Issue 3 Volume 51 Fall 18

Lariat Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 • vol. 51, no. 3 lariatnews.com | @lariatnews | @lariatsport facebook.com/lariatnews

the student voice of Saddleback College since 1968

ENTER IF YOU DARE

COURTNEY HOSHOUR

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

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Lariat archives covering 48-years of news now available online page 3

OPINION

Surfer Corey Colapinto wins tourney while injured

HISTORY

NEWS

New college president Eliot Stern comes full circle

SPORTS

A PHOTO ESSAY OF HOLIDAY EVENTS AT MISSION RIVERSIDE AND SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO BRING THE WINDER WONDERLAND SPIRIT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Lariat staff picks the best holiday movies page 12

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Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 ¦ News

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Saddleback College elects new president starting January 2019 After a long search for a president, Dr. Elliot Stern is the winning choice EMILY CRILLY

Elliot Stern, former vice president of instruction at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, will take over as president of Saddleback College in January 2019.

LIFE EDITOR

Dr. Elliot Stern is the new president of Saddleback College starting mid- January 2019, therefore replacing interim president James Buysse. Searching for a new president became nationwide as Tod Burnett retired after nine years and Gregory Anderson was selected as full-time president at Saddleback but after seven months as president he resigned which lead Buysse to fill in his position.

Burnett retirement was the domino effect that lead to Saddleback searching for a permanent replacement for president.

SOCCCD unanimously elected Anderson, but he resigned as president in April as he must return home in the Bay Area for “personal circumstances,” said in an email to the Saddleback community. Buysse was elected vice president of Saddleback College only a month before Anderson left, making him the interim president until November when SOCCCD elects Stern as president starting spring semester.

Community colleges have a place in Stern’s heart because of his attendances at Oakland Community College before attending Wayne State University for his pre-medicine degree. From there, he went to Michigan State University and graduated with a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. To obtain his law degree, Dr. Stern received a Juris Doctor at University of Michigan Law School.

“I actually created my own ‘Running Start’ program by going to Oakland Community College to do my English 101 class

ANDERSON

BURNETT

BUYSSE

because I was so unhappy in high school,” according to a student article at Green River College Stern said in a questioning session as he was a finalist in becoming president of this school.

“There, I found I liked school again.”

Saddleback is not the only community college that Stern has worked at. Stern started as a Biology teacher at Shoreline Community College and worked his way to the Dean of Allied Health

at Everett Community College for 10 years. According to Lake Washington Institute of Technology staff biography, Stern is “recognized for excellence in teaching and student-centered approaches.” He then became Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at Edmonds Community College.

Stern created an Honors program at Everett and managed budgets over his two years at Edmond.

“I am excited to join a great

college like Saddleback in our mission to enrich the lives of our students and our community,” said Dr. Stern in a press release by SOCCCD. “I knew that I belonged at Saddleback when I walked into Open Forum to be met by smiling faces, warm hearts, and thoughtful questions reflecting student-centered values and a common desire to go from great to greater in this work we do together—to transform the lives of our amazing students.”

Opinion | vol. 51, no. 1

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A look back Murder stories from the Lariat’s path, now digitally preserved

SCREENSHOT FROM SEPT. 20, 1984

JULIA GARDUNO COPY EDITOR

Looking for something new to read? The Lariat has just recently finished archiving almost all issues starting from the very first issue on Oct. 19, 1968 all the way up until May of 2016. The archive has been a project in the works since 2016 and now that it’s up and running, you can view 861 issues in their entirety. If you’re looking for a specific article or just interested in a certain topic then you’ll be glad to know that the archive allows you to search for specific words and also the month or year. Be sure to check it out at cdnc.ucr.edu.

Crime in Orange County is notoriously low but here’s a list of 7 murder stories the Lariat has covered since 1968. If you would like to read these articles in their entirety or look for more, head to the Lariat archive at the website listed above.

Sept. 20, 1984, “Asst, dean at SCC accused of slaying ex-wife”: Donald Dawson, assistant dean of the Technology and Applied Science division, and former criminology instructor at Saddleback College South, was jailed Saturday and is awaiting trial for murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Dona Dawson, head of Saddleback’s nursing program.

Nov. 6, 1986, “Coed's death prompts suit”: ...Statements came in response to a suit filed Oct. 28 in Orange County Superior Court

by John and Genelle Reilley, parents of Robbin Brandley. The suit claims that the Saddleback Community College District failed to provide a safe nighttime environment which would have safeguarded the life of Brandley. Her body

was found lying next to her car about 11 p.m in a campus parking lot near the Fine Arts Complex where she had earlier attended a jazz concert and reception. At the time, sheriffs investigators said the 23-year-old woman, a radio and television communications art student, “appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds in the upper body.”

Jan. 29, 1987, “Coed kidnapped, raped—suspect captured”: On the same night a 22-year-old coed was allegedly kidnapped from campus and raped, some Saddleback College students were joking about the campus escort service, one of the escorts told the Lariat...Saddleback student Charles Wesley O’Hearn, 20, a San Juan Capistrano resident, was arrested the same night on suspicion of kidnapping and rape. The victim told police she was next to her car in parking lot 1 (the large lot adjacent to the campus safety building) on the lower campus at approximately 7:45 p.m. when she was approached by the suspect and ordered, at gunpoint, into her car.

Oct. 12, 1995, “Former student

faces charge in gang killing Seventeen-year-old is gunned down outside party in Lake Forest, suspect attended SCC”: A Saddleback College student has been charged with murder in the death of a 17-yearold Lake Forest boy in what law enforcement officials are calling a gang-related shooting. Froilan Salud Rivera, 19, who attended classes at Saddleback for about two weeks, is accused of fatally shooting Edward Flores on Aug. 28 following an argument at a party.

Feb. 15, 2005, “Vigil honors fallen student Bassim Chmait was shot and killed by off-duty officer Feb. 5 in Mission Viejo.”: Approximately 150 people gathered outside the Madrid Apartments in Mission Viejo Feb. 12 to insist justice be branded regarding the killing of 20-year-old Saddleback student Bassim Chmait. Chmait was pronounced dead at the Mission Viejo Medical Center after suffering a bullet wound to the head around 1:30 a.m. Feb. 5. Police have identified the alleged shooter as 42-year-old Douglas Bates, a federal homeland security agent.

Jan. 26, 2011, “Student dies in

stabbing on New Years Day”: A Saddleback College student died after being stabbed, following a New Year’s Eve party at the Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa in the early hours of Jan. 1. Robert Sickles, 27, of Mission Viejo and a group of friends were leaving the hotel at approximately 2 a.m. A man sitting on a bench near the valet parking area flicked a cigarette at the group, which started a verbal argument, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

Feb. 27, 2013, “Student kills 3, shoots himself Saddleback student, All Syed, shoots his way across Orange County during 75 minute long rampage. Motives are still unclear as to why Syed carried out these acts.”: Saddleback student, Ali Syed, 20, was identified by Orange County Sheriff’s Department as the suspect behind the shooting spree that left three people dead and five people injured, before turning the gun on himself on Feb. 19. Information on Syed’s shootings was released by the Tustin Police Department at a press conference held that same afternoon.

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Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 | Opinion

lariatnews.com

Saddleback College opens ‘talkback’ with Red Shuttleworth BRANDON DREY VIDEO EDITOR

Saddleback College Department of Theatre Arts currently presents the world premiere of “Tumbledown” a new absurdist play by award winning cowboy poet Red Shuttleworth. Last weekend, the playwright attended the premier on Friday, Nov. 30 and gave the audience a Q&A after the show.

“What a great cast and crew,” said Shuttleworth during the forum. “I know that they put their life and soul into it tonight.”

Shuttleworth explained where the play drew inspiration from an “old photos of Wyatt Earp and a dream about an angel from the bottomless pit knocking on my door.”

Tying together a series of separate situations, “Tumbledown” is a play “to make you think,” writes director/architect Rick Williamson.

“I enjoyed the hell out of it,” said audience member John Martinez As you enter the Studio Theatre at Saddleback College, expect to walk in the middle of the set. Designed by Marc Jackson, the scene immerses the audience in a modern-day western town.

“I watched a lot of those spaghetti westerns and as a kid I had the guns for Christmas — this was just a special treat for me to be that western-hero,” said performer William Lindner. “You know, Red just wrote it with all of those little snippets from that time.”

The show runs picks back up on Wednesday Dec. 5 and closes on Sunday, Dec. 9. “Tumbledown” is not recommended for chidden under for 15.

CREDIT: HOLLYWOOD NEWS

LIVING’ FAST: Carey Mulligan, left, Ed Oxenbould and Jake Gyllenhaal make up a 1960s family unit in “Wildlife,” an adaptation of Richard Ford’s novel.

‘Stand By Me’ but falls flat “Wildlife” ★★★★

BRANDON DREY VIDEO EDITOR

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire – even if it leaves little to no impact. For Paul Dano’s directorial debut “Wildlife,” the blaze sparks for a moment and flickers in to a runof-the-mill bonfire with your family.

Adapted from Richard Ford’s novel, “Wildlife” focuses on the Brinson family taking place in Great Falls, Montana in 1960. Smoke from wildfires spread across nearby mountain ranges, requiring more firefighters than available. Unemployed men enlist to fight the fire for $1 per hour.

Jerry Brinson (Jake Gyllenhaal) recently lost his job at a local country club, now questioning his sense of purpose. Jeanette Brinson (Carey Mulligan) stays at home raising their son Joe (Ed Oxenbould) until the circumstances bring her to teaching swim lessons for family income. Even Joe takes up a job assisting a local photographer after school to help out.

After refusing to take his job back at the country club, Jerry joins the local fire department and heads for the mountains until winter arrives and extinguishes the remains.

Although he leaves home to stop a fire, another smolders inside his marriage. Jeanette resents his choice quickly falling into false suspicion of Jerry.

Jerry’s absence unfolds the story as the audience takes Joe’s point of view watching his lonely mother eventually find herself in

bed with a much older, financially secure man, Warren Miller (Bill Camp). Sadly, much like the infidelity between Mr. Miller and Jeanette, the climax of the film doesn’t quite hit the spot.

“Wildlife” categorizes itself in a typical coming-of-age fashion. This type of film needs to follow a strict recipe or it’ll turn out like your mother-in-law’s cookies, dull and flat. With that said, Dano delivers a bland flavor for his first attempt in the director’s chair.

Look, he is an incredible actor. His performances will forever have a place in the history of cinema. His portrayal of a young Brian Wilson in “Love and Mercy” hauntingly recalls the creation of “Pet Sounds,” perhaps one of the most important records of the 1960s. But if he is going to portray life during that decade, it’s important to note the fire rises in his acting and shimmers in his directing.

To his credit, he does attempt something unlike most films in this genre. However, the experiment fell short. He intentionally holds the main ingredient for nostalgia, voiceovers.

“Let’s see if we can do it without voiceover,” he said in an interview with NPR. “Let’s try to make this present tense.”

Ambitious, but a mistake.

What would films like“A River Runs Through It,” “Stand By Me,” “The Sandlot,” etc. be like without the protagonist reflecting timeless thoughts and lessons between those quiet moments in time? Imagine “The Wonder Years” without Daniel Stern (Home Alone) narrating Kevin Arnolds curiosity. Awkward.

“Wildlife” feels like there’s heat in the kitchen, but nothing cooking.

Opinion | vol. 51, no. 1

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Christmas sucks, I’m not sorry Yeah, that’s right I said it, What are you going to do about it?

JULIA GARDUNO COPY EDITOR

So it’s that time of year again, the time where you spend all of your money on gifts, listen to the same five songs on repeat and watch Hallmark holiday movies which all have the same exact plot line with just different actors. Do I sound like I’m hating on Christmas? That would be because I am...because I hate Christmas.

Admit it, Christmas kind of does suck but you just don’t want to be the one to say it so I’ll say it for you, loud and clear.

Christmas sucks. I’m not the Grinch, by the way, I don’t hate Christmas because of the people and I don’t think that people shouldn’t be enjoying the holidays. I just think that the whole Christmas thing is overdone and hyped up way too much and I’m not here to try and convince you of anything, I just want to put out a little list of reasons as to why it’s not that great of a holiday and maybe one or two of you will find that you are not alone in believing my unpopular opinion.

For example, there are people who start listening to Christmas music in June and that’s perfectly fine but I just don’t see the reason for it. How many times can you listen to the same five songs until you come to terms with the fact that it just is not good? If you are one of those people who say they genuinely enjoy Christmas music, it is okay to admit that it is awful and overplayed and you only listen to it because you feel obligated

JULIA GARDUNO/LARIAT

to at this point.

Not to mention, if you are a “Christmas person” you are going to be stuck with that title for the rest of your life. The second someone mentions your name, I guarantee you that something Christmas related will be brought up. Is that something you really want? I don’t think so.

Stress and anxiety can run rampant at any given time but it seems that around this time every year, these two things skyrocket and suddenly you wish that Xanax was an over the counter medication. Money and family problems are common around this time which is pretty normal issues for someone to have typically anyway, but Christmas time seems to really bring them to a new level.

I think everyone can relate to money issues in one way or another and we can all agree that they are some of the worst issues to have, especially around

this time. Giving gifts can be incredibly fulfilling but what if you just do not have the means to do so? There is an entire set of problems behind this, one of which being the fact that crime increases in December due to this. Everyone who celebrates the holidays wants to make sure their loved ones get gifts and many will go to any lengths to achieve this which leads to robberies. This might also have to do with the consumerism culture that is so prominent in America today but that is a different topic for a different day.

Family problems are another huge reason as to why Christmas isn’t the best thing ever. For many, the holidays are a time to think about your loved ones and maybe be a little closer to them than usual which is really great. But, what about those who do not have that same luxury?

There are a million different scenarios to consider here but let’s just throw one out there. Some-

times, family just does not do it for you. For the most part, being around family gives people the warm and fuzzies, but there are plenty of people out there who struggle pretty badly around this time of year because that isn’t the case for them.

I could think of an entire laundry list of reasons as to why Christmas sucks like how the taste of eggnog is awful, the mall is always full, it starts to get crazy cold around this time which might not mean anything to some people but as someone who was born and raised in Orange County it means a lot and a million other reasons but I think I’ll just leave it at that.

If you love Christmas, you do you and have a wonderful time this holiday season, enjoy it as much as you can while it lasts.

But if you’re anything like me, remember that it is okay to not like Christmas and you are definitely not an evil person, you’re probably just sensible.

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Wednesday, Dec.. 5, 2018 | Life

lariatnews.com

CHASE BLANCHARD/LARIAT

DECK THE HOUSES: One of the many festive, famouse homes of the Nellie Gail neighborhood in Laguna Niguel.

Elecrtic bills for the stars

The Mission Viejo Civic Center decked out for the holidays.

CHASE BLANCHARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Despite a non-winter wonderland climate, Orange County has always put its best lights forward, slowly sending Public Works into an emotional spiral with how many lights they pepper their houses with. From notable walk-through properties like “Candy Cane Lane” in Rancho Santa Margarita to the driver-friendly light displays like at the Dana Point Harbor. A helicopter view would easily confirm that competition is in the air when it comes to Christmas lights. But here are the five winners.

For these displays, we focused on stationary sights, excluding the many local boat parades. First, of course, is “Candy Cane lane” in RSM, a two cul-de-sac strand of homes all decorated in correlation, working together as a neighborhood to make quite a sight, best experienced on feet. Second, not as uniform but still definitely worth noting, would be the neighborhood of Nellie Gail. While not

CHASE BLANCHARD

every house is decorated, the ones that are will no doubt grab attention. Third in line, the Mission Viejo Civic Center, which had cute wooden structured Christmas themed mini houses for “elves,” making for an impressive walk-through display.

Fourth, would be the Monarch Beach neighborhood of Dana Point, which has its share of light participation, with more than half of the houses decorated extravagantly.

Fifth is a perfect stop after Monarch Beach

homes at the Dana Point harbor which has long been visited and largely decorated for years and unlike others is a drive through sight, perfect for light looking and sipping cocoa.

Our other notable would be the Fashion Island mall in Newport Beach with its main fixture being a 90-foot Christmas tree with a thousands of lights much like the Irvine Spectrum mall which also has a large tree lighting.

Life | vol. 51, no. 3

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Staff’s Top Holiday Films Lariat staffers provide their top Christmas films

LARIAT STAFF

“The Polar Express”: “All aboard!” Tom Hanks the voice actor for several characters in an animated film base from a children’s book. Robert Zemeckis director of “Forrest Gump” directed the film which focus on a boy exploring on a magical train traveling through multiple journeys.

“The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000): No, not animated “The Grinch” that came out a couple of weeks ago. The real Grinch. Jim Carrey (Grinch) and all his gloriousness. The fact that I remember laughing as a kid about jokes that went over my head only makes it funnier now that I understand the sarcasm.

Now, Whoville is way too extra about Christmas, but Carrey honestly makes the whole film

with his house in the mountains, his best bud Max, and his hatred for Christmas.

Living in Whoville would get to me as well. If you have never seen this film, you must of not had a childhood.

“The Nutcracker” in 3D: It’s Christmas Eve and young Mary (Elle Fanning) receives a magical nutcracker from her Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane). Except in this adaptation, the magical music and story of Tchaikovsky are replaced with Nazi-Rats and the burning of toys…Yup! The Rat King (John Turturro), rules an alternative reality with tap dancing, singing Nazi-Rats. This is the worst Christmas movie of all time, yet the best choice for when you’re hella bored.

“Love Actually”: Yes, this is the same writer who wrote an entire piece on why Christmas sucks. I’m here to say that while I stand by my opinion, I genuinely am a huge fan of Love Actually. It’s 2 hours and 25 min-

utes of a fantastic guilty pleasure movie.

It follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England and while there are some of the least amounts of character development I have ever seen in a film, it’s still a classic. Basically, it sucks but in all the right way.

“Elf”: “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear,” Buddy (Will Ferrell) is a cheerful Elf from that accidentally ended up in the North Pole as a child, but Santa and all the other elves raise him. Buddy feels out of place as he grew because all the other elves were different, so Buddy decides to venture out of the North Pole which begins the journey. With Buddy’s buoyant personality and little knowledge of the real world he faces multi-

ple challenges ahead.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”: “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it.” With an eerie combination of Halloween and Christmas this animated film centers on Jack Skellington who is the pumpkin king of Halloweentown, but Jack begins to seek other areas to experience something new other than the traditional scaring people.

Jack accidentally walks into Christmastown which ‘spooks’ him after witnessing a new environment.

“Batman Returns”: Not only is Batman Returns a Christmas classic, it makes you think twice about the ornaments you choose to decorate the tree. Christmas in Gotham is a dark and dangerous place, especially when the ornaments are used as weapons.

Tim Burton’s take on the dark knight’s fight against villains like the Penguin and Catwoman give a warm and fuzzy feeling for the holiday.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2018 | Life

Mission Inn goes all out

photos and story by Courtney Hoshour

Mission Inn in Riverside is notorious for their Christmas lights and decor. By day you can see all the little detials that create this wintery wonderland.

While at night, colorful lights litter the entire hotel grounds!

The entire block of Mission Avenue hosts “The Fetival of Lights”, a small holiday fair lasting all month long. Be sure to stroll around the block! Check out the four story antique shop or have a treat of gingerbread at the Gingerbread cart. There’s also cupcakes!

Or if you want to be hella bougee, dine at one of four restaurants within the hotel! In the mood for authentic Mexican with a rich flare? Las Campanas is your place. Prime steaks and fresh seafood is found at Duane’s. Mission Inn Restaurant is a full on buffet with a beautiful patio seating wihtin the hotel courtyard.

If you do choose Mission Inn as your go-to holiday cation, don’t forget to kiss your loved ones under the giant mistletoe at the main entrance!

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Life | vol. 51, no. 3

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Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 | Sports

lariatnews.com

Christmas takes over San Juan

Another great holiday hangout is the small town of San Juan Capistrano. Take time to tour the historical Mission as well as the ruins of the origin mission walls. New this year, is the Mission tree lighting ceremony! The grounds are highighted with colorful lights and in the middle of the courtyard is live music - both Carolers and a Mariachi band - with homemade Mexican cuisine!

photos by Courtney Hoshour

@lariatnews If you cross the train tracks across the street of the Mission, you’ll find a closed down neighbor street where there are more festivities to explore. House owners transform their homes into little shops, rnaging form galleries to clothing. A multitude of quaint eateries and tea houses are nestled between national historical homes. Free snacks and entertainment are found at every corner. Among which are a local Girl Scout troop and buffets in the yards of sellers. A live Nativity scene and a petting zoo are located near the end of the street. Don’t freak out too much when the trains go by only a few feet away!

Sports | vol. 51, no. 1

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Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 | Life

lariatnews.com

What to watch, avoid for the holidays REMINGTON RAPP OPINION EDITIOR

Naughty List “Aquaman” (Dec. 21) is going to flop. As our least anticipated DC superhero hits the big seen, I present Fish Man. “Bumblebee” (Dec. 21), appears to be a bad transformers remake to a movie nobody wanted to see again.

“Mortal Engines” (Dec. 14) directed by Christian Rivers, is a story about a post-apocalyptic world in which moving cities conquer foreign lands and people.

“The Mule,” (Dec. 14), Directed by Clint Eastwood, this American crime movie share the story of the US’, oldest and most successful drug mule and the DEA’s search to stop him.

“Mary the Queen of Scots,”(Dec. 7) is the British historical drama about the Mary attempt to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and is sentenced to death sentence after the act of rebellion.

“Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” (Dec. 9), a human child, Mowgli is raised in the wild by wolves, must now face with against tigers to protect himself, his home and his family.

“All the Devil’s Men,”(Dec. 7), tells a story of a bounty hunter sent to kill a CIA agent that is trying to use a weapon of mass destruction.

“Destroyer,” starring Nicole Kidman is about a cop that infiltrates a California desert gang to bring down the group and its members this christmas.

“Renegades” (Dec. 21) is a story of navy seals that find gold under a local lake and disobey order to give it back to the rightful owners.

Nice List “Mary Poppins Returns,” (Dec. 25) will attract audiences of children and parents alike, a classic story told in the modern era.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spi-

UNIVERSAL PICTURES/COURTESY

DON’T BE A GRINCH: Max the dog stares down Jim Carrey as the titular character in the Dr. Seuss classic children’s book adapation, directed by Ron Howard in 2000. der-verse,” (Dec. 14); this new comic superhero movie attracts teenagers and comic fans alike, and it pushes the bound of animation on the big screen exclusively.

“Holmes and Watson,” (Dec. 21); soon to be a blockbuster movie is following our favorite investigators this time with a comedic spin with the cast of stepbrothers as Holmes and Watson.

“Welcome to Marwen,” (Dec. 21); Steve Carell shares with us a story of a PTSD victim’s perseverance and determination through his lens of photography.

“On The Basis of Sex,” (Dec 25), looks at the US court of appeals case that overturned centuries of gender discrimination. This critical historical event changed the lives and attitudes of the World.

“Vice,” (Dec. 25), is the story of Dick Cheney, uses his influence and control of power throughout the vice presidency during the Bush administration and his strategy to shaped American foreign policy and foreign intervention.

“Once Upon a Deadpool,” (Dec. 23) is a PG-13 approach to

Deadpool to allow young views to join into the Deadpool fan base.

“Avicii: True Stories” (Dec. 14) tells the story of Avicii and his rise to popularity and his struggle with mental health. This documentary looks at his musical accomplishments while recognizing his struggle with drugs and the dangers of mental health if not addressed.

Holiday Classics “Elf” is the story of, buddy, a human embarking on an adventure to reunite with his family in New YorkCity after finding out that he is not a real elf.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” shares the reality of a crazy Christmas with the family. This comedy highlights family bonding and the problems that arise when family comes to visit.

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is the story of a recluse individual who hates the Christmas season and the values associated with the time. However, through exposure and experience, the Grinch learns the errors in his ways and saves Christmas after

trying to take it away.

“The Polar Express share the story of an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, this journey of self-discovery teaches the children the true meaning of Christmas.

“Home Alone” is the story of a boy that was forgotten during a family trip to find out that they have left him home. While the family is gone career criminals plan to burglarize the vacant homes while families are thought to be on vacation.

“A Christmas Story” follows Ralphie Parker in his pursuit of an ideal Christmas gift a Red Ryder air rifle.

“Rudolph” shares the story of a misfit reindeer who finds his way in life through life by embracing his uniqueness instead of letting it be an obstacle.

“Krampus” tells the story of a German folk monster, that eats children who misbehave or act mischievously.

This list provides you with more than enough binge-worthy content that will hopefully sustain you through this cold December.

Sports | vol. 52, no. 3

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Getting to know your Gauchos

Fall Sports Rankings

COURTNEY HOSHOUR

Saddleback football team won the Bowl Game Patriotic Bowl at Mission High School against Bakersfield College.

Saddleback football team beat Bakersfield the final score was 34-31.

PHOTO EDITOR

Grant Chauncey, 18, played many different sports in high school, one of which being water polo.

Earning the title MVP for water polo at Sierra High School, it wasn’t a surprise Chauncey would continue pursuing this aquatic sport into his college career.

In the beginning, Chauncey had no idea what he was getting himself into when he decided to don a speedo and a swim cap. Especially when he was assigned the important role of goalie. “I had no idea what I was getting into and knew nothing about the sport when I first started playing.” Although new to the practice of egg-beatering, it was the praises he got as a goalie in his Junior year did he decide to continue to play the sport in college.

So as a Freshman, Chauncey is both studying Film and a proving to be a worthy opponent in the water.

The water polo season for our Gauchos was nearly even in wins and loses, with 17 wins and 15 losses out of 32 games. But Chauncey states the season was memorable: “There were a couple of highlights for sure.

We won two overtime games that were pretty insane” (Citrus: 14-13 and Merced: 17-16). As well as, “We won a game, although down one player against Palomar” (Palomar: 14-10).

With the season over, Chauncey is ready to provide his full attention to his studies. His eyes are set on USC and Chapman University, although if he were to continue polo, his attentions are fully on the latter school.

Keep up the good work Grant Chauncey! We believe in you!

Samantha Belmonte, 19, was named to the All-OEC First Team 2018 for soccer. OEC is the Orange Empire Conference, a large 40-minute game involving sophomores from both North and South Orange County. The conference focuses on the stats and abilities of the players.

CHAUNCEY

FREEM

“I had no idea what I was getting into and knew nothing about the sport when I first started playing.”

Grant Chauncey

Belmonte traveled the long distance to Oxnard, where she scored for her team winning the game 2-0. But let’s get to know our resident soccer player herself.

Belmonte is a Sophmore and majoring in Liberal Arts. Her passion for soccer began as a young girl. “I’ve been playing the sport since I was five so 14 years! It’s seriously the best thing in my life and has lead me to so many opportunities.” These opportunities include multiple soccer scholarships from different universities, at the moment she’s torn between Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. and a University in Kansas, but Belmonte is happy to keep her options open for any other schools.

This soccer season was rocky for our Gaucho ladies. Saddleback won the very first game against Norco, but near mid-season took some major “L’s”. It wasn’t until the last two games of the season (IVC: 2-0 and OCC: 3-1, Belmonte kicking a leading goal) did the Gaucho’s re-

BELMONTE

gain victory. Along with five players earning post-season honors - Belmonte among these chosen players.

The Gauchos may have not made it to the playoffs, but we did win the South Orange County college cup!

You go girls!

Matthew Freem, 19, is a kicker for the Gaucho football team and would be labelled as a “Hero”. Why? Because he won the Patriotic Bowl with a 32-yard field goal!

On November 17th, Saddleback hosted Bakersfield College in the Patriotic Bowl, ensuing the two colleges to meet for the fourth time in over 50 years. With the score tied 31-31 and only nine seconds left in the Final Quarter, it was Freem’s bold field goal that put Saddleback in the winner’s seat and to finish the football season on a high note. The final score being 34-31.

But what else do we know about our “heroic kicker”? Freem is a Freshman and majoring in Business Administration. His football career began in Junior year of high school when he was asked to try out for the team. “Ever since, I loved the game.”

A wise choice, as he won us the Bowl!

(Holla!) As well as a favorable one in his social life, as Freem believes he’s grown closer with his Gaucho teammates both on and off the field.

With his skills in football etched in stone, Freem wishes to transfer to a Division 1 school and continue his passion for the sport. Arizona State being his current choice and long time dream school.

Hey, ASU! We got your future kicker right here!

Saddleback men’s Cross country placed 15th at the southern California regional finals.

Saddleback women’s cross country ranked 5 at state finals.

Saddleback women’s volleyball team finished the season 8-14 overall and 7-9 in Orange Empire Conference play.

For Saddleback women’s golf team, Brittney Do placed fourth at the California Community College Athletic Association State Championships.

Saddleback men’s water polo team played in the Orange Empire conference at Fullerton College and placed fourth. Saddleback men’s water polo team beat Fullerton College 18-8.

Saddleback women’s water polo team played in the Orange Empire conference at Fullerton College and placed fourth in the conference. Saddleback women’s water polo team beat Orange Coast College 18-12.

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Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 | Sports

a ride into

first place

nursing a wound

Corey Colapinto opens up about surf ing, school and sting rays // By Brandon Drey

lariatnews.com

T

JEREMIAH KLEIN

he sun beamed directly into the outdoor bar seating at Bear Coast Coffee, located feet away from the sands of San Clemente beach and pier. Tuesday afternoons typically bring an easy crowd around the “pier bowl,” a term dubbed by locals of the charmingly modest southern California beach city. * “Do you think we could find some shade,” asks Saddleback Surf team member Corey Colapinto. “That sun is pretty intense.” * His thick black sunglasses give a shield until he removes them after finding a large palm umbrella-shelter, casting a shadow away from the ocean. He makes himself comfortable in the sand, brushing patterns with his hands and feet. * “I surfed San O this morning,” he says.

“I’m glad I went early today.” * Colapinto began surfing at the age of three when him and his dad rode tandem on an 11-foot longboard. Born and raised a stones throw away from the sand he sits on, he fixes his eyes on the sets forming and rolling toward the shore. * “He just through a life jacket on me,” he says. “So, he was doing all the work. I didn’t really get into it until I was about ten when I started getting into competitions.” * Growing up in a surf town, a lot of groms look to the ocean as their playground. If they can play well

Sports | vol. 51, no. 3

@lariatnews enough, the hobby becomes a sport and the sport becomes competition.

Most recently, Colapinto placed first in the National Scholatist Surfing Association college longboard division at Seaside beach in Encinitas, California. The Saddleback Surf team competed in both the longboard and shortboard divisions.

The judges base their scores on control, connecting maneuvers and overall style.

“You’ll get scored higher than if you look out-of-control,” he says. “A lot of time, you know, if you have a good style you can pull things off that make it look like you’re in control when you’re really not.” Colapinto laughs, admitting he feels like that “a lot of the time.”

He says,”Surfing is a lot of improvisation because you don’t know what the waves going to throw at you until a second before it does.”

A week before Colapinto won the competition, a sting ray stung his right foot, beginning on the bottom and coming out of the side near his outermost toe.

“It stabs you really deep like a knife wound and its poison is so painful,” he says.

“I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. If I was by myself, maybe I would have.”

Laughing at the moment, he expressed his gratitude about a fellow surfer at San Onofre Beach aiding his misfortune. The man boiled hot water in his RV and extracted the heat-seeking venom from Colapinto’s foot “During the competition I still had a big hole in my foot,” he says. “I hadn’t been surfing the days before it, like, the whole week before it actually. I wanted to let it heal and close up, but it didn’t and I still surfed the contest anyways. The next day, my foot got super infected. It swelled up and I had to get on antibiotics.”

Nursing his wound thereafter, he spent another week out of the water and the waves wait for no man, including Colapinto.

“It’s tough,” he says. “I feel like all my marbles are in surfing and when I can’t surf, I don’t know what to do.”

Picking up the sand, he shifts it back and forth, from hand to the other like a never-ending timer. The sounds of the waves fill the silence as he watches a new set appear.

“The waves were really small during the competition and there wasn’t a lot of waves for almost everyone in the final,” he says.

“Conditions were 2-3 ft with some of the sets about chest high.”

Competition surfing for Colapinto is not his primary focus. He enjoys his time on the

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BRANDON DREY/ LARIAT

surf team and admits he didn’t even know there was one until the coach (Lindsey Steinriede) told him about it.

Steinriede notes Colapinto as one of the stand-out surfers of our community. Rightfully so, considering his professional status, many awards and sponsorships.

“She’s actually one of my favorite longboarders,” he says. “I surf with her pretty regularly out at ‘San O’ and I maybe wouldn’t of thought about joining the surf team if it wasn’t for her.”

Although ‘being on the surf team is cool,’ Colapinto says competition surfing brings out an ‘aggressive side to surfing’ he does not prefer.

“I enjoy the artistic side of surfing more, that’s why I wanted to learn film actually,” he says. “I kind of started getting into it and then Saddleback helped me out a lot too because there is a big side of surfing that isn’t competition. It’s artistic; it’s media. With surf movies and lifestyle — which is really what I think surfing is.”

For Colapinto, surfing opened opportunities to travel all over the world. From the shores of Mexico to the island of Fiji, his list goes on. Noting his favorite break, he mentions a point called Double Island off the coast of Australia.

“You get to this spot, you mob out there to this point break with this super long and beautiful wave,” he says. “It was such a cool experience to get out and surf a new wave that feels like you’re in the wilderness.”

His next adventure will take him to Africa. Traveling with Capo Valley Church’s ministry ‘Red Door,’ Colapinto will lead high-school students to Swaziland.

“I’m really excited,” he says.

As a student at Saddleback College, Colapinto also works toward completing his degree online in Liberal Arts. Ultimately, his goal aims toward getting his teaching credential to educate future generations at the elementary level.

“I just like to try and offer more than my surfing for them,” he says.

16 Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 ¦ Life

lariatnews.com

5 holiday-themed cocktails

Skip the egg nog this season; try one of these tasty, spirited alternatives EPIPHANIE GUICHETEAU CONTRIBUTOR

Christmas is a time to get together next to the fireplace surrounded by family and friends. Open gifts, have a nice meal and of course, drink eggnog. Yet there is so much more to drink!

This year, if you do not know what to offer your beloved, how about becoming the bartender of the night to make Christmas magical again? These drinks will be the star at the top of the tree and will warm everyone up during this somewhat cold season.

SANTA CLAUS COSMOPOLITAN Be the real Santa this year! Here is a gift that the elves won’t have to wrap. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a Santa Claus Cosmopolitan. You cannot get more Christmas than this; the name of this cocktail says it all.

You will need one cup of vodka, one and a half cup of cranberry juice, one-fourth cup of triple sec, one-fourth cup of lime juice in a shaker. Shake well, run a lime wedge around the rim, adorn with white sanding sugar and pour.

DRUNK JACK FROSTIES What’s better than bingewatching Christmas movies on Netflix? Binge-watching Christmas movies with friends while drinking ocean blue Drunk Jack Frosties with three or four of your BFFs! To make a batch of these you will need one cup of vodka, one cup of champagne,

“These drinks will be the star at the top of the tree during this somewhat cold season.”

EPIPHANIE GUICHETEAU

A) Santa Claus Cosmopolitian: Vodka drink with cranberry and triple sec. B) Drunk Jack Frosties: Champagne, Blue Curacao, and lemonde blended beverage. C) Grinch Cocktail: A peppermint vodka, and white cup of courage. D) Irish Coffee: Coffee and whiskey blend of goodness. E) Cranberry Mismosa: A classic mimosa with a splash of cranberry juice. half a cup of Blue Curacao and lemonade, then add three cups of ice. Blend until well mixed, run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass and then dip in sanding sugar. Pour your frosties into rimmed glasses and voila!

GRINCH COCKTAIL If you are one of those people who hates the Christmas spirit, then this is the right drink for you. Let’s face it, the kids are annoying, the music is dreadful, it’s cold outside and everyone pretends to be happy. It all can be unbearable, so sit down and enjoy your drink! You will need a dash of simple syrup, one drop of green food coloring, half an ounce of peppermint vodka and white rum, Sprite and a dog to

keep you company.

IRISH COFFEE The Irish coffee is a classic for coffee and whiskey lovers. It is bittersweet while warming you up to help you stay awake (or help you wake-up in the morning). It is a great and easy beverage to make. All you need is one teaspoon of brown sugar, half a cup of black coffee, one fourth cup of Jameson Irish whiskey. Top it off with whipped cream and a french truffle for added savory flavor.

CRANBERRY MIMOSA Mimosas are elegant and are great for Sunday brunch or after a long day. They are definitely going to be great for this coming

holiday with their reddishChristmas color. All you need for this light and delightful drink is one-fourth cup of cranberry juice, three-fourth cup of sparkling wine (champagne).

If you feel like getting crazy, add a sugar rim. You will need half a lime, two tablespoons of sanding sugar, cranberries and small sprigs of fresh rosemary to garnish.

Give these drinks a try during this holiday season. Say goodbye to eggnog and say hello to a whole new world with these festive cocktails you did not know you were going to love.

Best case scenario you end up drunk, worst case scenario you end up drunk. Happy holidays!