June 2008

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Flash The

June 2008

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In Issue 4:

Affording

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Rocklin

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June Contents June Contents June Contents June

ocklin costs money. From the flashy cars to the designer jeans, Rocklin has money in the bank. Every year hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent to create a stellar dance show, to put on impressive plays and musicals, and to make an oustanding yearbook. We explore just how much money each costs as well as two girls spending the extra dollar to have a fairytale Senior Ball. However, the cost of living in Rocklin is high and only getting higher. The Flash gives a look into how it is not always easy to keep up in the suburbs, from small businesses striving to survive to graduated seniors trying to make it on their own. One article explains the UC and CSU budget cut and the problems it is creating while another offers advice to surviving in a money driven community.

June Contents 4: Pricey Parking Students break the bank to roll to RHS in style

6: Fast and Frozen Yogurt Delite thrives despite competition

8: Paying for Plies School pays thousands for annual student dance show

10: Not So Simple The quality of life in Rocklin comes at a price

12: Having a Ball The outrageous costs of Senior Ball

14: UC and CSU Budget Cuts Thumbs down for the soaring college costs

16: Sharks and Minnows Rocklin’s battle between big and small businesses

18: Post Secret Students confess their deepest secrets

The Flash Staff The Flash is produced by students for students in an attempt to inform and entertain its audience. Journalism students have the final authority for any content found in this publication. The Flash Staff encourages letters regarding content to constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion. Letters should be directed to the newspaper’s email, rhsflash@yahoo.com

Editorial Board: Alexis Coopersmith, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mallory Valenzuela, Co-Editor-in-Chief Mandie Martinez, Design Editor Nathan Dudley, Copy Editor Michelle Ahronovitz, Copy Editor Casey Nichols, Adviser

Staff Writers: Lauren Bloemker, Megan Cardona, Amber Diller, Cheryl Ford, Jimmy Gibbs, Julie Griesmer, Amanda Holpuch, Asia Larkin, Kailee Loughlin, Tyler MacKanin, Rebecca Nitz, Caitlin Reilly, Lauren Rygh, Justine Sandoval, Kimberly Schneider, Christian Soares, Ashley Sorci, Shannon Stowers, Megan Taaffe, and Melissa Toppings

priceyparking Students break the bank to roll up to RHS in style

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cura. Lexus. BMW. Mercedes Benz. Infiniti. These “My car’s name is Lois, and I love driving her,” said are cars you would expect to find in an upscale work Smith. “I found her at a Sierra College car sale last place. But welcome to Rocklin High School. summer, and I love her because she fits all of my needs.

When you take a look at the RHS parking lot, you She seats eight, including two facing the back.” encounter a variety of vehicles ranging anywhere from Besides seating eight, it’s long enough for her kayak on an old station wagon to a Lexus SC 430. As often as not, top and fit a twin bed in the back for camping. you’ll find the latter.

“She’s in really good condition [for being thirteen Whether a car years old]. The is expensive or only thing that’s not, it seems that really wrong with each student takes it is the previous pride in driving owner’s cigarette their own vehicle burn on one of to school. the seats,” Smith “I have an El said. “It’s a Buick Camino, which I Century Wagon, inherited from my which came white Grandpa,” said but I painted it Matt Kilbourne, a blue and put junior at Rocklin stickers on the High. “It’s probably back windows worth $4,000 if I’m that say ‘Lois’. Oh, lucky. But I think and her license it’s pretty hot.” plate frame reads To top it all off, Owned by Julia Boucher, a 2007 Ford Mustang is one of the many new cars parked in the ‘Lois says hello’.” his sister Katie Smith even RHS parking lot Kilbourne, ‘07, gets creative for was one of the four to receive the honor of ‘Best Ride’ the holidays, decorating her for Christmas and Halloween. for this same treasure. So no matter what kind of car, at This past Christmas, she put a wreath on the front and least it has sentimental value, which to some can be more lights around the car. important than how much it costs.

In contrast, junior Kyle Lybrand doesn’t feel as spirited On the other hand, sophomore Shaina Campbell opted when it comes to driving around his red Mazda Miata. for a much sportier car to get around; a BMW. “I want to sell it – it’s a little on the feminine side,” “I just got it for Christmas and it’s used. It’s probably Lybrand said. “I got it as a gift, but hopefully I can sell it worth about $25,000. I really like it, it’s comfy and goes for around $6000. It’s the custom rims that just make it pretty fast,” said Campbell. that much cooler.”

Sh a Most people would kill for a car like Campbell’s, Whether a Rocklin student drives a station wagon, or La nno ur n but then again, junior Erica Smith prefers a car a high-priced sports car, there is no doubt that they take en St Blo ow pride in the car they can call their own. em ers with character, literally. ke r

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Flash The

Editorial

June 2008

5

worththe money $65 for award-winning best yearbook in the nation

Alexis Coopersmith editor-in-chief

Roseville’s? 80 dollars. Granite Bay’s? 85 dollars. Rocklin’s? 70 dollars.

Which yearbook is award-winning best yearbook in the nation? Rocklin’s.

Which one is the least expensive at distribution? Rocklin’s.

The RHS yearbook, Tonitrus, has been honored with countless prestigious awards and has recently been inducted into the National Hall of Fame and recieved a Pacemaker award.

“I don’t think students realize the deal they are getting because they get an amazing book for a cheaper price than every other school in our area,” said yearbook adviser Casey Nichols.

The yearbook starts out at only $55 in the beginning of the year with an ASB discount. As the year comes to an end, prices increase to $70 at distribution.

“We keep the prices as low as we can, but the prices are going up just as everything else right now,” said Nichols.

Every year the RHS yearbook has an overall budget of $100,000 with a printing budget of $91,000. About $15,000 to $20,000 of that sum is made up of senior ad sales. RHS sells twice as many senior ads as any other school in the area, allowing for the book to be much cheaper.

Each individual book costs $63 to print. However, this price does not include the expenses of cameras, conventions, and yearbook memberships that the communications department is expected to pay.

Face it. It’s worth the money.

Fast and Frozen Rocklin started out as a small town. Anyone who has lived here for 10 years or more knows this. Within its boundaries, small businesses began to spring up. As Rocklin grew, many of these businesses were replaced by larger corporations… and the battle for survival, even though present from the day these small businesses opened their doors, had really begun.

One of the small businesses that are still in the running is Yogurt Delite. Formerly a franchise, these yogurt shops, scattered across northern California, slowly but surely slid into the hands of individual owners. Some of them didn’t make it, and their machinery and fixtures were passed on or sold to Yogurt Delites that were still kicking.

However, the Yog-D that Rocklin knows has a story all its own.

The Yogurt Delite that customers know today started in June 1996, when Jon and Julie Sorci bought the store from its former owners.

“It was a really strategic move for us… we thought about it a lot, and when we decided we were going to go for it, we saved up the money and bought it,” said Jon Sorci.

Although it turned out to be a success, buying the store was a risky jump and required careful thought.

“I had learned about what to do and not to do from my former job at PennySaver, and I was worried about losing our income. It was because we were willing to take a big chance that we ended up being successful,” Sorci adds.

This shop isn’t hanging by a thread, either… even with the country’s economic slump, slightly raised prices and their competitor Big Spoon, Yogurt Delite is still going strong.

“Because Rocklin is growing at such a steady rate, the arrival of Big Spoon didn’t hurt us much at all. There are enough people for two yogurt shops here, and to be perfectly honest, our sales are actually increasing,” said Sorci.

The strength of the Yogurt Delite in the Bel-Air shopping center can partially be contributed to its location, along with an influx of customers searching for just what Yogurt Delite has to offer. A non-fat, sugar and/or cholesterol free snack that won’t promote guilt later on for those searching to maintain a healthy weight and body.

Frozen yogurt of any type, not just Yogurt Delite, is As generally good for the body. Studies have been done hle y S that show it probably helps fight disease… and or ci to be perfectly honest, all these benefits don’t sacrifice taste. Lucky for Yog-D, Rocklin is

Yogurt Delite thrives despite competition

a very health-conscious community.

“We’ve recently added dairy-free, frozen custard and more sugar free options for a wider range of choices that will appeal to more customers,” said Sorci.

Another point the owners, managers and staff at Yogurt Delite try to make a point of is maintaining a good relationship with the regular customers. There are people that come into Yogurt Delite every day, regardless.

However, things in the Yogurt business aren’t always fine and dandy. Particularly in the winter months, making a profit can be challenging.

“During the chilly winter months, there aren’t many who are willing to go out of their way for an ice cold frozen yogurt,” said Sorci. “This definitely lowers our sales.”

Another difficulty that Yogurt Delite has faced since the start is staffing the store.

“Building a schedule around 15 different employees’ lives is hard… it isn’t always easy to keep Yogurt Delite adequately staffed for 15 hours each day,” said Sorci.

Regardless of these challenges, though, Yogurt Delite has and will continue to persevere. From humble beginnings in a small town, Yogurt Delite is still keeping with the pace of Rocklin, California.

The battle of survival is still raging, and may all the Yogurt Delite lovers wish it luck.

What’s Your Flavor?

“Coffee. Everbody else likes vanilla or chocolate. I can get that anytime.

- Michael Narlesky, 11 “Peanut Butter. I can’t have it anywhere else.”

- Rylee Farmer, 9 “Oreo Mint. I had it the other day. It was really good. My mom got it for me.”

- Elizabeth Sheets, 12 “Vanilla Blood because I’m a vampire.”

-Wayland Whitney, 11

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Beyond the Blender

Working at Robeks is more than just making smoothies Students at Rocklin High often look to finding a job in order to afford Rocklin. The Robeks found closest to our campus here at Rocklin High, is filled with RHS students looking to earn a little summer cash.

Over the past several months students such as Jared Byron, Jared Yocchiem, Russell Manning, Scott Mikel, Brian Oliver, Michael Gutierrez, Tyler Jones, have been hired at Robeks.

Jared Byron, a junior, was asked why he enjoys working there and said, “It’s cool to be able to work with all my friends, see my friends who come in the store, and at the same time get paid for it.” He also describes his typical day at Robek’s. “It usually is filled with joking around with the people working, making fun of Russell, and making the occasional delicious smoothie that Robeks has to offer.”

Senior Brian Oliver and junior Jared Yochhiem share similar experiences. They explain how their work day, along with making smoothies, is filled with singing, dancing, and

June 2008

7

Kim Shneider staff writer

making fun of one another.

One thing all these gentlemen have in common is the fact that they work not just to get experience and hang out with their friends, but because they need money. Everyday life in Rocklin has become increasingly expensive over the years, especially for teenagers. Going out to dinner and a movie will set you back $50. Filling up a tank of gas can range anywhere from $40 to $90. Dances like Junior Prom and Senior Ball can set someone back as much as $300 or more. So unless your parents are funding your lifestyle here in Rocklin, getting a job sounds like a pretty smart idea.

Brian Oliver is now working 20 hours a week because he needs money for Hawaii and summer vacations. Jared Yocchiem, who works 10 hours a week along with a job at Sunsplash, works in order to pay off his car payments in addition to paying for everyday things. Byron said, “Unless your parents pay for everything, you have to get a job.

“Unless your parents pay for everything,

you have to get a job”

Employees of Robeks on 3051 W Stanford Ranch Rd.

Jared Byron

Jared Yocchiem

Paying pliés for

School pays thousands for annual student dance show

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lmost 300 students go to the dance room every day, just like any other class. The only difference is they dance and at the end of second semester they get the opportunity to portray their hard work and dedication they have put in all year.

The Rocklin High school dance show has proven to be one of the best and most popular productions put on in the theater. It is taken very seriously by the students, the faculty, and most importantly, the dancers.

About 9,000 dollars is spent every year on this event, along with countless hours of scrupulous work and commitment. The head of the dance department, Mrs. Abby Huber, stands to be the primary cause of the show every year.

The majority of the school’s money for the show comes from the ticket sales and other small fundraisers such as summer dance camps and the Creepy Concert.

The money earned generally goes towards the purchase of costumes, props, sets, and music. Students typically buy their own essential items such as jazz pants, jazz shoes, tights, and shorts which can be reused every year.

Other costumes that the school pays for, like dresses and tops, can range from 20 to 40 dollars. Luckily, the school gets very generous donations from companies for a few expensive items such as tuxedoes and props.

If it wasn’t for people who volunteer their time to make costumes, props, and sets, the school would end up spending much more money than they can afford.

Outside of school, Huber and a few of her friends get together to piece costumes together. “It gives us a chance to hang out and watch our favorite shows while we glue sequins on shirts and make hair accessories and stuff,” said Huber.

Cinny Toepke also contributes an abundant amount of her own time towards the dance show without ever being asked to do so. “I don’t know why she does it, she just does it out of the kindness of her heart, and I appreciate it so much,” said Huber. “The show would be impossible without her.”

Other schools usually hire people to do the things that RHS students kindly choose to do for free. Stage managing and choreography are usually very pricy, Ka ile but the school has students willing to do it all La e L ur ou en gh without cost.

Ry lin Each class has student directors who gh

Melinda Marion during dress rehearsal for “Dance Show Televised”

choreograph all the dances for the show, when other schools pay hundreds of dollars to hire people to do the same thing. Having this also makes the show much more meaningful and original.

Over 300 dollars is spent on iTunes music for the dance show each year. Huber is, however, able to save a lot of money by teaching herself how to cut and edit the music on her own.

Something that Huber does for the students in the show that people tend to overlook is purchase little necessities that she does not get reimbursed for. “Things like socks, band-aids, batteries, craft stuff. Just little stuff.” said Huber. But the little things do add up and she ends up spending quite a bit of money in the end.

Sometimes classes will be asked to pitch in a couple of dollars to contribute to the costs of some things, but other than that, students aren’t required to pay for much.

There used to be a lab fee for taking dance as an elective, but Huber decided to get rid of it because she realized the dance show could easily be paid for without it.

“You have to be creative to do this job and being a dancer really helps.”

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Lights, camera, money

RHS plays follow a tight budget in order to be successful

June 2008

9

Tyler MacKanin staff writer

Every year Rocklin High performing arts produces mul- company back east that had what we needed and spent tiple plays that are enjoyed by many. Students perform bril- $1800. I do have to say though that if we had to make all liantly, costumes look magnificent and sets extraordinary. of those costumes it would have been quadruple the price.

However, all of the things that it takes to make a play Occasionally, we will have someone make costumes for us do not come cheap. There are also a lot of different costs if I think that we’ll use them again.” said Toepke. when it comes to putting on a play that people do not think In addition to the costs of the set and the costumes, of. While staying under budget, Mrs. Cinny Toepke, The- there are also some extra costs that people do not normally ater Arts Director, must put on a spectacular show with all think about when putting on a play. the challenges that come with it.

“Additional costs are for props, furniture, set decoraEven though it is thought that the school and the dis- tions, publicity materials, intermission treats, etc. Those trict pay for shows, they are actually paid for straight out vary per show but can be anywhere from $100 to $1000. of the ASB Drama Club account. The actual Usually, it isn’t difficult to do a show on our budget to put on a play varies every year. budget.” said Toepke.

In order to not go over budget, Toepke has Not only do you have to buy the supestablished an excellent formula that has plies in order to put on a play, you also worked out very well over the years. have to pay a fee in order to use a script.

“I estimate if we have a certain number The cost of scripts varies on the kind of of audience members each night and if they play is being put on. paid the lower discounted ticket price, what “We have to pay the publisher a royalty would we make? I always purposely underfee. A regular play is about $60 per perestimate the number of people. Then, I make formance. For the musical, not only do we sure that we don’t spend over that amount. have to pay a royalty fee but we have to So far, in the fifteen years that I’ve done this rent all of the musical books, scripts, etc. at RHS, I’ve always made more than I’ve Right up front for the royalties and rentspent,” said Toepke. als we pay the publisher anywhere from In order to create a great play, there must $2400 to $3000, depending on how popube a great set that captures the essence of Sima Bouzid in Father of the Bride lar the show is and who the publisher is. the scene. In the play such as Father of the Bride, the set- A musical is very expensive to put on, which is why our ting is what sets the stage and what grabs the audiences’ ticket price is higher. We also have to pay a professional attention. accompanist to play the piano for us and if there is any “A simple set usually costs around $1500. Although, other instrument that a student can’t play that is necessary we’ve done two shows that required almost no set and for the show, then we have to hire a professional musician those were cheaper. A more complex set, such as Seus- for that. Of course, our first choice is to give a student the sical and Ever After, can cost up to $3,000, which is still opportunity to play.” said Toepke. really good. I’ve heard of some high schools that spend up Sometimes the budget provides a certain amount of to $10,000 on a set,” said Toepke. challenges, but in the long run the show always goes on Another crucial part of the play is the costumes that are without a hitch to the best of its abilities. worn by the actors and actresses. Costumes put the stuToepke said, “Occasionally I’ve had to scale back a litdents into character and contribute to the overall look of tle on something but it’s never hurt the quality of the show. the play. For every show, the prices of the costumes vary.

The only economic issue that we may face is if the cost of “If the show is set in a more modern time period, I give supplies goes up drastically. However, I am a big fan of usthe kids a list of what they need and have them go thrift ing and reusing items that I have purchased and we save store hunting. Sometimes, we’ll do a period piece and will a bundle by doing that. I think my biggest worry is if for have to rent costumes or have them made. The Drama Club some reason the district itself had to cut back on elective pays for that. Each rented costume is anywhere from $45 programs and eliminate the Arts then we wouldn’t be able to $75. The most expensive show to costume was Jane to do what we do. There are school districts right now that, Eyre. We had to rent all of the school girl costumes, Victo- Dixon I believe is one of them, have decided to cut their rian gowns, and men’s 19th Century costumes. We found a arts progra So far, that hasn’t happened in Rocklin.”

Not so simple...

The quality of life in Rocklin comes at price

“I

been around the world, I can’t decide if I love or hate this thing called money…you got the money that I want so bad. I like them rich girls.” The band Everybody Else illustrates the innate desire towards wealth that society is based around.

Living in Rocklin especially gives many, including those living here, the impression that Rocklin is simply a rich suburb filled with spoiled, rich kids. Maybe that impression isn’t too far from the truth. Rocklin is better off than most suburbs in California when you think about the quality of education, housing, and opportunities that is available in Rocklin.

Having lived in the Bay Area for six years, I [Michelle] lived in an area where the quality of education and the quality of housing was not worth the million dollar price tag the areas were given. Saratoga specifically, the area I lived in, ranged from four million dollar mansions in the hills to one million dollar shacks. Yes, shacks are worth one million dollars. These are 1,800 square foot homes built in the last two decades. In fact, that’s what sparked my family’s venture out of Silicon Valley; prices were going up along with the cost of living.

Moving out to Rocklin was eye-opening. Prices were considerably lower than in the Bay Area and my family managed to snag a house in the new development – Whitney Ranch.

Now, none of this is to say that Rocklin is not a high-class neighborhood because it certainly is. But the correlation between price and quality is far stronger in Rocklin than other much higher priced areas. Let’s take a look at the facts.

Pricing for Whitney Ranch, a new development of homes, ranges from $300,000 to $699,000 for homes ranging to 2,000 to 4,999 square feet. The prices for homes of the same size in Silicon Valley range from $999,000 to $2.98 million. But why should high school students care about

Mi

ch e Re lle A be hr cc on a N ov itz itz

the discrepancy in house prices? Well, believe it or not, the housing market is an important part in understanding the overall price range of an area while also measuring its quality.

Junior Jacki Newkirk, resident of Mansion Oaks, said, “Yes, Rocklin is expensive but we pay our taxes so the city can make the majority of Rocklin look the way it is – clean.”

Overall, the City of Rocklin produces just over 22 million dollars in taxes each year and it has been rising. A large sum, however, has been attributed through property taxes.

Not only do these taxes provide money for the city’s daily manicure, but adds to the overall value of the location.

“My cousin has a two story house and fifty acres of land out in Kansas and they only pay 500 bucks a month in rent.

You can’t find anything like that here,” said sophomore Alisa Wilson.

True, a deal that great will not and won’t ever be available in this constantly developing town, but the value of communities like Whitney Ranch, Mansion Oaks, Rawhide, Clover Valley do add to well over the value of Wilson’s cousin’s property.

Fortunately, the price tags on Rocklin homes are not too far out of reach in comparison to the quality of the house.

Though most backyards are limited, the construction of the most recent homes has been relatively near the listed prices.

One important word can determine the number of zeros added to the back of a price tag? Location. It does not matter whether the house is a shack or a newly constructed track home in the suburbs, but the shore front property compared to a Kansas farm will greatly overtake the country property.

So is Rocklin an expensive town? Yes. But compared to others – such as the Bay Area – Rocklin has done its job in keeping the city clean, up-to-date, and gained a positive reputation all over the state of California.

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June 2008

11

Economical EAts Affordable restaurants in Rocklin

Everyone looks for something different in a restaurant.

Some go for the ambiance and décor. They dine at the types of restaurants that hope to capture the attention of their customers with wall fireplaces, indoor waterfalls, and fancy linen tablecloths. To these diners, it is not just about eating, it’s the whole dining experience.

Others simply search for a restaurant that can offer fast and friendly service.

Finally, yet most importantly, there are small amounts of restaurant goers who are serious “foodies”. To these people, the plating and presentation are almost as important as the taste of the food itself.

Whatever category these restaurant patrons find themselves in, everyone can agree on two things: good food and low prices.

Rocklin is home to a variety of affordable restaurants that offer good service and tasty food.

When it comes to Chinese food, Chang Bros. is the best around. They offer 25 lunch combination platters served with steamed rice and an egg roll, starting at only $5.50.

One plate can easily feed two and the dishes are excellent.

For those not hungry enough for the lunch platter, they offer an assortment of appetizers starting at $2.50. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve gotten nothing less than great service.

As an avid sushi eater, I find myself going to Tokyo Express at least once every other week. There are many other sushi restaurants to choose from, but the food and prices at Tokyo Express are unbeatable.

The restaurant has an entire wall with pictures and names of rolls they serve, while another menu offers lunch specials, soup, and other appetizers. The Nigiri sushi is only $1.50 each, while rolls start at $1.95. Be prepared to have fun while ordering rolls because many have unique names (just a few are the Lion King, Crazy Horse, 007Ninja, and Crazy Monkey). The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday.

K.T. Noodle is another restaurant I go to frequently.

They have a large assortment of somewhat Americanized Vietnamese dishes.

Some of my favorite dishes are the curry chicken, charbroiled pork, and the spring rolls. The portions are consistently huge and most of the dishes are around $5,

by Megan Taaffe staff writer

not to mention the service is amazing there. I usually get my food in about five minutes. Now, let’s talk about the K.T. Noodle ambiance. The 70s décor includes hanging apples and peppers, Formica tables, and shiny red booth seats. There is no other restaurant like it.

For all you lovers of cheap yet delicious dining, eat and enjoy.

C

CRITIC’SCORNER

“I love Tokyo Express. The food is really affordable and the sushi is amazing. The owners are so friendly and it’s such a family place. You can’t leave there without a smile on your face.” -Krissy Pope

C

“I go to K.T. Noodle about once a month. The food is really good and affordable. I usually get the spring rolls. I usually order take-out but whenever I stay and eat I get really good service.”

- Ashley Batista

C

“Chang Bros. reminds me a lot of a place I went to in Arizona when I was a kid. It brings back a lot of good memories. They deliver, which is nice, and it’s just a convenient local place with good food.” - Kevin Flagg

C

“I like Chang Bros. because they deliver. Tokyo Express is amazing because it’s so cheap and the food is really good. K.T. Noodle is also really good. I like the hanging apples on vines.”

- Nate Jensen

Having a ball

the outrageous costs of senior ball

never-ending one in trying to get it. It took months to find the right one and, reluctantly, another few months to track it down and get it in her hands. Designer accessories from Betsey Johnson, for all those designer brand know-it-alls out there, were rounded out to cost her $155. With her makeup and hair finished, she forked over $120 for both.

A hundred here, another few hundred there and there you have it, your money coming in as fast as it’s going out. Half a grand already - expensive taste must run through the halls of Rocklin for the ladies.

Unfortunately, for Sklonick, the cost of her senior ball would amount to $1,040. Frugal was not an option in any way, shape, or form. As for the average cost of senior ball, a grand was nothing to what was spent. Rocklin formal dances will always seem to have a way with pulling money out of those pockets, willingly or not.

So for you underclassmen girls out there, start putting those coins to use in your piggy bank. The cost of senior ball these days is a down payment on an apartment. From ball gowns all the way down to getting our eyebrows done, girls will always have the more cost- expensive end of the bargain.

T

he dress only came to $403.68. Then tickets, pictures, shoes, party bus, hair, make up, nails, and finally tanning would come into play next. Oh, did I forget to mention accessories as well? Those too, for making everything complete for attending Senior Ball.

For the final end of the year, end of all our years at Rocklin, I would spend as much money as I did in the first two. With $403.68 under my belt, tickets for my date and I came to be $165, then another $50 for the last memorable dance I would attend. Well then, it becomes impossible to dance the night away in just any mundane shoes, which is why the ones I chose came to $75.81. With that price they can’t be mundane in the least. The cost of Senior Ball for all those finishing touches definitely exceeds the norm, considering last year’s junior prom I tried to be more frugal and spent a whopping amount of around $300 for everything.

Whereas at the finale of all dances I spent a grand, and there it goes out the door. At this point I guess I should be able to admit that I do have expensive taste.

As for Angela Skolnick, her Sherri Hill dress shipped in from Oklahoma was another $400 dress to light up the Ma nd evening. Lucky for her, she did not have to pay any ie Ma state taxes for shipping it all the way to the great rti ne Golden state. However, her process was a z

Yearbook All the details on on the RHS website Sr. Ads for ‘09 and free downloads check us out at http://rhs.rocklin.k12.ca.us/cnichols/yearbook/

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Flash The

opinion

‘Fitting in’

by Cheryl Ford staff writer

June 2008

13

at Rocklin High School

H

appiness is fitting into a pair of jeans; preferably one of a deal on designer jeans at Crossroads.” the top name brands, including Joe’s, True Religions,

Trading stores are a great alternative. Just take in Sevens, Citizen’s, etc. Is it really the fit of the jean that we old clothes and put the credit towards the cheap designer Rocklin girls buy them for? Why is it that jeans others traded in. Some even the only pair of jeans that anyone can fit prefer thrift stores. into is over $100? I’m not convinced it’s Kim Benemelis, a junior at Rocklin fitting into the jeans that’s the problem; High School, said, “I went with my it’s fitting into Rocklin High School. friend Cassidy to Deseret Industries off Well what’s new, right? People have True Religion “Billy Jean” of Watt one time. I found the cutest pair been branded and labeled by their Stretch Jeans - $172.00 of jeans for $7. It was great.” clothing since the beginning of time.

Although many people aspire to this 7 for all Mankind Bootcut Jean type of deal shopping, just by looking Why the fuss now over our school?

Let me tell you what the fuss is about.

- $198.00 around our campus you can see that In middle school, wearing American many just go straight to the source, Eagle jeans was definitely chic. It was Rock n Republic Bootcut including Nordstrom or Macy’s the style. How much could I get this Sam Moller, a senior at Rocklin Stretch Jean- $180.00 lovely piece of popularity for? $40. Yeah, High School, proved this point. She a little pricey, but hey, it was worth it. said, “I spend around $170 for jeans.

People’s Liberation ‘Bella’ The problem now is that the jeans My cheapest pair is about $80 from needed to fit in are over $100. I’m not the Bootcut Stretch Jean- $156.00 Abercrombie.” only one who sees the issue, but many The one who arguably holds the Citizens of Humanity ‘Boho have found ways to beat it. record for the most designer jeans at Sami Wittwer, a junior at Rocklin High Ingrid’ Flare Stretch JeanRocklin High is none other than McCall School, said, “I get a lot of jeans as $198.00 Pettey, a sophomore at Rocklin High hand-me-downs. They’re great because School. McCall owns four Sevens, they’re worn in and they fit perfectly… three Citizens of Humanity, three Joe’s, and they’re free!” one Rast, two Rock n’ Republic, and Many have also resorted to trading stores to find the three True Religions. That’s 16 pairs of designer jeans. right fit.

To be part of the majority, it is obvious that designer jeans Tess Downs, a junior at Rocklin High School, said, “I find are a must, but let’s not conform. Let’s use our personalities my favorite pairs of jeans at Crossroads for like $10. Yeah, to get some friends. We can do it, Rocklin High School.

I splurge at Abercrombie for $80, but nothing is better than

cost of popularity

UC and CSU budget cuts

thumbs down for the soaring college costs

It

is a devastating statistic that only one-third of high school students in the United States graduate from high school. In contrast, Rocklin High School has a graduation rate over 90%.

Despite Rocklin High School’s success, it is time to look beyond the Rocklin community and face today’s nationwide reality: the educational system we have in place is outdated and unsatisfactory and as fully capable citizens, we should not settle for anything less.

According to Bill Gates, founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, “…U.S. students are scoring near the bottom of all industrialized nations” (gatesfoundation. org). In addition, the U.S. college dropout rate is one of the highest rates in the industrialized world. Gates also said, “…every governor knows that the success of one school is not an answer to this crisis. You have to be able to make systems of schools work for all students.”

If every governor knows this, then why is California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cutting education funds?

With a slash of funding of about 10%, the UCs and California State Universities will have to “reduce enrollment by 27,000 over the next 2 1/2 years” (latimes.com). The budget crisis will also prove detrimental to California state community colleges, and these universities may not be able to recover within the next ten years.

Sabrina Lockhart, a spokeswoman for Schwarzenegger, stated that “this is not the governor’s first choice. The state doesn’t have all the money it needs to fund these programs.”

But why is the educational system suffering if investing in higher education will actually improve the economy in the long run? An individual should never be deprived of an education, but about 50,000 students at community colleges will not even be given the opportunity to take classes with this proposed budget plan. Hindering the educational system now will only deplete the economy of a strong educated workforce.

One of the most frustrating aspects of this proposed Ma llo plan is that the cuts directly affect sophomores, ry Va len zu juniors, and seniors in high school: with reduction

in educational funding comes the greater competition for enrollment into California’s universities. As hard it is already hard to keep up with admissions requirements, it will only get harder every year for current students to meet more demands.

UC and CSU head officials met with Governor Schwarzenegger in 2004 and created an agreement for stable funding. This “compact,” however, only locked the universtities in a “continual decline” (latimes.com).

Furthermore, Schwarzenegger is going to break the agreement for the first time. The proposed education cuts will even reach lower levels under this stipulated agreement.

The state of California is already ranked 43rd in perpupil spending (sfgate. com). This year was supposed to be the “Year of Education” for Schwarzenegger.

Instead, this might be the “Year of Education Cuts.”

The state is losing its edge and its competitiveness. To add, it does not make sense why the source of the problem is only being worsened. Government officials should be tackling the problem instead of applying bandaids to cover the minor bruises of the educational system. These minor bruises will only amplify as time goes on.

In addition, it is a disgrace to the those in elementary school as well. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in 2003 found that students from fourth to twelfth grades are declining in performance, compared to other students internationally (kapio.kcc.hawaii.edu).

The countries of Finland, Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom consistently dominate the United States in performance.

South Korea, Japan and Singapore rank first through third on a consistent basis (kapio.kcc.hawaii.edu).

Cal State Chancellor Reed said, “...the California workforce will be 3 million short and California will not be competitive.” To meet the demands of the future and to remain a dominant world power, education must be a priority. Presently, the educational system is falling behind.

Universities cannot head towards the path of privitization.

“UCs and California State Universities will have to “reduce enrollment by 27,000 over the next 2 1/2 years”

ela

Flash 15 Breaking down the numbers: Why are students falling behind?

The

rhsflash@yahoo.com

Math Literacy Australia Austria Belgium Canada France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland UK US

US Ranked 4th

524 506 529 532 511 503 445 503 466 534 385 538 466 485 509 527 508 483 to

Last

June 2008

Reading Literacy Australia Austria Belgium Canada France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland UK US

US Ranked 5th

525 491 507 528 496 491 472 515 515 498 400 513 478 481 514 499 507 495 to

Last

Science Literacy Australia Austria Belgium Canada France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands Portugal Spain Sweden Switzerland UK US

US Ranked 5th

525 491 509 519 511 502 481 505 486 548 405 524 468 487 506 513 518 491 to

Last

Data obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics of 15-year olds from 2003

Do you like writing stories and meeting people?

Do you want to make a difference at

Rocklin High School?

Then you might be the right person for The Flash Staff.

Come to M-5 for more details...

Sharks

and minnows ...

Rocklin’s battle between big and small business

In the pre-meeting gossip of a May 6th planning meeting, an unremitting member of the Rocklin Planning Commission member stated the influence of corporations in Rocklin the best. According to him, corporations, in this case Home Depot and Wal-Mart, smell “the blood [traffic and people]” of Rocklin and like “sharks”, are attracted to it. He neglected to mention the part where the shark devours its prey, but the best things are often left unsaid.

Apparently Rocklin’s “blood” is becoming a staple of the corporate diet. Though we are not at the Roseville level of corporate dominance, the franchises and chains are pushing their way across Highway 65. In the mile between Pleasant Grove Boulevard and Fairway Drive you can find almost every major retailer in the country. Our close proximity can make one feel like a victim of this homogeneous culture, but only over the last few years has Rocklin began to attract the exploitative eyes of big business.

Local government has put up a small fight to support local business, but sit in on a planning meeting and you will hear much more concern regarding the appropriate height of palm trees than the effect on local business.

A look at the other side of Victory Drive shows how many small businesses have struggled to succeed in Rocklin. But for the most part we have still managed to maintain the “Shop Rocklin” mantra echoing from the past.

Over the last few years, land developer Donahue Schriber has been bidding for the shopping center Rocklin Crossings along the Interstate 80 interchange.

Currently, the Costa Mesa based company owns Am 14 local centers. They successfully acquired the an da development, and the aforementioned “sharks,” Ho lpu are set to anchor the 240,000 square foot ch shopping center.

April 15th, the Planning Commission held a meeting regarding the development, but a month later the minutes are still unavailable online.

No matter how much commission members would like to delude themselves, the affect these businesses will have on the economy is bound to be detrimental. After all, this is the same Wal-Mart that abandoned us in 2002, only to be replaced by 10 variations of inherently similar furniture warehouses.

According to the Sacramento Business Journal, WalMart contributed a little over ten percent to the Rocklin economy’s sales tax revenue. Yet, the temptation of even higher profits for the company lead to a $650,000 annual tax revenue loss for Rocklin residents.

Nationwide, Wal-Marts have been a death sentence for local businesses.

As the #1 ranked Fortune 500 Company, they can lower prices at a rate independent businesses cannot with. Only a handful of local businesses keep up provide products not carried in Wal-Mart stores and with the ever expanding Wal-Mart stock list, this is unlikely to last.

As the economy continues its painful slope downwards, new jobs created by such a large company should be a boost. Unfortunately, most Wal-Mart workers will be coming from outside of Rocklin. According to healthyrocklin.org, the average Wal-Mart associate in 2005 earned 9.68 dollars per hour or a $17,114 salary.

Rocklin’s median household income is $88,374.

Not only will the majority of workers be coming from surrounding areas, but their money will be going to their communities instead.

While the Planning Commission is citing shopping centers for violating the five-gallon plant rule, hopefully community members can prevent the third Wal-Mart in a five-mile radius.

“Rocklin’s “blood” is becoming a staple of the corporate diet.”

rhsflash@yahoo.com

Flash The

Homeless in Rocklin?

S

ummer is quickly approaching and some seniors are discovering a new found empathy for chickens with their heads cut off. For the junior class and under, the summer just means a few months to relax and forget half of the algebraic formulas learned in the past year. But for seniors, the summer represents a limbo between high school and the real world.

As far as preparing for next fall, it’s just a simple matter of delving into one’s own soul to unveil the innermost longings and decide the path of the rest of your life… ya know, no biggy.

But seniors in Rocklin may come across an even more challenging obstacle. A fair amount of Rocklin kids have been pretty privileged when it comes to cars, prom dresses, Starbucks funds, any kind of food desired, a decent roof over their heads, and those over-sized Guess sunglasses.

“I’m so used to living comfortably and having a lot of materialistic things, once I move out, I won’t be able to afford everything that I am able to afford right now,” said Jordan McKanin.

Come this fall, however, some of those goodies might be replaced with gas money, rent, insurance payments

June 2008

17

Charde Stewart staff writer and cell phone bills. Grown-up status means grown-up priorities.

Some seniors are going off to universities or state colleges, while others are staying a little closer to the nest and going to Sierra College.

“I’m going to be living at home… and eventually move out when I am financially stable on my own,” said McKanin.

Though becoming an adult is usually associated with the prestige of living on one’s own, the high expenses of Rocklin makes it nearly impossible to rent or share an apartment on close-to-minimum wage.

“I’m going to live at home for awhile cause its easier that way, but eventually I want to move out with some friends,” said Marie King. “I already have a bunch of house decorations I have gotten through the years packed up for when I decide to leave.”

Even sharing an apartment with friends is more trouble than it’s worth. The average Rocklin two-bedroom apartment runs at about $900-$1,300 a month. That, on top of PG&E bills, food, internet and cable bills, book fees means you’ve got a problem. So is it called free-loading if your only other option is becoming the only homeless person in Rocklin?

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Honor Guard 2008 Jared Bryon- Water polo, swim, Relay for Life

Karl Cannon_ Volleyball, ASB, CSF, basketball

Jeremy Crooks- Golf, CSF, NHS, Math League Chase Fong- CSF, Key Club, Academic Decathalon, Ping Pong Club

Brendan Lane- Basketball, track, water polo, Little Thunder basketball

Lou Maninang- Cross country, ASB, LINK, CSF, NHS

Rosie Perrot- CSF, NHS, peer counseling, choir, cross country Lori Yokomizo- CSF, volleyball, ASB

Students honored by departments at Academic Awards Assembly

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Ahronovitz, Michelle Amaya, Laura Amorde, Michael Anderson, Nicole Bank, Connor Barnette, JJ Biggers, Taylor Bond, Elizabeth Bruns, Amanda Byers, Danielle Caceres, Dagoberto Cesar, Robyn Clark, Victoria Clegg, Susan Cooper, Trevor*** Cooper, Trevor*** Currey, Grant Davis, Jen Dick, Annie Donnelly, Dylan*** Donnelly, Dylan*** Doucette, Sam Dudley, Valerie*** Dudley, Valerie*** Edwards, Brian Elhonsali, Kenza*** Elhonsali, Kenza*** Esuf, Mohammed Ferguson, Lyndee Fikes, Katelen Fitzhugh, Stephanie Fitzpatrick, Mia Flores, Ana Fong, Chase Forsyth, Chelsea Fortier, Laura Gamboa, Luke*** Gamboa, Luke*** Garner, Andrew Goucher, Michael Haywood, Christian Helfand, Zack Holm, Elizabeth Hosang, Brian Howse, Taylor Imwalle, Audrey Jensen, Nate Johnson, Anna Kalmar, Britney Kettenhofen, Amanda La Belle, Morgan Larson, Melanie*** Larson, Melanie*** Lightle, Tayler Locks, Whitley Magnussen, Kevin

Manion, Tony Markle, Rosalinda McAtee, Riley Miller, Dustin Mitchell, Billy Mitchell, Garret Mitchell, Trevor Montano, Kyle Morrill, James Mortimer, Marissa Munos, Jaime*** Munos, Jaime*** Nguyen, Nhuy Nguyen, Tam Nunez, Josh Ogata, Jon Ogata, Jon*** O’Neil, Brenna Osorio, Victor Polaske, Scott Powell, Summer Prekeges, Alexandria Ramos, Adriana Richards, Natasha Robson, Tim Rodarte, Rachel Rodriguez, Danielle Root, Dylan Runsten, Beau Sabbah, Meggie Sandhu, Nina Seppinni, Shane Sheppard, Chad Shirhall, Tori Singh, Malwinder Singleton, Morgan Skalet, Jessica Solis, Jesse Sorci, Ashley Speth, Colin Stark, Cameron Sushch, Pavel Sword, Amanda Task, Erick Toretta, Taylor Toussi, Attrin*** Toussi, Attrin*** Tran, Michael Truong, Long Valenzuela, Eric Videll, Matt Waterhouse, David Watkins, Garrett Weinroth, Melissa Weston, Marina Wickham, Brittany Williams, Allison Williams, Tommy Williamson, Cameron Wong, Tiffany