How long have you been playing varsity basketball?
Since freshman year, so about three years.
How has the season gone so far?
It’s been fun. We lost our first game, but we all tried hard.
How far do you think the team will go this year?
Umm, it’s kind of in the air with us right now. I think we will at least make it to play-offs though.
What games are you looking forward to this year? Why?
I’m really looking forward to playing San Marcos and beating them since we lost to them last year.
What was your most embarrassing moment on the court?
Ha-ha. I’m too embarrassed to tell, and only one of my teammates, Tess, noticed.
Who are some of the dynamic players on the team? Why?
Everyone works really hard and has something different to offer. You’re going to have to come to our games and decide for yourself.
What was your “welcome to varsity moment?”
I think when I made up our team motto (but that’s a secret), and teaching the team how to dance.
Can you touch the rim? Can any of your teammates dunk, or come close?
No I wish! I think only Jacky Kerns has come kind of close, but that’s okay
because I’m dunking senior year!
Ya-yaa!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Boys basketball looks forward to another prosperous season
Rose Castellanos
Staff Reporter
Last year, the boys basketball team was great. They won several tournaments and had an outstanding record.
They will be different this year in that they only have two returning starters, Willie Reese and Roberto Nelson. “We won’t be the same, we’ll be better,” said Reese. Reese added that they will be going to The Pond (CIF).
Some of the key players on the team are senior Willie Reese who is a power forward and small forward, junior Roberto Nelson who is a guard, senior Jimmy Sexton who is a guard, senior Marcus Morten who is a small forward, senior Aaron Dixon who is a point guard, and junior Spencer Thomas who is also point guard.
Some games that the Dons are looking forward to are the San Marcos game because they’re our rivals, the Dos Pueblos game because they think they’re better, and the Ventura game because they beat us by one point in the summer.
Some of the team’s strengths this year include working as a team, dunking, scoring and they have good chemistry with each other.
This year is going to be exciting because the Dons are going to win many games and are going to be dunking a lot. Everyone should go to these games because it pumps up the team, and it intimidates the opponents.
Staff Reporter
Last year, the boys basketball team was great. They won several tournaments and had an outstanding record.
They will be different this year in that they only have two returning starters, Willie Reese and Roberto Nelson. “We won’t be the same, we’ll be better,” said Reese. Reese added that they will be going to The Pond (CIF).
Some of the key players on the team are senior Willie Reese who is a power forward and small forward, junior Roberto Nelson who is a guard, senior Jimmy Sexton who is a guard, senior Marcus Morten who is a small forward, senior Aaron Dixon who is a point guard, and junior Spencer Thomas who is also point guard.
Some games that the Dons are looking forward to are the San Marcos game because they’re our rivals, the Dos Pueblos game because they think they’re better, and the Ventura game because they beat us by one point in the summer.
Some of the team’s strengths this year include working as a team, dunking, scoring and they have good chemistry with each other.
This year is going to be exciting because the Dons are going to win many games and are going to be dunking a lot. Everyone should go to these games because it pumps up the team, and it intimidates the opponents.
Freshman Football Final
Ryan Nagy
Sports Editor
The Dons frosh/soph football team, unfortunately, was overshadowed this season by the success of the varsity team, but now we would like to take the time to shine some light on the talent of the team and congratulate them on a remarkable season.
The Dons finished their season by going 5 and 5 overall and finishing 4 and 1 in Channel League. “We had a productive season,” said Clifford Anderson, wide receiver. ”We have a lot to work on in the off season.”
The Dons were able to sustain their ability to win even when quarterback, Collin Duel sprained his finger in the latter part of the season.
Some of the key players this year were Santos Espinosa, Jesus Uriarte and Malik Ellis.
“We’ll have a good JV team next year,” speculated Anderson. This team performed well at this level and it is going to be exciting to watch them grow and develop into a dominant future varsity team.
Sports Editor
The Dons frosh/soph football team, unfortunately, was overshadowed this season by the success of the varsity team, but now we would like to take the time to shine some light on the talent of the team and congratulate them on a remarkable season.
The Dons finished their season by going 5 and 5 overall and finishing 4 and 1 in Channel League. “We had a productive season,” said Clifford Anderson, wide receiver. ”We have a lot to work on in the off season.”
The Dons were able to sustain their ability to win even when quarterback, Collin Duel sprained his finger in the latter part of the season.
Some of the key players this year were Santos Espinosa, Jesus Uriarte and Malik Ellis.
“We’ll have a good JV team next year,” speculated Anderson. This team performed well at this level and it is going to be exciting to watch them grow and develop into a dominant future varsity team.
Dons finish season 7-4: appearance by Golden Tornado thrills fans
Ryan Nagy
Sports Editor
The football season this year was a success by all standards. “It was a fun. It was a good way to bring back Dons football tradition,” said senior running back, Zach Chavez.
The team had a solid winning record of 7-4, beat both DP and SM, went to CIF, showed up as the Golden Tornado, and most impressively, rebounded from an embarrassing 1-9 record last year.
“We were more of a team this year,” commented senior Greg Dominguez, line backer and fullback. .
Chavez finished the idea of the team unifying this season by adding that Coach Will Gonzalez “brought us together in January and we stayed together all the way until now. He is a good influence in football and life.”
Unfortunately the Dons will be graduating some key players including Tad Slaff, Aaron Dixon and Will Hahn.
However, there are expected to be several top notch performers like Bryson Lloyd, Roberto Nelson, and quarterback Jon Uribe.
Sports Editor
The football season this year was a success by all standards. “It was a fun. It was a good way to bring back Dons football tradition,” said senior running back, Zach Chavez.
The team had a solid winning record of 7-4, beat both DP and SM, went to CIF, showed up as the Golden Tornado, and most impressively, rebounded from an embarrassing 1-9 record last year.
“We were more of a team this year,” commented senior Greg Dominguez, line backer and fullback. .
Chavez finished the idea of the team unifying this season by adding that Coach Will Gonzalez “brought us together in January and we stayed together all the way until now. He is a good influence in football and life.”
Unfortunately the Dons will be graduating some key players including Tad Slaff, Aaron Dixon and Will Hahn.
However, there are expected to be several top notch performers like Bryson Lloyd, Roberto Nelson, and quarterback Jon Uribe.
Boys Wrestling starts off well
Brian Rueda
Staff Reporter
This season started with great performances by all the wrestlers. Frosh/Soph coach, Adolfo Bimbela, said, “Overall we had a great turnout from our group of beginners. We had a couple of wrestlers place at the tournament, like freshman, Jake Hirsch. He wrestled like a Don and followed our system. He’s a really hard worker, and his hard work seems to be paying off.”
Last Saturday there was a Channel League Tournament at our home gym. The next tournament will be on Saturday at Cabrillo High School. Come and support your wrestlers.
Saturdays Turnout:
Frosh/Soph:
2nd. Place: Jake Hirsch 135lbs.
1st. Place: Kramer Tartaglia 160lbs.
2nd. Place: Juan Salgado 189lbs.
JV
1st. Place: Jesse Lucatero 119lbs.
3rd. Place: Julian Kimmel 160lbs.
3rd. Place: Victor Macias HWY
Wrestler Stats:
119lbs- Jesse Lucatero (7-1)
Luis Gama (0-2)
125lbs- Edgar Bejarano (0-2)
130lbs- Raul Gutierrez (5-0)
135lbs- Luis Elias (0-0)
Jake Elias (2-1)
152lbs- Noe Lbarra (2-3)
Peter Estrada (4-1)
160lbs- Ricardo Neri (0-2)
Kramer Tartaglia (4-1)
Julian Kimmel (4-2)
171lbs- Bryan Rodriguez (0-0)
Michael Stillwell (1-2)
189lbs- Ricardo Pioguinto (2-3)
Jaun Salgado (4-2)
Theo Sagenitto (1-3)
215lbs- Alex Esobar (3-0)
Zachary McGee (3-2)
Graema Mewell (0-2)
HWT: Braulio Martinez (0-2)
Victor Macias (1-1)
Staff Reporter
This season started with great performances by all the wrestlers. Frosh/Soph coach, Adolfo Bimbela, said, “Overall we had a great turnout from our group of beginners. We had a couple of wrestlers place at the tournament, like freshman, Jake Hirsch. He wrestled like a Don and followed our system. He’s a really hard worker, and his hard work seems to be paying off.”
Last Saturday there was a Channel League Tournament at our home gym. The next tournament will be on Saturday at Cabrillo High School. Come and support your wrestlers.
Saturdays Turnout:
Frosh/Soph:
2nd. Place: Jake Hirsch 135lbs.
1st. Place: Kramer Tartaglia 160lbs.
2nd. Place: Juan Salgado 189lbs.
JV
1st. Place: Jesse Lucatero 119lbs.
3rd. Place: Julian Kimmel 160lbs.
3rd. Place: Victor Macias HWY
Wrestler Stats:
119lbs- Jesse Lucatero (7-1)
Luis Gama (0-2)
125lbs- Edgar Bejarano (0-2)
130lbs- Raul Gutierrez (5-0)
135lbs- Luis Elias (0-0)
Jake Elias (2-1)
152lbs- Noe Lbarra (2-3)
Peter Estrada (4-1)
160lbs- Ricardo Neri (0-2)
Kramer Tartaglia (4-1)
Julian Kimmel (4-2)
171lbs- Bryan Rodriguez (0-0)
Michael Stillwell (1-2)
189lbs- Ricardo Pioguinto (2-3)
Jaun Salgado (4-2)
Theo Sagenitto (1-3)
215lbs- Alex Esobar (3-0)
Zachary McGee (3-2)
Graema Mewell (0-2)
HWT: Braulio Martinez (0-2)
Victor Macias (1-1)
Boys Varsity Soccer wins its first tournament
Maria Vallejo
Staff Reporter
Right away the boys varsity team showed what they have by becoming champions of their first tournament of the season.
In the Cats and Hounds Tournament our Dons beat schools such as Dos Pueblos, St. Joseph, etc. With scores of 9-0 2-1, and 2-0 the boys dominated. During the four days and three nights which they were playing, only one goal was scored against them.
Offensive goals were scored by Vincent Alvarez, Chris Vasquez, Javier Garcia, and Jesse Gonzalez.
Christian Pardo did well in the South Torrance Tournament scoring five goals in total, one in each game.
The guys left Thursday evening at six and returned Sunday afternoon.
Junior Juan Torres stated, “It was a really fun experience and we are all very proud of what we accomplished during that tournament; everyone played great.”
Senior Javier Garcia added, “The tournament was a total success, we all worked as one and the results were great. Not only that, during games and in-between games we had a lot of fun.”
The guys also enjoyed spending time together as a team. This trip definitely brought them closer as teammates.
Sophomore Jesse Gonzalez commented about the tournament, “It was fun and it was even better that we were champs.”
They are now more confident than ever and more determined to continue to do well throughout the season.
On Tuesday the boys played Moorpark at Moorpark and were again victorious with a score of
4-0.
Staff Reporter
Right away the boys varsity team showed what they have by becoming champions of their first tournament of the season.
In the Cats and Hounds Tournament our Dons beat schools such as Dos Pueblos, St. Joseph, etc. With scores of 9-0 2-1, and 2-0 the boys dominated. During the four days and three nights which they were playing, only one goal was scored against them.
Offensive goals were scored by Vincent Alvarez, Chris Vasquez, Javier Garcia, and Jesse Gonzalez.
Christian Pardo did well in the South Torrance Tournament scoring five goals in total, one in each game.
The guys left Thursday evening at six and returned Sunday afternoon.
Junior Juan Torres stated, “It was a really fun experience and we are all very proud of what we accomplished during that tournament; everyone played great.”
Senior Javier Garcia added, “The tournament was a total success, we all worked as one and the results were great. Not only that, during games and in-between games we had a lot of fun.”
The guys also enjoyed spending time together as a team. This trip definitely brought them closer as teammates.
Sophomore Jesse Gonzalez commented about the tournament, “It was fun and it was even better that we were champs.”
They are now more confident than ever and more determined to continue to do well throughout the season.
On Tuesday the boys played Moorpark at Moorpark and were again victorious with a score of
4-0.
Reflections of the PTSA contest
What awesome courage it takes to enter into that world of competition.
Congratulations to all of you who did; who entered the Parent Student Teacher Association Reflections contest that ended in the middle of November. Over 150 of you entered.
Beginning at the local level, This national arts recognition and achievement program provides opportunities for you to express yourselves creatively and receive recognition for original works of art.
This year’s awards go to:
LITERATURE
First Place: Myron Aguilar
Second Place: Adriana Rogriguez
Honorable Mentions:
Jason, Masho, Chris Dall, Christanthe Christodoulou, Carter Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place:Taylor Bank
Second Place: Miranda King
Honorable Mentions:
Tao Antrim, Benjamin Samuels
MUSICAL COMPOSITION
First Place: Caroline Teti
All these students will receive awards from the SBHS PTSA. The first and second place winners will receive cash awards from the local PTSA and will continue on to the Council competition. The winner here receives a monetary scholarship, a gallery showing at the PTA National Convention (which gives national exposure) and placement / recognition on the national PTA web site.
At each step, the first two places will move on to the next level.
Catharine Morreale has chaired the Reflections contest here for the past three years and at San Marcos before that. She gave invaluable guidance by explaining how the judges look at the work. “The judges pay close attention to the interpretation of theme...it’s probably weighted 50 /50 against quality / creativity. If (students) don’t follow the instructions, the piece will be disqualified,” she said.
This competition could not function without the wonderful cooperation of volunteer judges Glen Serbin and Marcia Meier.
Serbin is the president of Serbin Communications which produces the BEST OF COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY ALBUM, and other contests. He stated that he was impressed with the overall quality of the photo entries.
Ms. Meier is the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference. She has also judged the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation’s creative writing contest.
This year’s theme was difficult, a real challenge. I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY...
In writing, or even music, this could by interpreted. But photography? How does a picture represent this?
As Ms. Morreale stated, “A grade school student may show someone picking up trash....” At the high school level, something a little more creative, subtle is needed.
The photography students worked hard to come up with an idea, trying a variety of ideas and shots before settling on their final entries.
Ms. Morreale thanks all students who entered.
Miranda King said, “This topic was very hard. It was especially difficult to come up with an original idea. I was surprised when Ms. Bartz told me I won second place.”
She chose the idea of dominoes being knocked down to show how one person or action can make a difference.
Ben Samuels said, “The topic was hard; to think of a way to make a difference isn’t obvious. It took me a while but I like the topic a lot. When I heard I won fourth place, I was surprised and happy that my photo was chosen.”
Tao Antrim said, “I didn’t really fancy the topic. It was much too vague. It was really difficult to think of something to shoot that was relevant in some way. Winning third place? That was cool. When I shot, I wasn’t aiming to win but it’s always great to find out you do well.”
Myron Aguilar said, “Really, I did not expect to win. But I’m glad that my essay received recognition. Hopefully it will inspire others to make a difference.”
Congratulations to all of you who did; who entered the Parent Student Teacher Association Reflections contest that ended in the middle of November. Over 150 of you entered.
Beginning at the local level, This national arts recognition and achievement program provides opportunities for you to express yourselves creatively and receive recognition for original works of art.
This year’s awards go to:
LITERATURE
First Place: Myron Aguilar
Second Place: Adriana Rogriguez
Honorable Mentions:
Jason, Masho, Chris Dall, Christanthe Christodoulou, Carter Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place:Taylor Bank
Second Place: Miranda King
Honorable Mentions:
Tao Antrim, Benjamin Samuels
MUSICAL COMPOSITION
First Place: Caroline Teti
All these students will receive awards from the SBHS PTSA. The first and second place winners will receive cash awards from the local PTSA and will continue on to the Council competition. The winner here receives a monetary scholarship, a gallery showing at the PTA National Convention (which gives national exposure) and placement / recognition on the national PTA web site.
At each step, the first two places will move on to the next level.
Catharine Morreale has chaired the Reflections contest here for the past three years and at San Marcos before that. She gave invaluable guidance by explaining how the judges look at the work. “The judges pay close attention to the interpretation of theme...it’s probably weighted 50 /50 against quality / creativity. If (students) don’t follow the instructions, the piece will be disqualified,” she said.
This competition could not function without the wonderful cooperation of volunteer judges Glen Serbin and Marcia Meier.
Serbin is the president of Serbin Communications which produces the BEST OF COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY ALBUM, and other contests. He stated that he was impressed with the overall quality of the photo entries.
Ms. Meier is the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference. She has also judged the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation’s creative writing contest.
This year’s theme was difficult, a real challenge. I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY...
In writing, or even music, this could by interpreted. But photography? How does a picture represent this?
As Ms. Morreale stated, “A grade school student may show someone picking up trash....” At the high school level, something a little more creative, subtle is needed.
The photography students worked hard to come up with an idea, trying a variety of ideas and shots before settling on their final entries.
Ms. Morreale thanks all students who entered.
Miranda King said, “This topic was very hard. It was especially difficult to come up with an original idea. I was surprised when Ms. Bartz told me I won second place.”
She chose the idea of dominoes being knocked down to show how one person or action can make a difference.
Ben Samuels said, “The topic was hard; to think of a way to make a difference isn’t obvious. It took me a while but I like the topic a lot. When I heard I won fourth place, I was surprised and happy that my photo was chosen.”
Tao Antrim said, “I didn’t really fancy the topic. It was much too vague. It was really difficult to think of something to shoot that was relevant in some way. Winning third place? That was cool. When I shot, I wasn’t aiming to win but it’s always great to find out you do well.”
Myron Aguilar said, “Really, I did not expect to win. But I’m glad that my essay received recognition. Hopefully it will inspire others to make a difference.”
Commentary: Diversity in Holiday Traditions
Many families have different traditions for Christmas. Many families use a Christmas tree and have assorted decorations, but not all families have the same traditions. My family likes having a Christmas tree and decorating it with lights and ornaments and a star at the very top. We also like to decorate the outside of our house with as many lights as we can have, so our house can be nice and decorated for the holiday, because during the month of December many trollies pass by, full of people looking at all the brightly decorated houses. With the trollies coming by every year, my family and my neighbors have formed a tradition so that when we hear the bell chimes of a trolley we all come out and wish all the people on board a Merry Christmas.
Many people have various traditions for Christmas dinners. My family, mainly my mom, likes making tamales for Christmas. Since my family is Guatemalan, tamales are something that my mom likes to make, and that I sometimes help make as well. My dad on the other hand likes to make his favorite punch which he makes mostly every Christmas. It is made of apples, prunes, cinnamon, pineapple, and brown sugar.
Another tradition that my family and I have is that instead of opening our presents on Christmas Day, on Christmas Eve we all wait until it is midnight to open our presents.
Many families share some of these traditions and some have different ones, but every family has its own unique traditions.
-Ericka Bobadilla, Senior
Many people have various traditions for Christmas dinners. My family, mainly my mom, likes making tamales for Christmas. Since my family is Guatemalan, tamales are something that my mom likes to make, and that I sometimes help make as well. My dad on the other hand likes to make his favorite punch which he makes mostly every Christmas. It is made of apples, prunes, cinnamon, pineapple, and brown sugar.
Another tradition that my family and I have is that instead of opening our presents on Christmas Day, on Christmas Eve we all wait until it is midnight to open our presents.
Many families share some of these traditions and some have different ones, but every family has its own unique traditions.
-Ericka Bobadilla, Senior
Commentary: Revelations of a stressed senior
I again find myself the subject of culminated procrastination efforts, squandered ruthlessly in what I euphemistically designate as “enlightenment time” of the week (I belt Beyonce while simultaneously reading New York Times articles and peering at National Geographic pictures of Mayan ruins). In a tribute to the college applications process, I investigated and compared college colors this week. Sadly, no sophisms fitting enough to defend my deliberate procrastination come to mind. Senioritis, perfectionism, and the need for stress relief: all seem highly inadequate. And, perhaps my reasons have something to do with more than just a general malaise engendered on Mondays by widespread apathy among students at Santa Barbara High.
Yet, what makes my wasting of time even more reprehensible (beyond the fact that I am wasting time) is the realization that I rate myself around an 8 on the “how busy are YOU?” spectrum. The truth is, my fellow seniors and I are all busy, stressed from attempting to complete annoying forms. I would much rather be stressed over something of more importance, but I am powerless against the aggravations of college applications. Admittedly, the point of high school is to prepare for college. But that label, “college preparatory,” suggests that the main goal of any high school is for its graduates to go to college. For any school, shouldn’t the primary and ultimate goal be to provoke thought and debate? Or to challenge students to look beyond preconceived boundaries and question the surrounding world? While Thursday’s bulletins are spunky, amusing, and informative, there exists a lack of significance in them, and in The Forge, that should be present in the media of a high school such as ours.
Nearing the end of enlightenment time, I find an article on the peaceful military coup in Thailand that occurred last year, and wonder if the repercussions of that action were felt by students at this school. Diversity, while we have so much of it, doesn’t do anything unless we learn from each other. Left to our own groups, we risk the formation of cliques, who know only themselves, their cultures, their beliefs. Left to our own groups, we risk the formation of cliques who know only themselves, their cultures, their beliefs. Invariably, there is no one way to achieve the objective of diversity. But reacting passively by allowing people to develop their potential naturally is inaction, when the point of being around our many different heritages is that they give us incredible enrichment. Yet, while regulation of diversity within schools may lead to less discrimination, the danger of division poses as an obstacle.
We enjoy variety of opportunity and a student body much more talented, intelligent, diverse, and dedicated, than ever before. Our faculty, whose contributions are often taken for granted, devote effort and time to our intellectual and, dare I say, individual elevation. What is left is for us speak our minds in a way that will let all of us be heard. There is a place for issues of greater importance, not only in writing or in conversation, but also in the general consciousness. I challenge us collectively, both students and faculty alike, to make possible this atmosphere of actual interest and awareness at our school.
-Tessa Chu, Senior
Yet, what makes my wasting of time even more reprehensible (beyond the fact that I am wasting time) is the realization that I rate myself around an 8 on the “how busy are YOU?” spectrum. The truth is, my fellow seniors and I are all busy, stressed from attempting to complete annoying forms. I would much rather be stressed over something of more importance, but I am powerless against the aggravations of college applications. Admittedly, the point of high school is to prepare for college. But that label, “college preparatory,” suggests that the main goal of any high school is for its graduates to go to college. For any school, shouldn’t the primary and ultimate goal be to provoke thought and debate? Or to challenge students to look beyond preconceived boundaries and question the surrounding world? While Thursday’s bulletins are spunky, amusing, and informative, there exists a lack of significance in them, and in The Forge, that should be present in the media of a high school such as ours.
Nearing the end of enlightenment time, I find an article on the peaceful military coup in Thailand that occurred last year, and wonder if the repercussions of that action were felt by students at this school. Diversity, while we have so much of it, doesn’t do anything unless we learn from each other. Left to our own groups, we risk the formation of cliques, who know only themselves, their cultures, their beliefs. Left to our own groups, we risk the formation of cliques who know only themselves, their cultures, their beliefs. Invariably, there is no one way to achieve the objective of diversity. But reacting passively by allowing people to develop their potential naturally is inaction, when the point of being around our many different heritages is that they give us incredible enrichment. Yet, while regulation of diversity within schools may lead to less discrimination, the danger of division poses as an obstacle.
We enjoy variety of opportunity and a student body much more talented, intelligent, diverse, and dedicated, than ever before. Our faculty, whose contributions are often taken for granted, devote effort and time to our intellectual and, dare I say, individual elevation. What is left is for us speak our minds in a way that will let all of us be heard. There is a place for issues of greater importance, not only in writing or in conversation, but also in the general consciousness. I challenge us collectively, both students and faculty alike, to make possible this atmosphere of actual interest and awareness at our school.
-Tessa Chu, Senior
Staff Editorial: December 2007
Ask any Forge staff member about why they do it and you’ll usually get the same shrug for a response. Words cannot describe what possesses anyone to put up with what we do. At the same time however, it’s strangely intoxicating. You just have to get it. Plenty of people don’t however.
But now we can really stick one to the cynics. Last year’s Forges were praised, quite well in fact, by the suits at rectangular tables at the National and Columbia Scholastic Press Associations. These people have thousands of other papers scattered in front of them from thousands of other schools across the country. The judges evaluate every minute detail of several of our issues, from writing to photography, design to business practices. And essentially they gave The Forge a big fat gold star (officially, Gold Medal). Impressive, is the word you’re thinking of.
Don’t be frustrated that you don’t share the amount of excitement that we currently have. Even my fellow staff members can’t quite get in the same celebratory mood. But this bit of news is certainly welcome to those people who really put in their own time and effort for the whole team. They now have further evidence that this did not go unnoticed.
Normally we don’t put names on our staff editorials because the entire purpose of this editorial is to reflect the opinion of the newsroom as a whole. Nevertheless, I’m certain that our staff has the same opinion I do.
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
But now we can really stick one to the cynics. Last year’s Forges were praised, quite well in fact, by the suits at rectangular tables at the National and Columbia Scholastic Press Associations. These people have thousands of other papers scattered in front of them from thousands of other schools across the country. The judges evaluate every minute detail of several of our issues, from writing to photography, design to business practices. And essentially they gave The Forge a big fat gold star (officially, Gold Medal). Impressive, is the word you’re thinking of.
Don’t be frustrated that you don’t share the amount of excitement that we currently have. Even my fellow staff members can’t quite get in the same celebratory mood. But this bit of news is certainly welcome to those people who really put in their own time and effort for the whole team. They now have further evidence that this did not go unnoticed.
Normally we don’t put names on our staff editorials because the entire purpose of this editorial is to reflect the opinion of the newsroom as a whole. Nevertheless, I’m certain that our staff has the same opinion I do.
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
ASB’s Dollar Drive continues raising money
Ian Black
Staff Reporter
Once again the little containers are back in every classroom to collect the students’ spare change. This signifies one thing: Dollar Drive season. In the words of Senior Class President Karl Sandrich, the Dollar Drive’s goal is to “raise money to purchase gifts for under privileged children” in the Santa Barbara area during this holiday season. SBHS, and more specifically, ASB, began participating in the Dollar Drive “many years ago...” according to Sandrich. All the money that is collected in the containers is placed in an ASB account to purchase toys for the following year. The money that is raised from the winter of 2007 is used to buy toys for the winter of 2008.
Last year, close to $2300 was raised, but “ASB hopes to beat that amount by raising more than $2500” said Sandrich.
Every year before the Christmas holidays, the toys are bought from Kernahan Toys, a local toy store in Goleta. According to ASB President Jackie Zupsic, after the toys are bought, “the ASB class wraps the gifts [they] deliver them to the little kids, dressed up as elves and other ‘holiday’ characters.”
The toys go to the lower income preschools in the Santa Barbara community including Parma, Franklin, and Early Years.
Every year, after the Dollar Drive, there is a reward for the class that raises the most money, but Sandrich is quick to mention that “it is a surprise.” He also points out that English teacher Mr. Sandrich’s class usually raises the greatest amount of funds every year so “someone has got to try and beat him” and raise even more money.
Everyone should donate as often as they can because with 2500 kids at SBHS, a little bit can go a long way. Students have until December 14 to donate money to the Dollar Drive, when SBHS lets out for winter break.
Staff Reporter
Once again the little containers are back in every classroom to collect the students’ spare change. This signifies one thing: Dollar Drive season. In the words of Senior Class President Karl Sandrich, the Dollar Drive’s goal is to “raise money to purchase gifts for under privileged children” in the Santa Barbara area during this holiday season. SBHS, and more specifically, ASB, began participating in the Dollar Drive “many years ago...” according to Sandrich. All the money that is collected in the containers is placed in an ASB account to purchase toys for the following year. The money that is raised from the winter of 2007 is used to buy toys for the winter of 2008.
Last year, close to $2300 was raised, but “ASB hopes to beat that amount by raising more than $2500” said Sandrich.
Every year before the Christmas holidays, the toys are bought from Kernahan Toys, a local toy store in Goleta. According to ASB President Jackie Zupsic, after the toys are bought, “the ASB class wraps the gifts [they] deliver them to the little kids, dressed up as elves and other ‘holiday’ characters.”
The toys go to the lower income preschools in the Santa Barbara community including Parma, Franklin, and Early Years.
Every year, after the Dollar Drive, there is a reward for the class that raises the most money, but Sandrich is quick to mention that “it is a surprise.” He also points out that English teacher Mr. Sandrich’s class usually raises the greatest amount of funds every year so “someone has got to try and beat him” and raise even more money.
Everyone should donate as often as they can because with 2500 kids at SBHS, a little bit can go a long way. Students have until December 14 to donate money to the Dollar Drive, when SBHS lets out for winter break.
The Space Race: Basketball games against San Marcos to be held at City College
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
More than three hundred supporters showed up to the Santa Barbara vs San Marcos football game on October 25. Many parents and students from SBHS had to stand at the game because of a lack of seating for all fans of the visiting team at San Marcos. To insure similar problems did not occur during the boys basketball season Principals Mark Capritto and Craig Morgan have decided to change the venue of the SM vs. SB basketball games to the sports’ arena of Santa Barbara City College. “We wanted to avoid this problem this basketball season because San Marcos gym is so tiny. It was just unfair for us to have a home field advantage because we can fit everyone in our gym fine,” said SBHS Athletics Director Nan Verkaik.
The option of moving the games to City College was earlier proposed by Capritto during the discussions to hold the San Marcos-Santa Barbara football game because it coincided with the opening night of the Halloween weekend in Isla Vista. “It didn’t make sense to have that problem again. The rivalry between the two schools is just too big and there is always a huge turn out for these games,” said Capritto.
Capritto added Morgan and he decided that it would be in the best interest of the schools if the games were moved to a larger facility such as SBCC’s gym. “The problem with our home gyms is that the fans are so close to the court, so all it would take would be one person tripping a player and it could start a major incident. That’s why City College’s gym is so good because the fan’s are farther away from the court,” said Verkaik.
The past practice of having games at SBCC was investigated by both Morgan and Capritto and it was seen as the best course of action for this basketball season. Security for the games will be provided by the Santa Barbara Police Department and will be paid for by the home team of the event according to Morgan. It costs $20,000 just for the football season which includes paying for ambulances and police at the games. “No matter what security is going to be our top priority for the games; money isn’t an issue when it come to the safety of our students,” said Capritto.
Renting the gym at SBCC will cost five hundred dollars but the athletics department will have to pay for police security as well. The first scheduled basketball game with San Marcos is January 11.
SBHS’ administration currently has no plans to relocate the SM vs SB football games in 2008 to SBCC but the issue of seating at San Marcos is being rectified.
Editor-in-Chief
More than three hundred supporters showed up to the Santa Barbara vs San Marcos football game on October 25. Many parents and students from SBHS had to stand at the game because of a lack of seating for all fans of the visiting team at San Marcos. To insure similar problems did not occur during the boys basketball season Principals Mark Capritto and Craig Morgan have decided to change the venue of the SM vs. SB basketball games to the sports’ arena of Santa Barbara City College. “We wanted to avoid this problem this basketball season because San Marcos gym is so tiny. It was just unfair for us to have a home field advantage because we can fit everyone in our gym fine,” said SBHS Athletics Director Nan Verkaik.
The option of moving the games to City College was earlier proposed by Capritto during the discussions to hold the San Marcos-Santa Barbara football game because it coincided with the opening night of the Halloween weekend in Isla Vista. “It didn’t make sense to have that problem again. The rivalry between the two schools is just too big and there is always a huge turn out for these games,” said Capritto.
Capritto added Morgan and he decided that it would be in the best interest of the schools if the games were moved to a larger facility such as SBCC’s gym. “The problem with our home gyms is that the fans are so close to the court, so all it would take would be one person tripping a player and it could start a major incident. That’s why City College’s gym is so good because the fan’s are farther away from the court,” said Verkaik.
The past practice of having games at SBCC was investigated by both Morgan and Capritto and it was seen as the best course of action for this basketball season. Security for the games will be provided by the Santa Barbara Police Department and will be paid for by the home team of the event according to Morgan. It costs $20,000 just for the football season which includes paying for ambulances and police at the games. “No matter what security is going to be our top priority for the games; money isn’t an issue when it come to the safety of our students,” said Capritto.
Renting the gym at SBCC will cost five hundred dollars but the athletics department will have to pay for police security as well. The first scheduled basketball game with San Marcos is January 11.
SBHS’ administration currently has no plans to relocate the SM vs SB football games in 2008 to SBCC but the issue of seating at San Marcos is being rectified.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Denzel Washington is a drug boss in American Gangster
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
(Three stars)
In the film American Gangster, Academy Award winning director Ridley Scott delves into the life of Frank Lucas, the alleged kingpin of Harlem during the 1970s. Played by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Lucas’ tough childhood and hatred for the police helped him survive the streets when he moved to Harlem. There he became the driver, enforcer, and collector for the established crime boss, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.
After Bumpy died Frank constructed his own empire, based on the Italian Mafia, and would come to control the flow of heroin in Harlem. At his peak Frank’s own brothers, parents, and other family members were his closest associates in the dope business.
What made his empire so successful compared to that of the mob, which had previously controlled heroin, were his direct ties to the producers of heroin in Southeast Asia.
By conducting business with suppliers in Vietnam, Lucas was able to cut out the Italian middle man by smuggling his famous “Blue Magic” in the caskets of dead soldiers from the Vietnam War. True blue was a hundred percent pure heroin compared to the diluted drugs that flooded the streets of America at the time.
But where there are amazing criminals there is usually a good cop sniffing around close behind. After he was blacklisted by corrupt cops in the NYPD for turning in almost a million dollars for evidence. Richie Roberts became the chief investigator of Lucas.
To many of the Special Unit Investigators, Roberts was a thorn in their side when it came to cutting off a slice of the drug empire for themselves. Richie walks a fine line as a narcotics investigator who finds himself between temptation and justice as he takes heat from crooked cops.
Roberts is played by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe who has worked with director Ridley Scott before on Gladiator. The all star cast and crew of American Gangster really bring to light the underbelly of the drug empire.
It not only shows how it expanded across continents and crime organizations but its effect on the people that lived smack in the middle of it. The movie is based on events that really occurred during the 1970s.
The disturbing corruption that ran rampant through the ranks of the NYPD during this time is one of the main highlights of the movie and makes Richie Roberts’ honest efforts as a detective all the more heroic.
Hip Hop artists Common and T.I. play two of Frank Lucas’ family members who are associates of his empire. Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. also plays one of Frank Lucas’ extravagant drug associates.
American Gangster is Rated R.
Editor-in-Chief
(Three stars)
In the film American Gangster, Academy Award winning director Ridley Scott delves into the life of Frank Lucas, the alleged kingpin of Harlem during the 1970s. Played by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, Lucas’ tough childhood and hatred for the police helped him survive the streets when he moved to Harlem. There he became the driver, enforcer, and collector for the established crime boss, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.
After Bumpy died Frank constructed his own empire, based on the Italian Mafia, and would come to control the flow of heroin in Harlem. At his peak Frank’s own brothers, parents, and other family members were his closest associates in the dope business.
What made his empire so successful compared to that of the mob, which had previously controlled heroin, were his direct ties to the producers of heroin in Southeast Asia.
By conducting business with suppliers in Vietnam, Lucas was able to cut out the Italian middle man by smuggling his famous “Blue Magic” in the caskets of dead soldiers from the Vietnam War. True blue was a hundred percent pure heroin compared to the diluted drugs that flooded the streets of America at the time.
But where there are amazing criminals there is usually a good cop sniffing around close behind. After he was blacklisted by corrupt cops in the NYPD for turning in almost a million dollars for evidence. Richie Roberts became the chief investigator of Lucas.
To many of the Special Unit Investigators, Roberts was a thorn in their side when it came to cutting off a slice of the drug empire for themselves. Richie walks a fine line as a narcotics investigator who finds himself between temptation and justice as he takes heat from crooked cops.
Roberts is played by Academy Award winner Russell Crowe who has worked with director Ridley Scott before on Gladiator. The all star cast and crew of American Gangster really bring to light the underbelly of the drug empire.
It not only shows how it expanded across continents and crime organizations but its effect on the people that lived smack in the middle of it. The movie is based on events that really occurred during the 1970s.
The disturbing corruption that ran rampant through the ranks of the NYPD during this time is one of the main highlights of the movie and makes Richie Roberts’ honest efforts as a detective all the more heroic.
Hip Hop artists Common and T.I. play two of Frank Lucas’ family members who are associates of his empire. Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. also plays one of Frank Lucas’ extravagant drug associates.
American Gangster is Rated R.
Lions for Lambs: political thriller or thinly-veiled propaganda?
Two people with differing political opinions have reviewed Robert Redford’s political drama, Lions for Lambs, which contains several references to current events in US government, journalism, foreign affairs, and education. These are their reviews.
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
(Three stars)
Lions for Lambs is surprising on a number of levels. Yes, it’s certainly a didactic political film, but it’s by no means a reason to nap. It kept me wide awake.
This film has something for just about every interest. There is a war story with a good dosage of military action. There’s a sleazy politician with one thing on the brain and a talented but sadly naive journalist. And finally there’s the aging political science teacher trying to get a pompous frat boy to learn something instead of being fixated on what he already knows. Minus the war subplot, it’s my kind of movie.
Actually I didn’t even mind the war story because it’s actually interesting; it isn’t another Black Hawk Down rip off. Tom Cruise is amazingly convincing as a devilish politico too, and the guy playing the frat student is so real, I can attach several names of students I share classes with to this character. It’s hardly dramatized, which is a nice change.
I was astonished by the simplicity of Lions. It has three (possibly four) story lines, but there are no superfluous characters aside from those of the key seven. It’s only 90 minutes long too. If I were to make a film like this, chances are it would end up being three hours long with the director’s cut being another hour longer.
But if you haven’t been paying attention to current events outside of mainstream media, this film is wasted on you. It does let the side down by being mostly talk other than five cumulative minutes of action. But that’s fine with me.
Regardless, it’s great that Lions makes you think. What’s more, it has excellent dialogue, spot-on characters, and makes excellent points. You have to like politics or journalism, or have a slightly cynical view on life. So it’s not hard to understand why I’d see it again.
Tony Johnson
Special to The Forge
(Two and a half stars)
Going into this film, I was expecting nothing less than a full-blown liberal propaganda piece that would be a stone’s throw away from Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. I was delightfully surprised to see this was not the case and that Redford had included a fairly balanced view. Of course, a balanced view in Hollywood is about as balanced as Air America, so this was still a rather biased film.
The main issue that was raised, of course, was the current state of affairs regarding the war in Iraq. On this topic, I felt that the film gave a mixed message. Redford’s character seemed to have a conflicting stand on the issue with two of his students having enlisted to fight in the war. He stated that he approved of their motives, but not of... well, their motives. So he supported them, but he...didn’t.
The film’s purpose seemed to have been marred by what seemed to be the requirement of still supporting the troops, and because of this, the message was rather conflicted. After leaving the theatre I didn’t really feel as if I had gained some kind of new insight as the film seemed to just rehash the same old points that have been brought up and addressed for the past few years.
The film basically stated that it agreed with the soldier’s need to fight, but not of their involvement in the military. The most interesting part of it all, however, was Tom Cruise’s portrayal of a Republican Senator. Most likely due to my rather conservative view I seemed to agree with a lot of what he said, while it seemed most of the others in the theatre did not. I also seemed to tune-out whatever conspiracy theory garbage that Meryl Streep put out as the nosey journalist. In the end though, this film seemed to put most people in their place and was surprisingly not nearly as one-sided as I expected.
In fact, the most anti-war part of the film were the end credits during which many silhouettes of people slowly disappear in the background.
Overall I left the theatre reaffirmed in my beliefs and not swayed in either direction, which is something to be expected in a movie where essentially nothing happened.
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
(Three stars)
Lions for Lambs is surprising on a number of levels. Yes, it’s certainly a didactic political film, but it’s by no means a reason to nap. It kept me wide awake.
This film has something for just about every interest. There is a war story with a good dosage of military action. There’s a sleazy politician with one thing on the brain and a talented but sadly naive journalist. And finally there’s the aging political science teacher trying to get a pompous frat boy to learn something instead of being fixated on what he already knows. Minus the war subplot, it’s my kind of movie.
Actually I didn’t even mind the war story because it’s actually interesting; it isn’t another Black Hawk Down rip off. Tom Cruise is amazingly convincing as a devilish politico too, and the guy playing the frat student is so real, I can attach several names of students I share classes with to this character. It’s hardly dramatized, which is a nice change.
I was astonished by the simplicity of Lions. It has three (possibly four) story lines, but there are no superfluous characters aside from those of the key seven. It’s only 90 minutes long too. If I were to make a film like this, chances are it would end up being three hours long with the director’s cut being another hour longer.
But if you haven’t been paying attention to current events outside of mainstream media, this film is wasted on you. It does let the side down by being mostly talk other than five cumulative minutes of action. But that’s fine with me.
Regardless, it’s great that Lions makes you think. What’s more, it has excellent dialogue, spot-on characters, and makes excellent points. You have to like politics or journalism, or have a slightly cynical view on life. So it’s not hard to understand why I’d see it again.
Tony Johnson
Special to The Forge
(Two and a half stars)
Going into this film, I was expecting nothing less than a full-blown liberal propaganda piece that would be a stone’s throw away from Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. I was delightfully surprised to see this was not the case and that Redford had included a fairly balanced view. Of course, a balanced view in Hollywood is about as balanced as Air America, so this was still a rather biased film.
The main issue that was raised, of course, was the current state of affairs regarding the war in Iraq. On this topic, I felt that the film gave a mixed message. Redford’s character seemed to have a conflicting stand on the issue with two of his students having enlisted to fight in the war. He stated that he approved of their motives, but not of... well, their motives. So he supported them, but he...didn’t.
The film’s purpose seemed to have been marred by what seemed to be the requirement of still supporting the troops, and because of this, the message was rather conflicted. After leaving the theatre I didn’t really feel as if I had gained some kind of new insight as the film seemed to just rehash the same old points that have been brought up and addressed for the past few years.
The film basically stated that it agreed with the soldier’s need to fight, but not of their involvement in the military. The most interesting part of it all, however, was Tom Cruise’s portrayal of a Republican Senator. Most likely due to my rather conservative view I seemed to agree with a lot of what he said, while it seemed most of the others in the theatre did not. I also seemed to tune-out whatever conspiracy theory garbage that Meryl Streep put out as the nosey journalist. In the end though, this film seemed to put most people in their place and was surprisingly not nearly as one-sided as I expected.
In fact, the most anti-war part of the film were the end credits during which many silhouettes of people slowly disappear in the background.
Overall I left the theatre reaffirmed in my beliefs and not swayed in either direction, which is something to be expected in a movie where essentially nothing happened.
Wrestling Preview
Brian Rueda
Staff Reporter
This year’s wrestling season starts November 24 with a Six Way Rotational Dual Meat at Chaminade High School. When interviewed frosh/soph assistant coach Adolfo Bimbela is looking forward to face both Ventura and Dos Pueblos. With returning varsity wrestlers, this season’s team looks like it will go far.
Interview with assistant coach Adolfo Bimbela.
What are some of the team’s goals for this upcoming season?:
Get better as a team, and help each wrestler reach their full potential as a Don Wrestler.
Who are some of the team’s key wrestlers?
112 lbs.- Jesse Lucatero
119 lbs.- Edgar Bejarano
125 lbs.- Raul Gutierrez
130 lbs.- Louis Elias
152 lbs.- Peter Estrada
Who might be your season’s fiercest opponent?
Ventura and Dos Pueblos are always tough to face with all their highly experienced athletes.
What can the team can do to improve from last year ?
The team as a whole needs to focus on working together as a team. That means we won’t move on until everyone moves on; no one on the team is left behind.
Staff Reporter
This year’s wrestling season starts November 24 with a Six Way Rotational Dual Meat at Chaminade High School. When interviewed frosh/soph assistant coach Adolfo Bimbela is looking forward to face both Ventura and Dos Pueblos. With returning varsity wrestlers, this season’s team looks like it will go far.
Interview with assistant coach Adolfo Bimbela.
What are some of the team’s goals for this upcoming season?:
Get better as a team, and help each wrestler reach their full potential as a Don Wrestler.
Who are some of the team’s key wrestlers?
112 lbs.- Jesse Lucatero
119 lbs.- Edgar Bejarano
125 lbs.- Raul Gutierrez
130 lbs.- Louis Elias
152 lbs.- Peter Estrada
Who might be your season’s fiercest opponent?
Ventura and Dos Pueblos are always tough to face with all their highly experienced athletes.
What can the team can do to improve from last year ?
The team as a whole needs to focus on working together as a team. That means we won’t move on until everyone moves on; no one on the team is left behind.
Girls Volleyball season comes to a close
Josie Martin
Staff Reporter
Girls volley ball finished their season with an outstanding record of 8-0 in League. Senior Jane Hinkle said, “The season went really good.”
So far they have met their goals for this year including making CIF playoffs.
Junior Natalie Guerra said, “We are number one in Division A and we do one game at a time.”
They did really well in the Mitty Tournament. They feel that they should have thought about their fist game in the Tournament of Champions a little bit more.
They made it to the second round of the CIF playoffs but unfortunately lost. Good job girls!!
The following is a tribute to some of the seniors on the team:
Staff Reporter
Girls volley ball finished their season with an outstanding record of 8-0 in League. Senior Jane Hinkle said, “The season went really good.”
So far they have met their goals for this year including making CIF playoffs.
Junior Natalie Guerra said, “We are number one in Division A and we do one game at a time.”
They did really well in the Mitty Tournament. They feel that they should have thought about their fist game in the Tournament of Champions a little bit more.
They made it to the second round of the CIF playoffs but unfortunately lost. Good job girls!!
The following is a tribute to some of the seniors on the team:
Girls Basketball Preview
Josie Martin
Staff Reporter
The girls basketball team is looking forward to a great season. Coach Andrew Butcher said, “We have a new team of extremely hard working, team oriented players. Their efforts have been fabulous. I look forward to a fine season.” They practice and prepare for the season by conditioning at the weight room and running out at the track. Last year beating San Marcos was a problem for the girls but this year they seem pretty confident. Shooting guard Larissa Lavender said, “SM graduated all of their best players last year. They have about three key players who we can take care of. We have a strong talented team. Beating them should not be a problem.”
San Marcos is not the only team that will be challenging for them. Captain Kristen Acosta said, “Buena and Ventura have many skilled players who have played with each other for a long time so I think that will be a big challenge for us.”
There are a lot of changes on the team. There are many new players. Brandi Blackwell said, “There is a lot to get used to but having a new team keeps us open minded.” Andrew Butcher said, “We have many new players, all of whom work and cooperate very well together.”
But there are also new captains for the team. Senior Kristen Acosta and junior Larissa Lavender are the new captains. They have been keeping the team positive and willing to do their best at everything. Freshman Tess Emerson said, “They clean things up when (we) are confused by (using) great communication! They rock!”
Their goal this year is to make it into the CIF playoffs. Last year they didn’t get in but they feel that with this new team they will. Junior Geena Boscacci said, “If we focus and work hard we can do it. All of the Channel League games will be tough but our quickness and press is what will stand out.” Coach Andrew Butcher said, “(Winning all League games) is a definite possibility, if we continue to improve.”
They look forward to have a great season so go support them.
Staff Reporter
The girls basketball team is looking forward to a great season. Coach Andrew Butcher said, “We have a new team of extremely hard working, team oriented players. Their efforts have been fabulous. I look forward to a fine season.” They practice and prepare for the season by conditioning at the weight room and running out at the track. Last year beating San Marcos was a problem for the girls but this year they seem pretty confident. Shooting guard Larissa Lavender said, “SM graduated all of their best players last year. They have about three key players who we can take care of. We have a strong talented team. Beating them should not be a problem.”
San Marcos is not the only team that will be challenging for them. Captain Kristen Acosta said, “Buena and Ventura have many skilled players who have played with each other for a long time so I think that will be a big challenge for us.”
There are a lot of changes on the team. There are many new players. Brandi Blackwell said, “There is a lot to get used to but having a new team keeps us open minded.” Andrew Butcher said, “We have many new players, all of whom work and cooperate very well together.”
But there are also new captains for the team. Senior Kristen Acosta and junior Larissa Lavender are the new captains. They have been keeping the team positive and willing to do their best at everything. Freshman Tess Emerson said, “They clean things up when (we) are confused by (using) great communication! They rock!”
Their goal this year is to make it into the CIF playoffs. Last year they didn’t get in but they feel that with this new team they will. Junior Geena Boscacci said, “If we focus and work hard we can do it. All of the Channel League games will be tough but our quickness and press is what will stand out.” Coach Andrew Butcher said, “(Winning all League games) is a definite possibility, if we continue to improve.”
They look forward to have a great season so go support them.
Spotlight: Ian Gamble, Boys Water Polo
How has the water polo team done?
It’s been a tough season. We’ve had lots of really close games against really strong opponents.
What has led to the team’s success?
Our team success has derived from our core group of players who have been playing together for so long.
What is your welcome to varsity moment?
My welcome to varsity moment wasn’t anything special. It was in the first water polo game of the season, against Mira Costa, as I was lining up for the start when it hit me that was finally on varsity.
What is the team going to look like next
season?
We will look very similar because the bulk of our team is juniors. Hopefully, we’ll all have a growth spurt and actually be bigger than some teams we play.
How long have you played water polo? Why did you chose to play?
I’ve played water polo since the beginning of 6th grade. I initially wanted to use water polo as conditioning for Junior Lifeguards. Now water polo is one of my passions.
How will next season be personally
different for you?
I’ll have a lot more time to focus on water polo, rather than school because my class load should be significantly less.
How far beyond high school do you plan to play?
I would like to play water polo in college, for a college team or a club team, but I do not plan to try and play professionally in Europe or on an Olympic team.
What is something most people do not know about water polo?
WE CAN’T STAND ON THE
BOTTOM!
If I wasn’t playing water polo, I would be...
...really bored and really hyper.
It’s been a tough season. We’ve had lots of really close games against really strong opponents.
What has led to the team’s success?
Our team success has derived from our core group of players who have been playing together for so long.
What is your welcome to varsity moment?
My welcome to varsity moment wasn’t anything special. It was in the first water polo game of the season, against Mira Costa, as I was lining up for the start when it hit me that was finally on varsity.
What is the team going to look like next
season?
We will look very similar because the bulk of our team is juniors. Hopefully, we’ll all have a growth spurt and actually be bigger than some teams we play.
How long have you played water polo? Why did you chose to play?
I’ve played water polo since the beginning of 6th grade. I initially wanted to use water polo as conditioning for Junior Lifeguards. Now water polo is one of my passions.
How will next season be personally
different for you?
I’ll have a lot more time to focus on water polo, rather than school because my class load should be significantly less.
How far beyond high school do you plan to play?
I would like to play water polo in college, for a college team or a club team, but I do not plan to try and play professionally in Europe or on an Olympic team.
What is something most people do not know about water polo?
WE CAN’T STAND ON THE
BOTTOM!
If I wasn’t playing water polo, I would be...
...really bored and really hyper.
Preview: Boys Soccer
Maria Vallejo
Staff Reporter
The boys varsity soccer team has just started training and will have their first game on December 31. The head coach is Tod Heil and his assistant coach will be Fredy Martinez. Senior Javier Garcia shared, “Coach Heil is a great help on and off the field; he is a great friend as well.”
Training activities include, wight lifting, sit-ups, push ups, and plenty of running. This team will play local schools such as San Marcos and Dos Pueblos twice each during the regular season. Garcia explained that, “it all depends on our chemistry and pride as a team, if we will win games.” In addition he shared that although they “have lost a couple of key players to club teams, the season should still be a good one.” Returning players such as Vince Alvarez and new comers like Jesus Gonzalez will be great assets to the Don’s soccer team.
Garcia commented that the team’s seniors are looking forward to the season intensely because it will be their last for high school and “seniors really want to be champs.” The game against San Marcos is highly anticipated by the entire team. “We take that game very seriously and will play well and win.” The team will be in several tournaments against teams from Northern and Southern California. The South Torrance Tournament (November 31 - December 1) will be challenging because the majority of the teams will be Division One teams (our Dons compete in the second division).
Staff Reporter
The boys varsity soccer team has just started training and will have their first game on December 31. The head coach is Tod Heil and his assistant coach will be Fredy Martinez. Senior Javier Garcia shared, “Coach Heil is a great help on and off the field; he is a great friend as well.”
Training activities include, wight lifting, sit-ups, push ups, and plenty of running. This team will play local schools such as San Marcos and Dos Pueblos twice each during the regular season. Garcia explained that, “it all depends on our chemistry and pride as a team, if we will win games.” In addition he shared that although they “have lost a couple of key players to club teams, the season should still be a good one.” Returning players such as Vince Alvarez and new comers like Jesus Gonzalez will be great assets to the Don’s soccer team.
Garcia commented that the team’s seniors are looking forward to the season intensely because it will be their last for high school and “seniors really want to be champs.” The game against San Marcos is highly anticipated by the entire team. “We take that game very seriously and will play well and win.” The team will be in several tournaments against teams from Northern and Southern California. The South Torrance Tournament (November 31 - December 1) will be challenging because the majority of the teams will be Division One teams (our Dons compete in the second division).
Former Don makes appearance in World Series
Ryan Nagy
Staff Reporter
This was a memorable year for Rockie fans because it was the first time in franchise history the Rockies went to the World Series. Unfortunately, the Rockies struggled to produce runs and were swept in the World Series by the Red Sox.
However, this World Series proved to be somewhat more important to the Santa Barbara community than in years past. Everyone had their eyes on Ryan Spilborghs, former Santa Barbara High baseball player.
Spilborghs started playing varsity baseball as a freshman in 1994 and dominated with a career batting average of .472. He capped off his playing days at SBHS by batting a school record .519 average his senior year and winning Channel League MVP.
Fred Warrecker, currently the baseball head coach, coached Spilborghs. He said Spilborghs had an “incredible mental and emotional stability. He was able to compete completely and then turn it off after the game.”
After graduating from Santa Barbara High, Spilborghs moved on to play at UCSB and from there, the minor Leagues. He continued to play in the minors until making his major League debut for the Colorado Rockies on July 16, 2005.
Spilborghs started in right field and went 2 for 4 with two singles against the Cincinnati Reds. “Ecstatic,” said Werrecker of Spilborghs’s debut, “I knew how hard he had worked, the sacrifices he had made. Yes. I was thrilled.”
In 2006, Spilborghs started in 34 games and this last season, was a reserve player and started many games because outfielder, Willie Tavarrez, was injured. Even when Tavarrez returned, Spilborghs stayed and found some playing time in the field and at the plate by being a pinch hitter.
“I realized that this might be a once in a life time moment. Many good players have played for years and never got a chance to play in a World Series game,” said Warrecker.
Staff Reporter
This was a memorable year for Rockie fans because it was the first time in franchise history the Rockies went to the World Series. Unfortunately, the Rockies struggled to produce runs and were swept in the World Series by the Red Sox.
However, this World Series proved to be somewhat more important to the Santa Barbara community than in years past. Everyone had their eyes on Ryan Spilborghs, former Santa Barbara High baseball player.
Spilborghs started playing varsity baseball as a freshman in 1994 and dominated with a career batting average of .472. He capped off his playing days at SBHS by batting a school record .519 average his senior year and winning Channel League MVP.
Fred Warrecker, currently the baseball head coach, coached Spilborghs. He said Spilborghs had an “incredible mental and emotional stability. He was able to compete completely and then turn it off after the game.”
After graduating from Santa Barbara High, Spilborghs moved on to play at UCSB and from there, the minor Leagues. He continued to play in the minors until making his major League debut for the Colorado Rockies on July 16, 2005.
Spilborghs started in right field and went 2 for 4 with two singles against the Cincinnati Reds. “Ecstatic,” said Werrecker of Spilborghs’s debut, “I knew how hard he had worked, the sacrifices he had made. Yes. I was thrilled.”
In 2006, Spilborghs started in 34 games and this last season, was a reserve player and started many games because outfielder, Willie Tavarrez, was injured. Even when Tavarrez returned, Spilborghs stayed and found some playing time in the field and at the plate by being a pinch hitter.
“I realized that this might be a once in a life time moment. Many good players have played for years and never got a chance to play in a World Series game,” said Warrecker.
Dons are 7-3 going into CIF- Newberry Park game tonight @ 7
Sandra Ruiz
Staff Reporter
The varsity football team has made a come back after losing against San Marcos in past years. This year the chain was broken. Football players had their minds set on winning and it showed. The Dons won with a final score of 24 to 10. Senior Greg Domingues said, “It was a tough game, but we won and I was excited.” In the beginning of the game Domingues ran a long run leading to our first touch down. Our football players were confident during the game making touchdown after touchdown. They won, just as they had predicted and took the rivalry trophy home.
Unfortunately we lost against Ventura, 27 to 20. This upset football players because if they had won, the Dons could have been in second place in the Channel League.
When asked what went wrong Domingues said, “We were just flat footed and not as focused as we should of been.” However our loss against Ventura inspired our football players to play well in the next game against DP.
Football players practiced hard and the pressure was on. Before the game, Domingues said, “It’ll be a hard game but we should win.” They came onto the field focused and determined to play. The game would determine if we made it to the CIF playoffs and become city champions.
It was hard to tell who was going to win the game, but finally, the Dons emerged victorious over the Chargers and won 35 to 32. Playoffs here we come! The DP game was our ticket into the CIF playoffs and the Dons will be competing for the championship.
Staff Reporter
The varsity football team has made a come back after losing against San Marcos in past years. This year the chain was broken. Football players had their minds set on winning and it showed. The Dons won with a final score of 24 to 10. Senior Greg Domingues said, “It was a tough game, but we won and I was excited.” In the beginning of the game Domingues ran a long run leading to our first touch down. Our football players were confident during the game making touchdown after touchdown. They won, just as they had predicted and took the rivalry trophy home.
Unfortunately we lost against Ventura, 27 to 20. This upset football players because if they had won, the Dons could have been in second place in the Channel League.
When asked what went wrong Domingues said, “We were just flat footed and not as focused as we should of been.” However our loss against Ventura inspired our football players to play well in the next game against DP.
Football players practiced hard and the pressure was on. Before the game, Domingues said, “It’ll be a hard game but we should win.” They came onto the field focused and determined to play. The game would determine if we made it to the CIF playoffs and become city champions.
It was hard to tell who was going to win the game, but finally, the Dons emerged victorious over the Chargers and won 35 to 32. Playoffs here we come! The DP game was our ticket into the CIF playoffs and the Dons will be competing for the championship.
Braving the field of campaign volunteering
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Election season for this year is over. At least for local government that is. Which is a shame really because I have serious doubts about how many people knew about any of the candidates. Here’s a question though: how many high school students volunteer for candidates and their campaigns?
The answer is not many. But just to be contrary to the mainstream I set out on the campaign trail in support of four candidates for Santa Barbara City Council in the run-up to the November 6 election. My impression: if you’re a politics junkie like me, volunteering is a way to understand the campaign process better than just seeing a couple of documentaries.
I sent emails out to two candidates, Helene Schneider and Michelle Giddens, which was simple considering the amount of candidate mail I received at my home by the beginning of the month. Schneider sent me an invitation to a precinct walk that supported herself as well as fellow incumbents Das Williams and Brian Barnwell who were all supported by the Democratic Party.
Ms. Giddens, a challenger and newcomer in the field of local politics, asked if I would be willing to do a precinct walk with her as well. I picked a Saturday afternoon to walk some local neighborhoods with her and her campaign organizer.
But my first experience was a week before election night when I spent two hours between 5 and 7 p.m. making phone calls on behalf of Das Williams. He and his campaign organizer were also in attendance going through lists of registered voters in the city, most of which were labeled as undecided or lived in areas that Williams had not yet contacted. I had a script and plenty of information about Das if a voter wanted to know more about him. But I didn’t actually use any of it. I had a number of people who were already familiar with him, mostly for the better, but some for worse. Most people, surprisingly, did not mind that I was calling them between the time most get home from work or soccer practice and sit down for dinner. But I did get a couple people who said they wouldn’t vote for Das (or any of the incumbents) if their life depended on it, or something to that effect.
Walking around the Westside with the Democratic Party was similarly uneventful, partly because of the intensive organization of that walk. About 15 volunteers including the candidates and their significant others were grouped in pairs ready to drive to a precinct and go door to door with a set of literature encouraging last minute voters to vote for the incumbents. But the real reason I found it uneventful was because there was no one home in the middle of the Sunday I was out.
But I had a bit more of an event with Michelle Giddens the day before. I arrived at her house and campaign headquarters about 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon. She and her campaign organizer Darrin, a city college student, were awaiting a list of registered voters and their addresses. She briefed me on what I would be doing that day with her. The book, How to Run for Local Office, was her guidebook on running her campaign. Even then, Michelle was apologetic for her apparent disorganization that day.
The three of us later piled into her Range Rover with her dog Althea and decided to go to a section of town off of Mission Street, where no one from her campaign had really gone before. But Darrin and I weren’t having much luck with the people there so Michelle decided to try the area near Harding School on the Westside. There were more people answering doors in this area and Michelle took every opportunity she could to personally introduce herself to those answering their door and those out on the street.
Of course there’s always the one person who throws you a curve ball and it came in the form of one person asking me what Giddens thought of homosexuals. Completely flustered without a clue what to respond with, the first words out of my mouth were, “Well, she’s a Democrat.”
Strange occurrences aside, I had a good time with Michelle and the other candidates I volunteered for. And even though two of them won’t be sitting on council come January, it’s nice to think I made some impression on a voter before the election.
News Editor
Election season for this year is over. At least for local government that is. Which is a shame really because I have serious doubts about how many people knew about any of the candidates. Here’s a question though: how many high school students volunteer for candidates and their campaigns?
The answer is not many. But just to be contrary to the mainstream I set out on the campaign trail in support of four candidates for Santa Barbara City Council in the run-up to the November 6 election. My impression: if you’re a politics junkie like me, volunteering is a way to understand the campaign process better than just seeing a couple of documentaries.
I sent emails out to two candidates, Helene Schneider and Michelle Giddens, which was simple considering the amount of candidate mail I received at my home by the beginning of the month. Schneider sent me an invitation to a precinct walk that supported herself as well as fellow incumbents Das Williams and Brian Barnwell who were all supported by the Democratic Party.
Ms. Giddens, a challenger and newcomer in the field of local politics, asked if I would be willing to do a precinct walk with her as well. I picked a Saturday afternoon to walk some local neighborhoods with her and her campaign organizer.
But my first experience was a week before election night when I spent two hours between 5 and 7 p.m. making phone calls on behalf of Das Williams. He and his campaign organizer were also in attendance going through lists of registered voters in the city, most of which were labeled as undecided or lived in areas that Williams had not yet contacted. I had a script and plenty of information about Das if a voter wanted to know more about him. But I didn’t actually use any of it. I had a number of people who were already familiar with him, mostly for the better, but some for worse. Most people, surprisingly, did not mind that I was calling them between the time most get home from work or soccer practice and sit down for dinner. But I did get a couple people who said they wouldn’t vote for Das (or any of the incumbents) if their life depended on it, or something to that effect.
Walking around the Westside with the Democratic Party was similarly uneventful, partly because of the intensive organization of that walk. About 15 volunteers including the candidates and their significant others were grouped in pairs ready to drive to a precinct and go door to door with a set of literature encouraging last minute voters to vote for the incumbents. But the real reason I found it uneventful was because there was no one home in the middle of the Sunday I was out.
But I had a bit more of an event with Michelle Giddens the day before. I arrived at her house and campaign headquarters about 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon. She and her campaign organizer Darrin, a city college student, were awaiting a list of registered voters and their addresses. She briefed me on what I would be doing that day with her. The book, How to Run for Local Office, was her guidebook on running her campaign. Even then, Michelle was apologetic for her apparent disorganization that day.
The three of us later piled into her Range Rover with her dog Althea and decided to go to a section of town off of Mission Street, where no one from her campaign had really gone before. But Darrin and I weren’t having much luck with the people there so Michelle decided to try the area near Harding School on the Westside. There were more people answering doors in this area and Michelle took every opportunity she could to personally introduce herself to those answering their door and those out on the street.
Of course there’s always the one person who throws you a curve ball and it came in the form of one person asking me what Giddens thought of homosexuals. Completely flustered without a clue what to respond with, the first words out of my mouth were, “Well, she’s a Democrat.”
Strange occurrences aside, I had a good time with Michelle and the other candidates I volunteered for. And even though two of them won’t be sitting on council come January, it’s nice to think I made some impression on a voter before the election.
Staff Editorial: Veteran's Day
The pictures and biographies that hang in the main hall around Veterans Day have been a valiant attempt by history teacher Mr. Dodson to help increase student remembrance and respect for the former Dons who have given their lives for our country. But for many students Veterans Day means a day off from school.
A lucky few students may have the chance to hear in their history classes about how it is held on November 11 to commemorate the Armistice of World War I which ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918. The day, has over time, also come to be a state and federal day of remembrance of the fallen soldiers of every American war.
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reinvigorated America’s support for the men and women of the armed forces but there is still a large number of teenagers who allow Veterans Day to pass by as an extra day on the weekend. Some people utilize it as a day to hang out with friends, to take a three day ski trip, or to put off homework.
A lot of students don’t even know about Arlington West. The privately run project sets up white crosses, just like in Arlington Cemetery, in the sand near Stearn’s Wharf. Each cross represents a US soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afganistan. The weekly event is a powerful reminder of this war’s cost.
If we as students are going to keep getting Veterans Day off there should be some recognition of why we are getting the day off in the first place.
Talking about Veteran’s Day in your history class or writing a letter to someone in your family or that you know that has been in the armed forces might be a nice way to commemorate our fallen soldiers.
Whether or not you agree with what our country is asking our soldiers to do is not something that should be directed towards remembrance on this one day.
A lucky few students may have the chance to hear in their history classes about how it is held on November 11 to commemorate the Armistice of World War I which ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918. The day, has over time, also come to be a state and federal day of remembrance of the fallen soldiers of every American war.
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have reinvigorated America’s support for the men and women of the armed forces but there is still a large number of teenagers who allow Veterans Day to pass by as an extra day on the weekend. Some people utilize it as a day to hang out with friends, to take a three day ski trip, or to put off homework.
A lot of students don’t even know about Arlington West. The privately run project sets up white crosses, just like in Arlington Cemetery, in the sand near Stearn’s Wharf. Each cross represents a US soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afganistan. The weekly event is a powerful reminder of this war’s cost.
If we as students are going to keep getting Veterans Day off there should be some recognition of why we are getting the day off in the first place.
Talking about Veteran’s Day in your history class or writing a letter to someone in your family or that you know that has been in the armed forces might be a nice way to commemorate our fallen soldiers.
Whether or not you agree with what our country is asking our soldiers to do is not something that should be directed towards remembrance on this one day.
Teachers to consider proposed calendar for 2008-9
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
A calendar for 2008-09 was recently proposed and firmly defeated by teachers in a vote that was the most decisive no vote that SBTA President Layne Wheeler could remember in over 25 years. Yesterday, a special representative council meeting of the Santa Barbara Teacher’s Association (SBTA) was held to develop a new proposal for next year’s calendar. That will then go to District negotiations and then back to the teachers for a vote. SBTA President Layne Wheeler said, “If the Board agrees or modifies the proposal ... it will go back to the membership of SBTA for a ratification..”
The defeated calendar started the first semester on August 18 and brought teachers back on August 14. Summer was shortened by one week in order to end the first semester before leaving for Winter Break.
The school district’s motivations to add a week to Winter Break was to align the elementary school schedules with secondary schools.
The subtraction of a week from summer would affect activities that practice during the summer such as football and water polo training and band camp by cutting their crucial summer training by a week. For these activities practice during the vacation provides time in which students don’t have to worry about school yet.
“Most teachers recognize the difference in the quality of unwinding time during the summer (from) the time off during vacation when they still have to think about their classes,” said Association Representative Mr. Tony Sandrich. “The fight over the calendar is not about the number of days we teach; it is just when we each them.”
Editor-in-Chief
A calendar for 2008-09 was recently proposed and firmly defeated by teachers in a vote that was the most decisive no vote that SBTA President Layne Wheeler could remember in over 25 years. Yesterday, a special representative council meeting of the Santa Barbara Teacher’s Association (SBTA) was held to develop a new proposal for next year’s calendar. That will then go to District negotiations and then back to the teachers for a vote. SBTA President Layne Wheeler said, “If the Board agrees or modifies the proposal ... it will go back to the membership of SBTA for a ratification..”
The defeated calendar started the first semester on August 18 and brought teachers back on August 14. Summer was shortened by one week in order to end the first semester before leaving for Winter Break.
The school district’s motivations to add a week to Winter Break was to align the elementary school schedules with secondary schools.
The subtraction of a week from summer would affect activities that practice during the summer such as football and water polo training and band camp by cutting their crucial summer training by a week. For these activities practice during the vacation provides time in which students don’t have to worry about school yet.
“Most teachers recognize the difference in the quality of unwinding time during the summer (from) the time off during vacation when they still have to think about their classes,” said Association Representative Mr. Tony Sandrich. “The fight over the calendar is not about the number of days we teach; it is just when we each them.”
Six members start SBHS' first break dancing club
Maria Vallejo
Staff Reporter
Did you know that there is an all-boy break dancing team on campus? They are called the D - boyz (Don boys). There are currently only six members but try-outs will be held soon, after the winter break. Their practices are held after school from 3 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, Tuesday through Thursday.
This is a brand new group, the first break dancing team in the county. Mr. Pedro Menchaca is involved as the in-school supervisor.
There are a lot of dance moves which the boys are working on. Senior Jesse Arroyo shared that he “just learned to do the headspin” and that’s the most challenging move he can perform so far. He is currently working on getting the “flare” down.
Sophomore Luis Flores can do the “wind mill” and a one-hand stand. Junior Javier Garcia has got a few flips and the hand stand.
Along with learning these moves comes a lot of practice the injuries which are bound to happen. Arroyo stated, “I got a huge bruise in my elbow during one of our practices. Garcia commented, “I injured my wrist, but not too bad.” Flores injured his wrist as well.
It is important for the members to get along with each other as Arroyo pointed out, Break dancing comes first to them so conflicts with one another had to stop. “In the beginning we had a lot of problems among ourselves, but we are all getting along fine.” Garcia added, “We all decided to, ‘Cut the crap.’” Flores described their choice of music, “We dance to Hip-Hop and Old school Music,” when they join with the Donettes.
Events which the group will be involved with and performing in are both holiday parades on State and Milpas Streets, the dance recital, and future pep rallies. In addition they will continue collaborating with the Donettes. Later in the year the D-boyz might be competing in places such as Hollywood. This is what the group is looking forward to and working towards the most.
The D-boyz members are Luis Flores, Cesar Leon, Javier Garcia, Eric Sanabri, Jesse Arroyo, and Robert Guttierez.
Staff Reporter
Did you know that there is an all-boy break dancing team on campus? They are called the D - boyz (Don boys). There are currently only six members but try-outs will be held soon, after the winter break. Their practices are held after school from 3 to 5 p.m. on weekdays, Tuesday through Thursday.
This is a brand new group, the first break dancing team in the county. Mr. Pedro Menchaca is involved as the in-school supervisor.
There are a lot of dance moves which the boys are working on. Senior Jesse Arroyo shared that he “just learned to do the headspin” and that’s the most challenging move he can perform so far. He is currently working on getting the “flare” down.
Sophomore Luis Flores can do the “wind mill” and a one-hand stand. Junior Javier Garcia has got a few flips and the hand stand.
Along with learning these moves comes a lot of practice the injuries which are bound to happen. Arroyo stated, “I got a huge bruise in my elbow during one of our practices. Garcia commented, “I injured my wrist, but not too bad.” Flores injured his wrist as well.
It is important for the members to get along with each other as Arroyo pointed out, Break dancing comes first to them so conflicts with one another had to stop. “In the beginning we had a lot of problems among ourselves, but we are all getting along fine.” Garcia added, “We all decided to, ‘Cut the crap.’” Flores described their choice of music, “We dance to Hip-Hop and Old school Music,” when they join with the Donettes.
Events which the group will be involved with and performing in are both holiday parades on State and Milpas Streets, the dance recital, and future pep rallies. In addition they will continue collaborating with the Donettes. Later in the year the D-boyz might be competing in places such as Hollywood. This is what the group is looking forward to and working towards the most.
The D-boyz members are Luis Flores, Cesar Leon, Javier Garcia, Eric Sanabri, Jesse Arroyo, and Robert Guttierez.
Application Anxiety: University Club helps groups of students with road to college
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Ask a senior about college right now and there’s a strong possibility they will rip your head off. November is crunch time for applicants to get the myriad of forms turned in for various universities across the country, especially the public UCs and CSUs in this state.
For students who have parents who have not attended a college or have other socioeconomic disadvantages, the University Club is there to help.
Started by head counselor Susan Snyder in 2005, selected juniors and seniors are invited to meetings and involved in programs that help them through the process of selecting their schools and later applying to them.
“I was at UCSD in the summer of 2005 taking courses in college counseling and saw how few minorities were attending universities versus how many are here in California,” said Ms. Snyder. “I was appalled. I checked out our numbers (at SBHS) and it was the same huge gap.” She said that was what compelled her to find out which kids would most likely need help on their road to higher education.
To be in the University Club, Snyder uses the school’s Aeries system to find juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA, who are on the way to completing their A-G requirements to graduate high school, are either on the free or reduced lunch program, are first generation college students, or in underrepresented populations.
Mildred Quintanilla, a senior in University Club, said it has kept her on track to graduation and college. “I have a lot of friends in University Club and I can talk to them about classes and college plans,” she said. “(It) makes it enjoyable to join.”
Admission to the club is by invitation only, but Ms. Snyder said any student who feels they should be part of the club can speak to her about joining. Teachers and counselors also sometimes recommend students for the club.
University Club does not operate like student-run clubs on campus. There are no set meeting dates during the week or month. Members are instead encouraged to meet with Ms. Snyder whenever they need to or are called to assemble on a certain date in a certain room.
Additionally, Ms. Snyder calls them out of class to meet. “I meet them in the computer lab to help them with signing up for tests, doing college apps, college searches, and applying for financial aid,” she said. “We also have study sessions and meetings from time to time in room 306. We do some field trips to colleges and college fairs.”
Snyder said University Club uses resources on campus such as the Career Center and others such as Cal-SOAP and Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation.
“Being in University Club gives students more opportunities,” said Quintanilla. “I’m very glad I am a part of University Club.”
Monday, October 29, 2007
Dons win the big game for the first time since 2003
Santa Barbara's football team won against the San Marcos Royals for the first time in four years with Friday's 24-10 win. Senior Tad Slaff of the Dons was voted the game's MVP.
The Dons are at Ventura at 7 p.m. on Friday.
They are back at home for the final game of the regular season on November 9 against Dos Pueblos.
The Dons are at Ventura at 7 p.m. on Friday.
They are back at home for the final game of the regular season on November 9 against Dos Pueblos.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Dons fall to St. Bonnie, face off with San Marcos
Sandra Ruiz
Staff Reporter
Our Channel League football team has been looking forward to the San Marcos game tonight, October 26. The SM game has also been the most looked forward to by fans. With this yearʼs record of five wins and only two losses, confidence runs high for teammates who are disciplined to win against San Marcos (and upcoming games).
Losing against San Marcos last year (27- 14) as well as the previous years has upset many fans. This year however we plan on making a come back and we expect a win.
Football players will continue their intense practices and will be prepared. Senior Greg Domingues said, “We are going to wax. They have no wins so I'm confident.” When asked how they will prepare for the game Zach Chavez and Greg Domingues, both seniors, agreed to “plan on taking a lot of No Explode and protein shakes.” They continued on about their preparations for the game the night before by explaining, “We plan on listening to Bob Marley and watching the movie Ê»300ʼ,” Even though they are coached by Mr. Gonzales who coached the Royals, it does not seem to bother any of our football athletes or fans. He has our football players prepared; is liked and well respected here. Domingues said, “Heʼs now a hater of San Marcos and he dislikes SM as much as we do. If we win we plan to party at Zach's house after the game and go to the Knot Knots house and watch Friday Football Focus and do special team events and cheers.”
Teammates run high with confidence and are focused and ready to play. Taking the game to victory is their intention. Senior Chris Manson said, “I'm very confident. I think we'll murder them. We are a much better team. They canʼt play at our level.” When asked how he will prepare for the game, he said, “practice hard, come in focused and ready to play.” The night before Manson will prepare for the game by washing “all my football clothes and pack my football bag, and dream about football glory.” Our fellow varsity football players are set. If we win Manson said, “Iʼll celebrate with my team at the Knot Knot house. If we lose Iʼll think about my mistakes and try to see what I can do differently for the next game, so fans get your popcorn ready.”
Of course losing is not a choice for this game and it is not the playersʼ intention. As for players, they practice hard and make it happen; but as for the rest of us we just have to sit and watch.
Staff Reporter
Our Channel League football team has been looking forward to the San Marcos game tonight, October 26. The SM game has also been the most looked forward to by fans. With this yearʼs record of five wins and only two losses, confidence runs high for teammates who are disciplined to win against San Marcos (and upcoming games).
Losing against San Marcos last year (27- 14) as well as the previous years has upset many fans. This year however we plan on making a come back and we expect a win.
Football players will continue their intense practices and will be prepared. Senior Greg Domingues said, “We are going to wax. They have no wins so I'm confident.” When asked how they will prepare for the game Zach Chavez and Greg Domingues, both seniors, agreed to “plan on taking a lot of No Explode and protein shakes.” They continued on about their preparations for the game the night before by explaining, “We plan on listening to Bob Marley and watching the movie Ê»300ʼ,” Even though they are coached by Mr. Gonzales who coached the Royals, it does not seem to bother any of our football athletes or fans. He has our football players prepared; is liked and well respected here. Domingues said, “Heʼs now a hater of San Marcos and he dislikes SM as much as we do. If we win we plan to party at Zach's house after the game and go to the Knot Knots house and watch Friday Football Focus and do special team events and cheers.”
Teammates run high with confidence and are focused and ready to play. Taking the game to victory is their intention. Senior Chris Manson said, “I'm very confident. I think we'll murder them. We are a much better team. They canʼt play at our level.” When asked how he will prepare for the game, he said, “practice hard, come in focused and ready to play.” The night before Manson will prepare for the game by washing “all my football clothes and pack my football bag, and dream about football glory.” Our fellow varsity football players are set. If we win Manson said, “Iʼll celebrate with my team at the Knot Knot house. If we lose Iʼll think about my mistakes and try to see what I can do differently for the next game, so fans get your popcorn ready.”
Of course losing is not a choice for this game and it is not the playersʼ intention. As for players, they practice hard and make it happen; but as for the rest of us we just have to sit and watch.
Sculpture teacer wins award for her jewelry
Wendy Echeverria
Staff Reporter
Every year, there’s an event little noticed by most high school students. The American Gem Trade Association, AGTA, holds a jewelry competition that consists of different categories such as: Day Wear, Men’s Wear, Evening Wear, Best of Show.
In these different categories, various jewelers enter one of their very own handmade pieces with high hopes of winning.
SBHS has one of those hopeful jewelers, Mrs. Rabe. The Sculpture/Jewelry instructor and jeweler. She is inspired and influenced by her husband, Gregory Morin who is also a jeweler and enters the competition every year; she has entered the competition once again.
Her last year’s entry was very successful for her. She entered a brooch that she made out of 18K yellow and white gold, garnet, diamond, and jasper.
She thought that she wasn’t going to win because of her use of the jasper which is a very ordinary stone. It took her approximately 50 hours to finish this piece. After entering she, like other jewelers, waited eagerly for news on whether or not she had won.
A month and a half later, around mid-October during one of her classes, she received a phone call from the AGTA judges to let her know that she had won First Place in the evening category. Her first reaction was, “I what?! I what?!” After that moment of awe she wanted to share her happiness with her students so the first thing she did was announce to the class that she had won.
“If students can see, from their teacher, the ability to succeed, then they can take something they really like and have great success in what they do. They can learn to believe in themselves, succeed, and do it well so they receive admiration as well as accomplishment.” she said.
Her reaction was definitely one of great surprise specially because she got her piece modeled and photographed to be on the cover of “INSTORE” magazine which is one of the main magazines of the AGTA.
This year she has entered a ring, using 18K white gold, diamond, amethyst, and an agate cabachon-the stone which lays on the top of the ring. She has waited what seems an endless month and to her great surprise she has once again received the phone call she had been waiting for.
On October 15, during her fourth period, she answered her phone and was told that she had won again this year. This year though, she won two awards, an Honorable Mention in the evening category and Best Use of Color. She shared that she was very happy and excited that she has been able to win twice in a row. “I feel relieved that I found out I won because that way I don’t have to tell my students I lost. But at the same time I feel welled up with happiness.” She has shared her happiness with her classes, I’d like to express it to the rest if the students and staff,” she said.
Staff Reporter
Every year, there’s an event little noticed by most high school students. The American Gem Trade Association, AGTA, holds a jewelry competition that consists of different categories such as: Day Wear, Men’s Wear, Evening Wear, Best of Show.
In these different categories, various jewelers enter one of their very own handmade pieces with high hopes of winning.
SBHS has one of those hopeful jewelers, Mrs. Rabe. The Sculpture/Jewelry instructor and jeweler. She is inspired and influenced by her husband, Gregory Morin who is also a jeweler and enters the competition every year; she has entered the competition once again.
Her last year’s entry was very successful for her. She entered a brooch that she made out of 18K yellow and white gold, garnet, diamond, and jasper.
She thought that she wasn’t going to win because of her use of the jasper which is a very ordinary stone. It took her approximately 50 hours to finish this piece. After entering she, like other jewelers, waited eagerly for news on whether or not she had won.
A month and a half later, around mid-October during one of her classes, she received a phone call from the AGTA judges to let her know that she had won First Place in the evening category. Her first reaction was, “I what?! I what?!” After that moment of awe she wanted to share her happiness with her students so the first thing she did was announce to the class that she had won.
“If students can see, from their teacher, the ability to succeed, then they can take something they really like and have great success in what they do. They can learn to believe in themselves, succeed, and do it well so they receive admiration as well as accomplishment.” she said.
Her reaction was definitely one of great surprise specially because she got her piece modeled and photographed to be on the cover of “INSTORE” magazine which is one of the main magazines of the AGTA.
This year she has entered a ring, using 18K white gold, diamond, amethyst, and an agate cabachon-the stone which lays on the top of the ring. She has waited what seems an endless month and to her great surprise she has once again received the phone call she had been waiting for.
On October 15, during her fourth period, she answered her phone and was told that she had won again this year. This year though, she won two awards, an Honorable Mention in the evening category and Best Use of Color. She shared that she was very happy and excited that she has been able to win twice in a row. “I feel relieved that I found out I won because that way I don’t have to tell my students I lost. But at the same time I feel welled up with happiness.” She has shared her happiness with her classes, I’d like to express it to the rest if the students and staff,” she said.
Letter: Cultural diversity in classes addresses needs, not quotas
Creating academic diversity and multiculturalism among our students at Santa Barbara High isn’t a negative thing. Whether or not the city of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Senior High is diverse is up to its citizens. The 2006 population estimate for Santa Barbara city is 85,681. Of these citizens 73.9% are White, 12.7% are Black or African American, 0.8% are American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.4% are Asian, 0.1% are Native Hawaiian and 14.8% are Hispanic or Latino (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 Population Estimates, Census 2000, 1990). Santa Barbara High has 2,335 bright and intelligent students. 52 of these students reported that they are African-American, 944 White (not Hispanic), 11 Chinese, 14 Japanese and 1,232 Hispanic or Latino. 82 students are other (such as Pacific Islander) or declined to state (Aries, 2007). From these statistics it can safely be said that with such a large population, why shouldn’t we work to have more Latino’s in Honors or Advance Placement (AP) courses?
It isn’t about pushing students into classes they don’t want but addressing their needs. Students who take AP courses and do well in them are more likely to get into a University of their choice (Princeton Review, 2006). As counselors, we encourage and motivate students who don’t think they belonged in a certain class but obviously have the potential to thrive in them. We would like to see all the students who want to attend college have the chance to do so. As educators, it is not our job to force you to do anything you can’t do. However, it is our responsibility to promote diversity.
Diversity is defined in Merriam Webster’s Dictionary (1998) as; to make diverse: give variety to: increase the variety of products of. Do you think SBHS faculty is doing a good job of promoting diversity? On the other hand, is it just our responsibility to give our students the “tools” of diversity and hope that you will use them?
Maybe students should be required to go through diversity training as faculty and staff of Santa Barbara School Districts are obligated to. How about if parents were required to attend diversity workshops. Would that help to invite the gardeners in the house for lunch and be engaged in a conversation of politics? But that’s too cliché, how about if a recently arrived Costa Rican is invited to the home of third generation Mexican-American family and helped with immigration papers?
Maybe we should just appreciate the fact that many at SBHS are aware of our student population. Although we are the third oldest high school in California, it may take us longer than others to become fully diverse in action and thought. At least we are stepping towards that direction in a positive manner.
Melisa Perez
SBHS Counselor
It isn’t about pushing students into classes they don’t want but addressing their needs. Students who take AP courses and do well in them are more likely to get into a University of their choice (Princeton Review, 2006). As counselors, we encourage and motivate students who don’t think they belonged in a certain class but obviously have the potential to thrive in them. We would like to see all the students who want to attend college have the chance to do so. As educators, it is not our job to force you to do anything you can’t do. However, it is our responsibility to promote diversity.
Diversity is defined in Merriam Webster’s Dictionary (1998) as; to make diverse: give variety to: increase the variety of products of. Do you think SBHS faculty is doing a good job of promoting diversity? On the other hand, is it just our responsibility to give our students the “tools” of diversity and hope that you will use them?
Maybe students should be required to go through diversity training as faculty and staff of Santa Barbara School Districts are obligated to. How about if parents were required to attend diversity workshops. Would that help to invite the gardeners in the house for lunch and be engaged in a conversation of politics? But that’s too cliché, how about if a recently arrived Costa Rican is invited to the home of third generation Mexican-American family and helped with immigration papers?
Maybe we should just appreciate the fact that many at SBHS are aware of our student population. Although we are the third oldest high school in California, it may take us longer than others to become fully diverse in action and thought. At least we are stepping towards that direction in a positive manner.
Melisa Perez
SBHS Counselor
Commentary: Suspension and Expulsion policy
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
Homecoming was the perfect example of the unequal level of justice at Santa Barbara High School. The administration suspended nine individuals for five days and two people being reccomended expulsion for being toxicated at a school event. The administration put memos in the student and video bulletins that said that breathelizer tests would be condconducted at the dance as well. So even with this ample warming people still decided to show up to the dance drunk. Many of these students come from families of high socioeconomic status and have the resources to fight the district overs these kinds of punishments. Mr. Capritto claims that he does not talk with lawyers about the punishment he adiministers. According to him if parents want to get lawyers involved they have to talk the school district.
According to Capritto parents vented their frustration with their children towards him and his rules, but he reminded them that he hadn’t done anything wrong and that it was the kids that had messed up. Despite the administration’s leniency, in terms of not handing intoxicated students over to the police, a couple parents argue that their student’s civil rights were violated because the police were not courteous enough while breathelizing their kids.
Those students who are faced with possible expulsion are doing so because they have been caught intoxicated before at other school events. Currently their fate is being decided by a committe at the school district. But if these students were gang members wouldn’t they have already been expediantly expelled. The school’s job is to provide a safe learning enviornment but when students decide to break the law by drinking they are also deciding as adults to break the rules.
The bottom line is that someone almost died at homecoming when they had an adverse reaction when they took medication before drinking alcohol. The administration needs to prevent potentially deadly situations from occuring by making it clear to students that there will be serious ramifications if they come to school drunk and that is exactly what they are doing with the suspensions.
Dr. Capritto’s underlying message for students was “At any school wide event don’t believe you can come under the influence because you will face the consequences for that choice.”
Editor-in-Chief
Homecoming was the perfect example of the unequal level of justice at Santa Barbara High School. The administration suspended nine individuals for five days and two people being reccomended expulsion for being toxicated at a school event. The administration put memos in the student and video bulletins that said that breathelizer tests would be condconducted at the dance as well. So even with this ample warming people still decided to show up to the dance drunk. Many of these students come from families of high socioeconomic status and have the resources to fight the district overs these kinds of punishments. Mr. Capritto claims that he does not talk with lawyers about the punishment he adiministers. According to him if parents want to get lawyers involved they have to talk the school district.
According to Capritto parents vented their frustration with their children towards him and his rules, but he reminded them that he hadn’t done anything wrong and that it was the kids that had messed up. Despite the administration’s leniency, in terms of not handing intoxicated students over to the police, a couple parents argue that their student’s civil rights were violated because the police were not courteous enough while breathelizing their kids.
Those students who are faced with possible expulsion are doing so because they have been caught intoxicated before at other school events. Currently their fate is being decided by a committe at the school district. But if these students were gang members wouldn’t they have already been expediantly expelled. The school’s job is to provide a safe learning enviornment but when students decide to break the law by drinking they are also deciding as adults to break the rules.
The bottom line is that someone almost died at homecoming when they had an adverse reaction when they took medication before drinking alcohol. The administration needs to prevent potentially deadly situations from occuring by making it clear to students that there will be serious ramifications if they come to school drunk and that is exactly what they are doing with the suspensions.
Dr. Capritto’s underlying message for students was “At any school wide event don’t believe you can come under the influence because you will face the consequences for that choice.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Study time: Let’s Cram workers relaunch site
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
The online network of students celebrated its one-year anniversary with a big change. Let’s Cram, the social networking site created by SBHS senior Mike Lewis last year was relaunched this month to steer users into more one-on-one interaction.
“The site is a lot more personal,” said Karl Sandrich, a member of the Let’s Cram team. “We really emphasize people-to-people communication and we think the additions (to the site) will do that.”
In order to participate in the discussions on the site, Let’s Cram requires new users to create a profile similar to that of social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook.
Each user can find their friends or “study buddies” to quickly ask questions to homework problems.
“We had a lot of people sign up and a lot of people use the site,” said Sandrich. “Now the new site adds on top of what we already had and I feel that kids will enjoy using the site even more.”
When letscram.com was launched at the start of last school year it was heavily promoted as a way for students at SBHS and at other schools to more easily connect to other students with similar homework problems. So far the site has more than 800 registered members from SBHS and other schools.
At SBHS the site gets help from Sandrich, Jimmy Sexton, Brett Silverman, Billy Grokenberger, Camille Fenton and RJ Rotman, among others. Creator Mike Lewis continues to head the site.
Sandrich hopes more Dons use Let’s Cram this year. “I want people from all over SBHS to utilize this site,” he said. “Who knows how much farther it can go.”
News Editor
The online network of students celebrated its one-year anniversary with a big change. Let’s Cram, the social networking site created by SBHS senior Mike Lewis last year was relaunched this month to steer users into more one-on-one interaction.
“The site is a lot more personal,” said Karl Sandrich, a member of the Let’s Cram team. “We really emphasize people-to-people communication and we think the additions (to the site) will do that.”
In order to participate in the discussions on the site, Let’s Cram requires new users to create a profile similar to that of social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook.
Each user can find their friends or “study buddies” to quickly ask questions to homework problems.
“We had a lot of people sign up and a lot of people use the site,” said Sandrich. “Now the new site adds on top of what we already had and I feel that kids will enjoy using the site even more.”
When letscram.com was launched at the start of last school year it was heavily promoted as a way for students at SBHS and at other schools to more easily connect to other students with similar homework problems. So far the site has more than 800 registered members from SBHS and other schools.
At SBHS the site gets help from Sandrich, Jimmy Sexton, Brett Silverman, Billy Grokenberger, Camille Fenton and RJ Rotman, among others. Creator Mike Lewis continues to head the site.
Sandrich hopes more Dons use Let’s Cram this year. “I want people from all over SBHS to utilize this site,” he said. “Who knows how much farther it can go.”
APPLe academy’s second season brings in sophomores
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
The newest academy at SBHS called APPLe (Academy of Public Policy and Leadership) is gearing up for its second year. APPLe is an academy on campus that helps students develop their talents in public speaking and debate, a unique environment to develop them.
It also encourages students to get actively involved in local politics and community service. Students hear guest speakers who are in local and state governments and other organizations including Congresswoman Lois Capps, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and David Krieger or the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
Around thirty members of APPLe spent a week last June in the Summer Institute at UCSB. While sleeping in the dorms and living on campus they debated the hot topic issues of immigration, torture, and global warming.
“The debates in the institute were very intense and we learned a lot about what it’s like being in a real court,” said junior Maria Vallejo who attended the summer institute.
They researched with the help of Professor John Park of Asian Studies just as if they were actual college students. “If the officials helping us at UCSB hadn’t been doing all they were, APPle wouldn’t be very good,” said Gamble.
In between research sessions for the debates, activities were held that helped bring the APPLe students closer, including a ropes course, ultimate frisbee, and karaoke. “It was also a chance for the students to get to know each other better. Some who had never really been friends before were really close after the experience,” said Mr. Gamble.
APPLe students returning as juniors will be attending a fall retreat at El Capitan Campground where the bonds they formed at the Summer Institute will be able to continue to grow.
Gamble’s goal for the juniors is that they play a leadership role in helping initiate this year’s sophomores. At the orientation held last Thursday juniors spoke of the experience at UCSB and the process of researching for the debates. Juniors Margo Slaff, Maria Vallejo and Ty Vestal talked about the week at UCSB and their roles in the debates and activities.
Gamble hopes to raise enough money to be able to take the students to Sacramento and Washington D.C. to meet with politicians and observe how government really works.
Every other week students will be sitting in on lectures with different speakers in the theater, including State Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams. David Krieger and Lois Capps will also be returning to talk with the students.
The first lecture of the year will be when Santa Barbara mayor Marty Blum comes to speak to the students in the SBHS theater on October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
All of the students meet every other Thursday in Mr, Gamble’s classroom, room 212 in the main hall, to plan events and discuss opinions and lessons from recent lectures.
Editor-in-Chief
The newest academy at SBHS called APPLe (Academy of Public Policy and Leadership) is gearing up for its second year. APPLe is an academy on campus that helps students develop their talents in public speaking and debate, a unique environment to develop them.
It also encourages students to get actively involved in local politics and community service. Students hear guest speakers who are in local and state governments and other organizations including Congresswoman Lois Capps, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and David Krieger or the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
Around thirty members of APPLe spent a week last June in the Summer Institute at UCSB. While sleeping in the dorms and living on campus they debated the hot topic issues of immigration, torture, and global warming.
“The debates in the institute were very intense and we learned a lot about what it’s like being in a real court,” said junior Maria Vallejo who attended the summer institute.
They researched with the help of Professor John Park of Asian Studies just as if they were actual college students. “If the officials helping us at UCSB hadn’t been doing all they were, APPle wouldn’t be very good,” said Gamble.
In between research sessions for the debates, activities were held that helped bring the APPLe students closer, including a ropes course, ultimate frisbee, and karaoke. “It was also a chance for the students to get to know each other better. Some who had never really been friends before were really close after the experience,” said Mr. Gamble.
APPLe students returning as juniors will be attending a fall retreat at El Capitan Campground where the bonds they formed at the Summer Institute will be able to continue to grow.
Gamble’s goal for the juniors is that they play a leadership role in helping initiate this year’s sophomores. At the orientation held last Thursday juniors spoke of the experience at UCSB and the process of researching for the debates. Juniors Margo Slaff, Maria Vallejo and Ty Vestal talked about the week at UCSB and their roles in the debates and activities.
Gamble hopes to raise enough money to be able to take the students to Sacramento and Washington D.C. to meet with politicians and observe how government really works.
Every other week students will be sitting in on lectures with different speakers in the theater, including State Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams. David Krieger and Lois Capps will also be returning to talk with the students.
The first lecture of the year will be when Santa Barbara mayor Marty Blum comes to speak to the students in the SBHS theater on October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
All of the students meet every other Thursday in Mr, Gamble’s classroom, room 212 in the main hall, to plan events and discuss opinions and lessons from recent lectures.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Pep Rally #1!!!
Pictures from October 5's pep rally. Next issue of The Forge, the Homecoming issue, will be in newsstands October 12.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Virtual Enterprise shows off Eco-cell program at LA’s Peace Day
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Dons Net Cafe earned a special distinction September 23 with a recognition by animal and peace activist Jane Goodall and the organization Roots & Shoots at the fifth annual Roots & Shoots Day of Peace at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Roots & Shoots is an organization working in approximately 100 countries around the world to reach out to young adults and teens looking to spread peace. It was created by Goodall, known for her work with chimpanzees, and is under the supervision of her institute.
“Dons Net Cafe was invited to by Roots & Shoots to Griffith Park because of our community service learning projects,” said ROP adviser Lee-Ann Knodel.
Roots & Shoots was interested in Net Cafe’s Eco-cell cell phone recycling program. “It is important to recycle old cell phones because it minimizes the mining process of the resources needed for the cell phone which is bad for the environment and the habitat of the wild animals,” said Knodel.
The event was held to celebrate the United Nation’s International Peace Day on September 21. Approximately 500 other elementary and high school children were among the crowd of thousands.
Goodall signed the box Virtual Enterprise made to collect their cell phones and applauded those groups making attempts in their projects to reduce their “footprint” on the earth. In addition she made a speech in front of the event’s attendees about the dream of world peace and future activism for the environment and human rights.
Virtual Enterprise set up their booth along with 20 other service projects and shared the information from their work with the other participants. “The reason why all of these service learning groups like us were invited was because Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots believe that peace starts through the youth,” said Ms. Knodel. “And peace starts by giving back to the community.”
The Eco-cell program has collected 245 cell phones so far and 200 pounds of batteries.
News Editor
Dons Net Cafe earned a special distinction September 23 with a recognition by animal and peace activist Jane Goodall and the organization Roots & Shoots at the fifth annual Roots & Shoots Day of Peace at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Roots & Shoots is an organization working in approximately 100 countries around the world to reach out to young adults and teens looking to spread peace. It was created by Goodall, known for her work with chimpanzees, and is under the supervision of her institute.
“Dons Net Cafe was invited to by Roots & Shoots to Griffith Park because of our community service learning projects,” said ROP adviser Lee-Ann Knodel.
Roots & Shoots was interested in Net Cafe’s Eco-cell cell phone recycling program. “It is important to recycle old cell phones because it minimizes the mining process of the resources needed for the cell phone which is bad for the environment and the habitat of the wild animals,” said Knodel.
The event was held to celebrate the United Nation’s International Peace Day on September 21. Approximately 500 other elementary and high school children were among the crowd of thousands.
Goodall signed the box Virtual Enterprise made to collect their cell phones and applauded those groups making attempts in their projects to reduce their “footprint” on the earth. In addition she made a speech in front of the event’s attendees about the dream of world peace and future activism for the environment and human rights.
Virtual Enterprise set up their booth along with 20 other service projects and shared the information from their work with the other participants. “The reason why all of these service learning groups like us were invited was because Jane Goodall and Roots & Shoots believe that peace starts through the youth,” said Ms. Knodel. “And peace starts by giving back to the community.”
The Eco-cell program has collected 245 cell phones so far and 200 pounds of batteries.
Sports Snapshot: Boys Water Polo
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
With the loss of a few notable senior players on the team from last year, the Boys Varsity Water Polo team has had its share of challenges to maintain its title as CIF champion.
They narrowly lost at home on September 12 as Mater Dei pulled off a 6-5 win in a game where no team held more than a one point lead at any time.
More recently at Tuesday’s match against Ventura, the Dons allowed the Cougars to slide in with a 10-8 victory in overtime. While Santa Barbara held a 7-5 lead at one point, a penalty shot in Ventura’s favor brought the score closer to even. The game against Ventura is the first CIF loss since the 2005 season. “It was just a hard game,” said senior player Andrew Gonzales. “And we’re going to work on getting better.”
That’s not to say the Dons haven’t had the best of luck this season. With wins over Mira Costa and a 10th place finish overall at the South Coast Water Polo tournament last weekend the team has been giving it their all. They also beat out immediate rivals Dos Pueblos and San Marcos in the overall scoring. “We have great potential,” said senior Ben Wolfe. “We just need to work on applying that potential.”
Sports Snapshot: Cross Country
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
The Dons Cross Country team had their first League meet last week at Dos Pueblos. Senior Krista Dreschler crossed the finish line with a winning time of 18:26 in the girls varsity race. Senior Dominic Atkatz led the Dons on the varsity boys side with a time of 16:31 and a seventh place finish.
On Saturday the team participated in the Pepperdine Invitational at Pepperdine University in Malibu. The rain from earlier in the morning and the day before made a muddy course that met with disdain from falling runners.
Despite the poor conditions Dreschler placed second with a time of 19:28:47 in a varsity race with more than 100 participants. Atkatz topped the boys side for the Dons with a time of 18:07:13 and a 41st place overall in the varsity race.
The next race for the cross country team will be this afternoon at 2 p.m. at the College Park Invitational at College Park in Oxnard.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Lunch on the Lawn
ASB has started a new tradition on the Senior Lawn this year: a Friday picnic. Students and staff members (such as Mr. Sandrich, pictured) are invited to bring their lunch onto the lawn today and every other Friday. Check the Forge calendar on page 8 for other school events in the upcoming weeks.
Zero periods start at 8 on late start days
As a result of a staff-generated proposal, early bird classes will begin at 8:10 on late start days effective Wednesday. The move comes after four late start dates which left minimal security on campus when a number of students were wandering through buildings in between their zero and first periods.
Teachers with early bird classes will be given time before their 8:10 classes for planning and collaboration. The move affects only classes on Wednesdays with late start days. There are a planned 22 late start days remaining in the school year.
Teachers with early bird classes will be given time before their 8:10 classes for planning and collaboration. The move affects only classes on Wednesdays with late start days. There are a planned 22 late start days remaining in the school year.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Capritto wants to keep students in their seats
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Dr. Mark Capritto finds a lot to like at Santa Barbara High. So much in fact that he’s fully prepared to do what it takes to make SBHS even better. But the changes he’s enacted since he took the job earlier in the summer are already making waves in some circles.
Capritto replaces Paul Turnbull as SBHS’ principal. Coming from Calabasas High School where he served as an assistant principal, Capritto saw a lot to like in the students as they sat in their new classes on the first day of school. “The students are great,” he said. “I’m impressed with the manner in which they get started and get to class.”
He was equally impressed with the versatility of teachers and their ability to teach a variety of academic levels, from freshmen College Prep classes to AP sections. Capritto said that was uncommon in a number of other schools he had seen.
But Capritto wants to see improvements in SBHS and its students. “My goal is to look at the achievement gap and close it,” he said. “We have a pretty large gap between students.” In addition, he is seeking an increase in the school’s API score, based on standardized test results.
And to close that gap and increase the index score, Capritto is proposing changes that will force students into their seats. For him, it comes down to attendance. “We have a strong need to get our students to class,” he said. “A student won’t do well if they’re not in school every day.”
“If you can’t stay in class you can’t stay in school.” That’s Capritto’s belief when it comes to making the push for students to stay in class.
To do so, he’s proposing some sweeping changes not only for SBHS, but for the entire school district. Students who consistently skip out on class will ultimately be dropped from the class. No ifs, ands, or buts. “Interestingly enough it works,” said Capritto. He said students are looking for parameters and SBHS needs to make those boundaries a lot harder to cross.
In the short term however, Capritto has already signed detention and in-house suspension to the history books. He saw them as the most ineffective ways at discipline. “It was the 2007 version of ‘The Breakfast Club’,” he said, referring to students in the cafeteria during in-house suspension and lunch detention.
Instead, Capritto is looking to get delinquent students to beautify the campus on their own time instead of the school’s. Dons with discipline issues may be sent to pick up trash outside of class time. And in addition to Saturday School, the principal is looking to get the funding and a go-ahead to start a Saturday work program.
Seniors in particular will feel the heat from the tougher truancy policies. Capritto says every student must have a clean record to participate in senior activities, including the graduation ceremony. And he’s not holding back in threatening senior privileges. “There’s enough of a pride factor in this community to graduate from Santa Barbara High, that if it happens too late it’s very disappointing,”
Capritto said. “The tradition and culture of graduating from Santa Barbara High in this community is very strong. It’s the strongest I’ve ever seen.”
Nevertheless, Capritto acknowledges SBHS’ strong points, particularly its academies and ability for students to find a niche they’re comfortable with. He considers programs offered by MAD, VADA, and APPLe to be greater than what is offered in other schools of similar structure to SBHS. “The resources students are able to take advantage of is incredible,” he said.
Dr. Capritto doesn’t want to scare off students though. In his weeks as principal he’s learning what some Dons think of administration. “Students view administration as ogres and disciplinary figures,” he said. “We have to change that. We have to flatten the playing field and say we’re here to help them.”
Tardy, truancy rules top list of policy changes
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
As students dragged themselves back to school for the first day of classes it didn’t take them long to realize that everything about SBHS was not as they had left it in June. Among the changes was that SBHS has a new principal, Dr. Mark Capritto, to lead the faculty and ensure that students have a safe and educational learning environment.
The many administrative changes that have taken place have impacted the lives of SBHS students.
First and quite possibly the most notorious change on campus is the new policy on tardies and truancies. If students rack up five tardies in the same class they will receive four discipline hours. If they receive three cuts to the same class they will receive six discipline hours.
To clear discipline hours the administration may ask students to pick up trash at the end of lunch, after school, and on Saturdays.
Even more dangerous to students is if they receive ten tardies or five cuts they will also be in danger of failing the class and be assigned discipline hours.
One thing that left seniors in particular shouting out of their car windows was the administration’s decision to allow juniors to park in the senior lot. But due to outcry from senior class president Karl Sandrich and other members of the senior class the new policy was revoked; the senior lot parking lot is just for seniors.
“I convinced the principal that the seniors needed their own lot and it would be better for everyone,” said Karl Sandrich.
The condition on this change is that if there is any vandalism of cars belonging to juniors parked in the senior lot the senior parking lot will again be opened to juniors. Many members of the class of 2008 thought this a fair trade for not having to get to school a half-hour early just to find a parking space.
Changes in the bell schedule also bothered a lot of returning students. The fact that the two minute tardy warning bell is no longer in effect during passing period has definitely quickened the pace of students who must walk across campus to their next class and shortened the time that people have to talk to their friends in the hallway.
Another change was the shortening of the lunch period to only 35 minutes. This has not seemed to decrease the number of students driving downtown or hitting the pavement down to Milpas.
The addition of a late start at 9 a.m. almost every Wednesday was brought about due to the dropping of minimum days but the continuing need for a time in which teachers can conference. While many people just miss getting out early a couple times a month others are really faced with schedule problems. Students that are taking a zero period must attend the same as any other day at 7 a.m,. leaving an hour between their zero period and first period which starts at 9 a.m. Some of these students have coped with this space in between classes by making up home work or driving downtown for a late breakfast.
Even the structure of SBHS has changed during the summer. The four portables that sat the quad for the last couple of years were removed, leaving a barren, dusty, and fenced off wasteland. Also the bone-jarring rattle and noise of construction crews have left SBHS for the moment as the many elevators located around campus appear to be completed.
Editor-in-Chief
As students dragged themselves back to school for the first day of classes it didn’t take them long to realize that everything about SBHS was not as they had left it in June. Among the changes was that SBHS has a new principal, Dr. Mark Capritto, to lead the faculty and ensure that students have a safe and educational learning environment.
The many administrative changes that have taken place have impacted the lives of SBHS students.
First and quite possibly the most notorious change on campus is the new policy on tardies and truancies. If students rack up five tardies in the same class they will receive four discipline hours. If they receive three cuts to the same class they will receive six discipline hours.
To clear discipline hours the administration may ask students to pick up trash at the end of lunch, after school, and on Saturdays.
Even more dangerous to students is if they receive ten tardies or five cuts they will also be in danger of failing the class and be assigned discipline hours.
One thing that left seniors in particular shouting out of their car windows was the administration’s decision to allow juniors to park in the senior lot. But due to outcry from senior class president Karl Sandrich and other members of the senior class the new policy was revoked; the senior lot parking lot is just for seniors.
“I convinced the principal that the seniors needed their own lot and it would be better for everyone,” said Karl Sandrich.
The condition on this change is that if there is any vandalism of cars belonging to juniors parked in the senior lot the senior parking lot will again be opened to juniors. Many members of the class of 2008 thought this a fair trade for not having to get to school a half-hour early just to find a parking space.
Changes in the bell schedule also bothered a lot of returning students. The fact that the two minute tardy warning bell is no longer in effect during passing period has definitely quickened the pace of students who must walk across campus to their next class and shortened the time that people have to talk to their friends in the hallway.
Another change was the shortening of the lunch period to only 35 minutes. This has not seemed to decrease the number of students driving downtown or hitting the pavement down to Milpas.
The addition of a late start at 9 a.m. almost every Wednesday was brought about due to the dropping of minimum days but the continuing need for a time in which teachers can conference. While many people just miss getting out early a couple times a month others are really faced with schedule problems. Students that are taking a zero period must attend the same as any other day at 7 a.m,. leaving an hour between their zero period and first period which starts at 9 a.m. Some of these students have coped with this space in between classes by making up home work or driving downtown for a late breakfast.
Even the structure of SBHS has changed during the summer. The four portables that sat the quad for the last couple of years were removed, leaving a barren, dusty, and fenced off wasteland. Also the bone-jarring rattle and noise of construction crews have left SBHS for the moment as the many elevators located around campus appear to be completed.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Varsity Girls Volleyball Co-Captain Kristen Dealy
Season prediction, how do you see it?
I hope that we win League and hopefully win CIF.
Who are your fiercest opponents?
I think Santa Margarita, Redondo, Mitty, and Mira Costa are tough opponents.
What is something important for your fans to know?
That they should come to all of our games because it’s fun.
How many years have you been playing on the varsity team?
I’ve been playing since sophomore year, so three years.
What do you want to improve on from last year?
To win CIF and not lose any games.
I hope that we win League and hopefully win CIF.
Who are your fiercest opponents?
I think Santa Margarita, Redondo, Mitty, and Mira Costa are tough opponents.
What is something important for your fans to know?
That they should come to all of our games because it’s fun.
How many years have you been playing on the varsity team?
I’ve been playing since sophomore year, so three years.
What do you want to improve on from last year?
To win CIF and not lose any games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)