Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
The Surf Club of Santa Barbara High School triumphed over Dos Pueblos’ team in a competition on March 9 at Churches in San Clemente. In the Interscholastic Surfing Federation (ISF) League, the Dons took an 88-5 win, with Chelsea Zaniboni taking first place in the women’s long board category. She also placed sixth in the women’s short board category.
On the men’s side Shane Orr placed the highest among Santa Barbara’s team, with a second place finish in the short board match, and fifth in long board, bested by Tyler Millhollin also from Santa Barbara.
JP Garcia, the advisor for the SBHS Surf Club, was impressed by the team. “As far as our personal achievements, this contest marks the highest point total that the Dons have ever achieved,” he said. Garcia said the conditions that day were close to ideal.
SBHS is part of the Channel League, which according to Garcia includes teams from Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. The Santa Barbara team gets a “bye” in the final contest scheduled for April 6 at Mandalay Bay. Therefore, the Dons will finish their season with a 4-0 record.
Garcia started the surf club at SBHS four years ago with Mike Fair and Brennan Grace. “When (they) left,” he said, “I decided to keep it going because we had a mutual vision of putting SBHS on the map in terms of surfing competition, at both a state and national level.”
He points to influential surfers who have come out of SBHS, such as Tom Curren, Lauran Yater, Kim Mearrig, and Bobby Martinez as a reason to keep the surfing culture alive on campus. “We wanted to create a team that could continue this legacy.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Seniors visit annual Shakespeare fest
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
For more than 25 years, the senior trip to Ashland, Oreg., for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been a part of the senior experience.
A busload of 52 seniors drove to Ashland last weekend accompanied by Ms. Callahan, Ms. Guss, and later joined by Ms. Ruth and former SBHS teacher Mr. McEachen.
This year’s trip was exclusively for seniors in AP English Literature classes.
“It’s fun (for students) to go with a group of like-minded students to a fun and beautiful town,” said Ms. Callahan.
During their time in Ashland students stayed at the Bard’s Inn, the traditional hotel for SBHS students.
In order of appearance, the plays that the students saw were The Clay Cart, Welcome Home Jenny Sutter, Fences, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Usually there is a weak link in one of the four, which is diappointing, but this time all four were excellent in different ways,” said Ms. Ruth.
Students were fortunate to talk with actors Michael J. Hume (The Clary Cart) and Gwendolyn Mulamba (Welcome Home Jenny Sutter) to discuss their process in being cast for roles, becoming the character and their history with the festival.
The actors talked with students the day after they had seen their respective plays.
Students were given a backstage tour of the theaters by the actors from the festival where they would be watching the various plays.
They showed how much work both actors and stagehands have to put into the hundreds of shows during the season from February to October.
Students had a lot of free time to shop and visit the many different restaurants in Ashland between the different events.
Coffee Shops, Lythia Park and organic restaurants were a few of the places where students could be found passing the time.
Plenty of music and dancing went on in the rooms of students at the Bard’s Inn.
When students filled out their checks to pay for the trip, they were asked to make them payable to the Ashland Shakespeare Club.
According to Ms. Callahan, this was done to keep the money in an account at SBHS.
She attributed the need for an account on campus for easier access to pay for costs of the trip.
A spot on the trip roster cost $370, but payment plans and scholarships were worked out with students who would have trouble paying.
“It is just easier for us to keep the money here rather than going to the school district,” said Callahan.
Editor-in-Chief
For more than 25 years, the senior trip to Ashland, Oreg., for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been a part of the senior experience.
A busload of 52 seniors drove to Ashland last weekend accompanied by Ms. Callahan, Ms. Guss, and later joined by Ms. Ruth and former SBHS teacher Mr. McEachen.
This year’s trip was exclusively for seniors in AP English Literature classes.
“It’s fun (for students) to go with a group of like-minded students to a fun and beautiful town,” said Ms. Callahan.
During their time in Ashland students stayed at the Bard’s Inn, the traditional hotel for SBHS students.
In order of appearance, the plays that the students saw were The Clay Cart, Welcome Home Jenny Sutter, Fences, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Usually there is a weak link in one of the four, which is diappointing, but this time all four were excellent in different ways,” said Ms. Ruth.
Students were fortunate to talk with actors Michael J. Hume (The Clary Cart) and Gwendolyn Mulamba (Welcome Home Jenny Sutter) to discuss their process in being cast for roles, becoming the character and their history with the festival.
The actors talked with students the day after they had seen their respective plays.
Students were given a backstage tour of the theaters by the actors from the festival where they would be watching the various plays.
They showed how much work both actors and stagehands have to put into the hundreds of shows during the season from February to October.
Students had a lot of free time to shop and visit the many different restaurants in Ashland between the different events.
Coffee Shops, Lythia Park and organic restaurants were a few of the places where students could be found passing the time.
Plenty of music and dancing went on in the rooms of students at the Bard’s Inn.
When students filled out their checks to pay for the trip, they were asked to make them payable to the Ashland Shakespeare Club.
According to Ms. Callahan, this was done to keep the money in an account at SBHS.
She attributed the need for an account on campus for easier access to pay for costs of the trip.
A spot on the trip roster cost $370, but payment plans and scholarships were worked out with students who would have trouble paying.
“It is just easier for us to keep the money here rather than going to the school district,” said Callahan.
Staff Editorial: The hero and the heroin
In The Forge’s King of Hearts issue last month, Karl Sandrich, the eventual winner of King of Hearts, was asked was if he had any addictions. His answer was, “Heroin but I don’t like to talk about it.” In no way were we at The Forge asking all six of the candidates if they were addicted to drugs or alcohol. Any attempt that would have been made to omit the quote would have been censorship. That is something that we will not allow. Principal Mark Capritto said The Forge was not at fault for putting it in, but it was bad judgment because there is a problem with some students coming to the homecoming dance intoxicated. The administration claims students’ cavalier attitude toward drug use will be fueled by comments like this. Since Karl is senior class president, the student body knows that he regularly uses humor to motivate and reach students. Sandrich was not serious in his answer.
The Forge Editorial Board, comprised of our adviser, editor-in-chief and news editor, concluded it would be out of line to change what Sandrich said.
The student body is our primary readership, and while we do enjoy seeing parents, administration and teachers reading our paper, The Forge is a reflection of the views of the student body. Ultimately, we concluded it would spark discussion among students, which is our primary goal as a newspaper.
The Forge does not condone drug use or make fun of addiction. We recognize addiction is a serious problem among teenagers. Because of this we think it is important that the paper should help generate discussion this topic.
Almost a month after the story ran, the adviser and editor-in-chief were called into the principal’s office along with ASB adviser Ann Fischer and Sandrich. We were essentially told The Forge was very lucky because if we had been in another school district, this issue would have never of happened. Other administrations screen school papers. We appreciate that The Forge is not censored in the same sense that we appreciate that our school obeys the law. School newspapers have a constitutional right to be free from the censorship of a school administration. It is incorrect to imply we should be grateful for not being censored before going to press. Since its inception The Forge has represented free speech on campus and has no plans to change.
We fail to see the connection and think that trying to hush up teenage drug use is worsening the problem rather than helping solve it. The intense hostile reaction that some administrators and parents have had in response to these comments are only pushing students in the opposite direction. It’s not driving students to smoke or shoot up, but it’s definitely having an adverse effect. Adults who are involved in teenagers’ lives need to take responsibility that they have as much to do with teen drug use as much as peer pressure or the social climate does. Only then can we start to talk through this tension between the two generations. The Forge understands that certain administrators’ jobs are at stake when these issues arise in certain forums. However, it is not The Forge’s duty to censor student quotes.
The Forge Editorial Board, comprised of our adviser, editor-in-chief and news editor, concluded it would be out of line to change what Sandrich said.
The student body is our primary readership, and while we do enjoy seeing parents, administration and teachers reading our paper, The Forge is a reflection of the views of the student body. Ultimately, we concluded it would spark discussion among students, which is our primary goal as a newspaper.
The Forge does not condone drug use or make fun of addiction. We recognize addiction is a serious problem among teenagers. Because of this we think it is important that the paper should help generate discussion this topic.
Almost a month after the story ran, the adviser and editor-in-chief were called into the principal’s office along with ASB adviser Ann Fischer and Sandrich. We were essentially told The Forge was very lucky because if we had been in another school district, this issue would have never of happened. Other administrations screen school papers. We appreciate that The Forge is not censored in the same sense that we appreciate that our school obeys the law. School newspapers have a constitutional right to be free from the censorship of a school administration. It is incorrect to imply we should be grateful for not being censored before going to press. Since its inception The Forge has represented free speech on campus and has no plans to change.
We fail to see the connection and think that trying to hush up teenage drug use is worsening the problem rather than helping solve it. The intense hostile reaction that some administrators and parents have had in response to these comments are only pushing students in the opposite direction. It’s not driving students to smoke or shoot up, but it’s definitely having an adverse effect. Adults who are involved in teenagers’ lives need to take responsibility that they have as much to do with teen drug use as much as peer pressure or the social climate does. Only then can we start to talk through this tension between the two generations. The Forge understands that certain administrators’ jobs are at stake when these issues arise in certain forums. However, it is not The Forge’s duty to censor student quotes.
Opinion: Republicans are in, Dems still have a battle
Ian Black
Staff Reporter
The March 5 primaries and caucuses in Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Rhode Island wrapped up Arizona Senator John McCain’s dominating GOP campaign as he was solidified as the Republican nominee for President. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was finally forced out of the election after McCain nabbed the necessary 1,191 Republican delegates to clinch the nomination. It was comical that even though Huckabee never had a chance at the nomination after the first several primaries, he would never publicly admit any sort of defeat. However in the end, the miracle that Huckabee was hoping for never came and he bowed out graciously after the inevitable news reached his campaign headquarters; his fifteen minutes of spotlight were over.
However on the Democratic side, Senator Hillary Clinton broke Senator Barack Obama’s eleven state primary winning streak when she won three of the four states’ delegates including Ohio and Rhode Island, as well as a surprising victory in Texas. This was a disappointment to the Obama campaign which hoped that a victory in either Texas or Ohio would lead to Clinton’s suspension of her campaign.
Yet Clinton’s wins in Texas and Ohio, which hold 193 and 162 delegates respectively, moves her closer to Obama’s delegate total. However because of the proportional delegate nature of the primaries, Clinton’s 51% to 47% victory in Texas and the 55% to 43% in Ohio has not yet given her enough delegates to catch up to Obama, but has given life to her withering campaign. Both candidates are still more than 500 delegates away from clinching the 2,025 necessary to get the nomination.
This was an obvious disappointment for political analysts who smelled blood in the water and hoped that another Obama sweep would wrap up the nomination and embarrass Hillary to the point of the suspension of her campaign.
Yet with her new boost of confidence coming out of the primaries, Clinton is expected to continue her campaign with as much vigor as ever. At this point in time there is no end in sight for the Democratic Party to find their candidate. Unless one candidate makes great strides in the upcoming election, some political analysts are predicting that the nomination will go all the way to the Democratic National Convention in August.
Consequently, it seems that this extension of the Democratic race is actually beneficial to the party. With many more months of media attention to come as the primaries continue, the candidates will have increased time to convince more and more undecided voters to side with Democratic policy.
Regardless of who ultimately wins the nomination, the Democratic Party is excited about a possible Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama president and vice-president combination for the 2008 election. Many are calling this possibility a “dream ticket” for the Democrats with one of the strongest duos in the party’s history.
The next major test for the Democratic candidates is the Pennsylvania primary to be held on April 22.
Staff Reporter
The March 5 primaries and caucuses in Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Rhode Island wrapped up Arizona Senator John McCain’s dominating GOP campaign as he was solidified as the Republican nominee for President. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was finally forced out of the election after McCain nabbed the necessary 1,191 Republican delegates to clinch the nomination. It was comical that even though Huckabee never had a chance at the nomination after the first several primaries, he would never publicly admit any sort of defeat. However in the end, the miracle that Huckabee was hoping for never came and he bowed out graciously after the inevitable news reached his campaign headquarters; his fifteen minutes of spotlight were over.
However on the Democratic side, Senator Hillary Clinton broke Senator Barack Obama’s eleven state primary winning streak when she won three of the four states’ delegates including Ohio and Rhode Island, as well as a surprising victory in Texas. This was a disappointment to the Obama campaign which hoped that a victory in either Texas or Ohio would lead to Clinton’s suspension of her campaign.
Yet Clinton’s wins in Texas and Ohio, which hold 193 and 162 delegates respectively, moves her closer to Obama’s delegate total. However because of the proportional delegate nature of the primaries, Clinton’s 51% to 47% victory in Texas and the 55% to 43% in Ohio has not yet given her enough delegates to catch up to Obama, but has given life to her withering campaign. Both candidates are still more than 500 delegates away from clinching the 2,025 necessary to get the nomination.
This was an obvious disappointment for political analysts who smelled blood in the water and hoped that another Obama sweep would wrap up the nomination and embarrass Hillary to the point of the suspension of her campaign.
Yet with her new boost of confidence coming out of the primaries, Clinton is expected to continue her campaign with as much vigor as ever. At this point in time there is no end in sight for the Democratic Party to find their candidate. Unless one candidate makes great strides in the upcoming election, some political analysts are predicting that the nomination will go all the way to the Democratic National Convention in August.
Consequently, it seems that this extension of the Democratic race is actually beneficial to the party. With many more months of media attention to come as the primaries continue, the candidates will have increased time to convince more and more undecided voters to side with Democratic policy.
Regardless of who ultimately wins the nomination, the Democratic Party is excited about a possible Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama president and vice-president combination for the 2008 election. Many are calling this possibility a “dream ticket” for the Democrats with one of the strongest duos in the party’s history.
The next major test for the Democratic candidates is the Pennsylvania primary to be held on April 22.
In Brief: Virtual Enterprise staff organizes recycling meeting
The Virtual Enterprise staff will hold a meeting on Monday, March 17 during fourth period in the school theater to coordinate a number of recycling efforts on campus. Seniors Karen Martinez and Mayra Ponce will lead the meeting.
Eric Lohela, recycling coordinator for the city of Santa Barbara came to the Virtual Enterprise class to help them towards their next competition, which is in the environmental division in Sacramento on March 26.
Out of Lohela’s meeting came the idea to coordinate the environmental efforts on campus. “Lots of students don’t recycle because they are not informed. We want to inform students... and invite (those) who have shown interest,” Ponce explained.
A Polar bear is the mascot for the recycling campaign because of the link between polar bears and the Coca-Cola commercials. It is hoped to catch people’s attention.
Students who wish to attend must first get teacher approval and contact Ponce and Martinez in room 22.
Eric Lohela, recycling coordinator for the city of Santa Barbara came to the Virtual Enterprise class to help them towards their next competition, which is in the environmental division in Sacramento on March 26.
Out of Lohela’s meeting came the idea to coordinate the environmental efforts on campus. “Lots of students don’t recycle because they are not informed. We want to inform students... and invite (those) who have shown interest,” Ponce explained.
A Polar bear is the mascot for the recycling campaign because of the link between polar bears and the Coca-Cola commercials. It is hoped to catch people’s attention.
Students who wish to attend must first get teacher approval and contact Ponce and Martinez in room 22.
In Brief: ASB officers elected
ASB officers for the 2008-09 school year were announced Wednesday after a school wide vote on Tuesday, March 11.
Luz Cordova took the position of president, beating Carter Crowe. Ty Vestal ran unopposed for Vice President. Caitlin Macker edged out Allie Cole for secretary, and Camillle Phillips took the treasurer’s seat over Lizzy Langhorne. Geena Boscacci and Arumi Salmeron also ran unopposed for the position of Pep & Rally.
The new officers will take office on the first day of the new school year in August.
Luz Cordova took the position of president, beating Carter Crowe. Ty Vestal ran unopposed for Vice President. Caitlin Macker edged out Allie Cole for secretary, and Camillle Phillips took the treasurer’s seat over Lizzy Langhorne. Geena Boscacci and Arumi Salmeron also ran unopposed for the position of Pep & Rally.
The new officers will take office on the first day of the new school year in August.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Cash crunch factor in prom relocation
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Prom season is still months away, but there are recent developments on that front. Senior Class President Karl Sandrich said that the 2008 prom has been moved from its usual post at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree resort to the exhibit building at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
The change in location has prompted a change in date as well. While Santa Barbara High School has in recent years held its prom over the Memorial Day weekend, this year’s will take place on June 7, the Saturday prior to the graduation ceremony.
ASB and the DoubleTree had trouble reaching an agreement about noise and price concerns. “We felt that the DoubleTree was a bad fit. They were charging $32,000 and most of that for food that in years past was rarely eaten,” said Sandrich.
He points out that the DoubleTree’s policy on noise levels posed problems for the dance itself. “We found out that when dances were held there in the past few people danced because no one could really hear the music,” he said.
The hotel’s management also required the dance end by 11 p.m. At Earl Warren, the dance will now end at midnight.
The biggest benefit to the dance’s change in venue, according to Sandrich, is that the room at the showgrounds will be significantly cheaper. “Now we have more than $25,000 to spend on things such as decorations so we can have a really loud dance,” said Sandrich.
However the largest hurdle to overcome in prom planning for ASB was the lack of funds that burden this year’s senior class. “We have raised a large sum of money, but we still have a way to go before we reach our goal,” said Sandrich.
Money for the senior class has come from the sales of senior shirts and money from the student store, as well as the raffling off of a parking space in the senior lot and fundraising letters students were asked to send off to friends and relatives. “We’re still working with our current fundraisers,” he said. “If necessary we will explore other ideas.”
ASB President Jackie Zupsic said students have nothing to fear about the state of their event. “No one should think that Earl Warren is going to be super lame,” she said. “Prom is going to be awesome.”
News Editor
Prom season is still months away, but there are recent developments on that front. Senior Class President Karl Sandrich said that the 2008 prom has been moved from its usual post at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree resort to the exhibit building at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
The change in location has prompted a change in date as well. While Santa Barbara High School has in recent years held its prom over the Memorial Day weekend, this year’s will take place on June 7, the Saturday prior to the graduation ceremony.
ASB and the DoubleTree had trouble reaching an agreement about noise and price concerns. “We felt that the DoubleTree was a bad fit. They were charging $32,000 and most of that for food that in years past was rarely eaten,” said Sandrich.
He points out that the DoubleTree’s policy on noise levels posed problems for the dance itself. “We found out that when dances were held there in the past few people danced because no one could really hear the music,” he said.
The hotel’s management also required the dance end by 11 p.m. At Earl Warren, the dance will now end at midnight.
The biggest benefit to the dance’s change in venue, according to Sandrich, is that the room at the showgrounds will be significantly cheaper. “Now we have more than $25,000 to spend on things such as decorations so we can have a really loud dance,” said Sandrich.
However the largest hurdle to overcome in prom planning for ASB was the lack of funds that burden this year’s senior class. “We have raised a large sum of money, but we still have a way to go before we reach our goal,” said Sandrich.
Money for the senior class has come from the sales of senior shirts and money from the student store, as well as the raffling off of a parking space in the senior lot and fundraising letters students were asked to send off to friends and relatives. “We’re still working with our current fundraisers,” he said. “If necessary we will explore other ideas.”
ASB President Jackie Zupsic said students have nothing to fear about the state of their event. “No one should think that Earl Warren is going to be super lame,” she said. “Prom is going to be awesome.”
CERT training teaches Dons how to stay safe in crises
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
In November, the Santa Barbara Fire Department approached the administration in forming a teen branch of the Community Emergency Response Team.
It is led by members of the fire department. This semester it is being taught by firemen Matt McBride and Rich Grigouli. “It’s a really good mix of students that represents great aspects of SBHS,” said the program’s coordinator Assistant Principal Dave Meister.
According to McBride the program’s main goal is to train teenagers to help be more prepared in the event of a disaster. He also hopes it will teach them to react safely and do as much good as they can.
The fire department is hoping to create a team of students on campus who can help secure it in the event of a fire or earthquake. Among the tasks they would help with include turning off gas and water mains and assisting in basic first aid. “If we’re overwhelmed because there’s a building collapsed or something, we need you to do the most amount of good in the least amount of time,” Grigouli said to his students recently.
It is a 20 week class that meets on Tuesdays for two hours starting at 2 p.m. Students are able to receive 20 hours of community service for their work. On February 12 the class got some hands-on training when members of the Fire Department came to SBHS to teach students how to properly use fire extinguishers. Under the supervision of the officers students put out fires in a metal container on the senior lawn. In the following week’s class students also learned how to properly check a victim’s airway and breathing. In this particular class they also learned how to turn off the school’s gas mains to prevent a major fire in the event of an earthquake.
The ultimate test of the various skills that they have learned will be used in a school wide disaster drill towards the end of the year. Students will be delegated specific tasks that they would undertake in the event of a real disaster on campus. Mock victims will be spread throughout the campus and it will be the job of CERT students to react to the injuries of each victim.
“The program gives a first hand look at the emergency services and the community and certainly can get students thinking about a future career as an EMT or fire services,” said McBride.
Although the program is looking for interested students to join its class in the fall, McBride said it would be impossible for someone to jump into the program now in time to graduate from the program. CERT is exclusively taught at SBHS, the only school that plans to have one for the near future.
The adult CERT program was developed and implemented by Los Angeles County in 1985. However, it was Whittier Narrows Earthquake of 1987 that alerted emergency services in California of the need to train civilians to respond to disasters.
Editor-in-Chief
In November, the Santa Barbara Fire Department approached the administration in forming a teen branch of the Community Emergency Response Team.
It is led by members of the fire department. This semester it is being taught by firemen Matt McBride and Rich Grigouli. “It’s a really good mix of students that represents great aspects of SBHS,” said the program’s coordinator Assistant Principal Dave Meister.
According to McBride the program’s main goal is to train teenagers to help be more prepared in the event of a disaster. He also hopes it will teach them to react safely and do as much good as they can.
The fire department is hoping to create a team of students on campus who can help secure it in the event of a fire or earthquake. Among the tasks they would help with include turning off gas and water mains and assisting in basic first aid. “If we’re overwhelmed because there’s a building collapsed or something, we need you to do the most amount of good in the least amount of time,” Grigouli said to his students recently.
It is a 20 week class that meets on Tuesdays for two hours starting at 2 p.m. Students are able to receive 20 hours of community service for their work. On February 12 the class got some hands-on training when members of the Fire Department came to SBHS to teach students how to properly use fire extinguishers. Under the supervision of the officers students put out fires in a metal container on the senior lawn. In the following week’s class students also learned how to properly check a victim’s airway and breathing. In this particular class they also learned how to turn off the school’s gas mains to prevent a major fire in the event of an earthquake.
The ultimate test of the various skills that they have learned will be used in a school wide disaster drill towards the end of the year. Students will be delegated specific tasks that they would undertake in the event of a real disaster on campus. Mock victims will be spread throughout the campus and it will be the job of CERT students to react to the injuries of each victim.
“The program gives a first hand look at the emergency services and the community and certainly can get students thinking about a future career as an EMT or fire services,” said McBride.
Although the program is looking for interested students to join its class in the fall, McBride said it would be impossible for someone to jump into the program now in time to graduate from the program. CERT is exclusively taught at SBHS, the only school that plans to have one for the near future.
The adult CERT program was developed and implemented by Los Angeles County in 1985. However, it was Whittier Narrows Earthquake of 1987 that alerted emergency services in California of the need to train civilians to respond to disasters.
Brief: Tardy bell under review, new truancy policy
Principal Mark Capritto, amid many student requests, promised at assemblies held with each class in December to reinstate the two-minute tardy bell during passing periods. Since the start of the second semester the bells have been back.
The school’s administration, however, is reconsidering its reinstatement. Capritto said that a query will be conducted after the end of the third quarter on March 21 into whether or not the bell has been an effective incentive in getting students to improve their attendance.
One of the factors that will be taken into account is the implementation of a new policy of dropping students from classes based on attendance. “What I can say is that once a student has been dropped from the class and everybody understands it can happen, the number [of students being tardy or truant] should go down,” said Capritto.
Students were told at the December assemblies that if tardies went back up that the bell would be taken away again.
Dr. Capritto is sticking to his argument that he was making at the beginning of the year, that students need to be responsible for their time in school.
“The idea is to get students to get to class on time. This, while it may appear new to students at SBHS, is not a new concept; holding students accountable for their time evidently is,” said Capritto.
Capritto said there are a group of students that are within days of being dropped from a class.
-Danny Langhorne
The school’s administration, however, is reconsidering its reinstatement. Capritto said that a query will be conducted after the end of the third quarter on March 21 into whether or not the bell has been an effective incentive in getting students to improve their attendance.
One of the factors that will be taken into account is the implementation of a new policy of dropping students from classes based on attendance. “What I can say is that once a student has been dropped from the class and everybody understands it can happen, the number [of students being tardy or truant] should go down,” said Capritto.
Students were told at the December assemblies that if tardies went back up that the bell would be taken away again.
Dr. Capritto is sticking to his argument that he was making at the beginning of the year, that students need to be responsible for their time in school.
“The idea is to get students to get to class on time. This, while it may appear new to students at SBHS, is not a new concept; holding students accountable for their time evidently is,” said Capritto.
Capritto said there are a group of students that are within days of being dropped from a class.
-Danny Langhorne
Editorial: Senior prom's move causes unrest
A common discussion among seniors this week is where our prom will be hosted. I, and many other seniors, strongly disagree with where our ASB representatives have decided to host prom this spring. They have changed the location to the Earl Warren Show Grounds.
In the past, it has been common, and almost a tradition, to have our senior prom at the Fess Parker DoubleTree. This hotel has a very scenic landscape. The landscape is surrounded with tall beautiful palm tress, the sound of the ocean waves crashing, great outside lighting in the courtyard area, and a gorgeous sunset in the evening. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree is also walking distance to the pier and is near Chase Palm Park which is a great location for taking pictures. Roberts Photography will also be set up on the beach to take our prom pictures. This is a huge convenience to us and eliminates back tracking or going back and forth from locations.
The show grounds is not a convenient location. There is also not a lot of elegant restaurants near the show grounds. How do our ASB representatives expect us to turn a place where horses trot around all day into an elegant enough place for our senior prom?
No matter how many decorations are thrown up, it will still be the Earl Warren Show Grounds which is where we do not want our senior prom!
-Tahjanae Valteau, Senior
In the past, it has been common, and almost a tradition, to have our senior prom at the Fess Parker DoubleTree. This hotel has a very scenic landscape. The landscape is surrounded with tall beautiful palm tress, the sound of the ocean waves crashing, great outside lighting in the courtyard area, and a gorgeous sunset in the evening. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree is also walking distance to the pier and is near Chase Palm Park which is a great location for taking pictures. Roberts Photography will also be set up on the beach to take our prom pictures. This is a huge convenience to us and eliminates back tracking or going back and forth from locations.
The show grounds is not a convenient location. There is also not a lot of elegant restaurants near the show grounds. How do our ASB representatives expect us to turn a place where horses trot around all day into an elegant enough place for our senior prom?
No matter how many decorations are thrown up, it will still be the Earl Warren Show Grounds which is where we do not want our senior prom!
-Tahjanae Valteau, Senior
Staff Editorial: No place for hate on any school campus
The tragic shooting of 8th grader Lawrence King at E.O Green Junior High in Oxnard is a reminder of how, despite school districts and schools’ attempts across the country to address diversity and acceptance, prejudice still is very prevalent in our schools.
Fourteen-year-old Brandon David McInerney walked into King’s first period English class and shot him in front of two dozen other students. McInerney was later taken into custody by police; prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult. He is looking at a minimum of twenty-five years in prison with another 25-year firearms enhancement and a one to three year addition for a hate crime.
However this crime was not racially, religiously, or gang motivated. It is suspected that King was shot because he was openly gay and wore feminine clothing. This is the result of the prejudice and hatred that our society casually permits to exist towards the gay community. While the Santa Barbara School District clearly states that it will not tolerate put downs or slurs towards gays, lesbians, trans-gender, or bisexual students, derogatory remarks and chuckling is still heard in the hallways and classrooms at SBHS.
A banner was recently hung in the main hall with a quote from Dorothy Parker Love, “Heterosexuality is not normal it’s just common.” It was part of a campaign by Dons for Change as part of Diversity Month to help inspire students to be tolerant. A few days after the banner was put up it was torn down by a group of students.
Members of the religious right have perverted the Bible to justify banning of same sex marriages, gay adoption, and bigoted violence and hate. While this might not be what motivated these students to do this it certainly shows that some of our religious and political leaders who claim to be role models are putting kids on a potentially lethal path.
For our parents’ generation it was the struggle for civil rights. People in Citizen Councils and other white supremacist groups across the country (including in Santa Barbara) were as open about hating people based on the color of their skin as people openly are to gays today.
As a part of diversity month The Forge would like to remind students to take heed of the school shooting in Oxnard, that our words can have very real repercussions.
The kind of blind hate that drove the junior high school student to walk into a class and shoot a schoolmate is an indicator that hatred and prejudice is still keeping many people from the American Dream of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Fourteen-year-old Brandon David McInerney walked into King’s first period English class and shot him in front of two dozen other students. McInerney was later taken into custody by police; prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult. He is looking at a minimum of twenty-five years in prison with another 25-year firearms enhancement and a one to three year addition for a hate crime.
However this crime was not racially, religiously, or gang motivated. It is suspected that King was shot because he was openly gay and wore feminine clothing. This is the result of the prejudice and hatred that our society casually permits to exist towards the gay community. While the Santa Barbara School District clearly states that it will not tolerate put downs or slurs towards gays, lesbians, trans-gender, or bisexual students, derogatory remarks and chuckling is still heard in the hallways and classrooms at SBHS.
A banner was recently hung in the main hall with a quote from Dorothy Parker Love, “Heterosexuality is not normal it’s just common.” It was part of a campaign by Dons for Change as part of Diversity Month to help inspire students to be tolerant. A few days after the banner was put up it was torn down by a group of students.
Members of the religious right have perverted the Bible to justify banning of same sex marriages, gay adoption, and bigoted violence and hate. While this might not be what motivated these students to do this it certainly shows that some of our religious and political leaders who claim to be role models are putting kids on a potentially lethal path.
For our parents’ generation it was the struggle for civil rights. People in Citizen Councils and other white supremacist groups across the country (including in Santa Barbara) were as open about hating people based on the color of their skin as people openly are to gays today.
As a part of diversity month The Forge would like to remind students to take heed of the school shooting in Oxnard, that our words can have very real repercussions.
The kind of blind hate that drove the junior high school student to walk into a class and shoot a schoolmate is an indicator that hatred and prejudice is still keeping many people from the American Dream of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
29th of February brings with it an odd history
James Yee
Associate Editor
There is a strange occurrence that happens only once every four years. It happens in years evenly divisible by four, like 2000 and 2004. Most would jump up and yell, “presidential elections,” citing years President Bush was elected Yet this occurrence has nothing to do with presidential elections. This strange occurrence is Leap Year, in which we have 366 days in the calendar year instead of 365 days. This is because our usual year is not exactly 365 days, but rather 365 days and six hours each. To make up for this, we add an extra day every four years and call it Leap Year.
This additional year, which lands between February 28 and March 1, has sparked many crazy traditions. In 13th Century Scotland. Queen Margaret, Queen of Scotland at the time, made it legal for women to offer a proposal of marriage to men on February 29 every Leap Year. If a man rejected her, he had to soften the blow by giving her a kiss, one pound currency, and a pair of gloves. This tradition also grew in popularity in countries like France and Switzerland.
This day has also been the date of interesting events. Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to get supplies from Native Americans on February 29, 1504. In 1916, South Carolina raised their minimum working age in factories, mines, and mills from twelve to fourteen years old. When Leap Day 1940 rolled around, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind.
February 29 also was the birthday of plenty of interesting people. Ann Lee, American founder of the Shakers, was born on February 29, 1736. Chilean-American novelist Gonzalo Lira was born in 1968. American rapper Ja Rule was also born on a leap year in 1976. Chris Conley, an American musician/songwriter active in bringing Crohn’s Disease to light, took his first breath in 1980.
February 29 is sometimes seen as having a coat of superstition. Because February 29 happens only once every four years, some feel that it breaks the normal pattern which allows things that don’t ordinarily happen to take place. They link February 29 to particularly perilous events because of a notion of “betwixt and between.” This is probably in the same vein of superstitions about ghosts coming into our world at midnight, when believers fear being haunted by ghosts in that “dark hour.”
Associate Editor
There is a strange occurrence that happens only once every four years. It happens in years evenly divisible by four, like 2000 and 2004. Most would jump up and yell, “presidential elections,” citing years President Bush was elected Yet this occurrence has nothing to do with presidential elections. This strange occurrence is Leap Year, in which we have 366 days in the calendar year instead of 365 days. This is because our usual year is not exactly 365 days, but rather 365 days and six hours each. To make up for this, we add an extra day every four years and call it Leap Year.
This additional year, which lands between February 28 and March 1, has sparked many crazy traditions. In 13th Century Scotland. Queen Margaret, Queen of Scotland at the time, made it legal for women to offer a proposal of marriage to men on February 29 every Leap Year. If a man rejected her, he had to soften the blow by giving her a kiss, one pound currency, and a pair of gloves. This tradition also grew in popularity in countries like France and Switzerland.
This day has also been the date of interesting events. Christopher Columbus used his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to get supplies from Native Americans on February 29, 1504. In 1916, South Carolina raised their minimum working age in factories, mines, and mills from twelve to fourteen years old. When Leap Day 1940 rolled around, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind.
February 29 also was the birthday of plenty of interesting people. Ann Lee, American founder of the Shakers, was born on February 29, 1736. Chilean-American novelist Gonzalo Lira was born in 1968. American rapper Ja Rule was also born on a leap year in 1976. Chris Conley, an American musician/songwriter active in bringing Crohn’s Disease to light, took his first breath in 1980.
February 29 is sometimes seen as having a coat of superstition. Because February 29 happens only once every four years, some feel that it breaks the normal pattern which allows things that don’t ordinarily happen to take place. They link February 29 to particularly perilous events because of a notion of “betwixt and between.” This is probably in the same vein of superstitions about ghosts coming into our world at midnight, when believers fear being haunted by ghosts in that “dark hour.”
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Staff Editorial: Down, but definitely not out
Friday, February 1 will go down in infamy for the staff of The Forge. When most of the staff was informed of the incident during third period that day, you could hear a pin drop while you saw the wide open mouths of some reporters. The first thoughts running through their minds when they heard five of our computers and a camera and a scanner and a printer were stolen was, “Is my work OK?”
While that question may sound self-centered in a time of crisis, it’s not at all without reason. It may come as a shock to some people at Santa Barbara High School, but The Forge does not have the ability to turn out a 12-page issue at the drop of the hat. It takes weeks of planning and hours of painstaking labor in front of a computer screen.
The Forge may have been robbed of roughly $12,000 of property but there is no monetary value for the hours of work lost and some of the artifacts on those computers that can never be duplicated. That is absolutely heartbreaking for the students most of all. The roughly 25 staff members, and the 25 students in the beginning Photography class, are the real victims in this case.
Nevertheless, every dark cloud has a silver lining. The issue in front of you today was the result of the incredible devotion our staff has to this paper. We spent our nights and weekends putting together the pieces of what we had left, to produce our planned issue. In the nearly century of Forges, there has never been an issue postponed. Staff members have been caught on the wrong end of landslides and have their houses ruined by floods, but the paper always comes out.
Here’s the basic truth: it’s students who put The Forge together. Our teacher advisor is there mostly to proofread some pages and lock the door when we leave. Those in charge of ASB and the TV bulletin understand that there is so much more work that goes into the product than most people realize.
We thank the Santa Barbara Daily Sound and the Independent for publicizing our story last Saturday, and Noozhawk.com for the story and offering to collect donations to help us pay for new equipment. Dr. Capritto is also commended for his pledge of $6,500 towards new equipment as well. And to Ms. Light and the yearbook staff for offering the use of their equipment even after their own break-in the same week and the loss of some of their own computers.
It’s absolutely pointless for the staff to keep dwelling on this issue. We resist making ourselves the front page story because we aren’t the news, we simply cover the news, and then move on.
While that question may sound self-centered in a time of crisis, it’s not at all without reason. It may come as a shock to some people at Santa Barbara High School, but The Forge does not have the ability to turn out a 12-page issue at the drop of the hat. It takes weeks of planning and hours of painstaking labor in front of a computer screen.
The Forge may have been robbed of roughly $12,000 of property but there is no monetary value for the hours of work lost and some of the artifacts on those computers that can never be duplicated. That is absolutely heartbreaking for the students most of all. The roughly 25 staff members, and the 25 students in the beginning Photography class, are the real victims in this case.
Nevertheless, every dark cloud has a silver lining. The issue in front of you today was the result of the incredible devotion our staff has to this paper. We spent our nights and weekends putting together the pieces of what we had left, to produce our planned issue. In the nearly century of Forges, there has never been an issue postponed. Staff members have been caught on the wrong end of landslides and have their houses ruined by floods, but the paper always comes out.
Here’s the basic truth: it’s students who put The Forge together. Our teacher advisor is there mostly to proofread some pages and lock the door when we leave. Those in charge of ASB and the TV bulletin understand that there is so much more work that goes into the product than most people realize.
We thank the Santa Barbara Daily Sound and the Independent for publicizing our story last Saturday, and Noozhawk.com for the story and offering to collect donations to help us pay for new equipment. Dr. Capritto is also commended for his pledge of $6,500 towards new equipment as well. And to Ms. Light and the yearbook staff for offering the use of their equipment even after their own break-in the same week and the loss of some of their own computers.
It’s absolutely pointless for the staff to keep dwelling on this issue. We resist making ourselves the front page story because we aren’t the news, we simply cover the news, and then move on.
Gangs of Santa Barbara: There’s clearly a problem, but is there a solution?
Zac Estrada Rosales
Associate Editor
Timing is a funny thing isn’t it? It was no more than three weeks ago that I thought, “Yeah, there’s crime in Santa Barbara, but it’s not that bad compared to just about everywhere else.” I’m eating those words as we speak.
The events of February 1 change my view on the whole gang issue. Not that I suspect gangs were behind our break-in, but that there are some issues in Santa Barbara that aren’t being addressed that pertain to high school students. For almost a year now the majority of students have had it ingrained in their minds that there is definitely an increased gang presence in town. One dead teen behind Saks Fifth Avenue in broad daylight a year ago will do that. But stabbings that happen almost on a weekly basis and the sometimes shady characters lurking around on State Street are the start of a recipe for communal panic.
I’m stopping myself short of sounding like the News-Press’ gang gadfly Travis Armstrong, who lists off the problems on a weekly basis, who lambasts the wrong local leaders and never criticizes the ones who deserve it, ignoring the irony that after police officers won a hefty pay raise the crime rate goes up, and creates more pandemonium among the News-Press’ tens of readers.
Last spring, immediately following the first stabbing on State Street, I recall being completely confused by our school’s plan to tell all of its athletes in a quickly-assembled assembly to tell everyone to avoid the downtown area that weekend and let people know that we’re proud to be Dons, meaning that if we go walking around in clusters we should all wear clothing that said SBHS on it. Yeah, like I’m really going to do that.
There are two problems in this town, as much as they don’t want to hear it. The people giving the go-ahead to projects such as the teen center aren’t exactly in tune with the interests of the hooligans making life busy for the journalists and fun for Mr. Armstrong. So while the grown-ups are out of touch, the other problem at hand is the fact that the kids don’t want to follow. The teen center is a brilliant idea in theory, but the question remains: has it really caught on? I don’t think it’s really struck a chord with the kids who really don’t have a place to go and end up wandering the streets and getting into trouble.
During the city council elections last fall, I listened to all of the candidates and spoke with many of them. One in particular, Michelle Giddens, was most interested in pursuing the issue. And at her election party on the night results came in, she said even if she didn’t end up getting a seat on council, she’d work actively to crack down on the gang problem in Santa Barbara.
It’s not just those with political aspirations who want to help. At a community meeting I attended way back in June of last year, I saw countless parents, neighbors, and even children get up in front of government, business, and school leaders, and pour their hearts out over how they’ve seen people they knew as children stabbed on the street. Everyone wanted to know what they could do to prevent that from happening more than it already is now. No one had anything new.
There is one answer and it’s pretty simple: don’t join a gang. But that response is more convincing to some than it is to others.
Associate Editor
Timing is a funny thing isn’t it? It was no more than three weeks ago that I thought, “Yeah, there’s crime in Santa Barbara, but it’s not that bad compared to just about everywhere else.” I’m eating those words as we speak.
The events of February 1 change my view on the whole gang issue. Not that I suspect gangs were behind our break-in, but that there are some issues in Santa Barbara that aren’t being addressed that pertain to high school students. For almost a year now the majority of students have had it ingrained in their minds that there is definitely an increased gang presence in town. One dead teen behind Saks Fifth Avenue in broad daylight a year ago will do that. But stabbings that happen almost on a weekly basis and the sometimes shady characters lurking around on State Street are the start of a recipe for communal panic.
I’m stopping myself short of sounding like the News-Press’ gang gadfly Travis Armstrong, who lists off the problems on a weekly basis, who lambasts the wrong local leaders and never criticizes the ones who deserve it, ignoring the irony that after police officers won a hefty pay raise the crime rate goes up, and creates more pandemonium among the News-Press’ tens of readers.
Last spring, immediately following the first stabbing on State Street, I recall being completely confused by our school’s plan to tell all of its athletes in a quickly-assembled assembly to tell everyone to avoid the downtown area that weekend and let people know that we’re proud to be Dons, meaning that if we go walking around in clusters we should all wear clothing that said SBHS on it. Yeah, like I’m really going to do that.
There are two problems in this town, as much as they don’t want to hear it. The people giving the go-ahead to projects such as the teen center aren’t exactly in tune with the interests of the hooligans making life busy for the journalists and fun for Mr. Armstrong. So while the grown-ups are out of touch, the other problem at hand is the fact that the kids don’t want to follow. The teen center is a brilliant idea in theory, but the question remains: has it really caught on? I don’t think it’s really struck a chord with the kids who really don’t have a place to go and end up wandering the streets and getting into trouble.
During the city council elections last fall, I listened to all of the candidates and spoke with many of them. One in particular, Michelle Giddens, was most interested in pursuing the issue. And at her election party on the night results came in, she said even if she didn’t end up getting a seat on council, she’d work actively to crack down on the gang problem in Santa Barbara.
It’s not just those with political aspirations who want to help. At a community meeting I attended way back in June of last year, I saw countless parents, neighbors, and even children get up in front of government, business, and school leaders, and pour their hearts out over how they’ve seen people they knew as children stabbed on the street. Everyone wanted to know what they could do to prevent that from happening more than it already is now. No one had anything new.
There is one answer and it’s pretty simple: don’t join a gang. But that response is more convincing to some than it is to others.
Newly elected freshmen step into office
The newest officers to ASB were elected late last month. Pepe Gil and Clifford Anderson took the freshman president and secretary/treasurer seats, respectively. In a runoff race, Katy Villanueva won the office of freshman vice president.
“It feels good to know that the freshman class went out and voted,” said Gil. “I look forward to the rest of the year.”
Vice President Katy Villanueva said her campaign, “was hard work, but it felt like an accomplishment.” She has been in the ASB class since the beginning of the year and said she is looking forward to helping more with school events.
Clifford Anderson meanwhile, was taken aback by the election results. “It was a surprising win for me,” he said. Anderson is new in ASB this semester but is also looking to help and get more involved with SBHS.
More ASB elections will be held later in the year for positions such as ASB officers, and senior, junior, and sophomore class officers.
“It feels good to know that the freshman class went out and voted,” said Gil. “I look forward to the rest of the year.”
Vice President Katy Villanueva said her campaign, “was hard work, but it felt like an accomplishment.” She has been in the ASB class since the beginning of the year and said she is looking forward to helping more with school events.
Clifford Anderson meanwhile, was taken aback by the election results. “It was a surprising win for me,” he said. Anderson is new in ASB this semester but is also looking to help and get more involved with SBHS.
More ASB elections will be held later in the year for positions such as ASB officers, and senior, junior, and sophomore class officers.
C-Span bus makes Santa Barbara stop
Danny Langhorne
Editor-in-Chief
As students strolled out of their second periods last Thursday a behemoth waited for them at the flag round about in front of the school.
After stopping at city hall in San Luis Obispo and UCSB the C-Span Election 2008 Bus rolled onto the grounds of SBHS at 10 a.m. on January 31.
AP Government teacher Mr. Gamble pushed for the bus to specifically come to SBHS. “Anything that can get students more engaged in the political process is a great thing. These type of events help show young people that politics is important and approachable,” said Gamble.
Students were invited in groups of 10 to 12 for 10-minute periods to learn more about C-Span.
The goal of the crew of the bus including Matthew S. McGuire, National Accounts Executive for C-Span, was to educate students about what the channel is all about just days before California held its primary with twenty-two other states.
“The great thing about our Network is that we show everything from start to finish. Commercials take a lot of time out of showing the event so that’s why we don’t show any,” said McGuire.
Students were given a sit down tour of the 45 foot-long mobile TV-studio. After a brief summary of the history of C-Span the crew went on to discuss how they can produce a show on board with the video and sound equipment of a professional TV studio. The mobility of the bus allows them to broadcast to their headquarters in Washington D.C. spontaneously with presidential candidates or other politicians either outside the bus or inside the bus’ interview area.
The C-Span representatives were able to show this with a video of an interview with former president Bill Clinton that was taken in 1995 in the White House’s driveway.
The C-Span Bus has been traveling across the country, stopping at town halls and schools to address people’s misconceptions. “We’re not going to tell you who to vote for,” said McGuire.
The bus was invited to Santa Barbara by Cox Cable.
Editor-in-Chief
As students strolled out of their second periods last Thursday a behemoth waited for them at the flag round about in front of the school.
After stopping at city hall in San Luis Obispo and UCSB the C-Span Election 2008 Bus rolled onto the grounds of SBHS at 10 a.m. on January 31.
AP Government teacher Mr. Gamble pushed for the bus to specifically come to SBHS. “Anything that can get students more engaged in the political process is a great thing. These type of events help show young people that politics is important and approachable,” said Gamble.
Students were invited in groups of 10 to 12 for 10-minute periods to learn more about C-Span.
The goal of the crew of the bus including Matthew S. McGuire, National Accounts Executive for C-Span, was to educate students about what the channel is all about just days before California held its primary with twenty-two other states.
“The great thing about our Network is that we show everything from start to finish. Commercials take a lot of time out of showing the event so that’s why we don’t show any,” said McGuire.
Students were given a sit down tour of the 45 foot-long mobile TV-studio. After a brief summary of the history of C-Span the crew went on to discuss how they can produce a show on board with the video and sound equipment of a professional TV studio. The mobility of the bus allows them to broadcast to their headquarters in Washington D.C. spontaneously with presidential candidates or other politicians either outside the bus or inside the bus’ interview area.
The C-Span representatives were able to show this with a video of an interview with former president Bill Clinton that was taken in 1995 in the White House’s driveway.
The C-Span Bus has been traveling across the country, stopping at town halls and schools to address people’s misconceptions. “We’re not going to tell you who to vote for,” said McGuire.
The bus was invited to Santa Barbara by Cox Cable.
Law and Order: Mock Trial team prepares for face off against area schools
Zac Estrada Rosales
News Editor
Often lurking in the school’s field house long after the athletic teams have ended practice, Santa Barbara High’s Mock Trial team is working to perfect their arguments in preparation for scrimmages against other schools. These, in turn, are practice for the upcoming county competitions starting February 23.
Team advisor Mike Moyer said he’s impressed with this year’s team, which is largely headed by the six attorneys. “Everyone on the team has wowed us with their dedication and work ethic,” he said. “We’ve had scrimmages the last three Saturdays against non-county teams and it’s been fun to watch the team grow. We’ve been practicing since September and everyone is very excited to compete this year.” This year is Moyer’s first year advising the team. “I was a pre-law student at UCSB so I’ve always been intrigued by the law.”
Seniors Karl Sandrich and Brett Silverman and sophomore Ken Myers lead the prosecution side, while seniors Aubrey Toole, Jackie Rotman, and Cole Patterson side with the defense.
“I got into Mock Trial because it increases public speaking capabilities,” said Myers. “It allows me to think on my feet, and it is a great challenge.” Myers, much like the other attorneys, spends between five and six hours per week preparing for his role. Attorneys and witnesses are required to memorize their scripts, but must also know the case well enough to improvise during cross examination from the opposing team.
In a Mock Trial team, there is one fictional case given to all of the teams in the state. This year’s case, People v. Palmer, has the defense protecting their client, Alex Palmer, from being convicted of the murder of Hollywood producer and friend Jes Markson.
To help with the creation of questions and answers for the eight witnesses, Clark Stirling, Robert Curtis, Michael Berger, and Ken Rotman guide the attorneys and their witnesses.
While the team has been scrimmaging against schools such as Buena and Simi Valley High Schools in recent weeks, the next hurdle comes in two weeks at the first county competition at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Eleven teams from the county will be vying for a spot to represent the area in the State Finals in Riverside later this year. The team encourages the school to come out and support this team.
Moyer’s biggest draw to the team is the students themselves. “What hooked me more than anything was spending time with the students on the team,” he said. “They are truly an amazing group.”
News Editor
Often lurking in the school’s field house long after the athletic teams have ended practice, Santa Barbara High’s Mock Trial team is working to perfect their arguments in preparation for scrimmages against other schools. These, in turn, are practice for the upcoming county competitions starting February 23.
Team advisor Mike Moyer said he’s impressed with this year’s team, which is largely headed by the six attorneys. “Everyone on the team has wowed us with their dedication and work ethic,” he said. “We’ve had scrimmages the last three Saturdays against non-county teams and it’s been fun to watch the team grow. We’ve been practicing since September and everyone is very excited to compete this year.” This year is Moyer’s first year advising the team. “I was a pre-law student at UCSB so I’ve always been intrigued by the law.”
Seniors Karl Sandrich and Brett Silverman and sophomore Ken Myers lead the prosecution side, while seniors Aubrey Toole, Jackie Rotman, and Cole Patterson side with the defense.
“I got into Mock Trial because it increases public speaking capabilities,” said Myers. “It allows me to think on my feet, and it is a great challenge.” Myers, much like the other attorneys, spends between five and six hours per week preparing for his role. Attorneys and witnesses are required to memorize their scripts, but must also know the case well enough to improvise during cross examination from the opposing team.
In a Mock Trial team, there is one fictional case given to all of the teams in the state. This year’s case, People v. Palmer, has the defense protecting their client, Alex Palmer, from being convicted of the murder of Hollywood producer and friend Jes Markson.
To help with the creation of questions and answers for the eight witnesses, Clark Stirling, Robert Curtis, Michael Berger, and Ken Rotman guide the attorneys and their witnesses.
While the team has been scrimmaging against schools such as Buena and Simi Valley High Schools in recent weeks, the next hurdle comes in two weeks at the first county competition at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Eleven teams from the county will be vying for a spot to represent the area in the State Finals in Riverside later this year. The team encourages the school to come out and support this team.
Moyer’s biggest draw to the team is the students themselves. “What hooked me more than anything was spending time with the students on the team,” he said. “They are truly an amazing group.”
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Breaking News: Forge newsroom vandalized
On the morning of February 1, room 72 at Santa Barbara High School, where The Forge produces its editions, was robbed of five computers, one scanner, one printer, and a personal Nikon D40 camera. CSI investigators were on campus Friday morning also to look into another robbery on campus. Earlier in the week three computers were stolen out of the yearbook's office, located in room 71, adjacent to The Forge.
The Forge's planned issue will be published as scheduled on February 8 along with the King of Hearts center spread. Look for more details on this website.
The Forge's planned issue will be published as scheduled on February 8 along with the King of Hearts center spread. Look for more details on this website.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sports Spotlight: Brandi Blackwell
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!
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!
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.”
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