The Forge, Volume 100, Issue 1

THE

SBHS

FORGE

Volume 100, Issue 1

What’s the deal?

#GovShutdown

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Email: forge.sbhs@gmail.com

October 4, 2013

Homecoming 2013

Mian Laurain Editor-in-Chief

On Monday, October 1st, the U.S. government shut down all non-essential federal services. This leaves 800,000 government employees out of work until Congress comes to an agreement on the debate over the federal budget for the fiscal year.

Our country is currently without the services of/or with the limited services of NASA, USDA, all Federal museums, national parks, and libraries, U.S. Access Board, U.S. Postal Service Inspector General, Treasury-departmental offices, Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, FDIC Office of Inspector General, about 400,000 Civilian military workers, and many others.

The goal of The House Republicans (led by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas), is to use the budget as leverage to defund or even just delay the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) from going into effect. So, despite the fact that the health care bill is not directly related to government funding, and despite the fact that Obamacare went into effect midnight on October 1st, the House Republicans have stymied the passing of the budget. A “bipartisan committee” has been formed to assist the House in coming up with a proposal, but if any part of the proposal includes defunding the ACA, the Senate will reject it, and there will be further delay in the shutdown.

Why do so many Republicans oppose Obamacare? They believe that the health care act will hurt employers and disagree with imposed health care insurance. They believe the government is overreaching their powers, and that by inciting this act they will be sending needed jobs overseas.There is also criticism over the penalty tax that is imposed on citizens who have failed to buy health insurance; which is $95 per person, but no more than $285 or 1% of a families income. Some people see Obamacare as a step towards a Socialist government.

Laine Fischer interviews the Princesses. (Pictured from left to right) Renee Berkus, Amerlia Borrayo, Esme Estrada, Bianca Badham, Andrea Solis, and Terra Cobian Photo Credit: Mian Laurain Mian Laurain Editor-in-Chief

This year’s homecoming theme is “Hollywood!” Most years students don’t dress to go with the theme. During homecoming one year, on a boat, the most dressed-up students wore some sailor hats and Naval jackets. This year it will be easy for students to participate in the theme; just throw on some feather boas and movie star shades!

The Homecoming Princess nominees are: Bianca Badham, Renee Berkus, Amelia Borrayo, Terra Cobian, Esme Estrada, and Andrea Solis. We will find out who our Homecoming Queen is at the Homecoming Football Game.

I interviewed each Princess to give the SBHS seniors an inside look at their favorite girls. Overall the princesses described their feelings of being nominated as honored, surprised, and excited.

A: Dragons, like in Game of Thrones; Khalessi’s dragons.

Q: What’s a weird fact about you?

A: I have a cat obsession.

Q: What’s your dream princess car?

A: I’ll take Joey’s blue Maserati.

Q: What is a bad indulgence that you have?

A: Carbs - donuts, pasta, pizza, scones, and croissants.

Renee Berkus Q: Do you have a dress yet?

A: No, I’m panicking!

Q: What is your dream princess car?

A: I think a white Porsche 911.

Q: If you had one day left to live, what one crazy thing would you do?

A: I would love to go helicopter skiing.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: The best one that I’ve seen recently is The Intouchables.

Q: Say the best, overall, piece of advice you know or words that you live by.: Bianca Badham A: Always wish the best for everyone, Q: If you could create one new school because positivity is contagious. rule, what would it be?

A: No limit on bathroom passes.

Amelia Borrayo Q: If you lived in a castle, how would Q: If you could create one new school you protect it? rule, what would it be?

What’s Inside?

News: D.C. Navy Yard Shooting Editorials: War in Syria Entertainment: The Weeknd Sports: Dons take down Spartans

A: No more signing in when I come into class tardy.

Q: How much money would it cost for you to shave your head?

A: I wouldn’t want to shave my head unless I was paid a zillion dollars.

Q: Which Disney princess would you be?

A: Cinderella Q: What is a weird fact about you?

A: I love to eat cold food, even soup. It’s better when it’s cold!

Q: Dream celebrity date?

A: Liam Hemsworth Terra Cobian Q: What’s your favorite dance move?

A: “The Burnie” Q: What song would you say represents you?

A: Anything by G-Eazy.

Q: What’s a weird fact about you?

A: I’m double jointed, but that’s not very weird.

Q: What’s your dream princess car?

A: My princess car is the car that I already have; it’s a Ford Fairlane. So gangster.

Q: Dream celebrity date?

A: Channing Tatum

Continued on page 3

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October 4, 2013

News Staff Editors Mian Laurain Sky Ulep Editors-in-Chief Sandy Campbell Layout Editor Edoardo Kaplan News Editor Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor Blake DeVine Sports Editor Beau Lettieri Website Editor Nicola Freeland Business Manager

Staff Reporters Tyler Greenwald Mark Gross Georgiana McCormick Alyssa Mendibles Gabriel Reali Andrew Tighe

Freelancers Kate Burrows Will Howard Sydney Iverson Ameliana Marshall Sierra McNeil Olivia Ranson Jessany Rodenas Anthony Spann James Sperlin Matthew Wallock Ashlen Weddington Maisie Zimmerman

Advisor Otto Layman

Welcome to the first issue of The Forge’s centennial print. I am excited to be a part of a great team, and we look forward to bringing you the best of SBHS journalism that is, in turns, relevant, intelligent, and marked by the humor and insight of passionate student journalists whose motto is, ‘The Forge wants to know.’ We invite you to join The Forge, and discover the real SBHS. Otto Layman Forge Advisor 2013-14

Homophobia at the Russian Olympics Edoardo Kaplan News Editor

The Olympic Games, a symbol of worldwide unity, is facing a boycott because of Russia’s strict and discriminatory laws against homosexuals. The Winter Games are to be held in Sochi, Russia in 2014, but the rising protests are slowly causing the organization of the games to fall apart.

On June 30th, 2013, Russia passed a law that would ban the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to minors.” The law essentially orders non-heterosexual couples to hide their identities when in the presence of children, otherwise they will be fined or jailed. As young kids are practically everywhere, in essence, gays will never be allowed to display public affection or act in any way that is not considered “straight.” The law, which has also closed the gate on adoption for Russian gay couples, is not only going to affect all native Russians, but it may also lead to the deportation of openly gay athletes at the Winter Olympic Games.

As more time passes, tensions among Russians have increased. Along with the large pro-gay rallies, demonstrations, and marches crowding Russia’s capital and prominent cities; violence and vigilante groups against Russia’s gay population have been on the rise. The anti-gay group, “Occupy Gerontophilia and Occupy Pedophilia,” believes that there is a major connection between pedophilia and homosexuality and has been organizing the vigilantes to publicly humiliate, ambush, and attack homosexuals. Some openly gay Russian have even had human urine poured onto them.

The anti-gay law has outraged pro-gay groups all over the world, finding support from prominent people such as Lady

Russian police detain an activist at a gay rights protest. Photo Credit: CBCnews Gaga, Olympic diver Greg Louganis, Sydney Crosby (captain of the Pittsburg Penguins), and Wentworth Miller (star of the television series Prison Break). To protest the Russian Olympics, Wentworth Miller even decided to announce that he was gay. Russia is also facing the arrival of a mass of radical gay rights groups from Canada and the United States, who are planning to overwhelm the games with their presence.

Smaller debates about the Russian boycott are occurring in the corridors of Santa Barbara High School. Junior David Zevallos stated, “I think that it is a very good idea to boycott the Russian Olympics because the laws that Russia are enforcing…are morally wrong.”

However, another junior, Mark Gross, argued, “Homosexuals are a minority in the world. Why should the entire world change for a minute percentage of the human race?” In the view of junior Gerardo Zavala, “I think it’s pretty terrible, but I don’t think they should show any signs of gay affection in the media.”

Protest have also caused Russia many financial difficulties. Some citizens have begun to boycott the consumption of Russian vodka and other such imports.

Also, when countries hold the Olympic Games, they have a chance to show off their country’s strength and unity.

To this end, they have commissioned large and expensive stadiums, as well as other impressive facilities. With the amount of negative views against Russia escalating, however, corporations have mostly stopped sponsoring the games.

By passing anti-gay laws Russia has dug itself into a pit of large expenses, as it now has to pay for the various stadiums and tracks with much more of its own money than was expected.

With the games nearing, and the 2018 Soccer World Cup (also to be held in Russia) following closely behind, Russia is beginning to explode. The Olympics, which should be an opportunity for nations and their athletes to find common ground, is instead becoming the site for clashes and increasing hostilities among countries.

Who let the Skeeter out?

Niki Freeland Business Manager

The rumor about double-Skeeter time this year was, in fact, a heavy claim. Supposedly, there was twice as much money for Skeeter this year, and that he could come every other day with the extra funds.

Interquest dogs will be visiting 1-2 times a month this year, similar to last year’s quota.

Last year, the school district contracted with Interquest Detection Canines to have Skeeter and about five other dogs randomly visit San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Pueblos High Schools nine to ten times a year at a cost of between $13-16,000 annually.

Assistant Principal Mr. Meister stated, “I have not been informed of any change in cost this year...The contract is for [Skeeter] to come about once a month.

If Skeeter and the other dogs came every other day, I would not have time to do any other job. I assume that the visits will be similar to last year.”

The money used to contract Interquest was not donated or raised for Interquest

payment specifically, instead it was taken out of the school district budget.

“The money was earmarked for it,” Mr. Meister stated. “I assume it was budgeted for this.”

When asked about the effectiveness of Interquest, Meister replied, “It’s really hard to stop the spread of alerts among kids. There’s not a lot we can do. The other thing is the kids are allowed to take their bags out [of the classroom], so I don’t know how much the alerts really change things.” In regards to why students are allowed to take their backpacks with them when they leave the classroom, Meister comments, “Ideally, the dogs are supposed to get someone who, even if they take [the drugs] out of the classroom, they will smell it where the person was sitting. That’s the key piece to this whole program for me. If we’re gonna do it, the kids should have to leave their bags. The reason [they are allowed to take their bags] is because the board of education voted and that was one of the pieces that allowed us to use Interquest and their dogs as a

service. It’s a part of the contract.”

Mr. Meister discussed the whole purpose of the dogs. “Drug use [on campus] and kids getting in trouble for drugs has gone down a little bit over the years. We know we can’t stop drug use totally, but if we can deter students from selling and bringing it to school, and making bad decisions that way, its worth it.”

When asked how many students had been caught directly by Interquest canines, Mr. Meister commented, “Less than 10.”

Student opinions of Interquest canine visits to Santa Barbara High School seem to be, for the most part, negative. “I think it’s cute, not the dog, but the people who think you can bust people for drugs,” an anonymous tenth grader comments. Blake Charles Ladd, sophomore, said, “This is a school, not a prison. We are human beings. Get a life Skeeter.”

What do you think? Is the effectivity of the Interquest canines worth the cost?

Should the money be spent in other areas that lack the much needed funds? Is it not an issue of cost, but a violation of basic civil rights?

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October 4, 2013

News Homecoming 2013 (Continued from front page)

Esme Estrada Q: How much money would it cost for you to shave your head?

A: I would shave it if someone I loved got cancer, to support them, but I wouldn’t shave it for money.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: Forrest Gump Q: What’s your dream Princess car?

A: A carriage.

Q: If you had one day left to live, what one crazy thing would you do?

A: I think I would go rob a bank.

Q: Dream celebrity date?

A: Liam Hemsworth Andrea Solis Q: If you could enforce a mandatory school rule, what would it be?

A: Everyone should wear green and gold on Friday.

Q: How much money would it cost for you to shave your head?

A: Let’s just say $40.

Q: If you lived in a castle, how would you protect it?

A: With guards.

Q: What song would you like to hear at homecoming?

A: The new Miley Cyrus song, “23.”

Q: Dream celebrity date?

A: Channing Tatum

From the Vault

“We will have a police presence and a check-in at homecoming,” stated Mr. Becchio. “If we sense a student might be under the influence, we have the ability to have a police officer to breathalyze them.” Think twice before your pregame, because you probably won’t be thinking very clear afterwards....

Be prepared to wait in line for half an hour to have your name checked off the list. If you want to beat the crowd, get there early. Some people think it’s lame to get to a dance on time, but if you don’t want to wait that is the only solution.

Unless of course you just want to go for the last forty-five minutes.

Wristbands will be slapped on anyone’s wrist who is getting a little too “down” on the dance floor. If you want to stay at the dance, keep your dancing decent, remember this is a school event (with parental and staff chaperones). Keeping your dancing respectful may also help you avoid an awkward confrontation with your math teacher kicking you out of the dance for inappropriate dancing.

Students have been known to make a game out of the wrist bands; “Who can get kicked out first?” Well, if that’s your kind of game, then you will definitely be a winner.

On February 7th, 1936, Santa Barbara had its first girl’s basketball team.

D.C. Navy Yard Shooting Edoardo Kaplan News Editor

8:20 a.m., September 16, 2013, shooter Aaron Alexis arrived at Washington Navy Yard in Southeast Washington, D.C, and opened fire on the staff and faculty. After his assembled sawed-off Remington 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun ran out of ammunitions, Alexis used a lifeless security guard’s Beretta 9mm semi-automatic pistol to continue his onslaught. Twelve staff members were left dead in the naval yard, and three more were critically injured. Aaron Alexis was fatally sniped by police about an hour after the rampage started.

Leading up to the shooting, Alexis had been becoming increasingly violent, and was cited multiple times for

misconduct by law enforcement. On one of these occasions, Alexis fired rounds within the city limits of Fort Worth, and in another, he shot out a man’s tires in Seattle, Washington. Alexis, however, was never prosecuted for any of these violent outbursts.

It was also later discovered that Alexis was not mentally stable, as he had been hearing voices and was paranoid about a group of malicious people using electronic signals to hinder him from sleeping. Alexis had tried multiple times to receive help at an array of hospitals, but instead of receiving any proper assistance, he was given a Trazadone subscription.

In the early morning right before the shooting, Alexis rented a Toyota Prius and then successfully gained access to

Security footage of Aaron Alex in a hallway holding a loaded firearm Photo Credit: wikipedia

the navy yard by using a security card that he had received for previously serving in Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 46.

He proceeded into Building 197 with his shotgun, and began the attack. After about nine minutes, the police arrived on the scene, which is when Alexis and a squad of officers initiated a firefight. As the gunshots were still being exchanged, Aaron Alexis was shot through a window on the third floor and killed.

These happenings, along with the recent Aurora movie theater and Sandy Hook shootings, have yet again sparked up the hot topic of the infamous gun debate, yet with less intensity as more and more politicians push mass murders to the side.

The National Rifle Association along with their spokesperson and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre broke their silence and defended assault rifles and assault rifle owners by instead pointing the blame towards movies, video games, and music. “The evidence against Grand Theft Auto is not to be disputed. Clearly, excitement over the imminent release of this game led Mr. Alexis to commit celebratory murders,” declared LaPierre during the NRA’s response to the tragedy.

LaPierre also suggested that defense was too low around the base and that there should be “layers of security around our military bases.”

On the other side of the spectrum are Mark Kelly and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was injured at the Tucson shooting spree on January 8, 2011. “Congress, you must lead. Come together, take a sober look at the problem, and pass laws that protect

our families and communities. Please act,” demanded Giffords and Kelly on behalf of their organization Americans for Responsible Solutions.

Santa Barbara High School has also been having a miniature gun debate of its own, with pro-gun and antigun students and staff all throwing in their opinions and ideas into the mix.

Junior Ben Weininger stated, “This was a horrible and unacceptable tragedy which can’t go unaddressed. It is time for gun laws to change dramatically in the United States.”

The issue of mental health has also been interjected into the discussion on gun control. Mr. Bedard, the golf coach and special education teacher, spoke up on the topic saying, “I really hope that we, as a country, take a look at how we deal with people with mental illness, how we deal with guns, and how we deal with each other… Sometimes, it just takes saying ‘Hello’ to someone or acknowledging that they are there.”

Following the Sandy Hook mass shooting, Santa Barbara High School created its own safe campus policies.

The massacres have prompted revisions and alterations in the school’s rules by the high school’s administration, the superintendent and the police force. Mr. Becchio stated that his administrative faculty has been “making sure each staff member has a staff ID badge.” Mr. Becchio then added, “Chief Sanchez has ordered an increased presence by patrol officers on and around campus.”

Future policy changes might be helpful in preventing such terrible tragedies,

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October 4, 2013

Editorials Syria-sly? A Conservative’s view on conflict in Syria

Women protest against the Syrian regime. Photo Credit: www.workerspower.co.uk Mark Gross Staff Reporter

The country of Syria is currently engulfed in a bloody civil war.

The conflict began on March 15, 2011, after a group of Syrian army men fired into a crowd of protesters; however, the roots of this conflict go back many years.

The Ba’ath Syrian Regional Branch came into power in 1964 following a successful military coup. The parties’ leaders were subsequently ousted following a coup by General Hafez AlAssad in 1970. The General held power until his death in 2000. Following his

death, his son, Bashar Assad, seemingly invited debate about the government before squelching discussion in 2001.

Before the uprising in Syria began in mid-March 2011, protests were relatively modest, considering the wave of unrest sweeping throughout the Arab world. Syria remained what Al Jazeera described as a “kingdom of silence,” due to strict security measures, a relatively popular president, religious diversity, and concerns over the prospects of insurgency like in nearby Iraq.

Now that war has broken out, however, things have swiftly gone to hell. The Syrian government has gone from using conventional warfare to targeting civilian population centers with nerve gas and cluster bombs. The rebels continue to soldier on regardless, no matter what is thrown at them.

That is where the U.S. comes in.

There are currently four United States Destroyers off the coast of Syria, waiting for the call to begin bombardment on Syrian army positions. A few cruise missiles are all that is necessary to take

down the Syrian army. “No intervention is necessary yet,” Junior Max Jordan commented, “but should something worse happen, direct intervention will be necessary.”

The US should begin bombardment of Syrian army positions and give its fire support to the rebels. The US should not sit this one out and watch as the Syrian government gases its own civilians, as it is a major violation of the Geneva Convention. The UN is in support of US intervention in Syria, so they will not complain like they did during Iraq.

This is a fight that must be fought. The US owes it to the civilians who have died at the hands of the tyrannical Syrian government. “The Syrian government should surrender before the UN is forced to intervene.” Junior Bryan Castillo stated.

Would U.S. do it if there were a better way? No. Is there a better way?

No. As much as it pains me to say, it is the only option here. The United States must intervene now, before the Syrian Government pulls out another unethical tactic and hurts their civilians even more. Certain students, however, have a differing opinion “We should not attack Syria because it will cause more senseless slaughter,” stated Dina Rubio, a sophomore, adamant that intervention is unnecessary.

Even if Russia is not happy with the decision, even if the Iranian’s are promising to bomb Israel if an intervention occurs, the U.S. must intervene. The American people cannot, will not, allow this tyranny to go unopposed, for if it does, what does that say about the UN and the U.S.?

Twerking hard (or hardly twerking) Emma Cisek Entertainment Editor

Tw e r k , Miley, twerk!

After Miley Cyrus’ shocking performance at the VMA’s on August 25th, the nation was exploding with gossip about the starlet’s scandalous costumes and provocative dance moves. After Cyrus took the stage with her chart topper “We Can’t Stop,” exposing her tongue and a good majority of her skin, social media sites blew up, commenting on the young musician’s recently perceived promiscuity.

Is this crazy wave of attention all that bad for the young pop star? Not at all.

Despite any negative attention Ms. Cyrus might be receiving, it is still attention, which is exactly what any celebrity would want, especially if she’s about to take a huge step in her career, such as releasing her first album in three years.

To put quite simply, the jaw-dropping VMA performance was a major career move for the pop star, and a genius one at that. After the world watched Miley

shake her assets and whip her tongue all over the stage, her single “We Can’t Stop”, released June 3rd, went straight to the top of the charts. Miley planned this very strategically as a way to get even more publicity. She knew what she was doing and that she was going to make musical history.

This is not the first time the twentyyear-old super star has displayed her tremendous twerking skills. In March, a short video was released of her twerking to the 2010 song “Wop” by J. Dash.

The video was the first to show Miley’s wild side, and although she has become progressively much more provocative, our American sweetheart is no newbie to twerking. Staying in the spotlight is no easy feat, especially if you’ve been doing it since 2006, like Miley Cyrus.

Nevertheless, Miley works it! She knows what to do and how to do it to get the right attention at the right time.

In the midst of all the twerking controversy, Miley Cyrus’ music video

for her latest single “Wrecking Ball” premiered on September 9th. Although no twerking happened this time, the chilling video shows Cyrus breaking down cinderblock walls and swinging from a wrecking ball, fully nude. The most clothing we see on her is underwear and a skimpy crop-top. The video broke the record of the most number of views within 24 hours of the its release, with over 30 million views, beating One Direction’s previous record of 10 million with their hit single “Best Song Ever.”

All this gossip, news, and controversy is leading up to only one thing: Miley Cyrus’ “Bangerz” album, which was released today, October 4th.

So hate on Miley Cyrus all you want; but along with twerking, she is here to stay. For all we know, the VMA’s could only be the beginning of an absolutely ingenious planned springboard to launch her new image and a new chapter in her career.

Miley preforming at the VMAs Photo Credit: nydailynews.com

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October 4, 2013

Editorials Perspectives:

Being a freshman at SBHS

Alyssa Mendibles Staff Reporter

As an incoming freshman here at Santa Barbara High School, I would say that SBHS isn’t nearly as big as it seemed when I first got here. Now that I have figured out where everything is and how to get to my classes, it is less of a struggle for me to get around the school. When I first arrived at Dons Derby, the school seemed to have the biggest campus ever, but now that school has started it seems much smaller. On the first day of school, it was hard to get to my classes because I didn’t know where anything was. Now that I have been here for a while, I’ve gotten used to it.

At first, it was scary to come into a school that is four times the size of the junior high, but at the same time, it was exciting because I am now allowed to go off campus for lunch, meet people from different social circles, and know that I have the next four years to figure out what I want to become when I’m older. It will be a new and interesting experience going to school here. Seeing people I went to school with in the past has shown me how much a person can change over the course of a few years.

Before I started high school, people would tell me that freshmen get shoved into lockers by upperclassmen, and other things that aren’t true. From what I have seen, that seems highly unlikely; the lockers are way too small for that. I remember my brother telling me those myths, but now I know he was only trying to make me nervous. Now I think that those rumors people told me are funny. Yes, I was nervous to start high school, but I have now realized I was being overdramatic about it.

Starting high school was bound to happen sooner or later. I would have to be a freshman and go through whatever life was going to throw at me. I would have to be fully responsible for myself. I thought I was ready for it to come, and I figured it wouldn’t be that bad; but as summer came to a close, I realized that I was not prepared. Now that I am here and have confidence in myself; I can be responsible for my own actions. Although this is my first year, I am ready to take on whatever challenges Santa Barbara High School throws at me.

Are midriffs mellow?

Georgiana McCormick Let’s show Staff Reporter off those bellies! Shirts exposing midriff at Santa Barbara High School are a huge trend for the girls right now! There are mixed feelings on the topic; and understandably so. Some might find it cute and trendy, while others find it indecent or inappropriate. While someone may wear it as an expression of her individuality, others may be wearing a midriff for a completely different reason. Maybe it’s just hot outside?

The style was first made fashionable in 1932 by Madeleine Vionnet. She created an evening gown which was cut to expose the waist, which was very risqué at the time - exposing that much skin was unheard of! The trend began to progress throughout the decades, from swimwear in the 1940-50’s, to western wear in the 60’s. Up until the late 60’s, exposing midriff was considered indecent outside of swimwear and informal events, and was banned by the government. By the 70’s, it was commonplace and the trend has floated in and out ever since.

At Santa Barbara High, exposing midriff is technically considered “out of dress code,” though this does not stop students from wearing shirts that expose stomach. Is exposing your midriff slutty?

I personally don’t think so. There are certain girls who might wear the style for male attention (or just attention in general,) though I believe that the majority wear shirts like this purely because they like the way it looks!

A lot of celebrities are wearing dresses and shirts that show off their stomachs

because they are proud of their shape. This may be the same reason that many girls at school dress this way. The midriff is the one of the hardest parts of the body to keep fit and tight, for both guys and girls.

What’s wrong with girls showing off the body that they work so hard for? Don’t some guys who work on their midriff, achieving that “six pack,” take off their shirts any chance they get? Genetics make it necessary for many girls to work a lot harder to achieve these kinds of results.

When a girl works hard enough and get to the point where she feels confident enough to pull off this trend, she should have the freedom to do so!

Students at Santa Barbara high vary on their opinion about this. Moriah Jordan, a sophomore, stated, “They’re cute! They’re flirtatious looking, and that’s my personality so I love them!”

Moriah is an example of someone who uses the style to express herself.

Fashion is always going be a way to be individual. Sometimes, people feel that it crosses the line and that perhaps some girls should use more discretion.

The overall consensus of the people I talked to felt that it should be a personal choice. Sophomore Madeline Schmidt thinks that “girls should be allowed to wear whatever they feel is appropriate, as long as it’s not completely excessive.”

Some of the guys at SBHS have exhibited very vulgar reactions to the style, but most are just respectful and say they admire the view. With offensive sexist behavior not being the norm, the most common male response seems to be that when it comes to style, girls

A model shows off her midriff in an Alexander Wang fashion show.

Photo Credit: www.2threads.com should be able to have creative liberty.

Cooper Johnson stated, “I think girls, as well as guys, should be able to wear whatever they want.” I agree! We are all different. We all have different styles.

Bare midriffs just happen to be the current style here at Santa Barbara High.

It’s cute. It’s trendy. So if you’ve got it, flaunt it! Bellies be bare!

Government shutdown!

An Anarchist’s report on Republican protest Will Howard I am a true and Freelance Reporter steady anarchist--a Kropotkin-loving, Chomsky- worshipping anarchist. And that is why I took personal offense when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) called the Tea Party a group of anarchists as he assailed their extreme opposition to Obamacare, likening the Party to a bully. I’ll give Reid this: the Tea Party somewhat resembles what one might call an anarcho-capitalist group. But the anarchist tradition has almost nothing to do with anarcho-capitalism in that most anarchists are what one would call left-wing. These anarchists go by many names: anarcho-syndicalists, collectivist anarchists, anarcho-communists, libertarian socialists.

The irony is that if these anarchists, the real anarchists, were in control, our system they would in no way, resemble the so-called government shutdown. The most salient difference would be that the military-industrial complex would be dismantled. That is right, during this period when the parks are closed, the EPA’s offices are empty, and federal loans are

indefinitely no more, the military is still roaring. So the government is shut down, but not the “killy” parts. And, conveniently, the people who control it (congressmen/women, generals, and so on) are still getting paid! But we anarchists see no need for a military. In fact, we do not believe in national borders.

Another difference between a true anarchist society and this government shutdown is that in the former, social aid would abound. For example, one of the programs affected by the shutdown is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC. This program provides nutritious food and health care referrals to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age five. During the shutdown, WIC’s funding will rely solely on the states, most of which are in economic crises themselves.

If we were living in a collective anarchist society, however, women, infants, and children would be well-fed as consumer prices would be lower due to the absence of middlemen.Consider, also, that Head Start--an organization that provides com-

prehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to lowincome children and their families--lost all of its federal funding on October 1.

This means preschoolers have been sent home to their parents who cannot afford a babysitter, and who have full-time, lowpaying jobs. Again, in an anarchist society penury would be inexistent. Also, anarchists consider education crucial to the success of a happy and free-thinking society. For William Godwin, the first modern anarchist, education was “the means by which change would be achieved.” Thus, it is hard to imagine an anarchist society without a strong educational system, whereas education is far from a priority in our own government’s eyes.

Comparing anarchy with this government shutdown, and grouping Tea Partiers with other anarchists does not do the philosophy a justice. It is an honorable tradition that has been around since way before capitalism. So let us try not to disgrace it. Perhaps we may even start to consider its benefits as the pitfalls of our current system become increasingly apparent.

6

October 4, 2013

to “I went hots t heads e g o t LA taken.” r hwba - MoSc de 11 or gra f a m i j E

“This summer I did A LOT of cross co training with a couple of my teammate lots people in awkward and unusual w - Gustavo Bello 12th grade

“This summer I went to Europe with the Madrigals. We specifically explored and sang in England and France. It was a really cool experience, I want to go back there one day.

Other than that, I went to Yosemite with my family for a camping trip!”

-Antonia Beccera (Grade 12)

“I helped an

What di over the

“I played High School and club water polo, took a health class at San Marcos, started surfing again, and studied for the SATs.” Skyler Matthews, grade 12

“I went to Knott’s Berry farm.”

-Porfirio Acevedo, grade 12

-

I dislocated all the toes on my left foot -Max Mercurio Grade 11

“Practiced football every day.”

-Daniel Podratz

“I went

7

October 4, 2013

“I spent most of my summer helping as a volunteer in a summer program for children” -Alonso Martinez, grade 11

ountry es and met ways.”

“I went to the beach.”

-Lorena Penaloza

“I did a silent meditation retreat in India and lived it to the fullest in Greece and Germany!”

-Ben Weininger, 11th Grade

d my daughter move to Washington nd my son came to visit me.”

- Karen Edwards, Staff

id you do e summer?

“I went to Europe with the Madrigals.”

-Grace Apostolopoulos, grade 12

t to Costa Rica and moved to Santa Barbara.”

-Ms. Megan Gorey

I went to music camp in Orange Country.

-Sky Ulep, grade 12

“Spent time with my kids and helped with a wedding party.”

-Ashley Cornelius Teacher

“Most of the summer I was away, so I didn’t get a lot of time to spend in Santa Barbara. I went to a church camp which was really fun. I went to Argentina also to visit my family. I also played lots of polo there. Oh! I also went to seaworld and it was so fun.”

-Cassandra Amadore, 11th Grade

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October 4, 2013

Features Artist of the Month: Roy Cannon-Berg

Sky Ulep Editor-in-Chief

Senior Roy CannonBerg, a Visual Arts and Design Academy student, has been creating art for as long as he can remember. Whether they are doodles in his notebooks, or his nature-meetstechnology-meets-humanity-based sculptures, one thing is clear: Roy was born an artist.

Roy’s art career began when he was a child, drawing and painting with his parents. His mother has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts and Painting and his father has a bachelor’s in Architecture.

The combination of these fields got Roy interested in sculpture.

Most of Roy’s art could be classified as abstract and avant-garde. “Roy is exactly what you would imagine when you think of an artist,” Senior Madison Dochterman noted. “Very hip and very weird.” The unique materials and elements of his artwork add to its individuality. Roy’s sculptures often feature natural objects such as leaves or twigs, humanoid figures, and mechanical or technological components. These materials are used to highlight the philosophy that is reflected in his art. This philosophy indicates that although technology, humanity, and nature are seemingly completely different entities, they share many qualities as well. “A tree grows leaves and branches; a human grows in size and matures over

time; a computer grows in knowledge and data as time progresses,” Roy explained.

“They all learn and grow in some way, shape, or form.”

Roy’s philosophy is perfectly illustrated in his piece “New Life”. This piece utilizes coils, wires, and a battery to represent the “organs” of the being, as well as the wings of a Blue Morpho Butterfly to add a pixie-like quality to the humanoid.

Roy plans to continue with this theme of nature, humanity, and technology based art in the future. Eventually, his goal is to create pieces on a larger scale, possibly creating life-size figures or bigger.

Recently, he has been working on a mural in the Funk Zone with fellow VADA Senior Rachel Scheib. The mural is located at The Lark on Anacapa and Yanonali. When asked about Roy’s sculptures, Rachel commented, “It’s colorful and quirky, which is a perfect reflection of his personality.”

Beginning his final year with the Visual Arts and Design Academy, Roy is very grateful for all that the program has done for him. He cherishes the opportunities the program has given him to display his art in the community. Roy’s goal is to create art that brings a smile to people’s faces. “I hope that my artwork will spark a general curiosity that makes them say ‘huh, that’s pretty cool’.”

Roy works on a new peice (Top) “New Life” (Bottom Left) “First Time Home Buyer” (Bottom Right) Photo Credit: Sky Ulep

Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Rivera

Stephnie Rivera teaches Chemistry at SBHS. Photo Credit: Sky Ulep

Stephanie Rivera is not your average Chemistry teacher; she is a fluent German speaker, an active surfer, and a lover of all things James Bond.

Her students recognize her as happy,

Sandy Campbell Layout Editor

energetic, and passionate about her job.

Mrs. Rivera was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to a German mother and Hungarian father. As a child, she moved all over the East Coast due to her father switching engineer jobs. By the time she moved to California in the fifth grade, she had attended thirteen different schools. When her parents first told her about the move to The Golden State, she cried, but she is now “a California girl for sure.” Growing up, Rivera visited Germany every summer, and even went to school in Germany for the seventh grade.

She attended San Dieguito High School in North County, San Diego, where she was a social butterfly who preferred surfing at the beach to doing schoolwork. “I was a slacker in high school and graduated with a 2.9 GPA.,” says Rivera, “so all you slackers in my classes: know that I understand you, but also know that I recognize your potential.” After high school, Rivera’s perspective on education transformed completely, and she worked hard to get good grades. She went to University of Hawaii, Manoa for a year then graduated at San Diego State University, Cum Laude Honors in Chemistry in 1987.

Coming straight out of high school,

Rivera didn’t realize that she was destined to teach Chemistry; in fact, she changed her major three times and at one point wanted to be an interior designer!

When she took her first Chemistry class, a requirement for her Biology major, she was so intimidated that she took the lowest level offered. She ended up acing the class, and loved chemistry so much that she became a Chem Major. “I think chemistry is the end-all-be-all. I say to understand Chemistry is to understand the universe!” She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry (“the coolest science there is”) with an emphasis on molecular biology.

After college, she worked in a cancer lab, then as a genetic engineer for Syntro. The team she worked with at Syntro successfully patented a genetically modified vaccine for chickens. “That’s my claim to fame,” she adds. Rivera thought the lab work was interesting, but not ideal for someone who gets bored easily. One day, while working in the lab, she fell asleep on a hundred eppendorf test tubes as she was numbering them. She woke up drooling into the tubes with their circular impressions on her cheek, and went to the bathroom to wash off her face. It was at that moment that she

decided to get her teaching credential.

Eighteen months later, she became a teacher. “Teaching is truly a calling and a passion,” says Mrs. Rivera, “Most of us were born to do it.” This year will mark Mrs. Rivera’s twenty-fourth year as a teacher, and her twelfth as a Don. Outside of school, Mrs. Rivera is a mom who loves the ocean, cooking, and travel. Rivera likes to stay active by running, surfing, and, more recently, paddle boarding. She also used to be a mountain bike racer on the Platinum Team and won second in the state in her division in 2009! She and her family enjoy hosting their famous backyard barbeque parties and going on trips to Europe. “I am in a family of science nerds,” says Rivera. Her husband is into physics and cars, and her son has been researching black holes and time warps since Kindergarten. When she’s not teaching or in the ocean, Rivera likes to re-watch James Bond movies with her family.

Mrs. Rivera says that her absolute favorite part about teaching is the students. “My son complains that at home I act like a teacher. Now I tell him that he misunderstands: at school, I am a mom to 170 kids every day!”

9

Entertainment How was The Weeknd?

Mian Laurain Editor-in-Chief

Abel Tsefaye, or more popularly known as The Weeknd, performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl Saturday, September 14th. The concert was a panty dropper... literally.

Tsefaye is a 23 year old PBR&B artist (alternative/ hipster version of R&B) from Ontario, Canada. He was discovered in 2010, when he posted anonymous videos of his music. He initially kept his identity unknown so that he would receive honest feedback from his viewers. The Bowl was the fourth gig on The Weeknd’s “The Fall” tour; which started September 6th and ends October 8th.

Tsefaye’s music can seem paradoxical when his sweet, smooth, falsetto voice sings raunchy, explicit lyrics. Some concerts can be disappointing when the artist’s voice isn’t as smooth an auto-tuned in person. Luckily, The Weeknd does not suffer from that fate. His voice is even more beautiful and soulful in person.

Tsefaye is often compared to other artists such as Nelly, Frank Ocean, and Michael Jackson, but I find his music and style to be original and inventive. His music has a specific mood and aura that exudes rebellious, sexual, youth in a city full of lights and pills.

“The Fall” has a poignant theme of underground Japanese nightlife and prostitution. During the song “Kissland”,

soft-core Japanese porn played on the various TV screens on stage. Although there had been multiple signs on the way up the hill warning that the concert contained explicit material, the video’s content still shocked the audience. This was the only weakness in the concert.

Not because of the graphic content, but because the girls making out with each other on screen was a big distraction from the talented man singing to us on stage.

The light show at the concert was phenomenal; each song was enhanced with perfectly timed changes in light direction

Movie Review:

and billowing smoke illuminated with colors that seemed to blend in with the music.

The Weeknd is best known for his smooth falsetto voice, and explicit lyrics describing his experiences with drugs, women, and pain that he has experienced.

His voice is smooth and rich like chocolate.

After the show, when everyone had cleared, I looked for a missing lens cap and came across at least five pairs of underwear; hence “panty-dropper.” Over 100 fans that had bought his new CD, “Kissland”, got to meet The Weeknd, and get his sig- Andrew Tighe nature after his memorable performance. Staff Reporter

Will Wolverine Die for real this time?

The Weeknd performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Saturday, September 14th.

Photo Credit: Mian Laurain

You need some apps

(don’t worry - not the college kind!)

Gabe Reali Staff Reporter

Depending on who you ask, the majority of tech-savvy people use several apps every day to make their lives easier. For those of you who don’t know, an app refers to an application or program you can download onto your smartphone or tablet. As of right now there are almost one million apps available for download, and that number is only growing as technology becomes more accessible for creative people to make apps of their own.

The variety of apps is endless, so everyone should be able to find an app useful to them. There are over twenty categories of apps with a variety of programs: everything from games, to lifestyle, to sports - even digital books and catalogs to name a few. According to a reliable tech magazine, on average people with smart devices regularly use about eight apps a day. I certainly use at least fifteen, so I wanted to test this theory by asking some students how many apps they use daily and what their favorite apps are.

Out of all the students I asked, on average students use about about thirteen apps a day. The most popular “favorite app” was Instagram by a landslide, which is no surprise. Besides the general social networking apps that everyone knows about like Twitter and Facebook, here’s my list of my favorite/most useful free apps that you might not know about:

for you. Epicurious is an extremely useful cooking app that I use all the time. It’s super easy to use and has a ton of ways to customize all your favorite dishes. Some of the categories include easy snacks, healthy breakfasts, casual dinners, cheap banquets, drinks and so much more.

StudyBlue StudyBlue is basically digital flashcards you can make on your phone. Everything is very simple and the flashcards will always be with you, making it perfect for on-the-go studying

October 4, 2013

have this app, you should probably get it.

This app allows you to easily keep track of what you’re buying and every time you buy something, you get rewards.

Fandango The best and the only app for finding a movie playing in your area.

Find My IPhone Now I don’t know if it’s just me but I lose my phone all the time, and this app allows you to track your IPhone from your computer. You even have the options to enable a passcode, make it sound noise/ Tunein Radio display message on screen, or even wipe -This is pretty much Pandora radio, but the phone completely so nobody can see it has more unique options and you can your personal information. really personalize your radio stations. It also includes local and international radio Soundcloud stations which is really cool.

Soundcloud is pretty much the social networking network for music lovers. It has Shop Savvy an accessible user interface, primarily tarThis is a super impressive app that allows geted at people who want to discover new you to scan barcodes on almost any item. music. It also allows you to connect with After you’ve scanned an item it will tell your friends and see what everyone else you which local stores have that product is listening to. and the cheapest places to get it online.

This would be helpful, for example, if Hopefully I listed some apps you’ve never you’re in a store buying some head- heard of and would like to try out! Honphones. You would simply take out your estly, if you just spend a night on the App phone, scan the barcode, and the app tells Store you could find so many cool apps. you where the cheapest place to get those I’ve seen everything from free texting, headphones in town is. Neat! free music, new social networks and seriously some of the most addicting games.

Epicurious Hopefully our society isn’t too distracted Starbucks For anyone who loves food, this is the app If you go to Starbucks often and you don’t by this technology. What do you think?

Most of us are all too familiar with Marvel comics’ Wolverine. First appearing in 1974 alongside his frequent sparring partner the Incredible Hulk, the no-nonsense Canadian mutant and famous member of the X-men has become an icon in the Marvel comics thanks to his animalistic fury, razor sharp adamantium claws and a special healing factor that has allowed him to survive even the most fatal of beatings and injuries. But what if he couldn’t heal?

What if he had to fight his battles with the possibility that he could, in fact, permanently die? This possibility is explored in Marvel Entertainment’s newest installment of the feral mutant’s adventures, appropriately named,The Wolverine.

Taking place several years after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Wolverine A.K.A. Logan (Hugh Jackman) has long since retired from his superhero career, now living his life as an alcoholic hermit who is regularly haunted in his dreams by his dead X-men teammate and crush Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). He suddenly finds himself pulled out of his retirement after Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a female Japanese mutant with the ability to predict the future, takes him to the land of the rising sun under the wishes of her employer, a terminally ill CEO named Ichiro Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi) whose life Logan had saved several years earlier during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. Not quite ready to face the grim reaper, Yashida proposes that they use his company’s technology to transfer Logan’s healing factor into himself, thereby curing Yashida and granting Logan his wish of finally being freed of his immortality. Insisting that Yashida would not want his powers, Logan prepares to leave, but changes his mind after seeing a rather unpleasant exchange between Yashida’s son Shingen (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his attractive daughter Mariko (Tao Okamoto), whom Wolverine eventually develops feelings for. After the elder Yashida’s passing, Logan finds himself thrust back into ever familiar danger as he protects Mariko from murderous Yakuza mobsters, deadly ninjas, and a venomous new mutant known as Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova,) all without the benefit of his healing factor.

The Wolverine is undoubtedly a thrilling and suspenseful adventure that brings Marvel fans back into familiarity with the clawed crusader’s ferocity and boldness.

It is an epic conclusion to Wolverine’s adventures as a “lone wolf,” and an exciting response to Marvel fan’s longtime question: will Wolverine die permanently?

10

October 4, 2013

Fun and Games Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Dear Don...

Horoscopes

The Forge’s Advice Column!

Dear Don, I am a freshman boy, and my friends and I want to go to homecoming as a group, but none of us are bold enough to ask dates.

Is it weird if a group of boys go together? I feel like it’s really common for girls to do it, and we all really want to go.

-Man-date Dear Man-date, Hello freshman boy, I think you should do whatever you guys are able to pull together. The fact that you have 4 years to go to homecoming can be a good and bad thing. The good thing is that if you can’t find a date this year, you still have 3 years to make homecoming memorable and bring a date if you want. On the other hand, it’s only 3 years! I say if you originally really wanted a date, do whatever you can to try and ask that special girl. If you can’t pull it off this year go ahead and go with your bros, hang out with girls there. Next year if you want a date, plan more in advanced and you’ll be golden. Play it safe at homecoming!

Dear Don, My parents won’t buy me the iPhone 5s, and I have the iPhone 4 right now. I really think it’s time to upgrade, but they are being really stingy and stupid. I get good grades, and I think I deserve it. Do you think I am wrong to demand this? My parents are rich; they can totally afford it.

- iWant Dear iWant, Well first of all, I think you should change your attitude about this situation.

I’ll disregard how you approached it to try and help you out. Since I am also a High School student, I understand how you could be feeling. If you’re getting good grades and your parents have the means, I personally don’t see the prob-

Pisces If your life is boring right now, “THE LEGEND NEVER DIES.” I know it’s probably because you are being it sucks, but you’re stuck in this cycle lem, but that’s up to your parents to boring. Start living your life, or it is just until next Horoscope. decide. Maybe if you offered to buy it going to happen anyways. yourself or at least contribute they would Libra Halloween is coming up, and be more likely to consider it. Also maybe you don’t know what you’re going to be Aries You’ve been stressed out and a with a little change of attitude and appreyet. Although you’re an audacious person ciation for what you already have would little down recently. Go to the beach or go that loves to dress up, you should play it hikingsomewhere out in the open where improve your situation. I bought my very first iPhone, and from there my phones you can feel less you and more of the big a little cooler this year. You might end up pretty much paid for themselves. Nowa- picture. The world is big. You are small. wearing something too extreme; you will pay the consequences. You will either run days you can sell old iPhones without a Love is in the air. You have into a close family friend that will tell contract for almost as much as a new one Taurus with a contract. So with all this in mind, been closing yourself off from the world your mom what she saw, or you will run go make it happen, you can do it! and you need to open your heart to others. into your crush and they will think your (maybe add this in, I we need it) There is someone out there waiting for costume is “lame.” Play it safe. Be safe.

For example, I sold my iPhone 3g for you: keep your heart and mind open. You $120 and bought my iPhone 4 for $200. might find love somewhere unexpected. Scorpio This year, you are going to Then I sold my iPhone 4 surprisingly for get lucky with relationships. Although $220 and bought my 5 for $200.

Gemini Someone you pity will ask you haven’t had much luck in the past, you to dance at Homecoming. You would this year will be the start of a sequence Dear Don, normally say yes: don’t. Stop being such of long term relationships. Wow, you are Everyone whispers behind my back. I can a self-righteous, morally correct liberal. desirable. hear them, mocking me. They all make fun Saying yes won’t fix your previous of me because I don’t go to parties, because wrongdoings. Plus, they are probably a Sagittarius Oohh, kill ‘em. You have I don’t drink or do drugs, because I have the vibes this fall. Strut your stuff. In all never kissed a girl before. I want to teach really bad dancer, and they couldn’t keep aspect of everything: you got it going up with your slick moves. them to respect me! Do you have any advice on. Stay humble, and appreciate your about going about this?

Cancer Be wary of the roads this glamorous qualities. You are royalty this - I have ears month. Many underclassmen are having year (and not the SM kind). Be kind to driving lessons, and a lot of juniors have your less fortunate peers; they quiver in Dear I have ears, There is nothing wrong with not going to licenses this year. The Senior Lot is also your presence. parties, not ingesting illegal substances, a dangerous place for you (and every If you have been wanting and being inexperienced with girls. I’m pedestrian). Be careful who you get in a Capricorn to make a resolution such as learning an sorry that some students here are acting car with! so immaturely and disrespectfully toinstrument, losing weight, or being more wards you. The best advice I can give you Leo You are fabulous. Werk the hallways social, now is probably not the time. You is to try your best to not let them get to this month, they are your catwalk. It’s have a lot of school work you should be you. Work on being more confident, and fall, this is your chance to show off your doing instead. Get good grades and sleep. then whatever they say won’t being to get best cozy clothing. Confidence is key. Social lives are not important. After you to you. All of a sudden, their whispering study for ten hours, then you can watch Remember: you are fabulous. and teasing will have no effect on you.

Jeopardy while you eat dinner. Then, go Often, bullies tease other kids to get atstudy for the ACT. Sucker. tention, or just for entertainment. When Virgo Your luck has turned against you.

Expect to have important items disappear you don’t react defensively, and maybe Aquarius Your spirit animal is the even laugh it off, the appeal of bullying randomly, loved ones to leave you, and to fox, because you are foxy. What is your be constantly beaten upon by everyone. somewhat loses its charm. sound?

What does the fox say? Also, Yes, you’re going to get beaten up by don’t forget to floss. a ton of people, all of them screaming

If you need advice, email Don at forge.sbhs@gmail.com

11

October 4, 2013

Sports

Interview with Athletic Director Joe Chenowith Blake DeVine Sports Editor

After a successful first year on the job, Joe Chenoweth now heads into his second year as Athletic Director at Santa Barbara High. A former director of youth and adult sports at Parks and Recreation, Chenoweth was named Athletic Director during the Spring of 2012. He replaced Nan Verkaik, who had been the athletic director for the previous eight years.

Mr. Chenoweth is looking forward to the upcoming sports seasons and can’t wait to see how certain teams perform against presented challenges.

Q: What’s been the most interesting experience that you’ve had being the athletic director at Santa Barbara High thus far?

A: The ability to work with all the coaches and students, because there’s absolutely a phenomenal energy that is generated when you’re at game. Regardless of what sport is being played, there is always a pulse, and it’s a fun thing to be a part of that energy.

Q: Which sports seasons are you most excited for during the upcoming school year?

Q: While working as Athletic Director at Santa Barbara High, what is the hardest decision you’ve had to make so far?

A: I don’t know if there’s any one particular hard decision but with every decision, you really have to think them out.

If it is a small decision that affects many people, it can lead to a snowball affect.

The most important thing is my ability to have strong communication with the coaches. I want them to feel as if they can come to me and I can go to them. Also, it is very important that the kids and parents Q: Can you tell me about the renova- know that I’m here for them. With almost tions that were made to the J.R. Rich- half of our student body participating in athletics, it makes up for an enormous ards Gymnasium this summer?

A: There were many fantastic reno- part of the high school experience. vations made to the gymnasium this Q: As a high school student, which summer. This included lights, speakers, sports did you play or have interest in? scoreboards, basketball hoops, freshly A: While attending Bishop Diego, I painted floors, and a new tile roof. The gym was completely turned around and was able play multiple sports in high This will be Joe Chenowith’s second year choaching at SBHS. now it looks phenomenal. Truthfully, school. This included basketball, basePhoto Credit: Sandy Campbell we should give all the credit to the San- ball, football, and soccer. I then became ta Barbara High School Foundation. a P.E teacher because I had such a wonThey’ve raised a lot of money for us. It derful experience at the junior high level. my life. My P.E. teacher was the one who was these private donors that came for- As a student, I really looked up to my pushed me towards multiple sports and ward and who obviously love our Dons. P.E teacher and he was a big influence on my love and passion for the outdoors.

A: I think this current football season is going to be a big challenge for us. This is because we came off so great year last year and still have to play some pretty strong teams. Coming into this year, I want to see all our programs succeed and perform better. This could mean improving from the standpoint of winning more games. It also could mean having better overall team continuity. Ultimately, that would be the best, even if we don’t get all the wins that we got last year.

Girls Volleyball sweeps Chargers in Channel League opener

Team unity before a game.

Led by powerful strikes from both Tessa Dewell and Lourda Weger, Santa Barbara opened their Channel League schedule with a road victory over Dos Pueblos last Thursday night.

Through the team’s effective ball control and strong overall defensive

Blake Devine Staff Reporter

Photo Credit: Liz Dewell

effort, the Dons swept past the Chargers 25-20, 25-16, and 25-22.

“This is definitely one of the top defensive units that we’ve ever had at Santa Barbara. As demonstrated tonight, our team’s strengths include both playing good defense and controlling the ball really well,” said Santa Barbara coach John Gannon.

Throughout the game, Dewell and Weger were consistently blocking and finding gaps between the DP blockers. Dewell had a team-high of 10 kills and Weger added nine.

In the first set, Santa Barbara narrowly led 21-19 before junior setter Lexi Rottman helped fuel the Dons. Rottman served back-to-back

aces to give the Dons a 23-19 lead.

Dos Pueblos got a point back before late kills from Lucie Simmons and Weger ended the set.

In the second set, Santa Barbara opened with an 8-3 lead. From there, The Dons never looked back, taking the set with a score of 25-16.

Another key to Santa Barbara’s victory was the stellar play of Bailey Roach, a senior libero (specialist position not limited by the normal rules of rotation). Roach was able to deliver clutch passes and digs to Rottman, who then converted them into timely dumped balls for points.

“Bailey has played good defense and has passed the ball really well so far this season,” said Gannon.

“She’s really stepped into her role as a senior for this team.”

As for his expectations for the team in Channel League, Gannon had this to say: “With such a good squad, we have some really high expectations for this team. The girls have really come together through this tough preseason schedule. Due to this, we feel as if we can compete with any team in the Channel League. I believe that if things break our way, we have a really good opportunity to win the league title this year.”

After a victorious start to their Channel League season, the Dons (6-4, 1-0) play next at home against Ventura.

12

October 4, 2013

Sports Dons take down the Spartans with stunning comeback Tyler Greenwald Staff Reporter

Cherokee Cunningham carries the ball for a gain against Rio Mesa.

Photo Credit: Janice Graham

XC opens up Channel League Blake DeVine Freshman Sports Editor Ruth Hunter shocked the field, finishing second overall with a time of 17:59 in the girls varsity race at Dos Pueblos High. This exciting afternoon marked the first Channel League cross country meet of the season. Santa Barbara was also lead by another strong individual performance from senior Bradley Apodaca, who finished 18th overall with a time of 16:17 in the boys varsity race.

Hunter’s result was a satisfying surprise, considering that she only fell a few seconds behind the well-known Addi Zerrenner, who won the race with a time of 17:54. Zerrenner, a senior at Dos Pueblos, is a three-time league champion.

Coach Olivia Perdices was proud of Hunter’s efforts, especially since it was

Senior Bradley Apodaca outruns his apponents.

Photo Credit: Blake DeVine

only her first league meet.

“We talked yesterday and I told her not to be afraid to run with that first group because that’s where she belonged,” Perdices said. “She went out with that front group and she did exactly what we wanted her to do, and kids kept dropping off and dropping off. And, with a half mile to go, it was just her and Addi. That’s pretty cool; that’s a freshman kid up there and holding her own against the kid who has been dominating this league for the last three years. She did a great job.”

Hunter was so concentrated on her first race that she didn’t realize the runner in front of her was Zerrenner.

“I didn’t think that was Addi because I thought Addi would be way far ahead of me,” Hunter said. “I must not be able to see her and that’s some girl who is in second. Then, I heard people cheering for her. ‘Oh, that must be Addi. Wow.’ I didn’t expect to be that close to her.”

In the boys 3-mile race, other notable times included junior Andy Hunter (Ruth’s brother), who finished second for the Dons with time of 16:53. Following closely behind was senior Tanner Munizich, who finished with a time of 17:10. Santa Barbara’s varsity boys finished in fifth overall respectively, with an average time of 17:13.

In the girls race, sophomore Alice Upton finished second overall for Santa Barbara with a time of 21:42. Another sophomore, Isabella Garza, finished third for the Dons with a time of 22:14.

As a team, Santa Barbara’s girls also finished fifth overall with an average time 21:42.

In a miraculous comeback at Peabody Stadium last Friday night, the Dons stunned Rio Mesa 48-35.

Led by an amazing performance from star senior running back Cherokee Cunningham, Santa Barbara turned it around in stunning fashion versus the Spartans, with an incredible 41 unanswered points in the second half, The Dons started the game with an opening drive touchdown from Cunningham, putting them ahead 7-0. After that score, Santa Barbara’s defense surrendered four consecutive touchdowns to fall behind 28-7 at the half.

The Dons trailed 35-7 late in the third quarter, when Cunningham broke loose for a 60-yard score, his second touchdown of the game.

Trailing 35-14 early in the fourth quarter, sophomore quarterback Brent Peus threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Guzman that put the Dons

back within striking distance of the Spartans at 35-21.

Led by a stellar defensive performance in the fourth quarter, Santa Barbara quickly got the ball back and scored on its next two possessions, tying up the game at 35.

On Rio Mesa’s next possession, the Spartans were held to a three and out by the Dons defense. Santa Barbara promptly responded with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Peus to Cunningham that gave the Dons the lead and final score at 41-35.

Cunningham finished the game with an eye-popping five touchdowns for 136 yards on 11 carries and four catches for 67 yards. With three touchdown throws and a running score, Dons quarterback Brent Peus finished with four touchdowns.

When asked how the Dons were able come up victorious after trailing 35-7, Peus replied, “We kept our heads high and recognized that there was still time to pull out the win.”

Fresh from this exciting victory, Santa Barbara (2-2) now heads into its next matchup versus Centennial High School.