May 21, 2010

Page 6: Iron Man 2 a solid entry into series

High Tide Redondo Union High School

XC Number 12

631 Vincent Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

The Drama Club is hosting an “Improv Extravaganza” in the Drama Room from 3:30 to 4:30 PM today. Tickets will be sold at the door. Go out and support your fellow Seahawks.

general

Information

Don’t

rain on my parade

The ASB Finance Office is open for student business at the following times only: before school, after school, snack, and lunch.

The College and Career Center student visit times are before and after school, at snack and at lunch. The center is closed during class hours except by appointment.

PTSA seeks to encourage student participation in education reforms and legislative process

by Danny Garazon

Teachers and the district clash over possible furlough days

Club

Information Auto Club-10 California Scholarship Federation- 301 Chess Club- 64 fellowship of Christian Athletes- 823 French Club- 808

info for

Students

by Christina Mehranbod

Although many surrounding school districts have added furlough days to the 2010-2011 school calendar, Redondo Beach Unified School District will not be adopting the schedule, as decided by the Board of Education.

The issue of furlough days, or unpaid work days, has created tension between the school district and teachers’ union (RBTA).

“Because both sides have agreed for a calendar that does not have furlough days on it, as far as we’re [RBTA] concerned there should be no furlough days next year,” RBTA member Donna Pattillo said.

While the district hopes to include furlough days in the school year to save money, RBTA asks the district to spend the money currently in the district reserve to prevent teacher layoffs and increased class sizes.

“We can afford not taking furlough days. This is an emergency so let’s just use [the reserve]. Let’s use it for the teachers this year and just see where we are next year,” site RBTA director Anita Stoddard said.

The district currently has approximately a 3.4 percent district reserve, according to superintendent Steven Keller, and a 3.8 percent district reserve, according to RBTA. The state has lowered its requirement that each district have a three percent economic uncertainty reserve and, in this period of economic downturn, has allowed the reserve to be as low as 1.5 percent.

“We are not even asking the district to go under the three percent [reserve]. We have savings for the rainy day and this is our rainy day,” Stoddard said.

According to Keller, furlough days would be districtwide and could have the potential to save the jobs of teachers and classified staff.

“We as employees have to help the district. If we took furlough days, that would include me. We are all in this

Sign-up for Grad Night 2010! Forms are in Administration or at redondounion.org under links. The cost $80 until April 30th, $100 after.

Stop by and check out the new daily lunch menu in the café. You can also see the menu on redondounion.org under Students, Food & Lunch Menus.

Get a planner/agenda to keep track of all your assignments and exams. A limited number of agendas are available in the ASB Finance Office, room 202 -- free of charge.

RUHS Evening of the Arts opening reception is on Tuesday, June 1st in Noble Gallery, Rm 106 from 6-8pm. The exhibition dates are June 2nd and 3rd in Noble Gallery during snack and lunch.

Seniors’ graduation announcements with no balance due may pick up their announcements in room 202, ASB Finance.

The High Tide is now available online. See: www.hightideonline.org

weekend

weather

Saturday: Sunny 63˚/53˚ Sunday: Partly Cloudy 61˚/53˚ Source: www.weather.com What’s Inside...

Pages 2......................News Page 3...................Opinion Page 4,5.................Features Page 6..........Entertainment Pages 7,8..................Sports

May 21, 2010

PTSA looks to students for input in legislation

Friday focus

Prom will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the “Frontrunner” at the Santa Anita Race Track from 8:00pm to 12 Midnight. Tickets are available for purchase for Seniors and Juniors in the ASB Finance Office (room 202). Cost is $90 per person with ASB card; $95 without ASB card.

Page 5: Teachers retire after years of service

together,” superintendent Steven Keller said.

The RBTA is skeptical that furlough days will result in less employee layoffs, according to Patillo and Stoddard. “[The district] is trying to blame the teachers union for the layoffs. They are saying that because you didn’t take the furlough days, teachers are getting laid off. We don’t think that’s a fair assessment,” Patillo said.

The slogan “It’s a Rainy Day for RBTA” can be seen on the buttons of various teachers including Linda Dillard, a member of RBTA’s negotiating team.

According to Dillard, members of the RBTA argue that taking furlough days is a sacrifice for teachers, because over the last two years, the teachers have not received a raise and have been required to pay for some of their health insurance.

As for the furlough days being district-wide, Pattillo claims that even if Keller is affected by the furlough days, he is receiving ten extra vacation days that the teachers do not have.

According to Keller, the extra vacation days are the result of a series of sacrifices he has made over the past two years.

“Indeed, I did receive extra vacation days, but I have declined my performance pay increase and step increase for the past two years while also agreeing to pay over $4,000 a year for health benefits for my family and me,” Keller said.

The tension remains between the district and teachers union, but as of now the 2010-2011 school calendar does not include furlough days.

“If we had a few furlough days where everybody took the hit together, including the superintendent, there would be fewer certified and classified layoffs. Look at the surrounding districts to verify this fact,” Keller said.

Administration prosposes raise in ‘a-g’ eligibility

by Melissa Rosero

The administration is working to make students more aware of the “a-g” requirements through counselors and teachers by encouraging students to be more aware of what the “a-g” requirements are and the benefits that come form working towards these guidelines.

The “a-g” requirements are the coursework needed to be eligible for UC and CSU colleges after high school.

“It’s not like we’re trying to say all kids have to go the same way because not all kids have the same interests, but we want to prepare students for the future,” assistant principal Amy Golden said.

Administrators have proposed a school wide goal to raise the percentage of students who are “a-g” eligible from last year’s 42 to a 70 percent eligibility by 2013.

Golden feels that the goal is achievable.

“When we take a look at our surrounding schools, we realize that they have more “a-g” eligible students and we want to be just as eligible as the other schools,” Golden said.

Counselors are now making reforms in their

techniques in order to better inform students of the importance of “a-g” requirements.

For the first time this year counselors have made a four-year plan for every freshman, had individual meetings with parents, parent night, council news letters, more interactive career-cen-

“We are hoping that these changes will help to reform and encourage a more college going culture for the future students” –– Kelly Goo ter meetings, career week, and discussing “a-g” requirements with middle school students, and also are now going to include questions over the “a-g” requirements in the senior survey.

“We are hoping that these changes will help to reform and encourage a more college-going culture for the future students,” counselor Kelly

Goo said.

Besides counselor technique changes, this was the first year that the Curriculum Options Comity met. This committee is held with faculty and district officials to discuss how to better prepare students to become “a-g” eligible.

Teacher Shannon Rodriguez is not just specifically concerned with the “a-g” requirements; rather, she believes in more rigorous coursework.

“I think all students should be required to take the “a-g” requirements simply because it should be the minimum academic expectations for a high school diploma,” Rodriguez said.

Despite difference in opinion, the entire staff is stressing the importance of completing the “a-g” requirements.

“If students are a-g eligible, as a senior they will have more options and opportunities college-wise and ultimately it exposes students to hard leveled coursework so even if students go to a community college they will be ahead and prepared,” Goo said.

Since budget cuts usually affect students the most, it would seem logical to some that students should have a say in making budgetary decisions.

Eugenie Lewis, Legislative Chair of the Redondo Beach PTSA, agrees.

Lewis recently formed the PTSA Legislative Committee, in an attempt to give students a broader voice in legislative actions.

This group is different from the state PTSA’s Legislative Committee’s 9 Million Reasons to Speak Up campaign. Its main goal is to put a local perspective on politics in Sacramento and raise awareness for education in Redondo Beach.

Because it is a new group, Lewis feels that the committee is still trying to determine its position within the PTSA. “It’s kind of a developing group right now. We’re establishing what our mission is and what our action items are to go along with it,” she said.

The group’s goal is to establish a legislative chair at each PTSA unit as well as having students become part of the legislative committee to provide education at the high school.

“We’d like to create a vision statement, and inform ourselves and then inform oth-

“I was struck by the fact that there seemed to be a lot of concern by the students about the impact of these budget cuts; I’m hoping that students can become an active part of this committee” –– Eugenie Lewis ers about current issues,” Lewis said.

Lewis hopes to have greater involvement by students at the high school.

“I was struck by the fact that there seemed to be a lot of concern by the students about the impact of these budget cuts; I’m hoping that students can become an active part of this committee,” she said.

According to Lewis, the group has taken positions on two recent ballot initiatives, the California Democracy Act and the Funding for Local Schools Act. The California Democracy Act would reduce the voting margin to pass the budget in the legislature from two-thirds to a majority, or 51 percent. This would prevent stalemates on any sort of budget resolution.

The Funding for Local Schools Act would create a parcel tax that would be no more that $250 per year and would go directly to local schools.

However, both initiatives failed to garner enough signatures to be placed on the June ballot.

Lewis would also like to take action in the upcoming 53rd State Assembly District elections by attending forums to present the various candidates with concerns about education.

Since the school year is coming to an end, Lewis hopes to properly launch the committee during the upcoming year.

“I’m really hopeful about the activism that could come from both adults and students, together, working on this issue of advocacy,” she said.

Page

News

2

May 21, 2010

Auditorium issues spark controversy

Eco-friendly cafeteria will be built

by Annica Stitch

by Austin Pritzkat

The administration will meet with various alumni on May 27 to discuss the controversy around a proposed name change for the auditorium and various items that were displaced after the remodel.

“A suggestion was made to rename the auditorium so it would more fully capture all the facilities that are available in the remodeled auditorium,” Principal Mary Little said.

Alumni groups are opposed to any name change because the auditorium is a “cultural landmark” in their eyes.

“Our school is 100 years old . . . [the name] is meant to be a tribute to the students of the past, present, and future,” school archivist and alumni Terry Martinez said.

Both a metal sculpture and war memorial plaque that were previously in the auditorium were moved during the remodel and are currently being housed in the bus garage.

Former art teacher, Jack McClain, and six of his students created the metal sculpture in 1971.

The sculpture cannot be returned to the same location in the auditorium lobby because the space is no longer big enough after new doorways were added.

The metal work might be placed in the library after the remodel of the library. Some have suggested moving the war memorial plaque to the new Student Services Building.

However, the administration and alumni have yet to reach a formal agreement on the proper locations of the items.

Alumni want the items returned to prominence at the school. “[The sculpture] is a valuable piece of art full of historical and cultural merit,” Martinez said.

The meeting between the two groups will be a “consensus building” conference.

“We’re going to talk to the alumni and if it’s really important to them that [these items go] back into the auditorium location, obviously we’ll look at all those options,” Little said.

Little seeks to reach an agreement.

“We certainly think the items are important to the history and tradition of Redondo so we want to make sure we have a good place to return them to,” Little said.

PHOTO BY ERIKA GAVITT

Some have suggested renaming the auditorium; others oppose it. Alumni groups also want a metal sculpture and a war memorial returned to the auditorium or another place of prominence in the school.

New cafeteria will have roof top deck, solar panels, and an improved lay out.

After 60 years of service, the existing cafeteria will be demolished in favor of a new $5.9 million, environmentally friendly facility. “[The cafeteria] will be very 21st century—more aligned with a college or university where students can go to congregate and study together or hang out,” Superintendent Steven Keller said.

The new cafeteria will have improved food service in addition to a rooftop deck, solar panels, and other amenities. The new structure will also increase the size of the cafeteria by 1000 square feet.

“Our goal for the cafeteria is to create a forward-thinking building that will provide for the school’s food service for the next 40 years while providing flexibility for maximum usage by students and groups on campus,” architect Nathan Herrero said.

Measure “C” originally provided $3,477,000 in funding for the modernization of the cafeteria.

However, savings from other bond-related projects allowed the district to upgrade plans for the cafeteria and spend the $5.9 million needed for the facility.

“We really did need to look forward and

COURTESY OF NATHAN HERRERO

The new cafeteria will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. The building will also focus on improving food services and seating. The above picture is just a rendering and the design is not yet final.

maybe think of more uses for the cafeteria if we had the opportunity . . . to add a little bit more money and get a brand-new building,” Principal Mary Little said.

The cafeteria will have LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which means that the new cafeteria will incorporate environmentally friendly design into its construction.

As a part of the LEED certification, the building will have photovoltaic panels, which according to Keller, will help generate up to 30 percent of the building’s electricity.

“The new building will be designed to be as efficient as possible . . .. The dining spaces will be designed to utilize the

natural breezes at the site to maximize natural ventilation, and the new mechanical equipment and lighting will minimize electricity usage,” Herrero said.

Despite the environmental focus of the design, food service is still the primary concern.

“The design will be centered around efficient and effective food services for kids.

So we will be using some expert advice to help us figure out how to design that and make that happen,” Little said.

The architect also seeks to increase seating and create a more open feel.

“The design will provide for increased interior seating, while also opening up directly to the outside in order to make the

Girls’ basketball to boycott Arizona law

by Kaitee Scheyer

Girls’ basketball coach Marcel Enriquez is boycotting the Arizona immigration law by not attending the Nike “Tournament of Champions,” a basketball tournament held in the state.

Enriquez believes that the law is unfair.

“I’m definitely not in favor of a law that cannot be enforced without using racial profiling,” he said.

The new Immigration Law ( Senate Bill 1070) passed on April 23 has sparked much controversy in the country because of its clause that enables police officers to rely on race or ethnicity in order to determine if

someone is an illegal immigrant or not.

This can include being pulled over by a police officer and arrested if one does not have any paperwork or proof of their citizenship.

“To me that law can be enforced justly without profiling individuals,” he said.

Although the team will be missing a big tournament, Enriquez believes that it will not affect them, and is currently looking for tournaments in other locations. “[The team] was planning on going back next year, but I decided that we’re not going to enter it because I don’t support the law that was just passed,” Enriquez said.

The members on the team wanted to go

somewhere, according to Enriquez, but nobody on the team is upset about his decision, and some of the varsity parents agree

“I’m definitely not in favor of a law that cannot be enforced without using racial profiling” — Marcel Enriquez with him.

“We have a pretty competitive schedule this year, so it won’t affect us too much,” he said.

According to junior Riki Murakami, some of the team were disappointed by missing out on the nation-wide college tournament and the last chance for next year’s seniors to participate in a big tournament.

“A lot of the girls like Arizona. They have family or relatives there, and it’s a pretty big tournament,” Murakami said.

Although disappointed, the team supports Enriquez, according to Murakami.

“I would agree with him, I’m definitely against profiling. It wouldn’t be good to go and pretend like nothing was happening,” she said, “I would support him, I understand how he feels about what’s going on there.”

SADD club seeks to stop drunk driving at prom

by Allison Salazar

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is organizing an event before prom that will include a car crash display in Freshmen Circle and face painting.

“It’s exceedingly important for students to be aware of this issue. If this event is successful, think about how many lives we can save,” Vice President Tiffany Tran said.

The idea for this event first started with the concept of representing the number of deaths that occur from drunk driving every 15 minutes.

SADD is planning to take a student out from every class, every fifteen minutes and paint their faces white the week before prom, to reinforce this idea.

“The white faces symbolize death. The student, therefore, will have to remain silent for the remainder of the day, because they are ‘dead.’ The students who are ‘dead’ will be asked to write a letter about

their experience,” Tran said.

DCH Toyota, the club’s sponsor is providing the cars for the event.

SADD is also trying to get other clubs to participate, but no official collaborations have been announced, according to SADD president Amanda Carbine.

“At the moment it’s just SADD, but we’d love to collaborate with other clubs.

We’re always open for more help and ideas.

There was a brief mention in one of our meetings about Big Hearts possibly helping out,” Carbine said.

By shocking students with some of the possibilities of drunk driving, SADD hopes to raise awareness and get students to interact with the scene.

“I don’t think anyone could ignore the alarming statistics . . . Their friends and family will feel the real impact of a dead person. Hopefully, many students will participate in this event,” Tran said.

Carbine focuses on making one change at a time in order to get the message across.

She believes the event will be successful and make people care.

Since the event will occur before prom, SADD’s message will stay with the students.

“If I make a difference to any one person, I’m accomplishing my goal. If I can help save the life of one person by doing this event I’ll be happy. That being said, I think people should care,” Carbine said.

SADD wants the student body to learn from this experience and drive safely.

“I think people should care, because we are just as breakable as any child or adult out there,” Carbine said.

The club encourages students not to consume alcoholic beverages, however SADD’s main focus is to spread awareness and to educate students about the consequences of their decisions.

“No matter what, teenagers are going to drink. Teenagers want to feel the rush and thrill of drinking. Therefore, telling teenagers not to drink will be unrealis-

Getting to know the Mr. and Ms. Sea Hawk candidates Seniors will be voting for Mr. and Ms. Sea Hawk in their government and economics classes next Monday and Tuesday and the winners will be announced at the Junior-Senior Rally.

Though Mr. Sea Hawk is a standing tradition there are more girls in the running to be inaugurated Ms. Sea Hawk.

“I’m surprised because it’s typically a boys event but more girls were nominated.

I think maybe [the boys] are intimidated,” ASB president Sara Maltinsky said.

According to Maltinsky, both the male and female candidates are fully qualified for the title as they are involved on campus in both clubs and sports and excel academically.

Because of the competition’s promotion of well rounded students, Maltinsky hopes it is continued because it involves all spectrums of the school.

space inviting for that large portion of the year where there is great weather outside in Redondo Beach,” Herrero said.

The new plans for the cafeteria need to be approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which will push back the construction time line by 8 to 10 months.

Food service at the school will be disrupted during construction. According to Little, food service employees will have to prepare food off site but she maintains that there will be food.

“The cafeteria is going to be something bigger than a cafeteria, a cafeteria is just some place you eat. This is going to be a place where people . . . spend time and hang out,” Keller said.

She is hoping the vote will not be negatively affected by the cancellation of a competition which was supposed to properly present the candidates to the student body.

“There are a lot of seniors on campus and they may not know the candidates. I don’t want them to just pick the first random joe,” she said.

Maltinsky is excited for the competition and can’t wait to see the result.

“Its going to be a close vote. The competition is very stiff,” she said. “I’m sorry there has to be a loser. They’re all really nice people and they all deserve to be recognized.”

–Compiled by Crystal Thompson and Elisa Martinez

Brief explanations of the achievements and accomplishments of the candidates.

tic,” Tran said.

“However, telling them not to drink and drive will help them think twice about making their decisions,” Tran said.

The event will take place a week before prom in order to stress the dangers of drunk driving.

SADD is still trying to come up with other ways to convey their message, and is looking for volunteers so arrangements can be made in advance, according to Tran.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many teenagers who had a promising future pass away due to drinking and driving.

All of their goals and dreams are shattered. Their family and friends are crestfallen, that their loved ones died due to a careless mistake. They are irreplaceable individuals. Therefore, I think the ‘Every 15 Minute’ event will give the students of RUHS a bigger picture of how strong of an impact drinking and driving is,” Tran said.

Ramya Bhaskar • • •

Candidates for Mr. Sea Hawk:

Candidates for Ms. Sea Hawk:

Ian Rosenberg

Sonya Egan

•

• • •

• •

• • •

Yearbook editor/photographer Senior class secretary Friendship circle

Christian Murphy • • •

Drama and Improv club Science Olympiad Yearbook editor

Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Tennis player Co-president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Erica Hepperle • • •

Basketball player ASB Athletics Commissioner Volunteer at Community Helpline

Jackson Greer

Bronte Shields

• • •

• • •

Newspaper editor Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do Plays the guitar, piano,

Cheer squad member Spirit fanatic Cheer teacher

Co-president of Key Club Newspaper Staff writer Cross country runner

Erika Gavitt Newspaper and Yearbook Photo Editor Plays piano Semper Comites

Kristen Schryver • • •

Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Loves to bake Volunteer at Adventure Plex

Robyn Watkins

• • •

Senior Class President Spirit fanatic Cheer teacher –Compiled by Sara Maltinsky

Opinion May 21, 2010

Page

Letters to the Editor

3

sonya speaks

by Sonya Egan

Obligatory senior reminiscing

If you have an opinion about one of the articles published in the High Tide, we welcome letters to the editor.

We reserve the right to edit them for content, grammar and space constraints. Letters must be signed, and are not guaranteed to be printed.

Please bring signed letters to room 209.

High Tide Editor-in-Chief: Sonya Egan Managing Editors: Danielle Lew; Austin Pritzkat News Editor: Molly Simon; Claire Simon Opinion Editor: Jackson Greer Features Editors: Ashley Pournamdari; Julia Uriarte; Sophia Lykke; Dylan Futrell; Jonathan Martin; Jake Collins Sports Editor: Jessica Cascio Photo Editors: Daniel Fallon; Erika Gavitt Copy Editors: Cody Anderson; Adam Ammentorp; Josh Hillsburg; Joey Hoy; Brittney Madera; Christina Mehranbod; Alix Politanoff; Mark Rieth Cartoonists: Josh Hillsburg; Asad Nazif Staff Writers: Vanessa Alarcon; Victoria Balding; Ramya Bhaskar; Shannon Bowman; Claire Chiara; Kelsey Chung; Alexis Curtis-Olson; Michael Cross; Julia Denney; Brianna Egan; Kaelee Epstein; Josh Fogelson; Daniel Garzon; Allie Goldberg; Ulises Gonzalez; Garrett Gutierrez; Meglyn Huber; Bethany Kawa; David Kawa; Steven King; Anthony Leong; Elisa Martinez; Cammille Mitchell; Asad Nazif; Alexandra O’Hagan; Joy Ohiomoba; Alison Peet-Lukes; Madeline Perrault; Melissa Rosero; Allison Salazar; Alyssa Sanchez; Derek Sarno; Katie Scheyer; Laura Shodall; Casey Smith; Shelby Stitch; Shayna Stuart; Emily Sutton; Emily Vavrek; Anneliese Wilson; Alyssa Wolf Adviser: Mitch Ziegler The High Tide dedicates itself to producing a high-quality publication that both informs and entertains the entire student body.

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

The High Tide is published by the journalism class at Redondo Union High School, 631 Vincent Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

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

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

Renaming auditorium is not useful With $6 million spent on improving the old auditorium, the renovated auditorium now looks nicer, has improved acoustics, and most importantly, has softer, cushionier seats.

Although construction is over, the administration is still considering a new addition to the auditorium: a fancy name.

The current “RUHS Auditorium” may soon transform into something along the lines of “The Center for Arts and Entertainment.”

But what will this name change really do?

Changing the name won’t make the auditorium look nicer, it won’t improve the acoustics, and it won’t make the seats any comfier.

The quality of our auditorium should, as it does, speak for itself. The auditorium is nice as it is, and it doesn’t need a special title for people to recognize this.

Sure the current name may be a bit lackluster, but at least it’s short, modest, and frank.

When you tell someone you’re going to the au-

Editorial

ditorium, your message is clear and specific.

Explaining to your friends that you’re going to “The Center for Arts and Entertainment” might make them think you’re going to a playhouse in downtown L.A. One of the reasons the administration wants to change the name is to make more profit by attracting more renters.

With a fancy name like “The Center for Arts and Entertainment,” more people will want to rent the place, in theory. This is basically selling out. We’re breaking many years of tradition in hopes of pocketing cash.

If we wanted to make money from changing the name, we could just name it after a sponsor. Naming the auditorium “The Marlboro Center for Performing Arts” would surely result in a hefty donation from Philip Morris.

But this is ridiculous and very few would probably want a name like this.

Keeping it simple is the best thing to do.

Just because the auditorium was renovated doesn’t mean that it needs a new name.

Plenty of newly constructed areas on campus will be better than before, but these new facilities won’t inherit an extravagant title.

For example, calling the pool “The Center for Aquatic Athletic Competitions” would be pointless.

Not only is it wordy and unnecessary, but everyone would still call it “the pool.” The same goes with the auditorium. People know it as “the auditorium.” Even if its name changes to something a little more exciting, people will still call it the auditorium.

Throughout the years, the auditorium has kept its name. This isn’t the first or the most drastic renovation the auditorium has seen.

The auditorium’s name has endured the test of time, and it should continue to do so. A simple remodel doesn’t justify breaking decades of tradition.

After all, our auditorium is just that—an auditorium. There’s nothing wrong with telling it like it is and keeping the name modest and simple.

Prom does not meet movie standards Everyone has their ideas as to what their perfect prom should be like, and with some help from John Hughes and other Hollywood movies promoting the high school experience, the Brittney Madera pressures of planning for the perfect senior prom have become daunting and stressful.

Prom is supposed to be the most magical night in a student’s high school career, sharing a limo with your friends, and pinning that boutonniere on your date’s lapel or fixing a corsage onto her wrist. But the pressure that comes with planning for prom makes it almost

not worth it.

For one thing, dates are not necessary, and going with friends is perfectly acceptable. There is no need or obligation to say yes to the first person who asks you to prom just because you just have to have a date or because your friends pressure you to go with someone. Going stag with friends that you’re comfortable with is a better option than going with a date that you hardly know just to spend prom awkwardly.

And unlike for guys, who love to feel like they’re setting a trend with their slick tuxes, girls have their search for the perfect prom dress, one that no one else at the dance will have. Finding a dress for a one-night high school event shouldn’t be as big a deal as people make it.

Also, prom is expensive. For some, especially seniors who are trying to save as much as possible for college, every cent counts.With everyone trying to cut costs, drama arises when students join forces in sharing a limousine. It comes down to letting some of your friends and maybe even a couple of people you’re not very close with into your limo just so that you will save a few bucks.

Prom is just one night out of four years of high school—one that will come and go. After all the planning, some would expect their prom night to go off without a hitch, and for a lucky few, that is exactly what will happen. Although the pictures may portray those shining and happy faces, prom may not be picture-perfect with all of those heightened expectations.

Sacramento should make education top priority The state decreased its per pupil funding by 25 percent over a period of six years during the Great Depression, according to Tim Hodson, Director for the Center of California Studies.

In the past two years, per pupil funding has dropped 18 percent, meaning California’s education fundSophia Lykke ing is dropping at a faster rate than it did during the Great Depression.

Education must be more of a priority for Sacramento politicians. In order for the state to fund education at an acceptable and consistent level, it must raise or impose new taxes to gain revenue. The Parent-Teacher Association shares this plight.

In California, 40 cents from every dollar in the state’s general fund goes toward public schools. Budget cuts are a direct result of the current economic crisis, with education on the chopping block.

Members of both parties in Sacramento cannot meet halfway to create a solution because of extreme party disagreements and inaction over the issue.

People are losing their jobs, spending less money, and property values are going down. The state loses revenue and can no longer cover all necessary spending from the decrease in income, sales, and property taxes. California simply does not have money. Without increased revenue, money to consistently fund education in upcoming years will continue to dwindle. California’s republicans are against tax increases, but they are not necessarily looking for new solutions either.

Before the state can increase its revenue, it must decrease the 2/3 voting majority needed to pass or amend state budgets. Only two other states, Rhode Island and

Arkansas, also require a 2/3 majority vote to pass a budget. This system is counterproductive for a state like California, which is more evenly divided between democrats and republicans than the other two states are. The 2/3 threshold harvests partisanship and inaction, making it nearly impossible to compromise or pass a timely budget. Decreasing the voting threshold to 55 percent is one of the PTA’s main initiatives. A decrease would potentially benefit both parties and eliminate political stalemates over issues like education funding.

With a lower voting majority, democrats could further their initiatives to increase state revenue through taxing, and have more money to give to schools. Reducing the voting majority to 55 percent is therefore the first step toward re-

versing the trend of budget cuts.

No matter what feelings some Californians may have about new or increased taxes, the PTA has the right intentions and they are taking action now more than ever, since those in Sacramento are not. They rightfully aim to ensure that every child in California receives an honorable and equal education.

Even if every Californian must contribute to the effort in the form of money, a quality education is worth the cost and benefit to the future.

If the state fails children now, then children will undeniably fail the state in the future.

The California state PTA understands this, and therefore in reality, is advocating on behalf of every Californian.

These days, I often find myself thinking about “lasts:” For example, “This is the last AP I’ll ever take” or “This is my last game.” “Lasts” always involve sentimental montages, commemorative photos, and the word “bittersweet.”

At the journalism banquet or in my yearbook entries, however, I refuse to use the word “bittersweet.” For me, “lasts” are neither bitter nor sweet. Not to mention that every time I hear that word I think “grapenuts.”

“Bittersweet” seems to be the universal description for anything final. It’s like when someone asks, “How are you?” and you merely answer “Fine.” In reality you’re “devastated,” “in love,” or even “full of brocolli.” “Bittersweet” works the same way as “fine.”

When I write my last sentence, or stack my last newspaper, or yell at my last staff writer, I’m not going to say it’s been bittersweet. It hasn’t.

It’s been crazy, emotional, hilarious, dismal, lifethreatening, prodigious. Pick one (or five).

This is my second-to-last column. I don’t usually do “second-to-lasts,” but as I pulled out my steno notebook and started brainstorming, I couldn’t help but reflect. I started from the very beginning of my journalism career, to the first article I ever wrote. It was about chairs.

It didn’t take long for me to fill up a few pages in my notebook. I knew my next column had to include some form of the obligatory senior reminiscing so prevalent this time of year. To be honest, I was tempted, for a moment, to use the word “bittersweet.”

When I look back on journalism, on passing out papers in the rain, on write-offs and conventions, on being “Editor-in-Quiche,” I realized that I couldn’t describe it using a single word.

And just because I’m graduating, doesn’t mean that there is going to be a “last.” Wherever I go, I will always be a journalist. Journalism has changed the way I perceive the world, it has shown me the importance of communication, and taught me to think analytically and creatively.

Through it all—the stress, the laughter, the High Tides, and the low ones—I have seen my inner journalist and, at times, my inner dictator.

And through it all, I have realized why I do what I do. But I’ll save that speech for the banquet.

And it WON’T be bittersweet.

To the Editor: This past Friday, I was dismayed with the review of the Talent Show published in the newspaper. It lacked professionalism and fact, and should not have been run.

In the review, the author touches upon the similarity between that evening’s performance and the musical revue put on by the drama program last month, Love: A Cabaret. The author seems to think that it was out of laziness on the director’s part to put so many acts from that show into the talent show. The author also compliments the stagecraft program for their good, hard work and comments on the good technical support.

The author needs to get the facts straight.

Stagecraft was not involved in either Love: A Cabaret or the Talent Show. The stage manager, light, and sound technicians were members of the Drama Club whom the director, Justin Baldridge, asked to step in.

The reason that several acts from the cabaret were repeated is that Mr. Baldridge felt the show was too short and wished to present a performance of adequate length so the audience would get their money’s worth. The reason the show was too short in the first place was that several performers missed a rehearsal and were subsequently cut from the show. Mr. Baldridge brought in members of the cabaret because he knew they were dependable and committed to the program, not out of personal convenience.

The most ironic thing about the article is that, had the author actually done some real journalism, interviewing Baldridge or anybody else in the drama program about the show, we would have been happy to explain the circumstances that led to several acts being a repetition from the cabaret.

It is not the job of a journalist to speculate, but rather to get the facts and relay them to the public. This article portrays the drama program in an unnecessarily negative light, something that this reporter would have avoided with research and interviewing. It does disservice both to the drama program and the achievements of our school newspaper.

––Kieran Newton

Letter to the Editor

Page

Features

4

May 21, 2010

Halverson balances modeling and track careers

by Laney Burke

While the other track coaches and players head home after a long two-hour

2.

1.

3.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLE HALVERSON

1,3. The above images are advertisements for companies that track coach Danielle Halverson has modeled for. She balances both her jobs as a model and as the track coach. 2. Halverson Pole vaults.

practice, Danielle Halverson jumps in her car and rushes to a modeling gig.

Halverson is not only the high jump, long jump, and hurdle coach, but she is also a personal trainer at Spectrum Gym and a part-time model.

Halverson started modeling two years ago.

“I never thought I would do modeling,” she said.

In fact, the way she began her modeling career was largely spontaneous, according to Halverson.

In September 2008, Halverson went to an orientation for Sports Unlimited Talent Agency, with encouragement from her former coach’s wife.

Halverson is now represented by the agency and has appeared in ad campaigns for Under Armour and on the cover of Runner’s World.

“Modeling is really fun, especially since I’m an athletics model,” she said.

“I’m really doing what I already do as an athlete. You get to be yourself.”

Halverson describes the athletic modeling she does as a “different type of modeling,” compared to fashion, beauty,

or runway modeling.

Halverson has been an athlete since high school, so the modeling positions and expressions come naturally, according to Halverson.

Aside from modeling, Halverson also excelled in track. She received a full scholarship to Seattle Pacific University for track.

She also traveled with the track team overseas and even competed during the summer.

In 2005, she finished eighth in the Heptathlon at the USA Track & Field Championships. A heptathlon consists of seven events in one meet over a period of two days.

After her head coach received a job coaching the Heptathlon team at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Halverson transferred there, graduating with a degree in kinesiology.

Throughout high school and college, Halverson’s peers had encouraged her to model, but she “never took them seriously” until after college.

Her hard work and dedication has paid off.

Band raises money for ill mother

Gotanda plans to stay in touch with students

by Asad Nazif

Despite her recent job loss, counselor Linsey Gotanda will continue to stay in contact with some of her students.

“I had a feeling it was coming, but when it did, it was like a punch in the face,” Gotanda said.

However, Gotanda is determined to not let the job loss greatly affect her pupils.

“I don’t feel obligated to my kids but I’m doing them a disservice if I don’t keep in touch,” Gotanda said.

Gotanda went on further to state that she is willing to write letters of recommendation to her top students, whether or not the letters will be accepted.

“I love to find out where my students are going to college. Some of my kids deserve a recommendation letter,” Gotanda said.

According to Gotanda, the job loss was imminent.

“I had a feeling it was coming, but I’m fine with it,” Gotanda said.

Assistant Principal Megan Cassette shares the same feelings.

“Given the budget for California, we were certain that there were additional staff cuts,” Cassette said.

Because of the California budget fiasco, schools have taken a big hit.

Gotanda, because of her place in se-

niority, or lack thereof, amongst the other counselors had to go.

“Anytime we have cuts it’s a sad situation for the students, the family, the people who work, and especially the employee who’s job is terminated, because of the budget cuts, there’s nothing we can do,” Cassette said.

Although Gotanda was removed from her position, she will be able to receive another job within the district.

According to her, the superintendent of human resources is required to find Gotanda a position before the beginning of the fall semester.

“I don’t feel obligated to my kids, but I’m doing them a disservice if I don’t keep in touch.”

—Linsey Gotanda “My kids don’t need to worry about me. I’m not going to be penniless,” Gotanda said.

Gotanda has come to terms with her job termination, and she jokingly states that she will “still be able to buy shoes.”

“I’m so glad I came here. I don’t belong anywhere else,” Gotanda said.

Gotanda acknowledges that she must

by Steven King

PHOTO BY DANIEL FALLON

Counselor Linsey Gotanda works on her laptop. While she will not be returning next year, she is doing the best he can to stay in touch with some of her students. She also plans on writing letters of recommendations for “deserving” students.

move on and “broaden [her] perspective.”

“I came here to make myself grow, to experience at different levels,” Gotanda said.

Even so, Gotanda has received a great amount of support and help from her family.

“My family and husband are supportive. They know I’m a hard worker,” Gotanda said.

With Gotanda leaving, students under Lf-Mo and W-Wh will be affected by being moved around to different counselors.

According to Gotanda, the counselors present their preferences before the ad-

ministrators.

Although Gotanda would rather that her students are not affected, she recognizes this as a necessity and is hoping to make the change as easy and smooth as possible.

“It’s not an ideal situation, but everything happens for a reason,” Gotanda said.

Regardless of future occurrences, Gotanda wants her students to know that they have made a great and lasting impact on her.

“I don’t think the experience here would be the same without the kids. I just hope that I have made a difference,” Gotanda said.

McAdams pursues future in jewelry making

by Joy Ohiomoba

While some may look at jewelry making as a childish hobby of putting multicolored beads on a string, sophomore Sarah McAdams looks at it as a possible career.

McAdams first became interested in jewelry design as a seventh grader when she attended a chalk festival at Parras Middle School.

At the festival, one of the vendors taught how to make a pendant and also taught various classes on jewelry making.

“Later I took a class with the teacher and that furthered my interest,” McAdams said. “After that, I began experiment with different supplies and create my own jewelry.”

McAdams’ jewelry is professional, and she makes all kinds jewelry from necklaces to bracelets to earrings.

She uses different tools such as pliers, wire cutters, beads, etc.

During the week, she dedicates an average of six to seven hours to designing and creating her various pieces of jewelry.

“Making jewelry has even made me more responsible because I know that I have to finish my homework first before I can work on my pieces,” she said. “It has helped me to prioritize my time.”

Although McAdams often makes jewelry as birthday and holiday presents for friends and family, she usually sells the jewelry to others.

The prices of the pieces range from

about ten dollars to twenty-five dollars, depending on the item.

“For pricing, it depends on the complexity of the piece. A simpler piece would cost less than a more complex one,” she said. “A more complex piece is one that contains more wire, beads, stones, and/or my time to create.”

McAdams hopes to improve her skill in jewelrymaking and wishes to become a professional at her trade.

She aspires to attend a college that has a jewelry design program, such as the California College of the Arts in San Francisco.

“There are different mediums like the

“Jewelry making is an art. It’s something that makes me unique. It’s a passion and my creative outlet.”

—Sarah McAdams ones the professionals do with the welding and I would like to learn how to do those styles,” she said. “I find the idea of sitting behind a desk extremely boring; I’d much rather enjoy my work and do something that I love.”

Sarah’s mother, Annie, also shares the same view that jewelry is a possible career option.

However, she feels that Sarah should leave her options open for other ca-

She has set conference GNAC records in long jump, hurdles, and high jump for Division II, and she continues to receive modeling jobs.

Halverson enjoys modeling because she gets to meet athletes like her.

“It’s great. I get to meet all kinds of people with special athletics,” Halverson said.

But modeling is only one part of Halverson’s life.

The other half is here, at the track, helping high jumpers, long jumpers, and hurdlers to condition.

Halverson began coaching in the middle of March, a late start to the track season.

She was offered the coaching job after running into her former coach on the Esplanade.

“He knew [Coach] Bob and he said the track team needed help,” Halverson said.

“So I said sure.”

She plans on being with the track team for years to come.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I want to be here for a whole season, and for conditioning during the fall, too.”

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH MCADAMS

These images are snapshots of sophomore Sarah McAdam’s jewelry. She makes jewelry for friends and families, as gifts, but also sells some of her pieces. She enjoys jewelrymaking and is looking at it as a possible career option.

reers.

“I know that she’s looked at a couple of colleges that have jewelry design programs. It is a possible option,” she said.

“But I think she needs to look into different areas. She doesn’t have to make a decision right now.”

Annie does feel that her daughter’s art serves as a productive and creative outlet for her.

“I think [jewelry making] great. She’s very creative and detailed,” she said. “It’s great that she found an outlet that she likes to do.”

Regarding the idea that jewelry making is just a pastime, McAdams feels that although making her pieces is something

that she does in her spare time, it has evolved into more than just a hobby for her. It has become a passion and a great part of her life.

“Jewelry making is my art. It’s something I’m good at and something that makes me unique,” she said. “It’s a passion and my creative outlet. It’s just something I love doing.”

There’s No Heroes has played their fair share of gigs around the South Bay, but their upcoming performance on June 26 is unlike the others. They will be playing to save a life.

On June 26, junior Sean Ivy and his band There’s No Heroes are set to perform a benefit concert at the American Legion in Torrance.

All proceeds will go to bandmate Vincent Nguyen’s mother Kim Nguyen, who was diagnosed with throat cancer last month.

“We’re completely understanding of the situation,” Ivy said. “We will still play the way we have always played, we just want to help Vince out as best we can.”

Nguyen admits that he was “shocked” when he heard his mother had been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer since she had beaten it once 15 years ago.

“I haven’t put all that much thought into it. I’m still trying to take it all in.

My situation is a little overwhelming, but I need to focus on the band too,” Nguyen said.

There’s No Heroes is a metal band that has played gigs in places such as Di Piazzas in Long Beach and Chain Reaction in Anaheim.

And despite the band’s situation, both Ivy and Nguyen claim there songwriting and music have not been altered at all.

“Right now I am focusing my writing on existentialism and the absolute zero theory,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen is excited to see his talents in music go to a cause such as the one he faces now.

“I don’t think I could do nearly as much for my mom if I didn’t have the opportunity to play music for a benefit concert,” Nguyen said.

There’s No Heroes plans to release a new album set to release late summer or early fall of this year.

“We all would like to go as far as possible in the band. The first step is getting signed, and then we’ll see where it goes from there,” Ivy said.

Apart from the benefit show nearly a month away, Nguyen is doing everything he can to help his mother.

“I’m just trying to not cause trouble for her and comfort her from day to day,” Nguyen said. “I haven’t told her about the benefit show yet, naturally she worries a lot about band stuff so I don’t want to bother her.”

Nguyen is particularly pressured over the up coming benefit concert because of its significance to him personally.

“I plan to play doubly hard at the benefit show,” Nguyen said. “I want to make sure my heart is in the performance just in case things take a turn for the worse.”

Because his mother has already beaten throat cancer once before, Nguyen is very optimistic about her future.

“I just think that if she has beat it once then she will beat it again,” Nguyen said.

Features

May 21, 2010

Bidding Farewell

to departing seahawks As some faculty members prepare to retire, they relfect on their lives as educators and look forward to what comes next.

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The district offeres a special retirement package this year to save money

by Sophia Lykke

As part of a plan to save money, the school district has offered teachers an additional year’s salary on top of their normal retirement plan if they retire this year.

The district will save money by hiring new teachers to replace those retiring, because newly-hired teachers are not paid as much as those with seniority.

According to Superintendent Steven Keller, teachers that accept this offer can retire early while also helping their younger counterparts to keep their jobs.

“What can also happen is that the retired teacher’s position can potentially save a less ‘senior’ teacher’s position,” he said.

According to Keller, 16 to 17 teachers district-wide are retiring this year, which is a larger number compared to past years. The district will also save money by having less employees.

“The district will benefit as we will only hire approximately 50 percent of the positions behind these retirements,” Keller said.

With the current budget cuts to education, the district offered this retirement package to save money and avoid laying off employees.

“It financially makes more sense to have those [teachers with seniority] retire and pay them a little bit extra, and then hire somebody new at a much lower salary,” Assistant Principal John Newman said.

Hoy leaves her mark with ACE program and class

by Brianna Egan

The classroom is quiet. Every student is engaged and concentrating intently. This is a room where students are getting things done; where they are learning by building confidence in themselves.

Cindy Hoy, whose 30-year teaching career has seen 20 years here, developed and currently administers the Alternative Classroom in Education (ACE) program on campus.

The program targets students who have credit deficiencies and must re-take courses to meet graduation requirements.

The class may not exist next year, since Hoy is retiring.

After her retirement, although she has not received official notice, Hoy believes the program may be “dissolved” due to a lack of funding and replacement to her position.

Though she was formerly an English teacher, Hoy interviewed with the district to specifically design this new program which “ended up being so well suited.”

ACE initially started with two subjects, but as her program grew, Hoy “kept writing curriculum as neces-

sary,” to complete a total of 30 subjects spanning from Biology to World History.

“I use state standards and the district framework to create courses that parallel regular classes,” Hoy said.

Hoy oversees the assignments and tests completed individually by the students to grant them “Alternative Education” credit in the course they are lacking. She feels that the deadline and pressure-free environment encourages their active learning.

“My students are physically in one classroom, but each student is working independently and on their own time,” Hoy said. “[They] are working for themselves, and that’s what I try to impart on them; they’re not working for me or an abstract goal.”

According to Hoy, “the ultimate goal is for them to get a diploma.

“That’s what I love seeing,” she said.

Now, there may not be any alternative method of “credit recovery” on campus.

Despite its unclear future, Hoy believes the program has

PHOTO BY ANGELICA TRUONG

Tillotson observes students while they share their projects in a carousel.

ing her alma mater in Whittier and a school in Nebraska, but the majority of her teaching has been at Redondo.

For Tillotson, it was not a hard decision to become a teacher.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. There were always different opportunities–in elementary school working with the younger students, and later I was a camp counselor,” she said. “Also I belonged to the Future Teachers of America in high school.”

There are various aspects of teaching that Tillotson says she will miss when she retires.

“I love being creative in how to present material and working with students to get them to learn it. I just like to be with people, teachers and students,” she said. “I think I was always going to be a teacher.”

Congelliere retires after 40 years After 40 years of devotion to the school, Athletic Director Les Congelliere is retiring.

“I have had the greatest experience that anyone could have imagined,” he said. “I could not have asked for better.”

Congelliere first joined faculty in the fall of 1970, just after graduating college. His college football coach encouraged him to become either a PE teacher or coach, and Congelliere agreed.

“In high school, I’d always liked it so much, I thought it would be a great career,” he said. “I never thought of myself as the business type.”

According to Congelliere, working here has been a major part of his life since the beginning. He had the opportunity to watch the school grow in student population and also undergo many changes as the generations passed.

“I have loved every part of it,” he said. “There are so many things I’ve seen, and experiences I’ve enjoyed.”

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Congelliere organizes bus schedules for the boys’ baseball tams in his office.

always thought would be fun,” she said. “I really like being a teacher, and I’m also happy to be retiring–because the time is right,” she said.

by Kelsey Chung

by Madeline Perrault

by Claire Chiara

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Hoy pauses to take a picture in the middle of one of her ACE classes.

Retirement package prompts Sarachild to retire early

Tillotson ends her career as a language teacher When the final bell rings on the last day of school, it will not just mark the beginning of summer vacation, but also Spanish Teacher Kathryn Tillotson’s last official day of teaching.

Although she will not be teaching at Redondo, Tillotson plans to continue working.

“I would love to be a docent at a museum, and I want to help new teachers as they enter the profession,” she said.

Other than work on these new projects, Tillotson has other ideas of what she will do in retirement.

“Retired people always get to travel and it sounds like fun, so next year, when everyone else is at school, I am going on a cruise,” she said.

Tillotson has taught at Redondo for 26 years. Although she is currently a Spanish teacher, she taught English and French in past years.

“My favorite subject to teach is actually French. I majored in French, I just love the language,” she said.

According to Tillotson, there are many good memories at Redondo.

“We always put on a huge French banquet,” she said. “That was always quite an experience.”

She has taught at many different high schools includ-

been “hugely beneficial” in aiding students to graduate.

“I see that with the program, my students gather enough personal strength to want to continue their education. They have enough confidence to pursue a diploma, realizing that they can finish what they start, including their education,” she said.

Hoy enjoys the variety she has experienced daily as a teacher.

“Everyday is always different, no one day is alike. I like that change,” she said.

She hopes to leave lasting impressions on her students.

“In my classroom, I’ve tried to remove all the negatives: Some of my students live with personal issues looming, and I try to teach them that personal life has to come first,” she said.

As for her retired life, Hoy’s plans include travelling, working as a part-time teacher in Independent Studies, and finishing a novel she is currently writing.

“I’m even going to try to work as a background or ‘extra’ for television and movies; it’s just something I’ve

Although Congelliere joined the staff in 1970, he didn’t become the athletic director until 1990. One of his first major actions was creating the South Bay Surf League, and then a school team to compete in it.

“Kids were competing in individual events outside of school,” Congelliere said. “I felt we needed to turn our surf class into a team to compete as a whole.”

For Congelliere, the best part of being the athletic director was getting to witness, and be involved in, historical sport moments at the school. He loves watching his teams, regardless of their skill levels, play their hardest and succeed. One time that sticks out in his mind was in 2002, when both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won the CIF championship.

“They are just great moments,” he said. “This school has got some special stuff.”

Congelliere knows he will miss his job due to the special relationships he has with everyone surrounding him.

“I’ll miss the students’ and coaches’ camaraderie, the great faculty, many of whom went here, and all my connections to the community,” he said.

However, he looks forward to what is coming next in his life. Congelliere plans to travel with his wife, something he has not had time for during his career.

“We’re both very active,” he said. “I would like to take up skiing and surfing again, as well as hiking near my second home in Yosemite.”

Congelliere is also excited to dedicate more of his time to family. “[My wife and I] will be able to center our lives around our kids and grand kids,” he said. “I’m really glad.”

Congelliere may be leaving, but he still considers himself a part of the school. He is eagerly awaiting the completion of the athletic department which, according to him, will be unbelievable.

“I didn’t graduate from here,” Congelliere said, “but I’m a Seahawk for life.”

As her students ran around the room playing her annual “dots” game, history teacher Lani Sarchild had mixed emotions. At that moment, it truly hit her that she was retiring, and she realized how much she would miss teaching.

Sarachild’s retirement came sooner than she expected.

“Truthfully, it wasn’t my plan [to retire]. They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” she said. “The incentive I was offered made it financially advantageous for me.”

As an individual who enjoys helping everyone take advantage of education, retirement is “bittersweet.”

“I’m not burnt out. I’ve only been teaching for 13 years, I still really love it,” Sarachild said.

From an early age, she knew what she wanted to do with her life. At the age of 16, after graduating from high school in three years, she was accepted to the Newpaltz State Teaching College in New York.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to do something valuable with my time. I wanted to feel my time in life on Earth to mean something,” Sarachild said. “Teaching is a very satisfying life. When you’re challenged at work to do your best all the time, it makes it interesting.”

Although retiring, Sarachild has big plans for herself. She will hopefully teach her seminar “No Woman Left Behind,” write two books, and hire herself out as a teaching consultant to “help build schools and better classrooms.”

Sarachild has grown to appreciate her position after 13 years of teaching.

“Teaching has been, for me, an everyday challenge as I’m using all my energy, creativity, intellect, organizational skills, and making every educational minute count,” she said. “The kids are so good-hearted, from

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Sarachild answers student questions during her contemporary issues class.

the non-intellectuals to the intellectuals.”

From being a teacher, Sarachild has learned “so much” from her students as well.

“I’ve learned just to be myself. I’ve learned how to be entertaining. I’ve learned how to practice kindness, compassion, and patience. I’ve learned to find their strengths and build on their weaknesses,” Sarachild said.

“I try to improve on my weaknesses and the kids have taught me that.”

Although it’s the last time she will play the dots game with her students, see the civil war projects, and experience teacher appreciation days, Sarachild is enjoying each and every minute of it.

“I’m not counting down the days. I’m trying to stay in the present and enjoy. I’m trying to single task,” she said.

For Sarachild, retirement is more “like a change in pace and career”.

“I don’t really look at this as retirement. I look upon it like I’m graduating with the class of 2010. I see retirement as an endless summer,” Sarachild said.

Gutierrez cherishes his time as a teacher

by Josh Hillsburg

After 31 years of teaching, the last nine of which were spent here, math teacher Jose Gutierrez has announced his plans to retire at the end of the school year.

“My time is up,” Gutierrez said. “It is time to leave

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MARTIN

Gutierrez sits at his desk and enters grades during his sixth period prep.

and let the young teachers take over.”

Throughout his career, Gutierrez taught math classes at Lennox and Leuzinger before teaching here. He has taught classes ranging from algebra to calculus.

California’s Golden Handshake policy, which offers early retirement incentives in the form of a monetary bonus to employees of the district, has played little part in Gutierrez’s decision to retire.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching,” he said. “I wasn’t one of those people that wanted to get out of it.”

He claims that he had been planning to retire last year before the incentive was offered, but decided against it in favor of teaching one more year.

Gutierrez has, however, accepted the offer and is pleased with how it coincided with the year in which he’d planned to retire.

“The handshake was a very attractive present,” he said. “ It’s their way of saying thank you.”

With his time off, Gutierrez plans to spend more time with his family and hopes to relax.

“I want to take care of my two children—to help them,” he said. “I think I’ll enjoy my retirement. Not getting up everyday to go to work is something I want to experience.”

While Gutierrez looks forward to his retirement, he will miss interacting with his students.

“I will miss teaching the young people,” Gutierrez said.

Entertainment

May 21, 2010

Veni, [Vinci] Vidi,

by Anneliese Wilson

Leonardo da Vinci was a true Renaissance artist, experimenting in painting, sculpting, architecture, and many other artistic avenues. His creativity and genius has given us some of the most treasured works of all time.

The Getty Center’s current exhibit, Leonardo da Vinci and the Art of Sculpture: Inspiration and Invention, focuses on da Vinci’s plans for massive sculptures and his influence on other Renaissance artists.

Focusing mainly on the human figure and horses, the exhibit showcases the elaborate ideas that da Vinci had for future projects.

Using different mediums such as chalk and ink, Leonardo put his multiple ideas in the form of sketches.

Three of the famous sculptures by Italian artist Donatello, da Vinci’s inspiration, and his close partner Giovan Francesco Rustici are on display. Secluded in their own room, the sculptures stand with each of the models in different positions.

The never before seen sculptures

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6

nLeonardo da Vinci and the Art of Sculpture: Insipration and

Invention displays both never before seen works of art from the Renaissance Man and works by artists that inspired him.

spent months being cleaned in Florence, Italy. Though old and slightly damaged, the intricacy of the sculptures leave one wondering how long it takes to make such a large piece of art.

Despite another sculpting exhibit, da Vinci’s brilliant work overshadowed the others.

The exhibition also showcases many of Leonardo’s drawings, highlighting his work method of sketching ideas and notes for his artistic creations. Sketches for lost sculptures, mechanical devices, robots, and paintings reveal the artist’s fascination with detail. Some of the most popular among the crowd were the “Madonna on the Rocks” and “Portrait of a Young Man”.

Most of his sketches were no larger than a 2x4 sheet of paper. The small scale drawings required magnifying glasses to see the full detail.

The exhibit included three dimensional drawings of dissected corpses.

The three dimensional aspect that da Vinci

experimented with, shows his scientific approach to the human form.

Within the exhibit, there was a room holding the paintings of da Vinci. The base of the paintings had quick chalk drawings, displaying immaculate detail he added. Working with basic earth tones, he was able to show the beginnings of beautiful work. Though visually stunning, the paintings never served a purpose in the exhibit.

Da Vinci was known to work with many artists within his circle, one of them being Rustici. Rustici became immersed in da Vinci’s studio practice and emulated his style of work. Because of their collaborations, Rustici’s work is considered the best follow up of da Vinci’s lost art as a sculptor.

Though da Vinci did not have the chance to make many sculptures, the museum greatly highlights the work that could have been apart of his masterpieces.

Despite its misleading title, the exhibit is still mesmerizing and worth viewing.

PHOTO FROM GETTY.EDU

This portryal of the beheading of St. John the Baptist was created by da Vinci’s mentor, Andrea del Verrochio. It is rumored that da Vinci helped del Verrochio with this piece, however this has never been proven.

Iron Man 2 lives up to the high expectations The build-up to The Avengers continues with Iron Man 2. The film is directed by Jon Favreau, who plays Happy Hogan in the movie.

In it, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) must take on the US military, his impending death, and an old family enemy (Mickey Rourke).

While Iron Man is fighting villains and “privatizing world peace,” Tony has a battle with his own when he realizes that the very reactor that is keeping him alive is poisoning his blood.

Aside from the government and WWW.IRONMANMOVIE.MARVEL.COM

1 Mass Boogie Parade

3

Local Band

military demanding Stark hand the Iron Man suit over to authorities, a rival company called Hammer is attempting to recreate the suit for profit.

Somehow, super hero movies always break the “sequel” rule: the rule that a sequel can never be near as good as the first.

There is always something special about the beginning of a story, and Iron Man 2 is neither a beginning nor an end, rather a middle.

Speaking of beginnings, this film is the beginning of Disney’s ownership of Marvel films. Disney makes its ownership evident in the video of Howard Stark (John

Slattery) presenting a model of a “town of the future” that Tony shows during Stark Expo.The model and video are nearly exactly like the video and model Walt Disney himself presented when opening Disneyland, the same model and video that can still be seen in the museum on Main Street, just inside the park.

The best part of the movie, for those paying special attention, are the little parts. There are several Easter eggs (or would we call them “hidden Mickies” now that Disney owns the movie?) throughout the film, mostly hinting at the Avengers.

Captain America’s shield makes another appearance and Thor’s ax is found

at the very end, so be sure to stay through the credits.

The one-liners are added subtly through the script; a few of them are easy to miss.

The best ones are in the court scene towards the beginning and the scene towards the end in which Stark and Colonel Rhodes (Don Cheadle) are given medals of honor.

Overall, the movie is great, the perfect beginning to a promising summer. Iron Man 2 has the box office numbers to prove it, pulling in over 133 million in the first weekend, at least 12 times more than any other movie currently out. It’s a must see, especially for any comic geeks out there.

// Lightning Reviews// Omni

Minus The Bear

Normally impressed by Minus the Bear’s music, listening to the band’s fourth full length album Omni was a bit disappointing. The album, released on May 4, introduces a poppier sound than the alternative rock band is known for.

While songs like “My Time” are admittedly catchy, the band sacrifices lyrical depth, which it already lacked, to please new listeners. Songs in previous albums like Planet of Ice (2007), may have been considered overly simple or even shallow in regards to lyrics. However, all of the band’s older lyrics sound poetic in comparison to almost everything off of Omni which consists of lines that are repeated ad nauseam throughout the tracks. Even if the band’s lyrics weren’t impressive in previous albums, it worked to the band’s advantage by allowing the listener to focus on the strength of the other musicians.

Unfortunately, Omni fails to deliver the same “wow factor.” Instead, Omni doesn’t showcase any band member’s

talent to an exceptional point, making every song appealing for the first 30 seconds. It should be noted that the album is very cohesive, almost to a fault.

The songs blend into each other, which makes the album sound like one giant pop song that re-counts a crazy, and openly raunchy, summer. The flamboyant synthesizers and simply sweet music are apparently pleasing and have somehow made Omni easily the most popular Minus the Bear album on iTunes. Those that are curious should take advantage of full-streaming on KCRW’s website and judge the album for themselves.

–– Erika Gavitt

–– Derek Sarno

4

The legend of Robin Hood returns to the screen presenting the origin of how Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) came to have the nickname Robin Hood.

In this new version of the movie, Prince John (Oscar Isaac) has just become King through the death of his brother Richard (Danny Huston). Instead of fighting against King John and his tyranny, Robin has to fight along side him to stop the invasion of the French from taking over England.

Along the way, Robin learns from Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow) about the history of his father and the Magna Carta he wrote to limit the King’s power.

In the end, Robin presents the same Charter to King John, who refuses it and declares Robin an outlaw. He mandates that whoever helps Robin is to be executed, giving Robin Longstride the nickname Robin Hood because he has to hide out in Sherman Forest.

This version was amazingly written and shot in the most beautiful parts of England. Even though a little slow during the beginning of the movie, it quickly picked up the pace with exciting action scenes, romance, and hilarious humor from WWW.MINUSTHEBEAR.COM Robins fellow archers Little John (Kevin Durand), Will Scarlet (Scott Grimes), and Alan A’Dayle (Alan Doyle).

The L.A. funk scene is making a reprisal with groups like Mass Boogey Parade.

They claim old keystones such as The Doors and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as inspiration, mirroring their blends of funk and rock.

Mass Boogey Parade played at Redondo Babies is a French documentary by director Thomas Balmes which during the Chalk Off event and stole the show. follows the first year of four babies, all in different places, all with The way the group is able to combine funky guitar different cultures. rifts and wailing drums keeps the show alive, and We have Ponijao from Opuwo, Namibia; Bayarjargal from without a dull moment.

Mongolia; Mari from Tokyo, Japan; and Hattie from San The hit track, “Groovalanche,” really exemplifies the Fransisco. Even though these babies are in such different group’s technical ability with their instruments, including places, this documentary shows us that they are very much a hammering guitar solo and silky smooth bass lines that the same. soothe the soul.

There is something universal to being human that The groovy wave of funk that descends upon the audience can’t be taken away or changes with latitude and is captivating and contagious. Everyone in the crowd enjoyed longitude. the music, one would be hard pressed to find a foot not tapping The most interesting aspect of the film is that it or a head not bopping to the mellow streams of funk. is not narrated. There is no speaking, aside from Unfortunately the group played a short set, as they only have a the parents in the background. handful of songs completed, but each song is unique and effectively In most cases this would have been a huge fills the funk quota. mistake. For Babies it not only works, but Mass Boogey Parade will be playing an all-ages “battle of the bands” at amplifies the film’s overall meaning. the Crest this Sunday.

By not having a running narration in

Two

Robin Hood

Babies

–– Emily Vavrek

Anyone can understand the film because there are no words to be understood, only actions. Babies was released at a perfect time and certainly was the favorite for Mothers’ Day. Whether as a treat for Mothers’ Day or not, this is a perfect movie to see with your parents.

–– Alex Curtis

WWW.ROBINHOODTHEMOVIE.COM

by Alexis Curtis

on language, Balmes allows the babies to speak for themselves, further creating that universal feeling.

WWW.FILMINFOCUS.COM

Sports

JV/Frosh

May 21, 2010

fast stats

FROSH

SOFTBALL Score vs Culver City: 22-11 W Overall Record: 21-7 Key Player: Samantha Ruiz, Sierra Kaufman

JV

Score vs Peninsula: 9-8 L “We could have made less errors and hit a little bit harder. We had a good comeback and had a strong season overall,” junior Tommy Huberty said.

FROSH

BASEBALL

Score vs Peninsula: 3-1 L “Our team could have beaten [Peninsula] because we had momentum from beating Costa the week before. I feel that we had a pretty good season overall,” freshman Dylan Gomm said.

JV

TENNIS Score vs Mira Costa: 15-3 L Overall Record: 9-10

JV/Frosh

sports shorts

by Bethany Kawa

The varsity boys’ tennis team won the CIF tournament against Sonora High, without six key players. Five players were absent due to the AP psychology test, and one player was injured. To compensate for these players, the top doubles team and the top singles player from JV were put in as substitutes.

“We had nine of our varsity players, which is enough for a starting line up, but we needed substitutes,” coach Jessica Seibert said.

JV coach Jim Ball decided to give sophomores Chris Farmer and Daniel Helfant and freshman Christian Grantz a chance to compete in the CIF tournament.

“I picked the three most deserving players who had really worked hard all season. I wanted to reward the guys who were good role models for the team,” Ball said.

Though not originally doubles partners, Ball thought Farmer and Helfant would be a perfect team for the CIF tournament.

“Last year, I saw Chris and Daniel play together, and I thought they were both really great players who could win a match in this CIF tournament,” Ball said.

Although Grantz lost 6-1 to his opponent, he feels he tried his hardest and it was a great experience.

“I wanted to perform well, but unfortunately the game didn’t turn out as I had wanted it too. It was a great experience because I have been on JV for the whole year,” he said.

On the other hand, doubles team Farmer and Helfant were victorious with a score of 6-4, despite Farmer’s previous injury, and Helfant playing with a broken arm.

“I went into the match with optimism, because our team was already dominating. It felt great to play, especially since it was my first match after getting my cast off due to a broken leg,” Farmer said.

Helfant’s strategy was to get as many points as possible and to embarass Sonora.

“I was playing with a broken arm, but I was confident that we had a chance to win,” he said.

Seibert and Ball were proud of the JV boys for their performance.

“I thought they had a chance to win, because I went into the tournament thinking Sonora High were on the same level as us,” Seibert said.

Ball agrees with Seibert and was thrilled with the boys’ win..

“I was so happy. I knew based upon last year, they [Farmer and Helfant] might have a chance to win. It was a great day, and a good experience for the JV boys,” Ball said.

8 Swimmers compete in CIF finals Page

Girls’ LAX loses in final round

by Adam Ammentorp

Girls’ lacrosse lost last Friday, 24-7 against Los Alamitos, ending their CIF run and season.

“We were over-matched. In simple terms, they were faster, much bigger and had better stick skills,” coach Tom Borgia said.

Although the girls went into the game undefeated, Los Alamitos came off of a 2 year winning streak.

“Los Alamitos had no mercy and were out to prove how much better the Orange County teams are,” Borgia said.

According to senior defense player Sabrina Buendia, the girls had never faced competition as “tough” as Los Alamitos before.

“Overall they were just more athletic and had more experience than we did,” Buendia said. “They had a lot of preparation because they had been facing tougher teams throughout the year.”

Although in the end the girls were “blown out,” they came out strong in the beginning and were only down 11-6 at half time.

“Going into the game, we felt honored to be there, and knew we had to play hard to earn our spot,” Buendia said. “We came out with high energy and lots of enthusiasm,

but didn’t get the end results we wer looking for.”

Although the girls were proud of their start, Los Alamitos changed their game plan in the second half, according to Borgia.

“They came out pressing all over the field in the second half and pressuring the ball, and scored five in a row,” Borgia said.

Los Alamitos also brought a new level of physical intensity to the final game, according to Borgia.

“Their checks were so strong, we were definitely not used to those.

Also, the referees let the rough stuff go, which is something we’re definitely not used to,” Borgia said.

Although their CIF run did not end as hoped, the girls are still proud of their season.

“The season was like a dream. We had a lot of pressure to live up to expectations. In the end we exceeded our expectations we’re really proud of how far we have come this year,” Buendia said.

This season brought a lot of attention to the team, helping spread the popularity of lacrosse throughout southern California, according to Borgia.

“Our run to the CIF Final was great for the school and girls’

by Julia Denney

PHOTO BY JELLY TRUONG

Junior Allison Field looks to pass in the CIF Final against Los Alamitos. The girls lost 24-7.

lacrosse. It brought us a lot of press and we had great coverage by all of the local paper,” Borgia said.

Overall the girls viewed their season as a success and are proud of how the program has grown.

“Playing lacrosse was the best decision I made in high school. We all grew as people and players and in the end earned the recognition we always wanted,” Buendia said.

Cotton, senior Sonia Colavita scored an important run.

Aspel entered the game towards the end and contributed to the comeback. “[She] came in the top of the fifth inning and helped settle defense down and from then on the girls fought to over come the four run deficit,” Dessert said.

Dessert is proud of the team.

“The game was a whole team effort. Even though we have made playoffs for the last five out of the six years,this is the first CIF playoff game that we have won. The great team atmosphere these girls have created has absolutely been the difference between this years team and teams from the past,” she said.

The win to Chaffey allowed the team to enter yesterdays game with high confidence, despite California High School being 10-0 in league.

“I went in very confident on Thursday. We were both good teams, and I felt strongly that my team could pull through and win,” she said.

Even after the loss, the team knows it had a good season.

“Overall we played like a team and kept our spirits high through the whole season. I’m so happy with the way the team played and developed,” Aspel said.

Throughout the season the girl’s teamwork developed, according to Stevens.

“We all got so close and learned to work together, which contributed to us making it to the playoffs. We became the family we needed to be in order to be successful,” she said.

Softball out of CIF playoffs

by Kaelee Epstein

After beating Chaffey High School 6-5 in the first round of play offs on Tuesday, the softball team lost 4-0 against California High School yesterday.

Despite high confidence the team was not able to pull through and get the hits they needed.

“The pitcher span the ball well and we just couldn’t hit her,” junior Jenn Stevens said.

According to Stevens the team put in a lot of effort.

“We knew how important the game was, and I know everyone tried hard. We just made mistakes that we should not have made,” she said.

The game against Chaffey started out a bit rough, According to coach Jennifer Dessert the

team was down 1-5 at the end of the fourth

inning.

However, the game turned around in the fifth and the girls “stepped” up their game, resulting in a win.

“It was a sweet and amazing win.

After being down it was a good feeling to make such a huge comeback,” junior Brett Aspel said.

According to

Aspel was proud of the

Dessert, senior Alex O’Hagan, junior Cindy Zamudio, senior Nicolette Royal, and junior Jessie

Cotton played an “impressive” game.

Both Aspel and O’Hagan pitched a strong, fast, game and with hits from both Royal and

game.

“I loved being able to come in and finish the game strong, helping my team out as much as I could. I pitched the very best I could,” Aspel said.

Also contributing to the win, senior Linda Park hit a home run.

“Overall, the improvements in the fifth inning, such as [Park’s] home run, allowed us to feel motivated throughout the rest of the game,” Aspel said.

The team showed their strength and will power through the game.

“Our main strength is our ability to finish strong and keep playing our best even when we are down. We never give up,” Aspel said.

Last Saturday four Redondo swimmers competed in CIF Finals at Belmont Pool in Long Beach.

Juniors Hogan Inscore, Alec Ortiz, Jonathan Diaz and sophomore Declan Andrew all qualified as part of the 400 free relay team.

“It felt good going to CIF with so many guys this year. Usually it’s only a couple of us that move on,” Inscore said.

Diaz didn’t expect the relay team to move on to finals.

“At the start of the season CIF wasn’t even in our minds for the relay.

Mostly Hogan and I were focused on making CIF and improving our own times,” Diaz said.

And improve they did, with both Diaz and Inscore beating their personal records in their events.

“We were rested and ready. We had prepared the whole year for this one meet, so we went all out,” Inscore said.

Though Inscore and Diaz did not win their individual events, they competed with Ortiz and Andrew on the record-breaking relay team.

“I think it was a combination of our adrenaline pumping and the fact that we all wanted that record broken,” Diaz said.

The team beat the standing school record with a time of 3:17.49 “We were all pushing for each other and were really focused on doing the best swim we could,” Ortiz said.

The team was focused on beating the record, and used this motivation to swim a “perfect swim.”

“Our main motivation going into the swim was to do our best, and we knew that if we swam our best we could beat the record,” Inscore said.

The team attributes their success mainly to coach Mark Rubke’s continued encouragement.

“He’s there to support and he trains us well,” Inscore said. “He’s a major part of our success.”

CIF finals was the last event for most of the swim team, except for Inscore and Diaz who both competed in Masters on Tuesday night.

“Masters is a lot more relaxed than CIF. Many swimmers only focus on CIF so when Masters comes around, it’s less competitive,” Inscore said.

With their season done, both Ortiz and Diaz agree that they’re going to try to beat their school record next year.

“Next season we want to stay on the relay and not get beaten by anyone else so we can go even faster and beat our own record,” Ortiz said.

Volleyball loses in second round of CIF

by Allie Goldberg

Boys’ volleyball lost last Thursday to Edison in the second round of CIF, with an overall season record of 22-12.

“I’m proud of the way [the boys] played,” coach Duncan Avery said.

“They played at a very high level.”

Avery believes that the boys played really hard during both CIF games.

“We upset Mater Dei in the first round, but I don’t really see it as an upset. I know what we’re capable of,” he said.

According to Avery, the team played hard against Edison.

“We lost in five,” he said. “We played hard, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Overall, Avery feels that the they had a successful season.

“We always played with high energy, and with high intensity,” he said.

According to junior Greg Evans, the team played with persistence and energy.

“We stayed together no matter what, and the whole team was energetic on and off the bench,” he

said.

Evans believes that although the effort was there, the team fell short in the end.

“We played our hardest, and I think we did everything we could do,” he said. “[Mater Dei] just caught the momentum and we couldn’t catch up.”

Junior Trevor Butler believes that the team grew together throughout this season.

“We played our hardest, and I think we did everything we could do,” —Trevor Butler “We played well together as a team, and we learned to come together after every point,” Butler said.

Butler explained that the team played well overall this season, and in CIF. “We really brought our A-game to the play-offs. We did everything well, especially against Mater Dei,” Butler said.

According to Avery, it was very

rewarding to coach the team this year.

“It takes a while to build team chemistry, and [the boys] really started playing together,” he said.

Butler believes that they were successful this season.

“We exceeded our expectations, and all of us got along really well throughout the whole season,” Butler said.

Avery is proud of his team’s accomplishments, and is excited for next season.

“We are returning every starter except our setter,” he said. “It’s going to be a very exciting season.”

When Avery started three years ago, next year’s seniors were freshmen.

“I knew that there was a lot of talent there. Its cool watching how much they’ve grown,” Avery said.

According to Butler, it has been a very fun season.

“We’re all good friends and teammates. We really had good team unity,” he said.

Evans agrees and believes that this was “a very good season.”

“We learned a lot and I can’t wait to dominate next season,” he said.

PHOTO BY JELLY TRUONG

From right, juniors Ryan Olson, Greg Evans and senior Michael Vellutato go for a block in a game against Mira Costa.

Page

Sports

8

May 21, 2010

Track goes to finals

Tennis to CIF after four years

by Alison Peet-Lukes

by Alix Politanoff

The boys’ tennis team concluded its season last week after losing to Santa Barbara High School, 15-3, in the first round of CIF. At first, the boys were given a wild card, but they were able to make it into the main CIF draw by beating the wild card team Sonora High school, 13-5.

The team concluded its season with a record of 11-11.

Senior Dylan McCarthy believes the team was feeling slightly nervous and unconfident about playing the wild card team Sonora High School, since they were missing four key players due to AP testing.

“Going into the match, we did not have a lot of confidence because it was our first year in our four years of finally making it. We were nervous because we assumed that the other team would be good but once the match began, we focused and played very hard despite the absences of key starters,” he said.

Coach Jessica Seibert was very proud of how the team played and was especially proud of the JV players that she brought up to play in the match.

“We were missing a lot of our starters so the subs and the JV students that we brought really helped us out and pulled through which helped us win,” she said.

After winning the wild card match, the team was placed into the main CIF draw where it had to play #2 seeded Santa Barbara.

Senior Kevin Maniar felt that Santa Barbara was stronger because of their depth in singles and doubles.

“Simply put, they’re the better team. A lot of their players are going to Division I schools next year and we don’t have any of our players going to one next year, so needless to say they were the better team but we still played our hardest,” he said.

Sophomore Chris Lew agrees that Santa Barbara was an extremely deep team and believes that their doubles teams’ were much stronger due to their powerful shots and smart strategic play.

“The doubles team my partner and I had to play against served faster and more accurately than anyone we had ever played before. The other team was able to beat us on the down the line shots that were really difficult for us to return,” he said.

All together, Seibert feels that the season was good because they were able to get farther than previous seasons by making it to CIF, and they played well against several tough schools.

“I think we really rose to the occasion and did our best. This is the farthest we’ve been in 4 years. A lot of seniors had that goal of making it to CIF and we made that happen,” she said.

1.

3.

2.

PHOTOS BY LISA INOUE

1. Sophomore Lyndsay Mull places fifth in the 800m. 2. Junior Laura O’Neil runs the 3200m and also gets fifth. 3. Senior Simon Schermerhorn competes in the 800m. He is the first alternate for this event.

Twenty track athletes made it to CIF prelims last Saturday compared to the seven who made it last year. In additon, seven athletes qualified for CIF finals compared to the two that qulified last year.

At the Bay League Finals home meet, 44 athletes placed in the top three spsots.

Coach Bob Leetch believes that the team is the best that it has been in years, since he ran for Redondo in ‘77.

At Moorpark High School, the boys 1600m relay ran a 3:45 to get 5th place and qulify for finals.

Distance runners senior Chloe Curtis and sophomore Lyndsay Mull doubled in the 1600m and 800m and finished the day running on the girls 1600m relay.

They went 1-2 in the 1600m—both going sub-five minutes.

In the 800m, Curtis was first overall and Mull was fifth.

In the 3200m junior Laura O’Neil qualified for finals in fifth place running sub-eleven minutes.

Both sophomore Rachel Bush and Simon Schermerhorn are first alternates for their events 3200m and 800m respectively. And the girls 1600m relay ran a 4:01 season-best time, also a first alternate.

The boys 4x400 meter, girls 3200 meter, girls 800 meter, girls 1600 meter, and girls long jump all had participants advance.

According to Curtis, many runners just fell short of qualifying for CIF finals.

“We have a lot of alternatives, but we have a lot more people moving on than we did last year. The team just keeps getting better every year,” she said.

Curtis believes that the alternatives didn’t secure a spot in CIF finals because some were not running to their full potential.

“Hopefully some people will scratch from the races we have alternates in, so the alternates like Rachel Bush and Simon Schermerhorn can get in. They both could

make it, they just didn’t have great races last weekend,” she said.

No one on high jump made it to CIF finals.

“Everyone was choking really bad, so we didn’t make a good jump,” she said.

Junior Andrea Yancy believes that even though no one made it, they still performed well.

“Most people just fell short of advancing, some jumped 5’1 but needed to jump 5’3 to get in,” she said.

Next weekend is CIF finals, and according to Curtis, track is expecting to do well.

“I am expecting everyone to do really well. This is the time of the season where you need to run your best time, or jump your farthest, because that’s what it takes to qualify for the next race all the way up to the state meet. All the other races we’ve run this season are just to prepare us for CIF and the state meet,” she said.

She believes that if everyone were to do well, the girls’ track team could become CIF champions.

“The girls team has a chance to win the team CIF title based on how many points we earn, if Haley Miller scores in the long jump, Laura O’Neil scores in the 3200, and Lyndsey Mull and I score in the 1600 and 800 then we have a good chance,” she said.

Curtis believes that throughout the season, the whole track team has been extremely successful.

“We finally won Bay League, which is something we have been so close to for the last four years, and we had breakthroughs in all events from pole vaulting to 100 hurdles throughout the season,” she said.

Curtis believes that the team this year is the best it has been for years.

“We dominated the dual meet against Costa, which is something we have been so close to for the last four years,” she said. “It’s really cool to finally be bay league champs, everyone has worked really hard to get there.”

Baseball ends season with loss to Peninsula

by David Kawa

Baseball lost to Peninsula High School, 7 – 0, last Thursday in the final game of the season.

The team wanted to end the season on a high note, an endevour which did not succeed in the end.

“Ending the season in a sport is really tough no matter how good the team did. I think we ended on a low note.”

—Daniel Marquez “We felt good going in and wanted to win the last game of the season,” senior

Daniel Marquez said.

According to senior Kyle Esparza, the team entered the game with confidence.

“We were feeling confident that we could pull [a win] out,” he said.

Though Redondo had much confidence at the beginning of the game, things began to change. Marquez feels the team lost focus and momentum towards the end of the game.

“As the game progressed and as we saw we were losing, the intensity faded away,” he said.

Junior Drew Kozain attributes the loss to a lack of strategy and overall performance of the team.

“We just weren’t keeping our heads on the ball and weren’t selecting good pitches to hit,” he said.

The team was unable to take the lead and was intimidated by Peninsula’s strong reputation and skill at the game, according

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to Kozain.

“After the second inning, [the game] opened up for them and we were never able to catch up. A couple of their players are going to college on scholarships and I think we let them get into our heads and we didn’t play our game,” he said.

Esparza is disappointed with the end of the season, especially since it was his last year on the team.

“It sucks that this is how the seniors went out,” he said.

Marquez agrees with Esparza, noting the team’s expectations.

“Ending a season in a sport is really tough no matter how good the team did.

I think we ended on a low note,” he said.

Marquez felt that a lack of team unity kept the team from success.

“There wasn’t really team chemistry.

Everyone was worried about their own stats and doing what they wanted,”

Marquez said.

According to senior Nick Ridio, the team suffered from a lack of commitment and drive.

“The team needed more heart and passion throughout the year. If we had that, we would have done better,” Ridio said.

Ridio feels the team did not play up to its potential this past season.

“We should’ve won more games. We had a lot of talent and we should have been champs, but we weren’t consistent,” he said.

The team plans to use the time off to improve its game and have a winning season next year.

“We just have to work hard over the summer and get into a winning mentality to get us into the winning spot,” Kozain said.

Surf ends season after meet postponements

by Alex O’Hagan

The surf team competed in the Hennesy’s Cup on May 1 at the Hermosa Pier. This team competition included the top six school teams with one surfer from every school in each heat.

The team came in a close third, with Mira Costa taking first and Palos Verdes only one point ahead of Redondo for second place.

Seniors Rick Cramer and Whitman Bedwell, and sophomore Connor Beatty all took first in their shortboard heats.

Senior Josh Williams won first in his bodyboard heat, and senior Jeremy Gross took second in his.

Junior Brittany Barden took second in both girls’ longboard and shortboard. “[The Hennesy’s Cup] was the best we performed for the whole year,” Bedwell said.

Coach Les Congelliere was proud of the team’s performance.

“Overall we did one step better than last year,” Congelliere said. “We had a darn good year.”

With this season coming to a close, senior Sky Nelson is optimistic for next year’s team.

“A lot of the surfers have improved a lot,” he said. “I hope they keep surfing and that they will help the team next year.”

Bedwell looks back on his four years as an

enjoyable experience.

“It was fun,” he said. “I got to surf for class three days a week. It’s just a really cool thing to do.”

With surf being so dependent on the weather, harsh conditions postponed League Finals well after the winter sport season.

The surf team finally competed in the South Bay Surf League Individual Finals on April 17.

The South Bay League Final is a meet for individual advancement, with finalists including the top six surfers in the shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard competitions.

Cramer placed fourth in his shortboard heats and Beatty placed third in his individual shortboard heat.

For the longboard competition, junior Ben Fortun placed fifth and Devon Nathon placed sixth in his individual heat.

Senior Josh Williams placed third, senior Jeremy Gross placed second, and senior Bobby Vos placed fifth in the bodyboarding heats.

“I’m proud of how our team surfed,” Nelson said. “You just have to go out and try and advance through your heats. I’m glad we had some good waves for one of my last meets.”