the year.

“We say, ‘Seh Heh bok mani padu seh yoh’ which roughly translates to, ‘may your next year be full of luck,’” Lee said.

“Seh Beh”, or New Year in English, is a Korean tradition that originated in the Qin Dynasty of China when the elders would give money to the younger children in a red envelope. The red envelope can be used for many other things such as rewarding a student for studying well, getting good grades, and birthdays.

When the tradition moved to Korea, Koreans started to use white envelopes instead of red ones.

Many variations have taken place over the years, but the tradition is still alive.

“My family just gives regular envelopes to us or the money itself because traditional ‘white envelopes’ are too expensive,” Lee said.

Although there are many variations, there are still customs that hold much importance for Seh Beh. “All the cousins have to go in order by age,” Lee continues, “So since I’m one of the older ones, I go last.”

Some families also wear traditional Korean clothes to better simulate the historic value of Seh Beh. “My family likes to keep up with the truly traditional customs of Seh Beh, but I myself don’t wear the [Korean clothes],” Lee said.

When all the younger cousins finish, all the parents bow to each other at one time but do not ex-

change a n y money.

L e e likes to give extra gratitude to his aunts and uncles out of respect, which is held highly in Korean customs.

Lee looks forward to Seh Beh all year round. Lee says that he hopes to keep the tradition alive when he gets older and that his children will do the same because it teaches to give respect.

of Mary and Joseph. At midnight, a statue of baby Jesus is placed on a bed under the tree. The Nativity scene is an important part of a traditional Argentinean Christmas.

Some of the many foods and drinks they have during Christmas Eve include champagne, to be drunk during the toast; turrones from Spain, which is hard candy with nuts; and the Panetone, which is European influenced food. These specific snacks and drinks are traditionally consumed on holidays.

Christmas is also a time for the Gomez family to reconnect with their extended family in Argentina. According to Gomez, every year her family says a toast, called a brindis, through phone, “giving thanks for [their] lives and giving thanks for the people in [their] lives.”

“It’s nice to have a reason to check how everyone is doing and wish them a ‘Feliz Navidad,’” Gomez said.

Although Gomez is half Ecuadorian from her dad’s side, she only celebrates an Argentinean Christmas with her step-dad, mom, and little brother.

“I would like to [keep my tradition going],” Gomez said.

ILLUSTRATION BY COOPER LOVANO

16

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

Getting the part

by Cameron Paulson

Hands shaking. Heart beating. Thoughts soaring. Senior Alessandra Ragusa waits to see if she got the part in the play.

Ragusa first moved to California from Illinois in 2008, which really started her acting career.

“I did some plays [with my brother] when I was younger but acting was very competitive in Illinois,” Ragusa said.

Unaware that this would become something she loved to do, she started to make new friends coming from a different state. “[At first acting] was more recreational,” Ragusa said, “But soon I knew I wanted to pursue it in high school.”

Although Ragusa wanted the part she went into auditions with an open mind.

“I went into it thinking that if I didn’t get [the part] it would be okay because I didn’t want to set myself up for failure,” Ragusa said.

Now down to ten people, Ragusa found out she got a main role in the play. “[Normally] I don’t really care what part I get because I know I’ll have fun either way but the moment when you get your script and character it’s just complete amazement and excitement.”

Although Ragusa would not see acting as a career she will continue as she is

older. “[Acting] becomes so competitive,” Ragusa said, “In college if I want to I would join play groups just for fun.”

Like Alessandra, her younger brother followed in her footsteps. Sophomore Paolo Ragusa also acts in plays but hopes to take it beyond high school. “[My sister] inspired me to start acting

“

PHOTO BY SOPHIA RITCHIE

Looking on.

Ragusa reflects on her acting experiences thus far

[At first] it was more recreational but soon I knew I wanted to persue it in high school - Alessandra Ragusa

”

because I was the one who really wanted to [act,]” Paolo said, “I never really envisioned doing plays but I figured it was the only option at the time.”

Although Ragusa is inspired by acting, film is also his passion.

“Film is something very interesting to

me,” Paolo said, “I want to pursue film but I really want to pursue acting.”

Seeing young actors in Hollywood motivates Ragusa to follow his dreams.

“When I see young actors in good roles and it inspires me,” Paolo said, “I think to myself, wow that could be me.”

Also in The Ninth Guest, Paolo was yearning for a specific role that he got. “[When I was handed the script] the feeling was so amazing,” Paolo said, “It was one of those successful moments when you feel so proud.”

Unlike his sister, Paolo sees himself as a professional actor and continuing this for the rest of his life. “[I] absolutely want to continue acting,” Paolo said, “It’s one of those natural highs where whether in front of an audience or camera, I feel on top of the world.”

Even though both Alessandra and Paolo found more in acting than just recreation, they will never forget the initial reason they started.

“I have made so many great friends,” Alessandra said, “Just like sports teams, being in a cast is like one big family,” Paolo said.

With help of the drama department, friends, and family, both brother and sister will strive for their dream to get the part.

Doing their part to make a better future

by Jessi Shipley

Sophomore Shane Straudle and Senior Sameer Siddiqui do their part to help others in their community by Volunteering weekly.

Straudle is in a group called Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). They strive to advocate healthy lifestyles for youth and to educate and encourage youth to acknowledge social issues and try to solve them by offering alternate activities.

According to Staudle he started volunteering as a way of gaining community service but he slowly began to realize how important it is to him.

“I was in awe of the respect and leadership that everyone contained and I enjoyed seeing that people really do want to make a difference, and take action, instead of just talking about doing something, and never coming through,” Staudle said.

The YAC also puts on an event called Late Night Sports (LNS) where people from all over can come to the gym and work out or play “respectful” pick up games

of basketball.

According to Staudle, he plans on con“Late night basketball gives those less tinuing his passion for helping kids all over fortunate something to be doing on a satur- L.A.. day night and improving their skills rather “This program really opens my eyes to than being in a unsafe in a peer pressure a part of life that I am not usually accusfilled environment,” Staudle said. tomed too, seeing the hardships people Though Staugo through, makes dle enjoys the me really apprecievents his group ate what I have,” puts on, just beStaudle said, “and I ing a part of the will always want to program is a very lend a helping hand personal situaand let someone en- Sameer Siddiqui tion for Staudle. joy themselves, forBecause the proget about the hard gram deals with things and just have promoting alcoa good time, that hol-free and drug does not include usfree events, his father has had problems in ing drugs or alcohol.” the past with substance abuse and now is Siddiqui volunteers at the Harbor 30 years sober.

UCLA Medical Center. He runs the front “He is truly inspiring to me, in the way desk and assists wherever needed. He works that I wish to live a alcohol free, drug free in numerous areas including emergency lifestyle as well,” Staudle said. room, pediatrics, cast room, and more.

“

My outlook on life has changed immensley

”

Siddiqui started working at the hospital to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

“In order to expose myself to everyday circumstances I would be facing as a doctor, I decided to volunteer at a hospital,” Siddiqui said, “Seeing the dedication of the other doctors do their job, motivates you into accomplishing your own goals in life.”

According to Siddiqui its not all about his future, it’s for the good of others aslo.

“The most rewarding aspect of volunteering at a hospital is that you can walk out knowing you have spent hundreds of hours helping save the lives of thousands of patients,” Siddiqui said.

According to Siddiqui and Staudle, volunteering helps them become better people.

“My outlook on life has changed immensely due to my experiences as a volunteer,” Siddiqui said. “Volunteering at the hospital has changed me into a completely different person.”

Part

FEATURES // DEC. 16, 2011

of the team

17

Murphy feels at home on the Science Olympiad and Academic Decathlon teams, even as a sophomore

PHOTOS BY VITORIA MAGNO

Eat sleep and breath. “It’s become a hobby, nearly an obsession for me,” Murphy said.

by Hana Ghanim

He glances over at his bedside table where the clock reads 1:00 am then looks back over at his half-finished Acadec take-home test.

His AP European History textbook lies on the floor along with his Honors Chemistry homework.

Sophomore Luke Murphy’s decision to join Academic Decathlon has been entirely his own.

“Well, I like any kind of competition I know I can do well in.,” he said. “Since I enjoy academics, I think Academic Decathlon is a good competition that suits my skills.

Also, it gives me the chance to become a better speaker, listener, and learner.”

Murphy manages to balance his academic classes addition to tennis, Science Olympiad, and Academic Decathlon.

“Studying [for Acadec] doesn’t take away from other classes, just sleep,” Murphy said.

“I try to budget my time so I get everything done, and once I get done with actual

homework, [my attention] turns to Acadec practice, even if it’s late at night.”

Although it is a lot of work, Murphy enjoys the course. “[Acadec] keeps me up until two in the morning sometimes studying but most of the time the studies are interesting,” he said.

In addition to enjoying his studies in Acadec, Murphy finds the things he learns to be helpful in other classes and it helps him to “expand [his] knowledge’ According to Murphy his parents are very supportive of his “strive for excellence.”

They are proud of him for trying, although they try to warn him of the possible consequences.

“We like to see him undertake so many things, but we’d like him to have balance. A lot of people take the easy route, he doesn’t,” Murphy’s father Hecter said.

According to Murphy, his family has

been very influential on his decision to succeed in his studies.

“I hope to attend Stanford University.

My father used to work there before I was born, and ever since I could talk, he would tell me of the excellence [it offers]. It’s been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s older brother, Redondo alumni Christian Murphy also, encourages Luke to do well.

“My brother, who graduated two years ago, now attends [Stanford]. He is a major influence in my life, and I want to follow in his footsteps,” Murphey said.

Academic Decathlon teacher Aimiee Gauvreau recognized Luke’s passion before he even began the course.

“The first day that I met Luke, he came in and he told me he really wanted to be in Academic Decathlon,” Gauvreau said. “He was a freshman at that time and so I already knew

he had this desire to do well.”

Although Murphy is the only sophomore this year, he does not feel left out or ignored by his teammates.

“It seems kind of weird that I’m the only one in my grade that’s there,” Murphy said.

“Sometimes I feel like, why am I here? But then everyone is nice so it’s all good.”

Senior Christopher Lew also joined as a sophomore. According to Murphy, Lew “understands” him, having done the same thing Murphy is doing, and it makes him more comfortable fitting in with the others.

Although Murphy is the youngest, he is one of the top decathletes. At the November scrimmage, Murphy was the top decathlete from his team. According to Gauvreau, she was not surprised at all when she found out.

“I know he worked so diligently to do that, and it isn’t just that he has this photographic memory and learns things easy breezy, he really works and he’s smart,” Gauvreau said.

An unbreakable bond between twins

by Shannon Bowman

Senior twins Ariel and Alina Mistuloff have many things in common: they share a similar group of friends, a love for the same activities, and even initials. However, what makes them interesting to others and each other is what they don’t share.

“We think very differently,” Ariel said.

“Each of us approaches life differently.

When we have a problem we can help each other think of different ways to solve it.”

Alina has a different way of contrasting her and her sister.

“She’s kind of more psychotic and I’m more quiet and mellow,” she said.

Even other members of the Mistuloff family view and treat each sister differently according to her individual personality.

“My parents are harder on Alina. They view her as older and more mature and expect her to take on more responsibility,” Ariel said.

Born minutes after her sister, Ariel is “the baby of the family”.

“She gets away with more because they treat her like a baby. She’s held to different standards when it comes to her grades and gets lighter consequences,” Alina said.

However, their parents different treatment of them has not caused too much of a rift between the sisters.

“We can’t stay angry at each other at all,” Alina said. “We may argue a lot but when it comes down to it, she’s even more than a sister –­ she’s my twin.”

This “twin connection” transcends all aspects of the Mistuloff sisters’ lives. They

both enjoy camping, love the city of San Francisco, and play lacrosse and soccer together.

“When we play on the field we automatically know where the other one is,” Ariel said. “It’s like a sixth sense.”

The Mistuloff family is Russian and both Ariel and Alina are proud of their heritage. Every year, both girls attend a camp for Russian youth and enjoy traditional meals and other customs.

“Being Russian is a part of our identity.

I couldn’t imagine not having the close ties to our community that we enjoy,” Ariel said.

Alina agrees completely.

“We’re not just ‘the twins’, we’re ‘the Russian twins’ and I’m proud of that,” she said.

Ariel and Alina are accustomed to being considered a unit, but with college steadily approaching, things may change.

Ariel wants to attend University of Oregon next fall while Alina hopes to study in San Francisco. Being away from each other will take some adjusting.

“It’ll be hard being away from my sister. We don’t always get along but I always know I can depend on her. It’ll be hard not having her down the hall every night,” Alina said.

Ariel will also miss her sister but she’s excited for the future.

“I’ll miss Alina, but it’ll be good for us to move away from each other,” she said.

“But I know that even 500 miles apart the connection we have will never lessen.

We’re twins nothing will change that.”

18

SPORTS // OCt. 14, 2011

athlete of the issue

Going the extra mile

ETHAN DINETZ

Who would have known that the young child who quit soccer his first year would end up as one of RUHS’s most aggressive soccer players?

by Madeline Perrault

Once the referee blows the starting whistle senior Ethan Dinetz comes alive with the Friday nights and its lights shining down on him.

Off of the soccer field Dinetz is known to be more reserved and quiet, but the competition of soccer brings out his aggressive side.

“I like to keep to myself before games as it’s easier to focus,” Dinetz said. I often find myself coming home to take naps before games,” During the game, however, it’s a different story. He sheds his gray skin, and a new person, one of aggression and passion, emerges.

“I’m not sure if it’s the excitement of the game that changes him on the field, but he really comes out of his shell,” senior Jeff Brandon said.

His position on the field is a main reason for his outspokenness on the field according to Dinetz.

“I like to be vocal on the field and let everyone know their assignments. That’s one of my jobs being in the back because I can see the whole field while the midfielders and forwards can’t,” he said.

Soccer has shaped Dinetz’ spersonality ever since he was a little kid.

“When I was little, my parents wanted to get me into a sport to teach me sportsmanship,” he said. “I actually was too shy to play the first year. They signed me up so I quit, but the next season I was forced to play.”

Sophomore year he was overwhelmed with balancing schoolwork, friends, and club soccer, but Dinetz could not bring himself to quit the sport completely.

Instead Dinetz decided to focus his attention on high school soccer.

“I really liked to play the game and I didn’t want to give it up altogether, so high school soccer was really the perfect compromise,” he said.

Now in his third year on varsity, Dinetz’

girls’ soccer

PHOTO BY CHRIS PAULINGAS

Side stepping. 1. Sophomore Shannon Simon shields the ball from a Mater Dei defender.

focus has improved his play according to teammate senior Alex Matei.

“In the four years I have seen him as a player, he has gone from strength to strength.

He has improved every aspect of his game and always retains a key trait that not many people have, consistency,” Matei said.

Brandon also noticed this shift, on and off the field.

“I have seen him change not only as a better player, but all through playing club with him and also playing high school with him soccer has changed his personality,” Brandon said.

Dinetz attributes the head coach Nacho Lopez for motivating him to work hard in both practices and games to help him succeed.

“Nacho’s dedication to the game is really the deciding factor in most of our games. He has us prepared for every play because of his intense practices and motivational speeches,” he said.

Even without motivation, Dinetz’s personality prevents him from passing up any opportunity to compete according to his best friend, senior Hunter Bradshaw.

“Ever since the 6th grade Ethan and I have been competing whether it be for the same blue t-shirt, which happens often, or for the game winning goal,” he said.

Bradshaw thinks that this competitive spirit makes Dinetz stand out.

“Ethan is the type of guy that will go the extra mile and do anything in order to beat his competition,” Bradshaw said.

According to Matei, Dinetz may have a shy side, but he knows exactly when he to be more outgoing.

“Even though he doesn’t talk much, he knows when to joke around and when to be serious,” he said.

His personality is what helps him succeed in life and in soccer games, according to his teammates.

“On the field he is one of our most consistent performers and rarely has a bad game,” Matei said. “Off the field he is one of the most likable guys.”

PHOTO BY CHRIS PAULINGAS

Making strides. Senior Ethan Dinetz looks to clear the ball out of the back field.

on the South match last Wednesday...

on the South Tournament this weekend...

The girls started slow, but by half time were playing at a competitive level, tieing 1-1.

The team goes into the quarter finals undefeated and plans to come out of it the same way.

“ We got a lot of chances on goals we should have put away, but we got our rythym down and started combining more passes.”

-Samantha Whitteman

”It’s early on in the season, but we need to play our game for the full 90 minutes without taking breaks or slacking off.”

-Tana Granados

by Colin Welch

SPORTS // OCT. 14, 2011

19

girls’ water polo

Taking the lead

by Camille Duong

2.

PHOTOS BY MITCH ZIEGLER

1.

Ballin’. 1. Senior Brian Frew makes a jumpshot against Bakersfield. 2. Junior Derek Biale scores a three-point shot.

Match made in Paradise

by Julie Tran

In the beginning of December, the boys’ basketball team competed in the highly competitive Pacific Shores Tournament, placing fourth. This weekend, they will bring that experience into the Maui Classic Tournament.

“We feel good going into Hawaii because we have gained experience from the Pacific Shores Tournament and we have been having more serious practices,” senior Brian Frew said.

They need to improve on handling pressure better and being more consistent on the offensive end, according to junior Derek Biale.

“Our coaches have been working us hard, getting us ready for Hawaii and Bay League,” Biale said.

The team’s confidence has been renewed though they lost to Fairfax and Loyola, both top tier basketball programs, in the Pacific Shores Tournament. However, they view these losses as beneficial to their growth.

“From the last tournament to this tournament, we can improve on not making as many mental mistakes, not getting intimidated by top ranked teams, and trusting each other overall,” Frew said.

Sophomore Ian Fox, who is out on a broken left wrist, believes that RUHS can and will give every other team a run for their money.

Though Fox is upset that he cannot be with his team to win the Maui Classic, but knows that captain Biale will put the team on his shoulders and pull through when needed.

“Ian is a great player so it is hurting our team tremendously, but it’s given an opportunity for others to step up and help out, “ Biale said.

Despite his injury, Fox is still dedicated

to the game and improvement.

“It’s just an obstacle life threw at me and is testing how I react,” Fox said. “I wake up every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 to get to the gym and work on my left hand to become better with my left. I hate having to watch and not being able to play.”

He is expected to return on Jan. 9, exactly a day before the season starts.

“We faced a lot of

tough teams in the summer and in the last tournament.

We did well in those games and I expect to go deep into CIF. -Chris Henderson

”

Despite the loss of Fox late in pre-season, the team continues looking forward. Last season the boys dominated at the Maui Classic, dominating the tournament and ultimately winning.

They will try to do the same this weekend, according to Henderson.

“This season will be good for us,” Henderson said. “We faced a lot of tough teams in the summer and in the last tournament.

We did well in those games and I am expecting us to go deep into CIF.”

the starting line up 23 Derek Biale Shooting Guard

22 Chris Henderson Power Forward

1 Jordan Ichiyama Point Guard

25 David Passmore Center

10 Brian Frew Small Forward

After weeks of practicing alone the girls have finally found a new head coach in Mitch Yamamoto. “[The team] has accepted me whole heartedly,” Yamamoto said. “It has been exciting to see the grow from first seeing them to now.”

According to Yamamoto he is excited to be working with the girls on the team.

“They are open to coaching,” he said.

“They have progressed immensely. They haVEmade a huge change for the positive.”

Having a coach has been a big help according to senior Tiffany Morales.

“His being able to teach us something new is a big thing,” Morales said.

Prior to Yamamoto’s arrival the returning members were forced to coach the new players during the preseason according to junior goalie Sarah Logan.

“It really affected the team [not having a coach],” Logan said.

According to Logan, the returners lacked the experience to effectively coach new players.

“The returners could only teach the basics,” Logan said.

According to Morales not having a coach helped the team grow together.

“In general, it’s made us closer,” she said.

Despite not having a coach for the first few weeks leading the season the girls have managed to come to a 4-5 record so far according to Yamamoto.

The girls have also started two a day practices to build strength and swimming according to Morales.

“I definitely think [it makes us better],” Morales said. “Although we complain it makes us stronger and more dominant.”

The team also plans on having practice almost everyday over winter break to prepare for league games starting after break according to Logan.

“We’ll be having practive for two and a half hours when we do practice,” she said.

Morales says that the team plans to work on stepping out and faster offense.

“We’re working on shot selection like when and where to shoot,” she said.

Yamamoto hopes to get the girls to shoot more aggresively.

“We had five different girls score in the game against Torrance,” Yamamoto said.

“It was the first goal of the season for three girls.”

One of the main goals the girls hope to accomplish after break and into the the regular season is beating Peninsula.

“If we beat Penn then we will most likely get into CIF,” Morales said.

According to Yamamoto the chances of winning are 50/50 against Penn.

“Last year Penn won there and we won here,” he said.

Although crushing Peninsula is the main goal of the season, Yamamoto wants the girls to try and beat every team they face.

“By just trying to beat every team will help us overall in season,” he said.

20

SPORTS // DEC. 16, 2011

Here to win Soccer acknowleges much improvement from last year’s team and therefore has high expectations in the South Tournament and overall season.

by Kylie Martin

Of to a good start, the boys’ soccer team has high hopes for the season and is expecting to do well in the South Tournament this coming week.

Despite two losses this pre-season, the boys feel that the team is looking much better than last year’s team.

“We have definitely improved our offensive side this season,” senior Ethan Dinetz said. “We also have a lot more club players this year, which improves our overall team skills.”

According to Dinetz, the team will at least place second in the South Tournament, and the boys are hoping to beat Peninsula for first place.

“The entire Bay League has really improved this year, but Peninsula is our biggest opponent and our goal this season is to beat them,” senior Johnny Rosario said.

According to Rosario, each game at the tournament will be a challenge, but he is confident that they will do well because of the team’s natural chemistry.

“It is a challenge to throw a group of boys together and expect them to all work well as a team, but this year we are all really close and a lot less fragmented than last year,” Dinetz said.

According to sophomore Shane Staudle, the team is keeping possession of the ball and controlling their plays. However, he feels the team needs to work on their formation and stay in position, especially to take advantage of all their opportunities to finish.

“The South Tournament will give us a good opportunity to work on our team weaknesses before season and give us a taste of the competition from the Bay League,” Staudle said.

According to Rosario, the boys have been practicing hard to improve before the tournament and show the Bay League teams at the South Tournament how much the boys have improved since last year.

“We’ll play hard and the result will speak for itself,” Staudle said.

This is our time.

Senior Jeffery Brandon takes the ball down the field in game against Mayfair. He saw in each game they have played so far the chemistry building and comfort growing between the players. “I feel that we’re doing good and going to have a good season this year because we have a lot of seniors this year and a couple underclassmen that are stepping up to provide what the team needs for success,” Brandon said.

PHOTO BY CHRIS PALLUNGAS

SPORTS // DEC. 16, 2011

Rivals are

forever

Surf faces Mira Costa this morning without high expectations but hoping for high quality waves to preform their best, giving Mira Costa a good fight.

21

Early this morning, the surf team will be competing head to head with school rival, Mira Costa. Jumping into the chilly winter water the team is hoping for the waves to cooperate so Redondo has a shot to overtake Costa, according to senior Conor Beatty.

Mira Costa has the best surf team in the South Bay according to coach Duncan Avery.

“Even though [Costa] has won league consecutively for the past four years, we definitely have a chance to take them down,” said Avery.

Beatty feels that they have an advantage for their match up Friday morning.

“A lot of competitions are held in Hermosa which is our training ground, so it really benefits us,” Beatty said. “We are more familiar of where and how we should surf.”

Beatty feels “confident” about their competition against Costa.

“Although Costa has one of the best surf teams around, I’d like to see Redondo overtake them this year,” said Beatty. “[Redondo] has a plethora of highly skilled surfers.”

Junior David Fillman feels that it will be a real challenge to surf against Costa but feels that it is possible to beat them.

“We need to practice more,” said Fillman. “Practice only make us better.”

Avery thinks that in order to defeat Costa strategically, the team needs to catch waves earlier in their heats to put pressure on the other team.

Avery feels prepared for their match up especially knowing that they have arguably the best surfer in the South Bay, Conor Beatty.

“He gives the team a positive mindset and his hard work can rub off on the other surfers; we need to surf well and surf our best,” said Avery.

by Diana Luna

Having a swell time.

Junior Ethan Pezzolo drops in on a Hermosa Pier barrel in preperation for today’s competition. In pratice Ethan worked on techniques to gain more points with the judges. “I’ve been working on rebounding off the foam more when I’m doing a cut back because it completes the turn when you do that and it scores more points,” Pezzolo said.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

22

SPORTS // DEC. 16, 2011

Going the

DISTANCE

Girls’ cross country makes it to nationals

by Kayla Maanum

Sprinting through the thick mud and slicing through the frigid air of Portland, Oregon, senior Rachel Bush breathed thick, white fog and thought the “bittersweet” thought: “my last race.”

For seniors Lyndsey Mull and Rachel Bush, qualifying for the Nike Cross Nationals on December 3rd during their senior year was an unforgettable way to end their last cross-country season. “[Making it to nationals] was the ultimate icing on the cake. It was just like the perfect, perfect, perfect way to end [the season]. I couldn’t think of any better way,” Mull said.

Her teammate Rachel Bush didn’t “want to hold anything back” in her final cross-country race and her efforts helped earn the team’s “good outcome.”

“Being a senior, I just knew every race could possibly be my last race so I wanted to give it all I had,” Bush said. “It leaves everything on a good note.”

Mull’s “favorite season” was topped off by their performance at the Nike Cross Nationals.

“This year was just amazing. We did really well at state and really showed up and surprised people at nationals with how well we did,” Mull said.

The girls finished tenth in the nation out of over 25,000 girls cross-country teams in the U.S., according to coach Bob Leetch,and first out of all the California teams that competed.

Leetch believes the girls’ mentality is one of the reasons they did ”very well” at the meet.

“This is a pretty special group, very resilient. They are a very tough group, high-minded, and very focused athletes,” Leetch said.

Their toughness paid off, and emotions were high when the team found out they were going to nationals on the bus ride home

from the state meet, where they placed third in Fresno, California.

“Everyone started crying and screaming. It’s something we’ve been working for for a really long time and finally [got] to make it,” Mull said.

Leetch believes the team’s unity served as an incentive to remain competitive throughout the entire season. “[The seniors] all kind of wanted to do this one last thing together. The nationals is one thing, but they’ve kind of just taken care of business all the way through,” Leetch said.

The girls cross-country team has never qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals before in the eight years the event has existed . The fact that they were to compete against other teams had been to the meet many years in a row hardly affected Bush’s mindset.

“I was a little bit intimidated because they’ve been there before and they’ve been through it all,” Bush said. “But at the same time I knew we made it [to nationals] so we [belonged there] We’re just as good as them.”

As the team proved just that, Mull credits much of the their success to their coach. “[Coach Leetch] helps us so much and he’s a huge reason of how we were able to make it to nationals and we couldn’t have done it without him,” Mull said.

Leetch believes that to qualify for the “cherry on top” nationals in the future, the team just needs to “focus on excellence,” and it will take care of itself.

Leetch wants people to know the extent of the girls’ achievements.

“I hope people realize how rare it is to have [a team] this good,” Leetch said. “I don’t know if you can put into words just the scale of what they’ve accomplished this year.”

PHOTO BYJENNY OETZELL

Qualified. The varsity girls’ cross country team finished off its season at the Nike Cross Nationals on December 3rd. This was the first time the team had ever qualified for nationals.

Wrestling defeats San Pedro

by Matthew Broncolini

Dust off the mats, pull out the bleachers, and put on the singlets.

Wrestling began last night with a bang as Redondo beat San Pedro 66-9 in the team’s first home meet of the season. Senior Alex Anthony Maldonado attributes the blowout victory to the team’s superior experience and confidence.

“We had all of the confidence on that mat and we knew we were the better team. This is only their first year as a program whereas we have multiple wrestlers with varsity experience,” Maldonado said. “To win, we just had to go out there and work our moves.”

Maldonado also believes that the enthusiastic crowd helped inspire the wrestlers to greatness.

“We should thank all of the fans who came out and supported us,” Maldonado said. “It’s electrifying to hear that crowd and know they are behind you. You don’t want to disappoint them so you wrestle your hardest.”

Senior Jake Harris believes that experience will lead the team to an extremely successful season.

“I’m so optimistic for this season.

We have such a strong program this year and we’ve been doing better than we have been in a while,” Harris said. “We have committed and experienced wrestlers who should get pins and wins. We can definitely challenge for a league title.”

This season may prove to be a breakthrough sea-

son, according to Maldonado.

“I’ve been on teams in the past that had no expectations but we’re a different team this year. We may not win League this year but we’re definitely on our way to being a dominant team in the South Bay.” Head coach Arond Schonberg intends to use this holiday break as a critical time period to build the skills and fitness needed to reach the team’s lofty goals.

“We just need to stay consistent and work hard over winter break on our moves,” Schonberg said. “If we can stay motivated and if everyone wrestles to their potential, we should definitely give West [the Bay League’s traditional wrestling powerhouse] a run for their money.”

PHOTOS BY ANJALI READ

Dominate. The boys’ wrestling team beat San Pedro last night 66-9. This was the first game of the season for the team.

SPORTS// DEC. 16, 2011

23

Reflecting on the last season “Going into the game I knew that I might never put on these pads again for Redondo. That feeling made me just want to play harder and put my heart on the line for my brothers” -Ryan Spiwak, football

“[Being a part of the team] was a lot of fun and I met a lot of new people. It was just a great experience overall”

“I was in denial and it pained me to think I woud never be able to play with these girls and our great coaching staff again” -Tiffany Morales, volleyball

“It was bittersweet because because I’m sad that cross country is over but I’m really excited for track to come still” -Lyndsey Mull, cross country

-Madison Mitchell, golf

“It kind of sucked [that it was the last game] but then it made me feel really goodbecause it motivated me to do well” -Adam Rudow, water polo

“[Being

on the team] was a really good experience, especially being able to play with people who are better than me” -Christie Goodman, tennis

Meyers accepted into U.S. Naval Acadamy - Edwin Meyers will be attending the United States Naval Acadamy.

- His grandfather attended the Acadamy and graduated in 1967. Afterwards, he joined the navy.

- Meyers has always dreamed of attending this highly selective school.

- After attending the Naval Acadamy, Meyers hopes to become a Marine Infantry Officer

- “I didn’t really know what would happen [when I joined ROTC]. I just tried as hard as I could” - It’s my dream school. I knew it’d be really hard to get in because it’s less then a ten percent acceptance rate. I’m really excited” - I like the envorinment and the people [in ROTC]. I just want to be able to serve the country”

20

SPORTS // DEC. 16, 2011

WINTER

GIRLS’ SOCCER

WRESTLING

ATHLETICS

“We want to get as

far into CIF as possible [this year].

-Jake Harris, 12

Winter sports teams look to improve and set goals for their season.

PLAYERS WANTED

”

on our team chemistry.

Even though we are 11 hearts on the field, we play as one -Tonya Gonzalez, 11

Waterpolo needs more players in order to have a JV team.

11 nervous girls stand around waiting to see their name. The coach pins the list and the girls’ swarm around. With the rush of panic gone, all of them sigh in relief; they all made it.

Left with only 2 of their varsity starting lineup, both J.V. and varsity waterpolo felt the impact of having more than half of their starters graduate.

The effects of having such a small returning percent and two brand new coaches brought many new changes for the girl’s water polo season including their new no-cut policy.

In the eyes of 3rd year water polo coach Chris Stolba, this year’s team is centered on developing the program into a more established tenacious team.

“A new facility, coaching staff and a young varsity all were factors that lead us to decide that it wasn’t appropriate to cut players on both junior varsity and varsity,” he said.

However a younger team and new energetic coaches allowed for the vivacious program to open its eyes to the new possibilities a younger team offered.

“The girls, because they’re younger, they’re much more eager to learn, and the friendship bond is a lot bigger than it was last year,” Stolba said. “I think the girls that graduated last year didn’t have those bonds.”

A new team allows for greater improvement and fresh ideas to bettering the team, but it does have its challenges.

Despite these positive aspects, junior Sarah Logan noticed problems that accompany having a young team which the team will have to deal with.

“I think that a certain player needs to be up to this level, but then I realize that their only a freshman and this might only be their 4 month playing,” she said.

Only 11 out of the ideal 14 varsity spots were filled this season because of how young the new team was this year.

The no cut policy brought many new faces to the JV team, but because of they’re inexperience it left varsity with shortage of players.

This brings challenges to the team during scrimmages because they are forced to bring up players from JV to scrimmage with.

“We don’t get as much scrimmage time as we would in practices if we had more bodies. We have to set up 5 on 5 so we can’t get the full effect of playing waterpolo,” she said.

With one starting freshman and three sophomores that can rotate in as starters, Sarah Logan also sees the issue of having a smaller varsity team out of practice and during the games.

“I think in pre-season we needed to practice together more so it would be easier to commu-

nicate and play together.”

Stolba is aware of the complications the younger team may have but he feels like the potential that the girls water polo team has for the next few years is enormous and their ability to grow will pay off in the seasons to come.

“I don’t think its effected the team; we’re just not as strong right now. But, in the future, it will be a huge benefit because the difference in age between and JV and varsity is so little that they’re actually friends,” he said. “That friendship and emotional bond of playing each other will really pay off.”

Keeping above water. 1. Sophomore Bridget Schneider shoots on goal in the home game against Beverly Hills last Wednesday. 2.

Alex Stoltz looks to pass into set as she is pressured by a Beverly Hills defender.

BOYS’ SOCCER

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

GIRLS’ WATERPOLO

at defense as a team [this year].

is to win bay league and to play intensely all game -Annie park, 12

playing as a team, and playing as a team during games.

on being more vocal with each other and awareness of what’s going on.

by Mya Gelber

“[We need to] work

”

PHOTO BY ANDREW HAZELTINE

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA MEHRANBOD

SURF

“Our team is strong “We should get better “Our number one goal “[We want to improve “[We want to] improve and is going to put up by] practicing hard, -Brandon Castillo, 11

COMPILED BY DYLAN BIGGS

”

”

-Jordan Ichiyama, 11

”

-Hannah Mansour, 11

”

a good fight against the higher ranked teams like Costa and PV -Sara Curran, 10

”

High

TIDE Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School Dec 16, 2011 // Vol. LMXXIV // Section 11 Hightideonline.org

HOW DO YOU SEE

IT? p9-10

//

Easy to make recipes from all the finalist bake-off competitors.

p14-15 //

Sometimes what you see is not all that is really there. Different outlooks on life help students realize their surroundings.

Students try to stretch a dollar Christmas shopping with only $5.

p20-21

//

Early this morning surf competed against Costa.