February 17, 2012 1401 Artesia Blvd. Manhattan Beach, California 90266 Vol. LXII Issue 6 www.lavistamchs.com
Opinion Costa has tried to create healthy lunches, but more work is needed.
Sports
Life
Arts
Online
The baseball community gathered on Feb. 11 to remember three tragic deaths.
Looking for some delicious treats? Read about Schat’s Bakery in El Segundo.
Dr. Dog’s new album, “Be the Void,” is the best work the band has yet to create.
La Vista is hosting its first annual video contest for many prizes. Check it out.
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Police arrest Mira Costa student BY DANNY KELLEHER EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR Detectives from the Manhattan Beach Police Department arrested a male 16- year-old Mira Costa student at his home in Manhattan Beach at 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 7. The student was arrested for allegedly making criminal threats to at least four other Mira Costa students and one Costa teacher, along with the charge of possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Although nothing official has been released, sources close to the situation say the student is a sophomore. “If there is one lesson I can impart to all parents and teachers from this incident, it is that I am thankful for parents and teachers who make efforts to talk to and listen to our children and help them make good decisions,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said in a Feb. 8 community press release. According to Mira Costa Principal Ben Dale’s Feb. 8 email to the Mira Costa community, the student “will be suspended, pending a recommendation for expulsion.” “My most solemn responsibility is to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff,” Dale said in the email. “It is a daunting task, and, therefore, requires a team effort.” After his arrest, the minor was taken into temporary custody at the MBPD station’s juvenile holding area and then transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall to await trial, Mira Costa Security Resource Officer John Loy said. “With adults, you can lock them up, you know, old school, behind bars,” Loy said. “With kids, you have to put them in a half- door cell with a supervisor.” According to the MBPD press release, detectives acted on a tip that the student made threats to Costa students and staff. “All of the specifics of the threats are currently being investigated,” MBPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Martin said in the press release.
The Strength of Love
LELAND LESNEVER/ LA VISTA
Mira Costa’s male a capella group, Mira Costa Muscle, delivers singing-valgrams to students in Bill Emhof’s second-period class on Valentine’s Day. Valgrams were available for purchase in the quad throughout the week of Feb. 6.
Gray pleads guilty, receives three-year prison sentence BY DANNY KELLEHER EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR Former Mira Costa instructional assistant Chris Gray plead guilty to one count of sexual misconduct under California Penal Code 288 (a) on Jan. 5 at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles and was subsequently sentenced to three years in California state prison. The Manhattan Beach Police Department originally arrested Gray on Oct. 5, and charged him with nine counts of sexual misconduct, but after a negotiated settlement, the charges were reduced to only one count. Penal Code 288 (a) states that “any person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act” with a child under the age of 14 is guilty of a felony. Gray received the minimum sentence for the offense under the penal code.
“In sentencing a first-time offender, there are a lot of things to consider,” Mira Costa Security Resource Officer John Loy said. “It depends on prior convictions, the person’s record, circumstances of the crime and standards the judge has to follow.” Loy acted as lead investigator on the case. According to Loy, the victim’s parents originally approached the police because they could not find their daughter and wanted to report her as missing. Loy said corroborating statements from Gray and the victim, along with other evidence, led to the arrest. Gray did not resist when he was summoned into Loy’s office midway through the school day on Oct. 5. “He was brought in here without attention being drawn to the situation,” Loy said. “It was as low-key as possible.” Gray, 27, who is married with a two year-old son, allegedly maintained the af-
fair with the Mira Costa minor from June 14, 2011 to Oct. 5, the day of his arrest. “It’s been nearly four months since it happened, and I have put it behind me,” Gray’s wife said. “What happened has happened, [and] I believe everything that he has been accused of did happen.” When Gray was arrested on Oct. 5, the district immediately put him on administrative leave. He was also arrested twice in the months prior to June 14, 2011 on counts of spousal battery, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment, but no action was taken to temporarily remove Gray from the school environment at the time. “This is a personnel issue, and there are rights of privacy attached to personnel issues,” Manhattan Beach Unified School District Director of Human Resources Kathryn Hall said. “As a result, I cannot comment any further.”
Vice Principal Jennie Wright returns to Mira Costa after maternity leave BY ARI HOWORTH STAFF WRITER After taking a maternity leave for the first semester of the school year, Jennie Wright (pictured right) returned to Mira Costa and resumed her previous job as vice principal at the end of January. Wright’s last day of work before her leave was the last day of the 2010-11 school year. She took up her job again at the start of this school year’s second semester. “I feel like the new kid on the block,” Wright said. “Even though I’ve been here for 10 years, there’s a whole new group of teachers and a new group of kids, so it was
weird to come back. After a few ministrators have kids. That’s days, however, I got back in the good because we all understand swing of things.” the demands at work and The responsibilities of the demands at home. each vice principal change When you don’t have throughout the year. This kids at home, it’s hard made it easy to really understand to divide what the adminisup Wright’s trators with kids various reat home are gosponsibiliing through.” ties amongst Wright the other vice is content principals. a b o u t “ N o w h o w she’s one of things were us,” Principal run in her abBen Dale said. sence. Even though “A lot of us ad- SEKINAT SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA there is some catch-
ing up to do, she wasted no time getting back to work and visited about 20 classrooms on her first day back. “While the Mira Costa faculty did a great job in running school activities,” sophomore Joe Marine said, “ I feel that we all awaited Mrs. Wright’s return. We are excited to have her back and look forward to her doing the job that we all know her for.” While all Costa educators have to balance their work and family lives, Wright and her husband must deal with an extra difficulty;; her husband is a vice principal at another school. “We make it work,” Wright
said. “Although, it’s difficult to go from spending 12 hours a day with your baby to seeing him for an hour and a half, if you are lucky. The hardest part is definitely leaving the house in the morning.” Even though Wright’s life has drastically changed, she is ready to give this semester her utmost effort and doesn’t feel being a parent will interfere with her work too much. The Costa administration is excited to finally have her back on campus. “She brought our team midyear energy,” Dale said. “It reminded all of us of the energy level that we need to have, especially in the middle of the year.”
CALENDAR
February 17, 2012
COMMUNITY FEBRUARY
17
The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center hosts the Samih Choukier Benefit Concert presented by Zakat Foundation of America. This concert starts at 7 p.m.
20 Charles Krauthammer speaks at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. This show is presented by Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California.
21 The Mayor’s Moai Walk takes place at 9 a.m. at Peet’s COURTESY OF LISA CLAYPOOLE
DROP IT LIKE IT’S YACHT: Seniors (from left) Ashley Tucker, Alec Weaver, Riley Thomas, and Chloe Basmajian enjoy their time at Costa’s winter formal “Drop It Like It’s Yacht.” The night consisted of a dance and dinner on a yacht on Feb 3.
CAMPUS
Coffee & Tea on Manhattan Beach Blvd. Meet the mayor for a walk around Manhattan Beach and interesting conversations about city issues.
21 Technical rehearsals for the Los Angeles Ballet’s per-
7 Applications for Senior Graduation speakers are open
formance of Swan Lake takes place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center all day.
FEBRUARY
today. Students interested in giving a speech at graduation can pick up an application.
24 Hermosa Beach hosts a trip to The Getty Center. A
17 Model U.N. travels to Georgetown for a national con-
7 It is a single late start day. School begins at 9 a.m.
ference until the 19th.
20 There will be no school this week for Mid-Winter
9 The MCHS Spring Band Concert takes place in the auditorium from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
MARCH
14 Club Day takes place at lunch in the new quad.
3 The Teen Center Big Bear Trip takes place from 5:30
Break. School starts again on the 27th.
28 11th Grade Parent Night will be held in the auditorium
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topics like senior course require- 19 10th grade parent meeting takes place in the auditoments, SAT/ACT tests, and the junior/senior calendar will rium from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. be covered at the meeting.
29 Mira Costa’s guidance counselors travel to MBMS for class scheduling with the 8th graders.
Overheard
1 Dancing with the Teachers premieres in the auditorium
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5 It is the last day to register to play in the Charlie Saikley
ON THE WEB It’s a good feeling being a second-semester senior, but the amount of work is still the same so students remain hardworking.
www.lavistamchs.com Between now and the next issue, look for the video on our website of Costa teachers preparing their dances for Dancing with the Teachers. It will take place in the auditorium from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 1.
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from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 6
a.m. to 9 p.m. Drop offs are at Marine Avenue Park. This trip is open to all middle school and high school students.
6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament online.
23 Graduation speaker applications are due today.
MARCH
Sports
charter bus will transport guests from the Hermosa Beach Community Center to The Getty Center. The cost is $17 for non-residents and $12 for Hermosa Beach residents.
CONNOR WRIGHT/ LA VISTA
-Senior Jen Freeman on being a second-semester senior. RYAN REEDE/ LA VISTA
MARCH 6-12
MARCH 14-19
18 Girls basketball CIF second round, 6 Boys golf travels to Palos Verdes to play 14 Girls lacrosse plays at Redondo at 5:30 pending early-round results. Peninsula at 2:30 p.m. p.m. 18 Girls water polo CIF quarterfinal, pending early-round results.
7 Boys tennis match takes place at Costa at 14 Boys lacrosse competes against Redon3 p.m. against Palisades. do at Costa at 7 p.m.
21 Boys soccer CIF second round, pending 8 Boys golf travels to Chester Washington 15 Boys golf competes against West at early-round results. to compete with Peninsula at 2:30 p.m. Alondra at 2:30 p.m. 21 Boys basketball CIF quarterfinal, pending early round results.
8 Boys tennis competes against South Torrance High School at 3 p.m. at Costa.
15 Boys volleyball travels to Redondo for a game at 7 p.m.
22 Girls soccer CIF second round, pending 9 Girls lacrosse travels to Peninsula High 16 Boys lacrosse travels to Beverly Hills early-round results. School to compete at 4 p.m. for a game at 5:30. 25 Boys baseball competes against Long 9 Boys lacrosse competes against PeninBeach Poly at Costa at 10 a.m. sula at 7 p.m. at Mira Costa.
16 Girls lacrosse competes against Redo- ndo at Costa at 7 p.m.
1 Boys tennis match against Long Beach 12 Boys golf travels to Oak Park at 10 a.m. 17 Boys baseball travels to Encino to play Poly High takes place at Costa at 3 p.m. for the Oak Park Tournament. Crespi at 11 a.m. 2 Boys volleyball competes against Santa 12 Boys tennis competes at Costa against 17 Boys lacrosse competes against Tesoro Barbara at Mira Costa at 7 p.m. Orange Lutheran at 3 p.m. at 7 p.m. at Costa.
KARINA GLASSER/ LA VISTA
6 Boys tennis competes against Loyola 12 Boys lacrosse plays against Downey at 19 Boys golf competes against Edison at TO THE HOOP: Camile Mills charges to the High School at 3 p.m. at Mira Costa. Mira Costa at 7 p.m. Chester Washington at 12:30 p.m. basket in the home game against Leuzinger on Feb 10. Costa won, 45-33.
NEWS
February 17, 2012
La Vista
A3
Rotary Competition features band members BY CAMILLE JUTON STAFF WRITER Members from the Costa wind and string ensembles performed at the Rotary Solo Competition for cash prizes on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. The Manhattan Beach Rotary Club hosted the competition, and a representative from the club announced the results following the performances. Senior Jeff Mohan won first-place for the wind upperclassman division, followed by junior Isaac Siegmund-Broka and senior Keira Jett. Among the winners for the underclassman string division were freshman Leonard Chung, freshman Kirk La, and sophomore Koh Shoda. Junior Eleen Yeh, senior Vincent Liu, and junior Stephanie Spencer were the first,
second, and third winners of the upperdivision strings. As for the winners of the underclassmen winds, freshman Katherine An took first place, followed by sophomore Nicholas Kane and freshman Ryan Cosner. Underclassmen had the opportunity to win $200 as first prize and upperclassmen could win $300. “I was happy with how I performed in the prelims and finals,” Mohan said. “I won $300, which I’m excited about.” To be eligible to play at the Rotary Solo Competition, band members from the wind and string ensembles took part in a preliminary try-out. The judges chose about six string players from the lowerclassman division and upperclassman division, and six wind players to participate in
CARINA GLASSER/ LA VISTA
INSTRUMENTAL TACTICS: Members from the Mira Costa band participate in the Rotary Solo Competition, which took place at Costa on Feb. 3.
the final round. “In the initial round I was excited about how I performed, and I went into it with no expectations so I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I made the final round,” junior Emma Jean Bedford said. After making it to the final round, competitors were left to practice individually. “I practiced individually,” junior violinist Yeh said. “I always would make sure to spare some time everyday to prepare my solo for at least 20 minutes.” Others looked up to professionals to study and really understand the piece they were going to perform at the competition. “I listened to a professional recording of my piece; music is all about learning from the greats,” Mohan said. The top three performers at the Rotary Solo Competition received cash prizes. However, some of the competitors were somewhat disappointed with their performances at the competition. “The final round went okay for me;; I wish I did better,” Bedford said. “Regardless, it was a really great experience.” Overall, everyone played well at the competition, and band is looking forward to competing again next year. “There were some great performances,” band teacher Joel Carlson said.
KATIE BELKNAP/ LA VISTA
STRETCH YOURSELF: Chris Stretch shares his personal experiences with Costa students at the PACE-sponsored “What’s the Definition of You?” assembly.
Stretch speaks at PACE assembly BY KATE ROBAK STAFF WRITER
choices in life by telling detailed personal stories. “The assembly was really inMira Costa’s People Attaining spirational,” freshman Kelsey Complete Equality group held an Chaykowski said. “It made me optional assembly on Feb. 7 for rethink my plans for the future Costa classes. and how I view myself.” The assembly, called “What’s At the end of the assembly, stuthe Definition of You?,” focused dents participated in a demonstraon the teenage search for identity tion by standing behind two lines and place in the world. of tape on each side of the room. “The assembly was about find- Then a list of statements was read, ing out who you are and accepting and students stepped forward for your true self,” PACE member se- each statement that pertained to nior Lauren LeBlanc said. them. Chris Stretch, a former drug “We wanted to make students addict and current psychologist aware of who they are and to acin training, spoke to the students cept themselves,” senior PACE about the pressure he put on him- member Sara Kimberly said. self to become successful and PACE members hoped that the how his superficial desires pre- presentation helped students cope vented him from being content. with the stress of high school and “I set this idea, if I get here, their lives in the future. then I’ll be happy,” Stretch said. “This assembly will be a big Stretch encouraged students to help for students’ future,” PACE make good academic and social advisor Dr. Rocky Wilson said.
Costa plans for future honors American Legion selects Hadley, Webster, James academic strength, leadership po- with any of them.” earth science course in 2013 BS M W M K tential and interest in the United A representative from the Y
TAFF
BY TAYLOR ST. GERMAIN STAFF WRITER
Studies conducted by Van Norden showed that most high achieving students take biology, Starting in the 2013-14 school chemistry, or physics courses year, Mira Costa will offer an throughout high school, leaving Honors earth science course to out geology completely. juniors and seniors interested in a “The earth science course will rigorous geology course. help students realize there are Students will be required to more sciences out there than the have taken CP biology, CP chem- typical biology, chemistry and istry, and Algebra 2 as prerequi- physics,” Costa CP earth science sites for the course. The honors teacher Karl Kurz said. “Geology course will cover 17 units of in- and earth science are involved formation and go into further de- more in everyday life.” tail than CP earth science. In the last 30 years, physics “I would have liked to have the and biology classes have grown opportunity to take Honors earth exponentially while geology’s science because it gives students enrollment has remained about more options than the normal ad- the same. This lack of interest in vanced classes,” senior Christian earth science is translating to the Rogers said. college level, as fewer and fewer Wendy Van Norden, a science students over the last decades teacher at Harhave taken vard Westlake “The earth science course will measures in School, came help students realize there are geology. up with the more sciences out there than “After idea for the taking [CP] the typical biology, chemistry new course. It earth sciand physics.” was recently ence as a approved by freshman, the University H o n o r s Karl Kurz of California earth sciCosta Science Teacher system for colence sounds lege credit. like a beneficial class to take,” “I paired up with teachers and freshman Jon Sullivan said. professors from UC’s, and we The Honors earth science class created an Honors earth science counts as a dual-credit course. syllabus,” Van Norden said. “We Students who take it will receive then presented it to the University boosts on their weighted GPA’s. of California to see if they would “A dual-credit course is a colaccept it as an honors credit lege level course taught in a high course as well as a D lab course, school where students can get and they did.” college credit,” Van Norden said.
ICHELLE
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States government. American Legion interviewed The American Legion an“Every year it’s tough to try to each nominee and ultimately nounced the Mira Costa winners whittle it down so as always, this decided who will participate in for Boys State and Girls State year’s group is a great group,” the week-long event. Boys State last week. Fauver said. “It is a solid group of takes place at Sacramento State Juniors Jack Hadley and people that love history and love University, and Girls State takes Jackson Webster won the Boys politics. They are very articulate place at Claremont College. State selecand should do “I’m excited because I think tions, and “I think it will be cool be- very well.” it will be cool being surrounded junior Han- ing surrounded by a thouC o l l e g e by other like-minded guys, learnnah James sand other like-minded guys, and Career ing about what made our country won for learning about what made Center coun- great,” Hadley said. Girls State. selors Gail Finalists that do well at Boys our country great.” Participants Currey and or Girls State can be nominated are exposed K a t h e r i n e by their peers to advance to the Jack Hadley through mock Folkman are nationwide competitions, Boys government Boys and Nation and Girls Nation, in WashJunior to the various Girls State ington, D.C., where they will act rights, duties and responsibilities representatives for Costa. as their state’s senators. of U.S. citizens. “It is a really big honor,” Folk“It is a really great program “I’m honored to be nominat- man said. “This year’s nominees that has been going on for a really ed,” Webster said. “I look for- are all strong candidates, very long time,” Fauver said. “It is one ward to the opportunity to spend nice kids and very well-spoken. of the highest honors a student an entire week learning about a I don’t think we could go wrong can receive.” field which greatly interests me.” The other Boys State nominees were Carter Casady, Brian Sydow, Isaac Siegemund-Broka, Adam Gerard and Brady Currey, and the other Girls State nominees were Sarah Locke-Henderson, Kara Enomoto, Morgan Livingston and Joani Gillam. “I was excited to be nominated,” Locke-Henderson said. “There were four other amazing candidates, so it was an honor.” These Mira Costa juniors were chosen by the History DepartLELAND LESNEVER/ LA VISTA ment, specifically Bill Fauver, Gregory Kloes and Bob Tim- LEGIONNAIRES: (from left) Juniors Jack Hadley and Jackson Webster will travberlake. The candidates were el to Sacramento this summer as Costa’s delegates to Boys State. The Amerinominated based on their many can Legion announced it’s male selections on Feb. 8.
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NEWS
La Vista
February 17, 2012
Mira Costa Student Government hosts its first winter formal after three-year hiatus BY CAMILLE JUTON STAFF WRITER Mira Costa students attended “Drop it like it’s Yacht,” the first Costa Winter Formal in three years, on a boat in Marina Del Rey on Feb. 3. The dance itself began at 7:30 p.m. at the Redondo Marina. “Drop it like its Yacht” had a black-andwhite theme and an open dance floor so everybody could dance, talk and hang out. ““I’m really happy I went to Winter Formal,” junior Brooke Winterhalder said. “Everyone looked like they were really enjoying themselves.” Juniors and commissioners of
entertainment Makenna Knudson and McKenzie Becker and auxiliary to entertainment McKenzie Swart were in charge of the rest of the planning. “Since we hadn’t had a Winter Formal at Mira Costa in about three years, we wanted to make it memorable and something that students will look forward to in the future,” Swart said. “There is something magical about being out in the ocean at night, and we wanted Costa students to be able to experience that.” Compared to other events like Prom and Homecoming, Winter Formal was easier to plan. Once the theme “Drop it like it’s Yacht” was decided, SG had to research
COURTESY LISA CLAYPOOLE
THEY’RE ON A BOAT: (From left) Student Government director Lisa Claypoole poses with juniors Robin Green and Rachel Katz at the 2012 winter formal.
the potential yacht companies who could host the event. “The cool thing about doing an off-sight event is there’s less work than doing an event here, but you have to pay for that,” Student Activities Director Lisa Claypoole said. “So basically it’s just a lot of coordination with the people and doing the correct assumption that CLAIRE KEIFER/LA VISTA if the boat holds 425 people, how many can we logically get to go, LOY STORY: Security Resource Officer John Loy is back on campus after leavand then what is the price point ing to work in the Manhattan Beach Police Department. at which students will buy tickets and that the losses, if there is one, will be low enough.” From a financial standpoint, the Winter Formal was very stressful BY ALEX WYCKOFF days I can just be here in my offor Student Government. Because STAFF WRITER fice, relaxing and enjoying the of the long hiatus from the last day. Other times I may be called formal, there was no telling how After an absence of roughly off campus for up to three weeks many people would attend. three months, Security Resource at a time.” “With over 400 students in at- Officer John Loy returned to Mira According to Loy, there is no tendance, we did reach our fi- Costa on Jan. 16. foreseeable long-term absence in nancial goals, which was a huge Loy had to leave his position as the future. However, his contract relief,” Knudson said. “Also, SRO at Costa to work at the Man- as SRO expires soon. Loy will everyone seemed to be having a hattan Beach Police Department have to decide whether or not to great time at the event, which was due to shortages in the number continue working at Costa. really rewarding.” of personnel from injuries, retire“I would love to do a fourth Many Student Government ments and maternity leaves. year,” Loy said. “I’d honestly like members believe the event was “It feels great to be back as an to stay as SRO until I retire.” an overall success. officer at Costa,” Loy said. “I Administrators believe that “I think Winter Formal went missed working with the admin- having Loy back on Costa’s camwell, and I am glad so many istration, teachers and students.” pus is beneficial. people attended and had a great Although Loy is back on cam“It’s great to have him back full time,” Swart said. “It’s definitely pus, there will be occasions where time,” Principal Ben Dale said, something that we [SG] are look- he will be required to go off cam- “His presence and visibility on ing forward to having again.” pus for work at the police station. campus are invaluable. As far as “It varies,” Loy said. “Some we know, he is back full time.”
Loy returns to Mira Costa
District proposes new booster policy BY ALEX WHITE STAFF WRITER
riety of reasons,” Wayland said. The new policy changes the way that boosters can act as a school-connected orIn preparation for changes brought on by ganization. They must submit to the Board Assembly Bill 165, the Manhattan Beach an annual budget. The family of each athUnified School District’s Board of Trustees lete is currently recommended to donate proposed revisions to the athletic and co- $325 to cover coaching stipends, trainer curricular booster policy on Feb. 8. salaries, and other safety related issues. AB 165 essentially enforces the cur- Many sport teams also recommend further rent law in the California constitution that donations based on each program’s transstudents cannot be charged a fee for any portation and other costs. part of the high school experience. The “We will recommend the board take MBUSD revised policy would involve the costs related to safety,” Matthews said. “So creation of an umbrella organization under that will lower the cost for each sport.” which all boosters would be a part. Under the new policy, each individual “Under the law, booster would annually students can’t be “So, by law sports equip- collect $325 per athlete forced to pay for ment, instruments, and other and submit those funds to instructional materi- things fall under a free school the MBAF. However, orgaal,” Superintendent nizations that have lower guarantee.” Dr. Michael Matrates of donations may not thews said. “So by receive Board of Trustees Dr. Michael Matthews law, sports equipapproval for expensive ment, instruments, trips and other expenses MBUSD Superintedent and other things fall that are very costly. under a free school guarantee.” “It should be a less cost overall for each This policy is being created because of sport because MBAF would be absorbing the possible implementation of AB 165, part of the costs,” Matthews said. which was passed by the California legislaWayland spoke to the sports boosters ture, but vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown. Feb. 8, outlining the goals for MBAF and The bill is expected to pass after the veto the source of their profits from athletics is overturned by state legislatures, which and revenue from summer school and other would affect extracurricular programs. programs like Camp VIP. “This isn’t just boosters;; it’s our teachers, With the implementation of the new poltextbooks, everything,” Matthews said. icy, MBAF will take on a new name and The goal of this proposal is to organize create a new advisory board that includes boosters to make sure all wording is clear all sports booster clubs. and maintain transparency throughout. “If five [boosters] are doing the exact Transparency would involve submission same thing, we can streamline that process of budgets and concise plans of action for through MBAF,” Matthews said. all boosters. Manhattan Beach Athletic If passed, this policy will come into efFoundation President Gary Wayland took fect for the 2012-13 school year. charge on transparency measures. “We’re starting the dialogue to get an“We have not been very transparent;; we swers,” MBUSD Board member Ellen wanted to stay out of the limelight for a va- Rosenberg said. “We’ll make it work.”
OPINION
February 17, 2012
La Vista
A5
Lack of students jeopardizes classes in master schedule BY ARI GEVOV STAFF WRITER
RAMIE LANDIS/LA VISTA
To avoid mid-year schedule changes, the administration should attempt to finalize all Recently at Mira Costa, classes classes before the school year have been removed and com- in order to reduce the students’ bined due to small class sizes, stress during the year. If changes causing some students to have need to be made, they should be their schedules changed mid-year. done at the beginning of the year The students in the classes which instead of waiting until the sechave been closed are being forced ond semester. to endure inconvenient schedule While Vice Principal Jaime changes, which can be stressful to Mancilla tries to balance the the students. classes to the best of his abiliRemoving classes can be det- ties with the help of counselors, rimental to students learning. If the schedules need to be checked a student is already struggling in carefully. This will help to ensure the class that is removed, then his that scheduling problems do not or her grade could possibly drop arise once school has begun. even more due to the adjustments Currently, counselors try to he or she would have to make to discuss the scheduling issue adapt to his or her new class. with students to minimize draIf the classes are replaced, it matic changes in their schedule. may be difficult for students and While this is helpful if scheduling teachers to readjust their curricu- changes are absolutely necessary, lum, as each class learns at a dif- it is important that more time and ferent pace. Students may be in effort be spent balancing the mastotally different places in the cur- ter schedule at the beginning of riculum, causing the year.
When a class is closed during the semester, it can be strenuous for students because they are getting comfortable with the teacher’s style and expectations for the class. If a student has already developed a close relationship with the teacher, that could change once her or she is moved to a new one. When creating the master schedule at the beginning of the year, if a class is too small then the issue should be addressed immediately instead of waiting until the second semester to change the class schedule. The administration should discuss with the students right away when there is a scheduling issue so there won’t be any problems later on. Teachers and students would be less stressed if the classes are the same throughout the year. Paying more attention to the master schedule at the beginning of the year would reduce the need to adjust schedules during the year.
Too much parent input can hurt learning If this is applied on a national scale, the multitude of different curricula is unprecedented. Students will have varying levels of In an effort to control material knowledge on different subjects, taught to children, parents nationnamely religion and sex educawide have begun making an effort tion. This lack of conformity alto change schools’ curriculum. most defeats the need for a curThey have gathered public supriculum at all, if it can be changed port using petitions to eventually by a simple objection. pass laws. What started as a localIn regards to Mira Costa, this ized complaint has become a danmethod would have highly unfagerous movement of parents. vorable effects. The reformation This inconsistent concept of alof classes, such as health, would tering curriculum directly stunts likely come into effect. Mira the education of students. This Costa’s curriculum is currently idea should not permeate the naa strong system with bention, as it would undermine the coverage of various subjects in This law is detrimental to the eficial college preparation. American public schools. structure of American public Although minute, changes from this type of system One parent’s objection to the schooling. would be costly and detrimethod in which historical remental to the students’ eduligious figures were being porBy entrusting the public school cation. trayed in New Hampshire gained This idea of modifying the cursupport and evolved into a move- system with their children’s edument and a political issue. After a cation, parents turn over educa- riculum to the liking of the parparent objected, the school board tional responsibility to the state. ents is extremely harmful to the of that district altered the curricu- Parents cannot be allowed to cen- educational system and the aflum to remove the controversial sor their children’s learning. Do- fected students. It goes against the ing so not only puts an unfair bur- diversity promoted by the current material. This spurred even more contro- den on school districts to develop public schooling. This movement versy when the New Hampshire an infinite number of different should be quelled so the uniforlegislature passed a law that spe- curriculums, but it also cripples mity of the American school system can be preserved. cifically allows parents to request the learning of their children. BY ARI HOWORTH STAFF WRITER
that curriculum be removed from the school’s curriculum. This law is detrimental to the structure of American public schooling. It eliminates the uniformity of education and gives parents too much control in their children’s learning. Those that opt out of certain subjects are supposed to be given an alternative plan to meet any state requirements on the topic. However, this will most likely not be as effective and will give these students an unfair advantage as their learning will inevitably suffer.
Top ten crazy things that should have happened last week 10. “Chow-sanity” over takes Costa. 9. Hughes finally finishes thesis, leaves Costa to pursue career as performance artist. 8. BB construction plan unearths Indian burial grounds;; Debevec makes plans for casino. 7. Brissey reappears in class after three-week disappearance, or something. 6. Bozeman returns to lead PACE assembly. 5. Mustang Morning News’ anonymous contributor revealed to be Hernandez in wig. 4. Casillas releases latest rap mixtape. 3. MUN students undergo existential crisis, realize they can’t solve world’s problems through Teachers Without Borders. 2. Sick student goes to Health Office, returns to class. 1. PACE members revealed to be experts in reverse psychology. MAGGIE ROBAK AND ALEX WHITE/ OPINION EDITORS DANNY KELLEHER/EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR ZACK GILL/ARTS EDITORS
New California budget could be detrimental to education spending BY ALEX WHITE INTERIM OPINION EDITOR
still optimistically portrayed considering it projects a $9.2 billion deficit, considerably smaller than The new California state bud- last year’s deficit of $26 billion. get, presented to the state legis- Still, a deficit of that size will lature by Gov. Jerry Brown, has have consequences manifested in a tax initiative that could make cuts to certain programs. severe cuts to certain areas like K-12 education funding is reeducation, which would be detri- liant on a tax initiative Brown mental to citizens. hopes to pass to fund his budThe budget, which was re- get. If this does not pass, eduleased in early January 2012, has cation will see $4.8 billion in cuts, the potential for $4.8 billion in equivalent to 15 furlough days cuts to education spending at the for districts statewide. Brown is K-12 level. California is facing a effectively forcing citizens to apsevere budget crisis and a record prove the tax increase because not deficit;; while cuts must be made, doing so would devastate vital one thing the state cannot sacri- state programs like education. fice is education spending. Brown instead should make Brown’s suggested budget is cuts to programs more evenly
and across the board. He is currently attempting to make vast cuts to education if the tax initiative fails, while leaving other programs comparatively intact. Brown does have other options,
One thing the state cannot afford to sacrifice is its spending on education. such as loans. Considering that the budget situation is more optimistic than last year, and seems to be staying on that path, California could temporarily rely on loans to make up the difference. The state can then pay those loans off in better financial times. Furthermore, the state has a
legal requirement to its citizens to uphold education spending. Proposition 98, passed in 1988, guarantees an increase in K-12 and community college education spending each year. Considering the state’s financial needs the most apt increase would be .5%. Brown and the State Assembly cannot simply ignore this amendment to the state constitution. They are obligated to their constituents to take this measure into consideration Supporters of Brown’s proposed budget claim that cuts have to be made in order to bridge the deficit and that education is a logical place to make cuts because
it takes up a large portion of the budget. However, education is an incredibly important part of the state’s role in public projects, and it cannot simply be cut so heavily to make way for other programs. Instead, the state should look to other places and make more equitable cuts or simply take out further loans to avoid disaster. All things considered, California is facing a $9.2 billion deficit and cuts must be made. However, because of Prop 98 and the vital role of K-12 education in California, the state legislature must look for alternative measures before potentially creating $4.8 billion in education cuts.
A8 La Vista
OPINION
February 17, 2012
EDITOR’S NOTE
In life and death, friends can teach us new lessons BY ZACK ROSENFELD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
was Jake. It meant a lot that Jake had called. I told him I was interested in being a journalist As one grows older and more mature, after high school, and Jake spoke about it’s not necessarily only the classes and leshow excited he was to go to college and sons one takes away from one’s childhood. finding his calling. Relationships are the strongest bonds peo- Only later did I learn that Jake himAlthough many of my other friends ple can make and even if they aren’t with had comforted me in my time of mournself was struggling, making his phone ing for my grandmother, Jake’s call was you, it is the memories that last a life time. Last year, my friends and I received call in my own time of need that much notable because we hadn’t spoken in some shocking news that our good friend, more meaningful. about two years. Jake Borson, had passed away at the age of Only later did I learn that Jake him17. The news at first seemed surreal, but as Even though the boys were gone, we still self was struggling, making his phone call time went on and the pain faded, I was able would talk to Jake and Zack, and some of in my own time of need that much more to appreciate my friendship with Jake us would even visit them or go on vaca- meaningful. Jake and his twin brother, Zack, moved tions with them. This trend for most of the Although it was a terrible week a year from Manhattan Beach to Boston in the “Meadows gang” ended in high school ago, Jake’s passing had brought together summer of 2004, just after the end of fourth when many of us found other friends to that group of kids from Meadows to supgrade at Meadows Elementary School. The spend our time with and our communica- port our good friend. I will always be reBorsons were a family known and loved by tion dwindled little by little. minded it was friendship that came first many, and we knew the boys as perhaps the After a long battle with cancer, my with Jake. It is my friendship with Jake wildest kids in Manhattan Beach. grandmother passed away last year. One of that I will treasure forever and a bond we I met the boys at the age of four and start- the first friends to call me after the funeral will never let go of.
MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 ARTESIA BOULEVARD MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA (310) 318-7330 FEBRUARY 17, 2012 VOLUME LXII, ISSUE 6 LAVISTAMCHS.COM EDITORS-IN-CHIEF KYLE ALLEN ZACK ROSENFELD MANAGING WEB EDITOR KATIE BARGER MANAGING EDITOR ROBIN JANOTTA COPY EDITOR ERIC ZHENG NEWS EDITORS DANNY KELLEHER, EXECUTIVE JOANI GILLAM AVA KLEIN OPINION EDITORS ALEC LAUTANEN, EXECUTIVE MICHAEL POWELL MAGGIE ROBAK ALEX WHITE, INTERIM ARTS EDITORS HANNA MCGUIRE, EXECUTIVE DYLAN FAIR ZACK GILL
STAFF EDITORIALS
LIFE EDITORS ALEX PARDUCCI, EXECUTIVE CARLY MONTAN ERICA SCHNEIDER
Costa must continue to make strides for healthier food
THEME EDITORS DUNCAN GREGORY, EXECUTIVE JAKE MAHR EMMA ROSENBAUM SPORTS EDITORS ZANE FRANKLIN, EXECUTIVE RYAN ERICKSON REGAN ESTES RYAN FRANKLIN CALENDAR EDITOR LOGAN SCHLOSSBERG PHOTO MANAGER CONNOR WRIGHT PHOTO EDITOR LELAND LESNEVER BUSINESS MANAGER JEROME REDMAN ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGERS NICK BLOCK SYMPHANIE ROSARIO CIRCULATION EDITOR JESSICA WU ARTIST RAMIE LANDIS ASSITANT CIRCULATION EDITOR ANGELINA VOLLUCCI ADVISER MICHAEL MCAVIN STAFF WRITERS KATIE BROWN, SKYLAR CAPUTO, ARIANA GEVOV, REBECCA HEXT, JULIANA HOFT, ARI HOWORTH, CAMILLE JUTON, KYLE KHATCHADOURIAN, ELIZABETH KNEISLEY, EMILY LOCKWOOD, ALEX LOSSON, ALEC MARCHANT, SAMMY MATSON, MICHELLE MCKENNA, AMANDA NEWELL, HANNAH PROCTOR, CHRISTIAN ROGERS, RISHA ROHERA, ISAAC SIEGEMUND-BROKA TAYLOR ST. GERMAIN, CASEY SUBLETTE, LUKE TRIMBLE, ALEX WYCOFF, ALYSSA ZUCKER PHOTOGRAPHERS KATIE BELKNAP, NICOLE FISHER, CARINA GLASSER, JESSICA HANLEY, CLAIRE KEIFER, EMMA SALZMAN, SEKINAH SHIWOKU, EDITORIAL BOARD KYLE ALLEN, JOANI GILLAM, ROBIN JANOTTA, DANNY KELLEHER, AVA KLEIN, ALEC LAUTANEN, MICHAEL POWELL, MAGGIE ROBAK, ZACK ROSENFELD, ALEX WHITE, ERIC ZHENG DISCLAIMER: LA VISTA IS THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL, SERVING 2,700 STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-12. CONTENT, WHICH IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LA VISTA STAFF, IS NOT SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL. UNSIGNED EDITORIALS REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE NEWSPAPER, WHILE OPINION COLUMNS REPRESENT ONLY THE WRITER’S VIEWS. ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF LA VISTA. LA VISTA PUBLISHES 11 ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR ON A TRI-WEEKLY BASIS AND DISTRIBUTES 3,000 COPIES TO BOTH MIRA COSTA CLASSROOMS AND SUBSCRIBERS. LA VISTA IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLUMBIA SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION AND WELCOMES SIGNED LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ON TOPICAL ISSUES FROM THE MCHS COMMUNITY. THEY MAY BE MAILED TO MICHAEL MCAVIN IN THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING MAILBOX OR SENT TO LAVISTAOPINION@GMAIL.COM. LETTERS MAY BE EDITED FOR LENGTH AND CLARITY. PLEASE CONTACT LAVISTAMEDIA@GMAIL.COM FOR ANY ISSUES REGARDING CORRECTIONS. FOR AD RATES, CONTACT LAVISTABUSINESS@GMAIL.COM MISSION STATEMENT: LA VISTA PROVIDING
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ed a friendship with Jake and Zack which later turned into a large group of friends that went to Meadows Elementary. Although the Borsons left in 2004, the Meadows group lasted through high school.
COMMITTED
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MAINTAINING A STRICT STANDARD OF JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY AND PROVIDING ITS READERS WITH RELEVANT CONTENT.
Though Mira Costa has already made impressive strides toward healthier options for school food, including an emphasis on fruits and whole grains, new congressional regulations mandate that schools provide students with more nutritious alternatives. These regulations will provide a valuable opportunity for Costa to make further improvements regarding student health and nutrition. In addition, Costa must effectively incorporate the regulations into the Costa food program. MBUSD plans on further implementing Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood obesity with a more nutritious diet. While these requirements are a good start to complete nutrition, there are loopholes that need to be addressed. Requiring healthy alternatives does not mean that the students will necessarily make healthy decisions. As part of the “Let’s Move” initiative, MBUSD will be using a new meal plan that, over a three-year transition period, will enact new requirements regarding school food, including only providing low or fat free milk, requiring different colors of vitamin-rich vegetables, making all
grain used in school food whole grain by the year 2014, making tofu an available option, and restricting lunch meals to 750850 calories for grades 9-12. According to MBUSD Director of Food Services Lena Agee, the main concern about creating a more healthy menu is that students may stray from healthy options at school if they aren’t used to healthy foods at home.
RAMIE LANDIS/ LA VISTA
However, the possibility some students may be turned off shouldn’t discourage Costa from offering nutritious meals to the
many other students who would benefit from extra vitamins and whole grains. In addition to providing students with a plethora of healthy options, substituting popular food that is already offered for more nutritious meals will have a positive influence on the health of the student body. Costa has slowly tried to replace unhealthy ingredients and methods of cooking with healthy ones. Costa now uses wheat flour instead of white flour and has removed both cooking fryers as well as soda machines from the campus in an attempt to create a healthier school environment. Costa needs to further these efforts. In addition to supplying students with healthy food options such as tofu and yogurt parfaits, Costa should integrate a salad bar with locally grown fruits and vegetables, which has been a proven success in the Riverside and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Districts. This salad bar has proven profitable as well, with over 800 to 1,000 salads served at SMUSD every day. If Costa implemented the “Let’s Move” campaign, along with the implementation of additional healthy options, Costa would experience a profound and necessary increase in student health and well-being.
California school districts need hiring policy reform Given the recent scandal at Miramonte the criminal justice system could inhibit cussions of firing a teacher and ensuring Elementary School and the arrest earlier the CTC and school districts from taking student safety. In addition, the ability to inthis year of Costa’s instructional aid Chris preventative measures and protecting stu- dependently conduct investigations would Gray on charges of sexual misconduct, it is dent safety. allow school districts to analyze evidence apparent California needs a better system Due to these provisions of the California and determine whether an employee, like for preventing misconduct in schools. Education Code, the L.A. Unified School Gray, is a danger to students. Under the current system, all candidates District was unable to independently invesAlong with these changes for student for jobs at schools must submit finsafety, the rights of employees and gerprint identification data and have a Changes can be made to the California Edu- due process must be preserved. Sufcriminal record background check done cation Code that would grant school dis- ficient evidence must be procured by the Department of Justice. However, tricts the autonomy to more efficiently and for districts or the CTC to take acafter an employee is hired, there is an effectively protect students. tion if there is no conviction, and over-reliance on the criminal justice paid administrative leave should be system for evaluating teacher misconduct. tigate and take action against teacher Mark the course of action. In the current system, employee arrests Berndt, who was arrested but had not been Also, California should follow the examprompt near immediate notification of convicted for lewd acts against students ple of states like South Carolina, Texas and school districts, but unless a crime is di- at Miramonte, and the district was forced Vermont that can run background checks rectly related to the employee’s employ- to pay him $40,000 to drop his legal chal- on their employees at anytime without ment, the school districts are limited in lenge to his firing. In addition, Costa was their permission. their capacity to take action. Likewise, the unable to take action against Gray after he There is quite obviously a fine line beCalifornia Commission on Teacher Cre- had been arrested twice for spousal battery tween protecting student safety and misdentialing does not have jurisdiction to re- prior to his arrest for sexual misconduct. treatment of employees, but changes can view teacher criminal misconduct unless a By allowing school districts to take ac- be made to the California Education Code conviction has been made. Only then can tion independent of the criminal justice that would grant school districts the authe CTC revoke or suspend the credentials system, districts such as LAUSD would tonomy to more efficiently and effectively of teachers. Thus, the protracted manner of never be conflicted by the financial reper- protect students.
OPINION
February 17, 2012
La Vista
A9
PRO/CON
Study collaboration: is it helpful or harmful? PRO:
Collaborative learning provides benefits
BY HANNA MCGUIRE EXECUTIVE ARTS EDITOR
CON:
Students can definitely benefit from studying in groups for the majority of their classes to simply clarify areas of misunderstanding. However, students taking subjects that require analyzing data, like history or science, might value a study group more than those in an English class. It is a common argument that study groups enable distractions instead of productive studying. However, studying alone can be just as distracting because a student may get bored easily and not have the focus required to study for a long period of time. In a focused and suitable group,
Many teachers find that simple discussion in the classroom is not enough to fully educate students. Teachers use study groups to ensure that students are constantly reviewing and learning, both at home and in the classroom. Working in groups is an effective learning tool for students because it enables collaboration between peers. In most interactive classes, study groups are used by teachers to enhance students’ knowledge through their classmates. Although some may argue against study groups, it is undeniable that studying with peers allows for expanded learning and further comprehension. Study groups are beneficial because they allow for ambiguities in students’ knowledge of a topic to be filled in. This not only helps one member gain knowledge, but it also lets the other students review the material in an effective manner. In addition, some study groups which are structured so that students of different academic abilities work together are beneficial to all students. Students who know the material well are able to review by teaching and helping students who are not as competent in the material. Furthermore, according to English Professor Kenneth C. Petress of the University of Maine, study groups improve participants’ social skills, teamwork abilities, task preparation and time management. When working in a group, students are not only responsible for themselves, but also for the peers will encourage each other to stay on peers relying on them. track and will want to learn the material at a Students’ aptitude for teamwork and more in-depth level. Along with creating a planning also imvaluable study enproves dependence Study groups are beneficial because vironment, groups on others to be pre- they allow for ambiguities in students’ make studying pared. Similarly, ac- knowledge of a topic to be filled. enjoyable. Studycording to Petress, a ing can become a study group can improve one’s assertive- tiresome activity despite its necessity, and ness in many other social situations. working with peers allows for an alternaA number of teachers at Mira Costa have tive way to study. encouraged or required study groups in Overall, study groups are beneficial to their classes, including history teacher Bill students because of their interaction with Fauver. According to Fauver, study groups peers that lead to collaborative thinking, are imperative in a history class because self-improvement and enhancement of history demands discussion and the usage knowledge. Through study groups, stuof information in an active way. dents gain a study experience incompaHowever, Fauver does not believe that rable to working alone, proving that two study groups are necessary in every class. heads are really better than one.
Study groups are unproductive and useless
BY MICHELLE MCKENNA STAFF WRITER
difficulties in acknowledging and resolving conflicts with others, making group work more difficult. Study groups have become common in According to research conducted by classrooms at both Mira Costa and around Milgram, study groups can be detrimenthe nation. They are supposed to be a tool tal to a student’s learning due to the negawhich helps stutive group dynamics. dents get the most When students work with their These occur because out of studying by peers, especially their friends, they of pressure kids feel bringing together a are much more likely to go off-topic from other students group of people to and become distracted. in the group. take advantage of The research states their collective knowledge and academic that a group leader usually emerges and strengths. pressures other students into certain study behaviors and tactics that they would never normally use. This kind of domineering study style is only effective for the group leader. The dynamics of a group depend on the members relationships with each other. According to Milgram, if a group is task- oriented, it will have fewer problems than a group that is socially oriented. Students, however, when given the choice are much more likely to chose to work with their friends rather than working with kids they would be successful with. When students work with their peers, especially their friends, they are much more likely to go off-topic and become distracted. Without question, working with friends is less efficient because of the time lost due to distractions. According to Milgram, an unfair workload may be placed on some of the students, because of the dynamics of the group. An RAMIE LANDIS/ LA VISTA uneven work division does not belong in Study groups may seem like an efficient a healthy, positive learning environment. way to study, but they are ineffective be- Students must also arrange themselves into cause of the consequences that they bring. roles specific to what they are studying. All students learn differently. According However, in an unstructured group this is to Terry Farwell of Family Education, the less likely to function well, if it is orgathree main types of learning are auditory, nized to happen at all. visual and kinesthetic. Most teachers are If working alone is not an option, study able to incorporate these three different groups can be effective if students are allearning styles into a singular lesson plan. lowed to be in groups with people who Yet, because of a lack of focus and adult share a similar learning style, with occadirection, these results are rarely achieved sional teacher regulation of the learning in study groups. environment. This way, students will be Aside from different learning styles, able to utilize their learning capacity and working in groups can be especially dif- get the most out of limited studying time. ficult if issues between group members Unless study groups are organized and arise, which is more likely to ensue be- well-structured, it is likely that they can cause students cannot always choose with prove to be ineffective and even detrimenwhom they work. According to a study at tal to what should and could be a positive Deakin University, students usually have learning environment.
ROVING REPORTER
Are study groups a valid and effective tool for learning?
PHOTOS BY EMMA SALZMAN/ LA VISTA
“Yes, because study groups allow students to have fun while studying at the same time.”
“Yes, because students are able to share different ideas and study tactics with each other.”
“ I think they’re excellent because they provide so much input from many people, and everyone benefits.”
“Yes, but it is only effective if you study with the right group of people.”
“Yes, because one can learn better from other people’s ideas.”
Bella Cuevas Freshman
Andrew Burdiak Sophomore
Anne Brown Math Teacher
Alex Fuesterer Junior
Dennis Nguyen Senior
A10
SPORTS
La Vista
Memorial at Marine honors Henry Pearson and other victims of drunk driving accident BY HANNAH PROCTOR STAFF WRITER The death of three people on April 9, 2009 and the miraculous survival of one shook the Mira Costa community as a former student fell victim to a drunk driver. The lone survivor of the crash, Jon Wilhite, friends and family of those that passed, and many people from the Manhattan Beach community gathered at Big Marine Baseball Park on Feb. 11 to honor the memory of Los Angeles pitcher Nick Adenhart, Mira Costa alumn Henry Pearson, and Courtney Stewart before a winter baseball game with Mira Costa and El Segundo. Since September of 2009, former Manhattan Beach Little League President Tom Tyrer has tried to get a memorial erected in honor of those in the accident. Tyrer’s goal was finally achieved as the community gathered to hear stories of the three that did not survive and hear Wilhite’s hopeful words. “We want people to be able to look at someone like Jon Wilhite, who had his whole life changed. Now the way that he’s responded and the positive outlook that he’s brought is really inspirational,” Tyrer said.
CLAIRE KEIFER/ LA VISTA
IN MEMORY OF: Friends, family, and others from the Manhattan Beach community gathered on the baseball field at Marine on Feb. 11 in memory of Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Costa alumni Henry Pearson. In honor of Pearson playing baseball for Mira Costa, coach Cassidy Olson retired Pearson’s jersey number 12, and a scoreboard was dedicated to him last year. The Costa team has also worn the initials “HP” on the sides of their hats since the tragedy. At least one friend or family member spoke of the three lives that were lost by one man’s actions. Adenhart had been a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The night of the accident, Adenhart had pitched the best game of his career against the Oakland A’s. His friend and Angels teammate, Jered Weaver, spoke in honor of his late friend.
“Nick [Adenhart] was a great friend of mine,” Weaver said. “I didn’t get to meet everyone that was involved in the accident, but I know now any friend of Nick’s was a friend of mine.” As Wilhite walked to the pitcher’s mound, he was greeted with thunderous applause. He was internally decapitated during the accident, an injury with only a 4% chance of survival. He spoke eloquently of his friends and caught the ceremonial first pitch of the Mustangs’ game. “The monument is going to start the dialogue at a young age, then kids are impressionable when they’re young,” Wilhite said.
Surf team goes undefeated in League BY REBECCA HEXT STAFF WRITER
he can take to the air as well, leaving a mark on this team as a whole.” The team was allowed to enter 10 surfers in the short board preliminaries for All Stars against schools from all over the state of California, which is the equivalent of CIF playoffs for other sports. They advanced nine boys to the semifinals. They were allowed to enter three long boarders and three body boarders for males and three long boarders and three short boarders for females into preliminaries, and all of them advanced to the semifinals. “The seasoned competitors did their job delivering big performances when the pressure was on them to do so,” Geller said. “The younger or newer competitors were able to contribute the back up places needed to combine for heat wins.” The boys are hoping to keep the title of Bay League Champions next season. The team has a history of strong turn over from season to season. Each year, a new group of surfers is able to fill the gaps left by graduating seniors. “There’s definitely a lot to live up to, but we’re relying on the younger kids to help push us through as individual surfers,” English said.
Every morning while most students are still asleep, the Mira Costa boys surf team is hard at work in the surf in an effort to maintain its perfect record. The boys surf team thrived this year, finishing with a Bay League championship and undefeated record. “We are very pleased with the overall team growth this year,” coach Tracey Geller said. “A combination of gaining strength, which makes moves look more fluid and powerful, and gaining competitive experience helped us grow this year.” Although the boys finished undefeated, getting there was not an easy task. The boys’ biggest competition, Palos Verdes, put up a good fight on Dec. 15, but Costa’s boys were able to step up and pull out a win in the team’s closest game of the season, with a score of 94-73. “They had a couple of good individual surfers but lacked the depth to make them solid,” Geller said. The boys also beat El Segundo 106-55 on Jan. 5, Redondo 96-70 on Dec. 16, and South Torrance 107- 60 on Nov. 15 during the season. “It was a good season being undefeated,” senior Max Roseman said. “Everyone surfed really well and stepped up when we needed them to.” The team, led by senior captains Payne English and Wyatt Boyd, featured many shining stars this season. Freshman prodigy Noah Collins impressed English, Boyd, and Roseman and represents a strong future for the team. The official MVP of the season will be decided by a team vote at its COURTESY HOOFPRINTS upcoming banquet. “Payne has been surfing well and having great contest results,” Geller said. “Boyd SURF’S UP: The Mira Costa surf team (above) can carve a turn with the best of them, and finished perfect in the Bay League at 10-0.
February 17, 2012
SPORTS BRIEFS Mustang wrestling sends four athletes to CIF Individuals The Mira Costa wrestling team traveled to rival Redondo Union High School to partake in the Bay League Finals on Feb.4. Many Mustangs out-wrestled their opponents, but West Torrance High dominated the tournament. Senior Tyler Emery defeated Redondo’s top wrestler and captain Damon Guerrero in their weight class, finishing second. Junior Jake Shapiro and senior Danyel Rodriguez each placed second in their respective weight classes. Senior Ian Goodbody was the lone Mustang to finish in first place in his weight class. “I feel like we performed really well,” Emery said. “West Torrance High performed at the top of their level. I give them a lot of credit.” The Mustangs will send Emery, Goodbody, Rodriguez, and Shapiro to the CIF Individuals in Canyon Springs at Canyon Springs High School today and tomorrow. With three of the four Mustang wrestlers in the senior class, this CIF run will be the last wrestling opportunity of their Mira Costa High School career.
Girls basketball squeezes into CIF playoffs despite loss on road The Mira Costa girls basketball team came up short on the road against the Palos Verdes Sea Kings on Feb. 9. The Mustangs played from behind all game but were in it until the end, losing 36-33, making their record 12-16 overall and 2-8 in Bay League. “We played very well defensively,” coach Miranda Biteler said. “We created a lot of turnovers and didn’t give them easy baskets.” The Mustangs started off strong in the first quarter, but the Sea Kings started to pull away in the second quarter. After the half, Costa stepped up its game but could not go ahead. “It is always hard to lose by three points,” sophomore Shaylyn Austin said. “It really shows how every single possession counts.” Freshman Meghan Peneueta was the scoring leader with 22 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Camille Mills helped out with four points, four rebounds and three steals. The girls’ first CIF game will be played on the road against powerhouse Adolfo Camarillo tomorrow. “We are very excited going into the playoffs,” Biteler said. COMPILED BY RYAN FRANKLIN/ SPORTS EDITOR AND CASEY SUBLETTE/ STAFF WRITER
TEAM RECORDS Sport Overall
A11 Boys basketball dominates Palos Verdes, building momentum entering CIF playoffs SPORTS
February 17, 2012
Bay League
Win Loss Tie Win Loss Tie Rank Boys Basketball 17 9 - 4 6 - 4th
La Vista
BY ZANE FRANKLIN SPORTS EDITOR
Girls Basketball 12 16 - 2 8 - 5th
Coming off two tough losses to Leuzinger and Peninsula, the Boys Soccer 8 7 9 4 2 4 4th Mira Costa boys basketball team put together a diligent effort in Girls Soccer 19 3 2 6 2 2 3rd its final Bay League game of the season to give the Mustangs a redeeming win and strong momenGirls Water Polo 18 6 - 6 1 - 1st tum entering the first round of the CIF playoffs. Wrestling Costa defeated the Palos Verdes Sea Kings on Feb. 9. The Sea Kings, who have struggled all season with a record of 6-21 overall and 0-10 in Bay League, proved to be no match for the Mustangs, who closed out the game with a comfortable final score of 69-56. “We dominated in all aspects of the game today,” senior guard Max Watson said. “We played well as a team, and it showed on the box score.” Junior point guard Cole Feaster and sophomore forward Justin Strings shared the spotlight as they led Costa in points. Feaster scored 15 and added six assists, Meghan Peneueta (Freshman) Justin Strings (Sophomore) while Strings followed closely Girls Basketball Boys Basketball behind with 14 points and five rebounds. Watson and junior guard Peneueta had 22 points and six Strings had 14 points and five reOliver Mausner also added dourebounds at PV on Feb. 9. bounds at PV on Feb. 9. ble-digit scoring totals with 11 points each. “We all feel great going into CIF,” coach Jeff Amaral said. “I think we are playing well, and everybody is looking forward to the challenge.” Finishing with an overall record of 17-9 and a Bay League record of 4-6, the Mustangs ended up in fourth place in Bay League. With another win under their belts, the boys will be now be advancing to Mandy McKeegan (Sophmore) the CIF playoffs and travelling to Michael DiVirgilio (Senior) Girls Soccer Adolfo Camarillo High for their Boys Soccer first round match tonight at 7 p.m. DiVirgilio scored a goal in soccer’s McKeegan scored both of Costa’s Camarillo High School had a sucgoals on Jan. 20 at Peninsula. 4-1 win over Redondo Jan. 31.
TOP PERFORMERS
NICOLE FISCHER/ LA VISTA
DETERMINATION: Junior point guard Cole Feaster drives down the court and past a defender in the Mustangs’ final Bay League home game versus Leuzinger High School on Feb. 3. Despite a physical contest, Costa lost, 70-58. cessful season and managed an overall record of 15-10. “Our first round opponent Camarillo is good, but we feel confident,” Amaral said. “Their best player is a star wide receiver on the football team as well so he should be tough to guard.” The Mustangs took an early lead in the first quarter against PV and held the Sea Kings from the start. The second quarter was more of the same, with Feaster excelling at point guard and dishing out assists to teammates. The first half of the game concluded with the Mustangs holding on to a commanding lead. “We started out fast and kept up the momentum throughout the whole game,” Watson said. The Mustangs maintained their strong lead throughout the third. However, the Sea Kings started to
rally in the fourth and cut it to six points. Mausner put a stop to Palos Verdes by going on a scoring spree to put Costa back up to a comfortable lead and end the game at 69-56. “All 11 of Oliver’s points came in the fourth quarter after Palos Verdes managed to cut our lead to six,” Amaral said. “He had a really explosive game toward the end, and it really helped us close out the match.” After a Bay League competition of ups and downs, it was important for the Mustangs to finish on a high note before playoffs. “We really needed this win today,” senior center Keith Waddell said. “I think we feel a lot more confident going into CIF now after beating Palos Verdes. We’re really coming together as a team.”
A first semester to be remembered Finals, the Super Bowl and Chris Gray are all behind us (also bars in some cases), and that means it’s time to look back at Magno had 10 saves in Costa’s Goodbody placed first at Redondo our first semester with The Fifth first round CIF match on Feb. 15. Union High School on Feb. 4. Sense’s Fundamental First Semester Questions. How do two guys steal a bunch of tubas? Those things are ridiculously heavy;; just look at how cut all tuba players are. The news media thinks tubas are stolen to be losses by the Mira Costa surf team in Bay League. used in banda music. Has anyone ever heard of banda music before? We’re skeptical that an iPod wrestlers sent to CIF individuals at Canyon Springs High. at this school could be found with more than one banda song on it. Also, we managed to capture two figures breaking into the band all of the sports moving on to compete in CIF. hall on video, but the video itself is too blurry to be of any use? Can COMPILED BY RYAN ERICKSON, REGAN ESTES, RYAN AND ZANE FRANKLIN/SPORTS EDITORS you say senior prank intel? PHOTOS TAKEN BY NICOLE FISCHER/LA VISTA Who is Goy Casillas? We’re not telling you guys to do a backBianca Magno (Senior) Girls Water Polo
DIGITZ
0 4 6
Ian Goodbody (Senior) Wrestling
ground check, but we’ve heard rumors that he spends his free time engaged in an intergalactic battle to defeat Emperor Zurg. Does anybody not cheat in AP biology? Does that class ever not have some sort of scandal? Come on, you guys are AP students;; you’re smart enough to cheat without getting caught. Can ASB take a joke? Come on, we absolutely love you guys and don’t mean it when we poke fun at you. Did you see all of us at Winter Formal? No? Oh. And let us not forget the first- ever ASB vs. La Vista Winter Games. Led by Alec “I’m a Very Good Driver” Lautanen, La Vista’s Scholar Quiz team scored an early victory and failed miserably in literally everything else. The games gave us a great chance to glamorously solidify the already-
existent stereotypes about us: whatever intellectual prowess we have is quickly cancelled out by our lack of coordination. Have Mexican drug cartels infiltrated the student body? Seriously, drug busts on campus have risen 300% in the last week. It’s not our problem, but do you seriously think stepping on campus with enough narcotics to tranquilize a horse is a good idea? Does the Mustang Morning News ever do anything substantial? An Arts and Life Section? Wonder where you found that. We’d rather listen to their mystery correspondent talk about his diverse bong collection. It’s been a great semester, without a doubt, and we can’t wait for what second semester has to bring to us. Just kidding, we’re all second semester seniors.
A12 La Vista Girls water polo loses in CIF BY HANNAH PROCTOR STAFF WRITER Mira Costa girls water polo lost its first and final game in CIF playoffs on Wednesday against Dos Pueblos at Dos Pueblos, 17-6. With its season officially over, the team looks back on a winning record both overall and in Bay League. “Our loss was mainly due to the fact that we were playing a very good team,” senior captain Samantha Horn said. “They took advantage of our mistakes, and they played offense and defense in a slightly different way.” Costa played from behind the whole game but never gave up on a comeback. Despite the loss, the players are aware of their successes this season and plan to build on that success in their future seasons. “We played hard the whole game and didn’t give up,” Horn said. “I think that we could have been a little bit more aware on defense and looked to help out our teammates a little bit more.” Goalie senior Bianca Magno blocked a total of 10 shots throughout the game, sophomore Jordan Raney scored three of the team’s six goals, and junior Sarah
Crist and junior Emily Milstead also played well. Magno consistently played well throughout the season, blocking more than half of the shots fired at her. “I think in the game today we could have been more focused, and it was a bummer to lose,” Magno said. Costa tied for first in Bay League throughout the season with Palos Verdes; Costa and Palos Verdes split the season series, handing each other its only Bay League loss. “One low was when we lost to Palos Verdes,” Horn said. “If we had won, we would have gotten first in the league and not tied for first. It was a day when most of our team was sick, and we just let the game slip away from us.” With the loss to Dos Pueblos, Costa’s season came to an end, but with a winning record and first place in Bay League, the team attempts to focus on the positives of the season rather than the negatives. “Overall, I think it was a really great season,” Horn said. “Everyone came ready to play, and we really stepped up our game and played some really solid games. We played some good teams, and we showed them our strength.”
CARINA GLASSER/ LA VISTA
RAGING WATERS: Senior Natalie Lavinsky dashes for the ball in the Mira Costa girls water polo team’s Bay League game at rival Redondo Union High School on Feb. 8. The girls won with a comfortable margin, 16-6.
SPORTS
February 17, 2012
KATIE BELKNAP/ LA VISTA
HOLDING IT DOWN: Mira Costa defenders senior Paul Orozco (left) and junior Zach Primm (right) look on as the Leuzinger attacker tries to score in the Mustang’s final Bay League home game on Feb. 3. The Mustangs won, 5-4.
Boys soccer wins in CIF wild card match-up BY AMANDA NEWELL STAFF WRITER The Mira Costa boys soccer team prevailed in its CIF wild card win against Alto Loma High School in Rancho Cucamonga on Feb. 14. Junior Travis Bradford gave the Mustangs the 1-0 win with his goal late in the game. The boys finished their Bay League season in fourth place and with a record of 8-7-9 and are headed to the CIF first round against number- one seed Servite High School. “We did really well coming together as a team today,” junior Zach Primm said. “Our defense was especially strong, there were no mistakes, and most importantly we got a win.” With its tough defense the whole game, Costa was able to hold Alto Loma scoreless. Senior goalie Teddy Sampson led the Mustangs’ defensive effort with seven saves, leading to his sixth shutout on the season and the team’s eighth. Along with great defense, Costa’s offense was aggressive and
maintained possession of the ball throughout most of the game. The offense has improved tremendously from the beginning of the season and continues to do so. “We struggled in the beginning of our season with scoring,” senior Jess Chamberlain said. “We have really improved in possession of the ball and making crosses for scoring opportunities.” Although the team had its ups and downs throughout Bay League, the boys continue to work on their offensive and defensive game plans and have high hopes heading into CIF. “Our Bay League record was good but did not reflect all of the team’s skills,” Chamberlain said. “In the last few games before this we really put our all into it, and we didn’t give up. It was a great way for us to end Bay League and lead into CIF.” The boys have already had many improvements from when they started in December, including ball possession and control. With this skill improved, the team has had more scoring opportunities as well as a stronger offense
in general. “We’ve improved by keeping the ball more often,” Sampson said. “We’ve been doing our best to score on set plays, which contributed to our win in this game.” Costa plans on applying these improved skills on its CIF playoff run to finish off the Mustangs’ season. By maintaining ball possession, strong defense, diligent offense and working on its scoring plays, the team has high hopes to not end their season any time soon. “In CIF, we just need to show up ready to play and get pumped,” Primm said. “If we want to succeed in CIF, we need to improve in consistency as a team.” The boys’ first CIF game was played in Servite on Thursday against Servite High School on the road. The results of the game were unavailable due to the time of publication. “In order to succeed in CIF, we need to take every chance we have at scoring,” Sampson said. “We need to take it one game at a time and have fun with it along the way.
Double-overtime against rival PV results in draw for girls soccer BY REBECCA HEXT STAFF WRITER The Mira Costa girls soccer team played its final Bay League game against rival Palos Verdes on Feb. 9. After a long, drawnout battle that went into double overtime, the game ended in a 2-2 tie. After losing the first game this season against Palos Verdes, the girls were excited to get back on the field for a rematch. The game began much like the previous one in that Palos Verdes was first on the scoreboard. After Costa committed a foul inside the 18-yard box, a penalty kick was awarded to Palos Verdes. Freshman Nonie Frishette was unable to stop the shot, and a familiar feeling took over as the girls went down 1-0 again. “In the first game, we played hard but unfortunately didn’t get the results we wanted,” junior Melina Cohen said. “We still came out hard the second game, but with some questionable calls by the referee, they got ahead with that penalty kick.” As the first half dwindled to an end, the Costa girls knew that if they didn’t get a goal in before the half ended, Palos Verdes would be able to control the game in the second half. In one last attempt to score,
sophomore Mandy Mckeegan took a free kick outside the 18 yard box and sophomore Kimby Keever was able to finish the cross and tie the score at 1-1. “It was right before half time, and I knew we had to score,” Keever said. “I did what I needed to do to keep us in the game.” Early in the second half, the Costa girls accidentally scored on their own goal off of a ricochet, putting Palos Verdes ahead by one. “It was really heartbreaking for us to let in a cheap goal like that,” junior Taylor Foland said. “Especially after all the hard work we had put in to tie up the score.” As the game drew to an end, the girls were still behind by one goal and running out of options. In the last 30 seconds of the game, Costa received a throw-in close to the Palos Verdes goal, and in a last attempt, coach Patty Perkins sent all the players into the box to try and finish the throw. Sophomore Savannah Sartini threw the ball directly into the box and junior Kirby Benson flicked it back to junior Megan Mahony who was able to head it in to tie the score up at 2-2. “I’m here to score a lot of goals,” Mahony said. “We have every reason to believe we can score like we have been doing all
season, no matter who the opponent is.” This goal from Mahony sent the game into overtime and, eventually, a second overtime. As both teams fought violently, the game became extremely physical from both sides, and numerous fouls were issued to both teams. In the end, neither team was able to get a goal in before time ran out, and the game ended with a score of 2-2. “Both teams fought hard for the win, and we never gave up,” Benson said. “All the girls should be proud of their hard work no matter what the scoreboard says.”
This tie cost the team its second-place spot in Bay League. Costa ended up finishing in third behind Palos Verdes High School (first place) and Redondo Union High School (second place). However, the girls will still be advancing to CIF with an impressive overall record of 18-3-2 for this year. They play away at Calabasas tonight. “The girls as well as the coaches are excited to begin CIF and step up our play another notch,” Perkins said. “I feel very confident and positive about going into the playoffs this week.”
CONNOR WRIGHT/ LA VISTA
THREE’S COMPANY: Junior soccer team captains Alyssa Covarrubio (left), Melina Cohen (middle), and Kara Enomoto (right) have led the Mustangs to a 18-3-2 overall record heading into CIF.
Arts&Life
February 17, 2012 1401 Artesia Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266 Vol. LXII Issue 6 www.lavistamchs.com
Sophomore aerial acrobat Chad Sumen attempts to defend his Talent Show crown B5
In this Section Perkinson introduces a new way of teaching special needs B2 La Vista predicts the 84th annual Academy Award winners B11 With a constant pressure to maintain grades, some students cut corners on test days B6-7
Photo by Sekinat Shiwoku/ La Vista
B2 La Vista
LIFE
February, 17 2012
Costa special needs students progress in the water on the children, Perkinson decided to mix things up a bit. The next day, her 13 students arrived at the For some children, it can take a pool and were delighted to disvillage; for others, it takes a vil- cover Perkinson’s personal kayak lage with a kayak. floating on the water. This year at Mira Costa, girls When asked about the her first soccer coach and physical edu- kayaking experiences, junior Nication teacher Patty Perkinson is cole Perlot simply replied, “It’s taking a new approach to special awesome and fun!” education and the results could At the beginning of the year, a not be more satisfying. few members of the group were For the past few months, a class barely water-safe, but now half of 13 special needs children with the class has practically sprouted a range of physical and mental gills in the pool. disabilities has gathered at the The time they spend in the wapool during fourth period. ter keeps the children smiling and The original intention of the active while working and playing program was to promote a healthy with their peers. For many of the lifestyle. However, as the stu- children, lack of verbal communidents’ aquatic abilities developed, cation skills can seriously impede Perkinson the learning decided to “It’s a challenge to come up with process, but take the pro- different activities that everyone Perkinson’s gram to the can be successful in, but everyone a l t e r n a t i v e next level. seems to agree on swimming.” promotes so“It’s a cial interacchallenge tion. KayaPatty Perkinson to come up king solo with differgives the Girls Soccer Coach ent activities students a that everyone can be successful chance to develop motor skills in, but everyone seems to agree and coordination and double deon swimming,” Perkinson said. velops teamwork. In the water, physical disabili“My favorite part is Patty (Perties and limitations seem to melt kinson)!” Joshua Ramos said away. After observing the calming while showing off his newly deeffect the water appeared to have veloped kayaking prowess. BY LUKE TRIMBLE STAFF WRITER
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
WATER WORKS: Girls Soccer Coach Patty Perkinson started a program for special needs children to use teamwork. (Left to right) freshman Brooke Schottenhammer and junior Nicole Perlot practice kayaking during fourth period. Not only do students have to focus on steadying the kayak but also on calm paddling. “The teamwork has obviously affected their everyday lives, and I’d have to say the kayaking played a large part in that,” Perkinson said. The students have become the
envy of fourth period wanderers school-wide. Also, the success of the program has caught the generous eye of Redondo Beach’s King’s Harbor, which has donated a second kayak to the class. Ultimately, Perkinson has plans for a final exam of sorts with theykayak. She intends to put the
kayaking skills to the test and has hopes of organizing a field trip to the harbor to experience kayaking in the ocean. “I think that this is a great program,” Costa senior Madi Bauman said. “It is great to see students bonding through learning in such a cool environment.”
Future firefighters learn how to handle the firey ropes BY ALYSSA ZUCKER STAFF WRITER Picking a career in high school can be difficult and confusing. For students thinking about fighting fires for a living, there is a program to make that decision a little bit easier. The Fire Department Explorer Program is a chance for young adults to experience the world of firefighting. This program is directed toward young adults interested in the job between the ages of 15 and 20. The Explorer Program teaches teamwork, leadership skills and camaraderie through the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The prospective firefighters work side-by-side with real ones, but are prohibited from participating in all of the potentially hazardous situations. However, they can ride along with any call the firehouse receives. “The program is great,” Costa senior and Explorer participate Tommy Lastrapes said. “I’ve become good friends with the other guys in the program and the firefighters that lead the program are friendly and helpful people.” Every Saturday from 8 to 12, the explorer program meets. For the first hour of the day, the new students do chores, such as yard work or laundry. After that, the students participate in physical training, and the last part of the day is participating in different drills for specific crises. “I am one of the two training captains; I assist with teaching firefighter candidates the ropes
of the job,” Long Beach Fire Department Captain Mike Caputo said. “Passing on your experience is a tradition here.” One part of the program is a “ride-along.” The students stay at the firehouse for 12 to 24 hours and get to ride along with the firemen to whatever calls they get. The students are not allowed to fight any fires, but they get to experience the crisis close up. Becoming a firefighter is a lengthy process. First, prospective firefighters study for around a year before taking a written and physical exam. Then, they go on a waiting list for an unlimited amount of time. “We hire an average of 20 new employees per year, all of which are well-trained and knowledgeable. This program gives the people in it a leg up,” Caputo said, The program prepares the students as best as it can. The firefighters are expected to live with each other and work together, so they are taught leadership and teamwork in times of danger. The program offers simulation drills to emulate real life crises. In one drill, two students were required to rescue another student in a pitch-black building. The victim was “running out of oxygen” and the students had to work fast. “The simulation drills are my favorite part of the program,” Lastrapes said. “They really get your adrenaline pumping and are a great guide to real situations. The drill helps us prepare for obstacles we would face when the real time comes.”
LELAND LESNEVER/ LA VISTA
CINNIMON ROLLING OFF THE 395: The family-owned bakery, Schat’s, is coming to Southern California. Originally established in Ukiah, California, the family’s baking traditions date back to the late 1800s in Northern Europe.
Schat’s Bakery aims to rise in the South Bay BY CHRISTIAN ROGERS STAFF WRITER Stretching a span of roughly 300 miles, the world-famous Schat’s Bakery chain is now a part of the South Bay. After much success in Mammoth Lakes, Carson City, Ukiah and Bishop, the Schat family extended its reach to Southern California with the opening of a bakery in El Segundo. The Schat family baking tradition dates back to the late 1800s. Originally from Holland, the Schats established themselves in Ukiah, California, right off the 395 freeway, in what they called Erick Schat’s Bakery. “Whenever I go up to visit Mammoth, I always take the route that leads right to Schat’s,” senior Erin Murphy said. “I am addicted to all of their delicious sandwiches.” An additional bakery has been added to the family baking culture, as El Segundo now features its very own Schat’s Bakery.
Unlike Schat’s in Bishop, the one in El Segundo was founded by his cousin, David Schat, who has been visiting the South Bay since high school. Schat’s Bakery is famous for its vast deli selection and wide variety of baked goods. One of the most famous items is the Sheepherder’s bread, which was brought to California by the Schat family in 1938. “Their sheepherder’s bread and their warm cinnamon rolls are my favorite items on the menu,” freshman Jackson Snyder said. “Their lunch foods are delicious too, so I always order one of their selections of sandwiches.” Along with a variety of baked goods, the bakery advertises reasonable prices. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. “When I get off of work, I head right over to Schat’s to get in line,” Ukiah resident Sheryl Hansen said. “It is so popular in Ukiah; everyone loves its great pastries,
coffee, sandwiches for inexpensive prices and the free WiFi indoors. You could almost say it is the attraction of the downtown” Schat’s bakery is spacious and modern and has a very cozy and homey atmosphere. It incorporates European stylistic features from Holland. “It has a small-town feel to it and a Dutch-themed décor,” Costa senior Riley O’Connell said. “It’s always crowded and the line is always out the door.” Many people in the South Bay are looking forward to taking advantage of this new addition to the Schat’s chain. Schat’s Bakery is located on 131A W. Grand Ave. in El Segundo. Its proximity to L.A. residents makes Schat’s now more accessible than ever, now that residents don’t have to drive all the way to Mammoth or Bishop. “The philosophy of Schat’s Bakeries is simple: give the people a consistant, quality product while offering superb service,” the Schats family said.
B2 La Vista
LIFE
February, 17 2012
Costa special needs students progress in the water on the children, Perkinson decided to mix things up a bit. The next day, her 13 students arrived at the For some children, it can take a pool and were delighted to disvillage; for others, it takes a vil- cover Perkinson’s personal kayak lage with a kayak. floating on the water. This year at Mira Costa, girls When asked about the her first soccer coach and physical edu- kayaking experiences, junior Nication teacher Patty Perkinson is cole Perlot simply replied, “It’s taking a new approach to special awesome and fun!” education and the results could At the beginning of the year, a not be more satisfying. few members of the group were For the past few months, a class barely water-safe, but now half of 13 special needs children with the class has practically sprouted a range of physical and mental gills in the pool. disabilities has gathered at the The time they spend in the wapool during fourth period. ter keeps the children smiling and The original intention of the active while working and playing program was to promote a healthy with their peers. For many of the lifestyle. However, as the stu- children, lack of verbal communidents’ aquatic abilities developed, cation skills can seriously impede Perkinson the learning decided to “It’s a challenge to come up with process, but take the pro- different activities that everyone Perkinson’s gram to the can be successful in, but everyone a l t e r n a t i v e next level. seems to agree on swimming.” promotes so“It’s a cial interacchallenge tion. KayaPatty Perkinson to come up king solo with differgives the Girls Soccer Coach ent activities students a that everyone can be successful chance to develop motor skills in, but everyone seems to agree and coordination and double deon swimming,” Perkinson said. velops teamwork. In the water, physical disabili“My favorite part is Patty (Perties and limitations seem to melt kinson)!” Joshua Ramos said away. After observing the calming while showing off his newly deeffect the water appeared to have veloped kayaking prowess. BY LUKE TRIMBLE STAFF WRITER
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
WATER WORKS: Girls Soccer Coach Patty Perkinson started a program for special needs children to use teamwork. (Left to right) freshman Brooke Schottenhammer and junior Nicole Perlot practice kayaking during fourth period. Not only do students have to focus on steadying the kayak but also on calm paddling. “The teamwork has obviously affected their everyday lives, and I’d have to say the kayaking played a large part in that,” Perkinson said. The students have become the
envy of fourth period wanderers school-wide. Also, the success of the program has caught the generous eye of Redondo Beach’s King’s Harbor, which has donated a second kayak to the class. Ultimately, Perkinson has plans for a final exam of sorts with theykayak. She intends to put the
kayaking skills to the test and has hopes of organizing a field trip to the harbor to experience kayaking in the ocean. “I think that this is a great program,” Costa senior Madi Bauman said. “It is great to see students bonding through learning in such a cool environment.”
Future firefighters learn how to handle the firey ropes BY ALYSSA ZUCKER STAFF WRITER Picking a career in high school can be difficult and confusing. For students thinking about fighting fires for a living, there is a program to make that decision a little bit easier. The Fire Department Explorer Program is a chance for young adults to experience the world of firefighting. This program is directed toward young adults interested in the job between the ages of 15 and 20. The Explorer Program teaches teamwork, leadership skills and camaraderie through the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The prospective firefighters work side-by-side with real ones, but are prohibited from participating in all of the potentially hazardous situations. However, they can ride along with any call the firehouse receives. “The program is great,” Costa senior and Explorer participate Tommy Lastrapes said. “I’ve become good friends with the other guys in the program and the firefighters that lead the program are friendly and helpful people.” Every Saturday from 8 to 12, the explorer program meets. For the first hour of the day, the new students do chores, such as yard work or laundry. After that, the students participate in physical training, and the last part of the day is participating in different drills for specific crises. “I am one of the two training captains; I assist with teaching firefighter candidates the ropes
of the job,” Long Beach Fire Department Captain Mike Caputo said. “Passing on your experience is a tradition here.” One part of the program is a “ride-along.” The students stay at the firehouse for 12 to 24 hours and get to ride along with the firemen to whatever calls they get. The students are not allowed to fight any fires, but they get to experience the crisis close up. Becoming a firefighter is a lengthy process. First, prospective firefighters study for around a year before taking a written and physical exam. Then, they go on a waiting list for an unlimited amount of time. “We hire an average of 20 new employees per year, all of which are well-trained and knowledgeable. This program gives the people in it a leg up,” Caputo said, The program prepares the students as best as it can. The firefighters are expected to live with each other and work together, so they are taught leadership and teamwork in times of danger. The program offers simulation drills to emulate real life crises. In one drill, two students were required to rescue another student in a pitch-black building. The victim was “running out of oxygen” and the students had to work fast. “The simulation drills are my favorite part of the program,” Lastrapes said. “They really get your adrenaline pumping and are a great guide to real situations. The drill helps us prepare for obstacles we would face when the real time comes.”
LELAND LESNEVER/ LA VISTA
CINNAMON ROLLING OFF THE 395: The family-owned bakery, Schat’s, is coming to Southern California. Originally established in Ukiah, California, the family’s baking traditions date back to the late 1800s in Northern Europe.
Schat’s Bakery aims to rise in the South Bay BY CHRISTIAN ROGERS STAFF WRITER Stretching a span of roughly 300 miles, the world-famous Schat’s Bakery chain is now a part of the South Bay. After much success in Mammoth Lakes, Carson City, Ukiah and Bishop, the Schat family extended its reach to Southern California with the opening of a bakery in El Segundo. The Schat family baking tradition dates back to the late 1800s. Originally from Holland, the Schats established themselves in Ukiah, California, right off the 395 freeway, in what they called Erick Schat’s Bakery. “Whenever I go up to visit Mammoth, I always take the route that leads right to Schat’s,” senior Erin Murphy said. “I am addicted to all of their delicious sandwiches.” An additional bakery has been added to the family baking culture, as El Segundo now features its very own Schat’s Bakery.
Unlike Schat’s in Bishop, the one in El Segundo was founded by his cousin, David Schat, who has been visiting the South Bay since high school. Schat’s Bakery is famous for its vast deli selection and wide variety of baked goods. One of the most famous items is the Sheepherder’s bread, which was brought to California by the Schat family in 1938. “Their sheepherder’s bread and their warm cinnamon rolls are my favorite items on the menu,” freshman Jackson Snyder said. “Their lunch foods are delicious too, so I always order one of their selections of sandwiches.” Along with a variety of baked goods, the bakery advertises reasonable prices. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. “When I get off of work, I head right over to Schat’s to get in line,” Ukiah resident Sheryl Hansen said. “It is so popular in Ukiah; everyone loves its great pastries,
coffee, sandwiches for inexpensive prices and the free WiFi indoors. You could almost say it is the attraction of the downtown” Schat’s bakery is spacious and modern and has a very cozy and homey atmosphere. It incorporates European stylistic features from Holland. “It has a small-town feel to it and a Dutch-themed décor,” Costa senior Riley O’Connell said. “It’s always crowded and the line is always out the door.” Many people in the South Bay are looking forward to taking advantage of this new addition to the Schat’s chain. Schat’s Bakery is located on 131A W. Grand Ave. in El Segundo. Its proximity to L.A. residents makes Schat’s now more accessible than ever, now that residents don’t have to drive all the way to Mammoth or Bishop. “The philosophy of Schat’s Bakeries is simple: give the people a consistant, quality product while offering superb service,” the Schats family said.
February 17, 2012
LIFE
B3 Expo enhances future lives La Vista
BY SABRINA YATES STAFF WRITER
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
STRIKE A POSE: Costa’s fashion design class works at putting together its personalized collections of unique clothing for the annual fashion show. The show will showcase the students’ work with the help of student models from Costa.
Fashion design struts on the cat-walk BY EMILY LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER
have to attend weekly meetings to solidify details about the show. Designers of Manhattan, the Priscilla Ratcliff’s 3rd and 4th fashion club, meets in room 112 period fashion design classes will every Monday at lunch to discuss be presenting this year’s annual the weekly updates and the ideas fashion show at Mira Costa with for the upcoming fashion show. some style and flare. They talk about various aspects Separated into beginning and like what act deserves to open the advanced groups, advanced stu- show and the overall itinerary of dents are expected to make a the show. collection with at least four gar“During these meetings, the ments that have a cohesive and students involved with the fashion organized theme while beginners show come together and discuss learn the basics. ideas and concerns regarding the “Each year, the designers put fashion show,” Ratcliff said. together a look book,” Ratcliff Designers must pick models to said. “From there, they start to walk in the fashion show from feldesign a collection consisting of low students at Mira Costa. The four garments.” chosen models attend the rehearsThis “look book” consists of als, are fitted to become comfortclippings from the September is- able with what they are wearing sue of Vogue, which is the biggest and learn the sometimes difficult issue of the year. In addition to choreography. the look books, the designers also “The fashion show is a great
way for students who are interested in the business to experience something like this,” sophomore Olivia Waldorf said. Unfortunately, designers do most of their work behind the scenes which does not give them the exposure that the models receive. After the last model of the collection walks, the designer follows suit and walks down the runway wearing one of his or her own clothing or accessory pieces. The school fashion show prepares the students for the fashion world. Through this experience, students will understand and learn what it takes to be a successful fashion designer. “I want the students to get a real life experience from the fashion show,” Ratcliff said. “This will show them that this is a tough industry to be in and that they have to really apply themselves.”
good,” senior Ca’Che Jones said. “I learned that there is a lot of money out there and they gave me The college application process the resources I need to find it.” is always stressful, but the annual College is about change, and to Black College Expo provides a Mira Costa senior Megan Mills, sense of relief to many Costa stu- applying to an HBC meant a dents applying to college. change in atmosphere that she The Black College Expo first had become used to during her started in Los Angeles in 2000 to high school experience. give African American students “I wanted to apply to HBC’s a chance to enhance their educa- because college is about drastic tional opportunities. change, and going to a predomiAt the Expo that took place on nately black college would be a Jan. 28 at the L.A. Convention big one,” Mills said. Center, students were able to learn Though the Black College Expo more about Historically Black seems to have its advantages for Colleges and sit in on seminars to seniors, it also has benefits for learn about scholarships. students in all grades. The Expo Costa students saw the Expo can potentially spark interest in as an opportunity to apply to col- HBC’s in younger students. leges at the event. Clark Atlanta “Younger students should also University, Hampton University go to the expo to get a feel of coland Fisk University were even ac- leges that they might be interested cepting applicants “I wanted to apply in,” said Fletcher. that day. The annual “I wanted to go to HBC’s because col- event attracts to the Black Col- lege is about drastic more and more lege Expo to apply high school stuchange.” to colleges on the dents each year spot, and I knew that are interested Megan Mills that colleges I was in HBC’s and in Senior interested in were learning more ingoing to be there with that oppor- formation required for their futunity,” senior Briauna Fletcher ture and about possible college said. opportunities. The Black college Expo also “I made sure that I dressed offered seminars for students and like I was going to an interview, parents that gave information because it was a very competiabout scholarships directed by a tive atmosphere,” senior Irene board of professionals Hilton said. “Some students even “The seminars were very brought their instruments.”
February 17, 2012
LIFE
B3 Expo enhances future lives La Vista
BY SABRINA YATES STAFF WRITER
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
STRIKE A POSE: Costa’s fashion design class works at putting together its personalized collections of unique clothing for the annual fashion show. The show will showcase the students’ work with the help of student models from Costa.
Fashion design struts on the cat-walk BY EMILY LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER
have to attend weekly meetings to solidify details about the show. Designers of Manhattan, the Priscilla Ratcliff’s 3rd and 4th fashion club, meets in room 112 period fashion design classes will every Monday at lunch to discuss be presenting this year’s annual the weekly updates and the ideas fashion show at Mira Costa with for the upcoming fashion show. some style and flare. They talk about various aspects Separated into beginning and like what act deserves to open the advanced groups, advanced stu- show and the overall itinerary of dents are expected to make a the show. collection with at least four gar“During these meetings, the ments that have a cohesive and students involved with the fashion organized theme while beginners show come together and discuss learn the basics. ideas and concerns regarding the “Each year, the designers put fashion show,” Ratcliff said. together a look book,” Ratcliff Designers must pick models to said. “From there, they start to walk in the fashion show from feldesign a collection consisting of low students at Mira Costa. The four garments.” chosen models attend the rehearsThis “look book” consists of als, are fitted to become comfortclippings from the September is- able with what they are wearing sue of Vogue, which is the biggest and learn the sometimes difficult issue of the year. In addition to choreography. the look books, the designers also “The fashion show is a great
way for students who are interested in the business to experience something like this,” sophomore Olivia Waldorf said. Unfortunately, designers do most of their work behind the scenes which does not give them the exposure that the models receive. After the last model of the collection walks, the designer follows suit and walks down the runway wearing one of his or her own clothing or accessory pieces. The school fashion show prepares the students for the fashion world. Through this experience, students will understand and learn what it takes to be a successful fashion designer. “I want the students to get a real life experience from the fashion show,” Ratcliff said. “This will show them that this is a tough industry to be in and that they have to really apply themselves.”
good,” senior Ca’Che Jones said. “I learned that there is a lot of money out there and they gave me The college application process the resources I need to find it.” is always stressful, but the annual College is about change, and to Black College Expo provides a Mira Costa senior Megan Mills, sense of relief to many Costa stu- applying to an HBC meant a dents applying to college. change in atmosphere that she The Black College Expo first had become used to during her started in Los Angeles in 2000 to high school experience. give African American students “I wanted to apply to HBC’s a chance to enhance their educa- because college is about drastic tional opportunities. change, and going to a predomiAt the Expo that took place on nately black college would be a Jan. 28 at the L.A. Convention big one,” Mills said. Center, students were able to learn Though the Black College Expo more about Historically Black seems to have its advantages for Colleges and sit in on seminars to seniors, it also has benefits for learn about scholarships. students in all grades. The Expo Costa students saw the Expo can potentially spark interest in as an opportunity to apply to col- HBC’s in younger students. leges at the event. Clark Atlanta “Younger students should also University, Hampton University go to the expo to get a feel of coland Fisk University were even ac- leges that they might be interested cepting applicants “I wanted to apply to in,” said Fletcher. that day. The annual “I wanted to go HBC’s because col- event attracts to the Black Col- lege is about drastic more and more lege Expo to apply high school stuchange.” to colleges on the dents each year spot, and I knew that are interested Megan Mills that colleges I was in HBC’s and in Senior interested in were learning more ingoing to be there with that oppor- formation required for their futunity,” senior Briauna Fletcher ture and about possible college said. opportunities. The Black college Expo also “I made sure that I dressed offered seminars for students and like I was going to an interview, parents that gave information because it was a very competiabout scholarships directed by a tive atmosphere,” senior Irene board of professionals Hilton said. “Some students even “The seminars were very brought their instruments.”
B4 La Vista
LIFE
February 17, 2012
Hotdoggers coasts into town, making alternative fast food BY JULIANA HOFT STAFF WRITER Hotdoggers is a new California “beach barbecue” on Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. It sells everything from hotdogs, hamburgers and sandwiches to salads and soups. “What I wanted to duplicate in my restaurant was a beach styled hotdog stand that you might find in Manhattan Beach’s downtown El Porto restaurant scene,” owner, Sandy Saemann said. Saemann created an ideal place for surfers, skaters and anybody young at heart. The restaurant will be opening in about 2 weeks. Saemann plans to be open everyday from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. “Every time my kids and I would come back from the airport late at night we wanted to get something to eat, and there was no place open,” Saemann said. The restaurant is supplemented by decorations that recreate the beach in Manhattan. “I’ve been living in the South Bay my entire life, and the same late-night restaurants get a little old,” Saemann said. The floors look like sand, the ceilings are made of bamboo, and blue accents are presented throughout the venue to represent water. Artwork and sculptures show highlights of beach life like that of Manhattan Beach. “I wanted to produce the feel-
KATIE BELKNAP/ LA VISTA
OH, HOT DIGGITY DOG: The new beach BBQ and hotdog restaurant, Hotdoggers, will begin serving the greater community of Manhattan Beach in March 2012. Owner Sandy Saemann invisioned a beach scene-themed hot dog stand much like one that could be found in El Porto of Manhattan Beach. ing that if you look outside you are on the pier with the posts and the water refle ctions down below, as well as the feeling of being in Manhattan Beach on the Strand,” Saemann said. “It’s like you are sitting on the beach eating a fresh hot dog. ” The process of getting Hotdoggers opened has not been smooth sailing. According to Saemann, the city of Manhattan Beach has made it difficult for the restaurant to have its grand opening. The restaurant encountered many rules and regulations due to the residents’ concerns. The posibility of the outdoor waiting area and patio worried those that live near the restaurant that there
would be too much noise. “This location has never done well—it has gone broke three or four times. There has never been a functioning dining room,” Saemann said. Different vendors have occupied the venue in the past. The building has been an ice cream parlor and a Philly cheese-steak place, venues which never encouraged people to sit-down and stay a while. Hotdoggers will have waiters and waitresses so the customers can sit and relax while waiting for their orders. This will break the trend of the previous restaurants that wanted their customers to walk-in and take-out.
“I can’t wait to go to Hotdoggers,” junior Kevin Kim said. “Everything that the restaurant represents and offers is what I like to see. All the food on the menu sounds great and very appetizing, so I will definitely be going when it opens.” The menu includes “building your own dog or burger,” which gives the customer a choice of over 65 toppings and 25 different hot dogs. This allows a large variety of hotdogs or hamburgers. “People have always just bought something to eat, and then left,” Saemann said. “I knew that that wouldn’t make it again in this business, so I had to make it a place where people could come
and sit down.” There are also special creations already available, like “The Spike Dog,” which is one-third pound Cajun Chicken Dog with cuts of Beach Barbecue buffalo chicken thighs, tossed in hot cayenne pepper sauce, and topped with blue cheese dressing. The menu also contains many side orders, breakfast options, and a page that offers the top ten hotdogs across the USA. “At Hotdoggers, we make classic American hot dogs in traditional regional styles—just the way they’ve been made across the U.S.A,” Saemann said. “Go ahead, open the menu and do something rad!”
B5 Mira Costa students can’t keep their skills quiet at the annual talent show
February 17, 2012
BY KYLE KHATCHADOURIAN STAFF WRITER
juniors Sasha Anderson, Taylor Glover, Nia Taylor from the Black Scholars Union placed second. From singing to tap dancing to The Mira Costa Chinatown aerial arts, Costa students once Chamber Quartet came in third again showed off their unique place for its performance of and amazing talents at the annual “Toxic.” The quartet consisted of Mira Costa Talent Show, which Carina Chong, Erick Chong, Kirk was held in the auditorium on La and Kohnosuke Shoda. Feb. 2. “There was a wide variety of The group Shhh!, consisting of different acts,” senior Matt Thornsenior Charlie Sevy and juniors ton said. “Singers, musicians, Mckenzie Becker and Danielle dancers and other performances Kay, came in first place in this that required amazing strength year’s Talent Show, “The Mira came together to prove that this Costa Factor.” The group per- school is filled with very talented formed a unique tap dancing students. I hope that the followroutine. ing years have the “We had a blast “Singers, musicians, chance to see great dancing together, dancers, and perfor- shows like the one and we can’t wait mances that required I had the opportuto perform next nity to attend.” strength year,” Becker amazing The Shhh! trio together to has been dancing said. “We were so came excited when we prove that this school together since the found out that we is filled with talented group members placed first.” were three years people.” Put on by the old. This is their Associated Stusecond time placMatt Thornton dent Body, the ing first in a school event included event this year, afSenior 28 performances ter winning the anfrom students of all grades. nual Lip Sync with their “Single Along with the first-place tap Ladies” dance. dance routine, Steppin’ With AtThe trio’s experienced dance titude, seniors Briauna Fletcher, teacher, Anna Rubin, choreoSabrina Yates, Irene Hilton, Jas- graphed their Talent Show number mine Johnson, Ca’Che Jones, for them, and they have performed Leah Nunn and Brittany Ray, and this dance many times before in
LIFE
competitions. Although the girls’ dance was choreographed for a larger group of dancers the Shhh! girls were able to pull off a spoton performance. “Winning the Lip Sync was quite an honor,” Kay said. “We were so stoked when we found out we won the talent show also. I never would have thought that we would get a chance to win both school competitions, especially in the same year. We’ll just have to top it off next year.” The show’s entertainment was not all just in the acts, but the MC’s of the night added humor while introducing each performance. Senior class vice-president Michael Diaz, secretary/ treasurer Kelly Nutten and Stampede coordinator Alec Weaver added their own flare to the the evening’s festivities with unique skits to introduce each group of performers. “The show required a lot of preparation, but in the end it was all worth the effort,” Nutten said. “I was hesitant at first to host the show but decided to be an MC two days before, and I’m so glad I did. It was a blast! Overall the 2012 Talent Show was a really great success.” Tickets for the talent show were sold for $5 at the door and $3 dollars on pre-sale. The money made from the show will fund other
La Vista
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
CIRQUE-DU-CHAD: Sophomore Chad Sumen suspends himself from the ceiling while showing his aerial skills. Sumen placed 1st in last year’s show. ASB events throughout the year. The performances are not only gauged by the students’ response, but are also judged by a panel of Mira Costa teachers and staff. No longer a mere popularity contest among the students, performers had to win over the unbiased staff members. The judging panel included science lab assistant Karen Cunningham, English teacher Stephanie Owen, biology teacher Trevor Oystrick and AP art history teacher Valerie Park. “Earlier in the year I was privileged enough to have judged the Lip Sync competition for Costa, which was a great experience,” Park said. With such an array of remarkable performances and talents, there is no doubt that this year’s competition proved to be a challenge to choose a winner.
Each of the acts that surfaced at the Talent Show provided its own distinctiveness, demonstrating that Costa has talent. “For me, the Talent Show was harder to judge this year because there was such a wide variety of acts that were amazing in their own way,” Park said. “It was really hard to compare them all to each other. I would totally do it again; it was so great to be a part of something like this.” The next Mira Costa Talent Show will be held next year in the spring of 2013. “There was so much talent this year, everyone was amazing,” Sevy said. “I’m so proud and happy about placing first. Just being in the Talent Show was a fun experience and having our teachers and all of our friends come and support us during our performance was exciting as well.”
2012 Talent Show By the Numbers
50
Different groups auditioned
28
Final performers
5
Math and science teachers performed
4
Teacher judges chose the winners
SEKI SHIWOKU/ LA VISTA
STAR SEARCH: (Top left to right ) Senior Charlie Sevy and juniors Danielle Kay and Mckenzie Becker perform a tap dance to the song “Shhh!” for first place. (Left) The band The Stoop performs “Get It.” (Right) Erik Chong of the Chinatown Chamber Quartet performs the song “Toxic” by Britney Spears for third place. (Cutout left to right) Sam Shipp played an acoustic version of Nikki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” while Marissa Mayed and Ben Kartub performed a duet.
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2012 Talent Show Winners
B8 La Vista
ARTS
February 17, 2012
“Chronicle” entertains with relatable high school story line BY ARI HOWORTH STAFF WRITER
shakes, but the film still maintains its realistic and suspenseful atmosphere. In recent years, superhero Detmer’s life throughout the movies have become less confilm is depressing to watch, even ventional by focusing more on when he gains his abilities. He developing characters rather than is constantly bullied and must their super abilities. Josh Trank’s cope with his abusive father. His “Chronicle” utilizes the strengths self-imposed isolation and instaof this movement as well as fairly bility provides the viewer with a unique hand-held camera style to heartbreaking story. Though his create an intriguing, engaging and story is drastic, it is relatable and impactful story. doesn’t feel implausible. “Chronicle” shows a realistic The boys’ abilities develop and look at high school life but blends strengthen as the film progresses this with the captivating fantasy and, similarly, so do the action seworld of superpowers. Though quences. The boys start off levithe characters are generally lighttating baseballs at each other, but hearted, the film does not stray by the end of the film, they hurl from its dramatic portrayal of the buses across downtown Seattle. trials faced by teenagers. This shows how the boys beThroughout the film, “Chroncome careless and lose control of COURTESY MOVIES-STORY.COM icle” contains thrilling action their abilities as they increase. It scenes that remind the viewer BOYS WILL BE BOYS: (From left) Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan and Alex Russell all portray super-powered teens in also creates a multitude of engagthat “Chronicle” is a fantasy, not the found-footage feature “Chronicle.” The film proves to be not only entertaining but emotionally moving as well. ing action scenes that keep up the a high school drama. speedy pace of the film. Protagonist Andrew Detmer Detmer uses these powers as film. Garetty is the most accurate previously had no real friends. “Chronicle” provides a realistic has a tragic life, forced to deal a way to channel his anger to- portrayal of a high schooler. He is The documentary style of the look at the life of a high school with an alcoholic dad, a dying ward the world and, in doing so, focused on enjoying high school film gives it an aspect of original- student in a unique manner, cremom and school bullies. His life becomes more powerful than he and getting girls, yet he is driven ity. Although it is slightly difficult ating an enjoyable new type of turns around when he, his cousin thought he was. by his admiration for his cousin. to see what exactly is happening superhero movie. It is perhaps Max Garetty (Alex Russell) and The performances of the three Jordan portra ys the popular at the beginning, the cinematog- the best film of the “found-footone of the most popular students, friends are all very strong. De- jock and would-be student coun- raphy clears up in the second age” style to come out recently. Steve Montgomery (Michael B. haan’s captivating performance cil president of the school. It is half, when Detmer levitates the “Chronicle” was released on Feb. Jordan), acquire the ability to of the unstable and bullied teen- comforting to the viewer to see camera around the characters. In 3 and is playing in theaters namove objects and fly. ager is the driving force of the him help Detmer socially, as he doing this, the camera no longer tionwide.
Romantic drama “The Vow” disappoints with lack of originality BY MAGGIE ROBAK OPINION EDITOR
While the premise of the story proves to be engaging, the viewer is disappointed when the movie falls into clichés as Paige In this day and age, creating a unique must choose between her old but unfulfilllove story is an extremely difficult chal- ing life as a lawyer or the life of a struglenge as a creative plot line can be hard to gling artist with Leo. come by. “The Vow” fails in its attempt to Tatum and McAdams, both of whom are create a timeless love story and is nothing not strangers to the romantic drama, each more than an average romantic drama. lack a depth of character. Not only do they “The Vow” is a typical romantic drama not have chemistry, but they are depicted in that lacks creativity and depth. While the a strictly black and white manner with no movie contains an interesting storyline, it emotional depth. falls short with nothing to set it apart. This was particularly surprising comAfter a serious car accident, Paige (Ra- ing from McAdams, who is most notably chel McAdams) awakens from a coma remembered for her performance as Allie only to realize that she has forgotten every- in “The Notebook.” The characters in both thing from her immediate past, including movies are very similar; both struggle to her five-year marriage to her husband Leo chose an easy life with their wealthy par(Channing Tatum). ents and successful fiancés, or the life they Paige soon finds herself torn between truly love. the life she remembers before her accident, McAdams unfortunately fails to live up and her life with Leo, which she has no rec- to her previous performance in “The Noteollection of. Paige must then attempt to re- book,” as she is ultimately unconvincing gain the memory of her past and reconnect and at times unlikable in her role. with her husband. The most detrimental aspect of the mov-
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TILL DEATH: (From left) Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams star in the love story, “The Vow.” Despite a strong sound track and costume design, the movie proves to be nothing more then cliche. ie was that it failed to bring focus to the story. This resulted in an underdeveloped plot line. Leo’s attempts to woo his wife seemed to progress but were repeatedly met by multiple obstacles and halted. This lack of development leaves the audience feeling as though the movie was incomplete. Especially distracting and unnecessary was the sporadic and sappy narration by Leo about moments of impact. While this attempts to give the film a greater meaning by offering the viewer a new philosophy on life, it is simply pointless and adds nothing to the film overall. Furthermore, the movie oversimplified a very complex and difficult topic. There are no disagreements between Leo and Paige, giving them a seemingly perfect marriage. Even after the accident, there is very little conflict between the characters and internal conflict with Leo or Paige about their difficult situation. This makes the film even more unrealistic and forced. One of the only saving graces of the movie was the sound track. This diverse compilation featured a wide variety of artists from the Cure to Meat Loaf. The music added an emotional depth to scenes which
the actors and script failed to provide. Another well-done aspect of the film was the hair and costume design. McAdams’s style and hair reflected her change and growth during the movie, reinforcing the extreme difference between her two lives. While the movie claimed to be based on the true story, this was far from true. The real story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter was in reality much different from that which is told in “The Vow.” The real couple lived in New Mexico, and after the accident, were able to reconnect due largely to their Christian faith. However, Leo and Paige live in a bohemian-style apartment in Chicago. There is also no mention of any religious beliefs in the movie. While it is not necessary for the Carpenter’s story to be completely followed, the movie should not be advertised as a true story. “The Vow” ultimately lacks depth and emotion that it seemed to promise and will leave its audiences unfulfilled. It proves to be a suitable date movie just in time for Valentines Day, as its box office gross shows, but will nevertheless be forgotten. “The Vow” is rated PG-13 and is now playing in select theaters nationwide.
ARTS
February 17, 2012
La Vista
3D re-release of “Phantom Menace” allows audiences to relive the disappointment BY ZACK GILL ARTS EDITOR “Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace” is the film we thought was awesome when we were six years old. Ten years after its initial theatrical run and after the loss of innocence of the entire film-going generation that saw “Episode I” as kids, the film leaves a sour taste in the mouths of viewers upon its 3D re-release. Despite well-crafted, subtle 3D effects, “Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace” embodies the criticisms of the new “Star Wars” trilogy, with hammy acting, wooden dialogue, terrible pacing and overblown special effects. “Star Wars Episode I: the Phan- tom Menace” is the first install- ment of the prequel trilogy pre- ceeding the original “Star Wars” films. “Episode I” introduces Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Obi Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), as they are forced to negotiate a trade dispute between the peace- ful planet of Naboo and the greedy Trade Federation. Little do they know that the Trade Federation is controlled by two Sith lords, enemies to the Jedi Order. The Jedi Knights, along with Naboo’s Queen Amidalah (Natalie Portman), are forced to flee Naboo and seek refuge on Tatooine, where they meet Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a young,
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thing he learned with his original trilogy and “American Graffiti” and decides to tell instead of show. Exposition is thrown out at the audience in endless scenes of dialogue, and the dialogue itself is poorly constructed and often unintentionally comical. Still, the scenes that viewers remember well continue to be exhilarating, especially with the 3D effects. Pod racing, in which aliens and young Anakin Sky- walker race hovercraft through treacherous Tatooine canyons, is particularly exciting, as it often takes a first-person perspective of the racers - especially impactful with the 3D. The epic Jedi battle climax is also still pretty awe- some, although it often resembles something of a ballet piece. The 3D is utilized intelligently, as well. Lucas opted out of gim- micky, pop-out 3D effects, and in- stead goes for the look that Pixar uses with its films. The 3D almost makes it feel as if the viewer is looking into a model. This adds a COURTESY MOVIES.SKY.COM considerable amount of depth to YOU’VE TURNED OFF YOUR TARGETING COMPUTER: “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” has been re-re- the largely computer-generated leased in 3D, and while its set pieces greatly benefit from the new, crisp 3D effects, the film still pales in comparison to scenery of the film. Eventually, Lucas’ original the films of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, with hammy acting and poor dialogue rampant throughout. “Star Wars” trilogy will be re- force-sensitive prodigy. Together hour run time, all of which must merce dispute - which seems triv- leased in 3D, and everyone will with Anakin, the Jedi Knights have gone over our heads in our ial compared to the epic fantasy be happy. Until then, though, fight to take back Naboo. youth, replaced in our memories of the original trilogy. we’re going to have to sit through If that description seems overly with “lightsabers” and “that guy With so much going on, the film two more vastly inferior films. bloated, that’s because it is. An with the red makeup.” It’s hard should be exciting and entertain- “Star Wars Episode I: the Phan- incredible amount of exposition to believe that the impetus of the ing. But that assumption is incor- tom Menace” is rated PG and is occurs in the film’s just-over-two- entire plot is an interstellar com- rect. George Lucas forgot every- playing in theaters nationwide.
“Safe House” overcomes flaws in pacing, plot with powerful perfomances BY ISAAC SIEGEMUND- BROKA STAFF WRITER Experience is the best teacher. It’s no wonder, then, that “Safe House,” released Feb. 10, suffers from the shortcomings of amateurs like director David Espinosa and writer David Guggenheim. However, the involvement of seasoned actors and a prac- ticed cinematographer allow “Safe House” to overcompensate for its weaknesses and entertain audiences. Young CIA operative Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) has the least flashy job the CIA can provide. He tends to a “safe house,” an undercover location used for hiding wit- nesses or government figures when neces- sary—which tends to be very infrequent. The seemingly pointless monotony of Weston’s job is turned on its head when Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), an in- famous rogue ex-CIA agent, is brought to Weston’s safe house in Cape Town, South Africa. Frost’s enemies attempt to break into the safe house to abduct him. Weston, not wanting to lose his “house guest,” takes Frost and flees from the house. As Weston and Frost hide from Frost’s enemies together, Frost gently invades Weston’s mind, pushing him to question his relationship both with his Parisian girl- friend and with his superiors at the CIA.
The lines between “good” and “bad” blur even further after a microchip containing information about government corruption surfaces among Weston’s problems. The film’s plot is intriguing but rough around the edges due to significant pac- ing problems. Petty “catch me if you can” style chases and brief unnecessary dramas between Weston and his girlfriend frag- ment the otherwise interesting (if not a tad cliché) plot concerning mass government intelligence corruption. The film’s attempt to give the audi- ence fast-paced thrills—which compose a large majority of screen time—often leaves more interesting plot elements by the wayside. Weston, doing serious CIA work for the first time in his life, clearly faces devastating internal struggles every time he is forced to kill. Better-developed thematic ideas about the effect of killing on the mind could have hoisted “Safe House” into the upper echelon of action films. That notwithstanding, the action in “Safe House” is exceptional, finding an ideal bal- ance between grandiose explosions, cha- otic chases and intimate, bloody hand-to- hand combat. Weston’s fight scenes are a rattier take on Bourne-style action, stylized but imprecise. Weston’s clear lack of field experience contrasts nicely with Tobin’s calm, controlled brutality.
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SAFETY FIRST: In his newest film, “Safe House,” Denzel Washinton returns to the intelligent-action-hero role he is known for. Washington gives a convincing performance throughout the film, and continues to show his world-class acting chops. Denzel Washington is known for his ver- satility as an actor, playing everyone from Malcolm X to Herman Boone. His role that perhaps surfaces most often, however, is that of the hardened, but principled fighter, as seen in “Déjà Vu,” “Out of Time,” “The Book of Eli” and his other action thrillers. In “Safe House,” Washington’s standard action character is given a new dichotomy between likeable and sinister;; regardless of Frost’s despicable traitorous qualities, it’s impossible not to find his cynical charisma and calm omniscience somewhat enviable. After blunders in a series of rom-coms and half-baked superhero movies, Ryan Reynolds’ acting prospects weren’t prom- ising. Nevertheless, his portrayal of an equally naïve and confident operative in-
corporates both daring appeal and emo- tional depth;; Reynolds has finally proved that he’s capable of more than two dimen- sions. “Safe House” cinematographer Oliver Wood is no novice;; he was also behind the cinematography for all three Bourne mov- ies. In “Safe House,” Wood uses a style similar to that in the Bourne films: con- trolled and precise while leaving room for vivid colorscapes and tense action. Although hampered by its raggedly structured plot, “Safe House” is carried to success by acting duo Reynolds and Wash- ington as well as the artful visual construc- tions of cinematographer Wood. “Safe house” is rated R and is playing in theaters nationwide.
February 17, 2012 ARTS B10 La Vista Underrated Dr. Dog brings unique sound with new album “Be the Void” BY JAKE MAHR THEME EDITOR
sylvania whose success is way overdue. The six member band formed in 1999 and have created In today’s music industry, suc- seven albums since. cess often varies and can be made Their sound is greatly influoff of an entire album or a single enced by bands of the 1960s , such track. Many bands are met with as Guided By Voices and Pavegreat hardships in trying to gain ment, and their earlier recordings this popularity. show a strong resemblance to the Yet the band Dr. Dog has final- lo-fi and poppy sounds of Indie ly broken through these barriers bands from the 1990s. Some of and escalated higher in the musi- their recent releases, however, cal world with the release of their feature a much cleaner sound. new album. The experimentation begins “Be the Void,” immediately the most recent Dr. Dog is an underrated with the single album from the alternative rock band from “Lonesome.” group, has cer- Pennsylvania who’s success is With a folky, tainly landed the way overdue. foot-stomping band into one of sound that its first and strongest standings in meanders throughout the track, the music industry. The album is accompanied by a scratchy slide Dr. Dog’s most experimental re- guitar and rugged vocals, the sincord, but it maintains the band’s gle is a bold start. signature psychedelic sound. The second song on the album, Dr. Dog is an underrated al- “That Old Black Hole,” creates ternative rock band from Penn- the perfect transition between
The Fray’s “Scars & Stories” stays consistent with slow rock formula
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MAN’S BEST FRIEND: Dr. Dog has always been a unique and talented musical group. In its newest album, “Be the Void,” the group continues to improve on its sound. Dr. Dog has elevated their position in the musical world with “Be the Void,” and the album proves to be one of the group’s strongest releases yet. “Lonesome” and the rest of the songs of the compilation. While the vocals and instrumentation still portray a folk-rock feel, the ‘60s psychedelic influences also begin to play a part in the formation of the track. As the album progresses, more and more stand-out songs begin to emerge. “Get Away,” the fifth track, is a fusion of the sounds and harmonizations of The Beach Boys and Fleet Foxes. The track “Vampire” features Leaman howling into the microphone backed up by guitar riffs that call to mind The Black Keys.
These songs show the versatility of the band and make it hard to classify into one style of music. The final song on the album, “Turning the Century,” begins with a calming guitar strum, as if Dr. Dog decided to return to that folk-like sound from the first track. Yet a few measures in, a sitar is added into the melody, bringing back the psychedelic sounds that are used throughout the album. This creates an almost dream-like and serene atmosphere. The biggest strength in the entire album is the amount of energy that is crammed into each and
every song. One can barely listen to the album without stomping, clapping or singing along. While each song has its very own unique sound and sonic texture, they all have towering amounts of vigor and liveliness. “Be the Void” provides an exciting listening environment with such ample distinctiveness that allows for the creation of different feelings and emotions. The album will allow Dr. Dog to soar to new heights in the music industry. “Be the Void” is available in stores nationwide and as an Internet download.
Of Montreal’s “Paralytic Stalks” is an unenjoyable mess COURTESY ROCKNYCLIVEANDRECORDED.COM
TATTERED: (From left) The Fray, Ben Wysocki, Isaac Slade, Dave Welsh and Joe King, stay true to their melancholic sound with new album “Scars & Stories.” BY AMANDA NEWELL STAFF WRITER
upbeat tracks to create a unique flow through the album. Front man Issac Slade has a disWhen coming back from a mu- tinct and mesmerizing voice that sical hiatus, usually bands try to sets the band apart from others. create a unique sound to draw in “Scars & Stories” is easily disnew listeners and old fans. The tinguishable because of Slade’s Fray, however, manage to stay entrancing vocals. close to their roots while experiAdding to the album’s familiar menting with new sounds. “Scars sound are the piano ballads in al& Stories” follows almost the most every track. The Fray’s use same slow rock formula as the of the piano throughout their muband’s previous albums with its sic also helps establish their sigpiano ballads, distinct lyrics and nature sound. melancholic sound. Although critiqued for their However, this did not take away “unoriginal lyrics,” The Fray from the album’s overall sound. stepped it up with deep, signifiThe band kept its famous senti- cant lyrics on the album. Songs mental sound from past albums like “Heartbeat” tell stories but tweaked it just enough to pro- through the lyrics of love, loneliduce a one-of-a-kind album. ness and heartbreak. The Denver, Colorado natives Songs like “Turn Me On” and released their first album, “How “Ready or Not” demonstrate the to Save a Life,” in 2005. The band’s efforts to vary the tone of band’s success continued with the their music. With this variation, release of singles “How to Save a The Fray have produced a uniqueLife” and “Over My Head (Cable sounding album. Car),” propelling The Fray into One of the last tracks on the musical notoriety. album, “Boulder to BirmingThe band continued on with ham,” features a melodious duet its next self-titled album in 2009, between Slade and female artfeaturing singles “You found Me” ist Emmylou Harris. The track’s and “Never Say Never.” After melancholy love lyrics add a nice taking a break in 2009, fans of touch to the album in all. The Fray highly anticipated the Although The Fray’s “Scars & band’s release of a new album. Stories” does not stray from the “Scars & Stories” features band’s usual slow rock sound, an tracks with the Fray’s classic mel- array of upbeat songs and storylow sound. Although not exactly telling lyrics makes the album an identical to previous records, the enjoyable listen. “Scars & Stonew album follows the same pat- ries” can be purchased digitally tern of soft rock songs varied with and at most music retailers.
BY ISAAC SIEGEMUND-BROKA STAFF WRITER
into territories of lounge music or These usually taboo subjects quasi-psychedelic funk pop bring surface throughout the album; in zesty bits of flute, brass backing “Malefic Dowery,” Barnes quiWhen a five-course meal is run and bold percussive bursts to the etly sings “once more I turn to my through the blender, it just won’t album (most notably on “Dour crotch for council, and it won’t taste the same. Percentage”). disappoint me.” Neo-psychedelic pop band Of Of Montreal’s lyrics tend toThe album’s close takes an alMontreal’s new album “Paralytic ward gloomy topics. “Paralytic most-laughable turn. “Exorcism Stalks,” is brimming with ideas, Stalks” is no different. “Wintered Breeding Knife” comes straight most of which aren’t half-bad, but Debts” features bright percussive from the Twilight Zone, and not front man Kevin Barnes’ attempt interludes over which Barnes hol- in a good way. Its freaky ethereal to use them all at once results lers, “wrapped in all this bitter- combination of jarring strings and in an incoherent hodgepodge of ness, so much bitterness / I’m so a lofty computerized choir is a conflicting musical styles. confused, what is the motion of puddle of uncomfortable, experiOriginating in Athens, Geor- this ego sickness?” mental goo. gia, Of Montreal’s 15Similarly, closing track “Auyear musical career has Both the album as a whole and inthentic Pyrrhic Remission” starts produced 11 albums, dividual songs lack coherency, feeloff fairly normal but devolves ranging from ‘60s- and ing like the creation of a 5-year-old, into a pretentious swirl of distort‘50s-infused psychedel- ADD-ridden Freddie Mercury. ed ambience. ic twee to groovy elec“Paralytic Stalks” is a little tronic dance-rock. The lyrics also contain ele- more than a chaotic assembly On “Paralytic Stalks,” any ments of Of Montreal’s sexually of Kevin Barnes’ newest musisuch attempt at coherency was provocative philosophies, which cal schemes. The substance for left by the wayside, resulting in a are most commonly noted in a strong album was undoubtedly composite mess of incompatible Barnes’ unusual performance dy- present, but it was tossed into a genres. Of Montreal’s abandon- namics: he has performed naked, blender and pulverized into an unment of structure and order leaves and in many concerts he pretends palatable mess. “Paralytic Stalks” the album a gauche decomposi- to have sex with a women donned is available digitally and at music tion of sonic confusion. in a pig costume. stores around the country. Both the album as a whole and its individual songs lack any sort of coherency, feeling like the creation of a 5-year-old, ADD-ridden Freddie Mercury. Stylistically, “Paralytic Stalks” has roots in psychedelic pop, indie rock, glam and dark ambient. Sporadic hints of funk and orchestral add even more flavor to this exhausting and overwhelming album. To its credit, Of Montreal COURTESY 0.STATIC.BUZZINE.COM makes commendable use of diverse instrumentation on “Para- MUSICAL PARALYSIS: Of Montreal’s newest album, “Paralytic Stalks,” is lytic Stalks.” Occasional jaunts muddled and confusing and is their first sub-par record in recent memory.
ARTS
February 17, 2012
La Vista
B11
2012 Academy Awards fail to recognize excellence BY ZACK GILL ARTS EDITOR
likely take home the Oscar. “The Descendants” could possibly be the upset. George Clooney or Jean Dujardin will likely win Awards season will culminate on Feb. Best Actor. Viola Davis will probably win 26 with the 84th annual Academy Awards. the Best Actress Oscar for “The Help.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Numerous exceptional films were comSciences will award Oscars to achievepletely snubbed by the Academy this year. ments in film, be it in writing, acting, diMichael Fassbender’s fearless performance recting or in a multitude of more technical in “Shame,” probably the best acting job of categories, from editing to sound mixing. 2011, goes unsung. Shailene Woodley, the There are only about 6,000 voting best part about “The Descendants,” did not members in the Academy. Initially, balreceive a supporting actress nomination. COURTESY EURWEB.COM lots are sent out to individual branches of Perhaps the most egregious snub is the Academy (ie: actors nominate the act- OSCAR GOLD: This year’s Oscar nominees bring the expected combination of truly deserving films the complete dismissal of the masterful ing awards). When final nominations are and awards-pandering shlock. “Hugo” is our pick for the most exceptional film of the year. “Drive.” “Drive” easily deserves a best achieved, the entire academy votes again. picture nomination, as wells as nominaEach year, there is a special batch of films This year’s batch includes the overrated, “Moneyball” received nominations. tions for Ryan Gosling (Best Actor) and created solely to pander to awards-season silent film, “The Artist,” the insufferable “The Artist” will most likely win Best Albert Brooks (Best Supporting Actor). audiences. These films are often produced “The Help,” and the 9/11 drama “Ex- Picture. The Director’s Guild Award has “Drive” received no nominations. by the Weinstein Company (like this year’s tremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” At close to 90% accuracy of choosing the Best Still, a panoply of excellent films will re“The Artist”) and usually receive numer- least this year, actual deserving films such Director award, which means that Michel ceive Academy recognition this year. These ous Academy Award nominations. as “Hugo,” our pick for Best Picture, and Hazanavicius, director of “The Artist,” will are the films that we feel deserve awards.
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
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Brad Pitt (above), as Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, embodies the struggles and spirit of baseball that make people so passionate about the sport. Despite George Clooney’s powerful performance in “The Descendants,” Pitt is deserving of the Best Actor Oscar. “Moneyball” often also takes a soulful tone, and Pitt gives his best performance since “Burn After Reading.” Late in his career, Pitt is finally showing impressive range.
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Christopher Plummer (above) has, somehow, never won an Oscar. However, Plummer is expected to win Best Supporting Actor for his nuanced performance in “Beginners” as a father who shocks his son by coming out of the closet. It’s great that Nick Nolte is nominated for the underrated “Warrior,” but this is Plummer’s year. Only an actor with years of experience could deliver such a moving performance.
Best Actress
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Relative newcomer Rooney Mara (above) displayed promise in her brief turn in “The Social Network,” but we could have never guessed that she’d be able to carry a two and a half hour film so ably. Although Viola Davis is the frontrunner for the Best Actress award for her role in “The Help,” Mara give a convincing performance as Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.” Mara has a bright future ahead of her in Hollywood.
Best Supporting Actress
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Though it is likely that her “The Help” co-star Octavia Spencer will win the Best Supporting Actress, Jessica Chastain (above) is more deserving. Chastain’s portrayal of Celia Foote, a woman who just wants to be accepted, is heartwarming. Melissa McCarthy, although impressive in her role as Megan in “Bridesmaids,” does not display the versatility Chastain does. Hopefully, Hollywood will repay Chastain in victory.
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Martin Scorsese has only won the Best "Hugo" Director Oscar once, for “The Departed” in 2006, despite his career of film classics like “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas.” The Academy attempted to rectify its wrongdoings toward Scorsese in 2006, but they must appease the film god yet again. Scorsese deserves this award more than any of his fellow nominees for both his entire career and for what he has achieved with “Hugo.” His latest film is a combination of classic COURTESY S1.STLIQ.COM filmmaking craft and technical wizardry. Scorsese also manages to get wonderful performances out of his actors, which is especially remarkable considering that key characters are children. Scorsese combines his years of experience with new technologies, utilizing 3D effects better than any previous film.
Written by the all-star team of “Schin“Moneyball” dler’s List” scribe Steve Zaillian and the unsinkable Aaron Sorkin, hot off an on Oscar win in the same category last year, the “Moneyball” script deserves the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. The screenplay combines the strengths of each writer; it contains Sorkin’s signature wit and dialogue, as well as the pathos that Zaillian often utilizes Studio executives absolutely loved Zaillian’s initial screenplay, but then-director COURTESY THESNIPENEWS.COM Steven Soderbergh drastically rewrote the screenplay. After Soderbergh’s dismissal from the project, Sorkin was brought in to restore the screenplay to its former glory. Sorkin and Zaillian skillfully adapted Michael Lewis’ book, creating clever composite characters like Jonah Hill’s Peter Brand.
Best Original Screenplay
Best Animated Film
The prolific Woody Allen has faltered in “Midnight in Paris” his career during the past decade. He occasionally provides some of his best work with films like “Match Point” but has more often put out some of his worst films. Once more, a light in his oeuvre reemerges with “Midnight in Paris.” The quality of the film essentially lies directly with Allen’s screenplay, which deserves the Best Original Screenplay award. The film is about an American writer vacationing in Paris who finds a portal that takes COURTESY SCREENDAILY.COM him to Paris in the 1920s. Allen writes pitch-perfect roles for historical figures like Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and even Salvador Dali. The romance between Owen Wilson’s character and Marillion Cotillard’s is genuine and even adorable. Allen’s screenplay fires on all cylinders.
In a year lacking a strong film from Dis“Rango” ney-Pixar Studios, “Rango” is clearly the most deserving of Best Animated Film. “Rango” has an impressive combination of animation and strong acting performances. One of the strongest aspects of “Rango” is Johnny Depp’s lead performance. His voice brings the character of Rango to life, by giving the lizard a proper balance of humor and seriousness. The script of “Rango” is also much more complex than a standard animated film because it COURTESY THEWELLVERSED.COM employs a plot-line similar to Roman Polansky’s “Chinatown.” This is clearly one of the best animated films in recent memory. “Rango” establishes Nickelodeon Studios as a threat in the animated industry, which would challenge Disney-Pixar’s recent monopoly over the animated movie industry.
B12 La Vista
THEME
February 17, 2012
South Bay Edition COURTESY OF
Family Run Restaurants to Visit
WWW.FOODNETWORK.COM
Hoku Hoku Sushi Rod’s Charbroiled Burgers El Burrito Jr. Manhattan Bread and Bagel Classic Burger Mickey’s Deli The Standing Room Coffee Cartel Bamboo Song Martha’s Java Man Ocean Diner Happy Veggie Best Donuts Dinah’s Fried Chicken Pho PCH Akbar Scotty’s Hole In The Wall Rice Things Pinky’s
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FAMILY DINING: Mom-and-Pop restaurants offer a grand opportunity to eat a meal with family. The setting of a family-owned business brings a feeling of unity and companionship that is a nice alternative to the usual family dinner. Featured at a family dinner are (from left) Anna, Andrew and Daniel Salzman.
Costa students enjoy mom-and-pop restaurants throughout South Bay As corporate-run restaurants slowly gain influence in the food industry, local, family owned restaurants continues to disappear. Many students at Mira Costa High School still value the charm and nuances of the classic small town mom-and-pop restaurants. Such restaurants become integral parts of the community and often cannot be matched by the corporate stuffiness of chain restaurants. While several Costa students often find themselves “cruising t-bell,” the South Bay offers several other options that are family establishments. “There was this place that I would eat at whenever I was hungry; they had the best grits until a Long John Silver’s replaced it,” senior Stephanie Pullido said. Chain businesses like Burger King and Jack in the Box have transformed the term “fast food” into something undesirable. With an uncrowded “Mom and Pop”
place, one gets fast food that is wholesome and well-prepared. “I hate when my veggie burger at a fast food place looks like a sponge; if I wanted sponge, I’d turn on Nickelodeon,” senior Maggie Hawkins said. But what makes a restaurant worthy of local patronage? According to junior Adam Gerard, president of Mira Costa’s Food Critics Club, four indicators elevate an eating establishment to the highest tier. “In Food Critics Club, we have a strict criteria for grading restaurants: atmosphere, pace, price and service,” Gerard said. “We believe this is what makes a good restaurant.” These qualities all play a part in how Costa students choose where they go out to eat, especially the pace of the service. Many students have a busy school schedule, so there is little time to spare for a quick bite. “I get impatient easily when
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GO PHO: Mom-and-Pop ethnic restaurants offer a more traditional and authentic portrayal of foreign cuisine. Pho PCH, found on 623 N Pacific Coast Hwy in Redondo Beach, has fantastic renditions of classic Vietnamese soups. restaurants are slow with my order, so in order for their service to be slow, the food has to be very good,” freshman Alyssa Zucker said. “My schedule during the week is so busy; I just don’t have the time and patience for places with slow service.” The atmosphere of a restaurant plays a key part in the overall success and popularity of a restaurant. Students are attracted to atmospheres anywhere between
the relaxed feel of Best Doughnuts to the hip aesthetics of El Burrito Jr.’s “The best food I have ever eaten was made by my mother I would prefer to eat food made with the same compassion as her famous meatloaf than pay for an overpriced entree the size of an appetizer,” senior Mandy Smith said. While fast food chains can be cheap and numerous, local restau-
rants offer genuinely friendly service with a homemade flair. There are hundreds of restaurants in the South Bay to choose from, offering a way to support local restaurants by giving back directly to the community. “I just love walking into a place and being greeted as if you were personal friends with the owner; nothing makes me feel more at home,” said sophomore Nina Granow.
Other Restaurants to Check out in the South Bay California Sushi and Teriyaki
Chicken Shack
California Sushi and Teriyaki is a familyrun business located at 429 Pacific Coast Highway, on the corner of 5th Street in Hermosa Beach. Providing amiable service along with traditional sushi techniques, the owner’s main concern is the customer. California Sushi and Teriyaki is the perfect place to go for fast and simple sushi.
Located at 1030 Aviation Blvd. in Hermosa Beach is a peruvian wonder. Chicken Shack, a family-oriented business, provides warm service, huge portions and a spicy yellow-sauce compatible with any dish. Preserving Peruvian customs in it’s recipes, this restaraunt offers comfort, friendship and a hearty meal.
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NICOLE FISCHER/LA VISTA
Ocean Diner
Poulet Du Jour
Ocean Diner, a small family establishment at 959 Aviation Blvd. in Hermosa Beach, offers a wide variety of both classic diner meals as well as healthy options and new takes to conventional dishes such as their grilled cheese menu. In addition to offering many varying meals, Ocean Diner is often a place of work for several Costa students.
Poulet Du Jour is a great option for Mediterranean cuisine in the South Bay. Falafels of this caliber can only be found on the streets of Lebanon. New to Mediterranean food? No problem, the owner is incredibly friendly and more than happy to teach newcomers. Trying the garlic sauce is a must. Travel down to 233 Pacific Coast Highway to check it out. LELAND LESNEVER/LA VISTA
CARINA GLASSER/LA VISTA COMPILED BY ALEC MERCHANT, AMANDA NEWELL, AND LUKE TRIMBLE/ STAFF WRITERS