News of the Laguna Beach Breakers http://www.lbhsnews.com
November 24, 2009
Volume 73 Issue 3
ACR students compete in Siemens Competition By Masha Goncharova and Kellie Benson Co-Editors-in-Chief
Samantha Piszkiewicz and Nicolai DorengStearns submitted their research of a plastic anti-venom substitute for cobra venom to the Siemens Competition. Seniors Samantha Piszkiewicz and Nicolai Doreng-Stearns competed
in the Siemens Competition for Math, Science and Technology. They are developing a plastic antivenom substitute for cobra venom. Along with 30 other national teams, Piszkiewicz and Doreng-Stearns passed one Initial Stage of competition, guaranteeing them $1,000.00 each. On Nov. 20 and 21, the duo attended Regionals at the California Institute of Technology. They endured media training, practice presentations and listened to a nobel laureate. “The idea of participating
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in the competition was developed in the spring when Samantha had preliminary results that were very promising, and I thought it was good enough that they had a chance in the competition,” said science teacher Steve Sogo. In Sogo’s 2008 Advanced Chemical Research class, Piszkiewicz began this project out of personal interest to understand snake venom. “We started out not thinking about a competition; we joined the class because we wanted to learn how to do research,”
said Piszkiewicz. At the end of last year, Sogo saw potential for the project and enlisted DorengStearns, a fellow senior with background in biochemistry, to join Piszkiewicz. Piszkiewicz, DorengStearns and Sogo spent the summer collecting data from pig blood and snake toxin. “I don’t think I could’ve worked by myself,” said Piszkiewicz. “I’m so used to working as a team, bouncing ideas off other people.” If they publish their findings, the project would have implications for the rest of science. Normally, anti-
venom has a short lifespan, but Piszkiewicz and DorengStearns are manufacturing a long-lasting alternative. “Normally, the venom will decompose, but ours doesn’t decompose because it’s synthetic,” said DorengStearns. The future of this project lies largely within the ACR classroom. While the duo has taken the project far, both students admit that much research needs to be completed before it is usable. “This is my lifetime project, and as long as I’m here I’m going to be
working on this. I’m hoping that it continues to progress, and right now I think what we have is real, but I’m not sure,” said Sogo. However, in the end, the project is about teamwork and expanding educational horizons. “This wouldn’t be fun if we were doing it just for the scholarship money,” said Piszkiewicz. Although they did not advance to Nationals, they leave as Regional Finalists with a certificate of recognition from the Senate, their scholarship money and pride.
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(Masha Goncharova)
1. Samantha Piszkiewicz and Nicolai Doreng-Stearns diligently take direction from Mr. Sogo. 2. The pair tests pig blood for their experiment. 3. After testing the blood, they happily collect their data. The team advanced to Regional Finals.
Senegal video inspires change in LBHS students By Masha Goncharova and Kendall Kleinberg Editor-in-Chief and Entertainment Editor
On Nov. 18, the director of the “My Hero Project,” Cheikh Darou Seck, visited French teacher Odile Dewar’s classes to speak about the program. His movie focused on the flooding in Senegal and the effect of the adverse conditions on the citizens. “The presentation was very eye-opening. The video showed the poverty of Africa and how difficult life is for the people,” said senior Jessica Tan. Seck planned this presentation with hopes that students will deepen
their understanding of the French speaking world in places other than France. He hoped to break the boundaries between the Paris chic stereotype and the realities of Frenchspeaking places. “When properly used, movies can be a powerful tool that can help educate members of the community by giving them an alternative viewpoint and showing them what’s going on in other parts of the world as an element of comparison that can help them see the world differently,” said Seck. This flood started during the rainy season in Senegal, which is July, and ended in September. This country received the
same amount of water in one month that it should receive in 15 years. “I really enjoyed it because we got to hear about Africa and listen to a different dialect,” said junior Berklee Donovan. Seck played his never before released video on the flooding in Senegal. Students benefitted from a new perspective on world conditions through seeing the dire situation. After the video, Seck spoke to the students about any action they could take. “It is common for people not directly involved or affected by a situation to ignore it, but we have a responsibility to those people who are immediately affected,”
Check out the foreign exchange students on page 6.
Left: French teacher Odile Dewar stands with Cheikh Darou Seck, director of the “My Hero Project.” Dewar asked Seck to enlighten students about the flooding in Senegal. Right: Seck speaks to Dewar’s French class. (Kendall Kleinberg)
said senior Alex Williamson. “If their own government refuses or is unable to get involved, it is our obligation to help.” It took Seck about
three months to make this film. He visited twice because he wanted to see what was happening to the families after an elapsed time. “It was culturally
Look at the Thanksgiving sports menu on pages 4 & 5.
beneficial to see Mr. Seck’s role and to learn about the inundation in Africa and its effect on the people who live there,” said junior Hayley Seitz.
News
November 24, 2009
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Discovering the positive forces By Nile Koegel News Editor
Let us take a little time to recognize those that have driven us to success, helped us realize our talents, or just encouraged us. Some people refer to these individuals as “heroes.” As part of the fifth annual “My Hero Film Contest,” four groups of students united in relaying the concept of the hero through film. According to the contest’s website, the contest aims “to celebrate the best of humanity and to empower young people to realize their own potential to effect positive change in the world.” Four groups with four
films all entered the finals on Oct. 21: “Saviors of the Sea” (Jack Pillsbury, George Sadler, Derek Ziegler, on the Laguna Beach Marine Mammal Rescue; “Capootnutz” (Nikko LaBarbera), on the late Max Caputo; “The Man Behind the Curtain” (Jordan Glenn, Sterling Philips, Jason Li, Thaddeus Heitman), on Drama Director Mr. Dressler; “Have a Homerun Day” (John Barrett and Austin Dodge) on Laguna favorite Skipper Carrillo. All four films embody the hero and how they contribute to the community: through tenderness and love of life (“Saviors”); through respect for a friend (“Capootnutz”);
through reverence for a mentor (“Curtain”); and through detailing the spirit
that a man gives to his town (“Homerun”). Of the four films, “Have a Homerun Day” took first place overall in the finals,
view of what the court system is really like,” said Lundblad. Lundblad takes this trip twice a year with her classes. The students observe trials, such as murder cases, assault cases and other CSI related trials. “[The students are] able to bring what they have seen
into the classroom,” said Lundblad. The real-life connection to the textbook reading and notes allows the students to relate to the real world during classroom discussions. “We sat in on a murder trial and it was a good learning experience” said
“I’m so excited. It’s our first entry into any contest,” digital media teacher Pam MacKay, who headed the project, said. “It’s an
international contest and very honored.” The creation of the videos involved more work than one would think, however. “It was difficult in the beginning to get the ball rolling. As soon as we started editing, we knew we were on to something […] It overall was a very rewarding experience,” junior Jordan Glenn said. As for the finals, some felt ready for a fight to the finish yet acknowledged the skills of their opponents. “We face strong competition but hopefully will win because of our hard work [and] strong commitment,” sophomore Jack Pillsbury said. Ultimately, the videos
and their creators have accomplished a feat by learning a lesson vital to appreciating life. “Max [Caputo] was friends with everyone, no matter who you were. Don’t look at the little things or judge—just be nice and outgoing and life will be so much better,” said senior Nikko LaBarbera. These students demonstrate there are lessons to be learned from everyone, no matter their origin. “The lesson these people teach is that you don’t have to be Superman or Spiderman to be a hero; it can simply be your soccer coach. Anyone who inspires you as a true mentor and pushes you to excel at your
senior Hayley Wyett. The trip involved three different levels of trials. First were the least serious, infraction cases, which are mostly traffic law violations. The mood was comparably light compared to the next trial where men in prison jumpsuits and shackles were
locked inside a glass box surrounded by a cage. Finally, the students were able to have a mock trial, each student given a certain role to play out in the re-enactment designed to show students actual court room etiquette. The class also sat in on a gang-related murder trial.
Compared to the infraction and misdemeanor cases that the class witnessed earlier in the day, the felony trial had a constant air of tension and stress. “I often have the students saying that it was the best field trip they have had,” said Lundblad.
with “The Man Behind the Curtain” coming to a close second.
(John Barret and Austin Dodge)
This is a clip from Have a Homerun Day of Skipper Carillo. The video won first place at the My Hero Film Contest.
LBHS students have their day in court By Alex Maxwell Reporter
On Nov. 10, 2009, 60 students from Jennifer Lundblad’s American Government class went to the Santa Ana Courthouse to see the Judicial System in action. “It gives students a realistic
Entertainment
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November 24,2009
Meet the artist behind the banner By Masha Goncharova Editor-in-Chief/Managing Editor
Senior artist Natasha Weir, a blue-eyed flutist, composed the winning banner for The Brush and Palette upon a whim. “At first, I kinda just went for it,” said Weir. “When I finished, I was proud of it, but I didn’t think I was going to win.” She’s humble. After consecutive summers at the Sawdust Festival helping her
mother, father, grandmother and grandfather at their booths, Weir developed her aesthetic senses. “I guess growing up at the Sawdust kinda rubbed off on me,” said Weir. Given the challenge of combining the school’s Art(Natasha Weir) ists’ heritage with Natasha has continuously diplayed her artistic talent. the more recent Here is an example of one of her drawings. Breakers’ identity, Weir approached the task with reason. She avoided mimicking the old banner, which simply ca-
ters to the Artists’ theme. “I wanted to use some of both and thought that the art nouveau theme fit really well,” said Weir. “It kinda flowed in so that the artist differed from the breaker, but they were still one and the same.” The banner pictures a wave on one side and a palette on the other, a purposeful tip of the hat to the mixed personality of the school. Though the staff was open to both ideas,
Weir’s piece achieved a balance that they hope to keep for many years to come. Aside from designing banners, Weir is also an avid cartoonist. From the Thanksgiving turkeys featured on the center spread of this issue to Oriental works, Weir dedicates herself to versatility in her artwork. She is currently studying in Mr. Peter Tiner’s AP Art Studio class and working on her portfolio. To see more of Weir’s work, check out www.lbhsnews.com.
Putnam County speller, played by Sophia Tupy, and the vice principal, played by Brooks Freeman. Each character had a unique personality and diverse family background, making it intriguing to watch each character’s struggle in dealing with their families and finding themselves. “I really enjoy working with this amazing cast. Everyone is so extremely talented,” said sophomore Ej Kramer. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee also provided a unique opportunity for audience members. The hosts of the bee call up four audience members (who had signed up previously) to come up to the stage and take part
unusual experience during the show. All seats are set on the stage, so the audience enjoys the feel of being a part of the jury. This is known as ‘the round.’ “The round makes it a challenge, almost like we’re sitting on the audience or something,” said Luke Dressler, juror #7. “It’s a really good experience as an actor, just much more nerve wracking. The audience can see every move we make,” said Dressler. The entire cast is made up by only twelve people: Luke Dressler, Sam Hilburn, Nicolai Doreng-Stearns, Kate Stuart, Adam Genesta, Louis Brown, Morea Arthur, Macarena Riviera, Sawyer Pierce, Sarah Davis, Nia Evans and Katharine Epstein. With only twelve people
in the play, each actor really gets into his or her role and brings different attributes to the production. Alone, Sawyer Pierce successfully contributed humor, anger and strong emotion to each scene. Sawyer truly exhibited incredible acting throughout the entire production. Kate Stuart as well, enhanced her character and made the show the success it was. “This show’s cool because the entire time, all twelve of us, are on stage the whole time, with the same set. Tables, chairs, and a trashcan. People really just focus on the acting,” said Epstein, juror #2. All in all, Twelve Angry Jurors was a huge success. Congratulations Park Avenue Players and directors Mark Dressler, Amanda Saunders and Tracey Bonner.
Simultaneous shows hit the Artists’ Theatre 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Can you spell hilarious? Then you certainly would have enjoyed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Directed by Mark Dressler, Amanda Saunders and Tracey Bonner, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee told the story of six spellers, who were played by Brad Barnes, Sarah Busic, Chandler Davis, Wyatt Fair, Ej Kramer and Makenna Zur Schmeide. As they went through the highs and lows of a spelling bee, the spellers were guided by a former
in the spelling bee, too. “The colorful costumes, the exuberant characters, the outrageous humor, the audience interaction and the incredible voice make this show worth seeing,” said junior Caroline Rechter, official stage manager of the Park Avenue Players. With its cheery music, hilarious dialogue and amazing lighting, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was a must see production. Hopefully, you didn’t M-I-S-S O-U-T. “If you are a regular theater goer, this show will be like nothing you’ve ever seen. If you never go to the theater, this is a show you can’t miss!” said Rechter.
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By Ashlyn McCleve Reporter
Twelve Angry Jurors Laguna Beach High School is proud to present Twelve Angry Jurors. Based on the 1954 teleplay, Twelve Angry Jurors made its Broadway debut fifty years after the teleplay and remains a classic. Unlike the audience of the original play, the Laguna Beach audience witnesses six men and six women, instead of all men, enter the stage and gather around a large table to decide whether or not to sentence a young man to death. One juror, played by Kate Stuart, believes the young man to be innocent and must convince the eleven other jurors. The audience enjoys an
Staff Box
The
By Camille Ring Entertainment Editor
Masha Goncharova-Editor-in-Chief/Managing Editor Kellie Benson-Editor-in-Chief/Production Manager Bryan Pham-Photo Editor Nile Koegel-News Editor Kendall Kleinberg-Features Editor Nusheen Goshtasbi-Opinions Editor Camille Ring-Entertainment Editor Gerry Artman-Sports/Health Editor Greta Martin-Public Relations Manager Kaleb Rotert- Web Manager Savannah Miller-Web Manager Mackenzie Baldridge-Reporter Cady Cooper-Reporter Rebecca Galan-Reporter Grace Komoroczy-Reporter Lindsey LoJacono-Reporter Alex Maxwell-Reporter Ashlyn McCleve-Reporter Lauren Montgomery-Reporter Karina Reiss-Reporter Dillon Ronson-Reporter Rickie Scott-Reporter Jill Seegmiller-Reporter Rachel Young-Reporter Misha Rudnick- Reporter Supervisor- Mr. Jim Brusky
4&5
LBHS Breaker Menu: Thanksgiving Specials
Special-order Service: By Caty Cooper Reporter
Spicy with Extra Kick:
By Lauren Montgomery Reporter
This year, the girls’ varsity tennis team will be coming together as a team arou nd Thanksgiving time—first with CIF preliminaries, then with indi vidual sectionals. CIF preliminaries were on Nov. 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19. Individual sectiona ls took place on Nov. 21. The team members will be getting even closer than they already are, practicing toge ther four to five times a week in orde end the season in strong fashion. r to “Knowing that we have to work toge ther to achieve a goal is what brings us close. If we don’t all do our best, we won’t succeed,” said senior McK enna Nokes.
uts for the girls’ frosh-soph, High School soccer program held tryo On Nov. 9 and 10 the Laguna Beach ing, wind sprints and intricate tryouts consisted of long distance runn junior varsity and varsity teams. The re Savannah Graf. ball-handling drills on Guyer Field. aborate to make a goal,” said sophomo coll to g tryin r othe each for e ther “We’re all a good spot on the team. r all, hoping for a successful win and thei it give and hard very k wor The girls bonded as a family. Throughout this process they become ily, and with all the practices is more than just a team; it’s like a fam er socc “We feel very united because else,” said sophomore Caroline that you just don’t get from anyone and games you build a level of trust Cannan. er’s house and surprising the mate’s birthday by jogging up to a play On Nov. 4 the girls celebrated a team girl with cake and singing. and off the field with their municating and working together on com by g ivin nksg Tha to up lead The girls friends and teammates.
By Rachel Young Reporter
The Laguna Beach High School voll eyball players are committed to team work and mutual support. “Volleyball is a fantastic sport. The team is of great potential and a great way to get involved,” said boys volleyball Armando Barraza. player While the boys are getting in shape for the season in the spring, the girls volleyball team is preoccupied with rigorous practices. The volleyball seas their own on is over for the frosh/soph and juni or vars ity teams, but varsity’s hard work has off and they have made it to CIF. paid In the beginning of September, it was a new season and the girls got a chan ce to meet different people and mak friends, but as volleyball came to an e plenty of end, the freshman girls designed and crea ted poster as a way of saying goodby fellow senior team members. e to their “The team is pretty close by the end of the season,” said girls volleyball play er Alex Murphy. After putting in many hours of train ing and competition, the boys and the non -varsity girls are getting a break. Som letes must give up their Thanksgivin e athg holiday and time with their families to devote even more to their sport; how it is only preseason volleyball for the ever, since boys and the frosh/soph girls season is over, they get to stay home during break and enjoy lots of apple cider and Thanksgiving turkey!
Alley-oop Soups:
Fresh from the Sea: By Byan Pham Photo Editor
doing really well this year. s,” Scott Finn, the The Laguna Beach surf team has been over the skimboard team at Dana Hill and bor Har port New r ove ory vict “We have a surf coach, said. other. bond that the surf team has with each One of the keys to this success is the tests together,” Sean con in s team r othe tice and surf against prac we as ps dshi frien elop dev all “We Kimball, senior, said. ists in and out of the ocean. bond is so good is that the team coex Finn says one of the reasons why the team mom Dorte Pakpour. e breakfast together, provided by the On competition mornings they all hav parents that help out. each other from the freshmen to the The surf team really has a bond with about surfing and life,” talk get some time to bond and we er, wat the in out ther toge tice “As we prac Kimball said.
By Grace Komoroczy Reporter
By Mackenzie Baldridge Reporter
at a ents. Thanksgiving could not come ked schedules, tests and class assignm boo rlyfor all ove ks to st than adju give to to time and a n is dow fall h needed time to slow muc After easy-going summer, the us ides prov day holi g ivin ed, break. The Thanksg is no exception. Now the season is end more opportune time; we all need a Laguna Beach boys’ water polo team ool. Sch h Hig ch Bea una Lag at that we have been given here ct. es next year,” Damato said. coach Ethan Damato takes time to refle they will definitely miss their teammat that said e hav the Breakers ors seni the and e, to Montebello High School, placing lost “This team feels very clos they ch whi in ls ifina sem CIF the place last week in Although the team’s final game took t and very successful season. e everything I be a time to look back on a well-fough will g ivin nksg so hard throughout the season and don third in their division, Tha ked wor e hav y The S. LBH at here s I have coached “This is by far the closest of any team is unbeatable,” added Damato. play to their full capacity, this team they if that w a supportive coach. have asked of them. I kno be thankful for: great teammates and to lot a e hav you , team polo er wat Yes, Laguna Beach boys’
The boys varsity basketball team has always been very well accomplished throughout the years. Although the girls team hasn’t quite achieved the same level of accomplishments, this year coach Jon Hendrickson believes this to change. is going “I think we have a pretty good shot at having a great year with a lot of grea t new additions to our team,” said Hen drickson. Both teams have been practicing on a regular basis even though they are just getting into the beginning of thei seasons. r “I’m really excited to be on the team this year. It’s been great so far getting to know all the girls on the team. We all so close already,” said senior Kar are ly Mac. Hopefully, the girls can do as well as the boys varsity basketball team who won league last year. They all practice together on the court and are also clos e at school with one another. “These guys practice year round. Mos t kids spend more time with their coac hes and teammates than even their own families,” said boys coach Bret Flem ing.
Catch of the Day: By Grace Komocrazy Reporter
The Laguna Beach varsity football team not only has record-breaking statistics this year, but also a stro ng bond on and off the field. The seni ors on the team have significantly helped to bring the othe r players together as a family. “We all hang out together outside of football, and we all definitely have a strong bond,” said senior captain Ethan Quirarte. No surprise here. Many of the players can be seen around school walking with one another to their classes. Going into the holiday s, the team is coming off of their loss to Beckman but even though they may be down their spirits are high . “Im not particularly happy with the loss, but its been a great season and I have had a blast being on the team with boys i consider my family,” said senior Chris Hillema nn.
November 24, 2009
On-the-go Order: By Gerry Artman Sports/Health Editor
State Finals in Fresno on Nov. 28. d Thanksgiving working hard for the spen will s team ntry cou s cros ity s, The boys and girls vars . We hang out a lot outside of practice ’t want to let each other down in a race don we use beca ily fam a like be to “It is important or Andrew Shapiro. which also brings us closer,” said seni seniors Blake Hofmeister, re might be all-state athletes such as The lts. resu of ty ibili poss the ut abo Coach Dave Brobeck is excited t Neev. said Brobeck. Tommy Newton-Neal and junior Mat n, and it’s more fun to run as a family,” dow r othe each let to t wan ’t don ones that “The teams that run the best are the State Finals. eback from last year and make it to This year, the girls could have a com ther which makes us like a spend the majority of Saturdays toge We . girls and s boy e, mat team each “We unite at races and support is family,” said junior Beverly Ronses. for your family. As teammates, if one ng in CIF. “You would do anything peti com are they that now er clos m. lot Lali The girls feel a r for good results,” said coach Steve . There has to be team chemistry in orde team the help to up it step will ther down, ano
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Features
November 24, 2009
(Foreign Exchange)
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Nusheen Goshtasbi Opinions Editor
Lotta Caning (junior) Hamburg, Germany Why LBHS? To experience something new. To be in a new country and to learn a new culture. Who is your host family? The Rand Luby family How do you like LBHS? It’s a great school. It is beautiful here and there are great teachers. Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? I am going to New York. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? I’m thankful for my wonderful host family. My uncle Nuby lives here and
LBHS gets a new wave of foreign exchange students. I’m very thankful for him. He is taking me on a trip to Canada for helicopter skiing. What is most different here compared to home? The weather, lifestyle and sports (football). What is your favorite food here? Strawberry milkshakes are my favorite, I love them! What is your favorite class at LBHS? Art! Do you plan to attend college in America after graduating high school? I do want to come back and visit, but I’m not sure if I want to go to college here.
Letizia Aligiro (senior) Genoa, Italy Why LBHS? To learn English and to know a new culture. Who is your host family? The Steinert family/ the White family. How do you like LBHS? It was pretty hard in the beginning, but I like it. Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? I don’t know what I’m going to do for Thanksgiving, but I’ll be staying with my host family. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? I am so thankful for my
host family. I love them. What is most different here compared to home? Everyone around here is blonde. What is your favorite food here? Mexican food is my favorite food here. What is your favorite class at LBHS? Ceramics. Do you plan to attend college in America after graduating high school? I’d like to go to college here, but I’d miss home too much. When I go back home I still have to finish my Italian studies which are very hard.
Why LBHS? To meet new people, and to experience something different. Who is your host family? The Hekma family How do you like LBHS? It’s awesome. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? I am very thankful to be here, and so lucky to have
There have only been a couple of fights in the past few years, two of which have happened this year alone. Freshmen were involved in both. They have also been throwing food at lunch and displaying an overall lack of manners.
“Freshmen don’t seem to have enough respect for their upperclassmen,” said junior Miles Shirley. Some freshmen find fighting cool and use it as a source of entertainment. Has our generation replaced morals with thrills?
“Everybody gets excited over the hype of a fight. Whenever something like that happens, everyone knows about it instantly,” said freshman Bailey Hartman. Even with the recent increase in violence around campus, two fights could
just be a coincidence. However, what some fail to realize is that our school is perhaps safer than others. “From other schools, this is a major improvement,” said silk screening teacher Scott Wittkop. Not all freshmen are
Foreign exchange students hold their countries’ flags. Left to right: Lotta, Letizia, Lara (Nusheen Goshtabi)
Lara Carolin Bade (junior) Heidelberg, Germany
this experience. What is most different here compared to home? The weather is very different and the culture. What is your favorite food? Burritos. What is your favorite class at LBHS? Drama.
Do you plan to attend college in America after graduating high school? Maybe.
Fiery feisty freshmen fight with fists of fury Savannah Miller Web Manager
Imagine coming out of a quiet library, finding a crowd of people gathered around a fight. For many students at Laguna Beach High School, they don’t have to imagine.
bad. Many students of the class of ’13 are positively involved in school through drama, music, sports, classes and clubs. “There are a lot of talented freshmen around campus,” said principal Dr. Don Austin.
Opinions
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November 24, 2009
New Homeless Shelter: Pro? Con?
Rickie Scott Reporter
The public parks and beaches of Laguna Beach have become a haven for homeless individuals. Our city was under pressure from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to repeal an anti-camping ordinance. After the Laguna Beach City Council came to the conclusion that the anti-camping ordinance was inhumane and unconstitutional, they unanimously approved a temporary solution: the Act V Alternative Sleeping Solution. The goal of the Act V Alternative Sleeping Solution is to keep people safe, warm, clothed and fed. The city will operate the units in collaboration with Friendship Shelter, Laguna Relief and Resource Center, and Mercy House, three well-known organizations experienced in working with the homeless. The act asks for leased modular units that accommodate fifty people, and provides heat, electricity, plumbing and food. Run by the Friendship Shelter, the city’s most trusted organization, the Act V housing aims to develop a permanent housing solution and the resources needed to do that. The Act V Temporary Shelter is an excellent idea for many reasons. First, it gives the city the ability to keep its parks and beaches secure. Second, it begins the process of developing an organized solution to deal with poverty and homelessness in our community. And third, it works towards building relationships among the government, social service agencies and homeless people.
The focus of the Act V Alternative Sleeping Solution is to move people towards becoming self-sufficient. Everyone will have a home and will continue to be linked to the programs and services they need such as counseling and job preparation courses. Taxpayers typically argue that they do not want to spend their money on homeless people, but what they do not realize is that, in the end, it will save them millions of dollars. If homeless people are put in the temporary shelters and eventually permanent housing, it will prevent most of the unnecessary problems they face that cost our taxpayers money, such as ambulance rides, emergency services and jail visits. Other people argue that the shelter will attract more homeless people to Laguna. However, mental health workers say that 85 percent of all homeless people have chronic mental health illnesses, deeming them physically disabled. There is no evidence that temporary housing attracts homeless people to our town. In fact, studies show that 75 percent of homeless people live in the community in which they became homeless. The temporary solution of Act V housing will be beneficial to our community: it is the right and compassionate thing to do, it will save our community money and we will be keeping our parks and beaches safe and clean. With the Act V housing, Laguna Beach will be one step closer to providing permanent housing for those seeking to obtain it.
Editorial I
Get Involved by The Brush and Palette Staff
n response to the presentation by Cheikh Darou Seck, the director of the “My Hero Project,” senior Alex Wlliamson said: “it is our obligation to get involved.” The Brush and Palette staff agrees. We need to stop doing community service only to meet graduation requirements and simply to impress colleges with worthless hours of ineffective community service. It’s time to leave the Laguna Beach bubble, LBHS, whether its helping flood victims in Senegal or learning about other local or global needs, let’s do community service because we want to help. Helping people should be gratifying enough. There is a world around us that we can positively influence, if only we cared. A few hours of devoted time is all it takes. We are so fortunate to live in Laguna Beach, so let’s make it our obligation to give back to those who are not as lucky as us. Choose community service that will allow you truly to make a difference. Give back for the sake of giving back.
The Brush and Palette is published by Laguna Beach Hisgh School students throughout the year. Editorial opinion s and comments expressed in The Brush and Palette are those of the staff and do not represent the position of Laguna Beach High School’s students, administation, or the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Advertisements are not endorsed by The Brush and Palette.
By Lindsey LoJacono Reporter
Recently in Laguna, the homeless population has increased. Finding no room themselves, they have chosen to sleep on the city’s beaches and in its parks. This has caused quite a stir among Laguna Beach residents and tourists, who have complained of an even more crowded downtown and Heisler Park. Reportedly, hotels are getting cancellations and restaurants are losing business, for what some consider harassment by the local homeless. When flooded with complaints concerning these residents, the Laguna Beach City Council came up with a solution, but is it sound? On Oct. 6, City Council approved the construction of a homeless shelter in the Act V parking lot, which is just to the left of the Laguna College of Art and Design. The shelter will be open November to mid-June and will take in up to fifty homeless people every night at 6:30 p.m. and close the next morning. Each day, they will be driven back to town. Is this really going to be effective? What about the cancellations from local businesses? Did the City Council make up a solution a little faster than they should have? Will the problem of a crowded Laguna and harassed residents really get solved? I don’t think it will.
Apparently, neither do Laguna Beach residents who have been sending complaints to City Council since Oct. 6. Some of these complaints point out that many of the homeless living in Laguna were not residents of our town. Others say that taxpayers’ money is going toward making a shelter for the homeless that aren’t even residents of the town. Even during the shelter’s open season, it only provides a place to sleep, not a place to spend time during the day. It closes at 6:30 a.m. the next morning. Therefore, after the shelter closes, the homeless people go back to town, and the problems with local restaurants, hotels and businesses still exist. All of the complaints of tourists and residents being harassed are still there. I think that the homeless population of Laguna should be helped to find a place to stay. However, I don’t believe that this solution really solves the issue at hand: overpopulation of the homeless resulting in lost business. Ideally, City Council will one day come up with a stronger solution—a solution that will remember and take into account those twelve hours during the day that are still a real issue to locals.
And I thought parents were strict Karina Reiss Reporter
According to Laguna Beach law, when your parents tell you to be home by ten, there is not much room for argument. We have a legal curfew. The Ordinance (Ord. 1331 § 1 (part), 1997) states, “It is unlawful for any minor to remain in or upon the public streets, alleys, playgrounds or other public places, vacant lots or other unsupervised places between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. of the following day.” Some school administrators may sweat when they hear that minors are supposed to be home by ten o’clock, considering that most school dances and after-school activities do not end until that hour. However, an exception to this imposition allows minors to attend planned activities such as concerts, school classes and dances without violating the law. Bob Billinger, assistant principal, is very aware of this curfew and makes sure to notify the police of upcoming school activities in order to prevent mishawp. Whereas administrators are free to breathe easily, we minors have
a problem to worry about. Upon learning about this curfew, I hoped that the ghosts and ghouls out on Halloween had gathered their treats and headed home early. Any poor stragglers could have suffered a nasty trick from policemen in costumes with very real badges. The idea that these children even have to worry about a law that obviously targets a different crowd is ridiculous. Luckily, the loose enforcement of this law makes the situation in which a child would face reprimand for being out at night uncommon. “Do students follow it [the curfew]? No. Is it strictly enforced? No,” said Billinger. In fact, this guideline is so loosely monitored that a number of students are not aware of any curfew except the one dictated to them by their parents or guardians. Worst of all, this law applies not only to weeknights. Our precious weekends suffer the same limitations. This guideline suggests that we be home by ten or baby-sat by an adult. Pick and choose your battles. If the city is not going to bother to enforce a law, they shouldn’t impose it in the first place. Who knows, maybe the next law will dictate a specific bedtime, too.
Sports
November 24, 2009
She’s going the Sport participation jumps distance Sophomore Varsity Cross Country runner Natasha Strickland expected to run faster and get places. By Lauren Montgomery Reporter
Laguna Beach High School sophomore and varsity cross country runner Natasha Strickland was born to run. Stride after stride, she paces and never gives up. “I like improving my times and beating my old records,” said Strickland. Strickland took the number two running position on the Varsity Cross Country team as a freshman, trailing right behind her senior sister Kativa Strickland. Both are proud daughters of the varsity cross country girls’ assistant coach Carista Strickland. “My mom really inspires me,” said
Strickland. Strickland competes in cross country every day after school and is often seen staying after to practice her speed and endurance. “Next year, we’re going to be losing a lot of our best runners so I hope the new freshmen bring in some good running skills,” said Strickland. There is an opportunity next year for Strickland to qualify for state by herself. “I would definitely think about my team, but I’d still do my best,” said Strickland. Not only is Strickland an outstanding athlete, but she also excels in academics, taking numerous honors classes. Natasha Strickland continues to be a wellrounded student and competitor. “Natasha can expect some amazing results. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with, and I really look forward to aoching her throughout the next couple of years,” said Girls’ Varsity Cross Country coach Steve Lalim.
He shoots, aims, passes, dribbles, kicks.... Senior Ryan Raffo simultaneously playing football, basketball and soccer, representing the sports increase at LBHS. (Gerry Artman)
A recent boost in sports interests give way to a boom in athlete population. By Gerry Artman Reporter/Sports Editor
As we all know, Laguna Beach is an active place to live. Athletic director Mike Churchill and student athletes have noticed an increase in students
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...and SCORES!
playing sports in recent school years. “I feel that if a student focuses too much on one thing, they go crazy. Sports allow one to be healthy, relieve stress and live a balanced life,” said senior water polo player Lexie Ross. At the end of last school year, over 60% of the student body had been in a sport. That is about 651 kids. This year, so far, about 286 students are in a sport. That is not including the
pre-season sports. “By the end of the year, the number should reach well over 651,” said Churchill. He believes that this increase has occurred because the students have found enjoyment, diversion, competition and healthiness through involvement in sports. “Sports help get the students to leave an academic environment and release their energy so when they go back to homework, they can
reconnect with what they have learned,” said senior football and baseball player Ryan Raffo. The fall sports have been impacted the most, including cross-country, football, and pre-season sports like soccer, baseball and basketball. Even tennis had more tryouts during the summer. “I feel that our sports will continue to grow because of the area we live and the size of our league,” Churchill said.
his life. James has been goalkeeping ever since. “I work on the
They spend most of their time working on diving and testing their “get back up” reflexes. The new coach tries to discipline the team and create fearless players. A visible improvement has become obvious in the goalkeepers. “James is an enthusiastic coach, and we all love his accent,” said freshman Liz Fletcher. The goalkeepers are getting a better grasp on the ball and what they need to bring to a game. They dive farther and catch better all thanks to Marsh. This new British goal keeping coach has truly proved himself to be an excellent addition to the sports department. He is truly a keeper.
Marsh directs soccer practice. He has been helping the grls since this summer. (Rebecca Galan)
He’s definitely a keeper...get it? By Rebecca Galan Reporter
Young, energetic, strict and British, the new Laguna Beach High School girls soccer coach James Marsh has a goal to help the girls gain skill. James is the youngest coach at the school and has already helped the LBHS female keepers improve their technique. “It’s like how NFL is your national sport; soccer is my national sport,” said Marsh. He feels that since soccer is the national sport of England, he has been more inclined to play it Natasha Strickland (center) runs after school during cross than any other sport. country practice. Surrounding teammates have contributWhen he was eight ed to the team’s success. years old, his father sent (Greta Martin) him to a goalkeeping camp where he had the time of
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“It’s like how NFL is your national sport; soccer is my national sport.
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goalkeepers’ handling, footwork, positioningw and diving,” said Marsh. Every day after regular practice, the goalkeepers stay at least an extra hour to work with him.
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