The Mirada November 2nd 2018

Horror film contest spooks students

Rio v. El Camino game cut short

FEATURES| PAGE 9

SPORTS | PAGE 13

The Mirada

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Rio Americano High School, Sacramento, California

Friday, November 2, 2018

Vol. 53, Issue 3

Debate continues months after Janus ruling Rebecca Smith Mirada Staff Four months after the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Janus case, teachers at Rio and across the state appear to be staying in their unions, even though they are no longer required to pay dues or other fees.

At Rio, however, campus union leaders and a teacher who supported the Janus suit that led to the

Supreme Court ruling against public sector unions remain passionate about the topic--and divided about where the ruling will and should lead.

In a 5-4 ruling on July 27, the Supreme Court found for the plaintive Mark Janus that teacher unions can no longer take agency fees or other payments from non members without their consent because it violates the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech and association.

Math teacher, Darren Miller, flew

to Washington D.C. last February to speak outside of the Supreme Court in favor of Janus the day justices heard oral arguments in the case.

Spanish teach, Michael Carroll, is a representative of the San Juan Teachers Association and has concerns about potential implications that could arise from this decision: one being problems involving funding for public sector unions.

This decision overturned the Taft Hartley act of 1947, which allowed union security agreements under

state laws. Janus overturned this in regards to public sector unions stating that it violates the First Amendment.

The ruling also overturned the 1977 Abood vs. Detroit Board of Education decision that allowed there to be required fees for membership, but it also allowed members to refuse to pay a percentage of fees that would fund political causes.

Created to protect workers, union use collective bargaining voted on by a majority of the members and

helps negotiate contracts, defends workers’ rights, determines fair wages. Unions also support political candidates who share their views.

However, even before Janus, members could have a share of their dues refunded if they disagreed with the political spending.

“I don’t agree with everything everybody votes for, but I treasure the chance to express my voice,” said

SEE UNION PAGE 2

4X4 debate heading to faculty vote Annalee G Mirada Staff

Students gather on the stage for the Halloween costume contest.. All participants received a small prize of candy; however, the best costume received a $25 gift card to In-n-Out.

Costumes capture spirit of

HALLOWEEN

Senior Brandon Shaldone wins the costume contest as Dwight from The Office.

Senior Claire Chally, dressed as a fairy, holds a plate of candy for the participants of the costume contest.

Senior Synai Bowles flashes money as a Soundcloud rapper.

With new district wide graduation requirements taking away space in students’ schedules for electives and remediation the school is considering switching from a sixclass day to a four-by-four block schedule.

In a block schedule students would take four 90-minute classes each semester, allowing them to take eight classes a year instead of six.

“The requirements for graduation in San Juan were low compared to when you look at surrounding schools and by making the requirements similar to A-G requirements, they are allowing students to have an option when they graduate to go to college or career,” said Principal Brian Ginter. The new requirements include an added year of a foreign language, math and science class to graduate.

“It was almost like a college paced schedule. Twice as fast as a normal class at Rio. The students have fewer classes to focus on at once, but on the other hand, it’s twice as fast so some students might fall behind,” said French teacher Jennifer Jenks, who taught with a block schedule at Del Campo for 14 years.

The addition of a new foreign language requirement is worrisome to teachers who believe consistency is necessary to perfect a language.

“In foreign language, students can forget a lot in between as they only take it for one semester. The same applies for math and other subjects where it’s important to maintain that consistency and regularity so that can be tough to fall behind,” said Jenks.

Implementing the block schedule can potentially lead to a more personalized environment as teachers have less students and can focus on those who are struggling.

“You have 90 minutes per day so you get to spend more quality time with the student and get to know them better and do more

SEE 4X4 PAGE 3

INSIDE >> News|1-5

Opinion|6-7

Features|8-12

Horror |8-9 Sports|13-15 ONLINE >>

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The Mirada |NEWS| Friday, November 2, 2018

Vaping trends target teens Katie Newton Sam Baccelli Mirada Staff Teen vaping has become an epidemic according to Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Association (FDA). More teenagers are turning toward e-cigarettes for their variety of flavors and claims of being more safe than traditional cigarettes.

Many e-cigarette companies target younger age groups, though illegal and depend on the age group for their business. The marketing of fun flavors may be the reason many teenagers start to vape, but it is not always why they continue to do it.

“I mainly vape to take the edge off everything,” said an anonymous student, “School and life in general can be stressful.”

The FDA assumes responsibility and is taking action in response to the rise in teenage drug use. They gave e-cigarette companies Juul, Vuse, MarkTen XL, Blu and Logic 60 days, (until mid-Nov.) to propose comprehensive plans to stop teen vaping.

Vaping has become a part of daily conversations and while teens have the opportunity to make the right decision, companies have illegally

targeted this age group, making it much easier for drugs to be embedded into teenage culture.

Sophomore Anika Rogaski said, “Rio is just like many other schools across the nation who have fallen victim to this epidemic, and I do believe this has a negative effect on the way we interact with each other, not to mention the pressure one feels to vape in order to fit in.”

Many teens develop a habit of vaping and addiction to nicotine because of peer pressure. As adolescents, high schoolers are more prone to try something without considering the consequences.

Many e-cigarettes used for vaping are small and easy to hide. Because of this they are everywhere at school: hallways, bathrooms and even classrooms.

“It has become a problem. It’s not only a problem here but its a problem at other schools,” said Principal Brian Ginter.

Within the past month there have been two scenarios where the fire alarms went off due to students smoking in the bathrooms.

Administration can track exactly what fire alarm went off and security cameras are outside each bathroom.

This allows the staff to act fast once the event has occurred.

The fire department came for both incidents this year, and after using up a few false alarms these unnecessary trips could cost the school $500 each time.

While kids may be excited to get out of another lecture, these incidents are harmful to the school’s community.

Rogaski said, “Although I personally don’t know many people who vape or who discuss vaping with me, I believe it can have a detrimental effect on a school environment.”

As e-cigarette businesses target kids, this kind of community could increasingly cultivate at schools.

The FDA decided to start enforcing strict regulations on companies in order to prevent this.

Ginter’s view on solving the problem was focused on awareness.

“It’s a matter of educating people about what’s harmful, what’s not harmful, and what the nuisances around these topics can cause a lot of people,” said Ginter.

The FDA has tried to educate kids ranging from ages 12-17 since 2014, but the amount of kids using e-cigarettes increased. In addition to making companies change, the FDA took matters into their own hands.

Places including 7-Eleven, Circle

Unions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Carroll. “Having a voice provides me with an ability I never had in my previous careers.”

Carroll feels that unions are essential to a well-represented workforce.

“This Janus decision is an attempt by wealthy conservative groups to destroy union representation,” said Carroll.

Public sector unions are still required to represent non members who no longer have to pay “agency fees”- money paid to the union by non members in exchange for bargaining services.

Miller described being an agency fee payer as being required to pay for “non-representational costs such as political contributions.”

“Each year I paid full union dues, filed a protest, and the union would admit to about 1/3 of their costs as not relating to my pay, benefits, and working conditions,” said Miller.

“They were required (under the Supreme Court’s Abood decision) to refund to me that money which could not be justified as pertaining to union organizing or representing my interests as an employee, and that amount was in the 30-40 percent range each year.”

Going a step further, the Court agreed with Janus that public sector union speech is inherently political since “it covers critically important and public matters such as the State’s budget crisis, taxes, and collective bargaining issues related to education, child welfare, healthcare, and minority rights.”

Carroll doesn’t believe it is “just or fair” that unions are still required to represent non members because they don’t pay these agency fees.

His views are based off the history of unions.

“With unions we saw the great development of the middle class and improved daily life for millions of families for generations,” said Carroll. “Even those without union representation benefited from their existence and influence. I must say

Teacher Darren Miller speaks out at a workers union rally in Washington D.C. in late February.

Photo provided by Miller that if we fail to defend and protect what was fought for by earlier generations we may have to live through the same experiences they did. History tends to repeat itself especially when people fail to learn its lessons.”

Miller’s message has a different perspective. He said his beliefs correspond with those held by Thomas Jefferson: “To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.”

“I don’t believe it’s right to compel someone to pay a private organization (the union) in order to have a job,” said Miller.

“They still get to negotiate my contract, and they’re the only ones who can do that,” said Miller.

There are still some privileges unions have that non members find to be unfair. In most private industries and most private and charter school workers negotiate their wages and working conditions individually.

Miller chooses not to belong to the San Juan teachers union because he would also have to join the state and national unions, which fund causes and candidates he does not agree with.

“They’re just extensions of the Democratic Party and they do

not represent my values, either in education or in any other field,” said Miller.

He doesn’t believe the $1100 he was paying should go to support politics he didn’t align with.

“They give well over 90 percent of political donations to Democratic candidates,” said Miller. “They support … the idea that students should be able to get abortions without parental consent or knowledge. They support racist and violent organizations (e.g., Black Lives Matter and Antifa). They do not support parental choice in schools. As I often say, ‘Universal public education is sacred, public schools are not.’”

Carroll counters that Black Lives Matters “is not racist,” that Antifa may not exist as a unified entity and that he is unaware of union money going to theses groups or causes.

As to supporting Democrats, he said the union “supports students, education and teachers and … the Democrats just happen to be the ones who share these values.”

The Executive Director of the San Juan Teachers Association, Shannon Brown, said she had never heard of funds going to Black Lives Matter or Antifa.

“All local funds go to members to help them be the best professionals

K and over 1,000 similar stores were sent warning letters for selling illegal substances to teenagers. The FDA hopes their actions are enough to stop the growing trend of teen vaping.

“It’s disheartening to see how ignorant my classmates can be about the effects of vaping has been proven to have on the health of teens,” said Rogaski.

Many schools and parents are trying to take action as well. The California Tobacco Grant Program supplies schools with money to provide the community with information about tobacco and the use of it.

“The PTSA puts on programs for parents and students. Sometimes our Civitas students will do that as well,” said Ginter.

Raising awareness is key in facing the “epidemic” of teen vaping. The problem is also battled by the school and its resources to catch kids, including fine particulate detectors which are more sensitive than smoke detectors.

Ginter said, “It becomes annoying a little bit, but we’re able to figure out who it is pretty quickly and hopefully getting that message out people understand that we’ll figure out who it is and they won’t do that.”

they can be,” Brown said. “CTA (California Teachers Association) spends a percentage of the funds on conferences to prepare educators for rapidly evolving challenges.”

She said a portion of the funds go to political activity, but all of it is for the betterment of teachers and education, such as supporting smaller class sizes and increased funding, as well as controversial political issues such as preserving DACA. Miller disagrees. Union spending, he argues goes against his politics and often what’s best for education.

“Now that union membership is voluntary, I would consider paying a union if that union did (only) what unions should do—focus on my pay, benefits, and working conditions,” he said. “If people want to give money to political organizations, they can do that individually—they don’t need a labor union to do that for them.

Carroll, however, believes unions provide a voice that is beneficial to the protection of teachers.

“Regarding our teachers union I can only say that teachers and students have benefited greatly from allowing teachers to have a voice,” Carroll said. “I think most teachers realize this. I don’t think many will choose to give up their voice” Miller is proud of his contribution to this case. He said in high school he learned that if he wanted to change politics he would have to write to a local paper or his congressman or vote, but after going to D.C. to protest, he was left with a different message.

“There are other ways of influencing government, and I’m proud to have been (and continue to be) a participant in these Supreme Court cases involving individual freedom,” said Miller.

As the debate continues, unions have made an extra effort to keep members.

Brown said that even with the Janus ruling, state-level union membership is on the rise.

What the ruling will mean for the 7 million public sector union members in 22 states remains to be seen--and debated.

LAWS

California bill requires women on boards of directors Sam Baccelli Mirada Staff California has recently become the first state to require women to be on the boards of directors in California based publicity trade companies.

Boards of directors are responsible for the overall reputation and activity of a corporation.

Members are responsible for overseeing the big picture of the company and changing directions when necessary.

A board of directors are also responsible for finances, working on behalf of all shareholders to make sure that they do not lose money. All allegations that take legal action toward the company are handled by boards of directors.

By the end of next year companies will be required to have at least one woman on their board. The number of women that companies are required to have on their boards is dependent on the size of the board. On a board of five there must be at least two women, on a board of six there must be at least three women.

If a company fails to comply with these requirements by the end of July 202, it will be fined $100,000 for a first offence, and $300,000 for a second offence.

This will mandate that 40 percent of boards of directors are made up of women, still making the boards majority men.

Currently boards of directors are composed of 20 percent women.

Business is a field that is overly saturated with men.

California Senate Bill 826 signed

by Governor Jerry Brown is souped to combat that.

Over 30 large California based companies oppose this bill. The argument from businesses is that it will displace a large amount of board members solely based off of gender.

Female teens feel that business is a career option that is off limits to them. “I never really felt like business was something that I could do for a living and be successful,” said freshman Madison Miller.

Even women that do think of a career in business do not think that they could reach a level as high as board of directors.

Women in the workplace are taken less seriously than men. It is much harder to gain respect for women than it is for men.

Without the needed respect women have a much less likely chance of being able to enter higher positions such as being a member of board of directors.

“Ever since I was older I’ve wanted to pursue a career in business,” said freshmen Taylor White “because of this bill I feel more comfortable going into a career in business, and having the ability to be successful.”

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The Mirada |NEWS| Friday, November 2, 2018

4x4

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in depth activities,” said Jenks.

Conversely, some believe the additional length from a traditional schedule will benefit more students, “...block classes would not properly support struggling students, who need year long rapport with their teachers and prolonged exposure to concepts over a full year in order to master content,” said English teacher Matthew Valencich.

The new schedule is oriented to make the graduation requirements similar to the A-G requirements to give students more options when they graduate or go to a career.

Students will have more credits and options after high school.

One hope with the block schedule is to utilize another period for struggling students to seek help from teachers. Additionally, if a student doesn’t pass a class, it would allow them to retake the class the following semester. Potentially, it would reduce the amount of students failing.

“What the school doesn’t realize is how much more stressful the schedule will be to students who take AP and Honors classes, especially if those classes are semester long classes will be quarter long classes,” said sophomore Aiden Mosley.

Along with more time with students, the additional time would allot for more room in students’ schedules.

“We would have more room in our schedules and therefore more ability to try new things and participate to try new things and participate in fun electives that we want to be in. It would be easier to take more advanced classes because they would probably not all be the same semester,” said junior Samantha Klein.

The block schedule allows for two more classes per year making some students schedules easier to manage and eliminating the stress of

Fail and Drop Rates for classes >1 out of three schools in US use block schedule >Studies show declining failure rates in 4x4 schools >NC study compared block and non block schedule and scored equivalent end-of-course test scores >The testing timetable favored students in year-long classes; AP students did better in year schedules

prioritizing classes. Consequently, other subjects are threatened by this new schedule and some are concerned about the changes in curriculum that might occur.

“I think that converting to a four by four block would threaten too many of the programs that shape the core identity at Rio--Band, Civitas, and AP among them,” said Valencich.

The four by four adds an extra 80 credits, but eliminates 40 worth of electives. “By having less choice electives that means inevitably some of the election programs we have might go away because some kids aren’t choosing to take them,” said Ginter.

Band, which typically has two classes a day, is likely be affected.

“We wouldn’t be able to have all the band classes we have now,” said junior Emily Augusta.

“Right now we have seven award winning bands and we would only be able to have four per semester and be unable to rehearse all year, I probably wouldn’t be able to take any band classes because of AP and other A-G requirements,” said Augusta.

Band isn’t the only threatened class from the new schedule.

“Right now we have a lot of classes you can take. There’s art, there’s music, shop classes, there’s some of the APs, some CTE courses we have. It’s a possibility those classes could be taken away if we have less choice in the electives that students have,” said Ginter.

As a science teacher, Nicole Brashear says she would not recommend this schedule. “In

science the standards don’t change.

You still have to teach all this different subject matter and we’d have to take some stuff out because we wouldn’t have enough time to cover it. Or, we’d teach it so fast the kids wouldn’t be able to get it all in.”

Teachers are rushed because as a result of the shortened class time.

“I still ran out of time because there’s such a shortened amount of time and you still have all the standards you have to meet. What usually happens is you take stuff out and you don’t get the depth of everything you would otherwise,” said Brashear.

Despite the conjectures, pursuing the schedule can improve and fit the needs of our school. The different schedule will still include opportunities for students to take the classes they like and maintain several electives.

One out of three schools now use block schedule although the long-term effects are still unknown.

A study done in North Carolina concluded that both block and non-block schedules resulted in end of year tests. The four by four schedule also showed a decline in failing students as they were able to retake classes as needed.

Although, schools with a traditional; yearlong schedule had better AP test scores because of the additional time students received.

“I see it beneficial for graduation requirements and electives for the breath of the program and for struggling students,” said Ginter.

In the long run, over four years, a student will have 320 possible

Pros:

>Students may be better able to complete the new graduation requirements >Students will be able to take more electives > Students will have more chances to retake failed classes. >Students only take four classes at a time

Cons:

>All classes will be one semester >Classes will have less instruction minutes >Classes will be accelerated to cover same material in fewer weeks >Language classes may lack continuity > Band students may not be able to take classes for a full year > 90 minute classes may make it hard to concentrate

credits whereas now students receive 240 credits. As a result, students who don’t have an open period can take six instead of five classes allowing more classes to be taken if needed.

By January, the school will make a decision to implement this schedule for the class of 2023.

School opinion

“I think the 4x4 block would be a good idea because it is easier to manage our classes since we would only have four a semester and it’s less stress on all the students.”

Ryan Wilson (10)

“I like the idea of a 4x4 block because it gives teachers the time to prepare a proper lessons for their classes.”

Gary Blenner (teacher)

“I do not want the 4x4 because I like the way that the schedule is placed now.”

Juliana Bolton (9)

page 3

“I think it’d be super beneficial.

You can really focus on the four classes you’re in rather than spreading yourself super thin.

The cool thing about a 4x4 is you get two extra classes so you could finish like all of your necessary graduating requirements early which is nice.”

Ella Pierce (9)

Recycle your Mirada

Rebecca Smith Commentary

The power of voting

M

illennials have as large of a voter base as Baby Boomers, but our voice always falls flat due to a lack of voting. Whether it’s because teens don’t know how/where to vote or that they don’t know the issues or that they just don’t care, we are letting people over the age of 60 decide our future.

Only a fraction of seniors are eligible to vote this year, and not all of them will. It is more important now than ever before to register, preregister, and constantly check registration.

Voter suppression is happening, but silence is not an option.

Midterms are on Nov. 6 and their outcome will completely change the political climate one way or another.

Issues like health care, immigration and gun control are the most prominent topics. It is no longer about party, it’s about who’s going to fight for basic human rights.

The country has become desensitized, and the lack of empathy and abundance of hate is overwhelming. One message has become clear this last year: we refuse to care until it happens to us.

There was a school shooting in North Carolina on Monday, but no one knows because only one person died. There is a caravan of thousands of people traveling up to the Mexican border to legally seek asylum in America, but they’ll be met with hate and military force. There was a shooting in a synagogue by someone deemed the “#magashooter”, but people refuse to believe that the hate speech spewed by the president has any influence even when he is cited as having inspired the shooter.

Thousands of people will die if Obamacare is repealed, but just like these other issues, no one cares until it happens to them.

Teenagers face an insurmountable amount of stress in school. The added fear of being killed in the place that’s supposed to help you grow and better yourself is where this country has failed.

The fact that in the 1930s Hitler was able to rally people together to try to kill off an entire population and that same rhetoric is being used today to justify shooting up a synagogue is where this country has failed.

Fleeing a place that refuses to accept your race, sexuality or religion only to be greeted by guns at the place that’s supposed to be a safe haven, is where this country has failed.

Affordable health care shouldn’t be considered a privilege only the upper one percent can afford.

All humans need to feel protected and cared for, and the fact that in America we refuse to help each other, is where this country has failed.

In a country that preaches love and acceptance, and was founded on freedom of religion and speech, our ability to turn our backs on those that need us most is inexcusable.

The only way to ensure that these horrendous things don’t define America is by the power of democracy, the power of the vote.

Empathy and human decency are needed to cause some serious change for the better, and until we make our voice heard at the polls, the public will be in a constant state of fear.

The Mirada |NEWS| Friday, November 2, 2018

page 4

MIRADA FROM THE PAST

Student Prexy in ‘USA Teens’ Craig Simmons, student body president, was a participant in this year’s Mr. USA Teen Program held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 7-16.

Craig competed against student from all over the United States and was one of only five selected from California.

When asked about the selection procedures, Craig said it was a long, drawn out process. Selections were made on the basis of school activities, grades, and community involvement. Craig was notified he was named “Mr. Sacramento,” representing Northern California in the national finals in Minnesota.

Soon, Craig was off to Minneapolis for 10 days of interviews and competitions, in addition to some traveling and guest appearances.

He was interviewed by a nationwide panel of judges questioning his many school activities, and, as Craig stated, “They really tested my confidence!”

Views on the news:

Students respond to events from around the area and around the nation

NATIONAL

STATE

LOCAL

LOCAL

Kanye West calls for abolishing 13th Amendment

More Calif. young adults are registering as independents

Sacramento Zoo officials want to move from Land Park

Student serves her grandma’s ashes in cookies at school

Rapper and President Trump fan Kanye West recently tweeted that he thinks the 13th Amendment should be abolished.

The Amendment, which was ratified on Dec. 6, 1865, abolished slavery in America. West attached a photo of himself wearing a Make America Great Again hat to his tweet that said “We will no longer outsource to other countries. We build factories here in America and create jobs. We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment.”

He later clarified what he meant in a tweet saying “the 13th Amendment is slavery in disguise meaning it never ended. We are the solution that heals.”

“I think he’s an extremely abstract minded genius that is fighting depression and opioid addiction and that his thoughts should be taken with a grain of salt.”

- Cole Ramazzini (12) “He just wants people talking about him. He doesn’t care what he says as long as he’s being talked about and in controversy.

He’s happy because that’s how he makes his money.”

- Eddy Loza (12)

CALENDAR 11/01 Women’s soccer tryouts 11/02 Downtown Sacramento ice rink reopens 11/3 Sacramento Theater Company’s Curtains Up 11/6 Winter sports Parent and Athlete Meeting @ 7 p.m.-11p.m. Large Gym/ Library/ Various Classrooms 11/9 No School 11/12 Veterans Day 11/15 Boys water polo awards night @ 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m. Cafeteria 11/16 Blood drive Small Gym 11/16 Senior forum @ 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

11/16 Club Photo Day @ 8 a.m. -noon, cafeteria 11/16 Senior Class Group Photo @ noon 11/19 - 11/24/18 Thanksgiving break 11/28 Student and parent schedule Input meeting @ 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Performing arts center 11/29 Speech and debate team meeting @7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

11/30 - 12/1 Jack Scott tournament Large Gym

Yearbook club photo day and senior class group photo are both Nov. 16 Club Photos are 8 a.m. to noon in the cafeteria Senior class photo at noon, campus site TBA

On Nov. 6, Americans over the age of eighteen will be going to the polls. All members of the House of Representatives will be up for reelection as well as one-third of U.S. Senators.

Since 2016, sixteen and seventeen year-olds have been able to preregister to vote, and when they turn eighteen their registration is activated.

Out of the 90,000 preregistered voters, an unusual 47% of teen voters have registered as political Independents. Since 2014, the primary election turnout in voters ages eighteen and nineteen has increased 9.6 percent.

“I think teens are registering as Independent because they’re upset with the two current parties” - Roman Perez (12)

“There is a lot of disagreement between the two parties. It feels like both parties will not stay united.”

The Sacramento Zoo is discussing on moving to a more spacious location. The zoo must decide whether to spend their $75 million renovation budget on expanding their current location or to completely move to a bigger property.

Any major changes will need to get the city approval before moving out of their longtime location in Land Park. Future locations for the Sacramento Zoo include the Natomas area and Sutter’s Landing Regional Park. This project stays in the discussion stage as more people continue to join the conversation.

” I feel that the zoo moving would decrease local ecotourism and remove an aesthetic area from the town.”

- David Jensen (12)

“I like how the zoo is not too far away and I feel if the zoo moved it will disrupt the animals.”

-Cian Hale (11)

- Francine de la Fuente (12)

A student from Da Vinci High in Davis baked cookies laced with her grandmother’s ashes.

Her actions threw many people, including her parents, into a whirlwind because no one could comprehend such a cruel thing. A student told Fox News, “This girl is going around telling everyone, basically at this point, that she had brought in these cookies to school with human ashes in them.”

Davis Police still have not taken any action because they do not know if the cookies were handed out to students or not.

“This was really disturbing to me. I don’t see how she could do that or why she would, especially when it’s her grandma’s ashes.”

- Andrew Nelson (11)

“I don’t know how someone could do that, especially to their grandma. It’s a large sign of disrespect and I couldn’t imagine what was going through her head.”

- Alejandro Velazquez (12)

MOCK ELECTION

Students vote for Newsom

Mock election creates voter awareness for teens Jane Snider Mirada Staff

Seniors Cooper Davis and Alec Sumner worked together to put on the mock election and conduct voter outreach for their Civitas senior projects. Freshmen were the targeted audience of the senior project because they had never done the mock election before.

The mock election allowed over 1,200 students to vote on three races for candidacy and four propositions which will be on the Nov. ballot.

The results showed students elected Gavin Newsom as Governor, Ed Hernandez as Lieutenant Governor, and Alex Padilla as Secretary of State. Races demonstrated the common opinions of the student body.

One proposition won with over 79.9 percent of voters in favor.

Both Prop. 3 and Prop. 12 passed in the election. Prop. 3 is a bond to

pay for water and environment projects and Prop. 12 would ban animal confinement.

The process allows for students to have experience with voting before they participate in normal elections once they are old enough. Seniors that are 18 will be able to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

While the material voted on may be dry, Davis’ goal was the inform all new voters at Rio. “Some of the kids were more engaged than others obviously,” said Davis. “It depended class to class.

A couple asked questions afterwards and seemed actually engaged, while some didn’t, which is sort of what I expected.”

McKenna Hubbard is a freshman that participated in the voter outreach as well as the mock election.

Although new to the process, she thought that voter education was important.

“I think it’s important because you want to be able to be successful in the future and I personally want to make my own decisions and so I want to be able to know what I’m voting for,” Hubbard said.

Senior Alec Sumner assisted in conducting the election and had to get the voting booths and materials.

Sumner said, “My senior project was advocating voter awareness, so my actual event was organizing a mock election for the whole school.

The County Office of Elections and Voter Registration helped me put the project together.”

Students that were 16 or older could register to vote after submitting their mock election ballots. This means that once they turn 18 and can vote in real elections, they will be preapproved to vote.

“I think that the mock election went great; we registered 108 students to vote that weren’t previously registered,” Sumner said.

Senior Ben Baker will be voting in the November elections as a registered democrat.

“I am planning on getting ready for the November election by watching a lot of news; I don’t limit myself to one side of news. I like to see both sides of the story because I think it’s arrogant not to be educated on what both sides think,” Baker said.

The mock election is a Civitas senior project that is passed down every year, so the event will continue on in Rio’s future.

The Mirada |NEWS| Friday, November 2, 2018

page 5

CLUBS

Verdict is in: Teams offer realistic law experience Moot Court and Mock Trial offer different courtroom experiences

Emma Phoenix Jessica Sheppard Mirada Staff For students interested in pursuing a career in law, Moot Court and Mock Trial are two clubs on campus available to them. Due to their similar nature, they are often confused with one another.

The Moot Court program took a hiatus for a few years, but four years ago, students brought back the program. Mock Trial however, has been a part of the school’s community for 42 years.

Mock Trial reviews a fictional court case where students must prove or disprove whether or not a person or group is guilty of an alleged crime. Students participate in the trial by playing different roles and present the case in front of a real judge.

The first role taken in mock trial is the pretrial attorney: their job is to win the pretrial motion and they argue for, or against, a piece of

Moot Court team members Hudson Burke, Emma Phoenix, Kabir Tagore, Ben Davis, and Alec Sumner with coach after competition. evidence that is controversial in the case.

Teams also have attorneys, who question the witnesses and make opening and closing statements.

Other roles include witnesses, bailiffs, and clerks. Just like a real life courtroom, witnesses assist in providing more evidence for attorneys; clerks in mock trial keep time; bailiffs monitor people in the courtroom to make sure there are no disruptions as well as swear in the witnesses before they go on the witness stand.

Moot Court also addresses a fictional case, but instead of assuming roles, all students on the team argue constitutional law.

Cheer pasta feed

Students are provided with a fact pattern and then given three issues that must be argued using nonfictional court cases. Students then address both sides of a single issue and present their cases in front of a panel of judges. Moot Court cases generally relate to current issues; recent cases being about protesting in schools and bullying.

Moot Court members are coached

by U.S. district attorneys during their practices while Mock Trial members are coached by a trial attorney in their practices and scrimmages.

In Mock Trial, students practice with the help of a case packet which gives them witness statements that they use to support their case.

It also outlines all of the rules of everything a student can do during the trial. Moot Court students are given a packet with only past cases that they can use, all other previous knowledge must be disregarded.

In Moot Court students must address three issues and a rebuttal.

Each year the arguments for the three issues change based on the case. For instance, issue one can be regarding whether or not bullying took place and issue two can be discussing if the school was neglecting the students being bullied.

The three issues also have two sides to them so a student has to understand both sides of the argument so when competitions occur, he or she can be prepared to give either side.

Rebuttal is addressed at the end of the opposing team’s last argument on issue three. The rebuttal student must pay attention during the competitors arguments and argue what each issue stated.

Both clubs get their case around September/October and they present it at the end of February.

Students have different reasons for joining the teams. Senior Ben Davis is a member of the Moot Court team and has been for the past three years.

Davis joined because “Moot Court tends to be more about analyzing a case and constructing an argument.”

Davis said “it’s the best preparation for being a lawyer, whereas Mock

For the first time The Old Spaghetti Factory provided the food for the guests to enjoy. The pasta feed gives the cheerleaders a chance to help out and be proactive in their cheer program while having fun. The pasta feed has been put on for the past 10 years to help pay for things like choreographers, safety classes and other miscellaneous needs for the teams.

Photo by Karina Semesyuk

For information about joining this year’s Moot Court team (especially sophomores and juniors) contact Hudson Burke or Alec Sumner.

For information about joining Mock Trial contact Amelia York.

Study: Less sleep results in riskier tendencies in teens Isa Searle Lydia Ellis Mirada Staff

Above: Cheerleaders Caroline Herrick (9), Claire Fouche (9), Ashley Crum (12), Olivia Foondos (10)and Aviva Spector (10) put together desserts for the annual Pasta Feed put on by Rio’s cheer and Song team.

Right: Sierra Ferguson (9) and Juliet Casper (11) serve waters and lemonade for guests.

Trial is a bit more acting.”

Scrimmages and practices are held throughout the year so students can work out their arguments.

“Mock Trial is a big time commitment, recently we’ve been practicing around 13 hours a week,” said sophomore, Amelia York. “I don’t think anyone would be able to do it if they didn’t like it.”

This upcoming season, Moot Court is hoping to advance to semifinals for the first time since the club has been brought back to Rio. Team members are also looking for students to join so the club can continue to grow.

Mock Trial is hoping to advance to state championships this season to end the five year streak of not attending.

A recent study by the Youth Risk Behavior Society showed that teens who get less sleep are more prone to unsafe behaviors such as drinking, drug use, aggressive behaviors and self harm.

When compared with teens who slept over 8 hours a night, teens who slept under 6 hours were three times more likely to consider suicide or attempt it.

“In one study by researchers at Columbia University, teens who went to bed at 10 p.m. or earlier were less likely to suffer from depression or suicidal thoughts than those who regularly stayed awake well after midnight,” said David K. Randall, author from the Youth Risk Behavior Society.

The study proves that teens with less amount of sleep are more likely to: take risks while driving, use tobacco, partake in risky sexual behavior and carry a weapon.

“The lack of sleep affects the teenage brain in similar ways to the adult brain, only more so. Chronic sleep deprivation in adolescents diminishes the brain’s ability to learn new information, and can lead to emotional issues like depression and aggression,” said Randall.

A lack of sleep can negatively affect judgment and development.

“I think getting less sleep negatively impacts the way you act and think because when you’re overly tired, you don’t think everything through properly and are more likely to make poor decisions,” said Freshman Olivia Lynch.

Some schools proposed the idea of starting school later in order for teens to get the right amount of sleep and to be successful the next day. One school tried this method out, and the results were extremely prosperous.

“Despite the fears of some parents, teenag-

ers did in fact spend their extra hour sleeping, and reported that they came to school feeling rested and alert. At the same time, the number of on-campus fights fell, fewer students reported feeling depressed to their counselors, and the dropout rate slowed. Coaches pushed back practice times until later in the afternoon, and participation didn’t suffer,” Randall said.

We asked Rio students if they think we should start school later in order for students to get the sufficient amount of sleep and here is what they said.

“I think that school should start later because then everyone won’t be tired and it could be beneficial to a lot of students and their grades” said Freshman, Ceci Waldmire.

When other schools resorted to this method, their results flourished as well.

“Like their suburban counterparts, Minneapolis students’ grades improved, their drop-out rates fell, and they attended first-period classes more regularly,” said Randall.

Many researchers have suggested that what many seem to write off as “normal teenage behavior” is not necessarily what comes with being a teen and could be caused from severe sleep deprivation.

“What if the behavior we casually dismiss as ‘“teenage angst’” — the moodiness, the constant battles, the sleeping all day, the reckless, impulsive and careless behavior — is not in fact a normal part of being a teen? Or at least, not to the degree we assume it is. What if instead we are doing our teenagers a disservice by writing off as “normal” what are in reality the symptoms of chronic and severe sleep deprivation?” said researcher Juliann Garey.

Research has concluded, sleep deprivation in teens is not a normal part of growing up. The symptoms and consequences have concrete effects on even the strongest kids and potentially devastating ones on those who have mood disorders like depression.

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The Mirada | OPINION |Friday, November 2, 2018

Opinion

The First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The Mirada The Student’s Voice

News item: Juul denies marketing e-cigarettes to youth

Editors-in-chief Kaitlyn Shellooe Rebecca Smith Web Editor Jared Moisey News Editors Alex Lydon Emma Phoenix Opinion Editors Emily Borg Synia Thrower Features Editors Athena Acevedo Jessica Sheppard Katie Newton Sports Editors Mickey Doolittle Luke Richards Photo Editor Jane Snider Distractions Ashley Keene Staff Malek Amaya-Safi Sam Bacceli Lydia Ellis Annalee Gorman Deonni Humphrey Charles Johnson Martin Lopez Eamon Lopez Martin Michael Mehrdadi Isabella Searle Audrey Snider Advisor Mr. Michael Mahoney mmahoney@sanjuan.edu (916) 971-8921 ext. 6480

Published monthly during the school year by students in Rio Americano’s newspaper class, the Mirada is the independent voice of the students and the campus.

The Mirada welcomes story ideas, comics, letters to the editor and opinion pieces from all members of the school community. Submit articles to the box in A3 or the main office.

Contact the business manager for information on advertising, but we reserve the right to refuse any ad.

Contact us: email: theriomirada@gmail.com Twitter: @riomirada2019 Online: riomirada.com Mail: Rio Americano High School 4540 American River Drive Sacramento, CA 95864

Drawn by David Morse

OUR VOICE

Save the smoke for home T een vaping has become an epidemic across the nation.

Within the last few years vaping has taken hold of the lives of unsuspecting teens at an alarming rate.

Although nicotine products are designated for adults 21+, it’s almost easier than ever before for minors to gain access to it through their peers. New nicotine devices like Juuls and Suorins have taken over the nicotine industry, enticing teens with flavors like fruit medley, mango, mint, cucumber, etc.

They are also easy to disguise because of their portable size and appearance.

Most Juuls strongly resemble flash drives and can be charged on any USB device.

Many parents have taken great concern at the growing epidemic, calling for nicotine companies to stop targeting their children with their tempting flavors.

New anti-nicotine campaigns have shown up on TVs and billboards to stop the spread of underage tobacco use.

The FDA has even threatened to pull e-cigarettes off of store shelves to fight teen vaping.

Hundreds of teens have already started to feel the effects of a long lasting nicotine addiction. Some teens struggle with withdrawals from their nicotine devices during the school day resulting in usage in school bathrooms.

Recently teens have begun smoking in school bathrooms and other secluded areas, allowing them to conceal their actions.

Most e-nicotine devices have little scent and relatively transparent smoke, making it almost impossible to detect, and teens have developed the “bright” idea to smoke at school regularly.

Not only is this inappropriate but it also has begun to affect the school environment.

Smoking in the bathrooms has caused multiple fire alarms to go off this school year. This has begun interrupting class time and free time like lunch and break.

One example was during rush week; students were advertising their clubs when they were rudely interrupted by the fire alarm going off. It was set off by a Juul.

Students are so addicted to their Juul that they can’t go a school day without it. Any free time they have to take just one hit, they grab the chance.

Teens’ brains are still developing, so it is extremely easy for teens to become addicted to anything.

This addiction is no longer affecting only themselves, but the whole school. When people hear the fire alarm students immediately think, “Oh, someone must be smoking again.”

Students miss out on opportunities to learn something new because of other people’s stupid choices.

Not only does this affect the school day, it also wastes time for administration and even the fire department. Every time a fire alarm goes off and firefighters have to show up, the school has to pay a pretty expensive fine.

Some people think that just because you smoke you are “cool,” which is definitely not true.

People who choose not to smoke are labeled as a goodytwo-shoes. Although this may not be a bad label to have, why should they be labeled just because they choose not to smoke?

Numerous studies have shown that smoking and vaping in any form are bad for your heath. But if you lack the sense to stay away from these products, at least save the smoke for your own time, and keep the rest of the school out of it.

YOUR VOICE

What do you think about smoking at school?

“I think smoking in general is already stupid, and doing it at school makes it even worse.

I also don’t get why people think that it’s okay.”

Hailee Hackett (9)

“I don’t really care, but I don’t understand why people can’t wait until they get home to do it. It annoys me when it starts disrupting my school time.”

Amadi Okugo (11)

250 WORDS

Girls WONDER why there are not more WOMEN superheroes Deonni Humphrey Mirada Staff

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sk the average student to name a female superhero, how many do you think they will come up with? 20? 10? The answer was about two or three.

When I asked this question, most people were able to name Wonder Woman and Cat Woman. But when I asked them to name male superheroes, they could name a whole lot more.

There should be more female

superheroes because female superheroes show young girls that they can do anything a man can do, and you don’t need anyone to save you can save yourself.

Take Wonder Woman for example: she is all about girl power, and she shows young girls how afraid, but brave. She is all about empowerment, and she is a great role model to little girls.

She can fight, she doesn’t let people boss her around, she doesn’t ask for handouts, she does things on her own, and she flies her own jet.

There should be more female superheroes to inspire young

girls to be stronger and braver.

Young girls need more female superheroes to show them that they can be anything they put their mind to.

When I looked up how many female superheroes there are, I discovered there were over 50 and I had not even gotten through half.

Obviously, male superheroes get more exposure on TV and in movies. It’s time for female superheroes to get that exposure too.

The Mirada is now allowing students to write their opinion on an issue in 250 words or less.

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The Mirada | OPINION|Friday, November 2, 2018

Not wild about the zoo Sacramento Zoo should move to a bigger location-not for visitors but for the animals

Kaitlyn Shellooe Mirada Staff

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Veronica Vyvoda Guest Writer

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ost of the people living in the Sacramento region have been to the Sacramento Zoo at least once in their lives. The sky-high giraffes walking around and the long-armed monkeys swinging from branch to branch are a sight to see, considering that the only untamed animals roaming the surrounding neighborhoods are disease-infected squirrels and birds.

Only recently, the board of the zoo announced that they will likely be moving their location elsewhere to give the animals more land to roam and add space for parking.

Jason Jacobs, the director of the board for the Sacramento Zoo, states that the new location will boost more visitors while attempting to preserve and breed the various animal species.

The zoo should move to bring in animals that they had before, allow the animals their right to have land that supports them, and allow animals to be around different species from their similar origins.

It not fair to the animals that they have to live in confined areas their whole life without being given the proper amount of space. Also, with more animals going extinct each year, it’s no surprise that the zoo wants to relocate to allow more species to populate.

Zoos are known to have many different species of animals from many different parts of the world.

However, with the small location of the Sacramento Zoo, there is a smaller amount of animals that live there compared to a few years ago.

According to the Sacramento Bee, the board of the zoo wants to bring back all the animals they once had, “Stallard and Jacobs said recent surveys of zoo visitors made clear that people want to see ‘iconic’ animals, such as rhinos, tigers, chimpanzees and other larger creatures. Rhinos and tigers have been phased out of the local zoo because of space restrictions, they pointed out. Sacramento still has chimps, but can

Drawn by Terra LeFebre accommodate only five of them and cannot breed them because of a lack of exhibit space. The zoo recently has had to send animals to other institutions to give other species more room.” Without the additional space, the zoo will not be able to bring any of these animals back and risk losing more in the future. Therefore, it’s important the zoo moves for the sake of keeping the zoo alive and the animals given more space.

The fourteen acre land is not enough to house all the animals within the zoo. There are many different species that require more space than the zoo is giving them. “The New York Times” shares the evidence to prove that a substantial amount of land is needed in order to raise many of the animals humanely, “ Today the researchers, Dr. Georgia Mason and Dr. Ros Clubb, say the problems — including high infant mortality and a tendency to pace around and around in the cage — are directly related to the size of the animal’s home range in the wild.

The typical zoo enclosure for a polar bear is one-millionth the size of its home range in the wild, which can reach 31,000 square miles, the authors said. Some captive polar bears spend 25 percent of their day in what scientists call stereotypic pacing, and infant mortality for captive animals

is around 65 percent.” Scientists and animal rights activists are fighting to save many different species from going extinct due to captivity. They are trying to change everyone’s view on how humans are affecting the future of the animals negatively by placing them in an environment that does not imitate the one they actually live in.

With more support, a larger amount of people will be informed about the high risks and threat that the zoos impose to the animals.

In the wild, animals are already exposed to the different species and should be in a zoo to allow the animals a more realistic scenario.

Not to say that the lions should be in the same enclosement as the zebras, instead they should be in their own enclosed environment surrounded by the species that they would naturally encounter in the wild.

The idea of having a zoo raises ethical questions among animal rights activists who believe that the zoo limits the potential for the animal to learn to live on its own because it’s exposed to abnormal situations, “The animal is deprived of its natural social structure and companionship...the animal is forced into close proximity with other species and human beings which may be unnatural for it.”

These statements from BBC

show that some people find zoos an unethical place for wild animals to be in for their whole lives. However, the animals could be a part of different exhibits versus being spaced out based on their species which would leave them unable to experience what life would be like outside the cage.

They are social just like humans and they need to stay social especially if they are going to spend the rest of their lives in a closed and highly secured environment.

There are more reasons as to why the Sacramento Zoo should move.

Yet, it should not have to be about the amount of visitors that it attracts and the amount of money it earns yearly. It should be about the animals and their right to live a life where even though they have to be enclosed in an area, they can still be able to move around comfortably.

Naturally, the animals are exposed to many different species in their habitats that they should be around when they are in the zoo to encourage a feeling of home. If humans are able to take away an animal from its natural origin, then humans need to give the animal the correct amount of space and environment that will mimic the prior area.

4x4 Would ‘Crumble’ Band Logan Duffy Guest Writer

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here is one thing that holds Rio Americano as a nationally recognized school: its band program. Because of recent changes to graduation requirements for the upcoming freshman class, discussions for new schedule types are being held.

However, these discussions are unnecessary, as our current system works at proper efficiency already.

Not only is keeping the schedule status quo efficient, but it prevents an important institution of Rio from crumbling.

The major issue with a 4x4 block schedule is that it converts year-long courses into semester long courses, with only four 90 minute periods, not leaving enough room for consistent music courses. Required classes

Trump takes rights from the transgender community

would possibly prevent students from taking band classes through both semesters, and would also make it difficult or impossible to have more than one band class.

Zero period could possibly still be kept to assist with having an extra band class, but it only accounts for two of the jazz bands. Along with missing full semesters of band, students would miss out on competitions and events that are held annually for jazz and concert bands.

Many kids would struggle to keep up musically if forced onto by a four block schedule, especially considering they would have large breaks from practicing music with a band.

This would severely impact underclassmen who have potentially tighter requirements and less wiggle room. Clearly this scheduling would crumble the Rio band program and make it virtually impossible to retain its status as nationally renowned.

Not only would it disturb the band program, but it might not even be beneficial for the rest of the school.

Another issue with this schedule

“If we are to continue the fantastic nature of our school, we must stand by the programs ... that make us outstanding.” has to do with the goal of having block in the first place. The idea is that with only four classes a semester, work loads are heavily decreased and students are able to better focus on the course loads provided.

However, there are no solid studies that prove the block schedule

actually improves on student’s time management and ability to learn and succeed. This is a final nail in what should be a coffin for this idea, as there is nothing beneficial to come out of a 4x4 block schedule.

If we are to continue the fantastic nature of our school, we must stand by the programs and institutions that make us outstanding.

It isn’t even known if the new graduation requirements will require that drastic a change, so it would make most sense to at least use the next class of freshman as a test group before making any big decisions.

While intended to do good, the 4x4 block schedule is an illusion to what is actually an idea that stands in the way of our band program and an efficient school. While I have hope that changes might be able to be made to a 4x4 to make it work better, it would never be up to the same agenda that works so well today.

rump has shown throughout his two years of presidency that he is not a fan of the transgender community.

From military banning to now wanting to make it a federal law for a person to be defined by “the genitals they were born with,” it’s almost certain that Trump wants to erase the transgender community.

The Trump administration has declared “sex is either male or female, unchangeable, and determined by the genitals that a person is born with … Any dispute about one’s sex would have to be clarified using genetic testing.”

Under the Obama administration, they acknowledged that gender is a choice, and not “assigned” to you at birth. This prompted fights over bathrooms, dormitories, and other areas where it was just a place for a “boy or girl.”

The Trump administration is erasing all the progress and the guidance of acknowledging the transgender community the Obama administration provided.

The movement #WontBeErased has started by the people in fear of ‘transgender’ not being part of the gender definition.

The Trump administration repealed the act of the Education and Justice Department that protected transgender students who wanted to use bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity under the Obama administration.

With everything happening with North Korea and the situation with border control, why is it so important for Trump to bring this up now and make it a federal law?

From the Trump administration’s point of view, it was said that there was confusion among the states, and that if we had a set law with something for example, only two set bathrooms, then people know where to use the restroom.

This “new definition” came at a bad time or it just shouldn’t have been introduced at all. Trump has better things to do with his presidency than to discriminate the 1.4 million that are a part of the transgender community.

With Trump’s push for this law to be set, people have reacted negatively to the proposal and have been protesting. The LGBTQ groups have already come out and stated they will be going to court if this is pursued further.

Trump has shown no support for the LGBTQ community as he promised when he was running for president.

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THE MIRADA | Friday, November 2, 2018

Features

“True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.”

-- Kurt Vonnegut

All-time scariest horror movies Students pick their nightmare-inducing favorite movies

SCREEN SCREAMS 4th Annual Horror Movie Contest inspires campy and creepy creations Katie Newton Mirada Staff

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he fourth annual Horror Film Contest has concluded and the winner was announced on Tuesday October 30, just in time for Halloween. The winning film was “Dead Static” composed by sophomores Amelia York, Elyse Ehlert, Christina Vyvoda and Chloe Parker-Caruso.

The Intro to Video Productions class puts on this competition every year, but it is open to all members of the Rio community.

Video Production Teacher Adam Bearson said, “It’s a way of inviting the whole school to participate in a video production moment. We have had alumni, we’ve had teachers, parents, sibling of students, so anybody in the Rio community is invited and encouraged to apply.”

This year there were 13 total entries and four were selected as finalists. The films were graded on a one question rubric: Which movie is the scariest?

The films included different scare techniques like suspense, shock and even some psychological fear.

Each film-making team was assigned a topic, prop and line of dialogue to work with. This created unique storylines, each different from the others.

“In previous years there has been a stand out one or two movies that just

leapt out at you as being the scariest one. But this year we had four equally scary, although they were differently scary,” said Bearson.

In the end “Dead Static” won, and as sophomore director, Amelia York, explained, a lot of thought went into making the five and a half minute film.

“I started out by writing a script. I was really inspired by a lot of teenagers’ really bad screen addictions now, so I sort of figured I could take that concept and twist it into something that we all as phone-addicted teens might be scared of, which was technology coming back after us,” said York.

York had the cast members in mind while writing the winning script, which made it easy to make characters’ personalities come through in the video.

The short horror movie was filmed at Barrett Middle School, York’s house and Jan Park.

“At Jan Park they had this forestry area which I thought created a spooky atmosphere so we got the last few shots there,” said York.

While the competition aspect makes participants motivated to create the film, the point is strictly to have fun and get into the Halloween spirit, according to Bearson.

The video class plans on continuing this spooky tradition for years to come and encourages everyone in the community to take part in Rio’s annual Hor-

Sophomore Henry Roe’s movie “White Mask” won second place in the Horror Movie Contest. Tommy Collins donned the mask.

“The Shining” (1980) Jack Torrance becomes a winter caretaker at a hotel and brings his wife and son along with him. The family has psychic suspicions and the hotel’s spooky atmosphere adds to the horror. “‘The Shining’ presents the viewers Jack Nicholson in with sublimi“The Shining” nal messages and themes that most viewers would miss on their first viewing. Every actor portrays their character excellently.

The way the movie innovative and changed horror movies as a whole.”

--Sophomore John Evrigenis “The Forest” (2016) Sara investigates a haunted forest in Japan to find her twin sister who has disappeared. She attempts to stay safe in the forest where the dead prey on those daring to travel into the forest.

“The best scary movie for me is the forest because it’s an actual story about two sisters that go through scary stuff rather than a random crazy person running around killing people.” --Senior Dayra Arias “Get Out” (2017) Rose invites her boyfriend, Chris to a weekend getaway to meet her parents. It is unusual at first and he assumes that it is because of their interracial relationship but things take a turn.

“My favorite horror movie is ‘Get Out’ because it throws a huge twist at the end of the movie that left me talking about the movie constantly,” Sophomore Henry Roe said. “The suspense was keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The action sequence combined with the thriller ending makes for an absolute great watch.” --Sophomore Henry Roe “It” (2017) A group of outcast junior high schoolers must band together to defeat a clown known as Pennywise who appears in the sewers every 27 years. They must overcome their personal fears to take him down.

“I like the new adaptation of ‘It’ because it’s scary and has that horror feel but has a lot of levity and reminds me of ‘Stranger Things’ with the kids in the losers club.” --Teacher Jonathan Feld

Christina Vyvoda acts in Amelia York’s winning movie, “Dead Static.” ‘s

See the winning film and all entries on riomirada.com

“The Conjuring 2” (2016) Two paranormal investigators go to a single mother’s house where she and her four children are struggling with the demonic presence in the house.

The investigators begin to see signs in one of the daughters first and the possession moves to a surprising next victim.

“It’s very suspenseful because nobody believes them but it’s obvious that stuff is happening.” --Senior Harrison Bernales --By Jane Snyder, Mirada Staff

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THE MIRADA | Friday, November 2, 2018

Student art show celebrates the traditions of The Day of the Dead

Top left: Jessica Lemus (12) standing with her altar.

Bottom left: Kristie Herrin (10) uses copic marker and pirsacolor pencil to create her piece.

Top right: Sarah Choy (12) presents her sculpture Bottom right: Shannie Nim (11) uses water color and pen to create “shrine.”

Family and Mexican heritage are focus of

DIA DE LOS MUERTES T

he Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) is a celebration that is increasing in participation in the United States and the art programs are honoring it by setting up a gallery of skulls from the holiday.

The art teachers required their students to create art pieces around the holiday. Students from all levels of Ceramics, Art Studio, and all levels of Drawing and Painting contribute to this gallery.

The gallery is open during lunch for everyone and some classes even come in during the day to visit this special celebration. The gallery is open until Nov. 8.

Jill Stewart, the Advanced Drawing and Painting and Art Studio teacher, expected her students to draw three symbols or images included in their art.

“This is our, I think it’s our fourth year. So it’s relatively new,” said Stewart.

The art classes get to learn about the holiday and get to input what they learned from their family and in the class into their creations that are shown in the gallery.

“We do it because it’s become such a huge celebrations and it’s recognizing a different culture and it’s a way for other people that don’t necessarily celebrate Día de Los Muertos, it’s a way for them to learn about

a different culture and learn how they honor and celebrate their ancestors,” said Stewart.

Some people don’t even realize they celebrate this holiday but people honor their ancestors in some way which contributes to the Day of the Dead.

“I think we all do this in some way, but it’s not called Día de Los Muertos,” said Stewart. “And it’s not specifically where you have marigold flowers, and the altars and skulls.”

A main part of the holiday is creating an altar that helps the ancestors find their way back to their home.

The gallery includes a beautiful altar in which some art is displayed there.

“The art is kind of based off an altar. It shows someone who has departed, and that’s why we put it in the art, as a symbol of them coming back to the altar as a spirit to visit the altar that they’re recognized on.”

The Day of the Dead gallery is an amazing tradition in which the school honors and celebrates very well with the extravagant gallery of the artwork. The holiday is expanding in the U.S. and teaches students about their ancestors. The art program does an astonishing job of representing the holiday and what it means.

Above, a statue of a woman cretated by Erika Gonzalez Below, Day of the Dead themed pieces created

by Jordyn Dale, Camryn Glasgow, Gianna Greenmore, Alexandria Martinez, students in Ceramics.

Fast facts on Dia de los Muertes ☛ Holiday celebrated on Nov. 1st and 2nd . ☛ Children are celebrated on Nov. 1 and adults on Nov. 2 ☛Celebrates dead ancestors ie; great-grandma, great-grandpa ☛Started by the Aztecs some 3,000 years ago ☛ In Mexico, monarch butterflies appear in November, and many believe they carry the souls of ancestors ☛Altars are set up with earth, water, wind, and fire being represented ☛ Sugar Skulls are left on the alter for children,<Veviu ceribunum notalicus, ut

page 10

The Mirada | FEATURES| Friday, November 2, 2018

Alex Lydon Mirada Staff

Halloween is full of tricks

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his year, the city of Chesapeake, Virginia will be maintaining strict hours for trick-or-treating. The city has declared the strict hours of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the only time for trickor-treating.

Although these hours are strict, the city of Chesapeake is more preoccupied with the restriction on the age of trick-or-treaters. If any children over the age of 12 are found trick-or-treating they could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined between $25 and $100.

If caught, teens could also face up to 6 months in jail. This strict city ordinance has many Chesapeake city parents demanding the reasoning behind the restrictions.

The police department seeks to decrease the amount of mischief on the evening of Oct. 31. The Halloween festivities will also be ending before 9 p.m. punishable with a $100 fine or up to 30 days in jail.

The Chesapeake Police Department clarified that they are seeking to keep the evening of Halloween a safe night for all. The city has stated they won’t be actively seeking out violations. Safely trick or treating with a younger sibling is not going to have any issues,” said the police department. Many older trick or treaters are accompanying younger siblings, such as senior Curtis Glenn.

“Going with my little sister was a great bonding experience,” said Glenn.

Parents of children in the Chesapeake area argue that they would rather have their children trick-ortreating than out getting in trouble vandalizing property or going to parties.

“Telling someone they can’t participate in a kid like activities is unfair,” said Glenn. “Then people complain that kids grow up too fast, but don’t let kids be kids.”

Many students keep trick or treating throughout middle school and sometimes high school. Senior Cela Chamness recounts her fond memories of Halloween nights trick or treating.

“It was really fun” said Chamness. “If you go with close friends you don’t care how silly you look.

Punishing those who seek to enjoy themselves on Halloween evening by establishing a curfew and an age limit to trick-or-treating, is the wrong solution. These restrictions are more harmful to those respecting the law, trick-or-treating with siblings or simply peacefully enjoying a tradition with friends.

Read more opinions at riomirada.com

Online news is the new norm Emily Borg Mirada Staff New technology is taking over the news industry.

News can now be accessed by a simple touch of the finger.

Our generation gravitates towards reading news online or by watching TV more than finding it in a newspaper.

“I prefer digital news because of how easy it is to access,” said junior Katelyn Kamilos. “All you have to do is click on the News app on your phone to get recent info about what is happening in the world today.”

According to “The New Yorker”, while teens are staring at their phones for hours on end they are actually reading more news than they ever have before. Through social media, teens are able to be informed about breaking news while also keeping up with their friends.

Snapchat allows teens to watch three minute videos that “update” them on all news without the need to read it.

“I think that digital news is a creative way to get more teenagers wanting to read the news,” said junior Alyssa Christopher. “It also seems more easy to access and to use. With the technology industry growing it provides a great way for teenagers to find out news.”

Although some teens enjoy a good book they still gravitate to digital news.

Newspapers are not as popular as they use to be since news has been going online more. Photo by Jessica Sheppard “Although I am partial to paper, my favorite source for news is via the digital world,” said junior Jaden O’Dea. “It is always up-to-date, easily accessible, and varies wider than the paper news.”

With the collapse of newspapers both readers and journalists should be scared.

With teens turning to social media for news; newspapers are slowly dying.

Some newspaper companies have decided to focus more on their online articles versus their paper ones.

They want to perfect the online version because the companies understand that the new generation relies more online than reading from a paper everyday.

Printed newspapers don’t provide the most up to date news. If a newsworthy event happened in the middle of the day the event wouldn’t be able to be published until the following day.

If it was online, it wouldn’t be an issue. The news companies can write the article and publish it the same day without having problems.

People stay more informed with online news versus newspapers; although, reading a newspaper is much more beneficial to the body then reading from a screen.

Studies have shown that if people were to get in the habit of reading a newspaper daily it will increase their knowledge in English skills and their vocabulary.

“Although the new generation enjoys a good book, they still turn to their smartphones when they want to know the news.”

Other studies have proven that the more people stare into the bright screens on their phones, brain connectivity is slowly diminishing, while reading from actual paper will have more beneficial changes.

Some readers think of converting to just online versus the paper due to the price of purchasing a newspaper daily. The Sacramento Bee charges $130 per year or $13 per month to receive a paper.

Online news is mainly free. If you google news or simply click on the news app on your iPhone recent news will be provided to you for no charge.

Although the new generation enjoys a good book, they still turn to their smartphones when they want to know the news.

Teens close the book for technology Study: Screen time and busy schedules blamed for decline in reading by teens Eamon Lopez-Martin Mirada Staff When school lets out junior McKenna Schinderle goes to golf practice and arrives at home around 6 p.m., has dinner, does her homework, and then it’s off to bed with a little television.

What she doesn’t do, Schinderle admits, is read a book or magazine for pleasure.

“There’s more TV than there is reading,” said Schinderle.

She is, in fact, a part of a trend. A new study shows that only about 27 percent of teens in high school read for pleasure.

In an age of phones, television, and video games, it is rare in this generation to see teens reading. The study published by American Psychological Association, also known as APA, shows a dramatic decline in reading among teens, particularly reading long material such as books, magazine articles,

Juniors McKenna Schinderle, Sophia Lynch, and Chloe Franz choose to use their phones instead of reading. Photo by Ed Mahone and newspapers.

Jean Twenge, the lead researcher on the matter, and a couple other colleagues analyzed data from Monitoring the Future, an ongoing study that surveys a nationally representative sample of approximately 50,000 eighth, 10th and 12th-grade students annually. And from the results of 1976 to 2016, the rise of online media leisure time has nearly doubled.

“In the mid-2010s, the average American 12th-grader reported spending approxi-

mately two hours a day texting, just over two hours a day on the internet — which included gaming — and just under two hours a day on social media,” said Twenge in a statement. “That’s a total of about six hours per day on just three digital media activities during their leisure time.”

Tenth graders average about five hours on those three devices and eighth graders average about four hours.

The decline in reading print media, such as the

newspaper right now, was incredibly steep. In the early 1990s, 33 percent of 10th-graders said they read a newspaper almost every day. By 2016, that number was only two percent.

Twenge was also surprised at the decline in reading.

“It’s so convenient to read books and magazines on electronic devices like tablets,” said Twenge. “There’s no more going to the mailbox or the bookstore — you just download the magazine issue or book and start read-

ing. Yet reading has still declined precipitously.”

In fact, the problem is clearly apparent at the school too. Junior Sophia Lynch also states she does not read for pleasure.

“Mostly when I read it’s assigned,” said Lynch. “So I don’t really have time to read for pleasure. ” According to Lynch, the rise in homework and stress in high school from middle school attributes to the decline in teen reading, especially because most kids either do not have the time or just plain out do not want to.

She even admits that she is more attuned to looking at a screen than flipping pages of a book.

“I think people want to think they are connected to their friends so they text and see what’s on social media,” said Lynch.

Though, there may not be that much to worry about.

According to junior Samik Saxena, he is not worried about the future of kids and reading since from his own experiences, the pause in reading really is a pause.

“People who liked reading, even just as kids, will come back around in the future,” said Saxena.

THE MIRADA|Friday, November 2, 2018

page 11

Reviews MOVIE DEBATE

Does ‘Venom’ lack bite?

Mickey Doolittle Eamon Lopez-Martin Mirada Staff

The Good: Eamon Lopez-Martin Sony’s new movie, “Venom” may not have been what people were expecting from the film, but it wasn’t a bad movie. Venom broke the October box office record by $20 million with a total debut revenue being $80 million.

People were expecting a gory, graphic, R rated movie, but they had to cut the gory scenes, which were made so Sony could introduce Spiderman into the next movie Venom shows up in. Because Venom will return, maybe with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, they had to make the film appropriate for the Spiderman audience as well.

The story can be viewed cynically, where a person gets powers and fights evil. Or, it can be viewed closely and the viewers can see they tried their hardest to make an original film with an intriguing story-line.

The concept of a person who finds a sentient being from a far off place that inhabits his body is definitely unique, but has been done since the concept appeared years ago in comics and movies picked up the concept later on.

This story mostly follows the plot of the comic series Lethal Protector which includes Venom going to Eddie Brock first, instead of Spider-Man, and they have to fight symbiotes that the Life Foundation has created in there labs. Knowing this might satisfy a couple of watchers wondering where Spiderman might appear.

Overall, the movie does have its flaws, but it definitely is not a bad movie. It’s still a good movie, the movie overall is B-.

The Bad: Mickey Doolittle Sony’s newest venture into the movie scene re-introduces the infamous anti-hero “Venom” to the big screen. It delivers a film full of some highs and many lows.

My first impression when watching the trailer six months ago was, “This will be a violent, rated R horror movie just in time for Halloween. Nothing can go wrong, right?”

I was wrong. Venom’s special effects and cinematography were not enough to compensate for the horrible story. Venom in the comics is an ultra-violent character that forces its hosts into eating people.

It felt out of place to see him simply knocking people out instead of going further.

The predictably and unoriginality is astonishing. I feel bad for director Ruben Fleischer who was matched with a horrendous script.

Surprisingly, Fleischer makes the most of the script, making Venom look miles better than Venom’s sub-par appearance in 2007’s Spider-Man 3.

This charisma could have saved the film if it wasn’t for the supporting cast. First, the antagonist Carlton Drake was one of the most cliche villains on the big screen in years. Drake, who is played

by Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed, is your typical rich antagonist where his motives are nothing but money.

Overall, Venom stumbles and shoots itself in the foot too many times. If you are looking for a fun movie to occupy two hours, you will have to look elsewhere.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘The Hate U Give’ Needs to Be Seen Synia Thrower Mirada Staff The “Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas originated as a book, but the film adaptation has been a smash box office hit.

Following the life of fictional character Starr Carter, the movie dives into her complex, double-sided life.

Starr is born and raised in the predominantly poor black neighborhood of Garden Heights, but attends an upper class predominantly white private school, Williamson Prep.

She lives with her loving family in Garden Heights. At Williamson, Starr is apart of the basketball team and has a white boyfriend named Chris whom she loves but is hesitant about showing him the personal part of her life.

Starr deals with the complexities of being her true black self at home, while switching that off once she gets to school.

This all comes crumbling down when Starr witnesses the tragic murder of her longtime African American friend Khalil by a white police officer.

Soon Starr has to choose between speaking out against injustice or remaining silent and out of the public eye.

The Hate U Give is an amazing film addressing real race relations between the White privileged and Blacks at the bottom.

The film features Amandla Stenberg as Starr, and many other actors like KJ Apa, Algee Smith, Common, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, Russell Hornsby, Issa Rae, and

A scene from The Hate U Give, directed by Geaorge Tilman. It started as a book and gained popularity. many more.

The storyline and actors were able to make the audience feel a deep sense of sorrow, warmth, and anger during the two hour film.

It thankfully lacks the cliche love story, although it is a story about a teen growing up, and the hesitant address of racial prejudice still is very prevalent in modern society today.

For many African Americans going to see this film it is extremely relatable to actual issues going on in their communities like drugs, police brutality, and general financial issues.

The film also shines light on the

privileges many whites possess, and misunderstandings between the cultural aspects of black and white lives.

In a way, Starr is forced to grow up faster because of the tragic event she witnesses, and the movie is able to capture her experience so that the audience witnesses a true star being born.

As a 16-year-old African American girl myself, I can relate to Starr.. I also attend a predominately white school being amongst the few blacks there and relate to the cultural differences when I’m with my friends compared to when I go home to my family.

Actor Amandla Stenberg makes the character amazingly realistic with her raw and emotional acting skills. Stenberg takes the character and becomes one with her. Stenberg not only helps with making the character universal, but she also makes Starr compel the audience to hang on to her every word.

Everyone in America should go see ‘The Hate U Give’ to experience a true story of real life events that plague society while also witnessing love and loss in the life of an American teenager.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Healthy Vibes on H Street Katie Newton Mirada Staff As millennials fall into new health fads more and more juiceries and health bars are popping up. Vibe Health Bar has two Sacramento locations and is planning the grand opening of a third location in Folsom by this November.

In the fall of 2016 Vibe Health Bar and Liquidology Organic Cold Pressed Juicery merged to create an urban, delicious and healthy alternative of eating and drinking.

I visited the location on H Street, owned by Jeff Grecko. While on google maps the store pops up as Vibe Health Bar, the storefront still says ‘Liquidology.’

It is a quaint storefront with some patio seating available. The health

bar has an urban feel, with wooden floors and a feature wall with pastel bricks and a hanging planter box.

Aside from the pleasant curb appeal, this restaurant offers a variety of food and drinks. Their menu includes cold pressed juices, wraps, acai bowls, smoothies and more.

I ordered the customer-favorite “Purple Butter Smoothie” which had almond milk, chia seeds, almond butter, bananas, strawberries and blueberries.

I enjoyed the sweetness - it wasn’t too sugary - and the thick- Liquidology’s “City Scout Immuness of the smoothie. Even with nity” juice in Vibe Health Bar’s H the chia seeds, the texture remained Street location. nice and smooth. affordability.

Compared to Jamba Juice it I paid $8 for my 16 ounce seemed less icy and a lot higher smoothie, and while I thought it was quality. The one thing Jamba Juice unique and flavorful, I could never has on Vibe Health Bar, however, is justify spending that much money

on a smoothie regularly. In my experience, many places that claim to be especially healthy are often expensive.

At Vibe Health Bar there was a sign that said “6 Pack Special” and offered any six of their Liquidology cold pressed juices for $40.

The juices contain four and a half pounds of organic produce per bottle, but I cannot imagine spending $40 on juice.

Despite my concern with the price, Vibe Health Bar and their Liquidology products are successful. The brand plans on opening in Folsom soon, in addition to their locations on H Street and Broadway.

Overall I enjoyed my smoothie, and their other products looked delicious, so I will visit their new location when it opens.

LISTEN UP, KIDS

For classic ’80s’ rock, check out Duran Duran With this edition of the Mirada begins a new segment where teachers talk about what they loved in high school. Listen up for reccomendations of what to watch, read or listen to!

“I remember I was at a friends birthday party and she had been given the 45 of a song called “Reflex” for her birthday. I heard it and something just snapped I was like ‘Oh my God’ I love that sound. Then I got home later that day and MTV was on and I saw what they looked like and I just loved the image and the style and everything

about the whole visual presentation.

When I got to school I found out there were a lot of kids who were these huge fans and we sorta bonded over that and they’re still really good friends of mine.

I actually went to a concert when they were having a comeback tour in Golden Gate Park and so my friends and I, those ones from junior high, we got there super early and got like front row seats. It was first come first serve so we were all there front row so we were like right there and it was

just cool thinking my junior high self would be in heaven right now even though I was an adult. And then afterwards when we were leaving the concert their van was leaving so we kinda followed them and then we were at a stoplight and we got to talk to them so that was really cool. That was like the huge highlight.”

There’s a song called Notorious that I love. Girls on Film and one called Downtown that I like those are probably my favorites.”

- Jolynn Mason, English Teacher

The Mirada | DISTRACTIONS| Friday, November 2, 2018

DISTRACTIONS Bachelor

Bachelorette

Pet of the Issue What's your animal and what's his name?

My animal is a Cashmere goat and his name is Luner.

What's the story behind getting him?

My next door neighbor’s goat was pregnant and no one knew so one day they came to feed the goats and their goat was in labor and Luner was born. They offered him to me because I love goats so much.

Brandon Quackenbush(11)

Izzy Windscott(11)

What's your dream girl?

Someone that can go on dates and can make me laugh.

What's your biggest turn on?

Someone who has a good personality and someone I can joke around and have fun with.

What's your biggest turn off?

Someone who is a brick wall and doesn't talk much.

What's your dream date?

We would go see a movie and go to Mikuni’s and then go home and watch “The Office”.

What’s your dream boy?

Kind and good hearted, blue or green eyes and smart, tall,easy to talk to.

What’s your biggest turn on?

When they are honest and show they care.

What’s your biggest turn off?

When they are rude or lie and have no personality.

What’s your dream date?

Going to the beach and watching the sunset then going to a nice dinner and then ending the night on the boardwalk.

Quote of the Issue

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

-Albert Camus What's the cutest thing he’s done?

When he was a baby he would run around really fast and kick his back legs in the air and then ram his head into me.

What's his funniest talent?

He likes to hop around everywhere.

What's his most annoying habit?

He gets bored really easy so sometimes when he sees me he will just turn around and walk away.

How old is he?

Luner is 4.

Sierra Madison(11)

Max McCall(12)

How did you meet?

We met when I was in seventh grade from mutual friends When did you guys start dating?

We started dating in Ireland on June 26 How long have you been dating?

4 months What’s his best quality?

His humor What’s his most annoying quality?

“He has a bandage on his finger that he won’t let me see” What’s your favorite memory?

“We were in Ireland we got to walk around and see castles and cities, we had a lot of freedom so it was nice to be alone” One embarrassing moment?

“He has horrible directional driving”

How did you meet?

We met when I was in eighth grade from mutual friends When did you guys start dating?

We started dating in Ireland on June 26 How long have you been dating?

4 months What's her best quality?

Her eyes What's her most annoying quality?

“She always takes over when we cook, she will never let me cook anything” What's your favorite memory?

“We were in a raft in the middle of Lake Tahoe since we were to young to rent kayaks we had to buy a tiny inflatable raft” One embarrassing moment?

“She was laughing and she slammed her head into my wall super hard”

Know your campus Directions: Locate the image to the left somewhere on campus. The first person to identify where the picture is from and tell Mr. Mahoney (room A3) will receive a $5 gift card to the Raider Store. Good Luck!

1) A highschool student in Davis got in trouble for adding what to her cookies she brought to school?

A) Weed B) Ants C) Her grandmother’s ashes D) Trans fats 2) Which did not cause a fire alarm at Rio this year?

A) Vaping B) Vaping again C) Steam in the cafeteria D) An acutal fire 3) How much did the new PAC building cost to build?

A) $40,000,00 B) $4,000,000 C) $11,000,000 D) $30,000,000

Adelyn Fowler (11)

Couple of the Issue

Raider Quiz

Upcoming Dates: Four Day Weekend: Nov. 9-12 First Basketball Game: Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 19-25 Winter Rally: Dec. 7

4) What’s the name of Rio’s new football field project?

A) Rowdy Raider’s Field B) Field of Dreams C) Filed of Hope D) Better than El Camino 5) What Olympic Gold medalist went to Rio? A) Carl Lewis B) Ray Ewry C) Michael Phelps D) Debbie Meyer

Answers: 1) C 2) D 3) C 4) B 5) D

page 12

Word Search ACORN APPLE AUTUMN CHESTNUTS CHILLY CIDER COBWEB FALL FOOTBALL GOURD HALLOWEEN HARVEST HAY BAIL MAIZE

NOVEMBER NUTS OCTOBER PUMPKIN QUILT RAKE SCARECROW SEPTEMBER SLEET THANKSGIVING HAYRIDE LEAVES

Sports

page 13

The Mirada |Friday, November 2, 2018

RAIDER REPORT Jonah Roth Sports commentary

Pro basketball wage gap

I

Runningback Jack Cartwright sprints away from an opposing player. Photo by Vlad Statnyk.

EAGLES GROUNDED Fight ends EC game in first half with Rio up 42-7 Mikey Doolittle Mirada Staff Rio’s football season came to an unexpected end on Friday night when they faced El Camino. Despite the game lasting less than an hour and a half, it will go down as one of the most memorable Raider games in recent memory.

The kicked off with a bang when Rio set the tone with a big touchdown by Jack Cartwright. They quickly turned on the pressure and took a 21-0 lead.

The Raider offense was lead by quarterback Mitchell Dixon, not on his arm but his legs. Dixon was not afraid to take a hit, occasionally choosing not to slide and paying the price. “(Dixon) showed he had that physically toughness and he felt like he was the biggest guy on that field so he had confidence,” said Coach Sammie Stroughter.

The hole only got deeper for El Camino when Rio ran in a 5-yard touchdown to put them up 28-0. Shortly after, Cartwright intercepted Eagles’ quarterback Dez Ortega.

That turnover set up Savion Ponce for an explosive touchdown run. He took the handoff, spun out of a tackle, and made one last move before busting free and sprinting down the sideline for a huge touchdown.

Later, El Camino made a mortal mistake by kicking off directly to Ponce who returned it for another score. The play turned out to be meaningless because of an illegal block in the back, but Ponce’s presence alone contributed to Rio’s dominant performance.

The Raider’s ground game played a key role in the win. The team finished with 372 yards of total offense, 218 of those coming on the ground.

A fight broke out before halftime, which ended the game with the Raiders up 42-7.

Photo by Mickey Doolittle.

“It was good to see Vinnie and Jack be able to finish runs down field and get to the second level,” Stroughter said.

With six minutes left in the second quarter, El Camino trailed 42-7. Visibly frustrated, a scuffle broke out near the Eagle’s sideline.

A player whose team is unclear committed a late hit which sparked a melee. As more and more people joined the brawl, Principal Brian Ginter ran onto the field yelling at the players on the sideline to stay back.

“Five seconds after the play (an EC player) just trucked me while I wasn’t paying attention after the whistle,” said junior Derrick Walatis.

A few fans and players ran onto the field, along with Stroughter who tried to calm things down. When players returned to their respective sidelines and order was restored, teams headed off to opposite sides of the field.

“Our coaches and principal did a great job of keeping our guys from crossing the 50 yard line,” Coach Stroughter said. “The guys that were across the 50 yard line, our coaches did

a good job of pulling those guys off.”

Confused fans were initially told the game was going to forgo the rest of the second quarter and head to halftime. However after much discussion, the officials agreed to call the game.

“It sucks because my seniors got to lose a half and they will never get that back,” Stroughter said. “Some of those guys will probably never get to play football again.”

Senior Leah Roccuci’s senior project was scheduled to take place at halftime. The project had run all week and would have concluded at the game with EC and Rio students coming together to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The presentation did take place, however it did so in the confusion after the fight.

Overall, a fantastic showing for Rio will be overshadowed by an unforeseen ending to the the night. The Raiders will finish their first season in the Capital Athletic League in sixth place with a 2-8 record.

n recent years, the pay gap between NBA and WNBA players has sparked much controversy. The average NBA player currently earns an annual salary of $6.4 million, with the superstars getting paid $2030 million.

This is a big stretch from the WNBA whose average salary is $71,000, with the highest paid players earning around $100,000. This sounds unfair, but the salaries reflect the money their respective leagues bring in each year.

The leagues make money through television deals, merchandise, viewership and ticket sales. In all of these revenue categories, the WNBA’s numbers are massively lower compared to the NBA. Taking television viewership per game into consideration, the NBA quintuples the amount of viewers with the NBA averaging $1.28 million per game in this last 2017-2018 season, while the WNBA averaged $247,000 per game.

These viewership numbers directly impact the salaries of the players in their respective leagues. More views lead to a higher-valued television contract, leading to a higher pay for the players.

Another portion of league income comes from merchandise. The NBA surpases the WNBA by millions of dollars in merchandise sales since the WNBA was founded in 1996.

Some people think WNBA players are treated unfairly by their organization because their leagues pay them 20% per year. Meanwhile, NBA players get a total of about 50% of their league’s revenue from each season.

For example, David Berri who wrote an article about the WNBA and the growing wage gap between the NBA, provides a suggestion that WNBA should be equally paid 50% of their leagues’ revenue like the NBA. However, this solution negatively affects the players and their sustainability. Unfortunately, the WNBA has never had a profitable season in its history.

It is also estimated that half of all WNBA teams are losing money every season.

One concern is the impact of putting 50% aside, since giving 20% of yearly revenues barley keep the league afloat. WNBA teams also struggle to put fans in seats for the games. They recorded their lowest average attendance in history this past 2017-2018 season and numbers are steadily declining each year.

Some WNBA stars have had to play overseas in the offseason to remain financially stable, despite the fact that they are some of the best female athletes on the planet. It is a sad truth that WNBA players can’t be equally represented in their salaries to NBA players and it is something that requires change before it happens.

It comes down to public viewership and how much popularity the WNBA can grow for itself. If it can bring in NBA profits, then it can afford to provide players with NBA-type salaries. Until then, the WNBA’s players will be unable to earn the same amount as NBA’s. ________________________________ Each issue the Mirada sports pages feature opinions on athletics on and off campus. Send articles for consideration to theriomirada@ gmail.com.

page 14

The Mirada | SPORTS |Friday, November 2, 2018

Hubble recalls Rio years Mikey Doolittle Mirada Staff The cross country team continued its recent success at sections this year, but they did so without the guidance of longtime coach Gordon Hubble, who left his position at the school during last track season.

Hubble coached for over 30 years, and led the team to eighth place at the state meet in 2016. The team has been without him since the middle of track season last year.

“There seemed to be a disagreement between some students and some parents based on the way the team was being ran.” said Hubbell, explaining how his time ended at the school.

The former Raider is now at Rosemont High School where he is coaching track and cross country. “(My favorite memory was) probably in 2016 when our girls team and boys team both finished second at the sections meet.” Hubbell said. “Afterward, at the award ceremony they gave me a picture and jumped up in the air and it was very cool,” Hubble said.

His legacy at Rio stretches beyond awards and championships.

Hubble had an effect on countless

challenging run of their season.

The day after that, the runners went to Disneyland for the day. “(A student) had gone to Saint Francis her freshman year and they went to Mount Sac, and she talked to me and begged me to go and when she was a senior we finally went,” Hubble said.

Hubble had 14 teams that went to the state championship meet and hundreds of runners who competed there. His long-term effect on the cross country and track teams will not disappear for years to come.

The new coach, Anton Escay has been an assistant for the past two years. Immediately after the release of Hubble, the school turned to PE teacher Trevor Boler.

He finished the track season as head coach before he handed the reigns to Escay.

The cross country team has continued the success from the past by consistently placing top five at Former coach Gordon Hubble with members of his team. Photo by MJ Nevins. meets. The team will not be the same without Hubbell, but are off to a good start in the new generation of coaching.

Some of Hubble’s proudest morunners through the years, includments are from the team’s yearly ing senior Willie Samuelson.

“I’ve never had a coach who has trips to LA. There, the team always cared as much as he did,” Samuel- ran at the Mount Sac Cross Country Invitational which is the most son said.

Football injuries concerning public Malek Safi Mirada Staff The NFL is attempting to cut down on football related injuries by imposing new rules and regulations.

Parents are being forced to take action and not let their children risk their lives playing football. Hassan Alaei, a player for the Rio Americano football team, said, “Coaches are trying to teach their players to play safer and learn how to tackle properly,” he said. “The refs and people have to follow their guidelines and the legal rules in the game, so that people do not get injured. If you are taught correctly, parents shouldn’t have an issue with their kids playing the sport.”

A high school football player, Dylan Thomas, died due to a head injury during his game at Pike County High School. In the second quarter of his game, Thomas was hit directly in the head, throwing his body into a large stinger.

“He later collapsed on the side-

lines when an arm and leg went completely numb,” an uncle, Nick Burgess, told The Associated Press.

He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where he underwent surgery; his brain swelled and he fell into a coma. He passed away later that evening.

The news of his death inspired his friends to overrun social media with tributes to Thomas. Burgess was able to create a donation page and raise money for the medical costs and lost income. They made more than $32,000 by the night after he passed away.

The football world has been attempting to cut down on the injury toll. The issue hasn’t been dealt with whatsoever, so Thomas’s death adds to the problems the NFL faces.

It has raised many concerns once again with the risk of the sport even being legal. All high schools, colleges, and even professionals think safety rules do not have any reason at this point.His death reached Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie, who is

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currently in critical condition after a head injury against Vanderbilt University.

Parents are being forced to take action and not let their children risk their lives playing football. Hassan Alaei, a player for the Rio Americano football team, said, “Coaches are trying to teach their players to play safer and learn how to tackle properly,” he said. “The refs and people have to follow their guidelines and the legal rules in the game, so that people do not get injured. If you are taught correctly, parents shouldn’t have an issue with their kids playing the sport.”

High school football is not on the upside of success with size of teams. With the parents strong belief towards the safety of the sport, the participants on teams has dropped significantly.

In the 2018-2019 school year at Rio Americano, the football team was not able to make three full teams. Dan Giberson, student, said, “My parents did not let my play this year because they were worried about my safety. I received a

small concussion from it last year.”

The NFL and most football committees have changed the rules and attempted to enforce them. For the 2018 season, medical officials created a concussion video to teach players what could happen if they make a hit to the head because not only will it affect the player they hit, but it will affect the player hitting as well.

New helmets are being introduced to the football world that causes the helmet to be more flexible; this allows the hit to the head to be absorbed instead of shaking the brain. But, it is a very expensive item.

Oddly, the NFL has promoted the helmet but has not given them to all teams, even with all of the money that they have. The helmets could cost as much as $15,000.

The football organization hopes to change dramatically over the next years to decrease injuries like Dylan Thomas, and keep the sport as safe as possible.

Water Polo Team Dominates League Malek Safi Mirada Staff This upcoming Thursday and Friday, the Girls and Boys Water Polo teams get the opportunity to compete in the Section Championship.

Both teams have played outstandingly this season; each winning league championships. The boys team has won league championship for the last ten years, and the girls have only lost once in the past ten years.

Water Polo is one of Rio’s strongest sports, always coming out on top.

With section champs approaching, players will play in an atmosphere that many people wish for.

“I’m really excited for section championships. If we make it that far, we will most likely be playing Tokay,” said Varsity girls player Olivia Seargent. “I feel like our varsity team has a really strong bond because we have seen each other on our best days and on our worst days and because of that we are much closer.”

Boys water polo also has a lot to work for; they must keep their streak going and bring home the championship. “We’ve all worked very hard to reach this point, going to practice every single day, working to the point of exhaustion every second of practice. Our players also are on swim team in the offseason which is good for extra conditioning,” said Varsity boys player Matthew Hom. “We have a very solid bond on the team, most of our starters have been playing on the same team for about five years now. Those who haven’t been on the same team since then, still get along well, and we have a really good group of guys this year.”

Each team influences one or the other even with the different grade levels. Teammates push teammates to help give words of encouragement and keep the strong bond within the team.

“We have an interesting bond because we have a lot of guys from different grades, but we stay along side of each other no matter what,” said Varsity boys player Ian Bohn, “I’m pretty excited and happy to be continuing our season into sections, and it is really nice to see that our hard is paying off once again.”

The boys have a drive in them that no one in the Capital League has. They are the team to beat and they look to keep it that way.

Participants on the teams worked through a lot to get onto that team as well. Players who entered with not much water polo background had to adapt to the water.

“We swim in the pool, do laps, and tread the water. For me being new, it was tough to push through my legs and arms burning,” said JV player Jackson Polo. “For some people being in the water is like breathing and walking normally, but that is through years and years of practice and training.”

The work from both teams is clearly being shown, for they have reached strong heights for the last ten years. The burden on the teams’ shoulders is enough to keep them motivated to work everyday to continue the constant winning generation to generation.

The Mirada | SPORTS |Friday, November 2, 2018

Debbie Meyer’s lasting legacy

page 15

Photo of the Issue

50 years ago, Rio student set Olympic record with three swimming gold medals Annalee Gorman Mirada Staff Fifty years ago, a Rio alumni swimmer, Debbie Meyer, became the first female to win three gold medals at the age of 16 in the same meet in the 200, 400 and 800m freestyle at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Since then, it has not been repeated. After making an indelible mark on swimming as a teen, she retired...as a teenager.

“I learned to swim when I was three,” said Meyer. “I started competitively when I saw kids racing and asked if I could do that.”

Her competitive spirit pushed her throughout her career as she set several records and continuously trained. Her training consisted of swimming around seven-ten miles a day with four hour practices in the morning and the afternoon.

Practicing at 6 a.m. daily, balancing school and sports was difficult.

She would not finish practice until around 10 a.m. (she didn’t have a first period). Training for the Olympics junior year, she missed the first two months of school.

Meyer also swam before title nine. She was the only girl on the

In the photo from the 1969 yearbook, Debbie Meyer poses with the medals she won at the Mexico City Olympics in October 1968. boy’s team, but her competitiveness and grit didn’t hinder her success.

She qualified for the Olympics and represented Sacramento.

“Of course I represented the United States, but representing Sacramento was more important than anything,” said Meyer.

Meyer has inspired several swimmers to challenge themselves as she did.

“Being on an all guys team when she was younger inspired me because she taught me how to persevere and challenge myself,” said junior Amanda McGoldrick.

Meyer broke 24 national records, 20 world records and won 19 national championships, all before 19 years old. Additionally, she held five freestyle world records at the same time.

“It’s inspiring to have a role model that not only competes against men, but beats them by a large margin,” said junior Ezra Silverberg.

Her advice for future swimmers is: “Have fun, work hard, swim fast, and enjoy it.”

Meyers never stopped loving the water and her passion lead to the start of “Debbie Meyer Swim School” including one location in Carmichael.

There she teaches what she feels is most important: water safety.

“If you want swim lessons, it’s the most inexpensive insurance to help save your child’s life,” said Meyers.

After fifty years, she continues to inspire young swimmers across the globe Her record of winning three medals in one olympic meet has never been broken.

Girls golf team sweeps league Annalee Gorman Emily Borg Mirada Staff The girls golf team qualified for divisionals for the first time in seven years after tying with Christian Brothers for second in league.

This year, they’ve only lost three matches.

Both times Christian Brothers and Rio faced off in a league match they tied.

Last year, the golf team lost to Christian Brothers by one point putting them in third place in league.

This standing didn’t qualify them for divisionals.

The group of girls have a tight bond and are extremely proud of themselves for making it this far.

“Our team has had such a fun and successful season,” said junior McKenna Schinderle. “I am lucky to be apart of it.”

In the first league match, they tied with Christian Brothers. During matches, six players participate, but only the top five scores of those players count. A tie results in the sixth score being added. CB had the better sixth score and won. The next time the schools faced each other, they tied again, but this time, Rio pulled out the win.

“Throughout the season we have tied in almost every match,” said junior Maggie Schlieman. “At divisionals in Atwater we finally beat them and ended up second in the league.”

Junior Ashley Knepshield earned the spot as number one in the league for the third consecutive year.

Annalee Gorman (11) and Alyssa Escay (11) run at Willow Hills Reservoir for the CAL Championships. Photo by Katie Newton.

Prep of the Month Andrew Espinosa

What is the most memorable game or play that you’ve had?

This last weekend actually, I was in a situation where it was a six against five in the pool. I scored a goal, and it was very crucial. We were playing one of the best teams we know; they actually beat Jesuit by one or two and only beat us by three. We were expected to lose by a lot, but we didn’t.

How long have you been playing water polo for?

I have been playing club water polo since fourth grade, but I only played it during fall, then quit and didn’t play at all during middle school. I then rekindled it during high school, so probably like four years in total.

What team or club do you play for?

I obviously play for Rio Americano and for club I play for American River Water Polo Club, our local club; in my opinion the best in the area.

What position do you play?

I play on the 1/2 side, so i’m an attacker/driver.

Junior Katelyn Kamilos chips the ball out of the rough. Photo by Ed Mahone.

Out of the seven teams the top 12 players are named All League: junior Emily Borg and Ashley Knepshield along with sophomore Emma Hutchinson were awarded this honor.

“It feels really amazing to win all league as a sophomore, and it’s so incredible representing my school and all of my teammates doing a sport I love,” said Hutchinson.

Head Coach Steve Kronick and Assistant Coach Marty Solov are extremely proud of their teams accomplishments.

During divisionals on Oct. 22, the team placed fourth out of 15 schools.

Although they were disappointed that they couldn’t move on to masters, beating CB was an achievement the team continues to celebrate.

“This golf season was one with

tons of memories and accomplishments,” said junior Katelyn Kamilos.

“All of the players made so many improvements with their swings and overall golf game. Even though golf is known to be a serious and competitive sport, the golf team makes it feel more fun and relaxed.”

The group of girls have a tight bond and are extremely proud of themselves for making it this far.

“Our team has had such a fun and successful season,” said junior McKenna Schinderle. “I am lucky to be apart of it.

The team doesn’t have any seniors so they hope to go all the way next year. Their optimism and enthusiasm is promising for their future as they continue their newfound success.

What are your goals with the sport later on in life?

I see myself going to collage for it, probably JC first with a tag agreement and then play club for the rest of the year.

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RIOMIRADA.COM

The Mirada | Friday, November 2, 2018

page 16

IN FOCUS

Your view through the lens T

he Rio Mirada wants to shine a light on students’ photography skills. We reached out to students from all grades, each with a different style and vision.

Photography takes an eye for the perfect shot or timing of the exact moment. There is the whole world to capture, from portraits, to action shots, to landscapes.

Whether Rio’s students self-taught or have taken classes, their photos capture very different areas of each of our lives.

Part of photography is posting photos on Instagram. It is the main outlet for students to post their art online. Some students have separate photography accounts to share their work.

Editing photos is also now more accessible because of apps on smartphones. Apps like

VSCO and Facetune are commonly used by teens.

Some students take their skills to the professional level and get hired to take photos for events, families, or individuals. A popular way to make money among student photographers are taking senior portraits.

Film is also another medium that teenagers are starting to use again. While polaroid cameras were trendy a couple of years ago, film is beginning to become trendy today.

Whether you are just experimenting or are a photographer, The Mirada wants to publish your work, so email your photos to theriomirada@gmail.com.

Above left: Senior Vlad Statnyk took a photo using leading lines. “I decided to go out with two of my friends and we decided to go to the levee and I knew about this railroad bridge which is not used very often,” Statnyk said.

Above right: Senior Kaitlyn Ketsdever photographs sisters Lizzie (left) and Kai (right) for a birthday shoot.

“They’re super close and so cute; they had so many ideas for photos and brought all these props and outfits,” Ketsdever said.

Above left: Photographer Freshman Jakob Palmer captures a sunset on Faria Beach in Ventura.

Above right: Senior Whitney Wheeler takes photos with her friends Amber Vicari and Chloe Planche.“We had to go full on cheerleader mode to get her up on the ledge,” said Wheeler.

Left: Kaylee Barnes photographs a grass field with a sharp focus. “I took this picture at the American River during golden hour. The light was hitting the grass perfectly so I was inspired to grab my camera and snap a pic.”

Right: Junior Aidan French photographs his friend Jeremy or “Jerm Deezy” at his first concert at Momo Sacramento. “We’ve worked together for a few months making a music video that’s out now,” said French.