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The Cougar Press @the.cougar.press

January 17th, 2020

@thecougarpressvhs

@thecougarpress

“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” -Roald Dahl

Doris Ryder “Rydes” off into the sunset of retirement VHS administrative assistant retires after 33 years at Ventura Unified School District.

Charlotte D’Orsi Juliana Jacobson Ventura High School office administrators are starting off the new year with one less colleague, third level Administrative Assistant, Doris Ryder, who has officially retired from her position at Ventura High School as of Dec. 20, 2019. Ryder was a classified employee in Ventura Unified School District for a total of 33 years. Though many students may not have known Ryder personally, she held a lot of power at VHS in terms of running the main office, taking care of purchase orders, doing administrative paperwork, and even organizing seating arrangements for the senior graduation ceremony. In addition to her dedication to the academics of VHS, Ryder also showed immense cougar pride. Her office was adorned with black and gold paraphernalia and she often helped out at football games. Ryder’s peers only had positive things to recount about her. Library technician, Gloria

Assistant Principal Chris Murphy, retired Administrative Assistant Doris Ryder, and Principal Carlos Cohen (left to right) wearing matching black and gold right before winter break. Photo from: Carlos Cohen

Alcala, has known Ryder since the beginning of her time working at VHS. They are close friends outside of the campus and frequently bond over their daughters who graduated from VHS together. Alcala expressed, “I was surprised, and I’m sad that [Ryder] left,” and added that she found out about Ryder’s retirement the Saturday after her last day. This goes to show Ryder’s private and

soft spoken personality, as stated by Alcala, which seems to be one of the main reasons why many students are unaware of all of the work she has done for VHS. Principal Carlos Cohen, who was only one of the many principals Ryder has worked very closely with, described her as “very traditional, discreet, and professional.” Her diligence was demonstrated

After a year, Reich will be tried

After allegedly committing sexual battery last year, the former Ventura High School German teacher will face judgement in the near future. Miles Bennett On Dec. 30, 2018 at 6:30 p.m, former VHS German teacher David Reich was arrested for alleged sexual harassment of a 22-yearold employee at Industry Horror, a clothing store in downtown Ventura. Supposed video evidence from Industry Horror’s security cameras reveal Reich touching the victim in a sexual manner without her consent. Reich was then taken into custody by Ventura Police and given a citation for

“He wrote a countdown on the board [leading up to] the day I turned 18.”-Courtney Caldwell sexual battery, but released a short while later. He was then put on “administrative leave” according to a statement released via email by the Ventura Unified School District six days after the arrest. After over a year of being postponed, Reich’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 20, at the Superior Court of Ventura County. The alleged victim, who will remain anonymous, stated that Reich has been attempting

Graphic by: Miles Bennett

to cancel his impending trial. “I just know that a sexual battery case wouldn’t typically take a year to [go to court],” she said, “so I’m assuming he’s been charged with other things.” The victim was wary of any further questioning, stating, “I’m not sure how much information I can give [before the trial].” However, she added that she will be open to a full interview after the trial. “He kind of had it coming for him,” commented senior and former German student Laura Kemble. “He was a creepy teacher and he didn’t teach, like, at all.” “He always had acted a bit creepy and shown a bit of favoritism towards female students,” added senior India Hill. “He would always talk about sexual [stuff] and act like it was just all about German culture. His whole vibe was kind of just off,” stated senior Kayla Swain, adding, “His anger

and constant yelling definitely made me uncomfortable.” “When I was coming into highschool, [my family said that] I wasn’t allowed to enroll in German, even though that was the class I wanted to take, because my brother said that [Reich] was so creepy,” stated senior Kaja Boas. “I wasn’t surprised. I always knew,” stated VHS alumna and former German student Courtney Caldwell, “He wrote a countdown on the board [leading up to] the day I turned 18. [And] on the [trip to Germany that Reich’s students used to take], I had to go to the hospital and he visited me in my hospital room alone and brought flowers.” Hill, Kemble and Swain also shared specific examples of Reich’s “creepy” behavior. Hill and Kemble talked about a time when the class was playing a game in which partners would touch each others elbows, knees, stomachs other body parts after Reich would call them out in German.

in her prompt arrival to school each morning at 6:30 a.m., and her assurance that no office responsibility was left undone. Over the years, Ryder took on many tasks that would typically require a myriad of other workers in different positions, such as a Dean or Assistant Principal, to balance the workload. Alcala remarked, “[Ryder] was the glue that kept the front office together,” as she was responsible for making a great number of administrative decisions within the main office. Cohen explained, “Once she told me she was retiring we started working towards getting a long term substitute who had experience in that position, we are also looking to hire someone new.” He wishes to eventually hire new positions to take on the tasks that Ryder undertook in order to keep the Main Office organized. Due to her retirement, Ryder has yet to respond to our request for an interview. She is, however, described by Alcala as “an exceptional woman” who will be missed dearly at VHS. “One of them would touch their neighbor’s hair and Mr. Reich was near me and reached to touch my hair and I said, ‘I would appreciate it if you didn’t do that’ to which he yelled at me in front of the class for not participating,” stated Hill. “It was my hair, which I don’t usually like people touching in general, let alone 50-year-old men.” Hill and Kemble also mentioned a time when Reich was going over German descriptors for one’s appearance. “He decided that the way he would get inspiration for some vocabulary words to use was to ask a young freshman girl what her ideal man was like,” said Hill, “[The class] all felt a bit uncomfortable and pointed that out to him at the time. He didn’t seem to see why there was anything wrong with [what he was doing].” Every student interviewed also made a point to mention Reich’s ineffectiveness as a teacher and his rampant temper. “You didn’t know whether he was going to blow up about something or just go on a 45 minute tangent that bored you to death,” said VHS alumnus and former German student Clayton Currie. Swain recalled an anecdote regarding Reich’s temper, stating that “[Reich] was going on a rant about something, then he started screaming at me because I had ‘made a face’ that upset him or whatever. . . . continued on page 2

@thecougarpress

Volume 72 Edition 4

What’s inside?

Photo from: Carson Peterson

Top Chef pg. 2

Photo by: Jocelyn Lee

This is Ridiculous pg. 2

Drawing from: Yasmin Myers

PDA pg. 3

Photo by: Riley Ramirez

Boys Basketball pg. 3

Photo by: Alina Calamia

VHS on favorite memories from the past decade pg. 4 For more content, check out thecougarpress.org

News/Features

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After a year, Riech will be tried (cont.) Miles Bennett

“I felt like I did more in that three months than I did in the last 12 years,” stated Peterson. Photo from: Carson Peterson

Culinary Crafts with Carson VHS freshman places fifth on Top Chef Junior. Bella Young

At age five, Carson Peterson could be found in the kitchen rolling pasta dough with his Italian grandma, who he calls his Nonna. Little did he know that eight years later he would be competing in Top Chef Junior. “I really owe all of my culinary accomplishments to her,” stated Peterson, about his Nonna. At first, the idea of auditioning for Top Chef Junior didn’t excite Peterson, but he let the idea sink in until he decided to try to make the auditions after a basketball game. “We rushed to LA and I made it in time,” said Peterson, “The first audition was really simple. We took a test that was very easy then we went into a room and answered some questions from producers.” After two months of nerve racking call backs, Peterson got the call to go to Burbank and start filming with 23 other contestants. Peterson admitted, “This news made me so extremely happy, but with that came the nerves.” The contestants were separated into hotel rooms and were not allowed to communicate with each other, until the next morning when the talent wranglers brought the 24 kids down to the studio. “The studio looks very regular on the outside but inside was a chef ’s fantasy,” said Peterson, “First you walk into the lounge room which is massive and filled with bean bags and games. But, the most spectacular thing was the set itself, two massive stove fronts with

two grills and 24 burners on each side of the room, 12 ovens and a pantry half the size of [his] house.” After the first challenge, which included making a dish with a mystery bag, Peterson was told he made the final cut, and “[he] started bawling.” This jumpstarted season two of Top Chef Junior, which included “three months of being out of school, filming, and working eight hours a day, six days a week.” In the end, Peterson placed 5th, and “had the best experiences of [his] life.” In that three months, Peterson had the opportunity to travel to New York, Florida, and all over California to film commercials. He also, “made friends that became family.” Competing on Top Chef Junior, “was the start to an advanced understanding of cooking,” stated Peterson. After the show, many doors were open for the young chef, as he still has events scheduled where he will share his story with people as well as future competitions in hopes of improving his culinary skills. As a freshman in high school, Peterson cooks very often and “usually has dinner covered.” Peterson’s next project includes private catering gigs where he is able to share his craft with families around Ventura. In the future, Peterson aspires to row for Stanford University, as he currently rows for Lake Casitas. Peterson admitted, “After Stanford, I have to make a decision to follow my cooking further or go another route.”

Swain continued, “He yelled at me to get out and I was so calm about it, I didn’t even make a scene. I just got up and started walking then he flipped out and started chasing after me. Then, when we got outside, he just started going off.” All those interviewed claim that they or their fellow students filed complaints about Reich’s inappropriate behavior multiple times. Principal Carlos Cohen claims that he is not aware of any of these reports. However, Assistant Principal Chris Murphy stated that he “was aware of concerns by students and parents of teachers that

Print EICs Miles Bennett Lola Bobrow

ing all credentialed and classified staff that come into this school.” Cohen stated that there were no plans to alter or update the teacher selection process after Reich’s arrest. “It’s irresponsible on Cohen’s part to say that things haven’t changed, [considering] the amount of students I know who were left uncomfortable and traumatized from his class,” added Caldwell, “Me being one of them.” The Cougar Press reached out to Reich via email for an interview, but he did not reply. Unless there are further delays, an article will be published on thecougarpress. org covering the events of the trial and the verdict reached.

Is Ridiculous living up to its name?

The inside scoop on what the Ridiculous brand is all about. Jocelyn Lee Peyton Redmond In the Ventura High School parking lot, senior Rourke Rieman has probably been spotted in his white Jeep with the red “Ridiculous” logo labeled on the side. At the Buena vs Ventura Football game during the fall, a cannon shot t-shirts into the student section and the people shooting the cannon were all a part of team Ridiculous. Now what exactly is the brand all about? Based in Ventura, Ridiculous was founded by Ray Rieman, father of two Ventura High School students, sophomore Vaugn and senior Rourke Rieman. Rieman explained, “Basically, my dad [had] been talking about starting an

apparel company for years and when he decided to go for it, that was the name he chose. He’s always had the circle R for logos so he incorporated that into the Ridiculous logo. It is an outdoor and adventure brand that focuses on ridiculous things.” Rourke Rieman commented on what the company is all about, “I think the best part is just being surrounded by people who don’t conform to the boring norms of society nowadays.” Rourke also explains how Ridiculous enjoys representing their brand by taking the Jeeps off-roading into wilderness. On their website, Ridiculous describes their brand, “We have a commitment to a way of life, whereby each individual

Senior Rourke Rieman stands by the Ridiculous Jeep that he said he does "ridiculous" things with. Photo by: Jocelyn Lee

Editorial Staff

Editors-in-Chief Sam Hicks Tatum Luoma

were acting in ways that were inappropriate,” but he is “unable to say specifically that [he] was or was not aware of the particular concerns here with Mr. Reich.” “Forgive me for having to be so ‘cagey,’” added Murphy, “but the reason for that is that I have to protect the integrity of all individuals.” Assistant principal Charles Cornwell declined to be interviewed, due to Riech’s case being a “personnel issue.” When asked if the administration has any plans to better prevent sexual predators from retaining a job at VHS in the future, Cohen stated, “The VUSD and VHS has always had a very thorough process for check-

Managing Editors Doug Sandford Bella Young

Our Mission Statement

lives their life to the fullest: without fear or reprisal; independent of all others.” The company strives for their customers to live by the saying “risk has its rewards,” meaning that life is too short to live without doing adventurous activities even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone. The brand sells items from hats and accessories to t-shirts and sweatshirts. Junior Caleb Gilbert stated, “I was lucky enough to catch a Ridiculous t-shirt at the Buena vs Ventura football game. Rourke Rieman is a good homie of mine and the brand is pretty sick. I love supporting them.” Regardless of what Rourke Rieman talked about, not conforming to the boring norms of society, living life to the fullest, and doing adventurous activities, others like junior Abigail Martinez find this ideal hard to believe. When Martinez was asked about what she thinks about Ridiculous and the company’s motives, she commented, “I’ve heard some rumors that the brand was made only so that Rourke could get free Jeeps, but that seems a little extreme so I don’t think that it’s true.” Nothing that Martinez said has been proven to be factual, but the suspicion remains. . . . continued on thecougarpress.org

Staffers

Social Media Editor Julia Davies

The Cougar Press is a student-run, community forum of Ventura High School and the surrounding community. As a publication, we strive to fairly report on the issues and happenings that occur throughout our school and community. We encourage involvement from our readers, as support from our community only improves the quality of our reporting. We can be contacted at thecougarpressvhs@gmail.com.

Tyler Andell Chris Beal Alina Calamia Charlotte D’Orsi Shannon David Audrey Flynn Anna Guerra Malia Gutierrez Juliana Jacobson Jocelyn Lee Emily Looney Connor Lynch

Caroline Marsden Katie Medina Skye Mercado Yasmin Myers Danny Ochoa Greta Pankratz Kole Petty Riley Ramirez Peyton Redmond Jack Schatzman Jesse Zapata

Opinion/Sports

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Illustration by: Miles Bennett Graphic by: Yasmin Myers

Stop kissing, go to class

Please stop making out on campus, lovers. Riley Ramirez

To all the Ventura High School mouth suckers, this one goes out to you. Not to be insulting, but your love language on campus is disgusting. I am already in a bad mood as is, walking to class in the morning and it really doesn’t help seeing students sucking each other’s faces off their bodies. I want to be able to enjoy my walk around campus in between classes or even at lunch or break. But no, I am not allowed to. It’s kind of humorous for me to take the closed-off stairwells to the 2nd floor because I absolutely have no doubt that I will find at least one couple doing R-rated activities. Don’t get me wrong, simple holding hands or quick kisses are fine, maybe even awed

upon. These things are seen all the time in cheesy high school romance movies. But when you start sitting on top of each other and eagerly making out with each other, it’s a little disturbing and honestly makes me actually want to go to class. Think it’s just me? Think again, lovers. Junior Mikayla Wagner also has experienced intense and utter disgraceful sexual behavior on campus. “I think PDA is okay if it is holding hands,” stated Wagner, “having your arms around someone or little kisses like pecks, but when people are making out and tonguing each other in front of everyone else, it’s uncomfortable for me and everyone else [I know].” Senior Noah Laber also is one of the many high

school students that feels uncomfortable and annoyed by public display of affection. “When [PDA] is excessive, I consciously ignore it. I think it’s fine if its minor affection, the school should definitely continue to allow that,” stated Laber The question remains whether or not the school should tolerate it more than they do. I see teachers walk past couples tonguing each other down all the time. Even though they look disgusted, which they have every right to be, they just continue on throughout their day. If I was a

“But when you start sitting on top of each other and eagerly making out with each other, it’s a little disturbing...” teacher, I would literally make it so obvious that I am on the verge of vomiting, and make the couple feel so invaded and uncomfortable that they would never even think about being together in public again. Once again, I am 100% in support of high school relationships and their freedom to express their care for each other. But when they cross the line on what appears to be “comfortable” for public consideration, it’s just plain rancid.

Cougars send the Spartans back to the arena The Cougars win their third league game of the season against the Rio Mesa Spartans. Peyton Redmond Riley Ramirez Students and parents gathered in the Tuttle Gym to watch the varsity boys basketball game against Rio Mesa High School on the night of Friday, Jan. 11. This was the Cougars’s third league game of the season, and they walked out with the win, raising their league record 2-1 and their overall record 14-7. To start the first quarter, there was a moment of silence for coaches Dan and Ann Larson due to their recent loss of their son. Within the first minute of the game, junior Caleb Gilbert (number 33) scored the first three points of the game. Less than 30 seconds later, Gilbert shot the ball for another two points. The first quarter was a constant score of points for the Cougars and the Spartans, ending with a score of 16-14, Ventura in the lead. Senior Nathan Johnston (number

32) started quarter two with a shot from the three-point line, setting the scoreboard 19-14. A minute later, Johnston scored two more points for Ventura, while Rio Mesa followed with two points scored as well. Following fouls made by the opposing team, senior Aidan Garza (number 23) shot two free throws at five minutes forty-two seconds, bringing up the score 23-16. After a scoring streak from the spartans, which included two successful shots from the threepoint line and a free throw, Rio Mesa brought their score up seven points to 23. Junior Fernando Ochoa (number 22) managed to steal the ball from Rio Mesa and score three extra points for the cougars, followed by a 3-point shot by Johnston. With a stressful final 30 seconds before halftime, Rio Mesa called for their first timeout of the game. Following this, the second quarter ended

Senior Nathan Johnston (number 32) shoots for the two points during the second quarter at six minutes thirty-eight seconds, bringing the score to 21-16. Photo by: Riley Ramirez

with Ventura still in the lead 29-25. At halftime, there were performances made by Ventura High’s cheer, dance and hip-hop team. These performances were followed by loud cheers from the audience, filled with parents of the performers, athletes and students. Ochoa shared his team goals for the 2020 varsity season, “[this season] we are looking forward to hopefully compete in league finals, make it to CIF and come out successful.” Junior Liam Cameron (number 35) also shared some struggles so far this season, “I need to improve on my free throws. These last few games I haven’t been doing good but thats okay, we’ll get there.” Third quarter had the most points scored between the cougars and the spartans, finishing in a very close score going into the fourth quarter. To start, Johnston scored the first three-point shot of the quarter, followed by a three-point shot from Rio Mesa. By the end of the third quarter, Ventura scored a total of 11 more points, Rio Mesa accumulated 12 points, ending the third 43-37. Fourth quarter started by echoing cheers from the students and parents of the varsity cougars when Gilbert slam dunked the ball into the hoop, scoring two points to start. The last points for the cougars were made by Ochoa, which was a successful threepoint shot. ...continued on thecougarpress.org

Graphic by: Miles Bennett

“Cats” is the best horror film of 2019 Director Tom Hooper put together a cinematic disaster that I’d recommend you keep far away from children and the elderly. Miles Bennett “Cats” provides viewers with an extended tour through what I believe to be the 10th circle of Hell. It’s not just the horrifying designs of the cats themselves that make the film atrocious, most of the aspects of filmmaking are laughable at best and physically painful at worst. The people who were in charge of the character design shouldn’t be aloud to go near a film again. I feel like the cats themselves would be more at home in a “Human Centipede” spinoff than in a film that’s supposedly appropriate for children. However, everyone already knows about the look of these feline demons, since the trailer took up all of Youtube’s ad space for two weeks, so I won’t keep beating a dead horse. Or, a dead cat, if you will. The plot of “Cats” reminds me of my dad, because it isn’t there. Unless you consult the internet, you’ll be lost throughout the entirety of the film. Grotesque plot details like one of the cats being a prostitute and another being her pimp were lost to me because I was too busy trying to figure out what a “Jellicle” is and why Rebel Wilson is teaching mice with the faces of human children to tap dance. The acting chops were all over the place. Judi Dench seemed like she was just waiting for her paycheck. Jason DeRulo kept acting like a typical Ventura High

Graphic by: Charlotte D’Orsi

School boy at a dance, if you know what I mean. Idris Elba made me feel like I needed an adult present for my own safety. And poor Sir Ian Mckellen seemed like he wandered on set after getting lost on his way back to the old folk’s home. “Cats” fails in many technical aspects as well. Computer effects on the actors were often left unfinished, with things like fur changing color from time to time and 3D models looking like they were ripped out of a Playstation 2 game being very prevalent. The audio mixing was pretty bad as well. I can’t tell you how good Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of “Memory” was because I couldn’t hear it half the time. Surprisingly, there are some redeeming aspects to “Cats.” The dancing was well choreographed at times, but then again I’m not a ballerina, so I don’t know how eager my dancer friends will be to correct me after reading this article. The one thing I can say that I liked without hesitation were the sets. They were very interesting to look at while trying to ignore the creatures from hell that danced atop them. I also appreciate that a good chunk of the backdrops weren’t CGI. “Cats” is one of those films that is so horrifically bad that it turns into an unintentional comedy. So, if you enjoy laughing at a good cinematic trainwreck, then go have a blast. If not, maybe go see “Frozen 2” instead.

Distractions

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Name:

Find these profanity replacements to use when teachers are around!

Created with TheTeachersCorner.net Word Search M

Darn Frick Goof Dongle Buffoon Fudge Dingbat Shoot Shucks Yahoo Balderdash

Graphic by: Charlotte D’Orsi

Replacements for Profanities

N W O

W O

Find the hidden J U K C E G P O I H E K E X Z bonus word M R W U O U H V L J M C M W N and we’ll be mildly amused! K X Q A R S Z P K S K C U H S

Word search by: Miles Bennett

Cougar Catnips

DARN

FRICK

GOOF

DONGLE

BUFFOON

FUDGE

DINGBAT

SHOOT

SHUCKS

BALDERDASH

ROBERTDOWNEYJR

YAHOO

Tummy Troubles Julia Davies

Bumpie Stickie Eti-kittie Charlotte D’Orsi

Graphic by: Julia Davies

Photo by: Charlotte D’Orsi

Graphic by: Yasmin Myers

VHS on... favorite memories from the past decade

“ My favorite memory of the decade was the ‘Do you know da wae’ meme in 2018,” stated senior Gavin Garretty.

Graphic by: Peyton Redmond

“Growl, rumble, rrrr,” goes my stomach every day. I hate that my stomach only seems to make noises at the worst times, like when I’m in an extremely quiet classroom. I live in constant fear of my stomach rumbling because I simply just don’t want my peers to think I’m rippin’ one. It doesn’t help that everyone whips their head around all at once and stares at me as soon as my tummy decides to start talking. So please, if you’re one of the lucky people whose parents still pack their lunches, be grateful. You don’t have to feel the pain I experience everyday. “My favorite memory was in October of 2019, I just finished my improv show and I went to a little improv get together after the show,” said junior Jacob Berkovitz.

Photos by: Alina Calamia and Caroline Marsden “Joining the track team was such a good memory, I have been doing track since freshman year, and I am so glad I have found a family. I have never been involved with something like that. I love competing and the family aspect of the sport, I’m so grateful to be apart of it,” stated junior Connor Loughman.

Sophomore Emily Brockus (left) said, “My favorite memory from this decade was when I belly flopped off the high dive in 2019.” “My favorite memory of the decade was meeting my closest friends in elementary school and high school,” said sophomore Jayden Marshall (right).

“My best memory of the decade is leaving Cabrillo Middle school in 2019,”said freshman Jaylin Gerassiaro.

Bumper stickers are a great way to add a little bit of spunk to your wheels. They range from civilized to downright raunchy but that is the beauty of them, there’s one out there for everyone. However, there is a bumper sticker etiquette which goes as follows: don’t ask me about the meaning behind them or why I put them on my car. If you’re rhetorically analyzing a bumper sticker, you have too much time, go pick up a book. It’s just a sticker, dawg, stop getting triggered, and so what if my cat is a republican? Deal with it.