An Independent Student VoIce SInce 1985

october 6, 2011Volume 27, no.1

Photos by Maria Navarro/Photographer

FEATURES PAGES 6-7

OPINION PAGES 4-5

ENTERTAINMENT PAGES 8-9

SPORTS PAGES 10-11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Check out Cha-Cha Chicken Caribbean Café

Obama enacts a beneficial health

care plan

Meet senior philanthropist Emily Isaac

Student athletes adjust to new

schedule changes

On August 27, 28 and 29, the Anti-Defamation League, an agency that works to fight against human inequalities and anti-Semitism, came to CHS to teach students about tolerance. ADL holds peer training programs throughout the United States to encourage students to take action against various social injustices in their community. CHS students involved in this program are working together to help mediate issues of social prejudice on campus, using the skills they learned during training. “[This program] is a great idea because there are a lot of social problems that students do not know how to deal with,” said peer support president senior Ashley Himmelstern. “A lot of

Anti-Defamation League comes to CHSAlexa CarlucciStaff WriterSiena GoldmanStaff Writer

people are afraid to ask for help, so it is important that a group of peers is there.” After the vandalism incident that occurred at CHS last April, concerned Calabasas residents contacted ADL, who then contacted Principal C.J Foss to see if the school would be interested in conducting a program. Foss then brought the idea to the Peer Support advisor Kathy Heukrodt to see if the students in Peer Support would be interested in such a program. “I was really excited when I was contacted by Principal C.J. Foss,” said Heukrodt. “This is exactly what Peer Support is meant to do, and this should make a difference in the social climate of the school.” Students from Peer Support, the Associated Student Body and other volunteers were involved in the three-day training seminar. There, they discussed

different forms of prejudice and planned different workshops such as creating public service announcements in KYOTV, working with several ninth-grade Coyote Connect groups and conducting several activities to help educate students about tolerance. “[The program] is not about telling people what they should or should not say,” said ADL staff member Darcy Fehringer. “It is about talking to each other and learning from one another so they can all take action for this cause.” The students volunteering for ADL hope to create a less intimidating environment for their peers to voice their concerns. They also hope more students will seek the support and counseling they might need. The members of the program plan to have the student body participate in these activities throughout the year. •

HELPING HANDS: Students used pipe cleaners to represent characteristics about themselves. Megan Meza/Photo Editor

WHO ROCKSTHE HOUSE?

SCHOOL SPIRIT: CHS students decked out in their school colors for the first pep rally, held on September 9. The rally concluded the “Happiest Place on Earth” spirit week.

Members of the city of Calabasas come together to improve the local environment.

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 2

Written by Jessica Fuld/Staff Writer

Statistics have shown that people in the Los Angeles area, includ-ing residents of Calabasas, use over six billion plastic bags annually. Because of this overuse, retail stores in Calabasas no longer supply shoppers with plastic bags. Before this law took effect, local stores used around 400 to 500 plastic bags a day. Although stores sell paper bags for 10 cents each, Calabasas residents are encouraged to purchase their own reusable cloth bags in an attempt to use less paper.

The trolleys running throughout Calabasas are used in an effort to reduce the amount of fuel admittance in the area. Members of the com-munity can buy a Transit Pass for $50 to use the trolleys. The trolleys use compressed Natural Gas, an alternative to gasoline that compresses natural gasses to one percent or less of its volume. This type of gas burns faster and expels cleaner air than regular gasoline does.

Photos courtesy of www.cityofcalabasas.com and Maria Navarro and Allie Broome/Photographer

Ban of Plastic Bags

This summer the CHS Performing Arts Center received an Award of Excellence for its architectural design at the 41st annual Los Angeles Business Council Architectural Awards. The CHS Performing Arts Center, although still early in the construction process, stood out for sev-eral reasons. In addition to a traditional theater, the center will also include a Black Box theater, an ex-perimental space without a main stage. Once the building is complete, this theater will become the new location for performing arts classes at CHS. A fully functioning costume room, dressing room and scene shop for students to construct sets are being built to complete the design. Thecenterwasalsorecognizedforitsthermalefficiency,whichwillsavemoneyinthefutureforheating and air conditioning. The building will have solar panels and tinted windows equipped with shades to reduce the glare from outside. Overall excitement grows with each day for the completion of the Performing Arts Center, which is expectedtobefinishedaroundOctoberof2012.•

In Loving Memory of

Amelia Schiff

PeytOn grenley

news editOr

Peyton’s Place“All Democrats are insane, but

not one of them know it; none but the Republicans know it. All the Republicans are insane, but only the Democrats can perceive it.”

- Mark Twain

A political party is a group of people who share the same ideas about the way the country should be governed. But what truly makes someone a Democrat or a Republican? As I was sitting at home reading for US History about the first parties ever created, I asked myself to which party do I belong? When I was younger, I just assumed that I was what my parents are. But now that I am older, I have realized that there are so many fac-tors that contribute to my decision. If I believe we should cut down on government spending, am I a Republican? Or because I am pro-choice, does that make me a Democrat? What makes me more fit to one group over the other? Last Sunday, I sat down at my desk and hoped that Google would have an answer, “Tests to determine if you are a Democrat or a Re-publican.” According to the first test I took, I am an Authoritarian, Moderate and a Pacifist, all at once! Another website determined that I am most likely a Democrat. A third website told me I am 60 percent democratic and 40 percent republican. The last website told me I am a Republican. All of this brought me to one conclusion: clearly I have no idea what party I belong to. However, I do know that I stand for what I believe in, and I should not have to compromise my beliefs to vote for the extremely left or right wing candidate. I had previously assumed that after the research I had done, I would know whether or not I was a Republican or a Democrat, yet I have come to a different conclusion. I am not strongly opinionated to either side and I am, like many other people, stuck in the middle, with strong beliefs that weigh to both political parties. But what does this mean? Luckily, I have two more years before I have to decide which party I will join, and even then I will continue to keep an open mind about the candidates of all parties. I am just starting to understand all of the complicated aspects of politics and hopefully when that day comes, I will know what side I truly belong to. Or, if I am lucky a candidate will rise up who is, like me, focused more to-wards the middle. •

Junior Amelia Schiff, 17, passed away on August 24, 2011. A memorial service was held on August 31, 2011 at St. Berna-dine’s Catholic Church. A tree was recently planted in front

of the H-Building in her honor. Students are welcome to leave flowers and notes beneath the tree. She will always be remem-

bered in the hearts of the CHS student body.

“In the future, we plan to have a gala event, which will include theater, music and dance performances from current students

and alumni,” said theater teacher Bill Garrett. “The [new] the-ater will be housing different outside community events, which

will expose our students to the arts.”

Ordinances and Special Events

CHS Performing Arts Center receives an Award of Excellence in architectural design

Calabasas residents are aware that toxins from electronic waste can be hazardous to the environment. In order to help, the city of Cala-basas sponsors an e-waste drive the first and third Saturday of each month in the Albertsons’ and Vons’ parking lots. According to Cali-fornia Recycle, approximately 5,000 pounds of used electronics are collected during every drive in Calabasas. The items donated include computers, cell phones, radios, batteries, televisions and more.

Electronic Waste Drives

Transportation

The city of Calabasas hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help restore and enhance the environment. Members of the com-munity have begun organizing events to reintroduce plants back into their native environment. Calabasas also enacted a Comprehensive Secondhand Smoke Ordinance, which restricts smoking in all public areas, in an effort to reduce second-hand smoke in the air. Programs about water quality enhancement and wildlife protection educate citi-zens about different ways to conserve and recycle.

Written by Sabrina Sigal/Staff Writer

Main Theater Design Black Box Theater DesignPhotos courtesy of www.lvusd.org and Megan Meza/Photo Editor

Read exclusive online content, meet the new staff,

view picture slideshows and more!

Calabasas Community goes green

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 3

Due to recent budget cuts in the Las Virgenes Unified School District, Together Helping Education, a group of citizens dedicated to raising money for the district, is expanding its fundraising efforts. The program began in December 2010, and has since put forth a great effort to help all LVUSD high schools. T.H.E directly mailed appeals to students’ parents asking for donations during January 2011. The group now plans to extend the request to the community as a whole. “It is clear that our state is unable to provide adequate funding for our schools,” said T.H.E. president Ziona Friedlander. “Increasing numbers of communities are wak-ing up to the reality that they must have local control of the funding of their schools to preserve the excellence that drew many to the community in the first place.” The organization has a system in place where it will work directly with the district and discover the minimum amount of money needed to be raised for each school year. Before every school year, the LVUSD and T.H.E representatives are going to meet and come to an agreement on the funding priorities for that year. “By meeting with LVUSD, we can structure our fundraising campaigns accord-ingly, donors will know how their donations will be applied, and we can have account-ability among all parties,” said Friedlander. As an immediate goal, the organization hopes to reduce the number of pink slips issued annually on March 15. Overall, LVUSD and T.H.E hope to continually raise enough money to keep the district’s current teachers and counselors. T.H.E is one of a number of programs that will help with this goal. “It will take a combination of factors including the passage of Measure K, strong parent support for individual schools, and a strong community-wide participation such as the T.H.E Foundation to be part of the solution to address the state’s failure to fund a quality education,” said LVUSD Superintendant Donald Zimring. For the 2012-13 school year specifically, T.H.E plans to raise enough money to be able to reduce class sizes, restore counseling, protect technology support and instruc-tion and return five lost instructional days. The organization was started after Governor Schwarzenegger threatened to sus-pend proposition 98, which guarantees minimum funding for public schools. The com-mittee members consist of both parents of students and concerned local community members who felt that they had to be proactive in saving the LVUSD schools. •

Measure K Parcel Tax

Paige yamrOn

editOr-in-chief

Yammering away...“A change in the weather is

sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.”

-Marcel Proust

For most people, winter is their favorite season, besides summer of course. Winter is the one time of the year where you can leave the house wearing your favorite beaten-up Uggs and oversized college sweatshirt. It is also the season where hot coco and gingerbread lattes are acceptable bedtime beverages. But most importantly, winter is the season when snow falls. Unfortunately for me, I have never seen snow. What other 17-year-old has never made a snowman or even attempted to ski without face-planting? Every year my mom pretended that she had a “serious” med-ical condition where her body turned white if she stayed in the cold weather too long. Luckily for her, my brothers and I bought this excuse every time, and somehow our family managed to travel somewhere tropical for winter vacation. Although the experience of seeing snow isn’t really a big deal for most teenagers; it serves as a huge setback for me. As the deadline for college applications grows nearer everyday, my list of schools contin-ues to change. Out of the dozen schools I am applying to, eight happen to be located on the East Coast, where it snows often. How am I supposed to decide if I want to spend the next four years of my life living in an area where at any moment I could be suf-focated by an oncoming blizzard? Well, realistically, I wonder if I will be able to withstand the constant snowstorms and temperature drop-pings below zero. Currently, in my race against the clock, I have found myself elimi-nating schools based on the weather conditions. Yet I can’t help but wonder if it is just the weather factor that is holding me back. As much as I wish I could blame my reluctance to move 3,000 miles across the country on the snow, I can’t. Of course there are so many things for me to hold on to here, but I’m ready for a change. And if it doesn’t work out, I know I will always have California’s perfect weather to come back to. I have come to understand that now is the time to broaden my horizons and spread my wings; and in my case, make my perfect snow angel. •

Naviance aids seniors with college applicationsRon BalchandaniStaff WriterYajur MakerStaff Writer

In 2008, the CHS administration introduced an online program called Naviance. The website’s goal is to make the college application process as simple as possible and to help students keep track of their

schools,” said Lutsky. Naviance provides students with special features that are designed to ease the college search process. With tabs such as My Colleges, About Me, and Scholarships and Money, students can fill out information about themselves including their grade point average, test scores, interests and financial need. Through the use of these tools, Naviance allows students to find colleges that are best suited for them.

Lauren Freedman, one of the counselors at CHS, is in charge of the Naviance system. She hopes to ensure that the transition to Naviance for the senior application process goes smoothly and continues to be helpful to students year after year. “The website has special links that transfer the student to the websites of the colleges they are applying to,” said Freedman.

“From there, they can begin the application process.” However, if the college happens to use the Common Application, Naviance connects to the student’s common application so counselors and teachers can do recommendations directly through the site. It keeps track of any parts of applications that have been sent, received, or are in progress. This feature helps students follow the status of the different aspects of their applications as well as ensure that

everything arrives on time. The Class of 2012 was introduced to Naviance through orientations that taught them how to use the program. Students were instructed to fill out the counselor questionnaire, which helps the counselors give more personal recommendations. Teachers are also being trained to do recommendations through Naviance.

If students have any questions regarding Naviance, they are encouraged to meet with their counselors, or Lutsky, as soon as possible. “The system is very helpful for seniors who are confused about college applications,” said senior Kyle Owen. “By allowing us to do it all online, applying for college become that much easier.” However, some people view the system

as too complicated. After learning how to send letters of recommendation through the program, some teachers still prefer to use traditional mail. “Administrators can see the recommendations through Naviance,” said head of the English Department Diane McEvoy. “I feel that my recommendations should be confidential.” In the future, CHS plans to further develop the use of the Naviance system. •

applications. This year, seniors are required to use the program. Robin Lutsky, head of the College and Career Center at CHS, is working with the administration and students to ensure that Naviance is used to its full potential. “Once students begin to use this search engine, they will truly see just how many benefits there are to this program, ranging from ways to find the right college to being able to easily apply to those

Kunal AggarwallStaff Writer

Are you in favor or against using Naviance for the

college application process?

100 CHS seniors were polled and 60% were in favor and 40% were against using Naviance

Jessica SmithStaff Writer

In November, Calabasas residents will be asked to vote on a new parcel tax that will greatly affect the Las Virgenes Unified School District. The main purpose of this tax, Measure K, is to minimize the negative impact of the state budget crisis on education. Every business owner and homeowner within the LVUSD will be taxed $95 for his or her piece of land. Money will go specifically toward public education. The parcel tax is able to produce an estimated $2 million annually and $17 million across its eight-year life span. The money will go towards minimizing teacher layoffs, restoring funding for classroom materials and preventing future cuts to the music and art programs. Additionally, the tax aims to protect programs in math, science, writing and reading. “The programs that will be affected by the parcel tax depend on where the state cuts the budget, but they will definitely go towards the core academic courses and the reduction of class sizes,” said the president of the LVUSD Board of Education Jill Gaines. The parcel tax, which would be the second instituted, needs a 2/3 vote to become a law. The first parcel tax, known as Measure E, was approved by voters in 2004 and has brought in approximately two million annually to aid the district. Measure E, which is still in place, and Measure K are very similar, except that Measure K is a few dollars less. The two taxes would both be in effect at once, so resi-dents would have to pay both taxes at the same time. The first parcel tax was supposed to end in 2007; however, it was renewed until 2015. Both taxes exempt senior citizens and disabled residents are. Other residents with-in LVUSD are opposed to an additional tax on their land. “The opposition is just against any new taxes, regardless of what is tied to them,” said Gaines. “The parcel tax stays local, and is only in our district. Most families move to this area for the schools and these families want to keep low class sizes and high academic achievement.” In the case that the tax is not approved, The School Board will take appropriate measures to help balance the budget. “If the tax is not passed, the district must prepare to generate another round of lay-offs in the spring to minimize the gap,” said LVUSD business official Karen Kimmel. •

The T.H.E Foundation

Due to the California budget cuts, members of the local community are working together to raise necessary funds to keep the Las Virgenes Unified School District “boyant” in a time of crisis.

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 4

Obamacare was signed into law on March 23, 2010, and since then has positively affected families struggling to support terminally ill children, individu-als who have been dropped from insurance coverage after becom-ing sick, and small businesses facing economic difficulties. Obama’s solution expands the availability of health care and presents essential moral and eco-nomic benefits for all citizens. This care plan will primar-ily increase the availability of health insurance to millions of Americans, granting them equal opportunity for affordable medi-cal care. According to Congres-sional Budget Office estimates, Obamacare is currently in the process of expanding insurance access to 32 million Americans by 2019. This will leave only 23 million residents without repu-table health insurance, compared to the 50.2 million who are currently uninsured. Those who currently lack health care are mainly illegal immigrants and individuals who opt not to pay taxes toward Obamacare. The Obamacare plan must also be maintained for

Obamacare policies benefit millions of AmericansEmily GlavinOpinion EditorCasey TamkinCopy Editor

Jessy mOrner-ritt

OPiniOn editOr

The rest is still un “Ritt”en...

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,

anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

-Carl Bard

My dog and I were never best friends. I considered us close acquintances; we both valued personal space, and we both handled our issues without physically jumping on strangers. I thought that this respect was my dog’s expression of love, yet when I saw my dog jump all over my dad and act as his secondary shadow, I realized that my dog just didn’t like me. As an eight year old, I was now painfully aware of how it felt to be snubbed. So when my dog passed away this summer I wondered why I found myself watching “Marley and Me” so many times I now have the useless talent of being able to quote Owen Wilson. Wiggins first belonged to our neighbors, and became infamous for getting in fights with dogs or any creature that gave him the wrong im-pression. He would roam our street in his best imitation of a rebellious teen until my dad would show up, where Wiggins would then leap into my dad’s car and the two of them would spend the day together (this was in no way a reflection of how my rebellious phase with my dad went). The two of them kept up their secret affair until the day Wiggins attacked a goat. Although the goat ranked number one in annoying pet sounds, our neighbors took said goat’s side. Before they could “take Wiggins to another home,” child-code for putting him down, Wiggins was adopted into our family. With my dad’s patience, Wiggins proceeded to be the perfect child my parents had hoped for. Through Wiggins, my dad showed me the capability for individu-als to be better, if only they are given the chance. My dad’s lectures regarding the speed limit not being a suggestion didn’t stick, but his lessons in the value of second chances had more of an affect. The ideal that people are inherently good remains my most passionate be-lief, and as I get older I find myself desperately searching for validity to this belief. With the passing of Wiggins, I saw the prime example of my naive belief die away. At Starbucks, upon seeing my disheveled, tear-stained face, the cashier gave me a drink for free. Even sweeter than my Mocha Frappucino was the fact that my inner kid’s optimism gets to keep on living, and through people that also do not slobber on strangers. •

moral reasons including its child policy, which prohibits insurance companies from excluding chil-dren under 19 with pre-exisiting conditions from their plans. These conditions can include various diseases such as Asthma and Type Two Diabetes. As a result of Obamacare, children born with terminal or serious illnesses are able to acquire an affordable health insurance plan. Consequently, a large quantity of American families with children included in what is known as the “high risk pool” will immediate-ly have access to the necessary insurance. The policy also forbids insurance companies from drop-ping individuals from coverage if they become sick, unless the individual has misrepresented his or her condition. Under any circumstance, insurance firms should not be permitted to refuse service to citizens who require medical assistance, especially to those who have already paid for insurance and expect to be provided with care. Obamacare is also beneficial on a smaller scale for small family-owned businesses. By providing tax credits to small businesses that offer employee care, Obamacare supports those that have been struggling in the present economic climate. Since

Obamacare was passed, many small businesses have been able to offer their employees health insurance for the first time, leading to increased security and benefits. According to The Huffington Post, before Senator Ted Kenne-dy passed away he wrote a letter to President Obama expressing his gratitude for a president who will “at long last sign into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society.” Obamacare stands for many politicians’ lifetime efforts to base health care upon equality rather than income. Obamacare presents sig-nificant long-term economic benefits. By stimulating national spending, it has the potential to reduce the budget deficit by billions of dollars within the next several decades. While the government will have to increase spending in the initial years, high premiums on taxes will eventu-ally generate funds. Despite its initial economic costs, Obamacare will ulti-mately prove beneficial to U.S. citizens. The law will force insurance companies to imple-ment fairer policies and prevent them from withholding care on unjust grounds. Obamacare will continue to prove its importance in American history. •

100 CHS students voted and 56% believe health care is an individual responsibility

while 44% believe in equal opportunity to health care

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Kunal AggarwalStaff Writer

After graduating high school, a majority of students will go off to a college or uni-versity to pursue the American dream. However, many hard-working students are unable to live out this aspiration due to their status as illegal aliens. The Development, Relief, and Educa-tion for Alien Minors Act is a bill that will abolish this injustice. This act must be passed as it will allow immigrants to become U.S. citizens faster than the normal legislation processes al-lows. Through the DREAM Act, individuals who meet certain requirements and who aspire to join the military or attend college will be granted these inalienable opportunities. The DREAM Act will benefit the United States economically and morally, as well as militarily. The DREAM Act has been proposed by the U.S. Senate every year since 2001 and was recently proposed again on May 11, 2011. The act will pres-ent many economic benefits if passed. Because the children of undocumented immigrants are more likely to drop out of high school than students who are born in the U.S., the act will reduce dropout rates in high schools. Immigrant students will inevitably experience an

elevated sense of motivation to pursue higher education because they will not be restricted by their illegal status. According to a 1999 Research and Develop-ment study, an average 30 year old Mexican immigrant woman who has graduated from college will pay $5,300 more in taxes than one who has not. The act will increase tax revenues and cut government spending in areas such as illegal immigration be-cause many of these immigrants will become legal through the DREAM act. Costs of criminal justice and welfare will also decline because a college educa-tion presents immigrants with the opportunity to secure a job and financially support them-selves, rather than turn to a life of crime. Whether it be a college degree or service in the military, these individuals will continue to contribute to economic growth within the US work force. The income of immigrant households will also increase, thus stimulating spending and investment that will improve the current economic chaos. In a 2010 study conducted by the University of California Los Angeles Integration and Devel-opment Center, it was estimated that the total work earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries will be between 1.4 and 3.6 trillion dollars. These beneficiaries will then increase their spending and invest in U.S. companies.

Additionally, the act is highly beneficial for universities. With increased amounts of legal immigrants, colleges will have a greater applicant pool to choose from. The diversity of the ad-ditional students will positively broaden the student body, as well. The DREAM Act also of-fers moral benefits, as it will lead to a significant decline in crime rates. The Department of Homeland Security has identified 221,000 non-U.S. citizens in the nation’s jails. More immigrants will attend college rather than face a life in jail and increase the already drastic number of California incarceration rates. In a country that promotes equal opportunities, these hardwork-ing students deserve a chance to prosper. Army enlistment is also an important tradition in many fami-lies; however, immigrants’ illegal statuses prevent some of them from joining. The U.S. must embrace the aid offered by those who stand for American values. If immigrant students are not given the same opportunities as others, it contradicts the United State’s fundamental principles of equality and tolerance. This act will allow many immigrants to pursue a life of greater meaning in the name of equal opportunity. The DREAM Act will further promote equality through education. •

DREAM act will promote equal opportunity for immigrant students

Do you believe that health care should be equally available to everyone or do you think

health care is an individual responsibility?

“Obamacare” mandates for every individual to have health insurance, regardless of their income.

IndividualResponsibility

EquallyAvailable

44%

56%

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 5

Loss of district reading specialists negatively affects elementary schools

Written by Julia Shapiro/Staff Writer

For all young students, a strong basis in reading and writ-ing is one of the most important aspects of their education. All of the help and guidance given by English and reading depart-ments is critical for building a solid foundation for students’ academic careers. At the be-ginning of the 2011-12 school year, the Las Virgenes Unified School District hired nine new teachers in place of two reading specialists that had previously been employed. This addition is ultimately detrimental to students as it will not significantly reduce class sizes and will deprive them of much- needed specialists who would more directly benefit their education. Reading specialists provide students with the individual attention they require. Their one-on-one help offers students

Advisor: Patti Harris

Editors-in-Chief: Alison Roth, Paige Yamron

News Editors: Melissa Fenchel. Peyton Grenley

Opinion Editors:Emily Glavin, Jessy Morner-Ritt

Features Editors: Lida Dianti, Yvonne TarrabEntertainment Editors:

Sarah Brown, Amanda RosengartenSports Editors:

Hunter Morris, Maddi PariserCopy Editors:

Brooke Snell, Casey TamkinMarketing Directors:

Madison Holland, Michael Kaufman, Kiran Singh

Online Editor:Ellie Kalatzi

Photo Editor:Megan Meza

Photographers:Brandon Bergstrom, Allie Broome,

Maria NavarroStaff Writers:

Kunal Aggarwal, Ron Balchandani, Allie Barnes, Alexa Carlucci, Jes-sica Fuld, Siena Goldman, Catie Housman, Yajur Maker, Kinsey

Marker, Pegah Natanzi, Julia Sha-piro, Sabrina Sigal, Jessica Smith,

Taylor St. Ives, Rachel Stewart

Calabasas Courier2011-12 Staff

Courier online!Visit Calabasas

www.chscourier.comMeet the staff

Read exclusive articlesReceive campus updates

The Courier is a student oper-ated publication. Free copies are distributed monthly to the CHS

student body and faculty.Photos by Allie Broome/Photographer

Photos by Megan Meza/ Photo Editor

TO READ OR NOT TO READ: (Left) Chapparal reading specialist Kay Dietz is pictured. (Right) On her wall are examples of the languages spoken by her students.

trict’s rearranged funds, the new reading specialists have been cut from the budget as the district felt additional teachers were more immediately necessary. LVUSD Director of Instruc-tion Rose Dunn stated in a board report that “in order to alleviate the loss of the reading specialists, the principal of each LVUSD school has been asked to give the board a description of the actions his or her school will take to accommodate the students who require additional help.” LVUSD also claimed that with these nine additional teachers, class sizes would greatly be reduced. How-ever, since these teachers are spread out among all 15 schools in the district, one or even two new teachers in a school will not significantly change class sizes. “Essentially it came down to needing both [teachers and spe-

a greater opportunity to ask questions and gain the skills they need to meet the appropri-ate reading standards. While a specialist may see 25 to 30 students from each grade level a year, teachers in elementary schools teach all academic sub-jects. Teachers cannot guarantee that all students will understand a concept in English. A confus-ing subject will not be expanded upon as it would by a reading specialist. “My job is to keep elementa-ry school students out of Special Education classes by providing them with extra practice in com-prehension, vocabulary, phonics [and] spelling,” said Chaparral reading specialist Kay Dietz. “I remediate students that are one to two years below their grade level in reading.” As a consequence of the dis-

cialists],” said Dunn. “We hope to have all of them back when funding is restored. New funding sources are necessary to maintain our class sizes.” Reading specialists are also essential in schools for students learning English as a second language. According to Dietz, 18 percent of students at Chaparral Elementary School have parents who speak a language other than English at home. It is vital that the district recognizes these students so that they will not fall behind. Without specialists, this problem cannot be improved and students will struggle with reading later in their academic careers. “Reading is a fundamental skill that [students] need for all subjects. We cannot afford to leave some children behind,” said Dietz.

Reading specialists would also benefit LVUSD because they can travel from school to school within the district, while regular teachers, such as the nine recent hires, remain stationary. There-fore, hiring the reading special-ists would be a more efficient use of money as they would assist more students in more schools. Reading specialists provide students with an expansion on a skill that is not only necessary to graduate school, but also neces-sary in life. Without any special instruc-tors, students will struggle in school in a variety of subjects. LVUSD must re-evaluate its position regarding the necessity of reading specialists and look to the needs of its students in order to understand what is essential for the well-being of their educa-tion.

Do you have a preference for the ACT or the SAT?

100 CHS students voted and 43% are in favor of the SAT, 37% had no preference and 20% preferred the ACT

Did You Know? • According to greatschools.org, the SAT is a logic-based exam,

while the ACT is curriculum-based, without “trick questions”.• According to the CollegeBoard State Profile Report for 2010,

86 percent of students who take the SAT attend a public school, while only three percent attend independent schools.

• 98 percent of students who take the SAT intend to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

• According to the ACT Profile Report for 2011, ACT Mathemat-ics scores have increased over the past five years, but decreased in every other subject.

“Math has been a particularly difficult part of the SAT for me in the past, but one trick

is to know that all of the math questions are puzzles. Once

you understand how to put the pieces together, the answers

become simple.”-Junior Dillon Khawani

“I wanted to take the SAT because it is based more on critical thinking and logical comparisons, which are my strengths. The ACT contains

more content- based questions which are difficult for me.”-Junior Eitan Shemuelian

“Both the SAT and ACT take time into account differently. I think the ACT is more appeal-ing to quick thinkers. The time

constraints on the ACT are stressful, while the SAT allots a reasonable amount of time to

finish each section.” - Senior Annie Lee

“My pacing when I take the ACT always seems to weigh me down. However, the first section of the test is easy and can be completed in the time

crunch. That gave me the confi-dence to score higher.”- Senior Nick Escobar

versusWritten by Yajur Maker/Staff Writer

Communities throughout the globe struggle with discrimination and poverty on a daily basis. Educating the general public is the first step in reversing this cycle of international inequality. For neighborhoods that suffer from the forces of intolerance, teamwork is essential. Senior philanthropist Emily Isaac captivates the minds of many, leading youth in the right direction toward ending global poverty. Isaac was introduced to charity work at the age of six. She began making cards at a home for the elderly on Valentine’s Day. As she grew older, her experiences pushed her to become a strong advocate for natural human rights. “It is in my bones to help others,” said Isaac. “I do not consider what I do to be volunteer work or charity; I think of myself as more of a global advocate.” As Isaac became more involved with volunteer work, she began the Malawi Repair Project at CHS, where members of New Global Citizens, educated their community about the world water crisis. Another project Isaac brought to CHS was the Global Poverty Project. She invited a speaker to explain how ending global poverty is an achievable goal and how a community can work together to inform others. “[Isaac] has done some of the most admirable projects I have seen on campus,” said senior Ari Plachta. “I look forward to working with [her in order to achieve] global activism on a [worldwide] and local scale.” She has educated 25 girls at the West Valley Boys and Girls Club about the role women should take to end global poverty . During summer vacation, Isaac volunteered in Guatemala, where she made repairs to a local school for poverty-stricken students. “It is completely inefficient to hand people money and expect all of their problems to be solved,” said Isaac. “It requires educating the community so they [can] lead healthier lives and break the cycle of poverty.” Currently, Isaac is the president and founder of the New Global Citizens club. NGC is an active club on campus that inspires and teaches students to eradicate poverty. Once people are educated about all of the global issues the world faces, real change can occur. Isaac advocates for people around the world who cannot campaign for themselves. Isaac is also very active in the Falling Whistles charity. She informs community

members about the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and teaches them how to make an impact. Isaac is implementing a Falling Whistles

awareness week at CHS. Currently in its early stages, the awareness week will urge electronic companies to boycott the importation and exportation of illegally mined minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “As [the] youth [of this generation], we need to address these pressing issues,” said Isaac. “We must adopt them and take matters into our own hands because we are all unified through a global

community.” She encourages others to educate the general public and fundraise

locally and globally. Isaac believes that to make a difference, all one needs is motivation, hope and a vision. •

Meet senior philanthropist Emily IsaacRachel StewartStaff Writer

As she works on her computer screen, attempting to make every last detail of her work flawless, senior Ari-elle Kiarashpour creates a computer graphic masterpiece. Whether she is adding details to the newest drawing in her sketchbook or imagining ideas for cartoons, Kiarashpour visualizes a dream. Using the programs Motion and Maya, Kiarashpour explores different styles of animation, such as flash and stop motion. She is currently taking a 3-D computer animation class at CHS, where she is leaning how to use computer software. “Computer graphics gives me the ability to transfer my thoughts into art,” said Kiarashpour. “Instead of [us-ing] a pencil and a piece of paper, I take something flat and make it into a three-dimensional figure; it gives life to art.” Kiarashpour illustrates different types of cartoons and words in varying fonts. Tapping into inspirations from her surroundings, she is constantly thinking of new ideas. “When I think of animation, I do not think of a picture on paper,”said Kiarashpour. “Animation is the art you create [with the use of motion], and that [grows into] a video [which will] hopefully influence others.” Kiarashpour’s favorite animation style is claymation, which is a type of animation that uses clay characters and sets to make a movie. This animation style takes weeks or even months to master, and it requires countless hours of hard work and determination. Although Kiarashpour continues to freely draw and sketch, her hobby has evolved into a computer-based craft. Once immersed in the world of computer animation, Kiarashapour is able to redesign her thoughts. With her innovative and unique designs, Kiarashpour possesses the tools she needs to succeed in her artistic career. •

Written by Jessica Fuld/Staff Writer

Megan Meza/Photo Editor

Photos courtesy of Emily IsaacIf you want to learn more visit <thegirleffect.org>

PIXEL PERFECT: (Right) Kiarashpour’s sketch displays a mother duck and her duckling. (Top) She is pictured with her artwork de-picting an original cartoon character. (Bottom) The creation is of an extravagant woman, another original character.

OctOber6, 2011 Page 6

Photo courtesy of Arielle Kiarashpour

Photo courtesy of Arielle Kiarashpour

Arielle Kiarashpour

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 7

Megan Meza/Photo Editor

Unique café caters to customers’ satisfactionSarah BrownEntertainment Editor

FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN: Aside from tarts and macaroons, Leo & Lily’s bakery offers a wide variety of other items, including freshly baked bread, coffee cake, assorted cookies and chocolate cake.

Along Ventura Boulevard, shops and restaurants crowd the sidewalk, and each storefront seems to blend with the dull haze rising from the blackened asphalt of the street. A café with a bright, striped awning reading “Leo & Lily” hangs over a dozen multi-colored tables. This café is the creation of owners Guy Zaradez and wife Maureen. He opened several restaurants in Israel before moving to the United States, where he opened Leo & Lily with his wife. The name of the restaurant was derived from the Zaradez’s son, Leo, and their niece, Lily. Every aspect of the restaurant was handled with care, from naming the establishment to creating a menu that is both healthy and delicious. “[The goal is] to serve fresh, high quality [food] as organic as possible, [yet] still be reasonably priced,” said Zaradez. “We put emphasis on quality. I think that is what makes [Leo & Lily] different.” The Zaradez’s inspiration comes from European and Mediterranean cuisine, which they incorporate into the food of their restaurant. Leo & Lily’s most popular dishes are the Pub Burger and the L&L Chicken Salad. They also have several signature treats, including the Chocolate Strawberry Tart or assorted maca-roons, and the bakery serves a full selection of European coffees, each cup made to order and teaming with flavor. “[The best part is] just meeting great people because we are very hands on,” said Zaradez. “[My hus-band and I] are here all the time. We go table [to] table, and we introduce ourselves and make sure that everybody is happy.” Leo & Lily’s delicious food and welcoming atmosphere make it unlike any other restaurant in the valley. With its culinary intuition and dedication to making the customer feel at home, the restaurant will continue to prosper for years to come. •

Written by Taylor St. Ives/Staff Writer

A child picks up a book and enters a painted wonderland of imagination. Another child walks into a movie theater and watches colorful, inspiring images race across the screen. Even as these children grow older, the experiences they encounter along the way are never forgotten. Junior Jaclyn Grubin is proof that imagination never dies. Grubin has a strong admiration for wacky and unique creations. However, instead of the Dr. Seuss book she held as a child, she now holds a pencil. Although her main interest is animation drawing, as an artist, Grubin is anything but limited. “I will never forget the amazing feeling I got as a [child] flipping through the pages of my favorite Dr. Seuss storybooks,” said Grubin.“Animation really does capture [one’s] inner child and [it provides] children with a therapeutic way to express their feelings and emotions,” said Grubin. Throughout her time at CHS, Grubin has contributed her versatile talent to several events and classes. She produced designs for the CHS theater production, “Anything Goes”, and is currently enrolled in Studio Art at CHS. Grubin also contributed her art work to last year’s Cabaret show. “I love animation [because] it allows you to fulfill both sides of the spectrum,” said Grubin. “Not only do I get to explore my creative side but I also get to exercise my appreciation for realism.” Besides Dr. Seuss storybooks and Disney films, Grubin emulates the effortless realism portrayed by her favorite French artists. Willing buyers have already made offers to purchase Grubin’s work. Grubin’s dreams become reality as she inches closer to her goal of inspiring others with animation, the same way that she was inspired as a child. •

Write On, Yvonne!“I believe that everything

happens for a reason.”

-Marilyn Monroe

With two million things on my mind, I burst into my room, com-pletely frazzled, in a wild search. I shuffle through drawers of colored paper, loose stickers from my sticker collecting phase and a mouse-shaped pencil sharpener. Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a strange attachment to my signature purple and pink mechanical pencil. Ironically enough, my “lucky” pencil always seems to be lost. After completely dismantling the contents of my room, I look through the last drawer. Lo and behold, there is my lucky pencil, ex-actly where I put it to prevent myself from losing it. Just as I am about to close the drawer, I catch a glimpse of an envelope. Strangely, it is addressed to me in my own handwriting. It reads: Dear Yvonne, Congratulations on making it to high school! I hope that you are taking many honors and AP classes and are involved in many clubs. Most of all, I want you to follow your passion in writing. However, I really hope you still spend time with your friends and family, as they are what matter most. -Yvonne I spot the date and see that I had written this letter to myself for an eighth grade English assignment. I sadly realize that I may have lost some wisdom in the past two or three years. Currently, I hold school above all else in my life. The things in my life that matter most, my friends and family, do not even have a slot in my busy schedule. Although I know that thinking about the future is very important, I cannot always be so concerned with it, as living too much in the future means that I am not living at all in the present. In five years, I might feel that I wasted the prime of my life, a regret I do not wish to carry. I peer up at the clock from my bedroom floor, noticing that I have just spent a whole four minutes contemplating my life. My mind drifts as I think about how I should have been studying, but I quickly pull it back. I grab my lucky pencil, acknowledging that the letter would have most likely faded away into my past, if I had never “lost” my pencil. I think that maybe my lucky pencil is pretty lucky after all. •

yvOnne tarrab

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Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Grubin

CREATIVE CORNER: (Left) Grubin’s picture illustrates an intri-cate fairy among an array of colorful flowers. (Top) The artist poses with an original sketch illustrating the love between a couple. (Bot-tom) Grubin uses The Courier newspapers to create a portrait.

Allie Broome/Photographer

Photo courtesy of Jaclyn Grubin

Jaclyn Grubin

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 8

Kinsey MarkerStaff Writer

Sunlight glistens off the vi-brant red and yellow colors that coat the rustic exterior of the beachside restaurant. Just a few blocks down on Main Street in Santa Monica, crowds of locals bustle in and out of chic bou-tiques. Trendy passerbys are im-mediately attracted to the friend-ly ambiance of Cha Cha Chicken and are drawn in by the smell of mouth-watering Caribbean dish-es. One is able to indulge in scrumptious food and afford-able Caribbean culture at this unique restaurant. The café pro-vides a tropical escape for all that dine there. The brightly-painted shack is bordered by a picket fence painted in glistening shades of blues and greens. The inside is decorated with glowing,

star-shaped lanterns and colored tables surrounded by mismatched chairs. The walls are adorned with bright painting and photos, further adding the eclecticism of the venue. Customers can find shade from the California sun underneath straw umbrellas on the patio. Cha Cha Chicken is a gourmet beach shack, filled with Caribbean passion but lacking cliché fried foods, such as hot dogs and french fries. Its delect-ible food never ceases to entice customers. “Cha Cha Chicken is by far the most authentic Caribbean food I have ever tasted,” said former CHS student Thea Si-gal. “The atmosphere is quaint and beach-like as the customers crowd around the shack and are eager to sample the decadent en-trées.” After scanning the menu, em-brace the Caribbean delicacies

and order something on the wild side or perhaps something more traditional. Satisfy one’s taste buds with the restaurant’s signa-ture dish, the Cha Cha Chicken, which is perfectly roasted to a crisp, golden color and smoth-ered in Jamaican Jerk Sauce. The Coconut Fried Chicken is even-ly coated in fresh coconut and served with sweet mango chutney and jerk dipping sauces. Stuffed with smoked chicken breast and topped with a spicy mango pine-apple jerk sauce, the Cheesy Jerk Chicken Enchiladas are another popular selection. The Jerk veg-gie wrap will entice one’s mouth with lavash flat bread and savory

flavors of grilled garden vegeta-bles. To finish off the perfect meal, order their one-of-a-kind guava juice and homemade Flan Cubano topped with fresh ber-ries. For those who desire to taste the exotic flavors at Cha Cha Chicken but cannot make the trip to Santa Monica, they can visit the restaurant’s second location in Northridge which offers the same laid-back atmoshpere and delicious food as the Santa Moni-ca restaurant. “The food is unlike anything I have ever tasted. The restau-rant has a casual and exciting

feel that is unlike other corporate eateries,” said the manager of the Northridge Cha Cha Chicken Adriana Prado. “Even if you are wearing sandals and a simple t-shirt, your experience at Cha Cha Chicken is sure to be enjoyable.” With a variety of appealing dishes, Cha Cha Chicken is sure to lure in customers for more than a single meal. The dining experience at this tropical venue provides a care-free escape to a tropical destination filled with great food and an exotic atmo-sphere. Come dine at Cha Cha Chicken and savor every bite of the delicious Caribbean food at this phenomenal beach shack. •

An anxious crowd impatiently waits outside the doors of Haus Dessert Boutique, guided by its ambient lighting to a decadent world of desserts.

The experience at Haus Dessert Boutique beautifully blends Eastern and Western heritages, providing a delicious cuisine unlike any of the other surrounding eateries.

The overall atmosphere is very modern, unlike typical, old-fashioned dessert shops. The interior of the shop is filled with brightly-colored booths and couches that give a pop of color to the design. Asian patterns contrast against the seemingly American decor. Guests can walk up to the glass display case to order their treat and then take it with them to either the dining room or outside, where guests can lounge on the patio.

The boutique combines traditional aspects from east and west to create signature dishes. Items such as the crunchy, deep-fried Ice Cream Tempura and the moist Green Tea Chiffon cake use both Asian delica-cies and standard American ingredients in a fusion of flavor. The scrumptious Banana Foster-a deep-fried banana dish with a butter caramel sauce-and the Chocolate Fondue-a plethora of Asian fruits and treats dipped in dark chocolate-are two of their most popular treats.

Although the restaurant is widely recognized for their selection of tempting desserts, its exceptional menu also features hand-drip coffees, appetizing salads and hearty entrees. Haus is known for its unique take on spaghetti. Their pastas include Japanese influences including spicy caviar, fresh sea urchin, grated radish, katsuobushi flakes, seaweed and their signature butter soy sauce infused with Earl Gray flavors. Tradi-tional Asian Tea is also offered in a variety of flavors, ranging from the standard Green Tea to the more exotic Mango Oolong Tea.

Haus Dessert Boutique brings cultures together to creat delicious culinary creations that add to the tasteful array of desserts throughout Los Angeles.

This Korean-American style bakery is located on West 6th Street in L.A.’s Koreatown. •

Jessica SmithStaff Writer

Que Sera Sarah“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.”

- Isadora James

I have known my sister Emily for 16 years, 5 months and 14 days, give or take a few hours. The day I came home from the hospital in my mother’s arms, I was given a blessing in disguise. Emily is a big sister, a confidant, an occasional psychiatrist, a ‘partner in crime’, a personal comedian, my protector, a voice of reason and above all else, a best friend. It may seem strange that two people so different could turn out to be friends. People often find it hard to believe that we are even re-lated. We don’t dress alike, we don’t look alike, and we don’t act alike. There are, of course, plenty of things that we have in common, like our love for Starbucks and Harry Potter, but I think that our differences are what make our relationship so strong. Like any other siblings, we have had our squabbles, but no matter how mad we get at each other, we can’t stay that way for long. That is one of the things that I love about our relationship; in no time at all, we are back to our shenanigans, laughing and sharing stories over a game of cards or Yahtzee. At the end of August, Emily began her new life, over a hundred miles away at San Diego State University. I never imagined that my life would change so much. Now that she’s gone, the house is eerily quiet in the absence of her obnoxiously contagious laugh. I only cook for myself because she’s no longer sitting at the counter, demanding that I make her nachos or cupcakes. I have enormous amounts of free time, no longer required to accompany her on trips to the mall or pho-tography trips. I often find myself watching our favorite TV shows alone on the couch with my coffee. Sometimes I still look at her seat and catch myself thinking, ‘When’s Em gonna be home?’ I’m coping with how my life has changed now that she has left home. There’s nothing I can really do about it; she couldn’t exactly stay here forever. I always took her company for granted, but I know that whenever I see her, I will treasure every moment. No matter how far or long life takes us away from one another, I know we will always find each other. After all, she is my sister. •

Summer vacation may be over, but it’s never too late to travel the world. Los Angeles is home to a variety of unique restaurants and venues that blend exotic cultures with modern society.

SWEET TOOTH: Haus Dessert Boutique serves a wide variety of desserts to satisfy every customer.Brandon Bergstrom/Photographer

Dessert shop adds Asian flair to American classics

OFF THE COAST: Jerk Veggie Enchiladas are one of Cha Cha Chicken’s signature specials, served with a steaming side of ‘dirty’ rice, fried plantains, sweet cabbage salad and a spicy curry citrus sauce.

Brandon Bergstrom/Photographer

Courtesy of Google Images

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OctOber 6, 2011 Page 9

St. Vincent’s CourtPegah NatanziStaff Writer

Amidst the crowded boulevards of downtown Los Angeles, one may come across hidden jewel that is St. Vincent’s Court. Located right off 7th Street, this unique avenue never fails to appeal to visitors with its authentic French appearance. The decorative architecture is painted with vibrant pinks, reds and blues. Striped awnings drape over every boutique’s entrance and balconies display traditional French decor, some are even coated with cheerful sunflowers and streaming ivy. The delicious aroma of the cafés and delis allure a variety of customers to St. Vincent’s Court. Not only is the alley famous for its spectacular restaurants and friendly ambiance, it also possesses some of the most exquisite shops and jewelry emporiums in all of Down-town Los Angeles. After wandering the decadent boutiques, head to Le Café Bon-jour for French pastries and a cup of hand-crafted coffee. The coffee shop can be seen from the end of the street by its iconic French flag that is perched over several tables. This coffee shop offers a variety of pastries and creamy coffees such as Café au Lait or Café Noisette, a traditional French espresso with a dash of cream. To compliment the espressos, baristas draw intricate designs on the surface of every drink. Whether one is searching for a quaint café lunch or an experience in the French heart of Los Angeles, St. Vincent’s Court is the ideal destination for all. Au revoir! •

With Love, Brooke“Because these things will

change, can you feel it now these walls that they put up to hold us

back will fall down.”

- Taylor Swift

As senior year has arrived, I have found myself pondering what makes me an ideal candidate for any college I apply to. All I want to write in my application amongst all the rest of the words is that I am a hard worker, I will make your school proud and it is the perfect fit for me. But, then the black-and-white kicks in and I realize this is my future and soon enough I will have to leave my past behind. Currently eight months away from graduation, I am already think-ing how CHS has made a difference in my life. Sure I went to high school here and fell down a few stairs along the way, but what about my four years at CHS will stick to me like glue forever? As a shy 14 year-old entering high school I had no idea what to expect. I hoped and prayed to make a solid group of friends, enjoy my teachers and to earn good grades. As high school progressed my friends changed at a constant rate and I found myself developing into the person I am today. Not only have I changed physically, but I have also developed new skills I prob-ably would not have today without hitting a few bumps in the road. Looking back at the pictures I have taken over the past four years, I have seen a progression and I have even found myself thinking about what was I doing in this picture or why I wore that. I find it funny how much and how fast things change in life and how we have to embrace and cherish the good moments. Going forward with the rest of the year I have found a new per-spective on high school. Since soon enough it will be graduation day, I have decided that I have to cherish the moments that will have an impact on my life for years to come. So when I look back on my high school career I remember the people who instilled values and good memories in my life. Approaching my 18 birthday, I find the real world skating around the corner and the bubble we all live in about to pop. Soon enough I will be heading off to college and able to vote. I now find myself excited and intrigued by my future, but I will always remember the experiences at CHS. •

Summer vacation may be over, but it’s never too late to travel the world. Los Angeles is home to a variety of unique restaurants and venues that blend exotic cultures with modern society.

TOUR DE FRANCE: Locals and tourists visit St. Vincent’s Court to experience a taste of French culture and cuisine in downtown L.A.

Allie Broome/Photographer

The Guard (Ireland)

Allie Broome/Photographer

Paige YamronEditor-in-Chief

INDIAN INNOVATION: The salon maintains a chic and simple environment in order to relax customers.

Henna tattooing is a common tradition among many rich cul-tures and still remains an intri-cate form of body art today. Zia Threading on Topanga Canyon specializes in henna patterns and body threading techniques native to India. For those who desire to ex-press themselves through body

art without the permanence of a tattoo, henna art is an ideal choice. “Henna is more representa-tive of your culture and happi-ness, it does not hurt your body; basically we are just drawing on your skin,” said employee of Zia Threading Naheed Khan. Customers are welcome to select from the design book, which con-tains a variety of patterns. How-ever, one is not limited to specific

designs. Henna artists also enjoy creating designs by hand. The patterns are composed of the delicate blending of fine lines and geometric shapes. The price for tattoos ranges from $4.99 for small designs up to $150 for large body art. The burgundy design is not only an expression of tradition and in-dividualism, but hennas are ap-plied for blessings, happiness and beauty.

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Now Playing

Circumstance (Iran)

Now Playing

A Dangerous Method (UK)

In theaters November 23

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Commencing the 65th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival, The Guard received high appraisal for its portrayal of a comedic heist. Actor Brendan Gleeson plays a small-town Irish policeman with an up-front attitude. He teams up with a tense FBI Agent, actor Don Cheadle, to interrogate several members of a drug-smuggling circle. Their two distinct personalities clash throughout the investigation, creating many laugh-out-loud moments. Writer and director, John McDonagh, per-fectlyintertwinesdrug-traffickingwithblackmailandmurdertocreatea comical masterpiece. The script brings to life a typical “good vs. evil” plot, andMcDonaghaddsan imaginativeflare. Thisfilm isbound tohumor audiences around the globe. - Casey Tamkin/Copy Editor

The forbidden love triangle among a doctor, friend and patient is brought to life in A Dangerous Method. Set in the early days of psycho-analysis, the renowned Dr. Carl Jung, played by Michael Fassbender, and Sigmund Freud, played by Viggo Mortensen, argue over matters of professional ethics regarding physco-sexual issues. Jung meets the mys-terious, hysterical, beautiful patient Sabina Spielrein, perfectly portrayed by Keira Knightley, in a Russian mental hospital. Jung works with Spiel-rein to help cure her “hysteria”. Throughout the film, ugliness transforms into beauty and beauty becomes divine. Jung and Freud share a special bond that heightens through their candid conversations about dreams and theories. - Alison Roth/Editor-in-Chief

Circumstance is a coming-of-age story about two teenagers from a well-off family in Iran. Two siblings, a brother and a sister, explore the boundaries of society in present day Tehran. Atafeh is a young Iranian girl who experiments with a lebsian relationship with her best friend. Meanwhile, her brother Mehran is also testing the waters by aligning himself with the thuggish police of the Islamic Revolution. The siblings’ two worlds soon collide and as Atafeh fights her brother’s fundamental-ism, their conflict begins to deform the family dynamic. The film offers a rare glimpse inside a strict culture, which shows that even though it may be a closed society, it intertwines cosmopolitan life and current everyday problems. - Alison Roth/Editor-in-Chief

June 10, 2011 Page 10SPORTS

maddi Pariser

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Things That Madder“They stayed by my side the

whole time - my teammates, fam-ily and all the fans.”

- William Green

There’s only 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter and your team is down by two. You step up to the free throw line and strategically place your feet. You give the ball a couple of dribbles and take the shot. Swoosh! The first one goes in. Nothing but net. You gear up for the second shot. The silence in the crowd is so intense that every audience member can hear your heart thump. The ball leaves your fingertips in slow mo-tion and you hold your follow through. It’s in the perfect position; it looks like it’s headed in, but its short! The ball hits the front of the rim, bounces out and your team loses the game. That has got to be the worst feeling ever. I cannot imagine letting my entire team down, and not to mention disappointing all my fam-ily and friends in the stands. Luckily, I have never been in this exact predicament but I started to think about what would happen if I were. At first I thought that all my teammates would hate my guts, but then I thought a little more. Recently, I have been a little down on my luck. Senior year got off to a rocky start and things didn’t go exactly as I had planned. At the end of a rough day I drag myself to sixth period, but as soon as I get there I am welcomed by my hilarious teammates who truly care about me and know how to make me smile. The more I thought about it the more I realized what a truly great support system I have. Between teammates, good friends, family and the journalism crew I have people by my side that I can vent to 24/7. In life you will come across the occasional person who turns out not to be the genuine friend that you thought they were. However, don’t get too caught up in this. There are so many other quality people around you that you may miss out on if you obsess on those who have hurt you. In fact, one day you may want to go back to those people who taught you some of life’s hardest lessons and say thanks. Without them, you would have never been able to appreciate everything that your friends and family have given you. I know now that there is nothing I can’t get through without my teammates by my side. •

Pegah Natanzi Staff Writer

FANTASY FOOTBALL: A 3-D rendition of Farmers Field provides fans with a preview.

Los Angeles is renowned for its innovative industry and wide variety of entertainment venues. On August 9, the city approved plans to expand the L.A. Convention Center with the addition of Farmers Field. ICON Venue Group, the party heading the project, hopes to bring professional football back to L.A. with the addition of this state-of-the-art field. The stadium will seat 68,000 persons and, if necessary, can be expanded to 78,000 in order to host events such as the Super Bowl or the NCAA Final Four. The project, worth one billion dollars, is privately funded by AEG and expected to be completed by 2015. AEG’s design includes plans to make Farmers Field the most environmentally friendly stadium in the United States. The field will also be the first NFL stadium in the U.S. to follow the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design guidelines. According to the official Farmers Field website, the overall project will create between 20,000 and 30,000 temporary and permanent living wage and union jobs. These improvements to the current LACC will increase its rating from number fifteen to number five among the top largest convention centers in the nation. The Farmers Field project is also expected to raise $378 million in direct expenditures into the L. A. economy. •

Convention center undergoes revisions

Taylor St. Ives Staff Writer

TEAM TROUBLES: NBA lockouts leave fans wondering about the fate of the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have issued yet another lockout, and similarly to those in the past, this one stems from financial conflicts. The owners have proposed reduced salaries for the players. Currently, the athletes receive 60 percent of incoming revenue from games and franchises, while the owners receive 40 percent. Money is tighter than it has been in the past, and both the ego-driven owners and players are hot and bothered. These multi-millionaire athletes see lowered salaries as a prominent threat. Why should Kobe Bryant have to sell his $300,000 Ferrari F430 or force his wife to part with her eight-carat, purple diamond apology ring? The issue may lie in the fact that the season has yet to actually commence. Whether or not this is proper work ethic, the players may simply need a wake up call from entering a new season ill-prepared. With no sense of urgency, fans do not view it necessary to invest their concern where it is not needed. Certainly, no one is particularly shocked by another lockout. Is it surprising that a group of self absorbed millionaires are demanding more money? Few know for certain what is going on behind the scenes or whether or not an end is near. Negotiations are currently in the works. What is certain is that Lakers lockouts are becoming a tired subject. •

Lockout causes controversy for NBA

New schedule creates change in practice timesMike Kaufman Marketing Director

This year, several CHS coaches are mandating athletes to attend zero period and before school practices due to the new schedule imposed for the 2011-12 school year. Teachers believe that students’ performance levels in school will drop significantly

school, students will be forced to focus more on staying awake in class, rather than concentrating on the learning material. “I am afraid that if they do not get enough rest and exhaust themselves physically before class, they will have a difficult time staying focused and trying their best,” said Math Analysis and Algebra Two teacher Randa Taouk. “[This] will ultimately cause their grades to suffer.”

According to sciencedaily.com, the amount of sleep a person gets affects his or her physical health, emotional well-being, mental abilities and productivity. Studies have shown that the right amount of sleep is key for students to achieve academically. Waking up early and putting stress on the body makes it hard to stay awake. Students may have low energy

levels due to the amount of physical stress they suffer from. However, P.E. coach and girls and boys varsity tennis coach Kim Kinberg believes early morning exercise can be extremely beneficial for students. “Exercising actually stimulates you, keeps you awake longer, releases serotonin, which is a mood stabilizer, and it releases adrenalin so it keeps you awake during your classes,”

said Kinberg. “It is actually a good start to the day and speeds up your metabolism. So when it comes to academics, I would imagine it would help keep the students awake.” Zero period for athletics was created to prevent scheduling conflicts. Often times when two or more teams need to use the same facility at the same time, one

team is unable to practice during the designed time. “We are always looking to see how flexible we can be with availability for kids to have practice, especially with the gym,” said Assistant Principal of athletics Brian Mercer. “In terms of how it is effecting student learning and classes, we like to tell the coaches either you practice in the morning, if the facility is available, or you practice in the afternoon because obviously academics come first so there has to

be time in the day where kids are able to study.” As the school year progresses, teachers, administrators and coaches will have a much better idea about how zero period and before school practices truly affect student athletes. If administrators notice a severe decline in students’ academic performances than a revision will be made to teams’ practice schedules. •

while coaches feel that the extra practice hours will benefit their programs. Girls tennis practices on Mondays at 6 a.m. and boys water polo practices during zero period. Other sports, including boys basketball and football, also have zero period but typically for the lower levels. Football will potentially begin zero period practices when their season is finished. Teachers have begun to notice more students sleeping during class time, and feel that if sports continue to practice before

EARLY BIRDS: Boys basketball gets to the weight room at 7 am for zero period practice.

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Hunter Morris/Sports Editor

June 10, 2011 Page 11SPORTS

This fall, make sure to check out CHS football, cross country, girls tennis, boys water polo, girls golf, and girls volleyball.

Photos by Maria Navarro/Photographer

The CHS athletics department has recently hired several new head and assistant coaches that will be excellent additions to the fall sports programs.

Q: How many years have you been coaching?A: I have been coaching swim for 17 and water polo for 16. Q: Did you play water polo in college? A: I played my freshman year at UC Santa Bar-bara. Q: What other high schools have you coached at? A: Marina High School, Hunington Beach, Foun-

tainValley,MayfieldandLakewoodQ: What is your main goal for the season? A: I really would like for this team to be competitive.

I expect to see some improvement from the individual players and for them to have a great experience.

Boys Water Polo coach Jeff Russ

Q: What is your main goal for the program? A: I am creating a structured and disciplined program. Q: What are some changes you are bringing?

A: I want all the players to receive individual at-tention. I have brought in a lot of other coaches that can help the players become specialized. Q: Does your team have any pre-game rituals? A: We always carbo-load on Thursday nights at Home Town Buffet. Some of the players want to change locations. Q: Do the players have nicknames for you? A: Not that I know of...

Football coach Christian Pierce

Q: What attributes do you add to the team? A: I’m bringing energy and youth. I also add ex-periencefromplayingfiveyearsontheATPtour.Q: Do you have any prior coaching experience? A: I was the assistant tennis coach at Cal Tech Pasadena for the men’s and women’s program.

Q: How do you have the players prepare for a match?A: I usually have them warm up one hour before their match time. It is important that they are only focused on tennis.

Q: Do you have any nicknames?A: Moi, Coach C, Coach Card, or The Famous Moses

Assistant Tennis coach Moises Cardenas

Q: How many years have you been coaching?A: I have coaching club for 16 years and high school for 4. Q: Did you play in college?A: Yes, I played for two years in Junior Col-lege and then I played professionally in Puerto Rico.Q: What are your goals for the season?

A:Ijustwanttofigureoutwhatworksforus.Iwant our team to learn how to win and believe in ourselves. Q: Do the girls have any nicknames for you? A: Papa Bear.

Girls Volleyball coach Cory Chandler

Photos by Hunter Morris/Sports Editor and Megan Meza/Photo Editor

Compiled by Hunter Morris and Maddi Pariser/Sports Editors

OctOber 6, 2011 Page 12